The FieldHouse Report

The FieldHouse Report

The FieldHouse Report with Cougar Carlson & Drew Kalahar is a weekly podcast covering WSU Athletics and beyond.

  1. Sep 22

    How Bad Birdie Turned Washington State Fans Into Its Biggest Launch

    Washington State fans are proving that school pride can move merchandise, shape a brand, and turn a collegiate collection into a sellout. Lauren Thomas of Bad Birdie shares how she fought to get WSU added to the lineup, why the right crimson color mattered, and what happened when Coug Nation showed up in force.Darrin “Cougar” Carlson sits down with Lauren Thomas, Senior Key Account Executive at Bad Birdie, for a conversation that blends fandom, brand strategy, and pure Pullman passion. Lauren traces her Coug roots from a family full of Washington State graduates to childhood game days, then breaks down how she helped make the case internally for WSU to become part of Bad Birdie’s first collegiate collection.You’ll discover how the Tailgate Edit took off, why the WSU launch became Bad Birdie’s top-selling school, and what it took to get the design details right—from the exact crimson to the anthracite gray and custom polo teasing a future drop. Lauren also shares the behind-the-scenes reality of collegiate licensing, the role of social media in driving demand without a big marketing budget, and what it felt like to see the collection take over Pullman on game day.We also get Lauren’s take on the new stadium atmosphere, from the upgraded sound system and video board to the fresh turf and locker room energy, plus her quick read on what the Cougs did well on the field and where they still need to sharpen up. It’s a conversation about more than merch—it’s about how a fan base, a university, and a brand can build momentum together.Essential listening if you love Washington State, care about college sports branding, or want the inside story on how a passionate fan can turn loyalty into a launch that actually resonates. Lauren’s energy is infectious, and the Coug spirit comes through in every minute.#wsu #cfb #cfb26 #pac12

  2. Sep 16

    How Washington State Can Reset The Season Against Duquesne

    Washington State’s offense is already under the microscope, and this episode asks the question Cougs fans are thinking: is it just a rough start, or something deeper? Drew Kalahar and Darrin "Cougar" Carlson break down the brutal Kansas State loss, the Caden Pinnick debate, and what has to change before Duquesne arrives in Pullman.They get into the specific reasons the Cougars have stalled out, from pass protection and conservative play calling to the lack of a vertical threat and the pressure that comes with starting 1-2. They also tackle Pinnock’s frustrating postgame interview and apology, and whether Owen Eshelman deserves a real look if the offense keeps sputtering.You’ll discover:Why the offense feels stuck and what’s really breaking downThe case for and against starting Caden Pinnock against DuquesneWhy Tony Freeman’s season-ending injury changes the passing gameHow Jalen Thomas became the biggest bright spot with two interceptions and a pick-sixWhich Pac-12 teams looked like winners, losers, and maybes in Week 2Drew and Cougar also talk about what a response game should look like against Duquesne, including the physical identity Washington State needs to reestablish, the defensive havoc they want to see, and why the next few weeks could reveal whether this team is built to adjust or just repeat old mistakes.If you want honest Cougs talk, a real quarterback conversation, and a reset on where this season can still go, this is essential listening before the home opener.#cfb #pac12 #pac12football #wsu

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The FieldHouse Report with Cougar Carlson & Drew Kalahar is a weekly podcast covering WSU Athletics and beyond.

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