Almost Fans

A single moment changed everything for the Sherbondy family. In this episode, pastor and sports dad Dugan Sherbondy walks us through his daughter Eva’s traumatic brain injury, the long road that followed, and how inclusive sports became a lifeline. We dig into the Miracle League, the buddy system that powers it, and the design choices that make the game accessible for every athlete. Then we zoom out to the future of adaptive sports...

Strap in—Almost Fans is hitting the slopes! This week, alpine racer and coach Christie Bedinghaus takes us deep into the world of skiing: mastering technique on Midwest hills, competing against elite mountain athletes, and navigating the world of ski racing events like slalom, giant slalom, and Super-G. We’re talking family traditions, winter sports culture, and the mentality it takes to chase speed on snow. Whether you’re a casual...

Curling season is here — and we’re taking you straight onto the ice for the strategy, skill, and sneaky intensity behind this Olympic favorite. Recreational curler Allan Veeler joins us to break down the sport like you’ve never heard it: the basics, the culture, the lingo, and the community that keeps people coming back. Then two-time Olympian Nina Roth pulls back the curtain on Team USA training, Winter Olympics pressure, and how ...

Olympics season is coming—and sports reporter Rachel Axon is here to pull back the curtain. After years covering the Games, she breaks down the biggest storylines in Olympic coverage, sports investigations, and women’s sports. We dig into Milano Cortina 2026, the long runway to LA28, major Title IX issues, and how investigative sports reporting shapes policy, athlete safety, and the future of global sport. A quick-hit, must-listen ...

College football is a wild ride—powered by $100 million coaching contracts and NIL chaos. We break down the College Football Playoffs, how the system actually works, and why the expansion matters. Then we look ahead to the next decade of NCAA football, from NIL’s impact - to the sport’s biggest potential glow-ups and meltdowns. Whether you’re here for the contracts, the playoffs, or the future of the game, this episode is your play...

If NCAA basketball feels complicated, don’t worry—we’re breaking it down for you. New college hoops rules, confusing calls, and tricky fouls? We’ll explain them with real-life analogies, mini-quizzes, and plenty of laughs. From men’s and women’s college basketball to common fouls like blocks, charges, and technicals, this episode is your beginner-friendly guide to understanding the game—and actually enjoying every basket, rebound, ...

Nicole Moffatt helped make history as one of the original Detroit Lions cheerleaders, blending athleticism and artistry on the NFL sidelines. Before that, she danced professionally in New York City — even appearing on Good Morning America — and today, she channels that same energy into teaching Pilates. In this episode, she shares what life was really like as a pro cheerleader, how movement shaped her confidence, and what it takes ...

From beer league hockey to fantasy football heartbreaks, we dive into the wild, laugh-out-loud world of adult rec sports. We'll break down the glory, grit, and group chats that make beer leagues legendary—plus the excuses, post-game beers, and player personalities that keep the stories alive long after the final buzzer. Whether you’re chasing stats, beers, or bragging rights, this episode celebrates the athletes who play for f...

Kristin Slater has lived every version of a comeback—college soccer star, pro athlete, mom, and breast cancer survivor. She’s played through pressure, pivoted careers, and rebuilt her identity more than once. In this episode, we talk about what competition teaches you when the lights go out—how to lead, adapt, and fight your way through the toughest chapters. It’s about grit, growth, and learning that sometimes the biggest wins hap...

When Simone stepped back in Tokyo and Naomi walked away from the mic, the world paid attention. Their decisions didn’t show weakness—they redefined strength. This episode explores the rise of mental health awareness in sports, the science of sport psychology, and how athletes are proving that mental resilience is just as critical as physical skill. From sports gambling pressure to the youth sports grind, we break down why mastering...

The MLB postseason is more than a bracket—it’s a battlefield of curses, comebacks, and champagne-soaked celebrations. We explain how the playoffs really work, then dig into October’s wild rituals, from rally caps to superstitions. Along the way, we revisit the Cubs’ curse-breaking triumph and spotlight the hidden voices of power who are changing baseball forever. This is October Baseball, unfiltered. 

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What does it really take to compete at golf’s highest level? Tess Hackworthy, a five-time Wisconsin State Women’s Open champion and former LPGA pro, joins us to break down the mental, physical, and emotional demands of life on tour. She shares the thrill of early victories, the challenges of college-to-pro transition, and the surprising truths about the mental side of golf. From fashion on the fairway to the countless golf balls sh...

What really happens when you sign up for race after race, year after year?  Endurance athlete Christina Balcer takes us behind the scenes of long-distance running, cycling, and the ultimate test—Ironman. From wild mid-race snack stories to the biggest myths about endurance sports, she keeps it real. We dig into the mental grind, the sting of setbacks, and the reality of post-race blues. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just end...

What do pro softball pitchers and volleyball players have in common? Intense stress on their bodies—and a chiropractor who helps them bounce back. Dr. Jennie, team chiropractor for the Madison Night Mares and LOVB volleyball, reveals how adjustments, recovery hacks, and sport-specific care give athletes an edge. Plus, she breaks down what active women—whether you’re running, lifting, or chasing kids—can learn from the pros to stay ...

Step inside the world of bodybuilding and strength training with our guest Jason Vlastaras — a personal trainer, lifelong weightlifter, and natural bodybuilding competitor. We dig into the myths that won’t die, the mental grind behind the muscle, and the rise of women in weightlifting. From competition prep to gym culture and social media pressures, Jason shares what strength really looks like. Whether you’re new to lifting or chas...

What do Division I athletes and busy moms have in common? They both need fuel to perform. We're joined by a Registered Dietitian for a Division I college program, who shares her playbook for energy, recovery, and strength—without the fad diets or guilt. From pregame breakfasts to 20-minute meals, we cover protein, carbs, body image, and the one change you can make today to feel more energized. This is your no-nonsense guide to...

Welcome to your crash course in fantasy football—the game that makes Sundays way more dramatic. We’re joined by Jake, our resident commissioner and repeat guest, to break down everything beginners need to know: draft strategies that actually work, why kickers are your last pick (always), and how trades can make or break your season. We unpack the lingo—PPR, busts, sleepers, flex spots—and share the funniest league punishments and t...

NIL is transforming college sports—driving brand deals, viral TikTok fame, and a new era of athlete empowerment. But beyond the million-dollar headlines, what does Name, Image, and Likeness really mean for everyday student-athletes? We sit down with Keri Becker, Athletic Director at Grand Valley State University, to unpack the biggest misconceptions about NIL, the boldest ways athletes are cashing in, and how schools walk the fine ...

Want to enjoy the NFL without memorizing the playbook? This episode is your ultimate NFL crash course—from what happens in the off-season to how the salary cap actually works (spoiler: it’s complicated but kind of fascinating). We break down the preseason drama, explain what to look for during games (even if you don’t know the rules), and serve up a cheat sheet of quarterback names and spicy soundbites. Plus, we spotlight the Irsay...