Welcome to The Pretend Pros, the sports podcast where the takes are hot and the expertise is...questionable.We're two die-hard fans breaking down weekly stories in sports, from March Madness and college rivalries to whatever interesting story catches our eyes.One of us might know what we're talking about...the other is just here for the chaos.This is The Pretend Pros -- certified fans, uncertified experts.
Latest episodes
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17 min
Episode 31: The Pretend Pros Bowl
One ugly loss, one bragging-rights bet, and one very real question: did Indiana just get sent back to the kids’ table? Beth and Jenny turn their Ohio State vs. Indiana showdown int…
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41 min
Episode 30: MLB, WNBA, & College Football Collide in a Massive Sports Week
From the Guardians’ playoff run and MLB’s payroll problem to Indiana’s bowl-clinching football season and a wildly open WNBA championship, Jenny Hoffman and Beth Painter break down…
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36 min
Episode 29: Behind the Camera with Will Tinsley
What does it take to bring the biggest sports moments on TV to life? Will Tinsley, a freelance camera operator and robotics technician pulls back the curtain on the hidden crew, hi…
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37 min
Episode 28: Confessions of an Uno Champion with Matt Eckert
The best sports story in this episode has nothing to do with a stadium. It starts with a 30-year Uno grudge, a framed check, and a friend group that takes card games way more serio…
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37 min
Episode 27: Stopping the Run with Kolten Gajewski
Football gets a lot easier to understand when you hear it from a team captain who actually lives in the trenches. Indiana State defensive lineman, Kolten Gajewski, breaks down the…
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32 min
Episode 26: US Open Tennis, World Cup Basketball, & Football is Back
The Pretend Pros are on a roll of heartbreak and hot takes, and this week Jenny and Beth cover the sports moments that had everyone talking. From the US Open’s emotional finish and…
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39 min
Episode 25: A League of Her Own with Veronica Peitersen
Softball looks simple until you hear what elite outfielders are actually tracking in real time. Veronica Peitersen, a Ball State outfielder and former New Braunfels Unicorn softbal…
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31 min
Episode 24: Born to Throw...Javelin with Brett Jones
She broke a school record, nearly made nationals by a single centimeter, and is already ranked among the world’s best under-20 javelin throwers - all while still in college. Brett…
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37 min
Episode 23: Football is Back & Other Sports Stories
Beth and Jenny are together in the mountains for their first in person episode, and they start by reflecting on the show’s run so far, including the guests, sports, and chaos that…
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35 min
Episode 22: Life in the Boat with Payton Dilger
Jenny and Beth are joined by Payton Dilger, an Indiana University alum and former IU rowing team member, to break down what rowing actually looks like at the college level. Payton…
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43 min
Episode 21: Officially Speaking with Former College Referee, Randy Smith
Join us as we explore the world of college football officiating through the eyes of Randy Smith, a seasoned referee and replay official with decades of experience. Discover how off…
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37 min
Episode 20: Hurdling Toward Greatness with Rachel Mehringer
Discover the intricacies of hurdling and the life of a collegiate athlete through this inspiring interview with Rachel Mehringer, a top-performing NCAA hurdler for Indiana State Un…
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49 min
Episode 19: Barbell Confessions with Tyree Harris
Ever wondered what the difference is between a clean & jerk and a snatch? Today, we’re diving into the nuts and bolts of Olympic weightlifting, strength & conditioning, and a littl…
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39 min
Episode 18: In the Paint, Out of Our League with Amber Tretter
Think you’ve got a busy schedule? Meet Amber Tretter, the Miami University basketball star juggling NCAA stats, architecture projects, and stadium designs. This episode is your cra…
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37 min
Episode 17: Zero Splash Zone with Nathan Cox
Ever wondered what really goes on beneath the surface of platform diving or how a college athlete balances flips with their academic studies? Buckle up because today we get the low…
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42 min
Episode 16: World Cup Vibes
Dive into this witty, soccer-infused episode where Jenny and Beth unravel the colorful fan stories and the cultural moments surrounding the 2026 World Cup. Oh, and they'll even spr…
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38 min
Episode 15: Set It & Forget It with Gracie Cagle
Get ready to dive into the world of college volleyball with Gracie Cagle, the Texas-turned-University of Montana setter whose story is as inspiring as it is athletic. From high sch…
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51 min
Episode 14: Cycling Adventures with Eric Stein
Jenny may be on the injured reserve list this week, hence her celebrity sunglasses, but her and Beth still have a great episode for you. Join them as they sit down with Eric Stein,…
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39 min
Episode 13: NFL Trades, NBA & NHL Playoffs & More Sports Stories
Hold onto your jerseys because this episode is a wild ride through NFL trades, NBA finals banter, and epic ultra marathons — plus a dash of Serena’s comeback and some hilarious sta…
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38 min
Episode 12: Just Keep Running with Emily Mars Raymond
Forget everything you think you know about running. Emily Mars Raymond, a former Ohio State cross-country star and nine-time Boston Marathon veteran, spills the secret sauce to run…