🎙️ Born to the Game — Deborah Joy Winans

Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story

What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity?

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy.

From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her.

This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty
• The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy
• Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations
• The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection
• Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah
• Balancing personal identity with family legacy
• What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments

💬 Key Takeaway:
Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Kylee Evans (Recap Episode)
Presence, Storytelling & Being “Up Next”

What happens when raw talent meets authenticity, presence, and purpose?

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton reflect on their unforgettable conversation with Kylee Evans—an emerging creative force whose storytelling, energy, and vision left a lasting impression.

From her natural charisma and multidimensional creativity to her deep sense of presence and connection, Kylee embodies what it means to step into your own lane while honoring legacy. The hosts unpack the moments that stood out most—from hilarious impressions and pop culture stories to powerful insights on vulnerability, confidence, and chasing your dreams.

More than just a recap, this episode is a celebration of a young Black woman rising in the entertainment industry—and a reminder that greatness often reveals itself early.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why Kylee Evans feels like an “old soul” with next-gen talent
• The power of storytelling and authentic self-expression
• Lessons on presence, connection, and being fully in the moment
• Funny, unfiltered moments that made this episode unforgettable
• Why Kylee is “up next” in film and television
• Inspiration for women pursuing careers in entertainment

✨ Whether you’re an aspiring creative, storyteller, or simply someone navigating identity and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to show up fully and have fun along the way.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Larry Drew Jr.

Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game.

From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal”
• The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father
• Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics
• Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled
• Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face
• Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression
• Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur

Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection.

This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life.

💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.

🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.