Paul Shirley traveled the world chasing a basketball career that landed him on 17 different teams. He played in Spain, Greece, Russia, and the NBA. But Paul isn't just a basketball player; he's also a kid, from a small town in Kansas, who's searching for love just like all the rest of us. In Stories I Tell On Dates, Paul shares the stories he tells his dates: about being vulnerable at middle school dances, being embarrassed in Sex Ed class, being mocked by national media, and about having his heart (and spleen) broken.
The final chapter of our adventure has Paul on a road trip to Yosemite - sharing a tale about his first trip California - and how it was almost derailed by a stomach bug and the realization that everyone he knew was eventually going to die.
Paul's in love (real love this time) and shares the story about the time he almost died while playing for the Chicago Bulls.
After being told by legendary coach, Roy Williams, he would never play basketball in the Big 12 Conference, Paul gets his shot at redemption.
Before basketball, Paul spent a lot of his time competing in Spelling Bees. One particular contest actually resulted in the first and only punch Paul has ever thrown.
Paul's mind is blown when he encounters his first ever crush. Some masterful advice from his dad inspires Paul to try and make a move at the middle school dance. It's a moment we've all lived through in one way or the other. Will Paul succeed? Will he even actually make the move? Listen and learn.
The highs and lows. First, Paul meets the most beautiful woman he's ever seen and then is forced to face his longtime arch-nemesis, Marcus Fizer, in a what becomes a career defining moment.
A painful incident in 3rd grade leads Paul to plot sweet childhood revenge. But, as we all know, things don't always go according to plan.
Paul is seconds away from living out his childhood dream of playing in the Final Four, in an NCAA Elite Eight game vs. Michigan State. Then, in a flash, everything changes and his euphoria is transformed into a humiliating scene viewed by the whole world.
A surprise encounter with MC Hammer, leads Paul to share the tale of how his crappy first job taught him two important lessons - How to "Go with the flow," and that the only future job he wanted was being an NBA basketball player.
This is a story of firsts. Paul gets drunk for the very first time, He falls in love for the first time. Which leads to another first time for him. Any guesses?
Battling for a NBA roster spot in New Orleans, Paul encounters the most beautiful waitress he has ever seen and fantasizes about an amazing future together. And then...(well you have to listen).
During Sex Ed class in Middle School, Paul gets a surprising and humiliating visit from a very special someone - and discovers a whole new torturous level of uncomfortable.
Struggling to adapt to Greek culture and a makeshift-misfit basketball league, Paul not only has to deal with financial issues, but a painful public break-up as well.
Away from his family for the first time in his young life, Paul endures a devastating bout of homesickness. A malady he face time and time again, for many years to come.
In this brief series introduction, a random red balloon sparks a friendship with someone named "Dustin from Nebraska" - and helps Paul discover his passion for writing and telling stories. The type of stories we tell on dates.
After a brief hiatus from the world, Stories I Tell on Dates will be back in "Commercial Free" form beginning Monday, August 3rd.
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