The Year Ahead
After about 15 months of working on The IR Debate Club, we’ve finally started to figure out what we’re doing. At least we think. You can be the judge, of course.
In the year ahead, we’re looking to expand our content, bringing back our publication side from when we wrote for The Turf. We’ll write pieces, and supplement the pod with some readings of old articles that we wrote and want to re-share. We’re also looking at taking a real crack at the social media experience. Hell, we’d love to put the Debate back in The IR Debate Club.
In the spirit of this, the team has put together some individual hopes and dreams for 2025. Have a look, then let us know what YOU would like to see.
Andrew Mark Wilhelm
It won't be hard for 2025 to be better than 2024, but there are some specific things I am looking forward to. First and foremost, the Lions being a favorite in the playoffs is weird, uncharted territory for me. The Red Wings suck but they have a new coach and can really only get better. The Tigers can hopefully capitalize on their magical end to 2024. Chelsea isn't miserable to watch. And personally, I've got some really incredible golf opportunities in 2025. But most of all, I am looking forward to getting back to editing the pod and arguing with these fools more regularly. It was a bright spot for me for the back half of the year and I can't wait to continue and grow.
Justin Colombo
If I think about the 2025 New York Mets too hard, I start to worry. Not because I don’t have that trademark Unbridled Optimism, but because I’m used to worrying. Am I excited about what’s to come? Yes. Am I thrilled to have Juan Soto on my team? YES. Am I worried that the Mets will crater and Citi Field will fall into Flushing Bay? Always.
What I am the most excited about is a highly messy NFL Draft. There is always a weird one after every “there’s a clearcut No. 1 overall” draft. The 2012 NFL Draft had Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III as the marquee picks, and then 2013’s iteration was an insane fever dream of Wonderland-like proportions. This year is one of those weird ones, and I am so here for it.
Aside from that, I’m just happy to be along for the ride with my general sports fandom. At this point in my life, I find myself being drawn not just to specific teams but to a sport on the whole. I am enjoying the Premier League, but not just watching Chrystal Palace. I’m allowing my horizons to expand beyond the minutia of my quads and opening my soul up to the universe of sports.
I don’t know. The Juan Soto signing has me all kinds of mixed up.
Kevin Michael Morin
I want to see us really put the debate back in our name. Whether it be on the pod or via socials, I think we have a real opportunity to have some fun, and get you all involved!
I’d like to see a Detroit Lions v. Buffalo Bills Super Bowl.
As for my teams? Well, the Red Sox are confusing me this offseason. I really don’t know what the hell to expect from them. I want to see the Patriots take Ashton Jeanty with their top pick in the NFL draft in April. Can the Celtics repeat? I hope so. I’d be lying if I said I have paid attention to the Bruins this year. All I know is it’s time for Don and Cam to go.
As for my beloved Tottenham? We’ve fallen far from where we were when I wrote this piece back in 2019. In Ange I trust. Health is the biggest key. Oh, and rebuilds don’t happen overnight.
Sydney Van Gorp
What I’m excited about - Sports Overall
I am geeking out about all things women’s basketball, from the upcoming season of the WNBA to the Valkyrie expansion, draft, Unrivaled, and March Madness — Pump ALLLL ball related to women into my veins. I. Can’t. Wait.
What I’m excited about — My Teams
Let’s be real; all I’m thinking about right now is the Chiefs three-peat. It feels wild even to be typing those three words in succession. As a KC kid who grew up going to Arrowhead in the ‘80s and ‘90s, I NEVER imagined this level of success. I thought maaaaybe I’d get lucky enough to see us win one Super Bowl, but three, AND the potential of making history with the elusive three-peat…It all feels like a dream! In some ways, I want this one more than the others. I love this team. I love the adversity they’ve faced. I love the grit and fire our defense has laid out on the field this year — it’s like a drug coursing through my veins: Chiefs Defense, In Spags We Trust. During football season, I eat, sleep, and breathe Chiefs, so asking me this question at this point in the sports calendar, my mind can’t even keep a tab open for my other teams. That’s the brutal truth.
What I'm excited about - The IRDC
I’m excited to continue to grow with these lovely weirdos. As a sports-loving chick who grew up with four older brothers, it feels like home arguing and chatting about all things sports & entertainment with this rag-tag bunch. I’m fired up for all the guaranteed laughter and nonsense we plan to build into a staple sports and entertainment podcast — and beyond; because with this crew, the limit does not exist.
Terry Cudmore
What I'm excited about - Sports Overall
I am looking forward to the Super Bowl more than I have in a while this year. I do not have confidence in the Chiefs three-peating, or even reaching the big game. I'm excited about the potential for a franchise that has never won to hoist the Lombardi in February.
What I'm excited about - My Teams
Red Sox - I was super pumped for this offseason and deluded myself into thinking Soto signing with the Sox was likely. I like the Crochet trade and Buehler signing but I am underwhelmed with the approach as a whole right now. I'm excited to see what they do the next few weeks because I do think another legit move is coming.
Patriots - The potential of getting the #1 pick and dealing it away for a load of assets is what's keeping me going with this team. Now, they need to do a complete coaching staff and FO overhaul for me to really get amped up that the right decision would be made. Bring me Mike Vrabel.
Celtics - The last few weeks has definitely dampened my excitement, but I am still expecting a deep playoff run. I still like their chances to repeat as champs too.
Bruins - Just get into the playoffs. I just want playoff hockey.
What I'm excited about - The IRDC
I think we have only scratched the surface of where we can take the IRDC and I'm excited to see what's next (especially the writing we have planned).
One "goal" I'd be excited about is having our first "special guest" on an episode at some point in 2025.
