Episodes

  • Once a Badger, Always a Badger
    Mar 30 2023

    Welcome back to another episode of Badger Bigs, the only podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Athletics. On this episode, hosts and former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas are joined by exciting guests. First, they speak with Wisconsin Badgers Women’s Volleyball Outside Hitter Sarah Franklin. She shares her experience playing volleyball at Wisconsin and how she handles the pressure on gameday. Later on, Joe and Annie are joined by former Wisconsin Badgers Men’s National College Player of the Year, Top 10 NBA draft pick and current member of the Atlanta Hawks, Frank Kaminsky. This is an episode you do not want to miss, so press play and join us for Badger Bigs, brought to you by The Varsity Collective. 

    If you want to learn how you can get involved with The Varsity Collective and support Badger student-athletes, visit www.thevarsitycollective.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest updates!

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

    Presented by The Varsity Collective

    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    52 mins
  • Becoming A Badger On and Off The Court
    Mar 8 2023

    It’s time for another episode of Badger Bigs, the only podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Athletics. This time, hosts and former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas are joined by two very special guests. First, they speak with the exciting Wisconsin Men’s Basketball Forward Tyler Wahl. He shares his thoughts on what it's like playing ball as a Badger and how this basketball season is shaping up for March Madness. Later on, Joe and Annie are speaking with a true Badger Big, former Professional Basketball Player and Coach, Rashard Griffith. We have a wonderful episode lined up, so press play and join us for Badger Bigs, brought to you by The Varsity Collective.

    If you want to learn how you can get involved with The Varsity Collective and support Badger student-athletes, visit www.thevarsitycollective.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest updates!

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

    Presented by The Varsity Collective

    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    41 mins
  • Living the Wisconsin Badger Experience
    Feb 15 2023

    Welcome back to another episode of Badger Bigs, the only podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Athletics. Once again, hosts and former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas are joined by two wonderful guests. First, they speak with standout OL Jack Nelson. He shares his insights on an interesting 2022 season and the bright future ahead for Badger Football. Later on, Joe and Annie are joined by former Badgers pole vaulter, former star of the Bravo reality TV series “100 Days of Summer,” and current practicing Veterinarian, Dr. Tara Clack Bell. This is an episode you do not want to miss, so press play and join us for Badger Bigs, brought to you by The Varsity Collective.

    If you want to learn how you can get involved with The Varsity Collective and support Badger student-athletes, visit www.thevarsitycollective.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest updates!

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

    Presented by The Varsity Collective

    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    40 mins
  • Ushering In A New Era with Coach Fickell
    Feb 1 2023

    Welcome to The Badger Bigs, the only podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Badger athletics. Today, your hosts and former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas speak with two very exciting guests. First, they are joined by none other than the new Head Coach of Badger Football, Luke Fickell.  Coach Fickell ushers in a new era at the University of Wisconsin after elevating the University of Cincinnati football program to new heights during his six seasons there as head coach. Coach Fickell joins Joe and Annie to talk all about his vision for the future of Badger football and so much more!  Later, Badger alumnus and Executive Chair of The Varsity Collective Rob Master joins the show to talk all about the incredible work being done by The Varsity Collective to maximize NIL opportunities for University of Wisconsin student-athletes and the Badger community as a whole! This is an episode you do not want to miss, so hit play and join us for The Badger Bigs, brought to you by The Varsity Collective.

    If you want to learn how you can get involved with The Varsity Collective and support Badger student-athletes, visit www.thevarsitycollective.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest updates!

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

    Presented by The Varsity Collective

    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    38 mins
  • Once a Badger, Always a Badger
    Dec 1 2022

    Welcome to Badger Bigs, the only podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Badger athletics. Today, your hosts and former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas speak with two very exciting guests. First, they are joined by a true force of nature in the Wisconsin Football program: Nose-Tackle and number 95, Keeanu Benton! Keeanu shares experiences as a Badger both on and off the field as well as some of his most memorable moments in Madison. Later, Joe and Annie speak with a true Badger Big, former professional basketball player, sports commentator and Badger alumnus, Brian Butch. Brian joins the duo to discuss the latest in Wisconsin basketball, his time as a Badger and his love of Madison! This is an episode you do not want to miss, so hit play and join us for Badger Bigs, brought to you by The Varsity Collective.

    If you want to learn how you can get involved with The Varsity Collective and support Badger student-athletes, visit www.thevarsitycollective.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to the newsletter for all the latest updates!

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

    Presented by The Varsity Collective
    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    38 mins
  • Welcome to Season 1 of Badger Bigs from The Varsity Collective
    Nov 7 2022

    When you're a Badgers fan, you're a fan for life. This is Badger Bigs, presented by The Varsity Collective, a podcast that gives you inside access to some of the “biggest” figures in Wisconsin Badger athletics. Join former Badger student-athletes Joe and Annie Thomas for first-hand discussions as they highlight the joys of iconic Madison landmarks and have conversations with some of the biggest Badgers of today and generations past about life as a super-sized athlete — in their sports, on campus and beyond. 

    Follow Us

    • Twitter @VarsityCltv 
    • Facebook @TheVarsityCollectiveWI
    • Instagram @varsitycollective

     

    Presented by The Varsity Collective
    https://thevarsitycollective.com

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    1 min