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The Side Out Society is your front-row seat to the culture, stories, and personalities of women’s volleyball — from NCAA powerhouses to the pros and Team USA. Hosted by Tiffany Oshinsky and Lindsay Harwood, we cover the matches, moments, and behind-the-scenes vibes every fan (and volley-curious newcomer) needs to know. Whether you’re here for the big plays, the inside stories, or the community, welcome to the coolest club in volleyball.
34 Episodes
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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 literal genius needs to shut off the brain with a bad movie every now and then.
The conversation dives into the "Temi" the fans don’t see, from her meticulous hobby of bedazzling and her progress on a long-term crochet project to the essential role her cats and her brother play in keeping her grounded. Temi shares heartfelt stories about her family’s support, how she manages the pressure of being a "high-IQ powerhouse," and what it really feels like to finally be at home in the professional world. Whether you're interested in the mental game of elite sports or just want to know which bad movie to add to your watchlist, this episode is a beautiful look at one of volleyball's most thoughtful stars.
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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" growth story in sports.
Whether you’re a Mavs fan, a volleyball parent, or just love a good look into the business of sports, this conversation is a total ace.
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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 the 12 nickname finalists for LOVB Nebraska — from the Cranes to the Cornadoes — and debate which one actually captures the spirit of the state.
Finally, we highlight "superhuman" performances from Lauren Carlini and Jordan Thompson, recap Louisville’s first spring game victory, and share our dream celebrity volleyball teammates.
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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, and SMU in the ultimate volleyball vacation at the beach.
Then, we shift gears to the pro ranks to discuss the hiring of Jamie Weston as the new MLV Commissioner and the "Mavericks-level" investment of Jason Kidd in the Dallas Pulse. We also dive into the expansion buzz, wondering what the new Minnesota team will be named.
The real heat comes during our All-Star dissection. We pull back the curtain on our official ballots for the March 28th All-Star Game in Orlando, debating the "video game numbers" of rookies like Mimi Colyer and the defensive dominance of Morgan Hentz.
Plus, we celebrate the newest members of the USA Volleyball Hall of Fame. Grab your McDonald's Diet Coke and settle in for the full breakdown.
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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 really like being a rookie in a high-speed, high-pressure environment, and how she’s learning to lead as a setter while stepping outside her comfort zone.
And of course, we get into the important stuff: Diet Coke rankings, sushi reviews with teammates, bedazzling hobbies, and life in Atlanta.
Whether you’re a setter, a player navigating your own path, or just a fan of the game, this episode is all about trusting the journey and embracing every step along the way.
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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.
Off the court, we talk about some of the biggest headlines around the sport, from legal developments in the pro ranks to the growing crossover between volleyball and pop culture. And to wrap things up, we share a surprising deep dive into why so many volleyball players end up becoming Olympic bobsledders — a connection we never expected but now can’t stop thinking about.
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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 in The Sims 4. And stick around for our "Side Out Sprint" as Reagan reveals her favorite horror movies and what's in her must-have item in her bag that isn't volleyball related.
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 charge for the Dallas Pulse in Major League Volleyball. Stick around for our "Side Out Sprint" rapid-fire round, where Mimi reveals her favorite emoji to use in a group chat and who is officially the funniest person in the Pulse locker room.
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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.
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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, but by joy, growth, and connection.
Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or just someone working toward big goals, this episode is a reminder to slow down, check in, and fall in love with the process.
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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.
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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.
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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 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.
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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!
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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.
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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/
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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’s on to the Pros: a full review of Major League Volleyball’s 2025 Draft... top picks, surprise slides (yes, we’re looking at Flormarie Heredia Colon), roster implications, and how MLV and LOVB might overlap as the season approaches.
Also inside:
• Position Club inductions across five conferences
• Why the Indiana “heckling controversy” wasn’t actually a controversy
• The Wicked For Good social trend taking over college volleyball
• What to expect heading into Selection Sunday
A jam-packed episode leading into next week's announcement of this year’s 64-team bracket!
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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 finish, of course, with her picks for National Player of the Year and who she thinks will win it all.
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