Almost Fans

Teryn & Ambre

Two friends, women, and moderately knowledgeable sports enthusiasts bring you Almost Fans. We dive into the drama and behind-the-scenes stories of mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, soccer, and more, while shining a spotlight on incredible women making waves in the game. Along the way, we share our personal experiences as working moms, exploring modern parenting, pop culture, and entertainment. It’s fun, relatable, and perfect for anyone who loves sports—or wants to learn to love them. Join us weekly for laughs, insight, and sports talk you’ll actually enjoy! 

  1. JAN 6

    052: 2025 Wrapped: Laughs, Legends, and the Moments that Mattered

    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.  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 Celebrating a Year of Highlights01:25 Nervous Beginnings and Unexpected Moments04:50 Listener Connections and Impactful Messages08:22 Laughter and Memorable Moments13:20 Surprising Guests and Inspiring Stories17:11 Off the Rails: Fun and Unplanned Conversations26:54 Pet Peeves and Personal Insights30:49 Memorable Moments in Sports Media32:15 Highlighting Inspiring Athletes34:46 Impactful Conversations with Guests43:10 Advocacy and Change in Women's Sports46:23 Our Proud Moments in Podcasting50:50 Reflecting on the Podcast Journey Support the show

    57 min
  2. 12/29/2025

    051: More Than a Game – Sports, Family, and Modern Fandom with Dugan Sherbondy

    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.  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 Sports and Family Dynamics07:10 The Role of Sports in Family Traditions12:30 Navigating Sports Culture as a Parent18:51 The Impact of Youth Sports on Family Life24:04 Adapting to Changes in Sports Rules and Culture36:39 Baseball's Rules and Being a Traditionalist40:47 Sports Traditions: Overrated and Underrated44:21 Breaking Up Fights in Hockey50:16 The Future of Athletes and Sportsmanship Support the show

    55 min
  3. 12/22/2025

    050: NCAA Volleyball - Powerhouses, Verticals, and Why the Whistle Blew

    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  Let experts help you find your dream job with CareerLink AI. https://tidd.ly/4logDTo  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to NCAA Volleyball14:08 Understanding the Rules and Mechanics17:00 The Fast-Paced Nature of College Volleyball20:23 NCAA Volleyball Season Overview22:58 Athleticism in Volleyball25:44 Technology in Volleyball29:27 Innovations in Gym Floors33:40 Understanding Volleyball Rules and Regulations40:46 The Role of the Libero in Volleyball43:00 The Growth of Volleyball and Its Future46:40 Kerri Walsh Jennings: She's Got Game Support the show

    59 min
  4. 12/15/2025

    049: Inside Inclusive Sports, the Miracle League, and a Family’s Fight Forward

    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 ProgramsSupport the show

    59 min
  5. 12/08/2025

    048: Inside Ski Racing - Speed, Skill, and Growing Up in a Winter Sports Family

    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 Journey03:25 Skiing Essentials: Tips and Tricks for Beginners06:02 Understanding Skiing: Free Skiing vs. Racing07:40 The Olympic Perspective: What to Watch For13:15 Growing Up in a Ski-Centric Family15:35 Competing Against Mountain Kids: The Midwest Advantage18:14 Race Day Atmosphere: Tension and Excitement23:41 Understanding Course Inspections27:26 The Thrill of the Second Run30:17 Coaching Insights and Lessons32:41 Getting Started with Skiing35:17 Skiing's Impact on Life36:38 Christie's Most Memorable Ski Runs Support the show

    42 min
  6. 12/01/2025

    047: Curling Culture, Olympics, and the Community Behind the Broom

    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 Appeal02:29 Allan's Journey into Curling04:19 Understanding the Game of Curling10:13 The Art of Sweeping in Curling13:25 The Unique Nature of Curling18:11 The Community and Sportsmanship in Curling21:04 Memorable Moments and Personal Experiences in Curling22:26 A Week in the Life of a Competitive Curler25:09 The Importance of Mental Health in Sports27:46 Balancing Strategy and Skill in Curling29:00 Growing Awareness and Accessibility of Curling32:17 Understanding the Mechanics of Curling35:01 Proud Moments and Personal Journeys in Curling38:21 The Spirit of Curling: Community and Friendliness40:01 Encouraging Newcomers to Join the Curling CommunitySupport the show

    43 min
  7. 11/24/2025

    046: Sports Investigations, Olympic Coverage, and Stories That Shape the Game

    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 Axon03:35 Rachel's Reporting Origin Story04:53 The Allure of the Olympics07:46 The Transition to Investigative Reporting09:46 The Process of Investigative Journalism12:48 Balancing Accountability and Empathy16:38 Coping with Heavy Topics18:45 Finding Story Leads21:46 Navigating Sensitive Topics25:50 Empathy in Reporting28:55 Progress in Women's Sports36:59 Olympic Insights and Future Expectations42:08 Behind the Scenes of the OlympicsSupport the show

    53 min
4.9
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

Two friends, women, and moderately knowledgeable sports enthusiasts bring you Almost Fans. We dive into the drama and behind-the-scenes stories of mainstream sports like the NFL, NBA, soccer, and more, while shining a spotlight on incredible women making waves in the game. Along the way, we share our personal experiences as working moms, exploring modern parenting, pop culture, and entertainment. It’s fun, relatable, and perfect for anyone who loves sports—or wants to learn to love them. Join us weekly for laughs, insight, and sports talk you’ll actually enjoy!