Best Switch The Mic Podcasts (2025)

We sit down with St. Louis comic Sean O’Brien who has opened for legends like Bill Burr, Norm Macdonald, and Nikki Glaser. Sean got his start bartending at the St. Louis Funny Bone, where he met Mike Lukas — and, in true full-circle fashion, Mike’s show ended up becoming Sean’s very first paid gig. In this episode, Sean breaks down his writing proc…

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NFL Week 10 and Coaches Hot Seat 53:37

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10d ago53:37

53:37

This week we go over the week 10 NFL slate. Patriots continue to impress and then we look at the possible coaches hot seats on the heels of Brian Dabolls firing. MLB ROY awards and the Dallas Mavs fire their villain in the Luka to the Lakers tradeBy Andrew Diamontopoulos

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Ep. 78 - LAPD Gang Det. Tim Pearce on his 18-year LE Career and the “Officer Needs Help” Call That Changed Everything. 1:42:58

7d ago1:42:58

1:42:58

Ep. 78 - LAPD Gang Detective Tim Pearce reflects on choosing law enforcement; working the CRASH Gang Unit with his partner Kristina Ripatti who would become his wife; and on the “Officer Needs Help” call that changed everything for them both. Tim joined LAPD in 1996 in the wake of the Rodney King riots and the OJ Simpson trial working Skid Row as a…

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Crowd Work with Michael Halcomb 1:00:52

15h ago1:00:52

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This pod’s guest is Michael Halcomb — a professor, pastor, comedian, and podcaster from North Carolina, proving once and for all that the best way to handle hecklers is with a sermon, a syllabus, and a punchline. Chris asks Michael and Mike about their jointly-authored article “10 Ways to Upgrade Your Crowd Work” — covering how to turn audience cha…

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Week 9 in the NFL, NFL Trade deadline and Anti-Narrative 56:18

14d ago56:18

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In this conversation, Andrew Diamontopoulos discusses the recent NFL trade deadline, analyzing key trades and their implications for various teams. He critiques the decision-making of team management, particularly focusing on the Dallas Cowboys and their trades under Jerry Jones. The discussion also delves into coaching strategies, specifically the…

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Two Hours of Funny, Every. Single. Day. With Pete Schwaba 44:36

7d ago44:36

44:36

In this episode of The Funny Muscle Podcast, we welcome Pete Schwaba — veteran comedian, screenwriter, actor, and radio host — to prove that comedy isn’t just about punchlines; it’s about endurance, caffeine, and creative chaos. Pete shares war stories from the road, how writing a two-hour daily radio show feels like prepping a stand-up set that ne…

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NBA Season Preview with Dan and Ian 1:18:43

22d ago1:18:43

1:18:43

Andrew, Dan, and Ian break down the upcoming 2025 NBA season with bold predictions and hot takes. After a wild offseason full of major moves, the league looks wide open. Can the Thunder repeat as champions, or will a surprise team make a deep playoff run? Tune in for analysis, laughs, and all the early-season storylines you need to know!…

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How AI can help women in tech 45:18

10d ago45:18

45:18

In this episode, Ruth Bucknell, VP Experience Design at Merkle, joins us to share her journey of building a career in the tech industry and navigating the challenges of male-dominated spaces. She reflects on the importance of intentional inclusion, her motivation for founding the Women in Tech network, and how community can be a powerful driver for…

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NFL Week 8, NBA Season Kickoff and World Series preview 41:11

27d ago41:11

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In this episode of Loftside Banter, Andrew Diamontopoulos discusses the kickoff of the NBA season, highlights breaking news regarding a gambling scandal involving NBA players, and recaps the performances of various teams in both the NBA and NFL. He provides insights into the implications of the gambling investigation, analyzes key games from the NB…

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How Comics Think While You Laugh (Inside the Comic's Brain) 31:29

24d ago31:29

31:29

Ever wonder what a stand-up is really doing onstage while you’re laughing? This episode breaks down the invisible gears turning inside a comic’s brain — the quick rewrites, subtle pauses, and instinctive callbacks that make a joke feel alive in the room. Mike and Chris explore how great comics read an audience in real time and adjust every beat to …

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Leadership unlocked: Tips and insights 41:17

1M ago41:17

41:17

In this inspiring conversation, we sit down with Annika Bizon - newly appointed Vice President of Product & Marketing for Samsung’s Mobile Experience division in the UK & Ireland - to explore how bold female leadership is reshaping the tech landscape. Annika opens up about her rapid rise inside Samsung and the strategic vision she’s driving across …

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NFL Week 7, Patriots on the Rise and MLB, NHL and NBA check ins 1:07:52

22d ago1:07:52

1:07:52

In this episode of Loftside Banter, Andrew discusses the current state of various sports leagues, focusing primarily on the NFL and the New England Patriots. He analyzes the Patriots' recent performances, highlighting the emergence of quarterback Drake May and the need for improvement in the running game. The conversation also touches on upcoming g…

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Thriving in Tech Without a Tech Background 29:53

21d ago29:53

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In this episode, we’re joined by Alison Leightley, Events Marketing Manager at Redgate Software team who shares her unique journey into the world of tech - which wasn’t a straight, linear path. Alison opens up about the challenges she faced, the triumphs she’s celebrated, and what it’s like to build a career in tech without being “techie.” We also …

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Summer Internship Insights: Gaining Tech Experience at Redgate Software 1:05:01

1M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Join us for an insightful episode as we chat with Karyna Botvina, Blessing Emmanuel, and Rukaiya Khondaker, three talented interns from Redgate Software. They spent their summer gaining invaluable experience in the tech industry before heading back to complete their final year at university. From their journey into tech to their day-to-day experien…

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Ep. 77 Dallas PD’s Joe King with 28 years on; Honoring The Dallas Five; Pioneering Trauma-Informed Care through the Wellness Unit and the Assist the Officer Foundation. 1:23:11

1M ago1:23:11

1:23:11

Ep. 77 - Many of you know Dallas PD’s Joe King as the host of the compelling podcast “ATO: Bridging the Divide” which supports the mission of the Assist the Officer Foundation. Joe joined The Dallas Police Department in 1997, starting out in the Southeast Division. We talk about why he chose law enforcement, an early critical incident that sticks w…

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You Belong Here: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 50:55

1M ago50:55

50:55

Join Amanda Whicher, Technology Director at Hays UK&I, as she delves into the complex world of imposter syndrome. In this insightful episode, Amanda explores fresh perspectives on how to overcome feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt in the tech sector. Drawing from recent research and her own experiences, Amanda sheds light on practical strategies…

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NFL Week 5 Preview, MLB Playoffs and 1:00:23

2M ago1:00:23

1:00:23

In this episode of Loftside Banter, Andrew Diamontopoulos previews Week 5 of the NFL, discussing key matchups, player performances, and the impact of injuries on team dynamics. He highlights the resurgence of Mac Jones and the challenges faced by the rest of the NFL. He analyzes the undefeated Eagles, and examines the competitive landscape of the l…

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Week Four NFL Review and New Segment Anti-narrative! 56:38

2M ago56:38

56:38

In this episode of Loftside Banter, Andrew Diamontopoulos reviews Week Four of the NFL season, discussing key matchups, player performances, and emerging narratives. The conversation covers the Patriots' strong showing against the Panthers, the confusion surrounding the Steelers, the rise of rookie quarterback Jackson Dart with the Giants, and the …

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Flexible leadership: Balancing career ambitions with family life 40:38

2M ago40:38

40:38

In this episode of Spilling the T, we sit down with Helen Johnson, the newly appointed Managing Director of Capture and Plan-Apps, part of the SMG agency network. With an impressive career spanning over 20 years—including 19 years at Procter & Gamble leading 17 brands across 11 markets—Helen now plays a key role in driving innovation at SMG. Since …

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Week 4 Showdowns, Playoff Pushes & a Hell of a sports weekend 57:21

2M ago57:21

57:21

This week on Loftside Bantr, we break down all the biggest Week 4 NFL matchups and what they mean moving forward. With the MLB regular season winding down, we dive into the playoff races heating up on the diamond. Plus, we swing over to the Ryder Cup for all the highs, lows, and drama from golf’s biggest team stage, and wrap things up with some col…

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Tech Barbie Takes the Mic: ADHD, Authenticity & Smashing the Mould in Fintech 47:02

2M ago47:02

47:02

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode, we’re joined by Rae Hoskins—aka the Caffeine-Fuelled Tech Barbie - who’s flipping the script on what leadership looks like in the tech world. From managing a restaurant at 17 to managing technology operations in fintech, Rae’s story is packed with grit, glitter, and game-changing insight. We dive into how one…

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NFL Week 3 Predictions, Playmakers, and a Touch of Hoops 57:25

2M ago57:25

57:25

On this week’s episode of Loftside Bantr, I dive into my predictions for NFL Week 3—who’s primed to shine and which teams might stumble. I also break down the latest in college football as the season heats up, and close things out with some fresh NBA news you won’t want to miss. It’s all the banter, all the takes, and all the energy you’ve come to …

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What Makes an ‘Unlikely Scenario’ Funny? (And Why Comics Love It) 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

“You never see…” — it’s one of comedy’s favorite springboards into the ridiculous. In this episode of The Funny Muscle Podcast, Mike and Chris grab the metaphorical coach’s playbook and diagram how pros turn that setup into laugh-out-loud gold. Along the way, they break down three humor heightening devices — Uncommon Worlds, Unlikely Scenarios, and…

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Bantr Breakdown: Week 2 Drama & Big Dumper History 1:12:10

2M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Week 2 of the NFL season is in the books, and I break down all the wins, losses, and early storylines shaping the league. From surprising upsets to statement victories, I cover who’s rising and who’s stumbling. I also dive into the injuries hitting major players and what those could mean for their teams moving forward. Plus, we shift to the diamond…

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From Flight Attendant to Tech Leader: Embracing Unconventional Paths in the Digital World 45:15

2M ago45:15

45:15

Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Charne Kotze, Delivery Manager at Mercator Digital. Charne's career began in hospitality and took her across continents as a flight attendant before she found her calling in tech. Her transition - from managing restaurants to coordinating digital projects -showcases the power of diverse skills and un…

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Week 2, Wild Fans & Playoff Push 1:00:43

2M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

In this episode of Loftside Bantr, I dive into the NFL Week 2 matchups—who’s primed to bounce back, who’s looking unstoppable, and which teams are already in trouble. Then, we shift to the diamond to break down the MLB standings as the playoff picture starts to heat up. And of course, we’ve got to address it again: why can’t fans just behave at spo…

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Comic Timing with Tim Alexander 52:04

2M ago52:04

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You’d think comedians would be the ones giving lessons on timing. But this week, we flipped the snare. Our guest is Tim Alexander, the legendary drummer for Blue Man Group and Primus, who joins the Funny Muscle Pod to teach us about timing. Turns out, drummers and comedians share the same secret weapon: the pause. The space between the beats, or be…

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Week 1 Overreactions: Who’s For Real and Who’s Fool’s Gold? 56:09

2M ago56:09

56:09

Loftside Bantr is back, and Week 1 of the NFL season did not disappoint! Andrew recaps all the scores from the opening week, breaking down who looked legit, who fell flat, and where the biggest surprises came from. It’s Overreaction Day — the time of year when every win feels like a Super Bowl preview and every loss feels like a disaster. Were the …

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Switching gears and building a tech startup 40:41

2M ago40:41

40:41

Join us on Spilling the T as we dive into the inspiring journey of Kathleen Chan, founder and CEO of Calico, a pioneering AI-powered sourcing platform transforming the supply chain landscape. Kathleen's path to leadership was anything but conventional. Starting with a successful direct-to-consumer jewellery brand, she encountered the complexities o…

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Football is BACK!! Recap of NFL Games and look ahead to Week 1 57:01

2M ago57:01

57:01

Loftside Bantr is back with NFL Week 1 in full swing! We break down the action from Thursday and Friday’s games, including who came out hot and who’s already in trouble. Then we dive into the NFL’s global push—are international games helping the sport, or just wearing down players and fans? Plus, we shift gears to college football before tackling o…

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NFC West Team Previews 24:55

3M ago24:55

24:55

The NFC West is always one of the toughest divisions in football, and this year the storylines are stacked. On this episode of Loftside Bantr, we dive into whether the 49ers can reclaim their spot as the top dog, if Sam Darnold is really the answer to take the Seahawks to the next level, and whether Jonathan Gannon can even survive the season in Ar…

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NFC South Team Previews 24:24

3M ago24:24

24:24

The NFC South is wide open and full of storylines heading into this season, and Loftside Bantr is here to break it all down. Can Baker Mayfield keep Tampa Bay on top after a surprise division win, or are the Falcons ready to take over with Michael Penix Jr. and a loaded offense? Will Bryce Young continue to improve in year 3 and prove he’s the answ…

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Ep. 76 From Local Policing to the California DOJ: Andre Lemay on Narcotics and Firearms Investigations and Creating K9 Bullseye Detection to Keep Schools Safer 1:08:50

3M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

Ep. 76 Andre Lemay’s law enforcement career spans 33 years starting in 1991 with the Pittsburg Police Department in the Bay Area of CA and later as special agent for the California Department of Justice, a role he had for 26.5 years. We dive into his early critical incidents on patrol including his first life-or-death fight with a suspect who was n…

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NFL Team Previews- NFC North 24:28

3M ago24:28

24:28

On this episode of Loftside Bantr, we dive deep into the NFC North, one of the NFL’s most intriguing divisions heading into the season. Can Caleb Williams take that crucial step forward in Year 2 and solidify the Bears as a real threat? Did the Packers just crown themselves the team to beat in the division after pulling off a blockbuster trade for …

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How to stand out in today's job market 52:34

3M ago52:34

52:34

In this episode, Rebecca Carr, CEO of SmartRecruiters, shares practical strategies for job seekers looking to stand out in today’s increasingly competitive market. With one in four employers planning redundancies, Rebecca offers timely advice on how candidates can navigate uncertainty—whether through gig platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to build sk…

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NFC East Team Previews 24:38

3M ago24:38

24:38

The NFC East is always one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, and this year looks no different. On this episode of Loftside Bantr, I break down the offseason moves, roster changes, and key storylines for the Cowboys, Eagles, Giants, and Commanders. Can Philly stay on top, or will Dallas finally make a statement? Are the Giants building in the right d…

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Hook, Line, and Punchline: The Science of Bait and Switch 37:32

3M ago37:32

37:32

Think you saw the punchline coming? Good comics make sure you don’t. In this Funny Muscle Pod, Mike and Chris break down bait and switch — the move where you’re sure you know the joke’s ending, then wind up face-down in a completely different punchline. We analyze the tape of the Naked Gun’s deadpan reveals, Dave Barry’s elegant sentence swerves, a…

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NFL Team Previews AFC West 22:31

3M ago22:31

22:31

The AFC West always promises fireworks, and this year is no different. On this episode of Loftside Bantr, we break down the rosters, offseason moves, and the biggest questions facing the division. Can Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs continue their dynasty run, or is the gap closing? Will Justin Herbert finally have the supporting cast and coaching s…

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NFL Team Preview- AFC South 32:03

3M ago32:03

32:03

Loftside Banter breaks down the AFC South, previewing each team's outlook for the upcoming NFL season. The episode discusses the Houston Texans' strengths and key offseason moves, evaluates the Colts' quarterback situation with Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, assesses the Jaguars' health and coaching changes, and examines the Titans' rebuild w…

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How to navigate the changing job market 45:07

3M ago45:07

45:07

Join us as we explore the evolving tech job market with Heather Black, CEO and Founder of Supermums. In this inspiring episode, Heather shares her expert insights on how the industry is shifting — and what that means for professionals at every stage, especially mums looking to (re)enter or progress in tech. From flexible career pathways to upskilli…

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From the Gridiron to the Lens with Marina Dickey + MLB Standings & NFL Preseason Talk 1:18:09

3M ago1:18:09

1:18:09

This week on Loftside Bantr, I’m joined once again by Marina Dickey to dive into her journey through tackle football, the upcoming rugby season, and her time with the Granite State Destroyers. We also explore her passion for sports photography and how she captures the game from a whole new perspective. On top of that, I break down the latest MLB st…

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AFC North 2025 Team Previews 31:20

3M ago31:20

31:20

Episode Description: On this episode of Loftside Bantr, we dive into the always-tough AFC North to preview the upcoming season and predict who will take the crown in one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions. We break down how each roster has changed, what new additions could mean, and which teams are poised to rise—or fall—this year. Can the Bro…

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Hacking a Small Crowd 27:20

3M ago27:20

27:20

Not every room will be packed—sometimes you’re on stage for fewer people than your car’s backseat can handle. In the latest episode of the Funny Muscle Pod, Mike shares battle-tested tips for how to turn a modest crowd into a memorable performance, like boost your pace and go local. We also learn how to say what they’re thinking—lightly. If your au…

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Succeeding in Cybersecurity's Male-Dominated World 43:11

3M ago43:11

43:11

Join us for an insightful episode where we delve into the challenges and triumphs of navigating the male-dominated cybersecurity industry. Our guest, Jurgita Lapienytė, Chief Editor at CyberNews, brings a wealth of experience in cybersecurity policy and workforce dynamics. Her journey is a testament to resilience and expertise, offering a unique pe…

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2025 NFL Team Previews- #4 New England Patriots 24:26

4M ago24:26

24:26

Loftside Bantr: 2025 New England Patriots Season Preview The post-Belichick era continues in New England—but where is this Patriots team really headed in 2025? In this episode, we dive into the state of the franchise, the development of quarterback Drake Maye, and whether Jerod Mayo can turn promise into progress. We break down key offseason additi…

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Ep. 75 – Cop-Turned-Author Eric Tansey on his book “Pig Latin”- Naked Suspects, Pepper Spray Fails & Laugh-Out-Loud Police Tales 2:11:35

4M ago2:11:35

2:11:35

Ep. 75 – Strap in for a wild ride as On Being a Police Officer teams up with Cameron Santana of Santana True Crime to sit down with Eric Tansey—former cop, veteran, and host of the hit YouTube Show and Podcast Failure to Stop—to talk about his upcoming book, Pig Latin: A Seriously Funny True Story of a Former Police Officer, dropping August 26. Bec…

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Ep. 74 – Former Raleigh Police Officer Eric Tansey of Failure to Stop on his new book Pig Latin. It’s a wild ride with honesty, humor and compassion – Originally aired 2023. 1:22:28

4M ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Ep. 74 – Join me on this re-airing of a wild ride of an interview from 2023 with Eric Tansey, co-creator and host of Failure to Stop (FTS) and former Raleigh Police Department officer from 2012 to 2019. If you follow Eric on FTS, then you know he is a high-energy, highly-engaging storyteller. And nowhere is that more evident than in his soon-to-be …

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The 11%: How we get more women in tech leadership roles 34:40

4M ago34:40

34:40

Heather Dawe joins us to discuss her journey as the UK Head of AI & Innovation at UST and Chief Data Scientist, reflecting on over 25 years of experience shaping AI innovation in government, public sector, and industry. Heather's insights are timely as the UK government explores AI's potential in revolutionizing public services, exemplified by rece…

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2025 NFL Team Preview Series- #3 New York Jets 26:25

4M ago26:25

26:25

The green and white are back—but is this a rebuild or just a reset? In this episode, we dive into the New York Jets' 2025 outlook and ask the big question: Is Justin Fields the franchise QB or just a stopgap? With expectations tempered, we look at who can step up in a down year, what young players need to break out, and where the team goes from her…