Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast

NEW EPISODE ALERT – Birdfans4ever Episode 83 is LIVE and you don’t want to miss this one! We sit down with QB Tommy Rittenhouse and WR Daniel Sobkowiscz — two of the key offensive playmakers who helped lead the Redbirds on their incredible run to the FCS Championship Game. From their journeys to Illinois State to breaking down the unforgettable 2025 season, these teammates share it all: How they found their way to ISU Behind-the-scenes stories from a championship-caliber season Their perspectives on the biggest games and clutch moments What it felt like to compete on the national stage A sneak peek at what’s next for both of them This is a must-listen for any Redbird fan who wants the inside story straight from the guys who lived it. Tune in now and relive the run! #Birdfans4ever #RedbirdFootball #FCS #CollegeFootball #Podcast #BehindTheScenes #RoadToTheChampionship

Episode 82 is live! We sit down with Elyce Knudsen to talk about her rise from Millikin to ISU, the grind behind her success, and the games she’ll never forget. A must‑listen for Redbird fans!

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.

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

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

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

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! 🎧

🚨 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. 🏈⚖️

🎙️ 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

🎙️ 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

🎙️ **New Episode Drop – Birdfans4ever Podcast!** 🟥🐦 We’ve got a **special guest** joining us this week — **Landon Moore** is in the building! The hometown favorite and former St. Francis (PA) and Butler guard is bringing his talents back to **Normal** for his final college season with **Illinois State Men’s Basketball**! In this episode, Landon opens up about: 🏀 Why he chose to finish his career at **ISU** 🧠 What being a **senior leader** means to him and how he's helping guide the younger Redbirds 🛡️ How playing in the **Big East** sharpened his defensive mindset — and why he’s ready to guard the opposing team’s top threat 🏕️ His experience as a **counselor** at the same ISU Basketball Camp he once attended as a kid 🔥 His desire to be part of a **winning culture** and bring success back to Redbird Arena ❤️ And yes — he shares some love for a few of his **favorite ISU players of the past** Landon’s story is one of heart, hustle, and homecoming. You won’t want to miss this one. 🎧 Available now on all platforms – search *Birdfans4ever Podcast* and hit play! Remember to hit the Subscribe button #Birdfans4ever #ISURedbirds #LandonMoore #CollegeBasketball #MVC #HomegrownTalent #DefendTheNest

We’re joined by Trevor Arbogast, founder of @RDB1Media, and Ty Pence, standout player for @redbird_mbb! Trevor dives into how and why he launched the go-to blog for all things Illinois State Athletics And together, he and Ty talk about their awesome new apparel collab — where 75% of profits go straight to the 1998 Club, helping raise NIL $ for the ISU Men’s Basketball team This one’s for the true BirdFans Listen now — link in bio! #BirdFans4ever #ISURedbirds #RDB1Media #TyPence #NIL #CollegeHoops #SupportTheSquad #Episode72 #GoBirds

🎙️ BirdFans4Ever Podcast Ep. 71 is LIVE!We're joined by @Malachi_P5 to talk:🔴 His journey to Illinois State🎯 Chasing the ISU season FT% record🏆 The Redbirds' unforgettable CBI run & CHAMPIONSHIP win!Don't miss this one! 🔗👇 BirdFans4Ever #RedbirdHoops #RollBirds

We're soaring into a milestone episode with not one, not two, but three incredible guests from the Illinois State University Gymnastics team! Alana Laster, Jaye Mack, and Sara Wabi are all standout athletes and 2025 NCAA Regional Qualifiers, and they’re joining us to talk about their journey, their season, and what it means to represent ISU on the national stage. Trust us—you don’t want to miss this one. Available now on YouTube and all major platforms. BirdFans4ever #illinoisstateuniversity #redbirdgymnastics #NCAARegionals

Bird Fans 4Ever — Episode 69 is live! This week’s guest: Brennan White, representing Fly With Us—the Illinois State Women’s Basketball NIL Collective. We talk NIL, Brennan’s journey to Illinois State, the many facets of his job, and how Fly With Us is changing the game for ISU athletes. Don’t miss it. #BirdFans4Ever #FlyWithUs #RedbirdNation

We sat down with ISU Men’s Basketball Captain Dalton Banks for one of our most inspiring conversations yet. After transferring from SIU, Dalton faced a tough but transformational journey — from uncovering a lingering injury to rebuilding his game and mindset. He opens up about leadership, the winning culture at ISU, and what it meant to go out as a CBI Champion. This one’s for anyone who believes in comebacks, team culture, and finishing strong. #Birdfans4everPodcast #ISUMBB #DaltonBanks #CBIChamps #RedbirdNation #CollegeHoops #Leadership

New Podcast Episode Dropping Now! In this special episode of BirdFans4Ever, Dan Muller takes us behind the scenes to talk about Shoes That Fit — a charity that’s close to his heart, providing brand-new shoes to kids in need. Listen as we highlight this incredible cause and how YOU can help make a difference! WWW. shoesthatfit.org #BirdFans4Ever #ShoesThatFit #RedbirdNation #GiveBack

We’re flying high with 2025 Redbird commit Tyreek Coleman on this episode!Illinois 1st Team All-State guard Tyreek talks about his journey to becoming a Redbird, what made Illinois State University the right fit, and how he brings lockdown defense, deadly 3s, and elite playmaking to the court! Don’t miss his full recruiting story! ️️ 3&D GUARD ALERT!Roll Birds!! #Birdfans4ever #RedbirdBasketball #ISU #TyreekColeman

New Episode Alert! 🎙️🔥We’re joined by none other than Mason Klabo – Illinois State basketball recruit 🏀, 2025 North Dakota Mr. Basketball 🏆, and the all-time leading scorer in ND Class A/AA boys basketball history 📈! We talk legacy, the recruiting journey, and what’s next as he gets ready to rep the Redbirds 🟥🐦 Don’t miss Episode 65! 🎧 #Birdfans4ever #RedbirdNation #ISURedbirds #MasonKlabo #NDSports #MrBasketball

NEW MUSIC DROPWe’re "Kickin’ up with Redbird Nation" to celebrate 3 YEARS of the Birdfans4ever Podcast! This anthem’s for the fans, the plays, and the passion of Redbird Athletics – hosted by ISU alums Jon Pemberton, Jon Diener & Steve Thate. Stream it. Share it. REP THAT RED. #Birdfans4ever #KickinUpWithRedbirdNation #RedbirdNation #RedbirdPride #ISUAlumni #RedbirdAthletics