Tonight on Bird Fans 4 Ever, we’re talking Illinois State basketball and the changing landscape surrounding Redbird hoops with Brennan White from Illinois State University and Jason Higdon from Empower The Nest. We’ll discuss NIL, roster building, player retention, recruiting, and what the future looks like for Illinois State basketball as college athletics continues to evolve. From behind-the-scenes support for student-athletes to the challenges facing mid-major basketball programs in today’s environment, this is a conversation Redbird basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Please welcome Brennan White and Jason Higdon from Empower The Nest to Bird Fans 4 Ever!

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 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

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🚨 NEW EPISODE 🚨
Hey BirdFans! 🔴⚪️
Episode 82 of Bird Fans 4 Ever is live and we’re joined by former Illinois State guard Elyce Knudsen!
We talk about:
🏀 Her basketball journey from Millikin to Illinois State
🔥 Her playing style and approach to the game
⭐ The first moment at ISU when she realized, “this is Division I basketball”
👀 How watching Paige Robinson helped influence her path to becoming a Redbird
A great conversation looking back at Elyce’s Redbird journey.
🎧 Listen now!
#BirdFans4Ever #BackTheBirds #ISURedbirds

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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.

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 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

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 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

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 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

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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! 🎧

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🚨 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. 🏈⚖️

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🎙️ 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

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