What happens when the dream of going pro doesn’t go to plan?
Almost Pro is a weekly sport podcast sharing the untold stories of past athletes whose careers fell outside the traditional definition of “pro” — where money and fame are attached — alongside the coaches and experts who shaped their journey.
Hosted by Laura & Frances, each episode blends raw storytelling, expert insight, and lived experience to unpack what it really means to navigate sport on and off the field. Almost Pro is a sport community built for everyone who knows the story isn’t in the title — it’s in the journey.
The Price Of Greatness.
Jim Thorpe helped shape professional sport - but his own story was far from a victory lap.
We’re back with The Extraordinary Story Of Jim Thorpe | Part 2, and honestly… every time we thought we knew where this story was going, it took another turn.
The beginnings of the NFL. Hollywood. An unusual football team. And… a bear?! 🐻 There’s a LOT to unpack.
We follow Jim beyond the playing field, into life after sport, his advocacy for Native American people, and the unfinished business of those Olympic medals.
How do you fight for recognition when the world already watched you win? And who keeps fighting when you’re no longer here?
Expect plenty of disbelief, a little couch coaching, and a story that had us cheering one minute and completely outraged the next.
🎧 New to Almost Pro Athletes In History? Listen to Part 1 first, then join us here for the rest of Jim’s extraordinary story.
What surprised you most about Jim?
Let us know - and send us your suggestions for the next athlete from history we should explore!
Follow Almost Pro for more sporting stories. We’re clearly not ready to leave this rabbit hole just yet. 😂
🌐 almostpropodcast.com
📸 Instagram: @almostpropodcast
✉️ hello@almostpropodcast.com (mailto:hello@almostpropodcast.com)
2 Oct 2026
The Extraordinary Story Of Jim Thorpe | Part 1
Could Jim Thorpe be the original GOAT? Two Olympic gold medals, Major League Baseball AND professional American football. Honestly, Jim… leave something for the rest of us! 😂
We’re back together in Australia, and after a couple of weeks full of travel and research, we’re so excited to introduce Almost Pro Athletes In History! 🎙️
We’re taking our love of sporting stories back in time to explore the lives of athletes who are no longer here to tell their own stories. First up: The Extraordinary Story Of Jim Thorpe | Part 1.
A documentary on Laura’s flight to Australia sent us down a Jim Thorpe rabbit hole—and there was absolutely no chance we were fitting this story into one episode.
Expect extraordinary sporting achievements, plenty of disbelief, a little couch coaching, and a sporting story we couldn’t stop talking about!
If Jim’s a new name to you too, settle in. There’s a lot to talk about—and this is only Part 1.
Follow Almost Pro so you’re ready for Part 2!
🌐 almostpropodcast.com (https://almostpropodcast.com)
📸 Instagram: @almostpropodcast
✉️ hello@almostpropodcast.com (mailto:hello@almostpropodcast.com)
21 Sept 2026
Are Future Pro Athletes Falling Through The Cracks?
Talent may exist everywhere, but opportunity does not.
We’ve all heard the saying: “If you’re good enough, you’ll get noticed.” But noticed by who?
In this AP Bites episode, we’re asking whether talented young athletes are falling through the cracks before they ever get the opportunity to show what they could become.
At 12 or 13, are we identifying the athletes with the greatest future potential, or simply those whose talent is easiest to see right now?
We explore how early development, pathway selection, family knowledge, community coaching and geography can all shape an athlete’s chances.
Once one athlete gains access to better coaching, stronger competition and more opportunities, the gap can grow quickly. But does that mean we selected the better athlete, or did the opportunity itself help create the difference?
And how many potential future professionals might we never know we missed?
🎧 Listen now and follow Almost Pro for more untold stories and honest conversations from the world of sport.
🌐 https://www.almostpropodcast.com (https://www.almostpropodcast.com/)
🎤 Apply to be a guest: https://www.almostpropodcast.com/applications (https://www.almostpropodcast.com/applications)
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