Explore every episode of the podcast Next Up with 99.9 The Fan

Paul Ihander chats with Inside Carolina's Tommy Ashley about UNC's Saturday gridiron clash with Notre Dame + how in the world is a college football team out West dealing with a bad outbreak of the mumps.

Paul Ihander looks at the current holding pattern on a Carolina Hurricanes' trade of Alexander Nikishin + UConn wants to no longer be independent in football, but should be offering a carrot of other sports to potential partners

Paul Ihander & Max Goren welcome Cory Smith, editor of Pack Power 247, to discuss the latest with NC State football and a spicy Dave Doeren on a Wolfpack Wednesday. Also, they look ahead to the Carolina Panthers' Sunday Night Football matchup with the Detroit Lions, hoping to see more consistent performances from Carolina ahead of the bye week.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap the Carolina Hurricanes' opening-night loss to the Florida Panthers in overtime. Can their offensive struggles be attributed to early-season rust? Also, they react to a report from ESPN's Emily Kaplan, in which she says to stay alert on when it comes to a potential Alexander Nikishin trade.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to injury news regarding Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn, who was placed on injured reserve with a torn quadricep. Also, they discuss the U.S. Senate passing the Protect College Sports Act.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren preview the Carolina Hurricanes’ season-opening matchup with the Florida Panthers. Can the Canes run it back with most of the same roster that just won the Stanley Cup in dominant fashion? Also, they discuss the biggest storylines around the NHL on opening night.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to the Carolina Hurricanes finalizing their roster ahead of an opening night tilt with the Florida Panthers. What should we make of young players like Bradly Nadeau and Felix Unger-Sorum being sent down to the AHL? Also, they discuss the latest updates about unsigned free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin from Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap the Carolina Panthers' 21-18 loss to the Cleveland Browns, in which the offensive line struggled to give Bryce Young time in the pocket as injuries stacked up for Carolina. Also, they discuss the results for all the local college football teams over the weekend, including Duke, Wake Forest, ECU, NC State and Campbell.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren preview this weekend’s ACC football slate, discussing whether Clemson, the conference’s former powerhouse, can keep pace in today’s college football. Also, they react to a rare Cooper Flagg trading card selling for a record-breaking $8 million.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap the Atlanta Falcons’ 35-14 win over the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football. Will they provide some competition for the Carolina Panthers in the NFC South divisional race? Also, they discuss the Carolina Hurricanes’ exciting preseason comeback victory in Greensboro over the Nashville Predators.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren welcome David Shumate, voice of Duke football, to discuss the Blue Devils' 3-0 start to the season and preview the week ahead. Also, they talk about the Carolina Hurricanes' return to their old home venue in Greensboro for tonight's preseason clash against the Nashville Predators.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren discuss Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young's excellent start to the 2026 season, which could put him in some historic company. Also, they preview the Atlanta Falcons taking on the Green Bay Packers to kick off Week 3 of the NFL season.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren welcome Cory Smith, editor of Pack Power 247, to discuss NC State football’s brutal loss against Vanderbilt, their chance to bounce back against App State, and the latest with the basketball program in the first year under Justin Gainey. Also, they react to the NHL slowing down expansion talks.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to news of Carolina Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks being placed on IR after core muscle surgery. What is the path forward for the backup RB position? Also, they recap the Carolina Hurricanes’ 3-2 shootout victory in their preseason home opener against the Florida Panthers.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren provide some theoretical trade destinations for Carolina Hurricanes holdout defenseman Alexander Nikishin. Could GM Eric Tulsky turn a sticky situation into another big swing? Also, they react to New York Giants QB Jaxson Dart going down with an MCL injury on Monday Night Football.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren discuss the Carolina Panthers' 1-1 start to the season, and how they might approach the running back room moving forward after another injury to Jonathon Brooks. Could GM Dan Morgan take a look at the trade market for a running back? Also, they react to UNC basketball guard Matt Able's appearance on the Inside Carolina podcast, where he shed some light on his transfer from NC State to UNC.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap Duke football's easy win over Stanford in their first ACC game of the season, as well as UNC's second-half collapse in a loss at Clemson. Also, they discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' first preseason appearance against a full-strength Florida Panthers squad.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap the Carolina Panthers' 34-3 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Is this win more indicative of what the defense is capable of than their lackluster showing in week 1? Also, they break down NC State football's calamitous, stunning loss to Vanderbilt. Who is to blame for the Wolfpack's meltdown to end the game?

Paul Ihander & Max Goren preview the weekend ahead for Wake Forest, Duke, UNC and NC State football. In a weekend of interesting matchups, who will come out on top? Also, they look ahead to the LSU-Ole Miss game on Saturday night, in which Lane Kiffin will make his dramatic return to Oxford.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren preview the Carolina Panthers' Week 2 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons; can Carolina take advantage of uncertainty in the Atlanta QB room? Also, they discuss the Carolina Hurricanes' first days of training camp, where the reigning Stanley Cup champions are still without Alexander Nikishin.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to the breaking news of Steve Belichick resigning from his position as UNC football’s defensive coordinator. With the university’s statement saying their internal investigation is complete, is this the end of off-the-field turmoil swirling around Carolina football?

Paul Ihander & Max Goren discuss the start of training camp for the Carolina Hurricanes. What’s the latest on the seemingly-endless Alexander Nikishin situation? Also, they welcome Benjy Capps, executive director of the Miracle League of the Triangle, to discuss the 20th anniversary of the organization and what they do in the community.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren welcome Cory Smith, editor of Pack Power 247, to preview NC State football’s big upcoming non-conference matchup against Vanderbilt in Nashville. Also, they welcome Marine Drew Hess to discuss his 225-mile bike ride as part of Coast 2 Coast 4 Cancer 2026.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to the Carolina Hurricanes signing captain Jordan Staal to a one-year contract extension. How did the new NHL collective bargaining agreement play into this decision, as well as the Alexander Nikishin situation? Also, they discuss the Carolina Panthers waiving wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr.

Max Goren welcomes in Adam Gold, 99.9 The Fan Canes Insider, to discuss restricted free agent defenseman Alexander Nikishin reportedly requesting a trade. What does this mean for the Carolina Hurricanes, who start training camp later this week? Also, he recaps the biggest storylines from a complete Week 1 of the NFL season.

Max Goren recaps the Carolina Panthers' 59-37 week one loss to the Chicago Bears. Where does Carolina go from here after a brutal defensive performance? Also, he checks in with NC State, UNC, Wake Forest and Duke football after week two of college football. 

Paul Ihander looks at the ACC football slate, where NC State and North Carolina aren't out for redemption, but for good feelings + Cooper Flagg goes into business selling his own basketball cards

Paul Ihander reflects on the 25th year since the 9/11 attacks + NFL's vanilla trip Down Under + how Nashville could have the deal the Canes want for Alexander Nikishin

Paul Ihander talks with Tommy Ashley from Inside Carolina about the uneasy feel within the football program about its trajectory and how Saturday's game may not settle things down + the influence of Barry Melrose on hockey spectating in the U.S.

Paul Ihander explores how the slow starts by the Carolina Panthers in the past several seasons keeps fans and analysts believing the 2026 team is no better than 8 wins + everyone in sports has expansion on their minds.

Paul Ihander looks at how Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren gameplans for Friday’s home opener + LSU blinks in its game of chicken over the pro to college pipeline with the SEC.

Paul Ihander talks about what seems to be the never-ending challenge of changing the narrative about the Carolina Panthers, and how the Carolina Hurricanes could still be high end shopping before the regular season.

Paul Ihander looks at how the Panthers are asking Bryce Young to be the biggest voice in the room as a new season begins this Sunday.

Paul Ihander dissects the coach speak as Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren needs a win on the field, and Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick deflects the off field noise.

Paul Ihander looks at a prove it weekend for ACC teams and others as Week 1 of the college football season kicks into high gear + a game of chicken for an NFL player who wanted to secure his favorite jersey number.

Paul Ihander digs into the resignation of UNC football GM Michael Lombardi + the fight between the SEC and LSU looming over pro players returning to school.

Paul Ihander talks about the avoidance of staying vanilla when it comes to the Panthers playcalling on offense in 2026 + a drive down nostalgia lane as the racing movie Cars still holds up after 20 years.

Paul Ihander wonders if the ACC should change its motto to “the conference of developing quarterbacks” + the graveyard of basketball dreams known as the Los Angeles Clippers.

Paul Ihander is joined by Pack Power 24/7 editor Cory Smith, discussing NC State’s drubbing at the hands of Virginia + how the $4B sale of the Los Angeles Angels affects MLB expansion plans.

Paul Ihander talks about the evolution of the Panthers defense and how the pair of Jaycee Horn and Derrick Brown, projected as top-100 players in the NFL in 2026, should benefit from the linebacking corps overhaul + a world in which the Canes start the season without Alexander Nikishin.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to an article naming Jake Dickert, Manny Diaz and Blake Harrell as possible candidates for big coaching jobs that become open in college football. Also, they look ahead to the sporting events to watch in the month of September.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren discuss the latest roster moves from the Carolina Panthers ahead of the start of the regular season, including the acquisition of former Ravens center Corey Bullock, and the corresponding release of guard Chandler Zavala. Also, they react to a raccoon trading card selling for $21,000.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren recap vastly different season-opening performances for UNC and NC State football in week zero. Can UNC be a bowl team in year two under Bill Belichick? Can NC State recover from an embarassing loss in a conference game to start the year? Also, they react to Cale Makar becoming the NHL's first $20 million man.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to the Carolina Panthers’ final roster cut-down, which included some surprising cuts and additions. Also, they discuss the penalties being threatened to college sports programs looking to bring in talent from professional leagues.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren discuss the Carolina Panthers’ upcoming roster cut-down, debating which players will make the 53-man roster. Also, they react to Winnipeg Jets goaltender and Team USA gold medalist Connor Hellebuyck publicly requesting a trade.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren preview the week zero season openers for UNC and NC State football, with the start of the college football season finally arriving tomorrow. Also, they react to the ACC becoming the latest Power Four conference to prevent professional athletes from returning to college sports.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to ESPN reportedly removing their iconic BottomLine ticker from college football broadcasts. Also, they debate whether UNC football is being overlooked heading into the Tar Heels’ week zero season opener against TCU.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to the Carolina Panthers offense struggling to get going again, this time in a joint practice with the Houston Texans. Also, they discuss former Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen coming into training camp injured for the Edmonton Oilers.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren welcome Cory Smith, editor of Pack Power 247, to preview NC State football’s week zero season opener at Virginia. Can the Wolfpack take down an experienced Cavaliers team on the road? Also, they praise the PGA Tour’s decision to switch the format of the Tour Championship to match play.

Paul Ihander & Max Goren react to Carolina Panthers Head Coach Dave Canales’ quotes on giving up playcalling duties, as well as his faith in quarterback Bryce Young. Also, they discuss the SEC taking measures to prevent the reverse pipeline from professional sports back to college.