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This is The Chosen Podcast. Follow us on our journey to figure out just what it takes for the student athlete to make it to compete in college, even the pros. This podcast is for two types of the people: 1. The student athlete 2. The parent of student a

The Chosen Ones: Wes & Josh


    • Feb 23, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 62 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Chosen Podcast

    Let's talk about suicide | Episode 49 | EJ Harrison

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 95:50


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Suicide is such a heavy topic. So much so that not many people want to talk about it. EJ Harrison was a Pastor's Kid, star athlete, and had many friends growing up. So from the outside looking in, he had it all. That couldn't be further from the truth. Check out this episode as EJ shares his story and talks about what led him to wanting to take his life, and attempting to do so multiple times. EJ also shares what got him through such a dark time and offers some great advice to those that are going through a similar situation today. Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠⁠www.instagram.com/thechosenonesgr

    Adjusting to the College Game | Ethan Erickson | Episode 48

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2024 43:24


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Ethan Erickson is a guard for Ferris State University Men's Basketball. He jumped on the pod to talk about adjusting to the college game and the college lifestyle. If you are an aspiring college athlete, then this episode is the one for you! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠  / thechosenon..⁠  .

    When Your Hoop Dreams Take a Turn | Episode 47 ft. Malik Mayfield

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2023 56:40


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! We all have dreams. We all have a vision in our minds of how our lives will go. For most of us, our lives don't work out the way that we plan. Malik Mayfield shares his story of how his hoop dreams were turned upside down because of injuries, bad luck, and much more. Join us to hear how Malik stayed the course and turned a heartbreaking end to his career, to a basketball league that has impacted many. Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    46. Nikki Trammell | What is Self-Care?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2023 45:24


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! My sister and TCA team member joined the show to talk about self-care. What is self-care exactly? We discussed the answer to that question and shared our experiences with healthy and unhealthy self-care. This episode is a great reminder that we need to prioritize ourselves EVERY DAY. What does that look like? Join us and find out! Thank you for listening/watching. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    45. Tarren Calvert | Playing Basketball as an Overthinker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2023 52:01


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Overthinking is something that a lot of us do. It effects virtually everything in our lives like our decision making, sleep, and performance in our sport. Tarren Calvert (Wyoming High School & TCA Fam) joined us to talk about his history with overthinking and what he does to reduce it. He shares his struggles in hopes of helping his peers that deal with the same thing. Take a listen and learn from one of our favorite student athletes! Thank you for listening/watching. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    44. Staying Positive Through a Season Ending Injury | Featuring Alli Carlson, WMU Sophomore Guard

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 30, 2023 44:58


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Alli Carlson was a standout guard at East Grand Rapids High School. She was due for a big senior year and had high expectations for the season. That is until she suffered a major setback, tearing her ACL and LCL. Are you an athlete that is injured right now? You will benefit from this episode! Learn from Alli as she opens up about her mental health journey of getting injured, the rehab process, and the return to the court. Thank you for listening. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    43. Finding Balance as a Two-Sport Athlete | Featuring Jake Vermaas (South Christian HS)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2023 42:51


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! What does it really take to excel in more than one sport? Do you really have time to do anything else? Join us as Jake Vermaas (Football & Basketball at South Christian High) shares his story about how he finds balance in such a busy schedule. Jake almost brought home two state championships, winning one in football, and losing in the stat finals in basketball. It's safe to say that he is a winner. Learn from Jake today as he shares his background and gives some great advice for his peers. Thank you for listening. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    42. Olivia Brown | What happens when you start to hate your sport?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 47:26


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Olivia Brown is a senior guard at Valparaiso. She spent her first two years at St. Bonaventure University, where her mental health to it's toll on her. Olivia was gracious enough to share her story of one of the toughest moments of her career. Olivia's story can be beneficial to any athlete that is going through a rough patch. She shares some incredible insight on how she got through the adversity. Thank you for listening. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠  What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    41. Christian Humphrey | Future Ivy League Star?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2023 45:52


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. Christian Humphrey is a star forward for East Kentwood High School. Last year, he returned to EKHS, transferring from La Lumiere. He details what the prep school life is like and how it differs from public school. Christian also touches on his recruiting process on the possibility of playing ball in the Ivy League . Thank you for listening. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: https://tcomerch.etsy.com  What is The Chosen Academy? https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose... Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon... 

    Is adversity good for you? | James 1:2

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2023 8:20


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us!  Is adversity good for you? Listen to this episode as Wes breaks down James 1:2. He also shares a story about his freshman year at Grand Valley State! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    40. Nathan Johnson | DI Hooper from Grand Rapids Christian

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2023 44:54


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. We kick season 3 off with Nathan Johnson. Nathan is a D-I hooper out of Grand Rapids Christian ready to lead his team to a championship. Nathan shares what makes him who he is. He shares his faith, his identity, and what makes a good leader. Thank you for listening. Please give us a rating and share this episode! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: https://tcomerch.etsy.com What is The Chosen Academy? https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose... Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon...

    Bible Study: Fight Your Anxiety Pt. 3 | Philippians 4:10-13

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2023 13:07


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're here with us! Let's end this Philippians 4 series on a high note! In this episode, Wes discusses how Paul learned the secret to stay content in any situation. Listen to find out what that secret is! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com Shop for The Chosen Ones Merch: ⁠https://tcomerch.etsy.com⁠ What is The Chosen Academy? ⁠https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose..⁠. Follow us on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon..⁠.

    Bible Study: Fight your Anxiety Pt. 2 | Philippians 4:8-9

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 14:29


    We continue in our journey of fighting our anxiety. Take a listen to this episode and leave with a tangible thing that you can apply to your life today.

    Bible Study: Fight your Anxiety | Philippians 4:4-7

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2023 18:13


    Join us for our first bible study episode! Do you struggle with your anxiety? Join Wes as he shares his heart through The Word. Philippians chapter 4 is a great verse to read whenever you're struggling with anxiety. Whether you're an athlete or not, this is a great episode for you!

    39. When you have to take that jersey off for the last time | Featuring Robert Bell, multiple time state champ, former D1 linebacker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2023 56:32


    Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com What is The Chosen Academy? https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chose... Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenon... Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. What happens when you take that jersey off for good? How do you deal with that disappointment? In this episode, we interview Robert Bell. Robert was a multiple time state champion at East Grand Rapids High School in football. He earned a scholarship to play football at The University of Toledo. Robert shares his story on how his brothers shaped him into the player that he became, and the pressures that came with it. Robert's story will impact athletes today in many ways. This story is especially for athletes that feel pressured into playing a sport that they don't necessarily want to play. Do you resonate with this? Check this episode out to learn how Robert dealt with this tough situation!

    38. Are you playing not to lose?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2023 16:04


    Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com What is The Chosen Academy? https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chosen-academy Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenonesgr/ Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. In this episode, Wes shares his story about how he competed in the mindset of "playing not to win". Playing not to win is rooted in fear and not wanting to be embarrassed. It keeps you uptight and in "survival mode". Do you relate with this? If so, how do you deal with it? Wes shares his story and his advice on how to play more freely than ever before. If you enjoy this episode, please share!

    Why you should play for YOURSELF | Episode 37

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2023 21:05


    Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com What is The Chosen Academy? https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chosen-academy Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenonesgr/ Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. In this episode, we change things up a bit. This is the first episode without a guest! Stick with us as Wes talks about part of his story. Why did he let what others think impact him so much? How did he overcome this? Give it a listen and hopefully it'll resonate with you!

    Austin Braun | Mental Health, Transfer Portal, and a BIG announcement | Episode 36

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2023 54:56


    Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com What is The Chosen Academy: https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chosen-academyFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenonesgr/ Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page.In this episode we sit down with Austin Braun, former standout at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Austin has played basketball with Grand Valley and Spring Arbor. He has one more year of eligibility and he announces his next school on this episode! Check this interview out as you here Austin's thoughts on mental health, the transfer portal, and leadership.

    How to Get Better this Summer | Episode 35 | Coach Mike Miller

    Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2023 49:45


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page. In this episode we sit down with Coach Mike Miller. Mike currently serves as the Director of Coaching for Swish Athletic Club, an assistant coach for Grand Rapids Christian boys, and also does player development. Check this interview out as you will learn Mike's story, as well as learn how to improve your game this summer. Please leave a review for the podcast, it'd be greatly appreciate it! Visit our website: www.thechosenonesgr.com What is The Chosen Academy: https://thechosenonesgr.com/the-chosen-academy Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechosenonesgr/

    How to Improve Your Shot this Off-Season | Episode 34 | Andy Secor

    Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2023 40:43


    Welcome back to another episode of The Chosen Podcast. We're glad that you're hear with us! If you haven't already, please give this video a like and subscribe to our page.In this episode we talk to Andy Secor, the founder of #MakeShots LLC. Andy breaks down how you can improve your jumpsuit this spring and summer on your own. Check the conversation out, you won't want to miss this! What should you focus on to improve your shot? What kind of shot mechanics should I worry about? How many shots do I make in a day? All these questions are answered in this episode!

    Cam Ryans, Northview Freshman | Episode 33

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2023 36:15


    Cam Ryans is one of the best freshman in the state of Michigan. He is also the first freshman on the show! If you've seen Cam play, you probably won't be surprised at how confident he is on camera. We sat down with Cam to talk about his freshman season, his relationship with his brother, and more! Enjoy the episode and please like and subscribe!

    Wayne State Commit McKenna Ferguson | Episode 32

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 35:27


    Byron Center Senior McKenna Ferguson is one of the toughest players around. She is committed to play basketball next year at Wayne State University. But first, she has plans to help the Lady Bulldogs make a deep run in the MHSAA state playoffs. Enjoy the interview where we discuss Mckenna's background, her commitment to Wayne State, and her basketball journey.

    Unsigned Senior Simon Neuhaus | Episode 31

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2023 34:58


    Simon Neuhaus is one of the best unsigned seniors in West Michigan. The forward from East Grand Rapids is a 3 level scorer and solid leader. We talked to Simon about his senior season with the Pioneers and how his leadership has evolved over the past few years. Enjoy the interview and please share!

    Miss Basketball Candidate Macy Brown | Episode 30

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 22:01


    We are excited for you to check out this interview with East Grand Rapids guard, and Michigan commit Macy Brown. We sat down with Macy to talk about her senior season and her Miss Basketball Campaign. Join us as we make Macy's case on winning the Miss Basketball award!

    Let me vent for a few minutes...

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 8:01


    In this episode, I discuss why you should embrace the OG's around you, and play with no regrets. Take a listen and make sure you share with a friend!

    What are you afraid of?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 10:30


    What are you afraid of? In this episode, I want to challenge you to think about your biggest fears on and off the court. You'll leave this episode with a step by step plan on how to face those fears so that you can hoop like you're capable of.

    Try this when you make a mistake!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 8:30


    Mistakes are inevitable. They happen everyday, on and off the court! In this episode, I want to show you a 5-step process that will help you bounce back from making mistakes. If this is helpful, share with a friend!

    Jaevyn Montgomery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2023 41:49


    Jaevyn Montgomery is a senior at East Kentwood High School. She is committed to hoop at Lawrence Tech University this fall. As a senior, Jaevyn is poised to take over the leadership role in hopes of The Lady Falcons winning a conference championship, and more. Enjoy a great conversation about leadership, mental health, and more!

    So you're in a shooting slump...

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2023 13:00


    All hoopers go through a slump of some kind. I bet you've been in one before. You'll probably be in another again. Let me help you prepare for the next one! Take a listen and please share with a friend!

    Dono Thames | Episode 28 | The Chosen Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2023 28:49


    Enjoy episode 28, as we sat down with Grand Rapid's Christian's Donovan Thames. Always one of the smallest on the court, Dono never lacks heart. This kid has always played with a chip on his shoulder and he is looking to help his squad go on a deep run in March. Make sure you subscribe to our channel and give us a rating!

    How to GROW Your Confidence | Part III

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2023 15:52


    This is part III of the 'How to Grow Your Confidence' series! We hope the first 2 were helpful for you! Make sure you tune into this entire episode to learn how truly powerful your mind is! If you enjoy this episode, make sure you share it with someone! Enjoy!

    Episode 28 | Grand Rapids Christian Big Man Jaylan Ouwinga

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2023 36:11


    Jaylan Ouwinga is a future D-1 hooper! He plays with Grand Rapids Christian, and he played on the EYBL circuit with The Family last spring and summer. Last year, Jaylan helped GR Christian to an 18-5 record and a district championship. The team is ready to build off of last year's success and make a deeper run in the tournament this year. What makes Jaylan the standout player that he is? Tune in to find out.

    How to GROW Self-Confidence | Part II

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2023 14:47


    Last week, we talked about growing our confidence with our words. Positive self-talk is a strong way to increase your confidence almost immediately! If you haven't listened to part I, check it out ASAP! Week two is just as important. Take a listen to see how else you can grow your confidence! If you enjoyed this episode, please share this with friends, teammates, and other athletes that you know! Enjoy!

    How to GROW Self-Confidence Part I

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 26, 2022 14:04


    Do you struggle with your confidence? When you make mistakes, do you get down on yourself so much that it effects you and the team? If so, this is a great episode for you to check out! This is part 1 of the How to Grow Self-Confidence series. This step is the MOST important and will make an immediate impact on your mindset! Please share this with every athlete that you know! Thanks for listening!

    Episode 27 | Loyola University Chicago Commit Maddie Petroelje

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2022 38:11


    Maddie Petroelje is a senior at Hudsonville and is considered one of the best shooters in the state of Michigan. Coming off of a state championship in the 2020-21 season, Maddie and the Lady Eagles fell short in the 2021-22 season. They come back for the 2022-23 season ready to make another deep run in March. Maddie had an amazing discussion with us about her story, what makes Hudsonville basketball so great, and the sacrifices that she had to make to become the player that she is today. Please give us a rating and a comment if you haven't already. Enjoy!

    5 MYTHS about Confidence!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2022 8:42


    Join me as I go into the 5 myths about confidence! If you are an athlete that has low confidence, then this is the episode for you! Please share this episode with every athlete that you know! Thanks for the support.

    Episode 26 | East Kentwood Guard Jamell "Jah" Hatchett

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2022 34:46


    Jah Hatchett had a successful freshman season individually for the East Kentwood Falcons. He showed that he could hang with the best guards around West Michigan. This season? He's expecting to be on that list as one of the best guards in the city. In this interview we reflected on last season, and looked forward to this season. We also talked about how his strong relationship with his dad has made a great impact on his basketball journey. Who should we interview next? Drop some names in the comments! Enjoy this interview and make sure you subscribe to our page. We appreciate your support!

    Episode 25 | Top ranked guard Durral "Phat Phat" Brooks

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2022 40:02


    Season 2 kicks off with one of the best players in the state of Michigan, Durral "Phat Phat" Brooks! Phat Phat is a junior point guard for Grand Rapids Catholic Center. He and KK Brown form, in our opinion, the best back court in the state! In this interview, we reflected on last season and looked forward to the 2022-23 season. We also talked about his experience in the recruiting process. If you haven't already make sure you subscribe to our page for weekly interviews with some of West Michigan's best hoopers, coaches, and trainers!

    Episode 24 | Darryl Thompkins Jr. Comes Home!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 26:15


    Darryl Thompkins junior is a rising sophomore who is highly ranked in his class in the state of Michigan. He played varsity as a freshmen for Michigan Collegiate. Darryl announced earlier this month that he is coming back home and transferring to East Kentwood High School! In this episode, we talked about Darryl's story, his family, and what he is looking forward to in his first season with the Falcons. Thank you for listening! Please spread the word about our podcast!

    Episode 23 | Divison I Recruit Gabby Reynolds

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2022 51:40


    Gabby Reynolds is a 2024 guard from Holland West Ottawa. She is one of the best players in her class in the state of Michigan. She already holds offers from Michigan, Pittsburgh, Miami-Ohio, Monmouth, Central Michigan, Western Michigan, and more! Gabby just finished her sophomore year and she sounds more like a senior. If you are a team leader, or would like to like to become a leader, this would be a great interview for you to listen to. Gabby is a natural born leader with amazing thoughts on how to be a great leader. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We have launched the chosen academy. The chosen academy is a non profit organization with the mission of providing affordable basketball skills training and mental health groups to student athletes in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Our target athlete is the athlete that may come from a single parent home, a low income home, or someone that may be a first generation college student. As you may know, mental health has a stigma in our society, especially the black community. So we want to break down that wall and help athletes get the help that they need. So how can you help? Please spread the word about what we're doing. Share this podcast, share our website, and tell everyone that you know. If you'd like to give to this cause, check out our website at Thechosenonesgr.com or email me at wes@thechosenonesgr.com. Thank you!

    Episode 22 | Northview Point Guard EJ Ryans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2022 46:46


    EJ Ryans is a division I level point guard for Northview High School. He stands 6'4'' and is only entering his junior year! He is playing AAU with the powerhouse squad The Family, out of Detroit. We caught up with EJ to reflect on a great sophomore season at Northview and talked about his mindset going into next year. We also talked about his views on mental health and how he personally approaches that day in and day out to make sure he and his teammates are on the right path. Take a listen and make sure you subscribe to our channel! Episode Notes: 0:00-4:24 - AAU with The Family (EYBL, Detroit) 4:24-14:00 - EJ's upbringing and backstory 14:00-30:00 - Reflect on EJ's sophomore season at Northview, recruiting update 30:00-40:55 - Discussion on mental health 40:55-45:33 - Quick hitters BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We have launched the chosen academy. The chosen academy is a non profit organization with the mission of providing affordable basketball skills training and mental health groups to student athletes in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Our target athlete is the athlete that may come from a single parent home, a low income home, or someone that may be a first generation college student. As you may know, mental health has a stigma in our society, especially the black community. So we want to break down that wall and help athletes get the help that they need. So how can you help? Please spread the word about what we're doing. Share this podcast, share our website, and tell everyone that you know. If you'd like to give to this cause, check out our website at Thechosenonesgr.com or email me at wes@thechosenonesgr.com. Thank you!

    Episode 21 | Chris Warner | A former hooper turned mental health professional

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2022 69:00


    Chris Warner is a former Division II basketball player at Northern Michigan University. He was born and raised in Ontario, Canada. Chris earned his master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and is currently a probation officer for Kent County. He works with teenagers, helping them get their lives back on track. Chris also coaches freshman girls basketball at Northview High School and owns a skills training company, One Five Warner Amplified. 0:00-31:00 - Chris shares his story on his upbringing and what basketball was like in Canada. He also discusses how he earned his scholarship to Northern Michigan and why he chose that school. 31:00-1:05:00 - We talked to Chris about mental health in sports. We all discuss our own experiences with mental health from our playing days. Chris give some great tips on how to take care of yourself as an athlete. BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: We have launched the chosen academy. The chosen academy is a non profit organization with the mission of providing affordable basketball skills training and mental health groups to student athletes in the inner city of Grand Rapids. Our target athlete is the athlete that may come from a single parent home, a low income home, or someone that may be a first generation college student. As you may know, mental health has a stigma in our society, especially the black community. So we want to break down that wall and help athletes get the help that they need. So how can you help? Please spread the word about what we're doing. Share this podcast, share our website, and tell everyone that you know. If you'd like to give to this cause, check out our website at Thechosenonesgr.com or email me at wes@thechosenonesgr.com. Thank you!

    Episode 20 | Rob Carlisle | Former GVSU Football Star & Current Director of Student Athlete Development at Appalachian State

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 71:52


    Rob Carlisle was raised in Detroit, MI. He has a unique football story that will motivate athletes everywhere! Playing at the height of GVSU Football's success, Rob worked his way up the depth chart as a defensive back, helping the Lakers win two national championships. Currently, Rob is a Director of Student Athlete Development at Appalachian State University in North Carolina. We talked to him about his role there and what kinds of things he does with student athletes. Rob has years of experience working with athletes so this episode is full of great advice for athletes to hear! If you enjoyed this interview, please give it a like and subscribe to our page. Comment on who you'd like to hear from next!

    Episode 19 | Northwestern Guard Jillian Brown | What's Division I Ball Really Like?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2022 55:10


    Jillian Brown is a former East Grand Rapids star. Now playing at Northwestern, we talked about her successful freshman season playing in the Big Ten. She earned a starting spot on the team and started in almost every game that she played. We picked Jillian's brain to learn what playing ball at the D-1 level is really like. We were impressed by her approach to the game and her mindset as a freshman! She's a competitor and a winner. If you want to learn more about what college ball is like, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this interview, please give it a like and subscribe to our page. Comment on who you'd like to hear from next!

    Episode 18 | Brady Titus | An Interview with a State Champion!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2022 52:08


    Join us in this episode as we talk to Brady Titus about his recent championship! Brady really put the team on his back and helped Tri Unity Christian redeem last year's loss and turned a heart break into one of life's greatest achievements. Brady has continuously had to prove himself as he has always been overlooked and underrated. We're giving Brady his flowers and hopefully more people do too! Do you feel like you're in this same category? This would be a great interview for you to listen to, as Brady has some amazing advice on how he defeated all the critics. If you enjoyed this interview, please give it a like and subscribe to our page. Comment on who you'd like to hear from next!

    Episode 17 | Byron Center Sophomore Lily Zeinstra

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2022 57:21


    Byron Center super sophomore Lily Zeinstra joined the show for episode 17. Lily is a humble competitor that is getting recruited by Big Ten schools and other D1 programs around the Midwest. We sat down with Lily to talk about her story and the 2021-22 season!

    Episode 16 | Grand Rapids Legend Thomas Kelley | Starring at GR Union, Michigan State, and his Pro Career

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2022 54:35


    Grand Rapids Basketball Legend Thomas Kelly (TK) joined the show to share his story. TK is a starred at Grand Rapids Union, played at Michigan State, and had long career overseas. Currently TK serves as the top assistant for Western Michigan University, where he helped pull in a amazing 2022 class including JaVaughn Hannah (Orchard Lake St. Mary's) and Max Burton (Williamston). We sat down and talked to TK about his journey from the very beginning. He shares a lot of knowledge about the game and you can feel his passion through the speakers! How can young hoopers make it to the next level? How can basketball continue grow in West Michigan? Join us to hear what the legend has to say! If you enjoyed this interview, please give it a like and subscribe to our page. Comment on who you'd like to hear from next!

    Episode 15 | Faith & Sports with Dual Sports Star Alaina Diaz

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2022 46:47


    Alaina Diaz one of the most accomplished athletes around. The dual sport athlete has 3 school records in track & field (100m, 200m, and long jump), and she is a state champion in basketball. She is on her way to run track AND play basketball at Purdue Fort Wayne University (Division I school). What makes Alaina who she is? What makes her such a great athlete, competitor, and all around person? Her faith. Alaina is open about her faith and shares her faith story with us! Please take the time to listen and be impacted by Alaina's story! We'd love to hear your feedback about the show and what kinds of topics that you want to hear next! Make sure to give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter @thechosenonesgr for behind the scenes content and updates about the show!

    Episode 14 | State Champ Jack Karasinski | What does it take to be a good leader?

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2022 42:56


    Do you want to know what it takes to be a good leader? What is the culture like on a state championship team? What does it take to be a great squad? Learn from Grand Rapids Catholic Central's Jack Karasinski as we discuss his story, leadership, and a healthy team culture. Jack is one of the top players in the state and is heading to play for William & Mary in the fall! Jack had 17 total scholarship offers. Crazy! We'd love to hear your feedback about the show and what kinds of topics that you want to hear next! Make sure to give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter @thechosenonesgr for behind the scenes content and updates about the show!

    Episode 13 | Performance Coach Emily Perrin | Overcoming Performance Anxiety

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2022 50:03


    Do you struggle with performance anxiety? Are you usually really hard on yourself while you're competing? If yes, then you do NOT want to miss this episode of WAWM! Emily Perrin of Perrin Wellness & Performance is a Performance Coach out of Durham, NC. She works with sports programs at Duke, NC State, and UNC. She also works individually with professional athletes. Emily also competed in soccer at the division I level at the University of Virginia. Stick with us as we talk about how to overcome anxiety and other mental health challenges as athletes! Are you enjoying the podcast so far? If so, give us a rating and drop a comment! We'd love to hear your feedback about the show and what kinds of topics that you want to hear next! Make sure to give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter @thechosenonesgr for behind the scenes content and updates about the show!

    Episode 12 | Western Michigan Commit JaVaughn Hannah | Playing in the national spotlight at a young age, the importance of discipline

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2022 40:22


    JaVaughn Hannah has been in the spotlight for a longtime. Playing alongside his best friend, Emoni Bates came a lot of opportunity to make a name for himself. And he did just that! JaVaughn is a Mr. Basketball candidate in the state of Michigan, playing for Orchard Lake Saint Mary. He recently signed with Western Michigan with (legit) aspirations of making it to the NBA. Are you enjoying the podcast so far? If so, give us a rating and drop a comment! We'd love to hear your feedback about the show and what kinds of topics that you want to hear next! Make sure to give us a follow on Instagram and Twitter @thechosenonesgr for behind the scenes content and updates about the show!

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