The Side Out Society Podcast

What does it take to pull off one of the most electric NCAA Tournament runs in volleyball history? Fresh off winning a National Championship with Texas A&M, libero Tatum Thomas sits down with Tiff and Lindsay to talk about that amazing run and reveal what really happened behind the scenes during that legendary upset over Nebraska, including a dig kill for the ages and floor-shaking pressure.

Tatum shares the mental routine that keeps her calm in high-stakes moments, the secrets behind her family's competitive sports legacy, and how she transitioned from national champion to her new...

What does it take to transform a program into a national powerhouse in record time? In our very first interview with a college head coach, SMU’s Sam Erger joins Tiff and Lindsay to break down her rise through the coaching ranks, her "full throttle" approach to roster-building, and how she balances high-stakes ACC volleyball while raising three young kids.

Plus, Sam opens up about carrying on her family’s coaching legacy, what SMU looks for in top recruits, and her take on SMU’s massive upcoming showcase events.

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With just 30 days standing between us and the start of the 2026 college volleyball season, Tiff and Lindsay reunite to sit down with one of the most explosive, dominant forces in the sport: Kentucky outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye!

Brooklyn opens up about the Wildcats' unbelievable, globe-trotting non-conference slate, from kicking off at the AVCA First Serve in Milwaukee to making history outdoors at Wrigley Field (and her hilarious fears about playing in the Chicago elements) before jet-setting to the Bahamas. She takes us behind the scenes of Head Coach Craig Skinner’s wild group chats, reflects on how he...

Tiff is out this week, so Lindsay is taking the mic solo for a massive, jam-packed breakdown of the biggest pro volleyball shakeups of the summer!

First up, Lindsay breaks down Team USA's absolutely electric performance at the VNLs, including an unforgettable, dominant sweep that locked up the top seed heading into the quarterfinals. But the real chaos is happening off the court. LOVB just dropped their highly anticipated 2027 team rosters, and the shakeups are real. From a legendary superstar coming out of retirement to a massive wave of big-name player defections between leagues, Lindsay debates which...

With Lindsay away on a July 4th vacation, Tiff steps up to the mic solo for a rapid-fire, punchy rundown of the massive waves shifting the volleyball landscape. And trust us, the sport does not slow down for a holiday!

In this quick solo session, Tiff previews the upcoming, late-night VNL matches in Osaka, Japan, and shares some incredibly exciting news about the future return of Team USA’s legendary "volleyball mamas." She also dives deep into a game-changing new NCAA eligibility rule that is about to completely rewrite the future of college rosters, NIL valuations, and dr...

The society finally has its very first libero! In this milestone episode of Side Out Society, Tiff and Lindsay sit down with a literal defensive machine: three-time NCAA National Champion at Stanford and Team USA back-row anchor, Morgan Hentz. Morgan takes us directly onto the court during the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) to break down the sheer depth of this year's roster, what it's like sharing the libero jersey rotation mid-match with Lexi Rodriguez, and how she navigates pre-game anxiety. She shares a masterclass in the technical art of reading play development from the back row -- explaining why...

With Lindsay away this week, Tiff takes the mic solo for a jam-packed, fast-paced overview of the chaotic post-season landscape in American women's pro volleyball. 

She starts with a celebratory breakdown of Team USA’s absolute domination during Week 2 of the VNL in the Philippines. From there, Tiff dives into the wild transaction wires across both domestic leagues. She details the major wave of "LOVB defectors" making the jump to MLV. while pointing out massive roster vacancies and expansion team question marks still loooming over the league. She wraps up the episode with a rundown of other exc...

With a highly anticipated Team USA guest on deck for next week, Tiff and Lindsay are flying solo for a quick, unfiltered recap of everything going on in the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). The hosts dive straight into the shockwaves that swept the volleyball world after Canada's historic sweep of Team USA, before analyzing how the Americans bounced back against Germany. They discuss the major roster adjustments heading into Week 2 in the Philippines, celebrating the dominant return of Olympians like Chiaka Ogbogu and Jordyn Poulter to face a tough Italian squad.

Plus, the great Team USA libero...

Listener’s Note: This episode contains references to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7. Please call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or check the resources listed at the bottom of these show notes.

In this episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with Penn State’s graduate outside hitter Whitney Lauenstein for an incredibly honest conversation about resilience, self-advocacy, and growth. Whitney pulls back the curtain on her highly publicized collegiate journey from Nebraska to Texas, sharing the immense courage it took to s...

Tiff and Lindsay will be taking a little break over the next two weeks, so we'll be airing some previous interviews.

In this week's Encore episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with one of the most clinical and feared offensive threats in the world: two-time Olympic medalist and LOVB Houston star Jordan Thompson. Despite being at the absolute peak of her powers (leading LOVB in points and kills), Jordan opens up about her unique "underdog mentality" and the journey of a late bloomer who wasn't a five-star recruit but went on to shatter...

In this episode of Side Out Society, we sit down with a true pioneer, an international icon, and a master floor general: Natalia "Naty" Valentín-Anderson. Standing at 5-foot-6 in a sport dominated by giants, Naty has spent her entire career defying the height restrictions, relying on relentless hard work, pristine location, and unmatched grit to prove that shorties can absolute dictate terms in a big girls' game. She opens up about her unique journey from Caguas, Puerto Rico, where she originally trained as a track runner before her mother stepped in with a life-changing suggestion to try volleyball, t...

In this episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we are joined by a newly crowned champion: Kaylee Cox. Fresh off helping lead the Dallas Pulse to an incredible victory in the 2026 Major League Volleyball Championship, Kaylee takes us behind the scenes of that intense five-set battle against the Omaha Supernovas. She opens up about the "underdog mentality" that fueled the Pulse all season and the locker room culture that allowed a first-year expansion team to shock the league and hoist the trophy in front of a sold-out hometown crowd.

We also dive into Kaylee’s unique jo...

In this episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with one of the most clinical and feared offensive threats in the world: two-time Olympic medalist and LOVB Houston star Jordan Thompson. Despite being at the absolute peak of her powers (leading LOVB in points and kills), Jordan opens up about her unique "underdog mentality" and the journey of a late bloomer who wasn't a five-star recruit but went on to shatter NCAA records and win Olympic Gold. She shares the vulnerable side of professional athletics, from the heartbreak of a surprising playoff exit to the "endless...

Due to unexpected scheduling conflicts, we were unable to record a new episode this week. So with MLV Playoffs right around the corner, we decided to give you an encore presentation of our interview with Dallas Pulse rookie, Mimi Colyer. Stay tuned next week as we have an exciting interview coming up!

What does it feel like to be the first-ever number one overall pick for a brand new franchise? This week, we’re joined by the high-flying, heavy-hitting Mimi Colyer. Mimi takes us behind the scenes of her historic draft day at Wisconsin, recounting the surreal mo...

In this episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we’re joined by a man who is as comfortable staring down a 70 MPH jump serve as he is directing a viral masterpiece: Gage Worsley. As a co-founder of the volleyball media powerhouse Out of System, Gage has played a pivotal role in reshaping volleyball culture, moving the sport beyond the court and into the world of high-octane storytelling and "rascal" energy. We catch up with Gage while he's in the thick of the French League playoffs to talk about the grind of being a professional libero while managing a co...

With Lindsay away this week, Tiff takes the mic solo for a quick preview into the upcoming League One Volleyball Finals in Long Beach. The semifinals were a big surprise as both underdogs — 3-seed LOVB Austin and 4-seed LOVB Salt Lake — made their way through up to a massive championship showdown. In the end, Tiff predicts who she thinks is going to win the 2026 LOVB Finals

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In this episode of the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with one of the most exciting young stars in college volleyball: Suli Davis. Despite growing up in Hawaii, Suli didn’t actually pick up a volleyball until she moved to Dallas six years ago, where her mom (a former player herself) stepped in as her first coach to kickstart a meteoric rise. We dive into what it’s like growing up in a family of pure athletic royalty and how she transitioned from a record-breaking, All-American debut as the 2025 Big 12 Freshman of the Year at BYU to beco...

In this episode of Side Out Society, we sit down with Minnesota Gopher alum and 2026 MLV All-Star middle blocker Regan Pittman-Nelson to discuss her incredible journey from burnout and a three-year retirement back to the top of the professional game. Regan opens up about what led her away from the court after college, and the grueling physical and mental rebuild required to transform back into the league's leading blocker for the Columbus Fury.

We explore the "Renaissance woman" behind the stats, diving into her unique artist background in knitting, fashion, and hair, her life as a dedicated...

In this episode of Side Out Society, we step off the court with one of the most dominant scorers in the professional game to uncover the person behind the points: Temi Thomas-Ailara. While she is currently lighting up the league for LOVB Madison, Temi opens up about the "imposter syndrome" she felt during her transition to the pro ranks and how she’s learned to own her place alongside the very women she grew up admiring. We explore the fascinating contrast between her high-level degrees in bioengineering and her absolute love for "total garbage" cinema, proving that even a li...

In this episode of Side Out Society, we are joined by a literal basketball savant and a certified power player in the world of sports: Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd.

While you know him as a Hall of Famer, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and one of the greatest point guards to ever play the game, we’re diving into his newest high-stakes role: Volleyball Dad and Professional Investor.

Coach Kidd joins Tiff and Lindsay to discuss his strategic investment in the Dallas Pulse and why he believes volleyball is currently the most exciting "organic" gr...

This week on the Side Out Society Podcast, hosts Tiffany Oshinsky and Lindsay Harwood break down the week's professional and collegiate volleyball news. We start with Major League Volleyball, where Dan Meske and Beth Launiere have been named All-Star coaches for the March 28th game in Orlando. We also dive into this week's dominance of rookie Mimi Colyer, who is currently leading the league in both points and kills.

Over in League One Volleyball, we discuss the return of the LOVB Icons fan-voting initiative and the newly announced host cities for the playoffs. Plus, we react to...

February is officially in the rearview mirror, which means the "spring sprint" is on. This week on Side Out Society, Tiff and Lindsay take the pulse of the professional volleyball world in their second State of the Pros address.

We kick things off with a jam-packed college update, looking ahead to a high-stakes spring schedule featuring matchups like Nebraska vs. Creighton and a Big 10 showdown between Wisconsin and Minnesota. Plus, we share some exciting intel on the new Paradise Invitational, an all-inclusive fan experience heading to the Bahamas this September where you can catch Kentucky, Houston, Purdue...

In this episode, we’re joined by Atlanta Vibe setter and first-round draft pick Averi Carlson for a conversation that’s equal parts fun and insightful.

Averi takes us through her volleyball journey, from dominating high school and studying Lauren Carlini film like it was a masterclass, to navigating the uncertainty of the transfer portal, and ultimately finding her perfect fit at SMU. She opens up about taking risks, trusting her instincts, and how those decisions helped shape her into the player she is today. 

We also dive into her transition to the pros, what it’s...

This week, we’re catching up on a huge week in volleyball news — and filling Tiff in on everything she missed while at Disney.

We break down the LOVB Classic, what worked (and what didn’t), and which teams are starting to separate themselves halfway through the season. Then we dive into Major League Volleyball’s first-ever trade, what it means for both teams, and why roster moves like this could shape the league’s future. We also discuss new rule changes coming to the Volleyball Nations League and the potential impact they could have on the game.

What happens when you're ready to retire from the court, only to find out you've been drafted 14th overall while you weren't even watching? This week on the Side Out Society Podcast, we sit down with the Omaha Supernovas' "accidental pro," Reagan Cooper.

Reagan opens up about her unique transition to the pro level, the mental game of building confidence as a national standout, and why her journey from Washington State to Texas Tech to Kansas was just the beginning.

We also dive into her human side... from her "flight anxiety" to her secret life...

What does it feel like to be the first-ever number one pick for a brand new franchise? This week, we’re joined by the high-flying, heavy-hitting Mimi Colyer. Mimi takes us behind the scenes of her historic draft day at Wisconsin, recounting the surreal moment the confetti popped in the team room just hours before she had to lock back in for practice.

We dive into her transition from being a standout at Oregon to a legend at Wisconsin, winning the inaugural AVCA Outside Hitter of the Year award, and what it's like to now lead the ch...

Is having two pro leagues good for the sport, or is it just confusing? This week, we issue our official "State of the Pros" address for January. We compare the start of the 2026 season for both leagues, highlighting the breakout rookie performances from Rebekah Allick and Kiara Reinhardt, and the surprising roster moves like the sudden release of Maddie Waak.

We also debate the "Merger" timeline. Are we looking at an NFL/AFL situation, and what was up with that competing "NorCal" team announcement? From the "pink" broadcast lighting issues to the disparity in playing time for...

In this episode, we’re joined by Kimberly Drewniok, LOVB Nebraska's charismatic opposite, to talk about more than just volleyball.

Kimberly opens up about her mindset both on and off the court, like how she recharges, stays motivated, and continues learning through every phase of her career. From breathwork to trusting herself in high-pressure moments, she shares the habits and philosophies that keep her grounded and growing.

We also talk about the transition to LOVB, her love of the outdoors, animals and her family, and how she’s learned to redefine success, not just by wins...

In this episode, we sit down with Lauren Carlini, U.S. National Team setter, former All-American at Wisconsin, and one of the most passionate leaders in volleyball.

We dive into her journey from elite player to emerging coach, and how her experiences competing at the highest level have shaped the way she teaches, leads, and connects with the next generation. Lauren shares what makes a great setter, how her perspective has evolved over time, and what it means to truly lead, both on and off the court.

From her fire and work ethic to the...

In our first episode of 2026, we sit down with volleyball legend Jordan Larson, Olympic gold medalist, founding athlete of League One Volleyball, and proud dog mom to a stubborn bulldog named Win.

We talk about everything from her mindset and physical longevity, to what she’s learned from playing at the highest level for decades. Jordan opens up about what’s next — both on the court and potentially off it — as she navigates her final season, ownership in LOVB Nebraska, and her evolving role in shaping the future of the sport.

We also get her thoughts...

This episode originally aired back on November 19th, but we edited it to make the interview more evergreen.

She’s one of the best voices in volleyball, and she’s on the mic with us this week! Emily Ehman joins Side Out Society to talk about her rise as a broadcaster, the mentors who shaped her, and what’s next for the sport.

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In our final episode of 2025, we’re going all in on Texas A&M, your new NCAA Women’s Volleyball National Champions! After an unforgettable weekend in Kansas City, we reflect on the Aggies' dominant sweep over Kentucky in the title match and how Jamie Morrison’s team capped off their historic season.

We also share what it was like being on the ground for the semifinals — meeting players, coaches, fellow media members, and passionate fans — and how that experience has us even more excited for what’s coming in 2026. From Side Out Society’s growing brand to the podcast...

The 2025 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Final Four is officially set, and in this episode, we break down how each team punched their ticket to Kansas City. We dive into the four remaining teams — Texas A&M, Pittsburgh, Kentucky, and Wisconsin — and what they did in their Regional Final wins to earn a spot in the semifinals.

We spend time on Nebraska’s shocking upset loss to Texas A&M and how Jamie Morrison has completely transformed the Aggies program. We also discuss the unique “cheat codes” each of the Final Four teams seem to have, and why that matters...

The NCAA Tournament deserves better.
We kick off this episode with some real talk about why it’s frustrating that the first two rounds were stuck on ESPN+, and why the production value matters for a sport that’s exploding in popularity.

Then we look ahead to the regional semifinals and finals, break down Cal Poly’s Cinderella run and their chances vs. Kentucky, and dig into Tennessee’s early exit… and the seven players now in the transfer portal .

We also highlight some big names in the portal, what they could mean for next seaso...

We’re joined by LJ Rader (the mind behind Art But Make It Sports) and Elling Hofland (die-hard Minnesota Gophers fan) — two of the founders of FanFlare Sports, a new app designed to bring fans closer to women’s college volleyball.

We get into how a volleyball rookie (LJ) and a superfan (Elling) teamed up, what they’re trying to solve for fans, and how they built a one-stop-shop for schedules, where to watch, stats, and community.

Plus, we discuss our thoughts on who could take down Nebraska, the future of volleyball fandom, the outlook for Minn...

The 2025 NCAA D1 Women’s Volleyball Tournament bracket is LIVE — and we’re diving in. We go region by region with first-look reactions, upset picks, strength of schedule thoughts, and who we think will win it all. Plus, we’re launching the Side Out Society Bracket Challenge! Submit your bracket at sideoutsociety.com for a chance to win an exclusive Side Out Society sweatshirt… that not even we have yet.

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This week, Tiff takes the mic solo to recap one of the biggest matches of the season: Kentucky’s reverse sweep over Texas to win the 2025 SEC Championship. From Eva Hudson’s 25-kill performance to Asia Thigpen’s unstoppable energy and Lizzie Carr’s nine blocks, we break down exactly how the Wildcats turned the match around.

Tiff also looks ahead to the final days of conference play, where Stanford, Louisville, and Pitt are battling for the ACC crown, and highlights newly crowned champs across the country who earned automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament.

Then it’...

She’s one of the best voices in volleyball, and she’s on the mic with us this week! Emily Ehman joins Side Out Society to break down Nebraska’s first loss in 48 matches, whether UCLA exposed a crack in the Huskers’ armor, and why SMU is one of the most fun teams to watch heading into tournament season. We cover the ACC power struggle between Pitt, Stanford, and more, preview the upcoming SEC Tournament (which Emily will be covering), and talk about her rise as a broadcaster, the mentors who shaped her, and what’s next for the sport. We...

With Lindsay out this week, Tiff takes the mic solo to break down the AVCA National Player of the Year semifinalists and share her pick for who should take home the honor. She dives into last week’s upsets (and why they didn’t shake much up), celebrates Coach Craig Skinner’s legendary desk-stand moment in Kentucky, and shouts out Malorie Boesiger’s second state title in Nebraska. Plus, updates on MLV’s new TV deal, LOVB’s First Serve schedule, and Team USA’s U17 squad dominating their debut tournament.

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This week was pure madness in women’s volleyball. Thirteen upsets — including seven on Halloween — shook up the rankings as Texas dropped twice (including a sweep by Kentucky). We break down all the biggest moves: North Carolina’s jump to No. 15, Iowa State crashing the Top 25, and Nebraska’s unstoppable sweep streak.

We close with our latest Position Club picks, our must-watch matches of the week, and a heartfelt message for Rutgers head coach Caitlin Schweihofer. Plus, baby news and Jordan Thompson’s continued dominance in AU Pro Volleyball.

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