Dinerpod 44: Jed Collins-Former NFL Fullback

In this high-octane episode, Red Velvet welcomes former NFL fullback Jedidiah Collins to the studio via satellite from Bellevue, Washington. The conversation bridges the gap between the gridiron and the "real world," exploring how a "great failure" mentality and the grit of a fullback can lead to a successful life as an entrepreneur.

• The "Million Dollar" Wake-Up Call: Jedidiah opens with a powerful perspective on gratitude: if someone offered you a million dollars but told you that you wouldn't wake up tomorrow, you’d turn it down. Therefore, every day you wake up is already worth a million bucks.

• The Mission Viejo Dynasty: Jedidiah reflects on his legendary high school career in Southern California under the late Bob Johnson. He discusses the 41-1 record and the "small college" atmosphere of a program that produced NFL stars like Mark Sanchez and Jordan Palmer.

• The "Slow" Overachiever: Despite being a top-rated linebacker, Jedidiah’s recruiting slowed down due to his 5.03 forty-yard dash. He shares how he leveraged "basketball fluidity" and mental processing to lead the nation in receptions as a tight end at Washington State, proving that being a step ahead is better than being a step fast.

• 13 Times Cut: A raw look at the brutal reality of the NFL. Jedidiah details the mental toll of being cut 13 times in three years before finding his home with Sean Payton and the New Orleans Saints.

• The Birth of "Jedzilla": To survive the "crash test dummy" life of a fullback, Jedidiah had to create an alter-ego. He explains the psychological shift required to become the "scary monster" on the field who could go head-to-head with legends like Brian Dawkins.

"I lost every day growing up... I consider myself a great failure that extended into my NFL career. As an entrepreneur, you've got to be comfortable knowing you're going to get kicked in the teeth a lot." — Jedidiah Collins

The Lead-Off: Finance & Fullbacks

• Main Event: Red teases a high-profile interview with Jed Collins, former NFL Fullback.

• The Story: Jed played seven years in the league despite being cut 13 times. He’s now the founder of Money Vehicle, a financial literacy company.

  
  

• Release Info: This episode drops Wednesday at noon.

The "Dinerverse" alumni are making waves on the professional stage:

• Craig Porter Jr. (Cleveland Cavaliers): A massive week for the rookie. He posted 11 points and 8 rebounds in a win over Memphis and steady minutes (7pts/7reb/4ast) in the regular-season finale win over Washington.

• Jalen Moore (Cloverdale Alumni): Finishing the regular season in Hungary for Ingus Corman with a near double-double (9 points, 10 assists).

• Timmy Heron (Terre Haute South Alumni): Holding it down in the MLB bullpen for the Cleveland Guardians, throwing scoreless innings in a tight 2-1 win over the Royals.

It was a monster week for spring sports, headlined by hardware coming home to Montezuma.

• Riverton Parke: Your 2026 Banks of the Wabash Champions! They dominated South Vermillion 10-0 in the semis and crushed Parke Heritage 13-2 in the final. Bruce Landis was electric on the mound with 10 Ks in the tourney.

  
  

• Terre Haute North: Colton Moore had a career day, going 4-for-4 with 7 RBIs and a home run against Shakamack.

• Greencastle: The Tiger Cubs are red-hot, including a 12-8 win over Northview where Sam Gooch racked up 4 hits.

• North Putnam: Sitting at a perfect 4-0 after absolute blowouts over Crawfordsville (23-0) and a no-hitter from Kirsten Connor.

• Riverton Parke: Double champions! The Lady Panthers also secured the Banks of the Wabash title this weekend.

• Clay City: Rebounded from an early loss to beat Linton-Stockton and put up 21 runs on Bloomfield.

• 9U Knights: Took the dub over the Linton Stars (8-6) and Sullivan Sluggers (13-7), led by Houston Dyer’s multi-hit weekend.

• Mambas (9U): Went 2-2 at the Ricky Vaughn Major League Bash. Emerson Sinclair was the MVP of the weekend, tallying 4 hits and 2 doubles in a 24-4 win over the Groove.

• Blue Jays (Putnam County): Tournament runners-up in Greenwood, finishing 3-1. Gavin and Cole combined for a home run derby, including Gavin’s 2 HR game against TBD.

• EV Baseball Academy & Riley 9U: Congratulations to both squads for bringing home tournament trophies this weekend!

• Facebook Subscribers: A huge shoutout to the "99-cent" club. Red reminded listeners they can support the pod for less than a buck a month.

Red’s Final Word: "I know I rumbled and bumbled... I'm going to get better at that, I promise."

Pro-Tip: Don't sweat the stumbles, Red—the passion for the local kids is what keeps the Dinerverse growing. Maybe just swap the ninth Monster for a Gatorade!

🏀 Next Level Athletes: NBA & Beyond⚾ The Varsity Special: High School HighlightsBaseball StandoutsSoftball Standouts🍼 The Rookie Report: Future Stars📢 Community Notes & Shoutouts

Dinerpod 43: Nick Wheeler-North Central Football Coach

Host Red Velvet is back in the studio for a deep dive into the rising football program at North Central (Farmersburg). Joining the show for his third visit is T-Bird Head Coach Nick Wheeler, but first, we sit down with a rising star on the offensive line—his son, Eli Wheeler.

We kick things off with Eli to discuss the high-stakes life of a Left Tackle (the "blindside" protector), the perks of being a coach's kid on the sidelines, and the ultimate family rivalry: who is actually better at Fortnite?

Then, Coach Wheeler joins the desk to pull back the curtain on the T-Birds' massive Year 2 turnaround. After a culture-building first season, North Central exploded for a 6-game win streak and their first sectional victory in years. Coach breaks down the "Red Velvet" play—a trick reverse flea-flicker he promised (and delivered) on game day—and explains why he wants his quarterback rocking an old-school cowboy collar.

We also get real about the mental side of coaching. From the "Energy Bus" leadership philosophy to the challenges of running a program with a small roster, Coach Wheeler shares his journey of building a "tough kids on the block" identity in one of the state's most competitive 1A sectionals.

What’s Inside the Episode:

The "Blindside" Life: Eli Wheeler on protecting the QB and out-gaming his dad.X's & O's: The mechanics of the "Red Velvet" trick play.

The Streak: How a 7-4 season changed the expectations in Farmersburg.

Culture Shock: Adding fireworks, PA antics, and "college-level" energy to Friday nights.

Looking Ahead: Spring break lifting, roster growth (42 and counting!), and the 2026 outlook.

Thank you to our sponsors:Wabash Valley Plumbing RJs Formalwear Varsity House Outfitters Ever Haute Co.

Youth Sports Chowdown 127

Spring sports have officially arrived in the Dinerverse, and host Red Velvet is feeling the heat! With a massive expansion to 38 high school baseball and softball teams across Indiana and Illinois, Episode 127 is a marathon through the box scores.

From professional updates in the NBA and Hungary to record-shattering performances on the track and "video game numbers" on the diamond, this episode covers the absolute best of local and next-level talent.

What’s Inside This Episode:The Big Reveal: Red discusses the logistics of covering nearly 40 high school teams and 15 college squads—plus a special announcement for Diner Podcast subscribers regarding the first-ever All-Dinerpod Boys Basketball teams.

Next Level Athletes: Updates on Craig Porter Jr. (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jalen Moore (Hungary), and a sweep of college baseball and softball standouts including Nick Sutherlin (ISU), Peyton Lear (IU Kokomo), and Sophie Moshos (App State).

The Varsity Special: * Baseball: Sullivan stays perfect at 3-0, West Vigo shuts out a rival, and South Putnam’s Hayden Tencher puts on a baserunning clinic with 5 stolen bases in one game.

Softball: Tori Detro (North Put) puts up a "cheat code" stat line (15 Ks and a HR), while Edgewood outscores opponents by a staggering 29-1 to start the season

.Track & Field: A massive shoutout to Ava Williamson (Greencastle) for obliterating a 21-year-old discus record and a recap of the Northview girls' dominant showing at the inaugural Mayor’s Cup.

The Rookie Report: Recapping the Looney Toons Showdown with hardware for the Riley Rebels, CYL 8U Knights, and the Mooresville 12U Pioneers.

Power Performers: The debut of the new Red Velvet Power Performers segment highlighting the week's most explosive athletes.

Community Links:Podcast Drop:

Catch the full interview with North Central Football Coach Nick Wheeler this Wednesday!

Soccer Alert: FHS Soccer is looking for two high school players for their travel team—don't miss the $40 deal!

"Don't miss the wave. Of course, if you miss the wave, I’ll still pick you up."

Thank you to our sponsors:Wabash Valley Plumbing RJs Formalwear Varsity House Outfitters Ever Haute Co.

#sports #sportsshow #youthsports #highschoolsports #dinerpodsports

Dinerpod 42: Patrick Rady-Executive Director of Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association

In this episode, Red Velvet welcomes Coach Patrick Rady, Executive Director of the Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association (HBCA), for a powerful conversation that goes far beyond basketball.

Coach Rady dives into the mission of the HBCA—highlighting and promoting talented athletes across Southern Indiana who might otherwise be overlooked. From organizing All-Star games to providing scholarships and academic recognition, the HBCA is all about giving student-athletes the spotlight they’ve earned both on and off the court.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Coach Rady shares his personal journey growing up as the son of a legendary coach, learning the game from a young age, and eventually building his own successful coaching career. From being cut by his own father to winning sectional championships and coaching high-level talent, his story is filled with lessons about perseverance, humility, and growth.

Red Velvet and Coach Rady also break down what’s missing in today’s youth sports culture—emphasizing the importance of playing for the love of the game, learning through pickup competition, and developing real basketball IQ instead of relying solely on structured systems.

They highlight standout local athletes selected for the HBCA All-Star Game and discuss how recognition—especially hearing your name—can make a lasting impact on young players.

The episode wraps with a meaningful discussion about the sacrifices behind the scenes, especially from coaches’ families, and the life lessons sports teach: accountability, teamwork, and passion.

🔥 Bottom line: This episode is about more than wins and losses—it’s about building people, celebrating effort, and keeping the love of the game alive.

Youth Sports Chowdown 126

Red Velvet went LIVE to kick off Episode 126 after a long, action-packed weekend at the Squared Circle Expo, featuring a special appearance from wrestling legend Buff Bagwell. Running on energy drinks and adrenaline, the show delivered another full slate of local sports coverage, community shoutouts, and standout performances.

The episode opened with major announcements, including an upcoming podcast featuring Patrick Rady, Executive Director of the Hoosier Basketball Coaches Association and a highly respected Indiana coach. Community highlights followed, with shoutouts to Studio One by Cindy, race winner Trip Lewis, the Outkast Kent team, and track standout Zane Catlin.

In the Next Level Athletes segment, Craig Porter Jr. and the Cleveland Cavaliers split games against the Heat, while Jalen Moore continued to shine professionally overseas in Hungary. The Marian Knights captured the NAIA National Championship with an impressive win over the top-ranked team in the country.

The Varsity Spotlight was loaded with opening-week baseball and softball action across Illinois and Indiana. Programs like Newton, Marshall, and Richland County saw strong performances at the plate and on the mound, while Terre Haute North, West Vigo, Parke Heritage, and Franklin Central kicked off their seasons with statement wins.

A major highlight came on the hardwood, as the Park Heritage Wolves secured their first-ever state championship, edging out Westview in a thrilling 57-56 finish.

In the Rookie Report, youth programs brought the heat. Chaos Baseball and the Level One Training Warriors both went undefeated in tournament play, while the Blue Jays captured a championship in their first season as a team.

The Knights, Outkast squads, and several others also competed hard across multiple tournaments, showing the future of local sports is bright.

The show wrapped with a massive list of Red Velvet Power Performers, recognizing top athletes from across all levels who delivered standout performances throughout the weekend.

Despite the exhaustion, Episode 126 proved once again that the Youth Sports Chowdown is the go-to source for local sports coverage—bringing energy, recognition, and community together every single week.

Dinerpod 41: Kam McCoy-State Champion Wrestler

Dinerpod 41 brings the energy as Red Velvet sits down with a rising young star in the wrestling world, Kam McCoy — a 2-time Indiana State Champion who’s already proving he’s built different.

Kam shares what it was like capturing his latest state title at 59 pounds, admitting the moment didn’t even feel real at first. But once the adrenaline kicked in, so did the celebration. He walks us through his tournament run, including a tough finals match where he had to dig deep, stay composed, and fight his way back to victory.

The conversation dives into Kam’s wrestling roots, growing up in a family where the sport is a tradition. From starting in kindergarten to developing a high wrestling IQ (literally award-winning), it’s clear this isn’t just a hobby — it’s a lifestyle.

Kam also breaks down the differences between folkstyle, freestyle, and Greco wrestling, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the technical side of the sport. Along the way, he shows off an impressive collection of hardware, including multiple state medals and an eye-popping 92 career pins — and counting.

But it’s not just about what he’s already accomplished. Kam talks about what’s next, including a personal goal to face and defeat a rival that previously got the best of him. That competitive fire? It’s real.

Outside of wrestling, Kam stays busy competing in football, all-star baseball, and even dirt bike racing — proving he’s an all-around athlete who never slows down.

The episode wraps with laughs, shoutouts to family and coaches, and a fun challenge laid down for the future — because if Kam becomes a 3-time state champ, something big might be happening on Dinerpod.

One thing’s for sure: Kam McCoy isn’t just winning now — he’s building something special.

KEEP POOSHIN!

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Wabash Valley Plumbing

RJs Formalwear

Varsity House Outfitters

Ever Haute Co.

#wrestling #youthwrestling #statechampion #youthsports #dinerpodsports

Youth Sports Chowdown – Episode 125

Red Velvet is back with another packed edition of the Youth Sports Chowdown, celebrating a huge milestone—125 episodes of spotlighting local talent and community sports!

After a great weekend, the show kicks off with a recap of a big night in wrestling, as Donovan Cecil climbs the ladder and captures the Race for the Case briefcase. From there, we go global with Cloverdale’s Jalen Moore, who delivered a double-double performance overseas in Hungary.

The show rolls through a loaded slate of college baseball and softball, featuring standout performances from Indiana State, Murray State, Huntington, IU Southeast, and more. On the hardwood, we highlight an incredible postseason run as Park Heritage captures the Semi-State Championship, while other local teams leave it all on the court.

In the Varsity Specials, Illinois high school baseball and softball seasons get underway with strong showings from Newton and Richland County. Then it’s time for the next generation, as the Rookie Report features big wins from the Junior Knights, Warriors, and Chaos.

We also break down results from Havoc at the Hive, recognizing young wrestling standouts making noise on the mat.

The episode wraps up with the Red Velvet Power Performers, honoring athletes who delivered big-time performances this week.

Plus, don’t miss this week’s upcoming interview with State Champion Kam McCoy, and updates from FHS Youth Soccer as they look to finalize their roster.

125 episodes strong and still growing.
Thank you to all the players, coaches, parents, sponsors, and subscribers for the continued support.

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