The Pretend Pros

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 seriously than it should. Jenny and Beth are joined by Beth's longtime friend, Matt Eckert, for a fast, funny, all-over-the-map conversation that turns into a surprisingly revealing look at competition, family, and why some p...

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 hidden mechanics of the game, from the quarterback-to-D-line transition that forced him to rebuild his body to the technique behind stopping the run. If you think football is just size and speed, this conversation change...

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 the rise of American tennis talent to the U.S. women’s basketball team reclaiming gold and a brutal college football weekend, this episode is packed with the wins, losses and everything in between. Jenny brings her tenn...

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 softball and track standout, breaks down the hidden strategy behind the game of softball, from tracking spin, wind, and sunballs to decoding slap hitters, rise balls, and the split-second decisions that separate a highlight ree...

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 Jones reveals what it actually takes to compete in one of track and field’s most misunderstood events, and why “just throw it” is nowhere near enough. Co-hosts Jenny Hoffman and Beth Painter sit down with Brett Jones, a...

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 have made the podcast work. From there, they move into a wide ranging sports update that covers football season optimism, a wild high school snake story, an MLB debut for the ages, and the WNBA standings plus the upcomin...

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 explains how she went from soccer recruiting to rowing, what the sport demands physically and technically, and how novice rowers are developed. If you have ever wondered how boats are organized, what coxswains do, or why...

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 officiating has changed, the training involved, and insider stories about game decisions, rivalries, and memorable moments on the field. In this episode: Randy shares his journey from high school officiating to college foot...

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 University. From training routines to mental resilience, Rachel shares her insights on competing at the highest level. Main Topics: Rachel's journey and achievements in hurdling The technical and mental aspects of hurdling...

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 little college rivalry banter with Tyree Harris, a seasoned coach, competitor, and all-around lifting enthusiast. Barbell Confession: It’s more than just heavy weights. In this episode: The difference between a snatch...

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 crash course in resilience, dedication, and dreaming big...oh, and some epic stories about Selection Sunday, March Madness and the power of a good rebound! In this episode: Amber’s journey from Indiana high school glory to...

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 lowdown from Nathan Cox, a Virginia Tech college diver who’s flipping his way to NCAA greatness. In this episode: Nathan shares his journey from trampoline flips to NCAA dives, no gymnastics background needed The difference...

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 sprinkle in some actual game talk. Perfect for non-soccer fans because who doesn't love a good footie tale with a side of humor? Takeaways Cultural observations and fan experiences Challenges of understanding soccer and the...

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 school standout to Big Sky star and potential pro overseas, she’s got the tips, tales, and terrific stats to share. In this episode: The role of a setter: the court quarterback The top rules and strategies you need to know...

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, Indiana University alumni and cycling enthusiast, to talk about his adventures on a bike. This episode covers everything from Eric's challenging ride up Mount Mitchell in North Carolina to the legendary Charlotte charit...

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 stadium hat switching. It’s sports talk served with a healthy dose of stories as told by fans and a sprinkle of actual stats. And remember: whether it's a hat, a stadium, or an ultra-long race, keep it sports, keep it funny...

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 running a 100-mile race. Spoiler alert, it involves Pringles and the art of lying to yourself to keep going. Whether you’re a casual jogger or just curious about why anyone would run 50 miles on purpose, this episode is a m...

Welcome to the latest episode of The Pretend Pros where chaos, comedy, and cluelessness collide. In this tongue-in-cheek episode, Beth and Jenny throw sports knowledge out the window and rely on their guest Doug Morris (aka, self-proclaimed executive producer) to hold the line. Spoiler: That line is pretty much nonexistent. From the Cavs and the NBA playoffs to the wildest baseball trends (yes, sh...

Most people think hockey is just skating fast and hitting hard — turns out, there’s a whole universe of rules, strategies, and behind-the-scenes action that could make even the most clueless fan into an expert overnight. Ever wondered what it’s really like to score a goal, break a stick, or survive a fight on ice? Prepare to become the MVP of hockey trivia after this episode. Jenny and Beth—your f...

This episode dives into the chaos and comedy that is Jenny and Beth. It includes stories from the NBA Playoffs, WNBA season openers, and even a preview of our special hockey guest that will be joining us in a future episode. From Cleveland’s nail-biting game to IU alma mater bragging rights, we uncover the crazy moments, surprising stats, and quirky traditions that makes sports so unpredictable, a...

When Jenny gets a wild idea in her head, you never know where it will lead. Case in point, a casual conversation about the NFL Combine and the 40-yard dash leads to The Pretend Pros hosting their very own "Pretend" Combine. Can Jenny run the 40-yard dash faster than Tom Brady or catch passes better than Travis Kelce? You'll find out in this week's episode. Spoiler alert: She's not planning to quit...

Join Beth and Jenny as they cover a range of topics including the WNBA draft, NFL draft, and NFL Combine player stories. Jenny even makes a bold (crazy) prediction that she will run the 40-yd dash. Stay tuned! Takeaways WNBA and NFL drafts Player stories Chapters 00:00 WNBA Draft and Player Stories 08:00 NFL Draft and Player Experiences 18:28 Draft Anticipation and Season Excitement

Beth and Jenny cover a detailed recap of March Madness and the Masters, providing insights into the tournament outcomes and player performances. They also delve into the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on college sports, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments. Takeaways March Madness Tournament Recap The Masters Tournament Recap Chapters 00:00 March Mad...

Ready to go from clueless to soccer connoisseur faster than a striker on a breakaway? Buckle up as we chat with Mollie Whitacre -- soccer state champion, Division I player, and The Pretend Pros first guest -- about the game’s ins and outs. Whether you're planning to watch the World Cup this year or just impress your friends with your offsides knowledge, this episode is packed with fun facts, strat...

The Masters is almost here and The Pretend Pros have THOUGHTS. Join Jenny and Beth as they dive into the world of golf with humor and heart. From Jenny's childhood golf adventures in her grandma's backyard to Beth’s wild story of how a corporate bracket contest nearly scored her tickets to the big tournament (hint, it involves Duke and UCONN), this episode is packed with laughs and insights. Disco...