We’re closing out the year Almost Fans–style — by looking back at the moments that surprised us, inspired us, and made us laugh until we cried. In this year-end wrap, we share our favorite behind-the-scenes memories, the guests who changed how we think about sports, and the stories that reminded us why this podcast exists in the first place. From chaotic fantasy football debates to powerful reflections on women’s sports, this episode is a celebration of connection, community, and the conversations that stuck with us long after the mics turned off.

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Chapters

• 00:00 Celebrating a Year of Highlights
• 01:25 Nervous Beginnings and Unexpected Moments
• 04:50 Listener Connections and Impactful Messages
• 08:22 Laughter and Memorable Moments
• 13:20 Surprising Guests and Inspiring Stories
• 17:11 Off the Rails: Fun and Unplanned Conversations
• 26:54 Pet Peeves and Personal Insights
• 30:49 Memorable Moments in Sports Media
• 32:15 Highlighting Inspiring Athletes
• 34:46 Impactful Conversations with Guests
• 43:10 Advocacy and Change in Women's Sports
• 46:23 Our Proud Moments in Podcasting
• 50:50 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey

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Sports have a way of weaving themselves into our schedules, our relationships, and our sense of identity. In this episode, we’re joined again by Dugan Sherbondy to dig into sports as culture—not just competition. From Friday night lights to raising kids in a sports-obsessed world, we explore how sports shape belonging, values, and community. Add in modern rule changes, NFL culture, overrated traditions, and a few goosebump-worthy moments, and you’ve got a thoughtful, funny conversation that might just change how you watch the next game.

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MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Sports and Family Dynamics
• 07:10 The Role of Sports in Family Traditions
• 12:30 Navigating Sports Culture as a Parent
• 18:51 The Impact of Youth Sports on Family Life
• 24:04 Adapting to Changes in Sports Rules and Culture
• 36:39 Baseball's Rules and Being a Traditionalist
• 40:47 Sports Traditions: Overrated and Underrated
• 44:21 Breaking Up Fights in Hockey
• 50:16 The Future of Athletes and Sportsmanship

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College volleyball gets the Almost Fans treatment! We’re breaking down how the NCAA volleyball season actually works, from non-conference chaos to the 64-team tournament and Final Four powerhouses like Nebraska, Wisconsin, Texas, and Stanford. We’ll explain the rules everyone pretends to understand (net touches, back-row attacks, libero chaos), spotlight just how athletic these players really are, and dig into the surprisingly high-tech world of volleyball gym floors. Expect laughs, funny trivia, and just enough rule knowledge to be dangerous.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

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Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to NCAA Volleyball
• 14:08 Understanding the Rules and Mechanics
• 17:00 The Fast-Paced Nature of College Volleyball
• 20:23 NCAA Volleyball Season Overview
• 22:58 Athleticism in Volleyball
• 25:44 Technology in Volleyball
• 29:27 Innovations in Gym Floors
• 33:40 Understanding Volleyball Rules and Regulations
• 40:46 The Role of the Libero in Volleyball
• 43:00 The Growth of Volleyball and Its Future
• 46:40 Kerri Walsh Jennings: She's Got Game

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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—what’s working, what isn’t, and the moments of joy that keep families pushing for true inclusion. If you care about youth sports, accessibility, or the power of community, this episode is a must-listen.

Content note: This episode includes mention of medical and mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo

Mental Health Support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support.
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
• NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HelpLine” to 62640 for mental health resources and support.
• The Trevor Project (for LGBTQ+ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.

Chapters

• 05:22 - Eva's Accident and Its Impact
• 08:02 - Faith and Healing Journey
• 10:37 - Miracle League Experience
• 14:39 - Eva's Activities and Community Involvement
• 29:12 - Inclusive Education and Adaptive Programs
• 35:23 - The Future of Sports for Kids with Disabilities
• 39:12 - Misunderstandings About Kids with Disabilities
• 42:50 - Coping Mechanisms and Personal Growth
• 49:10 - Getting Involved in Adaptive Sports Programs

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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 skier, a ski-racing parent, or curious about Olympic-style events, this episode delivers fun stories, sharp insights, and the ultimate list of top ski-lift snacks.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo

Chapters

• 00:00 Christie Bedinghaus and Her Ski Journey
• 03:25 Skiing Essentials: Tips and Tricks for Beginners
• 06:02 Understanding Skiing: Free Skiing vs. Racing
• 07:40 The Olympic Perspective: What to Watch For
• 13:15 Growing Up in a Ski-Centric Family
• 15:35 Competing Against Mountain Kids: The Midwest Advantage
• 18:14 Race Day Atmosphere: Tension and Excitement
• 23:41 Understanding Course Inspections
• 27:26 The Thrill of the Second Run
• 30:17 Coaching Insights and Lessons
• 32:41 Getting Started with Skiing
• 35:17 Skiing's Impact on Life
• 36:38 Christie's Most Memorable Ski Runs

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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 elite curlers blend precision, mindset, and big-picture strategy. We get into the sport’s rapid growth and why local clubs — especially here in Wisconsin — remain the heartbeat of curling. A fast, fun, must-listen crash course for anyone Olympics-obsessed or finally ready to understand why this sport hooks everyone who tries it.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Curling and Its Appeal
• 02:29 Allan's Journey into Curling
• 04:19 Understanding the Game of Curling
• 10:13 The Art of Sweeping in Curling
• 13:25 The Unique Nature of Curling
• 18:11 The Community and Sportsmanship in Curling
• 21:04 Memorable Moments and Personal Experiences in Curling
• 22:26 A Week in the Life of a Competitive Curler
• 25:09 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports
• 27:46 Balancing Strategy and Skill in Curling
• 29:00 Growing Awareness and Accessibility of Curling
• 32:17 Understanding the Mechanics of Curling
• 35:01 Proud Moments and Personal Journeys in Curling
• 38:21 The Spirit of Curling: Community and Friendliness
• 40:01 Encouraging Newcomers to Join the Curling Community

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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 guide for anyone obsessed with the Olympics or how sports really work behind the scenes.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Axon
• 03:35 Rachel's Reporting Origin Story
• 04:53 The Allure of the Olympics
• 07:46 The Transition to Investigative Reporting
• 09:46 The Process of Investigative Journalism
• 12:48 Balancing Accountability and Empathy
• 16:38 Coping with Heavy Topics
• 18:45 Finding Story Leads
• 21:46 Navigating Sensitive Topics
• 25:50 Empathy in Reporting
• 28:55 Progress in Women's Sports
• 36:59 Olympic Insights and Future Expectations
• 42:08 Behind the Scenes of the Olympics

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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 playbook for understanding college football in 2025 and beyond.

Get in touch!

ALMOST FANS INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/almostfanspodcast/

MEET TERYN: https://www.instagram.com/teryn.laferney/

MEET AMBRE: https://www.instagram.com/ambre.hobson/

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: https://www.almostfanspodcast.com/

Get 20% off your first order of LSM supplements with code FANS20. https://lsm-chiro.myshopify.com/discount/fans20

Gear up with lululemon: https://tidd.ly/3Fi5KTj

Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo

Chapters

• 04:44 - Teryn's Dating Life
• 07:42 - Wisconsin Badgers Season
• 09:18 - Coaches' Salaries
• 13:20 - LSU Political Drama
• 16:04 - The Coaching Carousel
• 18:37 - College Football Playoffs
• 23:01 - The Pop Tart Bowl
• 34:13 - Football's Biggest Glow Up and Meltdown

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