Illustration of a woman wearing a headset and a man holding a football, with the title 'The Pretend Pros'. The woman's name is Beth Painter and the man's name is Jenny Hoffman. The background features a microphone and a shield design, with the tagline 'Certified Fans. Uncertified Experts.'

Podcast Episodes

  • Episode 22: Life in the Boat with Payton Dilger
    • 8/11/26

    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 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 rowing sounds like a sport built on equal parts power and precision, this episode has you covered.

  • Episode 21: Officially Speaking with Former College Referee, Randy Smith
    • 8/4/26

    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 officiating has changed, the training involved, and insider stories about game decisions, rivalries, and memorable moments on the field.

  • Episode 20: Hurdling Toward Greatness with Rachel Mehringer
    • 7/28/26

    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 University. From training routines to mental resilience, Rachel shares her insights on competing at the highest level.

  • Episode 19: Barbell Confessions with Tyree Harris
    • 7/21/26

    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 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.

  • Episode 18: In the Paint, Out of Our League with Amber Tretter
    • 7/14/26

    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 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!

  • Episode 17: Zero Splash Zone with Nathan Cox
    • 7/7/26

    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 lowdown from Nathan Cox, a Virginia Tech college diver who’s flipping his way to NCAA greatness.

  • Episode 16: World Cup Vibes
    • 6/30/26

    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 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?

  • Episode 15: Set It & Forget It with Gracie Cagle
    • 6/22/26

    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 school standout to Big Sky star and potential pro overseas, she’s got the tips, tales, and terrific stats to share.

  • Episode 14: Cycling Adventures with Eric Stein
    • 6/16/26

    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, Indiana University alumni and cycling enthusiast, to talk about his adventures on a bike.

  • Episode 13: NFL Trades, NBA & NHL Playoffs & More Sport Stories

    Episode 13: NFL Trades, NBA & NHL Playoffs & More Sport 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 stadium hat switching. It’s sports talk served with a healthy dose of stories as told by fans and a sprinkle of actual stats.

  • Episode 12: Running the Distance with Emily Mars Raymond
    • 6/2/26

    Episode 12: Running the Distance 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 running a 100-mile race. Spoiler alert, it involves Pringles and the art of lying to yourself to keep going.

    Get ready to be motivated, entertained, and maybe convinced to lace up your shoes. Hit play and discover why this episode might just make you want to run a little...verrrrry slowly, perhaps, but run nonetheless.

  • Episode 11: Sports Stories of the Week with Doug Morris
    • 5/26/26

    Episode 11: Sports Stories of the Week with Doug Morris

    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.

  • Episode 10: In the Penalty Box with David Danielewicz
    • 5/19/26

    Episode 10: In the Penalty Box with David Danielewicz

    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 bring in the ultimate insider, hockey coach and player David Danielewicz, who’s been mastering the game since the age of four in Buffalo and still plays for the Carolina Hurricanes Warriors. He shares hilarious stories from growing up playing the game and debates whether or not Jenny could score a goal on the ice.

  • Episode 9: Random Sport Talk
    • 5/12/26

    Episode 9: Random Sport Talk

    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.

    No expertise needed, just come for the laughs, stay for the surprises, and maybe get a new appreciation for sports you never knew existed.

  • Episode 8: The "Pretend" Combine
    • 5/5/26

    Episode 8: The "Pretend" Combine

    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 her day job...yet.

  • Episode 7: Draft Day
    • 4/28/26

    Episode 7: Draft Day

    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!

  • Episode 6: Tournament Recaps
    • 4/21/26

    Episode 6: Tournament Recaps

    Beth and Jenny cover a detailed recap of March Madness and the Masters, providing insights into the tournament outcomes and player performances. They also dive into the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on college sports, highlighting the challenges and opportunities presented by these developments.

  • Episode 5: Kicking It with Mollie Whitacre
    • 4/14/26

    Episode 5: Kicking It with Mollie Whitacre

    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, strategic insights, and a whole lot of “a-ha” moments.

  • Episode 4: Birdies & Bogeys - A Masters Chat
    • 4/6/26

    Episode 4: Birdies & Bogeys - A Masters Chat

    The Masters Tournament 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.

    And who knows, Beth might start watching golf after this episode—or not.

  • Episode 3: Women Can Ball
    • 3/31/26

    Episode 3: Women Can Ball

    Most NCAA fans are fixated on the men's bracket, but we can't forget about the magic happening on the women’s side. In this episode, Jenny and Beth dive into the incredible stories shaping women’s college basketball and the WNBA.

  • Episode 2: Busted Brackets
    • 3/24/26

    Episode 2: Busted Brackets

    Dive into the madness of March with Beth and Jenny as they unravel the hilarious, bizarre, and jaw-dropping tales behind the NCAA brackets. Think you know this tournament inside out? Prepare to be surprised as our hosts share amusing (and slightly embarrassing) truths about their picks, from shattered brackets to mythical mascot mishaps, all while delivering a dose of chaos and comedy.

  • Episode 1: We're Going Dancing
    • 3/17/26

    Episode 1: We're Going Dancing

    We're going dancing -- and we don't mean salsa! This week we're talking about buzzer beaters, 3-point shots and the underdogs. That's right, it's March Madness time! Join us as we draft our Underdog Teams in this year's Men's NCAA College Basketball Tournament. We share our personal experiences with college basketball, our favorite teams and the excitement surrounding the tournament.

  • Introduction
    • 3/16/26

    Introduction

    Two friends. All the Sports. No guarantee that we’ll get it right all of the time, but we’ll have fun trying.