Best Brad Pearson Podcasts (2025)

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11/17/25 Hour 2: David Mirkovic's historic night for the Illini; Bears Walk-Off Win and Step Into First Place; Our next draft; Kurtis' Curveballs 52:44

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5h ago52:44

52:44

David Mirkovic had an all-time performance for the Illini against Colgate on Friday night, finishing with 27 points and 21 rebounds; the first 20-20 game for an Illini in 53 years! We recap the game and look ahead to Wednesday's showdown with Alabama at the United Center in Chicago. Speaking of Chicago...Da Bears are in first place! How did the Bea…

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11/17/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! J talks Illini beating Maryland; The D's performance; Luke Altmyer & Hudson Clement's connection; James Franklin's new coaching gig; J answers your texts 57:01

5h ago57:01

57:01

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after the Illini cruised past Maryland 24-6. J talks about the great performance by the Illini defense, Luke Altmyer's connection with Hudson Clement, the future of the O-Line, and answers your texts.By ESPN 93.5

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11/14/25 Hour 2: An All-Illini Friday continues! Robert Rosenthal from Illini Board on why Barry Lunney could stay in Champaign; Kurtis' Curveballs; Evan with a surprise call-in; Friday Toasts! 57:10

10m ago57:10

57:10

Robert Rosenthal from Illini Board joins us to talk about a big weekend of Illinois sports and why he thinks OC Barry Lunney will stay in Champaign! Plus, how did Robert save Evan on Tuesday night at the Illinois vs Texas Tech game? Kurtis checks the Illini headlines, throws out some wild curveballs, and we get a surprise call-in from Evan. We give…

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11/14/25 Hour 1: An All-Illini Friday with Kyle Tausk of Illini Inquirer, Carson Gourdie of WICS, and Cooper O'Kelly of Champaign Room! 54:20

12m ago54:20

54:20

It's a HUGE All-Illini Friday with an All-Star lineup. "The Great" Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer talks Illini basketball, Carson Gourdie from WICS-TV has insight into why Mike Locksley is possibly out as Maryland's head coach if they to the Illini, and Cooper O'Kelly from Champaign Room & Big Ten+ joins us in-studio to talk Illini athletics. Lets…

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11/13/25 Hour 2: Brad Underwood Presser ahead of the Colgate game; Etched in Stone Picks; Evan's predictions for both Illini football & basketball games 52:38

3h ago52:38

52:38

Coach Brad Underwood met with the media today ahead of Friday night's game against Colgate. Get the latest injury news and our reactions. We need some money! Evan gives us this week's Etched in Stone picks and is ready to go 5-0. But will he? And what Evan's final predictions for this weekend's slate of Illinois football & basketball?…

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11/13/25 Hour 1: Sam Jane from The Athletic talks Illini vs Maryland; Ravi Lulla from HurrDat talks Big Ten Football; Illini Headlines; Kurtis' Curveballs 57:57

4h ago57:57

57:57

Sam Jane works for The Athletic, previously with the Baltimore Sun & Washington Post, and covers Maryland Football. He joins us to chat about Saturday's game at Gies Memorial Stadium and plenty more! Our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports takes us around the Big Ten football schedule. Can Iowa win at USC? Is this the year Northwestern wins their Wr…

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11/12/25 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas talks IHSA Quarterfinal Playoffs; Evan steals Josh Whitman's Chair; Kurtis' Curveballs; Pro Wrestler Draft Results 53:34

6h ago53:34

53:34

Tristan Thomas from WCIA-3 joins us to talk about the IHSA Quarterfinals! It's another big weekend for area schools. We also get Tristan's take on Illinois' win over Texas Tech and find out that Evan stole Josh Whitman's chair last night! Kurtis throws some curveballs and we find out who won our Pro Wrestler Draft! Ohhh Hell Yeah!…

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11/12/25 Hour 1: Illini Defeat Texas Tech; Illini Headlines; Luke Altmyer Ranked vs NCAA Quarterbacks; Pro Wrestler Draft 57:26

6h ago57:26

57:26

The Illini had an incredible night against Texas Tech, with a 81-77 win! We'll recap Andrej Stojakovic & Kylan Boswell's breakout performances, JT Toppin, and plenty more. Plus we check the Illini Headlines for the day, including National Signing Day for most of the University's athletic programs. Evan took issue with an article that ranked Luke Al…

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11/11/25 Hour 2: The Drive live at Pia's; Illini Football vs Maryland; Kurtis' Curveballs; Veterans Day; Illini vs Texas Tech Predictions 52:37

11h ago52:37

52:37

Hour 2 of our live Veteran's Day broadcast at Pia's with Koerner Distributing & Crown Royal. We talk a little football ahead of Saturday's game against Maryland. Plus, Kurtis throws some Curveballs and Evan...and then Evan throws one right back! And we give our final thoughts ahead of the Illini vs Texas Tech at State Farm Center.…

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11/11/25 Hour 1: The Drive live at Pia's; Illini vs Texas Tech; Pro Wrestler Draft; Veterans Day 51:53

11h ago51:53

51:53

The Drive is LIVE at Pia's in Champaign ahead of the Illini's showdown with Texas Tech at State Farm Center. Get our score predictions and more! Plus, our Tuesday Drafts continue and this week's topic: Pro Wrestlers! Who wins? And learn about the Purple Bag Program for Veteran's Day.By ESPN 93.5

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11/10/25 Hour 2: The Bears stun the Giants; Brad Underwood's Press Conference; Illini vs Texas Tech; Kurtis' Curveballs 58:02

2d ago58:02

58:02

The Bears pulled off another stunning win, this time at the expense of the New York Giants and Brian Daboll's job. Plus, how close are Ben Johnson & Caleb Williams to setting a few Chicago Bears records? Brad Underwood held his weekly presser ahead of tomorrow night's showdown with Texas Tech. Which players are in and out? How will the Illini handl…

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11/10/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour; Illini vs Maryland, Bielema Press Conference; Coaching Changes, and Score Predictions 45:43

1h ago45:43

45:43

The All-American J Leman is back in the studio after a bye week for the Illini. J and the guys breakdown Illinois vs Maryland, Coach Bielema's press conference; potential coaching changes, and score predictions. Plus, J and the guys learn about a missed scene in the holiday classic "Home Alone."By ESPN 93.5

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11/07/25 Hour 2: Big Ten + 2 Football Predictions; Illini Wrestling Preview; Can You Take A Punch?; Friday Toasts 52:25

8d ago52:25

52:25

Illini football have a bye week, but the rest of the conference is in action. Kurtis & Evan break down games and make their predictions. Evan gives an in-depth preview of Illini Wrestling for 2025-2026. Some great information in this segment! Also, Evan asks Kurtis if he could take a punch right now? And we give our Friday Toasts!…

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11/07/25 Hour 1: Illini Men's Basketball vs FGC Tonight; Alex Martin talks tonight's game; Kurtis' Curveballs 55:01

8h ago55:01

55:01

Game 2 of the Illini men's basketball season is tonight! Florida Gulf Coast comes to town and we'll preview the game. Plus, Alex Martin from the Naples Daily News calls in to tell us about the FGC roster. And Kurtis has your Friday Curveballs that could injure Evan!By ESPN 93.5

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11/06/25 Hour 2: Head Coach Bret Bielema's Presser; Ravi Lulla Talks Big Ten Football; Etched in Stone 57:15

7h ago57:15

57:15

Fighting Illini head coach Bret Bielema talks with the media as the team heads into an off week. Coach Bielema addresses injuries, the future the quaterback position, transfer portal, and more. Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat sports takes on a trip around the Big Ten football schedule for this weekend. We need some money! Evan has your "Etched in Stone" be…

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11/06/25 Hour 1: Illini Headlines; Brad Underwood's Press Conference Before the FGC Game; Kurtis' Curveballs 55:27

8h ago55:27

55:27

Illini Basketball head coach Brad Underwood met with the media today before tomorrow night's game against Florida Gulf Coast. Coach Underwood gave the latest injury report, talked about defensive concerns, and who will be starting week to week. Plus we check the other big Illini headlines for today and Kurtis throws a Curveball that hits himself!…

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S3 Ep 2: Discovery, Coverage, and Conflicts 41:24

15h ago41:24

41:24

One night. One missing clerk. One story that still echoes through two states. In December 1978, twenty-year-old Debra Gunter vanished from the Li’l General store where she worked the overnight shift in Gautier, Mississippi. Days later, her body was discovered miles away in rural Alabama. Sellers & Stormy share Debra’s story, uncovering long-buried …

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11/05/25 Hour 2: Tristan Thomas talks IHSA Playoffs; Daniel Thompson talks Bulls & Illini hoops; Our Roadside Snack Draft Results 54:39

19h ago54:39

54:39

Round 2 of the IHSA playoffs features a lot of are schools, including Tolono-Unity vs Monticello. We talk with Trista Thomas from WCIA about all of this weekend's games. Daniel Thompson covers the Bulls and the Illini. He joins us to talk about both, and expectations for this year. And the people have spoken! Who won our Roadside Snack Draft?…

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11/05/25 Hour 1: Illini Women's Basketball; Illini Headlines; Cardinals, Cubs, & MLB Hot Stove Talk; Kurtis' Curveballs 56:51

19h ago56:51

56:51

The Illini Women's Basketball team kicked off the season with a 91-67 win over SEMO. What are the expectations for this season? Plus, Gabe Jacas is about to enter some elite company in Illini Football history. Listen to find out what we mean. What would you do with the Cardinals roster this offseason? How about the Cubs? Hot Stove Talk is underway!…

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11/04/25 Hour 2: Zack Pearson from BearReport joins us to talks the Bears so far; Cardinals & Cubs Gold Gloves; Roadside Snacks Draft 54:15

9d ago54:15

54:15

Zack Pearson does a great job covering the Beas for BearReport and 247Sports. He joins us to talk about the season thus far, Caleb Williams progression, Ben Johnson, and today's trade deadline move. The Cardinals & Cubs have Gold Glovers on their teams. More Illini Headlines. And this week's Tuesday Draft is Roadside Snacks!…

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11/04/25 Hour 1: Illini basketball crush Jackson State; Illini Headlines; NFL Trade Deadline Winners & Losers; Kurtis' Curveballs 56:02

1d ago56:02

56:02

The Illini Men's basketball team opened the season with a 113-55 win over Jackson State and nearly set a team record of 3's. Tomislav Ivisic and Ben Humrichous each scored 21. Plus, the Illini Women's team kicks off the season tonight against SEMO and it was a good day for Illini Soccer. We'll check the Illini headlines. It was a BUSY day for the N…

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#098 Danielle Strachman: What Makes a Thiel Fellow 1:12:41

14d ago1:12:41

1:12:41

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:46) - Deep dive into the Thiel Fellowship (00:07:04) - Success stories and impact of Thiel Fellows (00:11:04) - Challenges and controversies (00:16:01) - Evolution and future of fellowship programs (00:18:39) - Early days of building the Thiel Fellowship (00:23:36) - Traits of a Thiel Fellow (00:33:24) - Nurturing …

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11/03/25 Hour 2: The wait is over! Illini Basketball starts tonight vs Jackson State; Bears out-duel Bengals; Kurtis' Curveballs 55:56

3d ago55:56

55:56

The wait is over! The Fighting Illini men's basketball team kicks off the season tonight against Jackson State. We'll hear from head coach Brad Underwood about who's in and who's out. Plus, details on how you can win tickets for an upcoming game. The Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals had one of the craziest games of the year yesterday & Da B…

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11/03/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour on a Victory Monday! Illini dominate Rutgers; Where does Luke Altmyer rank on the Illini All-Time QB List? 56:55

3d ago56:55

56:55

The All-American J Leman is back in studio to talk about the Illini's huge win over Rutgers on Saturday. J discusses the game Lunney called for the offense, changes made on the defensive side of the ball, and expectations for the rest of the year. Plus, where does Luke Altmyer rank among the all-time great Illini quarterbacks?…

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10/31/25 Hour 2: The Great Kyle Tausk talks Illini basketball's home opener & 2025 season; World Series Game 6; Illini vs Rutgers Final Predictions; Friday Toasts 56:05

6d ago56:05

56:05

Kyle Tausk joins us to talk about the Illini men's basketball home opener on Monday night. Get Kyle's insight on a few key injuries, expectations for the 2025 season, and news on recruits for 2026. The Blue Jays look to close out the World Series tonight against the Dodgers. We give our final predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers, plus our Friday toa…

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10/31/25 Hour 1: Kendall Bostic talks Illini Women's Basketball; Illini Headlines; Illinois vs Rutgers; Kurtis CURVEBALLS 56:11

6d ago56:11

56:11

It's an Illini Heavy Show! Kendall Bostic joins us to talk about her new role with Illini Women's Basketball radio broadcasts, and the upcoming season. We check out the latest Illini headlines heading into the weekend. Kurtis throws Evan some manly Curveballs and we get your score predictions for Illinois vs Rutgers.…

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10/30/25 Hour 2: Ravi Lulla from HURRDAT Sports talks Big Ten Football; Etched in Stone; Illini Soccer vs Buckeyes 50:34

7d ago50:34

50:34

We take a trip around the Big Ten with our guy Ravi Lulla from Hurrdat Sports! Ravi gives his insight on Illinois vs Rutgers, Matt Ruhle's new contract, USC vs Nebraska, and all the other games on this weekend's slate. We need some money! Evan has those "Etched in Stone" bets for this weekend. Illini Soccer kicks off Big Ten postseason play against…

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10/30/25 Hour 1: World Series Game 5; Illini Headlines; Haunting Illini Moments; Kurtis' Curveballs 54:58

7d ago54:58

54:58

Trey Yesavage had an all-time performance for the Blue Jays in Game 5 of the World Series. The Jays now lead the series 3-2. Can the Dodgers force a Game 7? We check the latest Illini headlines, then take a SPOOKY turn with the Illini sports moments that still haunt us. Kurtis throws his Curveballs and Evan ducks!…

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10/29/25 Hour 2: Richie O'Leary from The Knight Report talks Illini vs Rutgers; Horror Draft Recap; More Illini Headlines; World Series Game 5 Preview 51:00

8d ago51:00

51:00

Richie O'Leary is the Publisher of The Knight Report and covers the Scarlet Knights for ON3 Sports. He joins us to talk about the game this Saturday at Gies Memorial Stadium, Greg Schiano taking over play calling, team injuries, and more. The votes have been tallied for our Horror Movie Draft, but Kurtis thinks some chicanery happened! Did Evan che…

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10/29/25 Hour 1: Illini vs Rutgers preview; Illini Headlines; Tristan Thomas talks IHSA Playoffs; Kurtis' Curveballs 54:59

8d ago54:59

54:59

Rutgers is riddle with injuries and the Illini are currently 12.5 point favorites for Saturday's sold out game at Gies Memorial Stadium. We dive into the numbers. Plus, there are A LOT of Illinois sports headlines today. Kurtis has the latest. Tristan Thomas from WCIA 3 calls us to discuss the IHSA Playoffs. And Kurtis throws Evan a bunch of CURVEB…

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10/28/25 Hour 2: The Drive's 1st Horror Movie Draft; World Series Game 3; Illini Basketball Nuggets 55:04

20d ago55:04

55:04

Game 3 of the World Series was an all-timer between the Dodgers & Blue Jays. The guys will discuss and preview tonight's pitching match-ups. Kurtis and Evan square off in The Drive's first ever draft: HORROR MOVIES! And we have a few nuggets for Illini basketball, including details on how you can win tickets to upcoming games.…

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10/28/25 Hour 1: Illini Football meet with media; Evan's back in-studio; Did these Headlines Happen?; Kurtis' Curveballs 50:51

17d ago50:51

50:51

Evan's medical procedure was a success and he's back in the studio! He also might be a little loopy. Kurtis tests Evan with "Real or Fake Sports Headlines." Illini O-Lineman Josh Gesky met with the media ahead of Saturday's game with Rutgers. Kurtis throws some Curveballs!By ESPN 93.5

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10/27/25 Hour 2: Mihailo Petrovic is cleared for Illini basketball; Bears lose to Ravens; Kurtis' Curveballs; and Evan has a PSA for everyone 53:18

10d ago53:18

53:18

Mihailo Petrovic is officially cleared to play for the Illinois men's basketball team. We'll give you our instant reactions. No Lamar, no problem! The Bears lost a winnable game to the Ravens on Sunday as Tyler Huntley outplayed Caleb Williams. Ben Johnson's frustration was palpable after the game and turned the focus to the leaders on the team. Ku…

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10/27/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! J helps us break down the Illini loss against Washington, plus answers your questions. 57:22

18d ago57:22

57:22

The All-American and former Illinois linebacker J Leman is fired up after the Illini's loss against Washington. J shares his thoughts on the defense, DC Aaron Henry, the fans' reaction to the loss, and what the Illini need to do going forward. The text line was on FIRE for this one.By ESPN 93.5

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10/24/25 Hour 2: Final Illini vs Huskies predictions; Bears vs. Ravens; Kurtis vs Evan over a Peacock log-in; Etched in Stone; Friday Toasts! 52:36

20d ago52:36

52:36

We give you our final predictions for Illinois vs Washington. Plus, an incredible Lamar Jackson stat that will most likely determine Sunday's Bears vs Ravens game. WE NEED SOME MONEY! Get those bets Etched in Stone! Why did Kurtis and Evan fight over a Peacock log-in, & why does it involve acting legend Kurt Russell? And we give our FRIDAY TOASTS!…

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10/24/25 Hour 1: Illini vs Huskies preview; Illinois basketball lands HUGE recruit in Lucas Morillo; Ravi Lulla talks Big Ten Football; Kurtis' Curveballs 58:38

13d ago58:38

58:38

Illinois vs Washington is the biggest game on the Big Ten slate this weekend. We check the latest injury report for you and discuss what the Illini need to do to win. Brad Underwood lands another one! Four-star recruit Lucas Morillo is coming to Champaign next season. We'll tell you what you need to know about the latest Illini. Ravi Lulla from Hur…

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10/23/25 Hour 2: Kurtis' CURVEBALLS; the latest on the NBA's gambling scandal with Chauncey Billups & Terry Rozier; Want the Illini in the playoffs? Evan tells us who to root for this weekend! 51:36

14d ago51:36

51:36

The NBA was rocked by a gambling scandal today involving Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, illegal poker games with the mafia, and more. We dive into the latest on this story. Kurtis throws us some Curveballs. Do you want to see the Illini in the NCAA Playoffs? Of course you do! Evan tells us who you need to root for this weekend to help get Illinois…

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10/23/25 Hour 1: Fomer Illini & current State Rep. Kam Buckner talks his STARS Bill; Roman Tomashoff talks Huskies vs Illini; Bret Bielema Presser 1:00:01

18d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Former Fighting Illini DE and current Illinois State Representative Kam Buckner kicks off the show. We talk with Kam about his STARS Bill, it's impact on the Bears potential move to Arlington Heights, his relationship with Kevin Warren, and much more. Roman Tomashoff covers the Huskies for UW Huskies Wire & USA Today. He givs us the Washington side…

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S3 Ep 1: Debra's Story 36:04

15d ago36:04

36:04

One night. One missing clerk. One story that still echoes through two states. In December 1978, twenty-year-old Debra Gunter vanished from the Li’l General store where she worked the overnight shift in Gautier, Mississippi. Days later, her body was discovered miles away in rural Alabama. In this season premiere, Sellers & Stormy revisit Debra’s fin…

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10/22/25 Hour 2: Michael Jordan returns to the NBA; Bears vs Ravens preview; More Illini vs Huskies nuggets 50:44

22d ago50:44

50:44

Michael Jordan made his return to the NBA family last night in an interview with Mike Tirico on NBC. We react to a few of Jordan's quotes, talk MJ's legacy as a player & an owner, and expectations for him as an analyst. The Bears take on the Ravens this Sunday and it looks like Lamar Jackson is back. Is it bad news for the Bears? Plus a few nuggets…

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10/22/25 Hour 1: Tristan Thomas talks Illini vs Huksies & Week 9 of IHSA Football; Illini Women's Gymnastics Coach Josh Nilson; Kurtis' CURVEBALLS 54:59

20d ago54:59

54:59

WCIA-3's Tristan Thomas kicks off the show with boys. We talk about the Illini players that met with the media today, Saturday's game against Washington, and the slate of Friday night football. It's the last week of regular season for IHSA play and a lot of schools are trying to land postseason bids. Plus, Illinois Women's Gymnastics head coach Jos…

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10/21/25 Hour 2: Breaking down Cignetti's monster contract; Illini vs Huskies defensive nuggets; Evan discovers Chris Cagle; Shocking Bears Stat 54:24

18d ago54:24

54:24

Details on Curt Cignetti's historic contract at Indiana are out. We dive into the numbers and also some breaking news from the NFL, college football, & baseball. Evan has some nuggets on the Illini defense vs the Huskies O-Line. Plus, Kurtis introduces Evan to country star Chris Cagle's music. Chris is coming to the City Center in Champaign. And th…

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10/21/25 Hour 1: Illini OLine Coach Bart Miller & TE Cole Rusk; Blue Jays vs Dodgers in the World Series; Kurtis' Curveballs 51:28

18d ago51:28

51:28

Illini OLine Coach Bart Miller & TE Cole Rusk talked with the media today. Miller had a couple of interesting quotes about how the his unit has played so far this year and expectations going forward. Plus, Cole Rusk talks about having his confidence back and being ready to go against Washington. And you know Kurtis has some Curveballs for you!…

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#097 Brad Feld: Founding Techstars, Giving First, and Mentorship 58:12

17d ago58:12

58:12

Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:49) - Heroes (00:10:50) - How do you know when it’s time to step away from something you started? (00:18:37) - Len Fassler (00:32:52) - Mentors and inflection points in life (00:39:07) - Brad’s book - Give First (00:47:58) - The role of books in Brad’s career Links: Scribe — https://scribemedia.com Give First: The …

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10/20/25 Hour 2: The Great Kyle Tausk talks Illini hoops, Bears win another one, and Kurtis' CURVEBALLS 55:53

24d ago55:53

55:53

Kyle Tausk from Illini Inquirer was at State Farm Center for the exhibition against Illinois State. Kyle has great insight on Mirkovic's debut, the absences of Mihailo Petrovic, Andrej Stojakovic, and Tomaslav Ivisivic, & expectations for the season. Don't look now, but the Chicago Bears have won 4 in a row! We recap the Bears' latest win against t…

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10/20/25 Hour 1: The J Leman Hour! We talk Washington Week, College Football Coaching Carousel, and Illini Postseason Chances 55:56

22d ago55:56

55:56

Illini legend and All-American Linebacker J Leman is back in studio! We talk with J about the Illini's upcoming road game with Washington, playoff chances, the college football Coaching Carousel, and STETSON COLOGNE.By ESPN 93.5

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10/17/25 Hour 2: Part Two of the Illini's Road to Bowl Games; New Continuation Rule for NCAA Basketball; FRIDAY TOASTS 57:44

25d ago57:44

57:44

Your texts continue to pour in about Illinois Football's road to different Bowl Games and our conversation continues! Plus, there's a new Continuation Rule that goes into effect this season for NCAA basketball. You'll get your first look at it this Sunday when the Illini men's team has a scrimmage with Illinois State. We also give you our Big Ten +…

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10/17/25 Hour 1: The Road to the Postseason and Bowl Games for the Illini with Carson Gourdie; Kurtis' Curveballs 55:04

22d ago55:04

55:04

Carson Gourdie covers Illinois sports for Fox Illinois and WICS-ABC 20. He also wrote a fantastic article breaking down the Illini's potential road to different Bowl Games and the Playoffs. We talk with Carson about his article and the text lines lit up! Plus, Kurtis has some Big Ten heavy CURVEBALLS for Evan.…