The Auto Bid

Would you move across the country to sleep on a couch at 17 years old to chase a dream? Because that's what Austin Mason did in order to pursue his dreams of becoming an NBA agent. We sat down with the New Jersey native to discuss his insane journey that has taken him through a career in Las Vegas nightlife, the mailroom at CAA and now a manager in brand relations for Excel Basketball. If you're someone who wants to be a sports agent, is curious about brand building, or looking for tips to build relationships, then make sure you tune into this episode, and don't forget to subscribe to the channel for more conversations just like this one!

Keandre Cook has had one of the most unconventional routes to the pros that you'll see in a long time. From only playing three years of AAU, attending junior college before earning a Division One scholarship, and dealing with a global pandemic as a senior, Keandre has most certainly taken the road less traveled to get to where he is today. We caught up with the Baltimore native to discuss his journey that's taken him from a local standout, all the way to the NBA hardwood, and now to one of the best leagues in the world outside of America, the Australian NBL. We touch on the early days in the city, including a transfer to Edmondson-Westside High School that catapulted his career to new heights. We then reflect on the grind that is JUCO basketball that prepared him for the stardom he would soon walk into at Missouri State University as a junior and senior. We finish the episode with a good old fashion draft segment around international basketball that will surely leave you running to the group chat afterwards to state your case! Make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and tell a friend to tell a friend so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one to come!

Matt Bonds just wrapped up a legendary three year run with the Nagasaki Velca that saw them go from a team in Japan's third division, to a team firmly in the mix in the top league in Japan in only two years. A feat that included an MVP season, and back to back promotions along the way! Bonds unpacks what those three years in Nagasaki meant to his career, and how it has prepared him for his new beginning with the Osaka Evessa in Japan's B1. Matt also shares what he's most looking forward to about playing in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, and unofficial food capital of the country! We get into what has contributed to Matt's success as an undersized big, standing at roughly 6'5, Bonds has always played much bigger than he is, and the same tenacity that allowed him to grab over 1100 rebounds over his four year career in college, is the same tenacity that has allowed him to carve out an 8 year professional career that has spanned over three different countries overseas. For all of our #DMVHoops fans, Matt takes us back to that legendary state championship run at North Point high school alongside Marquise Wright, that included a 27-0 season and upset victory in the state title game over American high school LEGEND Aquille "The Crimestopper" Carr! This is an episode that will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to attach whatever obstacle comes your way! Make sure to like, comment and subscribe to our channel for more conversations just like this one!

Ike Udanoh, or "Keasy" as most of us have come to know him as, is one of the more unique players in European basketball. And not for the reason's that you would probably assume. Keasy has experienced one of the most improbable journey's to get to where he's at today, that included stints living on an army base in Germany, Sleeping in a train station in Detroit in between jobs, and selling his car to pay his own way for a flight to Europe to give his dream a chance. For most people, experiencing one of these, let alone three of them, would cause someone to quit, and pivot to something more stable, with less volatility. But reflecting back on the journey 13 years later, multiple six figure seasons in the rearview mirror, it's clear that it all worked out for the better. We go in depth on all the trials, tribulations, and overcoming that it took to get to this point in his career, and Keasy also shares some advice that will change your perspective on how to face adversity, no matter what field your in! However, we couldn't forget about the other aspect of Keasy's life that also makes him unique, his social media presence that began on YouTube, and has since grew to instagram and TikTok as well, that has made him one of the most recognizable athlete creators on the internet! We get into growing this brand in the midst of a high level basketball career, and how athletes can replicate this in there own lives today! This is an episode full of great perspective, advice, and inspiration that will surely change your mindset on how to approach challenges and road blocks in your own life. So make sure you like comment, and subscribe to the channel, so you don't miss anymore episodes like this one!

Yonathan Napoleon grew up in Los Angeles, California, and like many other 90's babies, grew up a Lakers fan with hoop dreams. Those hoop dreams eventually turned into an opportunity to play professional basketball in London. A lifelong dream fulfilled, and a future career with endless potential was on the horizon, right? Well the pandemic of 2020 changed all of that, and forced Yon to pivot into the next chapter of his life, one that has landed him at Excel Sports Management, one of the leading talent and marketing agencies in the world, in pursuit of becoming an NBA agent. We caught up with Yon to discuss his transition from playing, to his role now behind the scenes, trying to work his way up in an industry that's often described as cutthroat, and very transactional. Yon shares some of the most important nuggets he's picked up along the way, such as the importance of building genuine relationships, putting aside your ego to ask for help, and not being afraid of rejection. All of which are things that have contributed to him being in the position he's in today, staring his dreams in the face while on the precipice of the breakthrough that could change everything. So get your noted out for this one! Because this conversation was full of perspective that could help take you to the next level, no matter what industry you're in. Don't forget to like, comment, and tell a friend to tell a friend about what's going on here at the What's In Your Bag Podcast!

What if I told you that going viral on twitter could land you a job at the most storied marketing agency in the world? Or to put it in Travonne Edwards words, the "Yankees" or the "Lakers" of the advertising industry. It's crazy what social media can do for you these days! Travonne Edwards, also known as "Black Tray" has been utilizing social media to tell stories in so many different mediums. From some of the most legendary marketing campaigns we've ever seen with brands like Mcdonald's, Nike, and ESPN to podcasting, and building up "Count The Dings" to a community that has taken on a life of its own, even today seven years later. We caught up with the LA native to discuss his journey from school teacher, to full time creative, storyteller, and podcaster, as well as to share some tips that helped him build a six figure brand along the way! We also get into some of the most legendary campaigns of the modern era, such as Nike's "Just Do It", and Chris Rock as Lil Penny and share what went into bringing these to life. Some of these origin stories are just too good to believe! Lastly, we share some life nuggets on how to deal with the pressure of getting older, not getting caught up in comparison and the importance of mental health, especially during #mensmentalhealth month here in June! So make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss this episode, and many more just like this one!

Chima Moneke has the most incredible path to the NBA that you'll ever hear. And that's not an exaggeration. From picking up the game in Australia, and getting cut from his under 18 high school club, to signing an NBA contract with the Sacramento Kings, everything that unfolded in between is something straight out of a Disney movie, that sometimes feels too good to be true. We recap the journey through junior college in Nebraska that eventually landed him a Division One basketball scholarship at UC Davis. The same UC Davis that produced fellow overseas standout TJ Shorts, who Moneke shared the court with as a senior. We walk through the trials and tribulations of trying to climb the overseas ladder, that included being cut from second division France, and landing at a crossroads in the viability of achieving that coveted NBA dream. Chima talks us through how he was able to turn that setback into a catapult that would launch him into the most prosperous days of his professional career to follow. Which eventually led him to an NBA contract with the Kings and a reunion with Team Nigeria Head Coach Mike Brown. We cap off the podcast with the question of the hour, after a career euroleague season in Baskonia, where does the NBA lie on Chima's radar today? Could a return be looming? Find out on the 50th episode of the WIYB podcast out now on all platforms! And remember to subscribe/follow the show so you don't miss any more episodes to follow!

"Just Keep Going" is a mantra that has become a foundational piece to everyday life for Ike Iroegbu. When you get cut from the Olympics for no other reason than politics, "Just keep going". When you receive a random phone call while sitting on your couch one morning saying you're going to be playing in your first NBA game in a few hours, "just keep going". When you decide to start a brand to highlight overlooked basketball players, there was no better phrase to sum it up than "just keep going" This phrase is one that can be used whether you're an athlete, or a mailman in your local neighborhood trying to provide for your family. At the end of the day, you just have to keep going! Ike joined the show to discuss some of these trials and tribulations that have come along the way during this basketball journey, that include stops with the Clippers during the NBA preseason, the NBA G League, and some of the best leagues in the world including the ACB in Spain, and the Serie A in Italy. We get into some of the politics that exist in both of these situations, and have a transparent conversation on everything you need to know to make an informed decision on both options. We then shift our focus to the athlete empowerment era that we're currently in. An era that promotes creativity, freedom of expression, and leaning into creative outlets that can give you the fulfillment that we all seek outside of whatever our 9-5 may be. Ike takes us inside the inception of his brand "Just Keep Going" and what it looks like to manage a brand of that scale while being a full time professional athlete. This is one of those episodes that every hooper should tune into! A conversation that you'll leave thankful that you heard, and looking forward to your next opportunity to "just keep going!" Make sure you like, and subscribe to the show, so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one!

Dayne Carter is the definition of what it looks like to be an artist in 2024. He's invested in his craft to the point where he's committed to releasing a single every month of 2024. However, he's also harnessing a love for sports and creativity, while working for Bleacher Report, one of the largest media platforms in the world. We sit down with Dayne to discuss the balance between pursuing a career in music, while also maintaining a job in corporate America, and how those two things have come to benefit one another in certain situations. Dayne shares an all time story of meeting one of his rap idols, J. Cole through an impromptu run in with Lebron James. It's a once in a lifetime story that you have to hear to believe! Dayne takes us through his upbringing in New Jersey/New York that first made him fall in love with hip-hop, as well as how a family relationship landed him a job at a company we've all come to know as Uninterrupted & Make Springhill. Dayne embodies everything it means to be a creative in 2024, and his insight into the industry is something you can apply no matter what field you're in! So get your notepad out, because this is one of them one's you'll have to listen to twice to get the message!

Maclaine West had no idea when she started inviting friends over to her house for dinner on Thursday evenings, that it would turn into one of the most fulfilling endeavors she'd embark on over the next few years. The founder of Soul Supper joined the show to discuss what the journey has been like building what she describes as a "human connection brand" from inception to today where it is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing communities of collaboration that you'll find anywhere. We discuss the importance of connection, and how supper can invite more conversations and encourage more breakthroughs than you'd ever imagine. We also discuss how West has been able to brand Soul Supper to partner the endeavor with over 30 brands and corporations who have bought into the authenticity of the brand, and everything that it stands for. From the pitch deck, all the way to the supper table we discuss the process it takes to conduct outreach and secure brand partners at even the grassroots level. We end the episode with perhaps one of the most powerful conversations we've had here on the platform, where our host gets put in the hot seat, which leads to a deep dive into realizing the beauty of your surroundings and being where your feet are. This is one of those episodes you'll want to watch over and over again once you finish it, so make sure you follow the show so you don't miss a single second!

Victoria Mazzeo has worked with some of the largest brands in the world. Brands such as Adidas, Gatorade & Google. She's also had the opportunity to work with A-List clients such as Michael Rubin, Jeanie Buss, Allen Iverson, & Tracy McGrady to name a few. But how did a former division two athlete turn a basketball career into a business career today that allows her to travel all over the world, while crossing paths with some of the most influential people in the industry? She sat down on the podcast to share her incredible journey, from rebounding in a small gym in Philadelphia for Jameer Nelson & upstart NBA trainer Drew Hanlen, to sitting courtside at every Sixers game in that same city, but now, for work! We discuss how to use the game of basketball to propel you into doors and opportunities your mind could never imagine! So get your notepad out for this one, because it's full of gems that could change the course of your basketball career, and your post basketball life! Make sure you subscribe to the show so you don't miss anymore conversations just like this one!

Merix Alexander has become one of the most well known NBA photographers and videographers by bringing a unique editing style that combines the art of basketball with the art of music and rhythm to produce a piece that encapsulates everything modern about today's game. Merix joined the show to discuss his unique style that we all have come to love, as well as the new era of basketball content where R&B music and slow jams go together with basketball highlights like we've never seen before. We discuss the privilege of shooting all-time greats like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, and how that has impacted the way Merix approaches shooting a game. We also recap NBA All Star weekend, dive into an impromptu run in with Larry June & Currency that has turned into a relationship that has paid dividends for Merix, and reflect on the impact "sight seeing" has had on Merix's creative lens. This is an episode you don't want to miss! So Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any of the conversation!

Clifford Taylor IV has become the blueprint for what it looks like to be an Athlete creator. From playing football at the University of Florida alongside the likes of Kyle Pitts, Kadarius Toney, and more, Taylor quickly realized he had a talent for story telling, which has allowed him to amass over 1.6 Million followers across Tik Tok, Instagram, and Youtube. We caught up with Taylor to discuss his journey from the playing field, to the creator economy that has allowed him to work with some of the largest brands in the world and alongside some of the biggest athletes & creators in the industry. We touched on his time working in the corporate space winning a Super Bowl with Odell Beckham Jr. and the Rams, as well as working for the NBA and having the opportunity to cover the NBA finals, a childhood dream manifested. Clifford then shared the reasoning behind his departure from the coorporate world, and into the current era of his life as a one man media platform that is responsible for two of the most viral memes on social media over the last few years. We get to the bottom of the inspiration behind the "A win in a win" sound, as well as the "Lakers need a Center" which still is making its rounds on the internet today! We then get to the fun stuff, and discuss some of the reasons why content creation is one of the fastest growing industries today. Due to the amount of money brands are pouring into campaigns and influencer budgets, we talk some financials that will have you with a new found respect for some of your favorite creators! All in all this was an insightful conversation that will change the way you look at the modern day athlete forever! Don't forget to subscribe to the show, and leave a comment if you enjoy this conversation!

KJ Wright, also known as Kelcey Wright Johnson, has become one of the faces of the NBA media scene due to her work as the Memphis Grizzlies sideline reporter and host. Getting the opportunity to cover the upstart Grizzlies and superstars such as Ja Morant is a dream job for most, and one that causes KJ to pinch herself still to this day. However, with a large platform, comes a large amount of people who decide to say nasty things over the internet, with the veil of social media to hide behind. We caught up with KJ to discuss how she dealt with her most recent social media battle, after someone made a nasty comment after a picture surfaced of her interviewing Ja Morant during a game this season. KJ opens up about the struggles that came along with dealing with being panted in that light for the world to see, and how she chooses to deal with people who choose to be negative over the internet. A very candid conversation was had, and wright shared many tips on how to stay true to who you are, as well as how she's been able to make a name for herself in this NBA space after departing from Canada almost five years ago. If you're an NBA fan, someone who aspires to work in the media, or just a sports fan who enjoys hearing new perspectives on the industry, then this conversation is a MUST WATCH! Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel, so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one!

The content creation industry is one that is simultaneously one of the largest growing industries in the world, but also one of the most mysterious in terms of what it actually takes to be successful in it. We sat down with Infamous Kayce to discuss her journey from a hooper, to becoming one of the most sought after basketball influencers in the NBA and WNBA space. We touch on how she first got into the industry after finishing her collegiate playing career. Kayce shares her reaction when she was offered the largest financial payout she'd ever received to work on a campaign. And she shares her advice on how to navigate choosing an agency, pitching yourself for collaborations, and how you can get started in the space. We couldn't let her go without getting the story behind the infamous green hair, and how that has become her calling card when it comes to branding opportunities. It turns out, being unique pays a lot more than fitting in! Kayce shares a once in a lifetime story about interviewing Kobe Bryant, an innocent encounter with Gigi in the women's bathroom, and the memories that will last forever from that day. This is an episode filled with amazing industry insiders, timeless stories, and perspective that you can't get anywhere else! So make sure you subcribe to the show so you don't miss any more conversations like this one!

Securing a job at a corporation like Bleacher Report right out of college is something many of us in this space could only dream of! Then to follow that up with four years at House of Highlights, getting the opportunity to travel across the country to cover the game of basketball... talk about a dream come true. However, at some point, it becomes time to spread your wings, and begin to build that empire of your own. We sat down with Jessica Camille to discuss what life has been like since entering her free agency era after leaving House of Highlights to be her own boss. We discuss the process of securing clients and new job opportunities as a freelancer, the great debate between going corporate vs. building your own brand as a creator, as well as some of the risks and rewards that are associated with both. We have a wholesome discussion around the importance of building genuine community, and finding friends in the industry who don't gatekeep opportunities, but rather try to lift you up & find ways to support you. For the sports girlies, we discuss two of the most influential women in sports today, who have changed the way we all view and consume sports content today! All in all, this conversation was one of the best we've had on the platform to date! Full of advice, inspiration, and direction for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the sports industry! Make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss anymore conversations just like this one!

"Started from the bottom now we here" is a phrase that has become cliche over the years, however, it describes the journey of Jody Hou, also known as "WYDJody", to a tee! After quitting photography after college, the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for Jody to reconnect with an old passion, that turned out to be the opportunity that changed everything. We reflect on the path that it took to fall back in love with photography, some of the people who inspired her along the way, as well as what it means to be looked at as an inspiration to others today. We racap some of the MAJOR events Jody has worked such as the Vanity Fair Oscar's after party (The night of the infamous Will Smith slap), shooting for Google Pixel alongside Druski, and working with brands such as Spotify, Peacock and so many more! However, the core of this discussion is about the importance of relationships, and building friendships along the way that can carry you while on your journey in this industry. No matter where you are in your journey, this episode will inspire you to find your tribe to go on this wonderful ride called life with! Be sure to subscribe to the channel and follow the show in order to see more episodes just like this one!

Imagine paying your way to NBA All Star Weekend, with no gigs locked in, just a camera, your best friend, and vibes! Then, imagine leaving that weekend with over ten thousand more followers, hundreds of new connections, and experiences to last a lifetime. That's what Sydne Griffith did when she took her talents to charlotte for NBA All Star Weekend in 2019, and now, almost five years later, that decision has turned out to be one that changed the course of her life forever. We caught up with the Arizona based photographer, better known as "SydG" to discuss her journey into the space that catapulted after that 2019 weekend in Charlotte to discuss everything that went into the decision to take that trip, what life has been like as a result of that trip, and what advice she would offer to creators looking to secure a similar kind of "big break". Sydne drops some gems on the importance of putting yourself out there, as well as how to deal with "no's" in an industry that makes it seem like "yes" is already a foregone conclusion! We also touch on the legendary spades tournament hosted by DWade at All Star Weekend, some of Syd's favorite moments on the job, and of course we couldn't let the holiday season roll through without getting Syd's take on her favorite Christmas movies of all time! This was a jammed packed episode, filled with amazing stories, great perspective, and some life changing advice, so make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss more conversations just like this one!

What's life like working for an NBA All-Star who just became the cornerstone of an upstart NBA Franchise. Tristan Forbes is the man responsible with the task of taking the brand of Houston Rocket's Star Fred VanVleet to a level we haven't seen before. We caught up with him to discuss the new life in H-Town, what went into his departure from the Raptors, and some key tips that have allowed him to be in the position he's in today. We recap memorable stops along the way, such as working with Serge Ibaka, which included a trip to Congo in 2019 fresh off the Raptors championship celebration, a trip to Greece that started it all with Xavier Rathan-Mayes, and some pieces of advice you won't get anywhere else. We also get some fun NBA roadtrip stories, touch on some golden era Canadian basketball, and of course we couldn't let the episode go by without getting a classic 6God story from one of Toronto's finest! Make sure you like and subscribe to the show, so you don't miss any episodes just like this one!

Joely Live has been in the spotlight since she was five years old. From modeling shoots with Gisele Bundchen, to being a sports illustrated kid reporter, Joely has lived her entire life in the public eye. She joined the show this week to discuss the highs and lows of being in the industry, which has included stops working for Young Hollywood, major events such as the Kids choice awards, and most recently starting her own venture with Pucker Up and building that into an exciting new concept. We also reflect on what Joely describes as a "life changing" moment, which came in 2022 when she got the opportunity to walk in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show in Miami. Joely shares key insights into what has allowed her to achieve this level of success at such a young age, as well as some things that were particularly challenging to overcome along the way. We couldn't let Joely leave without giving her a taste of her own medicine though, as we made her spill some tea that you'll want to make sure you stick around to hear! Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss this exceptional conversation!

Ashley Tumlinson joined the show this week to share her journey from pivoting after a lifelong career playing volleyball, to now stepping into a new role on the social media team at one of the largest professional sports leagues in the world, the NBA. Ashley shares her journey into creating content, which includes doing freelance photography for people like Lil Baby CJ Stroud Bijan Robinson and many others. We also touched on the past year, in which Ashley was apart of the digital media team with the San Antonio Spurs, which although provided a plethora of opportunities and experience, also came with a lot of stressors that we dive into during the episode! If you're someone who's ever had to pivot, in any area of life, than this conversation is for you! We get into how to transition when one chapter of your life closes, and the stage of depression sets in, and how you can get out of that, and find yourself again! We also of course get into the debate of freelance vs. corporate photography, and which one is more appealing in 2023! All in all, if you're in the creative space, or work with athletes in any capacity, than this conversation is a MUST LISTEN! Make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and stay tuned for more episodes just like this one coming each and every week!

Udonis Haslem just wrapped up a 20 year career with the Miami Heat, after becoming a staple in the Miami Heat organizationand helping lead the franchise to three NBA championships. Now he's stepping into the next phase of his life, retirement, with one of the best managers in the game by his side easing that transition. We sat down with Sunny Piplani, to discuss his journey from Singapore, to playing college basketball in the states, to going to China with Dwyane Wade & UD,  & turning a Li Ning internship into a career managing some of the best athletes in the world. Sunny shares a crazy story of how a "shoe plug" back at Choat Boarding School (Yes, that Choat from Power) turned into being the person who changed his life forever. We discuss the process that goes into preparing yourself to work in the business of basketball. From securing internships, to managing relationships, to being a sponge in every situation. We then jump into some of the day to day responsibilities that go into managing a player such as Udonis Haslem, and what a typical day looks like on the job. We also touch on "getting off the payroll" something Rich Paul recently spoke about, that is an important key in taking that next step in the business of basketball. Sunny shares some of his most memorable moments traveling to China with Li Ning & Way of Wade Brand alongside DWade, UD, D'Angelo Russell, CJ McCollum and so many more! You won't want to miss some of these stories! All in all, this was a great insight into the behind the scenes lives of some of the best basketball players in the world, and if you've ever wanted to work in this industry, then this episode is a must watch!

Maya Reese, also known as "Overtime Maya" has contributed to helping Overtime Women's Basketball become the most followed women's sports platform across instagram and TikTok. We caught up with her to discuss her journey that has involved conversations with some of the faces of women's basketball, people such as Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, and Paige Buckers. We begin with her time at Howard University, that saw her complete internships with platforms such as complex, BET, NBC Sports, and ESPNU. We discuss the process that went into securing these opportunities, and how they affected her career going forward. We couldn't miss out on an opportunity to highlight the fact that Maya became an Emmy Award winner at the age of 25, she discusses what winning the award at that age meant to her, and dropped some gems of inspiration for others trying to follow suit! We capped off this conversation discussing the growth of Overtime, and how its affected the new age athlete in the era of social media. Are athletes more focused on going viral and getting posted on overtime rather than actually playing the game the right way? We have a candid conversation on athletes such as Mikey Williams, who have directly been impacted by the era of social media. This is a conversation you absolutely don't want to miss! So make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one!

Travante Williams has perhaps the craziest journey to professional basketball that you'll ever hear in your life. From working at Jack In The Box to pay his way through school, to lacing up against Jabari Parker and Jahlil Okafor in the ACB, you've never heard of someone go from flipping burgers, to one of the top leagues in the entire world. We sat down with Travante to discuss his crazy path making it out of Alaska, the state that's home to some NBA royalty such as Mario Chalmers, and Carlos Boozer, and how he aims to become to latest Alaska native to continue to put the land of the midnight sun on the map across the world! We get down to the nitty gritty to find out what went into Travante's departure from Sporting after a four year run that saw him become the most decorated player in the clubs history, as well as what made Manresa the right club to begin to blaze a new path. You'll want to stick around for the answer! We end off the conversation with a classic draft that saw Travante pick an All-Time Alaska Starting 5 that could go against Andrew's All-Time DMV starting five. You guys let us know who wins! Make sure to like, comment and subscribe to the channel, for more conversations just like this one!

Swish Cultures is easily one of the most well known basketball platforms across the world. Whether it be documenting overseas players, showing behind the scenes of NBA workouts and games, or putting the world on to the next up and coming high school athlete before the world catches on, Swish Cultures has changed the way we look at the game of basketball online. We sat down with Ashten Smith-Gooden, one of the founders of this legendary platform to discuss the process of building a business of this magnitude from scratch. We start all the way at the beginning, and uncover what sparked the inception of Swish Cultures, and how we got to the point we're at today, where swish has become the go-to source for everything basketball related. We discuss the highs and lows that come with being a black owned company, favorite moments from being around athletes such as Lebron James, Russell Westbrook, and so many others, as well as what the future has in store for Swish! Make sure to like & subscribe to the channel for more episodes in our creator series!

Jessica Slate works with some of the best athletes in the world on building brands digitally, and showing up in your community outside of the basketball court. From NBA Hall of Famers like Tracy McGrady, to multiple time All Star Andre Drummond, and young up & coming players such as Grant Williams and Torey Craig, Jessica is in the trenches helping with everything from social media posts, to charity work, foundation events, and so much more. Simply put, if you need something to get done, Jessica is your girl! In this episode, we discuss her work founding the Slatehouse, which provides services to professional athletes involving anything social or digital, as well as concierge services that cover everything else outside the margins! Jessica has a plethora of experience in the broadcast industry, so we dive into her work with the WNBA, Longhorn Network, and events such as working the Super Bowl that have allowed her to develop her skillset in this digital space. We discuss the ins and outs that go into building a team at the NBA level, and what makes certain people cut out for it, and other not so much. Jessica gives some tips on breaking into the industry, and ditching that five or ten year plan you probably had for yourself in college, it almost never goes as planned! We get into working with a max contract player such as Andre Drummond, and what goes into building a brand for a player of his caliber off the court. We also have a super timely conversation on crisis management, and how to respond in case of a situation such as Ja Morant or Zion Williamson arises where you may need to do some damage control. We end it off with a game of who's most likely too, which will give you some insight on your favorite NBA players, as well as a draft of the top NBA cities that you don't want to miss! Make sure to like this episode, and subscribe to the channel if you enjoyed this conversation! There's a lot more on the horizon!  

Mike Ade Ojo, or "Be Like Mike" as most of us know him sits down with us to discuss his journey to becoming one of the most sought after NBA photographers in only his first year on the job. We walk through his ten year pro career that took him all around the world, and eventually put a camera in his hand for the first time. We recap his "Rookie of the Year" season covering the NBA, and touch on some of his favorite moments, favorite shots, and of course, shooting for the legendary publication that is Slam, and what that meant to him as a basketball purist. We would be remiss to not take a stroll down memory lane to his time sharing the backcourt with prolific NBA scorer CJ McCollum during his college years at Lehigh, and what CJ has done to help his career even after college! We end off with a draft of our favorite sports movies ever, that will surely have you feeling nostalgic by the end!! Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations just like this, as our creator series rolls on!

Julia "Juju" Adams has become the "It Girl" when it comes to the intersection of sports and fashion in today's media space, and what it means to tell the story of a classic outfit. We sat down with her to discuss her elevation in the space, and how she plans to carve out an identity for GQ in the sports industry going forward. Julia shares some of her favorite stories from her prior role with the NBA, which included the infamous Kyle Kuzma closet tour after the viral pink sweater moment that took the world by storm. We also touch on advice for other creators trying to take advantage of social media to leverage certain job opportunities, as well as the power of networking and relationships in trying to break into the sports industry. We cap it off with a look into the future of women in sports, and how to continue to break barriers in this space, before heading out with some NBA fashion Mount Rushmore, and some fun facts about Julia that you won't get anywhere else! Make sure to like, subscribe, and leave us a comment if you enjoy this conversation!

Today's NBA athletes are much more than just players who can put the ball in the basket. They're business owners, partners, husbands, fathers, fashion icon's and so much more! But in order to succeed at all of that, you need people behind the scenes pulling the strings to make sure the show goes on as planned. Ashley Cox is one of those people, and we sat down with the Director of Client Services for Lift Sports Management to discuss the ins and outs of managing some of our favorite players in todays NBA We get into the importance of building a team once you make it to the NBA, some of the tasks that get delegated to managers in order to allow the players to focus on there game, and what the craziest day on the job looked like while trying to complete a task for a client. We discuss some of the challenges that come along with being a women in this industry, from having people blur those personal/professional lines, dealing with dating rumors, and how to deal with people who make assumptions. Ashley dropped some gems on how to stay authentically you in this business, the importance of swallowing your pride, and focusing on the work in order to move up in this industry. We ended it off with a fun game of "Most likely too..." featuring some of her LIFT clients, and discussed the significance of being in the building for Lebron James record setting night when he broke the NBA's All-Time scoring record. This was the fourth episode in our current creators series that's going strong! Make sure you subscribe to our channel so you don't miss any of the great conversations we have on the horizon!

Trae Young is one of the NBA's brightest stars, and in an era where content is king, we sat down with Naveen Thavathiru, also known as "Nav Visuals" to discuss the journey creating content for Trae, that includes building his brand, documenting key moments along the way, and controlling how the public see's the Hawks star from a digital standpoint! We discuss what goes into the lifestyle of someone at the side of one of the most polarizing players in the NBA. Everything from general responsibilities, to travel lifestyle, and crazy moments like the viral clip of Druski and Trae getting a workout in during the offseason! We discuss the opportunity to meet and shoot Drake, out of body experiences that come with the job, and dealing with imposter syndrome that sometimes comes along with it as well. Nav shares his journey growing into himself, and adjusting to life around celebrities, NBA megastars, and others in the industry. For those looking for an insight into how to break into the industry, the behind the scenes of an NBA players lifestyle, or just some tips on how to create an opportunity for yourself in the creative spaces that exist in 2023, then this is the episode for you! Our creator series is going strong! So make sure you continue to like, share and subscribe to the show for more episodes just like this one!

The Miami Heat just pulled off perhaps one of the most improbable runs in NBA history. Going from being four minutes away from elimination in the play-in tournament, to securing the 8-seed and reaching the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets. We caught up with the man who documented it all, behind the camera lens for the world to witness. Trey Mena has had quite the journey, from a scholarship college basketball player as a freshman, to documenting a National Championship run at Baylor University, to vacationing with Carmelo Anthony and capturing content, to now working as an NBA photographer and videographer. He sat down with us to walk us through his journey making his transition from playing the game, to documenting the game, to getting fired, and how that turned out to be one of the best things that could have ever happened to him. Trey explains how his faith has allowed him to stay grounded on his journey, and give gratitude for everything he's received thus far, and what it means to always stay focused on what matters most. He gives us his opinion on the freelance vs. corporate route as a photographer, and the pros & cons of both! Also, for any aspiring photographers, there plenty of gems on how mentorship might be the key to taking that next step in your journey, so i highly recommend getting your notepad out! We cap it off with some classic Jimmy Butler stories, some fashion talk, and of course we had to ask about the Dame Lillard situation! Make sure you subscribe to the show, so you don't miss more great conversations just like this one! And don't forget to leave a like, and a comment!

What goes into putting together many of the outfits we've come to love on the pregame NBA and NFL runways? Leaguefits, Blitzfits, and GQ Sports have become the platform showcasing some of our favorite looks from some of our favorite athletes. But what about the people helping to put these outfits together? Jojo Fetterman, also known as "StylinbyJojo" sat down with us to discuss her journey in the styling industry, which has landed her opportunities to work with athletes such as Immanuel Quickley, Jayson Tatum, Josh Okogie and so many more! She walks us through landing her first ever professional client, putting together an outfit for Michael Rubin's all white party, and most recently having her work showcased in Vogue during Milan Fashion Week! We take a deep dive into some fashion "Do's and Dont's" as well as some brands to look out for if you're trying to ball on a budget, and of course, we had to get her take on all things fashion week including Pharell taking over Louis Vuitton, NBA and NFL players sitting front row at shows, and the process in styling clients for the week! This is the first episode jumping back into our artists series, where over the next few weeks, we'll be highlighting some of your favorite creators around the NBA who you should be familiar with! We're excited to share this with you! So make sure you subscribe, and leave a like and we'll see you in the next one!

John Roberson played for the legendary Bob Knight in college... that should tell you everything you need to know about his mental fortitude when it comes to the game of basketball. We caught up with Roberson, who describes himself as "one of the best shooters in the world" to discuss his journey through the pros, which has taken him all around the world, to three different continents, dealing with getting cut, and yet, continuing to stay committed to the grind! We discuss his matchup with NBA superstar Luka Doncic while playing for Bosnia-Herzegovina, and what it was like playing alongside Jusuf Nurkic as teammates when they defeated Rudy Gobert, Evan Fournier and the eventual olympic silver medalist France team during international competition. We also dive into the struggles of maintaining a relationship with God while playing overseas, the struggle to date and find a partner, and advice in how to deal with getting cut early on in your career. This was truly one of the most well rounded conversations we've ever had on this platform, and if you've been following the show, you know that's saying a lot! So sit back, relax, and enjoy the conversation, and don't forget to like and subscribe!

Phil Booth's college career is one of the best we've seen when you combine winning, personal accolades, stats, and truly leaving an impact on a program. The two-time national champion sat down with us to discuss his time playing under Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright, and what went into his unforgettable performance in the 2016 national championship game where he scored a team high 20 points off the bench against North Carolina Booth also shared the floor with current NBA franchise cornerstones in Jalen Brunson & Mikal Bridges, as well as Donte Divencenzo and Josh Hart who recently joined Brunson in New York. Booth breaks down the development of each of there games, and what it's been like seeing there careers ascend to new heights post Villanova. We get into Booth's decision to sign with Sig Strasbourg of the French league, and what went into his decision at this stage of his career. Plus we get into the best cities to visit in Europe, must have's for a night out, and what's next after basketball for Phil! For all my DMV hoops fans, we couldn't let Phil go without discussing his time with Team Takeover, Mount Saint Joseph's, and the 2014 Capital Classic game that featured the Martin Twins and so many others!

Not many people can say they're an Olympian. Even fewer can say they've been apart of a team that has defeated Team USA in international competition. Stan Okoye has done both, and he sat down with us to discuss the historic journey with Team Nigeria over the years, that has allowed them to become one of the most promising basketball countries in the world. We also discuss the ups and downs of European basketball. From dealing with injuries, getting cut, bad business transactions and more, we get real on some of the horror stories that most people won't tell you when it comes to #overseasbasketball. And what about the Hoop State, players like John Wall, Bam Adebayo, The Martin Twins, and so many more who have hailed from North Carolina, and made it to the pinnacle of basketball, we reminisce on some of the great hoopers to come out of the state, and what it was like playing against a young phenom in John Wall! We also hit on life at a military school such as VMI, top 5 cities in Europe, and the best players currently playing overseas! This is a jammed packed episode! So make sure you subscribe, and give us a like for more content like this! #nba #olympics #probasketball

Anthony Davis, Derrick Rose, Dwyane Wade... those are some of the legendary names of the people who have come from Chicago, and played at the highest level of basketball in the NBA. St. Rita's own Vic Law joined the What's In Your Bag Podcast to discuss making it to the NBA out of Chicago, and the immense amount of pride that comes with that. He shares a crazy story of the first day he was called up to join the Orlando Magic during the 2020 season, on the same day of the great Kobe Bryant's passing. What happened during the Bubble when Vic's Orlando Magic faced off against the Milwaukee Bucks, who famously protested a Playoff game in the midst of the Jacob Blake murder. We discuss it all! Plus, what is it really like trying to earn an NBA Call Up and grind through the G League? Vic gets transparent about the moment that changed his career forever, during his time in the G League with the Orlando Magic. Of course we hit on the historic season in Japan playing with the Chiba Jets, and the championship series that just wrapped up! We reflect on Vic's first season here in Japan, as well as compare it to one of top league's in the world, the Australian NBL! We couldn't let the opportunity pass to discuss the Northwestern Wildcats, the growth of the program under coach Collins, and whether Vic would've still chose NU if NIL were around back then? A jammed packed episode, so make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any of it!

Cameron Young has one of the most unique stories you'll ever hear. From almost having to transfer division 2 after only playing seven minutes total his entire junior year of college, to eventually becoming MAAC Player of the Year, scoring 55 points in a single college game, and now being on the cusp of realizing his dreams of making an NBA roster, Cam's story is one many could learn from. In this episode, we talk about that tumultuous 16-17 season that almost derailed his basketball career, and reflect on what went wrong, what could've been done differently, and how he reflects back on that time looking back. We then dive into Cam's professional career, that has taken him to Italy, Ukraine, and most recently the NBA G League. Cam had the opportunity to sign a six-figure deal with G League ignite, and we talk about the dynamics of playing alongside a superstar like Scoot Henderson, and how that has helped prepare him for a potential role in the NBA. Of course we recap that historic matchup with Victor Wembanyama, the future #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, reminisce on playing in Milan, one of the most popular cities in the world, and reflect on how to choose between the NBA and overseas at this point in your career. As we end every episode, we get some of Cam's fashion takes, and of course, some Quinnipiac stories that you'll only hear on What's In Your Bag! Make sure to like, subscribe, and give us a five star rating if you enjoy this episode!

It's not often you find a group of five young men who have cracked the code to finding and maintaining community. In today's day and age where competition, comparison and jealousy often put an end to friendships before they can truly thrive, "The Barbershop" has been able to promote a safe space of brotherhood, accountability, and fellowship for five black men aspiring to achieve success in five different walks of life. On this episode, we welcome back Trey Phills, a tech startup founder and content creator navigating life post basketball, Scottie4Szns, a rapper who is navigating raising a family and trying to make it in an industry filled with toxicity & gimmicks, James "Tank" Williams who is the youngest employee ever hired at ESPN, Aaron Robinson a first year basketball operations intern with the Los Angeles Clippers, & Your host Andrew Robinson who's a full time professional basketball player overseas. This conversation touches on everything from tips on finding/keeping community at our age, how to deal with life after sports, what a "Good day" looks like as an entrepreneur and so much more! If you're a young adult looking for guidance, or a road map to figure out what your next step should be or just some advice on how to approach your personal and professional life, this is the conversation for you! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a 5 star rating, it goes a long way!

James Palmer is one of the best players to come out of the DMV area in the last ten years. After a successful college career that spanned through the ACC and the Big Ten, palmer made the jump to the NBA G League to chase his dreams of playing in the best basketball league in the world. But after dominating the G League for two years, and receiving a training camp invite by the LA Clippers, Palmer decided to take the overseas route despite the reality of being on the cusp of getting an NBA call up. But Why? Palmer sat down with us to discuss the decision to walk away from NBA opportunities in favor of going to Poland, and now France, where he has become one of the best players in all of Europe. We discuss his favorite matchups in the french league, all-star weekend, and of course the Eurocup season. But we couldn't let this opportunity pass without discussing some DMV hoops, and turning back the clock to the team Takeover, St. Johns, and Wise days before the Top 100 ranking and All Big Ten honors. Tune in for an awesome discussion, and don't forget to subscribe!

NBA Fashion is better than it's ever been. The Tunnel has turned into a legitimate runway, where arenas transition from a sports spectacle, to a Paris fashion week for a few hours before and after games. We caught up with one of the mastermind's behind curating outfits for some of the brightest young stars in the NBA. From guys like Gary Trent Jr. and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, to some of Canada's brightest up and coming hoopers like Andrew Nembhard and Oshae Brissett. How do players get access to exclusive pieces? How much do some of these outfits cost? What's the role of a stylist in today's NBA? Khaleel breaks it all down for us, plus reveals his fashion No-No's that players should leave in 2022! This is a conversation on the intersection of sports, fashion, art and the business behind basketball with insight you won't get anywhere else! Make sure you're subscribed wherever you get your podcasts, and don't forget to tell a friend, to tell a friend!

Most people would retire from sports if they had three consecutive ACL injuries that required a year off from the game they love. You couple that with a global pandemic that cancels your season, and you get 1,789 days away from basketball. That was what Jelani Williams was up against this season, as he led the Howard Bison Men's Basketball Team to their first MEAC championship in 31 years punching their ticket to the NCAA Tournament and a matchup against defending national champion Kansas. In this episode, we discuss the mental battle that came along with three separate stints with ACL rehab, battling depression through the injuries, and seeking out professional help when it got hard. This is a discussion on the toll injuries can take on your mental health, and how it's okay to ask for help if you need it. We also touch on going to school with the Obama's, the HBCU vs. PWI debate, and Jelani tells us if he will return to school next year! Tune in for an awesome conversation! And don't forget to like and subscribe!

Antonio Depina is an entrepreneur, Forbes lister, reality TV personality, and former professional athlete all in one. It's not often that one person can excel at all these different avenues in life, and be able to shed light on how exactly it all happened. In our conversation with Antonio, we discuss how a series of early mistakes in college changed his life, and led him on a path that would set himself up for the type of success that he's seeing now in his late 20's. How does one go from playing sparingly at a division two HBCU, to securing a professional contract overseas? How does one navigate overnight fame after going on a nationally televised reality show? How does one end up on the Forbes list after getting kicked out of college a few years prior? All of these are questions we all were dying to know, and we got in depth with Antonio about on this episode. We also touched on the growing infrastructure for basketball in Africa, building an app from the ground up, securing funding from investors and so much more! This conversation embodies the "Get it out the mud" mentality that so many of us have, and if you're someone looking for a road map on how to change your circumstances, then this is the perfect place to start! Make sure you like, subscribe, and follow the show, for more conversations just like this one!