The Side Out Society Podcast

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 college faves, we cover the good, the bad, and the chaotic of pro volleyball’s growth. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

In this engaging conversation, Kimberly Drewniok, a professional volleyball player with global experience, shares her journey from Europe to LOVB Nebraska. She opens up about embracing her mixed-race identity and how volleyball helped her find belonging. Kimberly discusses prioritizing family, her nonprofit work, and reconnecting with nature. She emphasizes the importance of mental tools over outcomes, the lessons she's learned about courage, and her love for the sport. Dive into her inspiring mindset and life philosophies that resonate far beyond the court.

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 way she reads the game and motivates others, this conversation is all about growth, mindset, and loving the grind. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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 on coaching, rec leagues, TikTok, and what she wishes more people asked her about. It’s the perfect way to start the new year. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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 lineup we already have planned, the new year is going to be big! To celebrate the season’s end, we hand out our inaugural superlatives, with categories like “Most Likely to Break the Radar Gun,” “Best Celebration,” and, of course, “The Great Wall of Cos-Okpalla.” Finally, just because the college season is over doesn’t mean it’s time to stop watching! We highlight some of the top graduates who are heading to League One Volleyball and Major League Volleyball — and where you can catch your favorite stars next. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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 heading into the semifinals. To close out the segment, we share our picks for who we think will move on to the National Championship on Sunday, December 21. We also take a look at some major transfer portal developments, including Alexis Stucky’s decision to join Penn State and reunite with Kennedy Martin, Ayden Ames entering the portal after Texas’s loss, and the potential impact of 6-foot-7 opposite Jovana Zelenevic from Kansas. Finally, we discuss the National Player of the Year Finalists and debate who should win in what feels like one of the toughest decisions in recent memory! Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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 season, and then shift to the pro scene, where League One Volleyball teased a 9th team, the Orlando Valkyries are headed to the FIVB World Club Championship, and matches will be broadcast on Vice TV. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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 Minnesota and Vanderbilt volleyball, and why FanFlare might be your new favorite app. Download the app (iOS only... for now): https://www.fanflaresports.com/ Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

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. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety