The Pretend Pros

Jennifer Hoffman
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

Welcome to The Pretend Pros, the sports podcast where the takes are hot and the expertise is...questionable. We're two die-hard fans breaking down weekly stories in sports, from March Madness and college rivalries to whatever interesting story catches our eyes. One of us might know what we're talking about...the other is just here for the chaos. This is The Pretend Pros -- certified fans, uncertified experts.

  1. 21h ago

    Episode 27: Stopping the Run with Kolten Gajewski

    Football gets a lot easier to understand when you hear it from a team captain who actually lives in the trenches. Indiana State defensive lineman, Kolten Gajewski, breaks down the hidden mechanics of the game, from the quarterback-to-D-line transition that forced him to rebuild his body to the technique behind stopping the run. If you think football is just size and speed, this conversation changes that fast. Jenny and Beth dig into how Kolten went from a record-setting high school quarterback in a tiny Illinois town to a Division I defensive lineman, team captain, and future grad juggling football and school. You'll discover:Why playing quarterback helped Kolten read offenses from the defensive sideWhat an RPO really is, and why it mattersHow defensive line rotations work and why fresh bodies are everythingThe difference between looking strong and playing with true pad level and leverageWhy run defense is the part of the D-line most fans completely underestimate Beth and Jenny also get Kolten talking about his family football legacy, including his dad's Indiana State connection and the experience of playing alongside his brother, a linebacker. He explains what being voted one of just six team captains means inside a 105-man locker room, what coaches actually expect from leaders, and why big-money games against programs like Purdue are about more than just showing up for the paycheck. Kolten also opens up about the offseason grind, the weirdly specific obsession with uniforms and jersey numbers, the music that actually gets him fired up, and the kind of trash talk that hits hardest. If you love football, hidden details, and the kind of insights that make you watch the trenches differently, this episode is for you.

  2. Sep 15

    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 football weekend, this episode is packed with the wins, losses and everything in between. Jenny brings her tennis obsession to the table, breaking down why this year’s US Open felt different, what made the American men’s run so compelling, and why Ben Shelton, Francis Tiafoe, and Coco Gauff are so much fun to watch. Beth adds her usual sharp commentary, from the significance of the tournament’s sportsmanship and player camaraderie to the bigger-picture questions around who is really emerging as the future of the sport. Then the conversation shifts to women’s basketball, where Beth walks through the U.S. team’s path through the World Cup, the tight early games, the standout performances from Breanna Stewart and Jackie Young, and the tension of facing France with gold on the line. You’ll also hear why Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are becoming must-watch teammates, how Sue Bird is thinking about the next Olympics, and what this roster says about the future of USA Basketball. The final stretch goes full college football and NFL, with Ohio State’s painful loss to Texas, the weird magic of live mascots like Colorado’s Ralphie, and the kind of first-week NFL optimism that disappears fast. Jenny and Beth also get into the 49ers-Rams showdown in Australia, Myles Garrett’s injury concerns, and what early-season chaos means for the Browns, Panthers, and everyone else still pretending this is their year for the Super Bowl. Perfect for sports fans who love smart banter, real opinions, and the kind of commentary that flips between hilarious and heartfelt in the same breath. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: ZMNP86BKBETTLJV1

  3. Sep 8

    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. Beth Painter and Jenny Hoffman guide the conversation with Veronica, whose path from Texas softball and track to Division I competition is packed with lessons on speed, versatility, and mental toughness. Veronica shares what it took to play every inning in center field without an error, how a coach-built culture turned a five-year playoff drought into a regional semifinal run, and why being a great teammate matters just as much as being a great athlete. You'll discover: Why outfield play is more like route-running than casual catchingHow slap hitters change the entire defensive pictureThe difference between softball and baseball strike zones, pitches, and timingWhat “competitive excellence” actually looks like inside the locker room of a winning teamWhy playing a second sport can make you better, not busier Veronica also opens up about leadership, the grind of balancing training and academics, and the mindset that carried her through years of two-sport competition. If you’ve ever wondered what makes softball so fast, so technical, and so much harder than it looks, this episode will completely change how you watch the game. Perfect for softball fans, young athletes, parents, and anyone who loves hearing how confidence, culture, and sisterhood turn talent into real results. Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: O2XR3HOGB8ZGDOCO

  4. Aug 25

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

    She broke a school record, nearly made nationals by a single centimeter, and is already ranked among the world’s best under-20 javelin throwers - all while still in college. Brett Jones reveals what it actually takes to compete in one of track and field’s most misunderstood events, and why “just throw it” is nowhere near enough. Co-hosts Jenny Hoffman and Beth Painter sit down with Brett Jones, a freshman 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. You'll discover: Why javelin is a technique-first event, not a strength contestWhat a throw really feels like when the release is right or wrongHow wind, foul lines, and javelin flex ratings change competition day Brett also shares what made the University of Tennessee the right fit, how she handled competing against older, more experienced athletes, and why the javelin community is surprisingly small and incredibly supportive. From backyard throws with her parents to Olympic-year ambitions, her path shows how far talent can go when it’s paired with the right coaching, discipline, and belief. If you’ve ever underestimated track and field, this episode will change the way you watch it. And if you’re an athlete, coach, or anyone chasing elite performance, Brett’s mindset around consistency, confidence, and staying out of her own head is worth hearing. Perfect for fans of college sports and stories about rising talent on the edge of something much bigger.

  5. Aug 18

    Episode 23: Football is Back & Other Sports Stories

    Beth and Jenny are together in the mountains for their first in person episode, and they start by reflecting on the show’s run so far, including the guests, sports, and chaos that have made the podcast work. From there, they move into a wide ranging sports update that covers football season optimism, a wild high school snake story, an MLB debut for the ages, and the WNBA standings plus the upcoming FIBA Women’s World Cup. In this episode: Beth and Jenny recap their first 11 guests across 11 different sportsFootball season talk ranges from the Hall of Fame Game and Luke Kuechly’s induction, preseason games, and the upcoming college and NFL scheduleA bizarre Arkansas High School football helmet surpriseNBA offseason chatter includes LeBron’s move to Philly, what it means for Cleveland, and why a YouTube golf channel might be his next chapterMLB gets its moment with Joshua Baez’s insane rookie debutThe WNBA playoff race is mapped out, with the Lynx, Aces, and Valkyries highlighted as the season heads toward the finishThey also preview the FIBA Women’s World Cup, the U.S. roster, and how international rules differ from WNBA play Music licensed through Soundstripe. Code: QH1CALHQR3FVKHQJ

  6. Aug 11

    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. Key topicsIn this episode, Payton shares how she ended up on IU rowing after initially trying to get recruited for soccer.We discuss the basics of boat setup and seat roles, including eights and fours, the coxswain, port and starboard sides, and how seats are assigned based on rhythm, power, and technique.Payton explains why rowing is more than strength, describing splits, erg testing, stroke rate, and the balance between raw power and technical efficiency.The episode covers the coxswain’s job, from steering and giving race calls to motivating the boat and tracking how a team lines up against nearby competitors.Payton shares memorable rowing vocabulary, like swing, sculling, sweep rowing, power ten, and crab, including a story about a novice rower who got thrown from the boat during a race.She closes by reflecting on what rowing gave her, especially friendships, discipline, and work ethic, plus advice for anyone interested in trying to row in college.

  7. Aug 4

    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. In this episode:Randy shares his journey from high school officiating to college football and the transition into replay review.Insight into officiating training, including rule knowledge, physical fitness, and the use of technology.How officiating crews are organized, assigned games, and communicate during high-pressure situations.The impact of video replay on officiating philosophy and decision-making processes.Surprising stories, memorable games, and the emotional experiences of working major rivalry and championship contests.The influence of bias, fan perceptions, and the importance of maintaining impartiality.Practical advice for aspiring referees and understanding how officials are evaluated and graded.Reflection on the mental and physical demands of officiating and how the game’s speed evolves at different levels. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the meticulous and demanding world of football officiating, highlighting the skills, integrity, and dedication required to keep the game fair and enjoyable for all.

  8. Jul 28

    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. Main Topics:Rachel's journey and achievements in hurdlingThe technical and mental aspects of hurdlingTraining, conditioning, and race day preparationIn this episode:Rachel discusses her record-breaking seasons and NCAA accomplishmentsInsights into hurdle techniques, including stride cadence and formThe impact of wind and weather on race performanceHow mental toughness and confidence influence racing successBehind-the-scenes of race day routines and post-race emotionsAdvice for young athletes interested in track and hurdlesThe importance of passion and support systems in sports Rachel emphasizes the importance of loving the sport, mental resilience, and the support system in achieving athletic success. Her insights offer valuable guidance for young athletes dreaming of competing at national levels.

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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Pretend Pros, the sports podcast where the takes are hot and the expertise is...questionable. We're two die-hard fans breaking down weekly stories in sports, from March Madness and college rivalries to whatever interesting story catches our eyes. One of us might know what we're talking about...the other is just here for the chaos. This is The Pretend Pros -- certified fans, uncertified experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Jennifer Hoffman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jennifer Hoffman