Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast

Steve Thate, Jon Diener and Jon Pemberton
  • 5.0 (5)
  • BASKETBALL
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Talking all things Redbirds Athletics

  1. JAN 29

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 81 Brian Gant

    This episode highlights Brian Gant, one of the toughest and most reliable Redbird weak‑side linebackers of the 1980s. The fast, instinctive defenders who could flip momentum with a single play. Together, Gant’s career and the legacy of ISU’s weak‑side linebackers make for another great episode celebrating Redbird football history.

    32 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Bird Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 80 Jeff Harris and Matt TaphornBird

    BirdFans4Ever Podcast #80 is here! A special one for Redbird fans — Jeff Harris joins the show along with return guest Matt Taphorn from Jon’s playing era! Jeff dives into how he found his way to ISU, the games that still stick with him, and what it was like when the three-point line arrived during their junior year and changed everything. You can feel the warmth in this conversation — the stories, the laughs, the memories. Don’t miss this one, Birds fans  #RollBirds #ISURedbirds #BirdFans4Ever

    45 min

  3. 11/06/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 79 Jeff Bidwell

    Episode 79 is LIVE! Birdfans4ever Podcast welcomes this week’s guest Jeff Bidwell — Missouri Valley aficionado, host of the brand new podcast Morning in the Valley, and the voice of Murray State Men’s Basketball! In this episode, we dive deep into the Missouri Valley Conference preseason predictions for men’s basketball. Jeff gives us an outsider’s perspective on Illinois State University’s chances this year — why they could win the league… and why they might not.  Jeff also provides a sneak preview of Murray State, from a brand-new coaching staff to a completely retooled roster, and which players you should keep an eye on as the Racers hit the court this season.  After you watch this Episdoe, make sure to check out Jeff’s show Morning in the Valley on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/@morninginthevalley?si=vrHpuRwaIkjBCbpP  Listen now to Episode 79! #Birdfans4ever #MVCBasketball #IllinoisState #MurrayState #MorningInTheValley #CollegeBasketballPodcast

    47 min

  4. 10/29/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 78 Chase Walker

    BirdFans4Ever Episode 78  We sit down with Chase Walker to talk about his recruiting journey and how he made his way to ISU! Chase shares how he developed his unselfish play, learned to anticipate offenses, and how the coaching staff is helping him grow into his role as a Redbird. We also dive into memorable matchups — including playing against one of his best friends vs. Ohio, plus standout games vs. UIC and Incarnate Word — and relive winning the CBI Championship last year! #BirdFans4Ever #RedbirdHoops #IllinoisState #RollBirds

    46 min

  5. 10/09/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 77 Landon Wolf

    We’re flying high with Landon Wolf! 🏀 From his days at UNI to the transfer portal and finally landing at Illinois State, Landon shares the inside story—how he first saw ISU and its fans from the other side, the games that still give him chills, and what’s racing through his mind when he throws down a dunk on someone. Plus, we dig into the fire of the Bradley vs. ISU rivalry and how he came to feel its full heat. Listen now and catch every Redbird detail! 🎧

    36 min

  6. 09/18/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 76 Charles Calhoun

    🚨 Bird Fans Forever – Episode 76 🚨 Charles Calhoun II shares his Redbird journey—from being recruited for defense to thriving on the offensive line. He mastered run blocking, protected QBs, and fulfilled a promise to his grandfather by becoming an attorney. 🏈⚖️

    44 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 75 Brandon Lieb

    🎙️ Birdfans4ever – Episode 75: Brandon Lieb Talks Leadership, Culture, and the Road Ahead 🏀 In this special 75th episode of Birdfans4ever, we’re joined by Brandon Lieb, a graduate student and leader on the Illinois State men’s basketball team. In this episode, Brandon opens up about: The team culture at Illinois State and how it’s progressed during his time here His thoughts on the schedule and returning to Illinois for an exhibition game against his former school The team’s mindset, goals, and expectations for the upcoming season Being a leader and how his role evolved when he was injured last year It’s an honest and inspiring conversation with a player who exemplifies heart, resilience, and leadership. 🔥 Whether you’re a die-hard Redbird fan or just love great basketball stories, this is one you don’t want to miss. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📱 Don’t forget to follow us @Birdfans4ever for updates and behind-the-scenes content! Birdfans4ever #BrandonLieb #RedbirdBasketball #IllinoisStateHoops #Leadership #ISU

    42 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 74 Dave Schumer

    🎙️ Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 74 features a true Redbird legend: Dave Schumer, who started all four years from 1986 to 1989 for Illinois State. In this episode, the hosts dive into Schumer’s impressive collegiate career, including: 🏈🏆 Second Team All-MVC honors during his junior year 🏈🏆 First Team All-MVC selection as a senior 🛡️ Durability & Excellence: Starting every season for four straight years is no small feat, especially in the physically demanding world of college football. 🧠 Reflections on leadership, consistency, and what it meant to wear the ISU jersey for four straight seasons

    48 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Talking all things Redbirds Athletics

Information

  • Creator
    Steve Thate, Jon Diener and Jon Pemberton
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast