In Episode #83, I have a candid discussion with former Clark University baseball first baseman and DH, Alden Brown. During this discussion, Alden shares his childhood memories of playing multiple sports, including baseball. He discusses what got him interested in baseball and why he chose baseball over the other sports he played. We go in-depth about the friendships he built through baseball and how his friends fueled his competitiveness. Alden also talks about the tough times and moments he experienced while playing high school baseball, and how those moments shaped his playing future. We discuss life as a college athlete and the how and why he lost the love of the game. Finally, Alden shares what led him to decide to walk away from the sport that he loved so much. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

I encourage all youth athletes, coaches and parents to listen to this sobering discussion.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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In Episode #82, I have a candid and enlightening conversation with Jason Williams. Jason is the Youth Director at Renew Birmingham and the Internship Director at Buildup Community School also in Birmingham, Alabama. We begin the conversation discussing Jason's favorite sports as a kid and which sport he ultimately became very good at. Jason talks about the Renew Birmingham program, how he got involved in it and how the program helps out youth in the city of Birmingham. Jason explains, in detail, the challenges the youth, that his program serves and advocates for, deal with on a daily basis. Jason also discusses his own challenges in dealing with the underserved community, his desire to help those in need and the restraints that Renew Birmingham are dealt when it comes to working with the local and state governments of Alabama. We discuss how the internships at Buildup Community School, in an ingenious way, prepares young kids for a career in the trades. Jason offers his insight as to why the disparities exist between black and white communities when it comes to healthcare, education and employment. Finally, Jason offers advice to young kids as to how they can improve their lives and potentially find a great career. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

This is a very informative and sobering discussion. I recommend everyone listen to it. As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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In Episode #81, I have an enlightening conversation with Pharmacist Jessica Beal concerning the affect medications have on athletic performance. The conversation begins with Jessica sharing the sports she played as a youth athlete. She discusses which sport was her favorite, why it was her favorite and what inspired her to get involved in sports. Jessica shares, in detail, what prescribed medications she took as a college athlete and how those medications affected her athletic and social life. Jessica goes on to offer great insight into how certain medications can affect two athletes completely different. Jessica discusses what type of athletes she works with now and how she handles their athletic performance based on the medications they're taking. With PED's (Performance Enhancing Drugs) being a constant topic around sports, Jessica breaks down, in simple terms, the difference between PED's and over-the-counter medication and how they affect performance. She touches on how nutrition can aid in improving performance and possibly eliminating the use of medication. Finally, Jessica offers sound and knowledgeable advice to parents, athletes and coaches when it comes to being informed about how medication can and will affect athletic performance. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' from the episode.

This is a very informative and useful interview. I suggest every parent, coach, athletic trainer and athlete listen to this.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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In Episode #80, I have a discussion about Depression with the co-host of the Big Bad Morning Show, in Baltimore, Jeremy Conn. Jeremy opens up about the childhood trauma that he endured and what became the root of his battle with depression. Jeremy shares what his childhood was like, the dynamics of his home-life and which sport was his "getaway." Jeremy goes in-depth about his multiple suicide attempts and what ultimately led him to seek help. He also discusses his altruistic motives and who was the inspiration behind them. We cover his selfless community and charity work, and the local Baltimore sports fan who captured his heart.

Whether you're dealing with depression or not, or maybe you know someone who is, everyone needs to listen to this heart-felt, touching and honest episode. It's sure to move you.

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In Episode #79, I have a conversation with a friend of the show and reoccurring guest, mental health expert Dr. Melissa Tate-Scruse. The topic of conversation is about Character. Dr. Tate-Scruse begins by explaining what her thoughts and vision is when it comes to the meaning of Character. We then transition to discussing how society views character and if having good character has gone by the wayside over the years. We discuss the, at best, questionable character by those in the entertainment and political realm. that has been in the news cycle over the past several months. Dr. Tate-Scruse sheds some important light on how parents should handle this confusing situation and what they need to do to ensure their kids are not being swayed by what they see on tv and social media. We also tackle the issue of brawls in sports and what can be done from a teaching and instilling good morals standpoint to curtail these incidents despite sports being highly emotional. Finally, Dr. Tate-Scruse offers her advice to kids who may be confused or struggling with what they're being taught at home compared to what they see on tv and how to decide what's right and what's wrong. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' from the episode.

I recommend that you listen to this insightful and though-provoking episode. Dr. Tate-Scruse offers sound judgement and advice.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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In Episode #78, my guest is Registered Dietician Mia. Mia is from Dallas, Texas and attended Texas Tech University, where she was the R.D. for many of the athletic programs. Mia explains the significant differences between a R.D. and a Nutritionist. She explains why nutrition and hydration is so vital to peak athletic performance. We discuss the different nutrition and hydration needs between age groups as well as one sport to another. Mia what the healthy options are at convenience stores when parents and athletes are pressed for time. We talk about the nutrition and hydration needs are between in-season and off-season. In depth, Mia explains when it's a good time to use hydration replenishing drinks and if it's better to consume electrolyte drinks or just water. Finally, Mia offers her advice to athletes, coaches and parents when it comes to proper nutrition and hydration. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

Mia offers great information and advice in the very informative interview. I suggest athletes and parents of athletes listen to this episode.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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In Episode #77, I have a sobering and uplifting conversation with Retired Atlanta Detective and now, Founder and CEO of Clippers and Cops Tyrone Dennis. Clipper and Cops is a grassroots program to help young kids in trouble and also to bridge the divide between communities and the police. We began our discussion talking about Tyrone's childhood growing up in St. Louis. He shared what he went through and the things he encountered as young kid in one of the worst neighborhoods in St. Louis. Tyrone discussed the sports he played and which sport, not only propelled him to do great things in his life but which sport, according to him, ultimately saved his life. Tyrone shares what led him to Atlanta and his experiences as a Police Officer then subsequently a Detective in Atlanta. We discuss, in detail, how he created the Clippers and Cops program and the number of young kids the program has helped and will continue to help. Tyrone shares his vision for the Clippers and Cops program and how communities across the country and worldwide can get involved. Finally, Tyrone shares his advice for families when it comes to parenting young kids. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways.'

I strongly urge everyone to listen to this interview. There's power in numbers and power in togetherness.

As always, thanks for listening. Take Care.

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In Episode #76, the Life After Sports episode is completed with former high school and college football player David. We begin Part 2 of the episode discussing David's thought on #2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft Cameron Brink's ACL injury during a game back on June 18th. From there, we pick up where we left of from Part 1. We talk about how David felt mentally and emotionally the first few days and week following his decision to stop playing football. David also shares what kind of toll the decision took on him and how he was able to get through it. We discuss what David is doing these days and what his future plans and goals are. Finally, David offers his advice to young athletes who may face the same decision he did. In the end, I offer my 'Three Takeaways' for young athletes when dealing with living life after sports.

I recommend all parents of young athletes, coaches and athletes to listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of this episode.

As always, thanks for listening. Take care.

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