Almost Fans

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 line of supporting players while staying within the rules. From juggling academics with brand-building to the future of NIL in college athletics, this episode dives into how NIL is reshaping the college experience—and rewriting the playbook for what comes next.

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Chapters

• 00:00 - NIL: Not Just a Buzzword
• 10:15 - Keri's Trophy Room Tour
• 20:30 - Mascot Dreams and Gear Galore
• 30:45 - The Secret Sauce of Winning
• 40:00 - From Intern to Influencer
• 50:15 - College Sports: The Pro Debate

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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 sisters, who just became the NFL’s only all-female ownership group. Whether you’re fantasy football curious or just trying to survive Sunday watch parties, this episode will have you sounding like you belong. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Simplify your hiring process with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo  

Chapters

05:00 - Hat Trick: Top three things on our bucket list

09:54 - The NFL Offseason: Business and Salary Caps Explained

20:01 - Preseason Insights: Roster Building and Strategy

30:02 - Tips for Watching NFL Games Like a Pro

40:11 - Quarterbacks to Watch This Season

46:05 - She's Got Game: Highlighting the Irsay Sisters

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Think gymnastics is just flips and glitter? Think again. We’re diving into the powerhouse world of women’s gymnastics with former competitive gymnast and superfan Kaleigh Gabriel. This episode unpacks everything from how scoring deductions really work to bold NCAA gymnastics predictions—and yes, we’re talking leotard dos, don’ts, and hot takes. You’ll hear insights on how the sport is evolving to support elite gymnasts like Simone Biles and Suni Lee, along with advice for young athletes and the parents cheering them on. We decode pre-meet rituals, clear up the most misunderstood rules, and spotlight what makes gymnastics one of the most beautiful AND brutal sports out there. Whether you’re a lifelong gymnastics fan or a casual Olympics viewer, this conversation sticks the landing. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

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Chapters

05:12 - Leotard Impact

• 10:45 - Sports Fandom
• 15:30 - Training Insights
• 22:00 - Gymnastics Levels Progression
• 28:15 -  Scoring Explained
• 34:50 - Mental Challenges
• 41:20 - Culture Shift
• 47:05 - Memorable Moments

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Youth sports in America have become high-pressure, high-cost, and high-stakes. In this episode, we unpack the truth about youth sports burnout, the myth of athletic scholarships, and why so many kids are walking away from competitive play. We dive into early specialization, overuse injuries, and how the $30 billion youth sports industry is impacting kids’ mental health, physical development, and family life. From sideline behavior and toxic parent pressure to the emotional and financial toll on families, we explore what’s really driving the youth sports machine.  Discover what really encourages lifelong physical activity—and why it’s not what most parents expect. Whether you’re a sports parent, coach, or former athlete, this episode will challenge what you think youth sports are supposed to be. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Chapters

• 09:54 - Cultural Context and Parental Pressure in Youth Sports
• 20:01 - From Fun to Competition
• 30:02 - Benefits and Challenges of Youth Sports
• 40:11 - The Role of Coaches
• 32:01 - Navigating Family Dynamics in Youth Sports
• 37:21 - The Rise of Poor Sideline Behavior
• 41:35 - Positive Parenting Strategies in Youth Sports
• 46:05 - Spotlight on Jasmine Smith: Empowering Young Athletes

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Hally Leadbetter is shaking up golf with comedy, creativity, and a mission to make the game more human. We dive into her viral rise—from growing up in a golf dynasty to becoming one of the sport’s freshest media voices and most recognizable golf influencers. With on-course interviews alongside stars like Tom Holland and DJ Khaled, and a social media presence that blends humor with heart, Hally is redefining who golf is for. We unpack how she’s challenging golf’s stereotypes, spotlighting women in golf, and bringing fresh energy to PGA coverage, golf content creation, and sports media at large. From lefty struggles and viral golf skits to women’s representation in the sport, this episode explores how Hally is helping golf evolve—in culture, content, and character. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Simplify your hiring process with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo  

Chapters:

Introduction to Almost Fans Podcast - 00:00

Top Three Travel Destinations - 02:30

• 10:45 - Interview with Hallie Leadbetter
• 15:20 - Growing Up in a Golf Family
• 25:00 - Transition to Media Career
• 35:15 - Memorable Media Moments
• 45:00 - Humor and Inclusivity in Golf
• 55:30 - Mental Health Advocacy

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Former British pro cyclist Lucy Shaw takes us inside the world of elite women’s cycling—from grueling training weeks and intense stage races to navigating life as the youngest rider on a pro team. What does it really take to compete at the highest level of women’s professional cycling? Lucy joins us to unpack team dynamics, the unique challenges of the women’s pro circuit, and even debunk some of those tactical moves you see on TV during the Tour de France. From high-speed criteriums to multi-stage races across Europe, she offers a rare behind-the-scenes look inside the peloton. We also dive into her unforgettable win in London, what it was like riding alongside Olympians, and how the sport continues to fuel her passion—even off the racecourse. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

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Welcome to the WNBA’s biggest moment yet. We break down the viral rise of the iconic WNBA orange hoodie—spotted on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Naomi Osaka—and how it helped take the league mainstream. We dive into Unrivaled, the new 3x3 women’s pro basketball league, and spotlight Angel Reese (aka Bayou Barbie)—whose elite talent, bold style, and headline-making NIL deals are redefining women’s sports. From record-breaking WNBA attendance and TV ratings to the league’s impact on social justice and athlete activism, this episode unpacks how the W is changing the game—in sports, culture, and influence.

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Chapters

• 10:31 - Celebrating the WNBA
• 21:02 - The Game Changer Award: WNBA's Orange Hoodie
• 28:40 - Diversity in the WNBA: A Model for Inclusion
• 30:55 - Using Platforms for Change: The WNBA's Activism
• 31:23 - The Unrivaled League: A New Era for Women's Sports
• 39:08 - Spotlight on Angel Reese: The Next Big Thing

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New to tennis or just love the drama? We break down the pro tennis world from the ground up—how it works, what winning Wimbledon or any Grand Slam really means, and how players actually make money. You’ll finally crack the code on tennis scoring, discover how AI is reshaping coaching behind the scenes, and understand why tennis is one of the most physically and mentally demanding sports on the planet. Plus, we end with the incredible journey of Coco Gauff—the 21-year-old phenom whose power, humility, and resilience have earned her the nickname “The People’s Player.”

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Chapters

• 10:59 - Diving into Tennis 101
• 20:24 - Understanding Grand Slam Tournaments
• 22:58 - Understanding the Financial Landscape of Pro Tennis
• 27:56 - The Confusing Scoring System in Tennis
• 39:23 - The Pressure of Independence in Tennis
• 40:26 - Technology's Impact on Tennis
• 47:22 - Coco Gauff: Rising Star in Tennis

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Golf insider Jake Fergus joins us to talk all things pro golf—behind-the-scenes at The Masters, working with PGA Tour players at TaylorMade, and what’s really happening with LIV Golf vs. PGA. We cover tour traditions, golf gear innovation, how pros make money, and the magic that makes Augusta National legendary. Whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard golfer, this episode is packed with insight, heart, and a few great name drops. New to golf? Don’t worry—we break it all down in plain English and start with the basics.

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Chapters

• 09:54 - Meet Jake: A Golf Insider's Journey
• 19:03 - The Legendary Augusta National
• 28:32 - Rory McIlroy's Career Grand Slam
• 31:31 - Understanding the Majors in Golf
• 36:16 - The LIV Golf Controversy
• 44:30 - The Slow Play Debate
• 47:08 - Growing the Game of Golf
• 50:55 - A Dream Round of Golf

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In this listener-powered episode, we answer your best questions—from our most cringe-worthy sports icks to the one sport that still makes us say, “Wait…why do people love this?” We talk about our sports origin stories, how parenting has completely changed the way we watch games, and the moments in mom life that rival championship pressure. Plus, we debate future-kid sports picks and unpack how being sports podcast hosts has impacted our personal lives.  Whether you’re a sports fan, a parent, or just along for the ride—this one’s for you. 

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/

Stay on top of your game with LSM Chiropractic. https://www.lsmchiro.com/

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

Try Rakuten today. https://www.rakuten.com/r/ALMOST1113?eeid=28187

Chapters

• 04:39 - Please Don’t Pick Tackle Football
• 10:05 - Weirdly Passionate Sports Opinions Ahead
• 14:40 - Momming Like It’s Game Seven
• 19:07 - We Watch Sports... Differently Now
• 24:34 - Life Advice, Courtesy of Youth Soccer
• 29:06 - Snacks Packed, Emotions Unstable

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