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The Side Out Society Podcast

Side Out Society

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.

  • 20 episodes
  • Updated Wednesday

Episodes20

  • Wednesday · 44 min

    Ep 46: Sam Erger: On Being Chalant, the Ultimate Mom Multitasker, Raising the Bar to make Roster Magic

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

  • July 22 · 54 min

    Ep 45: Brooklyn DeLeye: Multi-Sport Roots, Championship Hunger, Family Bonds, and Kentucky’s Next Run

    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 her multi-sport background built her elite athleticism, and shares the deep family bonds that drive her. Plus, Brooklyn reveals her quirky pre-game whiteboard ritual, her go-to pre-match comfort food, and her ultimate travel bucket list in a hilarious, rapid-fire Side Out Sprint! Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • July 15 · 17 min

    Ep 44: The Great Roster Migration—LOVB’s 2027 Roster Drop, MLV Defections, and VNL Finals Hype

    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 franchise just built the ultimate super-team and who won the free agency wars. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • July 8 · 11 min

    Ep 43: Volleyball Doesn't Vacation: VNL Osaka Roster Drops, Badass Volleyball Mamas, and Massive LOVB Signings

    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 draft strategy. Plus, Tiff goes over the new LOVB signings and how it felt like they were in damage control after a volleyball database seemingly dished the tea early, and rounds out the week with a celebratory sweep of recent engagements, baby milestones, and new commitments within the community. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • July 1 · 41 min

    Ep 42: Morgan Hentz: Romance Novels, Road Trips, and Reading the Court

    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 she never keeps her feet fully planted in the concrete. - and reveals how her early club days as an underdog built her legendary, never-die hustle. Off the hardwood, Morgan opens up about her incredibly close-knit family, sharing how her role as the oldest of four siblings heavily shaped her leadership, and what it looks like to connect with her brother, Louie, through backyard swims and a strict rotation of classic Disney movies. From her whirlwind mid-season pro trade to Grand Rapids to her post-volleyball dreams of pursuing occupational therapy, Morgan brings a beautiful, grounded perspective on how to play at the highest level while prioritizing joy. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • June 24 · 10 min

    Ep 41: Roster Defections, International Influxes, and the VNL Week 2 Domination

    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 exciting things happening off the court in the world of women's volleyball! Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • June 17 · 23 min

    Ep 40: Solo Session: VNL Week 1 Surprises, Roster Shakeups, and Libero Debates

    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 debate, Nebraska players in Tanzania, and the interesting crossover that led Michigan to cancel an upcoming match. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • June 10 · 1 hr 1 min

    Ep 39: Whitney Lauenstein: Stepping Into Happy Valley, Reclaiming the Joy, and the Reality of Being a D1 Super-Mom

    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 step away from the sport to properly process personal grief after losing her dad to suicide. She breaks down how the arrival of her daughter, Layla, completely transformed her relationship with volleyball, shifting her focus from social media speculation to the beautifully hectic reality of being a D1 student-athlete and a mom. Whitney takes us behind the scenes of her new life in Happy Valley, explaining how a search on Zillow and a profound desire to play for an all-woman coaching staff led her straight to Coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley. She opens up about the logistical grind of balancing peak physical training with parenting, and how her fiancé, Luke, stepped up as a stay-at-home dad so she could fearlessly chase her final collegiate chapter. If you or someone you know is going through a difficult time or experiencing a mental health crisis, please know that support is available 24/7. You are not alone. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US & Canada): Call or text 988 to speak with a trained counselor. It is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Website: 988lifeline.org The Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor via text. Website: crisistextline.org The Trevor Project (For LGBTQ youth): Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678. Website: thetrevorproject.org Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Website: veteranscrisisline.net International Resources: If you are listening outside the United States, please find a helpline in your country at findahelpline.com or befrienders.org.

  • May 28 · 48 min

    Encore: Jordan Thompson: The Underdog Mentality, Olympic Gold, and the Fine Art of Antiquing

    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 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 tryout" energy of the Team USA gym as she begins her focused run toward the LA 2028 Olympics. Beyond the "scoring machine" persona, we get a rare look at the person off the court. Jordan discusses her passion for antiquing, her hilarious and adorable engagement story, and her deep-seated life motto to "lead with love". From her background in basketball to her current status as a mentor for the next generation of players, this conversation is an inspiring deep dive into what it truly means to evolve as both an athlete and a human being. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • May 21 · 53 min

    Ep 38: Natalia Valentín-Anderson: Defying the Giants to Become One of the World’s Elite Setters

    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, to shattering records as Florida International University’s all-time assists leader. Naty takes us behind the scenes of her extensive global resume, spanning top professional leagues across Europe and captaining the Puerto Rican national team to its historic first-ever Olympic appearance at the 2016 Rio Games. We also explore the incredible twist of fate that brought her back to the States, from winning the inaugural PVF championship with the Omaha Supernovas in her husband Colt’s hometown, to moving to Texas to become the captain who orchestrated a fairytale run for the expansion Dallas Pulse to win the 2026 MLV Championship. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • May 13 · 36 min

    Ep 37: Kaylee Cox: From Flower Mound Phenom to Major League Volleyball Champion

    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 journey as the "volleyball rebel" in a family of legendary basketball players. Kaylee shares hilarious stories of growing up in an elite athletic household, from the physical battles with her sisters to the moment she officially traded in the hoops for the net. From her record-breaking 34-kill performance to her deep love for Italian pasta and lake-day adventures, this conversation explores the fire and grit of a hometown hero who is truly coming into her own. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • May 6 · 48 min

    Ep 36: Jordan Thompson: The Underdog Mentality, Olympic Gold, and the Fine Art of Antiquing

    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 tryout" energy of the Team USA gym as she begins her focused run toward the LA 2028 Olympics. Beyond the scoring machine persona, we get a rare look at the person off the court. Jordan discusses her passion for antiquing, her hilarious and adorable engagement story, and her deep-seated life motto to "lead with love". From her background in basketball to her current status as a mentor for the next generation of players, this conversation is an inspiring deep dive into what it truly means to evolve as both an athlete and a human being. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • April 29 · 36 min

    Encore: Mimi Colyer: Redefining Gravity as the Heartbeat of the Dallas Pulse

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

  • April 22 · 53 min

    Ep 35: Gage Worsley: Viral Hits, Content Chaos, and the Out of System Movement

    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 content empire that never sleeps, even if it means trading rest for midnight editing sessions. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • April 15 · 7 min

    Ep 34: LOVB Finals Preview: Can Austin Go Back-to-Back?

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

  • April 8 · 32 min

    Ep 33: Suli Davis: From Island Roots to SMU’s Hometown Hero

    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 becoming the centerpiece of the SMU Mustangs. Beyond the stats and the "sick" highlights, we get to know the girl behind the Google results. Suli shares her excitement for the upcoming spring games, her thoughts on the Paradise Invitational in the Bahamas, and how she unwinds off the court with her ukulele. This conversation is a deep dive into the hopes and dreams of a player who is just getting started, offering a rare look at her mindset as she balances high-stakes competition with her love for her hometown community. You won’t want to miss learning what the future holds for this hometown phenom. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • April 1 · 46 min

    Ep 32: Regan Pittman-Nelson: From Retirement to MLV All-Star Dominance

    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 dog mom to Earl, and the relatable chaos of being a "Volleyball Bride" planning a May 30th wedding while dominating the pros. Whether you’re interested in the mindset of an elite athlete or looking for your next hobby recommendation from a pro who designs her own clothes, this conversation offers a deep, personal look at one of volleyball's most grounded and creative stars. Follow us on social media: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sideoutsociety Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sideoutsociety

  • March 25 · 46 min

    Ep 31: Temi Thomas-Ailara: The High-IQ Powerhouse Dominating LOVB

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

  • March 18 · 30 min

    Ep 30: Coach Jason Kidd: Grit, Growth, and the "Nervous" Reality of Being a Volleyball Dad

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

  • March 11 · 32 min

    Ep 29: All-Star Coaches, Icons, LOVB Nebraska Nicknames, and More

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