Episodes
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 98: Melanie Ward HoF
Join BF4E for a conversation with 2009 Hall of Fame Melanie Ward as she shares stories from her journey, the people who influenced her along the way, and the experiences that shaped her path. Don’t miss this engaging episode filled with insight, reflection, and great conversation. 🎙️🐦 Ward…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 97 Lori Vogel HoF
🎙️ New Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode Join us as we celebrate Lori Vogel, one of the greatest pitchers in Illinois State softball history and a member of the Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame. A two-time All-Gateway Conference First Team selection, Vogel remains among the...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 96 Johnny Kinziger
Episode 96: Johnny Kinziger Joins Bird Fans 4 Ever This week on Bird Fans 4 Ever, we welcome one of the most accomplished student-athletes in Illinois State baseball history, Johnny Kinziger. From his standout career with the Redbirds to the memories, lessons, and relationships that helped shape...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 95 Coach Ryan Pedon
🏀 BIRD FANS 4 EVER — EPISODE 95! 🏀 Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon joins Bird Fans 4 Ever for an inside look at what it really takes to build a college basketball season. 🎙️ How do you build a schedule that helps a team grow? Coach Pedon takes us behind the scenes of scheduling—balancing...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 94 Mike Prior
Bird Fans 4 Ever sits down with one of the greatest defensive backs ever to wear the Redbird uniform — Mike Prior, a standout at Illinois State from 1981–1984 who went on to carve out a remarkable 13‑year NFL career with the Buccaneers, Colts, and Packers. Mike takes us through his journey as a...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 93 Coach Ryan Evans
Redbird swim coach Ryan Evans joins the show to talk culture, leadership, and the new era of ISU Swimming. He shares the mindset behind building a connected team. It’s a conversation full of insight, leadership, and the kind of behind‑the‑scenes perspective only a coach can provide. Redbird fans...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 92 Todd Kagel
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 92 spotlights Todd Kagel, a former Illinois State men’s basketball standout whose career from 1988–1993 left a lasting mark on Redbird hoops. Known for his deadly three‑point shooting and his ability to deliver in the final seconds, Kagel became one of those players fans...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 91 Hannah Chicken
Hannah Chicken has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in Illinois State Women’s Basketball — a player whose energy, toughness, and competitive fire will show up every single night. Whether she’s locking down on defense, pushing the pace, or knocking down big shots, Hannah plays...
-
Episode 90: Sammi Cenek on Bird Fans 4 Ever
BF4E: Sammi Cenek’s Redbird Legacy Sammi Cenek’s story is one of grit, loyalty, and the kind of quiet toughness that defines true Redbird greatness. A Peoria standout who grew up dreaming of being a D1 soccer player, Sammi committed early. She stayed through coaching turnover, culture shifts, and...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 89 Dr Jeri Beggs
Bird Fans 4 Ever sits down with Illinois State University Athletics Director Dr. Jeri Beggs for a wide‑ranging conversation about the present and future of Redbird athletics. Dr. Beggs shares insight into her leadership approach, the evolving landscape of college sports, and the strategic...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 88 Noah Cleveland
🏀 BirdFans4Ever Podcast – Episode 88 | Noah Cleveland The hometown kid is home. In Episode 88 of the BirdFans4Ever Podcast, we sit down with Illinois State’s newest Redbird, Noah Cleveland, the talented transfer from Illinois Wesleyan, to hear one of the most unique recruiting journeys you’ll…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 87 Kathy Schniedwind
Kathy Schniedwind is a true trailblazer in Illinois State Athletics. As the first female athletic trainer in ISU history, she spent more than three decades shaping the health, recovery, and performance of Redbird student‑athletes. From working alongside legendary coaches to mentoring future...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 86 Coach Pat Gregory
Pat Gregory has been a cornerstone of Illinois State Athletics Strength and condition in 1980’s. Coach Gregory’s unwavering dedication, steady leadership, and genuine commitment to helping others succeed. Whether it was in weight room, or running through Normal, Coach Gregory’s presence has…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 85 Ellen McGrew
🎙️ Episode 85 of the Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast is now available! We're joined by Illinois State women's basketball great Ellen McGrew. A two-time Laurie Mabry Award winner, All-Gateway Conference selection, and member of the historic 1989 Redbird team that remains the only ISU women's team to win...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 84 NIL Brennan White and Jason Higdon
Tonight on Bird Fans 4 Ever, we’re talking Illinois State basketball and the changing landscape surrounding Redbird hoops with Brennan White from Illinois State University and Jason Higdon from Empower The Nest. We’ll discuss NIL, roster building, player retention, recruiting, and what the future...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 83 Daniel Sobkowicz and Tommy Rittenhouse
NEW EPISODE ALERT – Birdfans4ever Episode 83 is LIVE and you don’t want to miss this one! We sit down with QB Tommy Rittenhouse and WR Daniel Sobkowiscz — two of the key offensive playmakers who helped lead the Redbirds on their incredible run to the FCS Championship Game. From their journeys to...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 82 Elyce Knudsen
🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨 Hey BirdFans! 🔴⚪️ Episode 82 of Bird Fans 4 Ever is live and we’re joined by former Illinois State guard Elyce Knudsen! We talk about: 🏀 Her basketball journey from Millikin to Illinois State 🔥 Her playing style and approach to the game ⭐ The first moment at ISU when she...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 81 Brian Gant
This episode highlights Brian Gant, one of the toughest and most reliable Redbird weak‑side linebackers of the 1980s. The fast, instinctive defenders who could flip momentum with a single play. Together, Gant’s career and the legacy of ISU’s weak‑side linebackers make for another great episode...
-
Bird Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 80 Jeff Harris and Matt TaphornBird
BirdFans4Ever Podcast #80 is here! A special one for Redbird fans — Jeff Harris joins the show along with return guest Matt Taphorn from Jon’s playing era! Jeff dives into how he found his way to ISU, the games that still stick with him, and what it was like when the three-point line arrived…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 79 Jeff Bidwell
Episode 79 is LIVE! Birdfans4ever Podcast welcomes this week’s guest Jeff Bidwell — Missouri Valley aficionado, host of the brand new podcast Morning in the Valley, and the voice of Murray State Men’s Basketball! In this episode, we dive deep into the Missouri Valley Conference preseason...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 78 Chase Walker
BirdFans4Ever Episode 78 We sit down with Chase Walker to talk about his recruiting journey and how he made his way to ISU! Chase shares how he developed his unselfish play, learned to anticipate offenses, and how the coaching staff is helping him grow into his role as a Redbird. We also dive…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 77 Landon Wolf
We’re flying high with Landon Wolf! 🏀 From his days at UNI to the transfer portal and finally landing at Illinois State, Landon shares the inside story—how he first saw ISU and its fans from the other side, the games that still give him chills, and what’s racing through his mind when he throws...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 76 Charles Calhoun
🚨 Bird Fans Forever – Episode 76 🚨 Charles Calhoun II shares his Redbird journey—from being recruited for defense to thriving on the offensive line. He mastered run blocking, protected QBs, and fulfilled a promise to his grandfather by becoming an attorney. 🏈⚖️
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 75 Brandon Lieb
🎙️ Birdfans4ever – Episode 75: Brandon Lieb Talks Leadership, Culture, and the Road Ahead 🏀 In this special 75th episode of Birdfans4ever, we’re joined by Brandon Lieb, a graduate student and leader on the Illinois State men’s basketball team. In this episode, Brandon opens up about: The team...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 74 Dave Schumer
🎙️ Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 74 features a true Redbird legend: Dave Schumer, who started all four years from 1986 to 1989 for Illinois State. In this episode, the hosts dive into Schumer’s impressive collegiate career, including: 🏈🏆 Second Team All-MVC honors during his junior year 🏈🏆 First...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 73 Landon Moore
🎙️ **New Episode Drop – Birdfans4ever Podcast!** 🟥🐦 We’ve got a **special guest** joining us this week — **Landon Moore** is in the building! The hometown favorite and former St. Francis (PA) and Butler guard is bringing his talents back to **Normal** for his final college season with…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 72 Ty Pence and Trevor Arbogast
We’re joined by Trevor Arbogast, founder of @RDB1Media, and Ty Pence, standout player for @redbird_mbb! Trevor dives into how and why he launched the go-to blog for all things Illinois State Athletics And together, he and Ty talk about their awesome new apparel collab — where 75% of profits go...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 71 Malachi Poindexter
🎙️ BirdFans4Ever Podcast Ep. 71 is LIVE! We’re joined by @Malachi_P5 to talk: 🔴 His journey to Illinois State 🎯 Chasing the ISU season FT% record 🏆 The Redbirds’ unforgettable CBI run & CHAMPIONSHIP win! Don’t miss this one! 🔗👇 BirdFans4Ever #RedbirdHoops #RollBirds
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 70 Alana Laster, Jaye Mack, and Sara Wabi
We’re soaring into a milestone episode with not one, not two, but three incredible guests from the Illinois State University Gymnastics team! Alana Laster, Jaye Mack, and Sara Wabi are all standout athletes and 2025 NCAA Regional Qualifiers, and they’re joining us to talk about their journey…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 69 Brennan White Director of NIL
Bird Fans 4Ever — Episode 69 is live! This week’s guest: Brennan White, representing Fly With Us—the Illinois State Women’s Basketball NIL Collective. We talk NIL, Brennan’s journey to Illinois State, the many facets of his job, and how Fly With Us is changing the game for ISU athletes. Don’t…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 68 Dalton Banks
We sat down with ISU Men’s Basketball Captain Dalton Banks for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. After transferring from SIU, Dalton faced a tough but transformational journey — from uncovering a lingering injury to rebuilding his game and mindset. He opens up about leadership, the...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 67 Dan Muller & Shoes That Fit.org
New Podcast Episode Dropping Now! In this special episode of BirdFans4Ever, Dan Muller takes us behind the scenes to talk about Shoes That Fit — a charity that’s close to his heart, providing brand-new shoes to kids in need. Listen as we highlight this incredible cause and how YOU can help make a...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 66 Tyreek Coleman
We’re flying high with 2025 Redbird commit Tyreek Coleman on this episode! Illinois 1st Team All-State guard Tyreek talks about his journey to becoming a Redbird, what made Illinois State University the right fit, and how he brings lockdown defense, deadly 3s, and elite playmaking to the court!...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 65 Mason Klabo
New Episode Alert! 🎙️🔥We’re joined by none other than Mason Klabo – Illinois State basketball recruit 🏀, 2025 North Dakota Mr. Basketball 🏆, and the all-time leading scorer in ND Class A/AA boys basketball history 📈! We talk legacy, the recruiting journey, and what’s next as he gets ready to...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever “Kickin’ up with Redbird Nation” to celebrate 3 YEARS of the Birdfans4ever Podcast!
NEW MUSIC DROP We’re “Kickin’ up with Redbird Nation” to celebrate 3 YEARS of the Birdfans4ever Podcast! This anthem’s for the fans, the plays, and the passion of Redbird Athletics – hosted by ISU alums Jon Pemberton, Jon Diener & Steve Thate. Stream it. Share it. REP THAT RED. #Birdfans4ever...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 64 The 1998 Club with Jay Mcgee and Michael Rigsby
Episode #64 of the Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast is live! This week, Jay McGee & Michael Rigsby from the 1998 Club, Illinois State Men’s Basketball NIL Collective, discuss their involvement and how YOU can support the Redbirds. Listen now! @Redbird_MBB #GoRedbirds #BF4E #Bird
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 63 Empower the Nest with Jason Higdon and Matt Coats
New Episode Alert! BirdFans4Ever Episode 63 is LIVE! and Dive into the world of Redbirds NIL with this week’s special guests, Jason Higdon and former MBB player Matt Coats, as they break down the Empower the Nest initiative! Tune in to learn how Empower the Nest is making a difference for…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 62 Isaac Ericksen
🚨 New Episode of #BF4E! 🚨 This week on Bird Fans 4 Ever, we’re joined by Illinois State Redbirds recruit Isaac Ericksen! 🦅 🎙️ Isaac talks about how he got to ISU, his game on the court, and his experience interacting with other recruits during his visit. Don’t miss it! 🔴🏀 #RedbirdNation...
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 61 Coach Tim Jankovich
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 61 Coach Tim Jankovich – Dick Luedke joins in our interview of Coach Jankovich, How he got to ISU, Jackie’s “shot”, the need to recruit over Dinma? Why does BF4E want to talk about the rough stories?
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 60 Nick Allen
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 60 Nick Allen 2024 Redbird Recruit Nick Allen – How he got to ISU recruiting story. Nick and Tyreek, who recruited whom? Nick lays out his assessment of his own game.
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 59 Coach Jason Slay
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 59 Coach Jason Slay – How he got to ISU and his playing days. Redbird Schedule Preview, Player updates and outlook. Great season preview.
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 58 Jackie Carmichael
Bird Fans 4 Ever – Episode 58 -Jackie Carmichael – How he got to ISU, Daily practice (pummeling) vs Dinma, NIT run Junior Year, Career defining moments, “The Shot”, Designing uniforms senior year. @Jackie_Car32
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 56 Coach Steve Paska
BF4E Episode 56 Coach Steve Paska During his 30 years at Illinois State, head swimming and diving coach Steve Paska has led his team to five Midwest Independent titles, five Gateway Conference Championships, three National Independent Championships and one Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) crown.
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 57 Julie Mueller Paska
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 57 Julie Mueller Paska: Julie earned Second-Team All-America honors as a ISU Volleyball player her senior year, an All-Gateway selection from 1982-1984, and she led the Redbirds to conference titles and NCAA tournament berths all three seasons. A banner honoring Julie…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 55 Kurt Pegler
BF4E Ep 55 – @KurtPegler tells us how he got to ISU, TV10, and WMBD. He recollects great Redbird teams, Horton Fieldhouse, and encounters with Carlton Fisk and Arnold Palmer. He tells us the difference in prep and doing football & basketball while staying neutral.
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 54 Kendall Lewis
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 54 Kendall Lewis. Kendall recalls how he got to ISU, talks about the coaching change, discusses some of his favorite games, and reveals his post-graduation plans. He also provides some thoughts on NIL and the portal. Also see if he can pass Coach Judson’s pop…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 53 Coach Bob Bender
BF4E Ep 53 – Bob Bender – How he got to ISU and how he constructed his staff. So much❤️ for ISU the entire episode. Working with seniors from previous staff. MVC tourney in Normal, ISU vs Michigan in NCAA.
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 52 Jenny (Kabbes) Fuente and Emily (Kabbes) Kauten
Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 52 – Our guests Jenny (Kabbes) Fuente ’98 – 02 and Emily (Kabbes) Kauten ’02 – 05 are the only sisters to have played Volleyball together for ISU. Jenny is a ’23 Percy Family Hall of Fame inductee. Hear about playing Stanford in front of the largest crowd (5,641) at RBA…
more -
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 51 Gene Jontry
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 51 Gene Jontry – How Gene got to ISU, Playing for both the A and B teams and high scoring vs WIU. The 66 year record holder discloses keys to FT shooting and how he helped a very young Jon P be awarded an extended set of line drills!
-
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 50 Derrick Sander
Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast Episode 50 – RB4L Derrick Sanders – How he got to ISU, Recruitment competition with Bradley and Dick Versace, Career at ISU, Playing professionally in the US and then moving down under.
About this show
Talking all things Redbirds Athletics
Hosted by
Steve Thate, Jon Diener and Jon Pemberton
Categories