Advertise on podcast: Sideline Stories with Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish

Indiana football has already won a Big Ten championship and a national championship. So why does it still feel like the Hoosiers have something to prove?FOX Big Noon Kickoff’s Rob Stone and Brady Quinn join Tricia Whitaker and Sidney Parrish on Sideline Stories from the Posh Hotel in Bloomington ahead of Indiana’s massive top-five showdown with Ohio State.Rob explains why Curt Cignetti’s transformation of Indiana is one of the most remarkable sports stories he’s seen, why the national perception of IU is still catching up with its results and why Josh Hoover deserves far more recognition for what he’s done through six games.Brady breaks down the matchup with Ohio State, why Indiana’s physical running game could be the difference, what makes Hoover such a strong fit in Mike Shanahan’s offense and what another win over the Buckeyes would mean for the balance of power in the Big Ten.Rob and Brady also share stories from their broadcasting careers and advice for young broadcasters trying to break into the industry.Subscribe to the Back Home Network for more Sideline Stories and Indiana football coverage.#IUFB #IndianaFootball #IU #Hoosiers #OhioState #OhioStateFootball #BigTen #CollegeFootball #CFB #RobStone #BradyQuinn #BigNoonKickoff

Indiana football has changed the energy around Bloomington — and with Nebraska this weekend and Ohio State coming to town next, things are only getting crazier.Tricia Whitaker and Sidney Parrish go guest-free for this episode of Sideline Stories to talk about Indiana’s biggest test yet at Nebraska, the massive anticipation already building for IU–Ohio State and why seemingly everyone is asking Tricia for tickets. With Bloomington hotel rooms reaching wild prices and Big Noon Kickoff coming to town, it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest football weekends IU has seen. Tricia and Sidney also get into life behind the scenes in sports broadcasting, Sidney’s perspective on life after basketball, the MLB postseason and some unexpected breaking news that arrives right in the middle of the show. Subscribe to Back Home Network for more Sideline Stories and Indiana sports coverage.#IUFB #IndianaFootball #IU #Hoosiers #CollegeFootball #CFB #Cignetti #BigTen

Jeff Passan has become one of the most trusted insiders in baseball — but that trust wasn’t built overnight.Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish sit down with Jeff to talk about how he developed relationships with players, managers and executives, how he handles reporting uncomfortable stories, and why getting things right still matters more than being first.Jeff also shares one of his favorite postseason memories: hiding in the Cubs clubhouse after Game 7 of the 2016 World Series and spending hours inside the celebration with Theo Epstein, Jed Hoyer, Bill Murray and the rest of the organization. Untitled recordingPlus, the conversation somehow ends with pocket pancakes, Jeff’s secret pancake technique and a debate over whether ballpark pancakes are worth eating. Untitled recordingWatch the full episode of Sideline Stories on YouTube.#JeffPassan #MLB #Baseball #SportsMedia #SportsJournalism #SidelineStories #ESPN

How do you go from applying for 50 minor league jobs and making $600 a month to calling major college football games for FOX?On this episode of Sideline Stories, Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish sit down with FOX broadcaster Connor Onion ahead of Indiana vs. Northwestern to talk about his unconventional path into sports broadcasting.Connor shares what it was like starting out in the minor leagues, living in his boss’s basement, dealing with rejection and wondering whether broadcasting was actually going to work out. He also talks about getting the call from FOX, working alongside RG3, calling volleyball in front of 92,000 people and the lessons he’s learned along the way.The conversation also touches on Indiana football, Josh Hoover, Connor’s connection to Bloomington and the moments in his career that have meant the most to him.Timestamps:00:00 Intro03:39 Connor Onion joins Sideline Stories06:16 Connor’s first impressions of Indiana football07:14 How Connor got into broadcasting10:19 Applying for 50+ minor league jobs14:17 Living in his boss’s basement for $600 a month15:55 Why Connor stuck with broadcasting16:37 Getting the FOX opportunity18:03 Calling volleyball in front of 92,000 people20:15 How Connor found out he got the FOX job22:27 Working with RG325:02 The story behind the Onion nameSubscribe to Sideline Stories for more conversations with broadcasters, athletes and people working behind the scenes in sports.#SidelineStories #CollegeFootball #SportsBroadcasting #FOXSports #IndianaFootball

Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish welcome sportswriters Zach Osterman and Mike Niziolek to discuss their new book, “Unthinkable to Unstoppable: How Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers Stunned College Football.” Zach and Mike explain how the book came together, what they learned from interviewing nearly 70 players, coaches and administrators, and why Indiana’s historic championship run was about much more than a single season. They also share revealing stories about Curt Cignetti’s unusual coaching methods, the trust he builds with his players and the remarkable bond that developed inside the Indiana locker room. Plus, could another championship run lead to a sequel? Subscribe for more conversations with the athletes, coaches and personalities shaping the world of sports.

SURPRISE: Sydney Parrish is engaged! 💍 Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish are back for a special emergency edition of Sideline Stories after Sydney and Trey Walker got engaged over the weekend. Sydney tells the full story—from knowing a proposal might be coming and trying to keep the secret, to how Trey pulled it off and what it felt like when the moment finally arrived. Tricia also reveals just how difficult it was to keep everything under wraps after Sydney casually dropped the news that she might be getting engaged while the two were recording together. It’s a different kind of Sideline Stories: no big sports debate, no scheduled guest—just two friends celebrating a pretty major life moment.

Indiana University Athletics Director Scott Dolson joins Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish on Sideline Stories for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the most remarkable periods in IU sports history. Six years after taking over as Indiana’s athletic director, Dolson reflects on the transformation of IU Athletics, including Indiana Football’s stunning rise to a Big Ten and national championship, the decisions and people behind that success, and what it has meant to see Indiana competing at the highest level of college athletics. Dolson also takes Tricia and Sydney behind the scenes of his job as athletic director, discusses the culture he wants throughout the department, and looks ahead to what comes next—including Indiana’s plans to invest $50 million in Memorial Stadium and continue building on the unprecedented momentum surrounding IU sports. Plus, Sydney offers the perspective of a former Indiana athlete, while Tricia and Scott discuss what makes the connection between Indiana University, Bloomington and Hoosier fans so distinctive. 🎙️ About Sideline Stories Hosted by Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish, Sideline Stories goes beyond the final score with candid conversations about sports, broadcasting, culture and the people behind the stories. Subscribe for more episodes of Sideline Stories and conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, broadcasters and personalities from across the sports world. #IndianaHoosiers #IUFootball #IndianaFootball #ScottDolson #CollegeFootball #B1G #SidelineStories

Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish celebrate one year of sideline stories with a heartfelt episode reminiscing about the journey. They recall the origin story of the podcast and reflect on their favorite moments from doing the show and becoming friends in the process.We also get some fun updates on what the girls are up to this summer, including Sydney‘s amazing experience at a US Men’s National Team game with her dog Chanel, and what Tricia has been up to this summer in her garden.

This week on Sideline Stories, hosts Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish welcome Indiana country music star Clayton Anderson for an unforgettable conversation about Indiana pride, the Indy 500, women’s sports, country music, and IU football’s incredible national championship run. Clayton shares stories from growing up in Bedford, Indiana, performing for thousands of Hoosier fans during IU’s title run in Miami, and opening Clayton's Country Bar in downtown Indianapolis. The group also dives into Caitlin Clark’s impact on Indiana sports culture, Sophie Cunningham jumping on stage at the bar, the magic of May in Indiana, and Clayton’s upcoming Indy 500-inspired song. Plus: Sydney talks about landing her first WNBA broadcasting opportunity with CBS Sports, Tricia reflects on covering Indiana football’s historic season, and everyone debates the best Indy 500 traditions.

The month of May has arrived, and Sideline Stories is heading to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish sit down with Indiana native and IndyCar fan favorite Conor Daly to talk about the magic of the Indianapolis 500, what it feels like to lead the speed charts at IMS, and why this year’s car may be the best he’s had yet. Conor reflects on growing up in Indiana, the emotion of race day traditions, leading laps at the 500 in front of a hometown crowd, and the mindset shift that’s changed how he approaches chasing victory at the Brickyard. He also shares hilarious garage-area prank stories, talks about Indiana’s current sports boom, and explains why the Indy 500 still feels unlike anything else in the world. If you love Indiana sports, racing, or the culture surrounding the greatest spectacle in racing, this episode is for you. NOTE: Unfortunately we had some technical issues and Conor's video stopped working about halfway through the interview. But the audio is still there, so enjoy!

Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish sit down with Carter Smith, one of the foundational pieces behind Indiana football’s national championship run. Carter shares what it was like going from the lowest points of IU football to the top of the sport, why he chose to return for another season, and how this team is approaching a potential back-to-back title run under Curt Cignetti. He also reveals the moment he tore his labrum during the national championship game (and kept playing), breaks down the now-legendary Fernando Mendoza fourth-down touchdown, and explains the deeper meaning behind his powerful championship tattoo. This is an inside look at leadership, toughness, and what it takes to sustain greatness at Indiana.

Sideline Stories is BACK. After Indiana football’s national championship run, Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish return to catch up on everything — from Sydney’s rise covering March Madness on the Big Ten Network to the realities of breaking into sports broadcasting at the highest level. They dive into the nerves of live TV, behind-the-scenes chaos of studio work, viral coaching moments in women’s basketball, and why sideline reporters are more important than ever. Plus, Tricia shares a powerful early-career lesson that shaped her broadcasting journey, and the two reflect on unforgettable moments from the NCAA Tournament and beyond. If you’re interested in sports media, storytelling, and what really happens behind the camera — this is a must-watch episode.

Indiana football is national champion, and Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish are still trying to process it. In this emotional, joyful, and unfiltered episode of Sideline Stories, Tricia and Sydney look back on the moments that defined Indiana’s historic championship run — from the game-sealing interception, to Fernando Mendoza’s fearless fourth-down call, to the scenes on Kirkwood and inside Hard Rock Stadium. They share personal stories from the stands, the aftermath in Miami, broken phones, tears, disbelief, and what this title means for Bloomington, IU fans everywhere, and everyone who stayed through the hard years. They also reflect on the leadership of Curt Cignetti, the toughness of Fernando Mendoza, and the long-arc vision of Scott Dolson. This episode isn’t analysis — it’s memory-making.And it’s one every Hoosier will want to revisit.

Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish are joined by Mark Cuban for a special tailgate interview ahead of Indiana football’s College Football Playoff semifinal in Atlanta. Fresh off IU’s Peach Bowl win and on the way to the national championship, Cuban shares why this Hoosiers run feels different, what separates Curt Cignetti from other elite coaches, and why he continues to invest time, money, and passion into Indiana University. Recorded live at the Upland Brewery tailgate with only minutes before kickoff, this conversation captures Cuban’s unfiltered excitement, his thoughts on building winning teams, and what it truly means to be a Hoosier — even decades after graduating. This is a must-watch episode for IU fans and anyone interested in leadership, culture, and elite program turnarounds. 🎙 About Sideline StoriesHosted by Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish, Sideline Stories brings you candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with the athletes, leaders, and icons shaping sports culture — on campus and far beyond. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with a Hoosier who still can’t believe this season is real.

Coming off one of the most program-defining moments in Indiana football history, Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish sit down with Jeremy Gray, Indiana University’s Associate Athletic Director, for a behind-the-scenes look at how it all came together. Jeremy reflects on the Rose Bowl win over Alabama, the culture shift under Curt Cignetti, the viral bison mascot reveal, and why this season has united the entire IU community in a way he’s never seen before. He also shares incredible insight into Cignetti’s obsessive preparation, Fernando Mendoza’s toughness and leadership, and how Athletic Director Scott Dolson empowered staff to take bold risks. If you want to understand why Indiana football reached this level — and what makes this moment sustainable — this is a must-watch episode. 🎙 About Sideline StoriesHosted by Tricia Whitaker and Sydney Parrish, Sideline Stories delivers candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with the people shaping sports culture — from athletes and administrators to broadcasters and storytellers. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share with a Hoosier who still can’t believe this season is real.