Bird Fans 4 Ever Podcast

🏀 BIRD FANS 4 EVER — EPISODE 95! 🏀 Illinois State head coach Ryan Pedon joins Bird Fans 4 Ever for an inside look at what it really takes to build a college basketball season. 🎙️ How do you build a schedule that helps a team grow? Coach Pedon takes us behind the scenes of scheduling—balancing non-conference opportunities, home-court atmosphere, travel demands, and the grind of Valley play. He explains how the right opponents can expose weaknesses, build confidence, and prepare a team for the challenges ahead. Then, we dive into the Redbirds 🔴⚪️ Pedon breaks down:▪️ The returning core bringing leadership and continuity▪️ The newcomers and what each player brings to the roster▪️ The internal competition pushing everyone to improve▪️ The development of this team’s identity▪️ Why toughness, connectedness, and doing the little things right could make a difference From constructing the schedule to constructing the team, Coach Pedon gives Bird Fans 4 Ever a rare look at the process behind the program. 🎧 Episode 95 is one Redbird fans won’t want to miss! 👉 Subscribe and follow Birdfans4Ever so you never miss an episode. 🔴⚪️ Go ‘Birds! #BirdFans4Ever #IllinoisState #Redbirds #GoBirds #IllinoisStateBasketball

Bird Fans 4 Ever sits down with one of the greatest defensive backs ever to wear the Redbird uniform — Mike Prior, a standout at Illinois State from 1981–1984 who went on to carve out a remarkable 13‑year NFL career with the Buccaneers, Colts, and Packers. Mike takes us through his journey as a two‑sport athlete, starring not only on the football field but also as a key contributor on the ISU baseball team.

Redbird swim coach Ryan Evans joins the show to talk culture, leadership, and the new era of ISU Swimming. He shares the mindset behind building a connected team.  It’s a conversation full of insight, leadership, and the kind of behind‑the‑scenes perspective only a coach can provide. Redbird fans will appreciate the heart, honesty, and passion Coach Evans brings to the program every single day.

Bird Fans 4 Ever Episode 92 spotlights Todd Kagel, a former Illinois State men’s basketball standout whose career from 1988–1993 left a lasting mark on Redbird hoops. Known for his deadly three‑point shooting and his ability to deliver in the final seconds, Kagel became one of those players fans trusted when the game was on the line. A must‑listen for Redbird fans who love reliving the big shots, tight finishes, and unforgettable personalities that shaped ISU basketball history.

Hannah Chicken has quickly become one of the most exciting young talents in Illinois State Women’s Basketball — a player whose energy, toughness, and competitive fire will show up every single night. Whether she’s locking down on defense, pushing the pace, or knocking down big shots, Hannah plays with the kind of edge that Redbird fans instantly connect with. In this episode of Bird Fans 4 Ever, Hannah to talk about her journey to ISU, the work behind her development, and the mentality she brings to the court. You’ll hear about her growth as a student‑athlete.  It’s a conversation full of personality, insight, and that trademark Redbird grit — the perfect Podcast for fans who love seeing the next generation of ISU stars rise.