Anya Alvarez - Podcast Details

Shows

Serving PancakesLOVB Salt Lake’s Sophie Fischer and Skylar Fields are the Perfect RoommatesAfter a brief recap of week 10, LOVB Salt Lake youngsters Sophie Fischer and Skylar Fields join the show. They talk about their experiences so far with LOVB, including the teammates who’ve been most helpful with the transition to professional volleyball for Sophie and to opposite hitter for Skylar. They also discuss what it’s like playing for Tama Miyashiro and Bruno Chateau, LOVB Salt Lake’s coaches, and interacting with the team’s fans. The two roommates also open up about their off-the-court lives, including why they’re no longer allowed to go shopping together and who on the team i...2025-03-1734 min

Serving PancakesBad Movies and Biomechanical Engineering with Temi Thomas-AilaraKhat and Tiffany open the show by recapping week nine, and Khat shares what it’s like to face friends and former teammates in a match. Afterward, Tiffany chats with LOVB Madison opposite hitter Temi Thomas-Ailara on a range of topics, including: Madison’s hot streak and the steak dinner that fueled it, Temi’s Nigerian heritage, A lovb of bad movies, Studying biomedical engineering in college, Playing professionally where she ended her collegiate career, Shaping the future of volleyball, and more! Follow Temi on Instagram.Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Hos...2025-03-1033 min

Serving PancakesReading Setters and Snapping StreaksTiffany and Khat recap an eventful week eight of League One Volleyball action, including two big wins for LOVB Madison and LOVB Salt Lake spoiling LOVB Houston’s homecoming. Khat also talks through what she is looking for when she’s reading an opposing setter and gives insight to what it’s like playing in long rallies. Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Host: Tiffany OshinskySenior Producer: Anya AlvarezExecutive Producers: Carrie Stett, Tamara Deike, and Lindsay HoffmanTheme Music: Pancakes by Eric W. Mast, Jr.Sound Designer: Daniel G...2025-03-0314 min

Serving PancakesTalking LOVB and Audacity with Anne Marie AndersonAfter recapping week seven of the League One Volleyball season – including plenty of focus on Khat’s 11-kill performance Thursday night against LOVB Salt Lake – both Khat and Tiffany talk with LOVB broadcaster Anne Marie Anderson. The trio talk about the LOVB season so far, the moment women’s sports is currently having, and being a woman in sports broadcasting in addition to lessons from her recent book, Cultivating Audacity: Dismantle Doubt and Let Yourself Win. Follow Anne Marie Anderson on Instagram and LinkedIn.Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Host: Tiffany Oshinsky...2025-02-2437 min

Serving PancakesCats, Camaraderie and Club Volleyball in Iowa with Jaali Winters and Madi Kubik-BanksWith LOVB Houston’s win at the LOVB Classic fresh in mind, Tiffany recaps the on-court action while Khat chats with a few of her fellow athletes about the environment in Kansas City. Later, Tiffany catches up with LOVB Omaha outside hitters Jaali Winters and Madi Kubik-Banks. The two share about the tight-knit team culture in Omaha, their shared experiences of junior volleyball in Iowa, advice to junior athletes and more. Follow Jaali on Instagram and Facebook.Follow Madi on Instagram and TikTok.Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Host: Tiffany Osh...2025-02-1834 min

Serving PancakesSettling in with Amber Igiede and Jess MruzikKhat and Tiffany recap last week’s matches and preview this weekend’s LOVB Classic, an in-season tournament where all six teams will compete alongside Triple Crown NIT, the premier junior tournament in the nation. Tiffany also sat down with LOVB Houston’s Amber Igiede and Jess Mruzik. Both new to professional volleyball – Jess is a rookie and Amber is in her second pro year – the two discuss their transition out of college volleyball, the close relationships on LOVB Houston, how they’ve experienced the season so far, and more. Follow Amber on Instagram.Follow Jess on Instagram.2025-02-1040 min

Serving PancakesTaking the Lead with Kelsey CookTiffany and Khat begin the latest episode of Serving Pancakes by recapping week four and LOVB Atlanta taking the top spot of the league standings. They also welcome LOVB Atlanta outside hitter and founding athlete Kelsey Cook to the podcast. The trio chats about Kelsey being a leader on the team and in the league as a whole, her life abroad, the four-match win streak that Atlanta is currently on, and Kelsey’s love of traveling and documenting her travels. Follow Kelsey on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Hos...2025-02-0336 min

Serving PancakesWeek 3 recap with Khat and TiffanyAnother exciting week of League One Volleyball action has come and gone. Host Tiffany Oshinsky and Co-host/LOVB Austin opposite Khat Bell break down all four matches of week three with the lovb and insight you’d expect from the duo. Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Host: Tiffany OshinskySenior Producer: Anya AlvarezExecutive Producers: Carrie Stett, Tamara Deike, and Lindsay HoffmanTheme Music: Pancakes by Eric W. Mast, Jr.Sound Designer: Daniel Gonzalez Serving Pancakes is an iHeart Women's Sports Production, in partnership with Deep Blu...2025-01-2711 min

Serving PancakesCreating space for women’s sports with Ari Chambers and Jenny NguyenIn this special episode recorded at League One Volleyball’s First Serve celebration in Atlanta, women’s sports advocates Ari Chambers and Jenny Nguyen join Serving Pancakes senior producer Anya Alvarez to discuss the moment that women’s sports is having right now. Both Ari and Jenny have created spaces dedicated to platforming and growing women’s sports – Ari in the digital sphere as a host and analyst on ESPN and founder of HighlightHER, and Jenny physically as the cofounder and CEO of The Sports Bra, the country’s first sports bar dedicated to women’s sports. They’re contributing to...2025-01-2526 min

Serving PancakesServing Pancakes | LOVB is Here! The First Two Weeks with Sarah Franklin and Chiaka OgboguThe League One Volleyball season has started! LOVB Austin opposite Khat Bell joins Tiffany as co-host, and the two break down what’s happened so far in the season with insights only an athlete who played in those matches can provide. The pair also chat with Khat’s teammate and LOVB Austin Founding Athlete Chiaka Ogbogu and LOVB Madison rookie Sarah Franklin, who joined the league as part of the LOVB 6 in December. Follow Khat on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).Follow Chiaka on Instagram, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter).Follow Sarah on Instagram and TikT...2025-01-211h 02

Serving PancakesMadi Bugg and Molly McCage: A Friendship through VolleyballMadi Bugg and Molly McCage have been friends for over half their lives thanks to volleyball. Hailing from different parts of the country – Madi from North Carolina, Molly from Texas – they met through the U.S. Youth National Team. While at tryouts, training camps and competitions, they were drawn in by each other’s nerdiness plus love of reading and giggling. Now in their 30s, they’ve maintained their friendship through different colleges, professional leagues and even continents. While not teammates in League One Volleyball, both Madi and Molly are excited to see each other from across the net while he...2024-12-2742 min

Serving PancakesKhat Bell’s Unrelenting Determination You cannot find someone more determined on the volleyball court than Khat Bell. The opposite hitter from Mesquite, Texas, has nothing but out-battled friends and opponents alike ever since finding volleyball in the seventh grade. In school, she beat out her friend for the final spot on the A team. At Texas, she gritted through a bulging disk to deliver an NCAA title. In South Korea, she finally beat down a seemingly undefeatable foe to become the first foreign player to be named Finals MVP. With the end of her career on the horizon, Khat has come h...2024-12-1937 min

Serving PancakesLOVB and Family with Mariena HaydenAfter missing her grandfather’s funeral while playing overseas, Mariena Hayden was ready to come home. The outside hitter from Belle Plaine, Minnesota, had settled in with Greece’s ASP Thetis, but she couldn’t miss any more big moments. Luckily, League One Volleyball called with a roster spot four hours away from home with LOVB Madison. She jumped at the chance. Since, Mariena’s enjoyed life as a pro in the United States and getting to know her new city and teammates. Most importantly, she’s been home, celebrating Thanksgiving with family for the first time since high school. Sh...2024-12-1130 min

Serving PancakesBringing LOVB to the U.S. with Kimberly Drewniok So far on Serving Pancakes, we’ve highlighted American players coming home to play professional volleyball for the first time. Alternatively, there are 27 international athletes coming to the U.S. for professional volleyball, including German opposite Kimberly Drewniok. Kimberly has played professionally in Germany, Italy, France, Türkiye and Serbia. She’s won four domestic titles in her career, including the 2019 German Cup. A long-time member of the German National Team, she’s actually played in the state of Nebraska before – when the U.S. hosted a 2019 VNL pool in Lincoln – and is excited to launch League One Volleyba...2024-12-0338 min

Serving PancakesAnita Anwusi Followed Her Own Path to Pro VolleyballFresh out of college, Anita Anwusi is making her pro debut this season in her hometown with LOVB Houston Volleyball. A first-generation college graduate, the middle blocker hails from a Nigerian family that was originally skeptical of her athletic career. After Anita’s initial success in high school and reassurance from LSU coaches, Anita’s parents trusted Anita to venture down the elite volleyball pathway. While Anita has planned for her future after volleyball – pediatric physical therapy – she’s very much focused on absorbing all the knowledge she can from her experienced LOVB Houston teammates. She and host Tiffany Oshinsky r...2024-11-2022 min

Serving PancakesPreseason Hype with Future M.D., Audriana FitzmorrisThe preseason is here! League One Volleyball athletes are now arriving in their new homes, and one of those athletes is opposite hitter Audriana Fitzmorris. The Overland Park, Kansas, native has played professionally overseas for three seasons. Before her pro career, Audriana attended Stanford University and led the Cardinal to three NCAA titles in four years. In addition to massive success on the court at Stanford, she fell in love with anatomy and how the human body moves. She recently took the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and plans to become a doctor after her playing career. While she...2024-11-1137 min

Serving PancakesHaleigh Washington, the Accidental Volleyball ProNo. 3 Penn State picked up a big top-25 win at No. 16 USC over the weekend, and we thought it was the perfect excuse to chat with Penn State alum and LOVB Salt Lake middle Haleigh Washington. A two-time Olympic medalist with Team USA, Haleigh had barely considered playing professionally until legendary coach Russ Rose pulled her aside and encouraged her to put her all into a pro career. After two Olympic appearances and seven years in Italy, Haleigh is coming home and looking forward to changing how volleyball is watched in the U.S. She discusses what it’s li...2024-10-2935 min

Serving PancakesMeet LOVB Salt Lake with Serena and TamaWhile many of League One Volleyball’s coaches and athletes are familiar with one another already, LOVB Salt Lake takes that to another level. Head coach Tama Miyashiro as coached at least eight LOVB Salt Lake athletes through her other role as U.S. National Team assistant, including middle blocker Serena Gray. Sererena and Tama both caught up with host Tiffany Oshinsky to chat about how that established relationship could impact the season, how each is preparing for the inaugural campaign and more. From grass volleyball to role models, you’ll be much better prepared for the upcoming LOVB Salt...2024-10-2239 min

Serving PancakesGoing Pro with Coach Suzie FritzAfter nearly 30 years of coaching collegiate volleyball, LOVB Omaha Volleyball head coach Suzie Fritz is taking on a new challenge: leading a professional team during its inaugural season. She and host Tiffany Oshinsky chat about Suzie’s excitement for her new role and LOVB Omaha in general, success as a college coach, and the challenges of being a mother working in athletics in the latest episode of Serving Pancakes. Also, Tiffany welcomes back broadcaster Emily Ehman to discuss the five-set thriller between Nebraska and Purdue on October 11. Topics include: Nebraska and Purdue go five Parity in coll...2024-10-1640 min

Serving PancakesBonus Episode: Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Lauren SchadOctober 14 is Indigenous Peoples' Day, and we’re honoring the occasion by chatting with middle blocker Lauren Schad. From Rapid City, South Dakota, Lauren is a member of the Cheyenne River Lakota Tribe and celebrates her culture as much as possible, which can be difficult for long parts of the year as she has played professionally in France for six seasons. Despite the distance, Lauren has always felt support from the Indigenous community and gives back by hosting volleyball clinics or supporting organizations that raise awareness of the missing and murdered Indigenous women epidemic. From South Dakota to San Di...2024-10-1446 min

Serving PancakesThe Warrior Mindset with Daly SantanaGrowing up in Puerto Rico, Daly Santana was told that she could do everything she wanted to in volleyball. That mindset served the budding outside hitter well in her teenage years – especially when she joined the Puerto Rican National Team at age 16, and later on adapting to life at the University of Minnesota. Now, after a decade of pro competition, Daly has softened her approach…off the court, at least. Using summers to rest and recuperate have left her energized and ready to take the court again when LOVB Madison begins play this winter. Daly celebrates that and countless othe...2024-10-0740 min

Serving PancakesThe Quiet Power of Sarah Wilhite ParsonsSarah Wilhite Parsons isn’t the loudest person on the court. Being overly vocal just isn’t in her nature, and she knows that. Sarah is, though, very self-assured, and she has a strong sense of who she is and what she wants from life. She’s used that to great effect. From leading by example to meeting her future husband while in college, Sarah’s been able to live her life according to her own faith and values while maintaining a professional career overseas. Now, with LOVB Madison, her career comes full-circle, and she’ll end it by playing in...2024-08-2933 min

Serving PancakesTransitions with Danielle CuttinoDanielle Cuttino’s volleyball journey has been full of transitions. As a child, she transitioned from basketball to volleyball. On the court, she’s gone from middle hitter to outside hitter to opposite. After a move from Italy’s pro league to Brazil’s, she found faith and transitioned into a life of purpose. Now, Danielle’s back in the U.S. and helping volleyball transition into the next major league as part of LOVB Atlanta. Listen as she talks through these periods of her life, playing college volleyball with her sister, and more with host Tiffany Oshinsky. Topics include:2024-08-2331 min

Serving PancakesSilver Celebration with Amber Igiede and Kim Hill: LOVB in ParisA podium-worthy tandem of LOVB Houston middle blocker Amber Igiede and Olympic medalist Kim Hill recap the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for the U.S. National Team, who claimed silver after a loss to Italy in Sunday’s finale. Amber, Kim and host Tiffany Oshinsky recap the two-week tournament for the U.S., congratulate deserved winners Italy, and look ahead to the inaugural League One Pro season, which will feature 10 silver medalists from Paris. Topics include: Assessing the U.S.' time in Paris The crowds are back! Italy: Worthy of gold One last check-in with Courtney Thompson Looking ah...2024-08-1230 min

Serving PancakesLeah Hardeman and Why Representation Matters: LOVB in ParisLOVB Austin Volleyball outside hitter Leah Hardeman relives and relishes in the amazing Olympic semifinal between the U.S. and Brazil. After recovering from the match, she and host Tiffany Oshinsky discuss Leah’s introduction to volleyball and the importance of being in a predominantly Black club during her development as an athlete and as a Black woman. That experience growing up has inspired Leah to share those lessons and that love of volleyball herself as a coach and role model. Topics include: Initial reactions to USA/Brazil In-match adjustments and responses That fifth set mentality Game planning fo...2024-08-0935 min

Serving PancakesGritty, Not Pretty: LOVB in ParisWe’ve got two interviews for you this time! First, host Tiffany Oshinsky checks in with Olympic bronze medalist and LOVB Head of Pro Integration Courtney Thompson, who’s on the ground in Paris. The two chat about what it’s like to be in Paris for the Olympics, what the arena feels like, and the U.S.’ quarterfinal sweep of Poland, among other topics. Also, Audrey and Nicole Nourse, four-time NCAA beach champions at USC, join the show to talk about the Olympics – both indoor and beach – team chemistry when your partner is your twin sister, using volleyball to develop c...2024-08-0846 min

Serving PancakesSticking with the Game: Juliann Faucette and Emily Ehman | LOVB in ParisVolleyball is a lifelong sport, and no one knows this better than our two guests today. After an outstanding career at the University of Texas, Juliann Faucette played professionally overseas but twice decided to pause her career to start and grow her family. She’ll restart it again this winter as a member of LOVB Austin Volleyball. A former libero at Northwestern, Emily Ehman has remained in volleyball as a broadcaster, becoming the face of volleyball on the Big Ten Network and also working NCAA Division I Championships, Volleyball Nations League and other renowned tournaments. The two talk a li...2024-08-051h 03

Serving PancakesLogan Eggleston and Asjia O’Neal: LOVB in ParisU.S. National Team and LOVB Austin Volleyball athletes Logan Eggleston and Asjia O’Neal were teammates at the University of Texas – successfully, too, winning the 2022 national title – and they’ll reunite this winter as members of LOVB Austin Volleyball. The two friends sat down with host Tiffany Oshinsky to talk Texas volleyball, U.S. vs. Serbia, and more. Topics include: Budding Friendship at Texas Lowdown on Longhorn Volleyball College vs. international volleyball U.S.-Serbia breakdown Fine line between smart and aggressive Mentality of fighting until the end How Logan and Asjia watch U.S. matches Ex...2024-08-0139 min

Serving PancakesCarli Lloyd and Courtney Thompson: LOVB in ParisFormer U.S. National Team setters Carli Lloyd and Courtney Thompson join Tiffany to discuss the U.S.’ comeback attempt that fell just short against China on Monday. The bronze medalists also reminisce about their Olympic experience together in Rio, how the team rebounded from a tough semifinal loss to earn a spot on the podium, and also test their knowledge about this year’s U.S. squad. Topics include: Carli and Courtney’s Opening Ceremony memories Life for athletes at the Games First Match jitters on the biggest stage U.S. vs. China recap Using the double sub The...2024-07-3047 min

Serving PancakesJordan LarsonFifteen-year pro Jordan Larson is one of the most decorated American volleyball players of all time. And she’s not done yet. The three-time Olympic medalist, NCAA champion, world champion and winner of 15 professional titles is back with Team USA to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. That’s not all; this winter, The Governor will return to her home state of Nebraska to play with LOVB Omaha. From being a leader to establishing a Team USA culture to starting her coaching career, Jordan talks everything volleyball (and everything Nebraska) on the latest episode of Serving Pancakes. Chap...2024-07-2335 min

Serving PancakesJustine Wong-OrantesJustine Wong-Orantes has persevered through cuts, bench roles and more throughout her career, but she’s overcome each obstacle en route to the top of the volleyball world. How did playing on the beach help this 5-6 former setter become Best Libero at the 2020 Olympic Ganes? Why did Justine pick up a volleyball in the first place? What future does the LOVB Omaha star see for the sport in the United States? She and Tiffany Oshinsky dive into that and more during episode four of Serving Pancakes. Chapters include: Volleyball: a family affair The benefits of bea...2024-07-1835 min

Serving PancakesAnnie DrewsOpposite hitter Annie Drews may have been a latecomer to volleyball, but that hasn’t stopped her from a pro career that’s sent her to Puerto Rico, Italy, Japan and more. The Elkhart, Indiana, native overcame that slow start to earn a spot on the U.S. National Team, and she powered the squad to the gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games. After yet another nudge along her path, she’s coming home to play in front of family and friends with LOVB Madison Volleyball. Alongside host Tiffany Oshinsky, Annie reflects on her path from aspiring dancer to being...2024-07-1627 min

Serving PancakesJordyn PoulterOlympic gold medalist and Best Setter at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, Jordyn Poulter has been a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team since 2018. She played professionally in Italy for four years and twice earned All-American honors at the University of Illinois. After making her second Olympic appearance at Paris 2024, Jordyn will lead LOVB Salt Lake once the season starts this winter. She and Tiffany Oshinsky discuss Jordyn’s introduction to volleyball, experience winning gold with Team USA (and later losing it when someone stole the medal out of her car), and teaching herself to play pian...2024-07-1131 min

Serving PancakesLauren CarliniLauren Carlini is a setter for the U.S. Women’s National Team and has played professional volleyball overseas for eight years. A three-time AVCA All-American at the University of Wisconsin, Carlini grew to love Madison, Wisconsin, and will lead LOVB Madison when League One Volleyball’s inaugural season launches in late 2024. She and Tiffany Oshinsky discuss Lauren’s volleyball career at Wisconsin and abroad, excitement over joining LOVB and LOVB Madison, affection for dogs – and, of course, pancakes – during the inaugural episode of Serving Pancakes. Chapters include: Young Lauren’s dreams and how she got into volleyba...2024-07-0937 min