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 26: US Open Tennis, World Cup Basketball, & Football is Back

    Episode 26: US Open Tennis, World Cup Basketball, & Football is Back

    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 & NFL football weekend, this episode is packed with the wins, losses and everything in between.

  • Episode 25: A League of Her Own with Veronica Peitersen
    • 9/8/26

    Episode 25: A League of Her Own with Veronica Peitersen

    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 reel play from a disaster.

  • Episode 24: Born to Throw...Javelin with Brett Jones
    • 8/25/26

    Episode 24: Born to Throw...Javelin with Brett Jones

    Co-hosts Jenny and Beth sit down with Brett Jones, a freshman Javelin thrower at the University of Tennessee whose resume sounds impossible: a national title at eight, years of All-American finishes, a SEC breakthrough that set Tennessee records, and a fifth-place finish at the U20 USA Nationals. But behind the highlight reel is a story about mechanics, patience, and a sport that isn't as easy as it looks.

  • 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 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 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 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 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.