Unfiltered Conversations

I talked with Greg Van Boekel about:* When he fell in love with baseball.* Some of his favourite memories from his playing career.* Why the field was built in 2010.* Why his family decided to give it the Van Boekel Field of Dreams moniker.* If he plans to get into coaching baseball beyond summer camps.

I talked with gin distiller Graham Reid about how Reid's Distillery started, the selection process of which botanicals they use, and lots more.

I had a blast chatting with Scott Moore Jr. about how he became a pit master and what motivated him to mix BBQ and chocolate. I enjoyed chatting with Scott about the struggles he faced early on, where the motivation to sell chocolate and BBQ came from, and lots more.

I had a blast chatting with Balcones Head Distiller Jared Himstedt.Here are some of the topics we covered:* Balcones started in an old welding shop under a bridge in Waco.* Jared was one of the first craft distilleries in Texas. How did he know this market wanted a whiskey distillery?* Why it was tough/emotional to move to a bigger/new distillery.* What are some awards that Balcones has won?* Balcones has classics, annual releases, and special releases. Jared explains why it's important to stay true to a handful of whiskeys but also keep trying new flavors.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Fox News anchor Harris Faulkner about her new book Faith Still Moves Mountains. We talked about the challenges she faced writing this book, what has been rewarding about writing this book, and most importantly, she shared in her faith in the power of prayer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my conversation with legendary agent Leigh Steinberg about the impact his parents being educators had on him and why he values impacting communities. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my conversation with college football quarterback Mo Hasan about how he started Second Spoon. We talk about where the idea came from, the challenges in starting the company, how he balances running this charitable company with being a student athlete, Second Spoon's impact on the community, and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's point guard Tyresse Williford's story is compelling because of a shocking statistic: six of his high school teammates have been murdered in acts of gun violence. In many ways, earning a Division I scholarship has given Williford a new life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my chat with "Q Ball" Director Michael Tolajian. After watching the documentary last summer, it was great to chat with Michael Tolajian about where the idea for the documentary came from, the impact spending time with inmates had on him, Kevin Durant's involvement, and a lot more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the chance to chat with Houston Cougars quarterback Ike Ogbogu about dealing with adversity and being a walk-on college football player.  We talked about not getting a scholarship offer coming out of high school, being a walk-on at Houston, dealing with adversity, and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with author Penny Goetjen about her new novel The Woman Underwater. We talked about how she writes suspense novels, character development, her unique writing process that's like watching a video in her mind, and lots more.  Here's a link to her official website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with North Carolina State Defensive Tackle Cory Durden about dealing with injuries, when he fell in love with football, the best part of playing football in the ACC, the value of an education, dealing with adversity, why he flirted with the NFL Draft but decided to return to North Carolina State, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last week, while talking with players for the Houston Cougars football team, one theme kept popping up: that the team was like a family. In pro sports, and often times in college football, the business aspects overtake the unity and family vibe needed for a team to succeed. It was great hearing from quarterback Clayton Tune, running back Ta'Zhawn Henry, defensive back Gervarrius Owens, and linebacker Malik Robinson about the special bond this team already has formed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with Rice Owls football coach Mike Bloomgren after Spring Practice about what's stood out for him so far, going back into The Lab, and what Texas football means to him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Dan Fischer about his inspirational One Last Wave Project. We talked about how it started as a way to deal with grief and loss in his own life, the first viral video, putting more than 2000 names on each surfboard, and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the chance to chat with Jon Armour about his book "Branded" and it's central character Bob who has spent the past 23-years in prison. Some of the things we talked about include: * How did he meet Bob and learn about his story * Bob is a man who has managed millions of dollars of illegal cash, most of it said to be buried under his north Texas ranch in 55- gallon drums. He has survived 19 stabbings, poisonous hamburgers, prison tear gas attacks, and being thrown over a third story railing while in jail. * Why Bob's story is great to share around a campfire ring but an even better page-turner. * Trying to balance out fact from fiction. * Bob has a long list of crimes including theft of animal medicines, cattle rustling, drug running, fraud, porn, kidnapping, rape, prison escapes. * Bob's thoughts on the book. Here's a link to the official website for the book: https://www.jonarmour-author.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the chance to chat with Green Beret amputee Nick Lavery about his inspirational story. We talked about going through 30 surgeries on his leg and a year of rehab at Walter Reed, his book Objective Secure, why he had to improve his intellectual stock if he wanted to return to Afghanistan, and lots more. You can find out more about Nick and buy a signed copy of his book on his website Machine Nick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my chat with baseball legend and Hall of Fame inductee Rod Carew about his book "One Tough Out." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Country music artist Olivia Harms about her unique journey, life on the road, her time in Nashville, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with author Mark Zvonkovic about his book Belinda and the art of writing a spy novel. We talked about spy books he drew inspiration from, using what he learned as a lawyer in this book, the importance of character development in his books, what his writing process looks like, and lots more. Here's a link to Mark's official website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler Fischer is an actor, stand-up comedian and a content creator based in NYC. He has performed stand-up on America's Got Talent, been a guest star on NBC's Chicago Med, TV Land's YOUNGER and STARTUP on Netflix. Tyler's his viral content with over 50 million views on his YouTube channel. I had a blast chatting with Tyler about how he got started as a comedian, social media being a huge catalyst for his career, how he got into acting, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This past Spring, I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Remi Adeleke's book "Transformed," and then, back in May of 2020, I chatted with him about his book. We also talked about some mental toughness techniques he learned during his training and how young athletes can use some of these techniques. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my chat with Nate Boyer, the ex-green beret and former NFL player, who advised Colin Kaepernick to kneel before the anthem. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Erik Reed about his book Hold The Line. Some topics we covered include: Some shifts he's seen as a pastor over the past few years Gallop poll that shows 66% of people raised in church will walk away within two years of high school graduation Jesus being counter cultural and why Christian leaders need to follow that example Raising the bar as Christians His article "Dumping Disney" Here's how to connect with Erik on Twitter. Here's a link to buy Hold The Line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a great chat with NeuroCoach Alicia Michelle about what a NeuroCoach is and some of the things she does to help out her clients. We talked about: * Linking brain and Bible-based strategies. * What are some ways listeners can confront negative mindsets so that they can move forward in work and relationships. * Some brain and Bible-based strategies to manage in the moment emotions? * Brain priming as an important tool * Christian Mindset Makeover and her anxiety resource Calm Your Anxiety Tool Kit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former professional basketball player and Olympian Dwight Walton discusses some of the big story-lines about the upcoming NBA Finals. We talk about the Boston Celtics growing through adversity, Golden State's three core players enjoying a different perspective in these NBA Finals, Kevin Durant, and Kevon Looney's growth from fringe starter to key player on this team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with Louisville Cardinals guard Mike James about a torn Achilles tendon his freshman season, Tom Brady's return to the NFL, why Antonio Blakeney is the toughest player he's played against, the impact his dad has had on him, and lots more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with Virginia Cavaliers outfielder and DH Christian Hlinka about adversity, the influence his dad has had on him, dealing with setbacks, how his faith has gotten him through some challenging times, his epic Junior season that was cut short, some nasty baseball injuries, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with UCF Running Back Isaiah Bowser about Spring Football, mentors who have impacted him, being a leader, how he fell in love with football, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my interview with Hawaii Rainbow Warriors pitcher Ben Whipple. We talked about how he fell in love with baseball, going to University in Hawaii, travel challenges, highlights from his freshman season, passionate fans in Hawaii, dealing with adversity, who has made the biggest impact on his life as a college athlete, MLB pitchers he tries to model his game after, and the two people who have had the biggest impact on him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Florida Gators gymnast Trinity Thomas about dealing with adversity, chasing her dream of participating in the Olympics, the role her faith plays in her life, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I talked with Miami Hurricanes guard Harlond Beverly about learning from adversity, basketball media, why he loves playing for Coach Larrañaga, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I chatted with Auburn Tigers point guard Zep Jasper about playing for Bruce Pearl, Auburn's up and down season, dealing with adversity, the Reverse Tiger Walk, the transition from the CAA to SEC, the wildest game environment he played in this past season, and the special bond he has with his tutor Lizzy Lesley. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Florida Atlantic Owls forward Amber Gaston about her senior season, adversity, her dreams and goals after graduating, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the chance to chat with North Carolina A&T Aggie Guard Chanin Scott about growing up in a family full of high-level athletes, her pride in being a defensive stopper, her love for the business world, a desire to play professional basketball, dealing with adversity, bouncing back from tough games, and lots more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the chance to chat with Dr. Alyson Nerenberg about her book "No Perfect Love: Shattering The Illusion Of Perfect Relationships." We talked about Ruptures and Repairs in relationships, the impact childhood traumas being classified as Big T traumas or little t traumas, the need to pause and reflect, character defects and how they impact relationships, how gratitude helps with forgiveness, and the quilt analogy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Crawley chats with me about his experiences running in Ethopia and the process of writing the book about the experience called "Out Of Thin Air." This book is based on an inspiring study by an international runner and anthropologist, Crawley, who goes to Ethiopia to find out why east Africa's long-distance runners lead the world, Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

US Rowing Golden Oar winner and Benjamin Franklin Award winning author Arshay Cooper talked with me about being part of America's first all-black high school rowing team. Oh, and like listeners will be familiar with after my chat with Tyresse Williford last month, Holy City, where Arshay and Tyresse grew up, is one of the toughest places to grow up and live in America. We dig into that, too. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had the pleasure of chatting with Alya Ibraheem about chasing her Olympic Dream and why she donated more than 300 books to inmates in prison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here's my chat with Mike Krzyzewski about Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett. Also, I had RJ Barrett, Zion Williamson, Cam Reddish, and Tre Jones explain how the talented group agreed to play for Duke. I felt it was fitting to use this interview during Coach K's final season coaching college basketball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices