Pillars Of Community

THE BIG MAN WITH THE BIG PLAN!  Over the summer, Tommy competed in the European Amateur Championship at the Scandinavian Golf Club and won it -- punching his ticket to play in the Open Championship in Scotland.  Tommy is currently a student-athlete at University of Texas.  Tommy is a wonderfully talented young golfer, and an even more wonderful young man.Thank you Tommy for telling your story; speaking your passion -- and leading with your heart -- see ya on the course!Love,Billy G!

LILABEAN FOUNDATION is determined to fund change for children with brian cancer.  Since it's inception, Nicole Giroux and the LilaBean LoveTeam has raised over 5 million dollars for pediatric brain cancer research -- and they are only speeding up!  There is no nobler cause than the health of our children, and we, as adults, will be judged by the job we do for the sake of the children. . . ."Each child belongs to all of us and they will bring us a tomorrow in direct relation to the responsibility we have shown them."  -- Maya Angelou & LilaBean website.Please consider a gift today -- LILABEAN FOUNDATIONThank you Nicole for telling your story, speaking your passion -- keep smiling, keep inspiring!w/ love,Billy G!

MARKEL STARKS is a professional basketball player in Turkey representing the city of Izmir.  I first met Markel as an 8th grader at Mater Dei School and he impressed me form the jump.  He went on to Georgetown Prep and then to Georgetown U -- where he captained the team and racked up accolades -- and for the last 10 years Markel has  been living his dream of playing professional basketball.  Beyond the hard court, Markel has a one-of-a-kind joie de vivre that he infects, quite literally, the world over.  Markel recently got inducted into the Prep Hall Of Fame -- congrats!Thank you, Markel, for being your beautiful self -- and telling your story; speaking your passion on the Pillars Podcast --BE A PILLAR!w/ love,Billy G!#markelstarks #izmir #turkeybasketball #euroball #followyourheart #pillarspodcast #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #truth #love #billyg

Kevin Rapp is running for DC Council At Large to help represent the constituents of our Nation's Capital.  As a 6th generation Washingtonian, I'd say that no has better chops for the job Kevin.  Kevin is also one of the co-founders of the Bike to the Bike charity that supports Autism research, has a 20+ career in the DC restaurant industry, and a lucky husband and father of 2!  To support Kevin -- RAPPTHEVOTE -- because every little bit helps Kevin's worthy cause for DC!Thank you Kevin for telling your story & speaking your passion -- that was fun & you are a role model!w/ love,Billy G!#rappthevote #kevinrapp #DCcouncilatlarge #pillarspodcast #tellyourstoryspeakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #truth #love #billyg

Billy's back with Michael Sprouse in the studio to talk about Homework Club a block off of Bethany Beach @ the EXP Realty Building -- an hour of homework; and hour of games and play on the beach!  The kids in southern Delaware are in need of after-school help.  Help me help the kids by spreading the word -- thanks for the support! Email Billy for more info and to register  -- MDALLSTARSBG@GMAIL.COM(Space is limited)Michael is the host of the famed Coastal A&E radio show which airs Saturdays and Mondays!  Check out Michael's one-of-a-kind personality and one-of-a-kind show this weekend! 99.1 RADIO REHOBOTH!

Billy Glading is an old friend, great athlete, better family-man, and entrepreneur many-times over.  His latest baby is RINGERZ – stick-bands for youth athletics.  Throw a Ringerz Stick Band on your favorite sports stick – lacrosse, baseball, softball, field hockey, tennis, hockey – and everything is more fun.  For the love of the game – express yourself as a player, trade ‘em, and have a ball!  I got the feeling stick bands are just the beginning for RINGERS!Billy – thank you for telling your story; speaking your passion – it's contagious.  Spread the love, chase the dream, and keep on rockin' in the free world!w/ love,Billy G!#RINGERZ #stickbands #lacrosse #youthathletics #expressyourself #entrepreneur #BillyG #pillarspodcast #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #truth #localpodcast #TG3 #love #BillyG

Michael Sprouse is the host of the famed Coastal A&E radio show which airs Saturdays and Mondays!  Check out Michael's one-of-a-kind personality and show and thank you for supporting KIDKAMP! 99.1 RADIO REHOBOTH!

Leah Rizzo is the co-host of CoastLife, a local news & entertainment show that features local business and all the fun things to do down by Delaware's beautiful seashore — or the 19930 is zip-speak!  Leah, you are a rock-star (I mean a TV star) so keep on shooting!  With your positive vibe and curious nature, the sky is no limit to where you can go!Watch COASTLIFE on local NBC @ 4:00 every afternoon -- or the next morning @ 7:00 on FOX. Thanks Leah!w/ love,Billy G!#leahrizzo #coastlife #drapermedia #19930 #coastaldelaware #delmarva #localnews #neverleavetheocean #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish3xperiment #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast #TGE #TG3 #love #billyg

Keandre Jones played in the NFL for 4 years, before realizing that he possessed another burning passion -- working with kids to give them the life skills and motivation all kids need for a bright future.  Keandre's passion materialized into the non-profit -- EVERYDAY A EPISODE!  Check out all of the great and loving things Keandre is doing with the youths of Cincinnati -- and I hope that you enjoy our conversation!Thank you, Keandre!#keandrejones #everydayaepisode #cincinnati #cincinnatibengals #NFL #universityofmaryland #THEohiostateuniversity #givingback #urbaneducation #betheinspiration #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish3xperiment #thegerrish #tellyourstory #speakyourpasion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast #TG3 #love #billygw/ love,Billy G!

Jodi Johnson is an impressive young man.  Jodi is born and raised Delaware, but when he's not by the seashore, Jodi is in New York's Catskill Mountains in his last semester at Hartwick College.  In the beginning of 2023, Jodi started the Down Bad Podcast -- talking about his relationship with his mental health as a way to destigmatize and normalize the conversation about perhaps the most important thing -- out mental wellbeing.Jodi -- you are an inspiration -- you are the reason why I have my podcast.w/ love,Billy G!#jodijohnson #downbadpodcast #mentalhealth #hartwickcollege #rehobethbeachpatrol #delaware #destigmatizementalhealth #loveyourselffirst #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish3xperiment #localpodcast #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #bethechange #betheinspiration #whatlightsyourfire #TGE #TG3 #LOVE #BillyG

SUNBACK has forever been synomous with Christmas! Early 20th century, Mr. Eric Sunback's father had an affinity for the Christmas tree because it reminded him of his native Sweden. In 1956 young Eric sold his first tree for 25 cents, and from then on Sunback's life has been all Christmas trees — going on to establishing two premier Christmas tree lots in the Washington DC area!If you're any kind of Washingtonian, there's Sunback, and  there's all the rest. Never choose the rest when you've got the best!Dan Taylor and Brian Holler worked with Sunback since high school, and in 1996 Sunback helped Dan & Bryan start their own tree farm. And kinda the rest is history.RIP, MR. ERIC SUNBACK, and thank you for bringing Christmas joy to countless Washingtonians. Cheers to a mighty life well lived to the ripe age of 94 years young — there must be something in the tree sap!If you want the best at DAN AND BRYANS — you better get your December duff out there because their trees are going like hotcakes to all the beautiful and happy families and they're sure to be all gone by weekend's end!Great job Dan and Bryan and their Christmas “Tree-Team!” Thank you, Mr. Bryan Holler, for taking the time to sit down with me during peak season! And . . . . MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!w/ love,Billy G!

I get interview by a pair of old and great friends on the origin story of the podcast.Thank you for being interested in what I do — it means the world and is the highest form of love. I appreciate our friendship immensely!w/ love,Billy G!#friendship #friendshipisthebestship #highschoolbuds #georgetownprep #thegerrish3xperiment  #thegerrishexperiment #TG3 #TGE#billygerrishexperiment #localpodcast #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #curiouslikeacat #sometimestheycallmewhiskers #merrychristmas #love #billyg

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to ensure the safety and health of American communities by combating criminal drug networks bringing harm, violence, overdoses, and poisonings to the United States. To accomplish this mission, the DEA employs approximately 10,000 personnel throughout the world – Special Agents, Diversion Investigators, Intelligence Analysts, Chemists, and professional staff – across 241 domestic offices in 23 Divisions and 93 foreign offices across the globe.Jack McFarland is a Supervisory Special Agent (Retired) of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).  Jack's career with the DEA spanned 32 years – taking him from the coal country of Pennsylvania to streets of Allentown and Philadelphia – and then on to Quantico where he trained agents in “tactics,” down to Caribbean where he lead teams of agents in the belly of the beast of the drug trade of the Americas, then back to the home to the mean streets of Baltimore, and finally onto to numerous assignments at HeadQuarters in Washington. In order to stop the bad guys you have to go to the source – and that's what Jack spent his life doing – and even now as a “retired” agent his passion for his mission and craft could not be more keen.  Too bad Uncle Sam makes agents step away from duty at 57 years of age – or else Jack would still be on the beat and beating the bad customers – all to protect the freedom and security of the American way of life.  It is because of the work of Jack and his guys and gals that we as Americans have come to expect the life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness of this beautiful nation.  On the week of Thanksgiving, we all thank you, Jack – SALUTE.I hope you enjoy this awesome podcast (I sure did) – now herrrrrrre's JACK!w/ love,Billy G!#DEA #USdrugenforcementagency #badass #warondrugs #allentown #philadelphia #quantico #caribbean #DEAtactics #marioncatholichighschool #supervisorspecialagentDEA #mcfarlandrule #bethanybeach #chasethesun #beachbuddies #thegerrish3xperiment #thegerrishexperiment #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast  #tge #tg3 #love #billyg

Sean's older brother, Bryan, passed away on January 27, 2022 at the age 26.  Bryan was the energy, light, joy, friend to so many.  Sean has since picked up the football to run with it – honoring Bryan in everything he does – coaching, relationships, life, and THE BRYAN 11 FOUNDATION.  Over the course of 2 years the Strittmatters have generated enough support and love to help 11 high schoolers down the pathway of life.  This is a remarkable testament to the love that Bryan generated in his brief time here on earth.  Bryan's love is still very much alive, and in our challenging times, the future shines bright for so many young people because of Bryan, the Strittmatter family, and everyone who continues to love Bryan and how Bryan lived."The Bryan 11 Foundation gives student-athletes the financial support they may need to attain a private education in the greater Washington D.C. area.The Bryan 11 Foundation is not solely focused around the financial support but also to the commitment of each student's endeavors faced during their four years in high school. We believe as a foundation that every student has the opportunity to explore their talents and receive an education at a school of their choosing, while putting the financial costs to the side. The Bryan 11 Foundation is striving to be committed to these students who are pursuing their love of sports and to keeping the legacy of Bryan Strittmatter close to their hearts."Sean, thank you for telling Bryan's story – you are mature beyond your years – and maybe that's the Bryan living on in you.  Please check out: https://bryan11foundation.org/ -- & please consider giving a gift toward the future of healthy young men.From the beach overlooking the ocean, thank you for listening and I hope you enjoy our conversation.  Next time Sean, we do it at the beach – Bryan would like that – now here's Sean!w/ love,Billy G!#bryan11foundation #thebryan #annualgala #legacy #givingback #makingadifference #youngpeopleforchange #DCyouths #toughtimesmaketoughmen #thegerrish3xperiment #thegerrishexperiment #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast  #tge #tg3 #love #billyg

Courtney Stecker – Battens Disease – #157Wheeler is the beautiful boy of Judy and Courtney Stecker.  Unfortunately, Wheeler was born with a genetic anomaly that affects the development and functioning of his brain — fortunately Wheeler is a warrior and the Steckers have all the determination and love to help Weller's brain get better.  Wheeler has  Battens disease — an extremely rare genetic condition for which there is no cure — YET! Symptoms manifest at a young age and the chances of living past teens can be slim, and right now there are only 500 known cases of Battens in the US — but there is hope in research and there is hope in medicine.  In just the short span of Wheeler's life, the first ever treatment to combat Battens has been developed.  With science, hope, and love anything is possible — that's how Wheeler rolls; that's how the Steckers roll — and money helps too!https://beyondbatten.org/stecker-research-fund/Thank you Courtney for telling the Wheeler story (part 1) and speaking your passion.  The more people know the closer we move to a cure and to erase Batten from the collective lexicon.  And hopefully one day Wheeler will sit with Wheeler jr. on his knee to tell him about some stupid and strange disease that no longer exists!“Remember Red — Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.  I will be hoping that this letter finds you and finds you well.” — The Shawshank Redemption (the #1 ranked movie of all time on IMDb)(If Red and Andy can do it, so can Wheeler!)#Wheelerswarriors #rarekido #Battendisease #cln3 #raredisease #battlebatten #raredad #superdad #beyondbatten #beatbatten #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish3xperiment #thegerrish #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast #tge #tg3 #love #billyg

Timmy Connolly came to me by way of my beautiful sister Linda and East Carolina – and ever since, we've been kindred spirits.  Last year on this day, November 2, Timmy's mother died from Glioblastoma – a cruel and aggressive form of brain cancer.  Broadly brain cancer is under-funded – so to honor his mother and to help solve the stupid problem of cancer, last month Timmy hiked the Grand Canyon as a member of the 3000 Miles To A Cure team – 26 miles, 10,141 feet of altitude change – one day – from the north rim to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  In their own words:It is a powerful metaphor for the race to end brain cancer. The canyon represents the valley of death of underfunded research. We know that funding brain tumor research will change the future for those diagnosed with brain cancer and that if money is the problem, it's a problem that can be solved. Together, we can do this.Timmy – it is always a treat to be with you – and especially outside by the fire, smoking cigar, lots of laughs, and remembering your beautiful mom who is looking down with the hope that each conversation and trek will move us closer and closer to erasing the scourge of cancer from the face of the planet.If you have it in your heart, please donate to Timmy's cause:3000 Miles To A Curew/ love,Billy G!

***The views on this podcast are in no way a representation of the Department of Defense***  Do I have your attention – ha!Riley Avelina is the latest guess on THE GERRISH 3xperiment.  It's not easy being a woman in a man's world.  Riley is a tough, wise, inspiring young lady who is a commanding officer in the United States Army.  Unicorns and rainbows are not the way of the military – more so for a young lady in a company of men.  Past obstacle, resistance, abuse, assault – Riley stands taller and more resilient than ever – a most powerful role model to all girls out there who may feel the pull to serve and protect the red, white, and blue.Riley – thank you for being vulnerable – this is a podcast that I will not long forget – and thank you for your service to our one-of-a-kind nation.  You are a one-of-a-kind person – never stop inspiring and go HERCULES!#rileyavelina #usamry #armywomen #abusesurvivor #medusahead #armybrat #thegerrish3xperiment #thegerrishexperiment #thegerrish #tellyourstory #speakyourpassion #theworldkneelsbeforeloveitisinawe #localpodcast #tge #tg3 #love #billyg

Brendan and Sean Touhey started PEACE PLAYERS over two decades ago in Ireland and South Africa using basketball and the unique power of sport to bring people together across societal divides.  In 2005 the Touheys brought Peace Players to the Middle East -- Israel, the West Bank, Cypress -- to help heal the centuries old divisions between Jew and Palestinian.  Presently Peace Players are at home in 5 major US cities -- bridging divides through the mysterious and beautiful power of sport -- and specifically the round ball

For the last decade THE BOB KEMP CLASSIC has brought top-notch NCAA talent to Georgetown Prep as a way to honor the Bob Kemp legacy of faith, family, athletics.  The Kemp name has always been synonymous with lacrosse and charity, and the BK-CLASSIC benefits the WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY -- helping to provide a young man of DC a top-notch education.It's Notre Dame v Princeton and the game is free -- but if you are a fan of lacrosse and a believer in education as the real answer for America, then please consider donating to THE BOB KEMP CLASSIC.w/ love,Billy G!

Elvis died on Wednesday.  Tuesday night was a rough night, but not all that strange – Elvis had to get up a couple of times to go to the bathroom – but at 77 – that's what old dogs do.  Wednesday morning came early.  I help Elvis downstairs, make a coffee, and sit at my desk to feverishly work to fill some void that I fell inside – it was one of those days with one of those feelings that cannot be fulfilled – maybe it was a premonition.  I feed Elvis, shower, and as I dash out the door, I notice that Elvis had not yet devoured his breakfast – rather he's sitting in front of it and staring – definitely strange!  I go to 8:30 mass and head to get fingerprinted for a teaching assignment, but audible to come back home and check on Elvis.  I arrive and Elvis is in my office, and when I call him, he comes like a good boy, but his front legs wobble as he staggers to me – remembering that makes me sad.  That was the last time I would call Elvis and the last time Elvis would come . . . . . https://www.pillarspodcast.com/elvis/

On his birthday, Patrick and I talk football, but mostly about everything else!w/ love,Billy G!

The VFW Chicken Shack of Bethany Beach has been grilling world famous chicken for generations (step aside Royal Farms) -- and it's all about community.  It was a privilege to sit down with "pit-master" Ken -- for a chat on the last chicken BBQ of the summer -- see ya next Memorial Day!And -- thank you for your service ,Ken and all the vets at the Bethany VFW -- we salute you (and your world famous chicken)!w/ love,Billy G

Written by a licensed relationship therapist (Julie) and a divorce attorney (David); if you read this book, you won't need the services of either.SECRETS OF STRONG COUPLES is Julie and David Bulitt's latest book -- conveying personal stories for better couples communication for long-lasting relationships. It was a treat to sit down with the Bulitt's in the mobile studio, Rolling Wond3r, to hear their story and feel the passion that they pour into the pages of SECRETS OF STRONG COUPLES.Check out their book where ever you buy books and please leave a review!  And I hope you enjoy our conversation about the most powerful of things -- love.w/love,Billy G!

Allow me to introduce Charles Massiatte & the first (of hopefully many) in the series which is philosophy -- or more succinctly, Philosopher Series!PS -- CM & BG on Pentecost, Home, the desert, The Odyssey, fire, The Mahabharata, some more

Dr. Josh Funk conceived, created, and runs R2P — Rehab 2 Perform — a preeminent rehab facility with 8 locations throughout the DMV (and growing)!Josh's story is an inspiration — I hope you enjoy it as much as I did being a part of its telling!Tell your story

If you are a Washingtonian, you know Tim Brant.  If you're from anywhere else in this country and like sports, you probably know Tim Brant too!  Tim grew up in DC and excelled in football at St. John's and then at UMD, and after an injury trying out for our Washington Redskins, Tim stepped into the booth of sports broadcasting -- going from a local to national sports and sat along side, to name a few -- Keith Jackson, James Brown, and Jim Nantz."I never forged a friendship as quickly with anyone as I did with Tim Brant."                 -- Jim Nantz from his 2008 book --Tim -- you are an inspiration for everyone to follow their heart.  Thank you for telling your story; speaking your passion -- it conveys!w/ love,Billy G!

For over 20 years Linda Ryden has taught peace class at Lafayette Elementary School -- and with her long time friend and collaborator -- Cheryl Dodwell -- they have created a cirriculum that they are taking to the world -- PEACE OF MIND:Effectively integrating mindfulness, social and emotional learning, and conflict resolution to create a kinder and more positive school climate.The world needs more of Linda and Cheryl and by teaching peace you change the world -- one child, one class, one school at a time -- and after our awesome and heart-felt conversation -- I whole-hearted believe this too!You go, girls!✌

SATURDAY SATURDAY SATURDAY is WOODMOOR-STOCK! WOODMOOR-STOCK is the second annual fun-fest when porches and front-yards are turned into stages and dance-floors when 55 bands descend on the Woodmoor neighborhood to celebrate community, camaraderie, music, food, fun, friendship, love.Words cannot do WOODMOOR-STOCK justice, and if you are  having a hard time picturing this neighborhood throw-down (like me), I'll see ya this Saturday pin the streets of Woodmoor for the real thing Porches for peace!INSTAGRAMFACEBOOKw/ love,Billy G!PS — Don't sleep on Friday' night's SOUND CHECK TRIVIA — 6:15 — Friday June 9!

Bill Jankowski is the new General Manager of Columbia Country Club.  Born and raised in our sister city to the north — Baltimore — Bill has checkered the mid-Atlantic with his estimable talents to lead and serve — to lead through service.  I would think that I join many when I say that CCC is in good hands with Bill at the helm — after all “William” derives back to the Germanic for “the will to protect.”               Where there's a William, there's a way!w/ love,William!

Bob Manfuso and Frank Boyle have seen a lot of lacrosse in their day!  In the summer there have been days of 10 games — because Bob and Frank are two of the best lacrosse officials in the DC area — and this pair of

LACROSSE, MICHIGAN, DOLPHINS, GIBLIN, PREPThere is no better ambassador for the game of lacrosse than Ted Moon!  When he picked up the Creator's Game at University of Michigan, Ted instantly fell in love with lacrosse!  I hope you enjoy Bill & Ted Lax-fabulous Adventure as much a we did — but that's next to impossible, but good luck!w/ lots of love sauce! Billy

Johnny has done a lot in the little time he has been here -- and credits the Prep brotherhood and his faith for leading him down a path in life's jungle that he never knew existed -- the arts and performing.  Johnny -- you are wise beyond his years -- keep listening to the voice of God that always rings in your heart and you will never go astray!Well done, son -- keep it up!w/ love,Billy

BARROS, BOWEN, MALLOY & SEITZ:  not a law firm . . . . .                                                                                                       . . . . .a rather fearsome foursome!Georgetown Prep Golf are the champions of the IAC, and subsequent champions of the DC Metropolitan Area — had a ball talking with these stud swingers of the golf club!w/ love,Billy G!

HAIL TO THE CHIEF!Vince Bartozzi hails from New Haven, CN and when he and his bride, Marge, moved south they didn't think DC would stick -- yet after four beautiful kids and team of precious grandchildren too -- they are still here!No one embodies "chief" more than Mr. B -- leader, maverick, visionary, coach.  We talk baseball, business, basketball, Frank Pepe Pizza, IT innovation, the Tropea's, beating to a different drum, family, beach, life!I hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed the conversation!w/ loveBilly!

If anyone deserves the billing of Local Legend that's Poppa Joe Tropea — primarily because with his time all he has done is give back — and mostly with kids! We talk the DC playground, DC education, Sicilian roots, Tropea's Barber Shop

ZAN THE MAN and I have been friends since high school when we used to play all the sports and Zan used to conduct Dr. Ochs study sessions at his family home by Prep where mom and dad still live.  Zan with his beautiful wife Alex and their two awesome boys now live Raleigh, and it was there in his pull-through, horse-shoe drive out front of the Gormley southern estate that we talked coaching, sports, Prep, friendship, life.  I hope you listen -- this 138th installment of the Billy Gerrish Experiment is a GEM!w/ love,Billy!

Brian Andrews and I dance at the intersection of golf and life, and talk about the 2023 Masters and have a ball (a golf ball) doing it!Thanks, BA(MF)!⛳️ ❤️‍

PATRIOT POINT is a 300 acre retreat on Maryland's Eastern Shore that provides a relaxing and safe environment for our nation's wounded, ill and injured service members, their families and caregivers , and THE ONE ARM CLASSIC is a golf tournament to take place in Ocean City, MD tomorrow, April 1, for the benefit of Patriot Point and all the veterans, nation-wide, it serves.THE ONE ARM CLASSIC will take place on two mini-golf courses underneath Nick's Mini Golf umbrella and in the spirit of fun and to pay honor to the wounded, each golfer will use one arm.  May the best one-arm-bandit take home the prize and if you cannot golf, please let the real prize go to the vets -- who have sweat and bled for our freedom.Thank you for your service -- we salute you!

Dom Starsia has loved lacrosse ever since he first held a lacrosse stick -- and the sentiment is mutual.  Coach Starsia was recruited to Brown University to play football, but when he touched his first lacrosse stick as a freshman he felt something special. Two years later Coach gave up football to devout more time to his first love — lacrosse.Flash forward past wins, loses, championships — Coach Starsia lives in Charlottesville and coaches the Blue Ridge Barons — they are 0-2 and getting better — and when he can, in his 70's, Coach still plays lacrosse. There is no better ambassador of the game than Dom Starsia — and you can hear it in his voice. Coach, the game of lacrosse loves you more. (Coach Starsia retired from college lacrosse in 2016 as the winningest coach in college lacrosse history replete with 13 final fours, 6 ACC Championships, 4 DI Championships.)

THE WJA OPEN is the chief annual fundraiser for the WASHINGTON JESUIT ACADEMY!  Ned Welbourn and I sat down on a lovely March evening to talk about the love of the WJA and the love in action which is the WJA OPEN.  Thank you, Ned, for being such a wonderful spokesman for the Academy, and a big shout out and thank you to UNITED BANK -- the community bank of the Nation's Capital  -- for being the Title Sponsor for the Open!The Washington Jesuit Academy is an 11-hour/day , 11-months/year school for inner-city DC boys -- grades 4 - 8.  The academic, athletic, character, faith that the WJA imparts so well is solely supported by the donations of us -- the money of the masses, the believers in the mission of quality education for all.  This is our duty, responsibility, honor to help and be moral stewards of the next generation of DC and our planet.  Let's go and please consider chipping in for this supremely noble cause -- perhaps the most noble.I hear babies crying -- I watch them grow -- they'll learn much more than I'll ever know.  And I think to myself -- what a wonderful world.With Love,Billy

I know no larger fan of Elvis than Brendan Martin!  And then there was Austin Butler and Baz Lerhman's masterpiece movie, ELVIS — as Brendan aptly and affectionately calls it — a love letter to Elvis, the once and future and forever king.  Elvis was the first true global superstar of otherworldly talent and he was adored accordingly.  Like Alexander the Great, before Elvis the masses were lost and because of Elvis, all became one.“When you don't know what to say, sing.”

BE OUR GUEST . . . . last night our guests were Cogsworth, The Beast, Lumiere, & the beautiful Belle . . . also known as: Teddy Kavanagh, Croix Harris, Michael Rose & Jameson Ackers -- just a few of the many stars of Georgetown Prep's production of the Disney classic, Beauty & The Beast!  The treat was mine to sit down with these thespians to talk about their weekend musical masterpiece.  Opening show's curtain call is tomorrow at 7:30 with a B&B encore the following night, Saturday, again at 7:30, and a grand finale as Sunday's matinee at 2:00 -- all at Prep's famous and storied Figge Theatre.  I am super stoked for what we all well know will be a show-stopping production of such an all-time favorite. . . . . please join so we can . . . . . BE THEIR GUESTS!TICKETS PLEASE!

With a name like HannaH

Formally known as Joe LaPietra, COACH LALA recently gave birth to Mastery Of The Mind (MOM) -- an educational model to teach student athletes life skills and educational tolls to use beyond athletics.  I have known Coach for a long time -- going back to my early teaching days at Mater Dei School and his son Joey -- who now is employed by dad to help with the digital/social media infrastructure of MOM Universe!After a robustly successful career in finance -- including leading New York Life's DC branch (the second largest of NYL in the country), Joe was traded for Coach when he decided to start MOM at the beginning of this year.  Since, MOM has taken off like wildfire -- with over-night success at St. John's and DeMatha -- and the horizon could not look any brighter.  Coach might have to get in the cloning business to keep up with all the biz!Who is teaching our young men and women communication skills, interview training, public speaking , financial literacy, business principles, leadership, coping skills, student-athlete balance -- COACH LALA IS!mic-drop!

Courtney Chase graduated from the same program that I am currently enrolled — Catholic University's Masters in Social work! Courtney has lived a life of service from politics to education to helping abuse victims — and is currently employed by the Archdiocese of Washington, helping victims of abuse -- and has her own private practice.  Most off, Courtney has been a long-time friend!Check out Courtney's Instagram:  EVERYBODYHASSTRENGTHS -- and website: https://mindfulstrategies-llc.com/ I hope that you enjoy this important conversation about mental health and our calling to help!With love,Billy G!

Andy has been my therapist for over a decade.   Andy has worked in the DC area for over 48 years with over 55,000 therapy sessions with his clients.  Once upon a time, Andy wanted to help people and he got a masters in social work.  Once upon this past December,  I had a conversation with Andy about his experience -- and now I am traveling that very same path down the road of social work!  Where it will take me, God only knows -- but I have Andy to thank for his steadfast guidance and as a role model along this crazy journey of life.  You are never too old to learn, change, grow -- never forget that -- if you are open to it!With much love this has to be one of my all-time favorite conversations -- thank you Andy for everything!Billy*** To get his AWESOME book, TOGETHERNESS, please reach out to Andy directly -- and if you are nice you may even get a signed copy! ***ANDREWLWALD@AOL.COM

Brent is kinda like my hero and we are little bit of doppelgangers!Brent manifests his media and film background to feature cool, different, inspiring people who may live next door to let folks know that inspiration literally lies a doorstep away -- especially here in Washington -- where things are never boring.  I hope you enjoy our conversation and please check out Brent and WICKLYOFFICIAL On Instagram and follow and engage for the best of life here and local!With love,BGE!

Cole and Nikhil cole-lapsed and nik-illed it last night talking about there efforts in the Student Visionaries Of The Year campaign to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society!  Cole and Nikhil are the captains of the Hoyas For A Cure team who is competing against hundreds of other teams throughout the greater Washington DC area.  We are midway through the 7-week campaign and are happy with the start, but know that the Hoyas are more of a 2nd half kinda team!  Cole and Nikhil are current actively looking for people to be on their winning team (no cuts!) — so you too can help crush the ultimate enemy — cancer!  Please talk to your two captains about joining such a worthy fight — you don't have to go to Prep and you can be any age — think big and get out there and make a difference!  To donate to Hoyas For A Cure go Cole Remington or Nikhil Kambeyanda's  instagram or the instagram of Hoyas For A Cure 2.0 — do it now and make a real difference!

CAROL! has been a friend of mine for years -- and as you can probably tell from the listen -- we are kinda kindred spirits!  One year ago abouts, Carol had the temerity to start an in-person studio for yoga, hemp, wellness.  On the heals of a pandemic -- rather still in the storm of the pandemic -- I'd call that bold.  And Virgil (the poet - not the wrestler) would agree -- "Fortune favors the bold!"  That was Carol and still is!  One year later W&W has gone from fledgling to thriving!  The future is bright for Carol (as it's always been) and what will come for . . . . Well & Wonder Studio of Tennlytown!

William Keegan & Isaiah Rose are the President and Vice President of the Yard at Georgetown Prep.  They were elected by their peers -- freshman through senior alike.  They understand their responsibility to the the student body of the academy on the Pike.  We talk about that and have a ball doing it -- I hope you enjoy the listen!Hoyas, Let's Go!!!

Tommy Terry comes from a long line of firefighters — you could say the profession of helping, saving, rescuing — putting out fires is in his blood!  Tommy has been an Annapolis firefighter for mostly all of his adult life and he loves it!  Thank you, Terry, for telling your story; speaking your passion!  And thank you, sir, for doing what you do for all the rest of us — and that goes out to every firefighter — from coast to coast like butter does toast!GOD BLESS THE USA — and all the men and women who serve our beautiful nation!