What's Good

Even nine years later many people still remember track World Champion and Olympic silver medalist Manteo Mitchell for the 2012 Olympics. In a still unexplainable feat, he finished his portion of the 4x400 relay in London on a newly broken leg. But he is so much more than that one moment. As he prepares to qualify for the Tokyo Olympic Games, Mitchell joined #WhatsGood to talk about his new pursuit of bobsled, getting involved in bitcoin and how his son kept him on the track. Plus, with no shortage of adversity in his life, Mitchell offers important advice on how to work through challenges, process struggles and also stay laser focused on your goals.

Veteran soccer broadcaster Gary Bloom has called some of the biggest matches in Europe over the years, but he joined #WhatsGood to talk about his relatively new venture - psychotherapy. The only full-time psychotherapist employed by a professional soccer team in the UK (Oxford United), Bloom is helping to address mental health amongst athletes and help remove a stigma that still remains. We talked about his new book "Keeping Your Head In The Game" and some of the ways even the most talented and highly paid athletes in the world can understand that they need help. Bloom's 'rule of three' will prove helpful to anyone trying to sort through feelings that may need the help of a professional.

Ray Austin just wrapped season one of his dream, the Fan Controlled Football League. As one of four founders and the league commissioner, Austin spent years working on getting the league started and is excited for season two. The FCF is just part of Austin's journey. He joined #WhatsGood to talk about his path from Oklahoma where he played on the nation's best high school football team to Tennessee where he suited up with the likes of Peyton Manning. From there it was off to the NFL with the Jets and Bears before injuries decided a different course. The same work ethic that lifted Austin up through the football ranks was now channeled into acting and modeling with appearances on shows like Empire and Chicago PD. He shares some great stories including why getting recruited by Nebraska legend Tom Osborne didn't work out, how he brings the confidence of a defensive back into auditions and more.

Southpaw heavyweight boxer Otto Wallin got his start in Sweden where for many years professional boxing was banned. Introduced to the sport by his late father, Wallin rose up the amateur ranks hoping to qualify for the Olympic Games in 2012. While he fell short of representing Sweden in the Olympics, a new door opened as he turned pro shortly thereafter. Wallin joined #WhatsGood to talk about his boxing journey, his father's impact and his goals for the future. Plus we discuss how his 2019 bout with Tyson Fury raised his profile in the boxing world, the feeling of landing a punch and the mechanics of taking a punch. How he unplugs after a fight, the biggest misconception about Sweden and some appreciation for ABBA.

Fan Controlled Football running back and Trenton, NJ native Daryl Virgies has a story that is nothing short of inspiring. In and out of trouble as a kid, with some 45 juvenile charges, a reunion with his father in his early 20s changed everything. From there, Virgies left his past behind to focus on football, attending Virginia Lynchburg University. He eventually impressed NFL scouts, spending time in the off-season with the New York Giants in addition to playing in other leagues around the country. Virgies joined #WhatsGood to talk about his path, why he never wants to go back to his old life and how he built himself into a wrecking ball through weight training. This past Saturday Virgies helped the Wild Aces win the first ever FCF People's Championship.

35-year-old former NFL running back Quinn Porter thought his professional football days were in the past as he had embraced life as a personal trainer...then he heard about the Fan Controlled Football League. The former St. Louis Ram took the opportunity and has been a mainstay in the backfield this season for the Beasts. He joined #WhatsGood to talk about his football journey from Los Angeles to Stillman College in Alabama and then on to the NFL. We discuss how he started on the cheerleading squad at Stillman, why a pro day at Alabama courtesy of Nick Saban changed his career and what he learned about his NFL experience. Plus his time in the FCF, the big fan community and more.

Many sports leagues were put on hiatus or delayed in 2020 and that included the NWSL. The women's professional soccer league was the first pro sports league to resume last June with the Challenge Cup where our latest guest Shea Groom put on a show. She tied the Challenge Cup lead for goals with three and was named MVP of the championship match as the Houston Dash secured the title. We talked with Groom about preparing for her second year with Houston, her career in the NWSL including winning a championship with her hometown club FC Kansas City. Plus she discusses her college days at Texas A & M, her experience with Team USA and what goals still lie ahead. We also talk about the mechanics of a header (her speciality), how she knew she could compete at a high level and her affinity for Shea Stadium. #WhatsGood

Defensive lineman Donte Rumph gained notoriety back in 2014 after his NFL dream was halted by the Atlanta Falcons. The former Kentucky standout was cut as the NFL "Hard Knocks" cameras rolled, but as you'll come to find out there is no keeping Rumph down. One negative led to a positive. as he met his future wife at a Falcons team event. From there his football journey has continued through indoor leagues to the brand new Fan Controlled Football League. Rumph still has dreams of returning to the NFL but his bigger purpose is using his platform in a positive way to help the next generation. Anchored by his faith, Rumph joined #WhatsGood to explain how he always brings good energy to any situation, the excitement of a new league where fans call the plays and the one football moment that let him know he belongs.

Alyssa Spencer signed her first deal with Rip Curl at the age of 11; today the 17-year-old is one of the top young surfing talents in the United States. Winner of the 16U and 18U National Championship, Spencer joined #WhatsGood to talk about her career, goals and the thrill of getting back to competing after a long pandemic stoppage. We discuss the mental aspects of being ready to deliver at a competition, how to understand what judges want to see and the ideal wave. Plus, Olympic dreams with surfing making its debut in Tokyo, misconceptions about surfing and how to balance school work and an international event schedule.

We've got more 3x3 hoops this week on #WhatsGood with Zahir Carrington. An alternate for the USA Basketball 3x3 qualifying squad, Carrington still has Tokyo on his mind. After a stellar career at Lehigh, including a run to the NCAA Tournament, Carrington tells us how he ended up in the world of 3x3 hoops. Plus we talk about joining open runs at some of the legendary courts in New York City, what it takes to actually get on, and how coming from Philly left him wanting to prove he could play in the Big Apple. Carrington is a high flyer with a lengthy resume of poster jams so we talked dunks too, including his first jam and what it feels like to deliver a monster jam.

Kareem Maddox is just a few months away from realizing an Olympic dream in a brand new Olympic sport, 3x3 basketball. The former Princeton standout played overseas after graduation and started a professional career off the court while quickly becoming one of the best 3x3 players in the United States. A Pan Am Games gold medalist, Maddox is now part of the squad that will try to earn an Olympic berth this May in Austria and hopefully a trip to Tokyo. He joined #WhatsGood to talk all things 3x3 basketball (the rules, the physicality and the globetrotting), plus the Princeton basketball experience and why his dad's love for the Olympics has always left the world's biggest sporting event top of mind.

Before his retirement from the Orlando Police Department in 2020, UMASS Hall of Fame running back Rene Ingoglia was almost certainly the first and only active ESPN College Football Analyst slash Police Detective. Rene joined #WhatsGood to talk about his football journey as a player from UMASS to time in the NFL and NFL Europe before embarking on a career in law enforcement. While he rose up the ranks in Orlando, he couldn't shake his love of football and clawed his way back into the game, now serving as an analyst on a variety of ESPN platforms. He shares memorable stories of double duty including learning of one big assignment while on an investigation. Rene breaks down what he brings to a broadcast and some highlight moments in the booth. Plus, we discuss the intersection of sports and social justice with Rene's perspective as a former athlete and police detective. He responded to multiple interview requests in the wake of George Floyd's death and offered some thoughts from those discussions.

Professional fighter Denis "Momma's Boy" Douglin is the only ranked boxer in the world to be trained exclusively by his mother. But there is more to his story. Denis joined the latest episode of #WhatsGood to talk about a training arrangement unlike any other and the bond that he shares with his mom. He also opens up about the day he decided to turn his life around and become a positive influence for others. The thought of spending a life away from his daughter spurred Douglin to take a closer look at his mental health, stop drinking, start respecting others and rededicate himself to boxing. With a World Championship still on his mind, Douglin is ready to share his good energy with anyone who needs, he's just a text or call away.

There were only a few highlights in a year like 2020 and the work of broadcaster and radio host Kate Scott was one of them. She made history back in March as the play-by-play voice of the first all-female NHL broadcast on NBC. History making moments are nothing new for Scott as she was the first woman to call an NFL game on the radio, handling San Francisco 49ers pre-season broadcasts a few years back, plus serving as the first woman to call football play-by-play for the Pac-12 Network. This past fall she made her return to radio as co-host of 'The Morning Roast' on 95.7 in San Francisco. We talk about all of Scott's big moments, her journey to earn these opportunities and the important responsibility she feels anytime she is taking on a first. Plus how she worked to hone her voice for broadcast, what big events are still on her bucket list and the recent call of Fran Belibi's first dunk in Stanford history (You better Belib It!).

Sports betting has taken off as states around the country legalize gambling and coverage of lines, spreads and more become commonplace on broadcasts. With that in mind VSiN Live host Tim Murray joins #WhatsGood to break down all things sports betting and tell us about his path in the world of radio and TV. Formerly a host for NBC Radio and NBC Sports Network, Murray covered a variety of sports for Westwood One at the 2018 Olympic Games before arriving in Vegas. His weekday show "My Guys In The Desert" on VSiN isn't just about telling you what games to bet, but helping provide all the important info before you make your wager. We talk about the future of sports betting, one of his favorite recent bets and if you have to have skin in the game to host a show about betting. Plus favorite memories from South Korea, his role as morning sports guy in Milwaukee and memorable moments from his college hoops career.

Former professional basketball player Kevin Owens is the author of a new book "Overseas Famous." Chronicling his time playing hoops at a high level from Monmouth University to the then NBA Developmental League and beyond, it's a funny, self-deprecating look at the near 7-footer's quest to pursue his hoops dream. Owens joins #WhatsGood to share some of those stories that included stops in Australia, South Korea and Kosovo among others. We talk about pursuing the NBA, what it takes to be a pro and how playing in the D-League helped him realize his potential. Plus, memorable stories from all of his stops abroad, the dumbest thing he's ever heard about his height and after everything he's been through why he still loves basketball.

Running back Brady Oliveira parlayed a stellar career at the University of North Dakota into the 14th overall pick in the 2019 CFL Draft where he was selected by his hometown team, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. An excellent football player, what he does off the field might be more impressive. Teaming up with a group called K9 Advocates, Oliveira has rescued more than 50 dogs and earlier this spring literally rescued a woman and her dog from the Red River in Winnipeg. He shares stories of some dramatic rescues and why dogs are so important to him. When he's not saving lives, he's delivering food to the homeless, volunteering with at-risk children and more. All part of a plan to never be defined by just football. But football is still important, injuries derailed his rookie campaign but he was thrilled to help bring a Grey Cup home to Winnipeg. The pandemic wiped out the 2020 season but Oliveira is excited to get back on the field in 2021. He tells us all about that and more on the latest #WhatsGood.

They may not be keeping score but there are trophies and teamwork is required in the world of production design. Multiple-time Emmy-Award winning production designer and fellow Leonardo, New Jersey native James Connelly joins us on the latest #WhatsGood. From his work on hit competition shows like The Voice and The Masked Singer to variety programs like the MTV VMAs and the Kelly Clarkson Show, James has helped make a bunch of your favorite programs look really, really good. We break down his creative process, what he finds aesthetically pleasing and how he merges his vision with that of the show creators. Plus we take a closer look at how a set design can help enhance a production, how James feels about his older work and how you guard against repeating something someone else has already done.

From writing to hosting, interviewing to reporting, there's little Jeff Eisenband can't do in the sports media world. Our latest guest on #WhatsGood, the brand new host of HQ's Hall of Trivia, Eisenband also handles assignments for the NBA2K League, PGA Tour, MSG Networks and more. We talk about his rise in Esports and what people should know, his love for golf and what he brings to coverage plus what you'll be getting if you give Jeff a follow on Twitter. As big fans of The Office we break down Jeff's highly appropriate use of select show clips and discuss the power of the Northwestern network.

During the NBA Bubble one social media account had a hilarious response for just about every moment in Orlando. NBA meme expert, Yahoo's DunkBait co-host, comedy writer and former UCLA Bruin Josiah Johnson (@KingJosiah54) joins the latest episode. We discuss how Johnson delivers the right meme at the right time, how he finds all the clips and images, his Comedy Central show "Legends of Chamberlain Heights" and why some hoop fans can't appreciate LeBron James. Plus we talk about what it means to be a part of the UCLA basketball family, the intersection of social justice/racial inequality and the NBA and how he works that into his social media. Also, why he doesn't mess with Spongebob and his policy on using any clips of his dad (basketball great Marques Johnson) from White Men Can't Jump. #WhatsGood

Softball legend Cat Osterman returned to the game in 2017 and quickly showed her old form. She earned a spot on the 2020 Olympic Games roster as softball was set to shine on the Olympic stage for the first time since 2008. Then the pandemic hit. She joined us to discuss her road back, taking an extra year to prepare for Tokyo and the rejuvenation she found from the first season of Athletes Unlimited where she won a championship. The 2004 Gold Medalist and 2008 Silver Medalist explains the feeling when all the pitches are working and how you move on from giving up the big hit, plus the important role her faith plays in her life and career. #WhatsGood

On August 7, 2015 Kevan Hueftle started his sobriety journey. Exactly four years later his Team USA 2019 Parapan American Games uniform arrived in the mail. A sprinter, he'd go on to win gold and silver in Lima, Peru and is now a hopeful for Tokyo next summer. Hueftle joins us to share his story, from a gun accident that led to the amputation of his foot to his battle with alcohol addiction. A farmer and beef salesman, he finds time to train in the midst of 14 hour days and as a motivational speaker talks openly about his mental health including his struggles with anxiety. It's an inspiring conversation about facing some of life's biggest challenges and working to overcome them, day by day. #WhatsGood

Olympic gold medal winning diver Laura Wilkinson joins #WhatsGood to talk about her return to the 10-meter platform with her eyes on the Tokyo Olympics. The 42-year old mother of four returned to the sport in 2017 after competing in three Olympic Games (2000, 2004 and 2008) and tells us what drew her back in. We look back on her epic gold medal win in Sydney despite a broken foot, what success looks like in 2021 and how she helped change the difficulty of diving in the 2000s. Plus, we discuss knowing when a dive isn't going to work out and what sort of toll entering the water at 35mph from 10 meters high takes on your body.

Award-winning illustrator Ed Murawinski joins #WhatsGood to talk about his career creating iconic sports and political cartoons during a storied run at the New York Daily News along with work for the NHL, Deadspin and others. Ed looks back on his journey starting out as a copy boy for the Daily News assisting on coverage of the 1970 NBA Finals to decades of prominent art highlighting New York's sports scene and some of the biggest newsmakers of the last 40 years. We also breakdown the process of creating illustrations under tight deadlines and how an artist knows when their work is done.

New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman joins the latest episode of #WhatsGood to discuss his new book "Three Ring Circus" about Shaq, Kobe and the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996-2004. Jeff tells us the real story of how Kobe Bryant ended up in Los Angeles, remembering the true dominance of Shaq and how a previous book he wrote influenced an author's note he added after Kobe's passing. Plus we talk about his reporting process tracking down hundreds of interviews, how he knows when somebody just doesn't want to talk and how a career in sports will change your life as a fan forever.

Olympic gymnast Chellsie Memmel joins the latest episode of #WhatsGood to break down her comeback into the world of competitive gymnastics at age 32. Memmel outlines a journey that started as a way to stay in shape and soon morphed into a return that has her eyeing the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games next summer. A 2008 Olympic medalist, Memmel discusses how she pushed through and overcame injuries, the nerves of admitting to a comeback and the joy in inspiring others. In a sport that has been faced with multiple sexual abuse charges over many years, Memmel explains the good things that can come from gymnastics and how she enjoys sharing her love for the sport. #WhatsGood

This week on #WhatsGood Washington Mystics' guard Jacki Gemelos joins us from the WNBA bubble aka the Wubble in Florida. Her story is one of perseverance, once considered among the very best basketball players in the country she has overcome five torn ACLs and multiple knee surgeries to reach her dream of playing in the WNBA. Gemelos also talks about the uncertainty of getting released from the Connecticut Sun while in the Wubble, only to join the Mystics hours later. Plus how the team (and league) have put social justice first and grown even more unified following the death of Jacob Blake.

Super Bowl Champion and NFL All-Pro TJ 'Boss' Ward joins the latest episode of #WhatsGood. Ward chronicles his journey from high school power De La Salle to Oregon to the NFL and how he overcame injuries early in his career to achieve his dreams. Still eyeing a return to the NFL, Ward is working on the next chapter of his life including fatherhood, golf, writing and more. We find out the origin of the nickname Boss Ward, what made Oregon's secondary aka The D-Boyz so good and the telltale signs of when things just aren't working in an NFL locker room. #WhatsGood

Lang Whitaker, General Manager and Head Coach of Grizz Gaming joins Greg on the latest episode. The SLAM Magazine and NBA TV alum breaks down what exactly an Esports Head Coach does, how he ended up in Memphis and how COVID impacted the most recent competitions. Whitaker talks about the way he writes and interviews, how his personality emerged in his work while at SLAM (Fri-Day) and what led to his new food features called Quarandine. #WhatsGood

SNY host and reporter Maria Marino joins #WhatsGood to talk about covering sports in one of America's most passionate markets, New York City. We discuss the importance of media literacy in the sports world and beyond plus what it's like chronicling the juggernaut that is UCONN Women's Basketball.

Rugby Hall of Fame Phaidra Knight joins the latest episode of #WhatsGood to talk about career spent helping others. From her athletic career, a new clothing line PSK Collective and so much more she's just getting started.

FOX NFL Reporter and Westwood One Sports Host Laura Okmin joins the program for an inspiring conversation about her journey in sports media. How a scary moment changed her life for the better, the joy she takes from mentoring the next generation with her GALvanize workshops and why she values relationships over sources. Plus, the impact the late Stuart Scott had on her life and an important lesson learned during an interview with Michael Jordan. #WhatsGood

We stay in the world of swim on the latest #WhatsGood as 2x Olympic open water swimmer and Olympic silver medalist Haley Anderson joins the program. Haley discusses some things you might not know about her sport including feeding stations and physical contact in the water. Plus, her plan to retire after Tokyo delayed a year, concerns around the competition in Japan and some weird thing you find in the water. #WhatsGood

2016 Paralympic swimmer Robert Griswold joins the latest episode to talk with Greg about the challenges of finding a place to train during COVID-19, the pride he takes in advocating for Paralympic sports and the growth in opportunities. Griswold, who has cerebral palsy, is a #TokyoParalympics hopeful claiming a bronze medal at the 2016 Paralympics and two gold medals at the 2019 World Championships. #WhatsGood

WWE host and Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster Scott Stanford joins Greg to talk about the fun of working on-air in professional wrestling, his live variety talk show "Suki & Scott" and the importance of always being able to reinvent yourself. #WhatsGood

ESPN & Stadium basketball analyst and former Liberty standout Tim Scarborough joins Greg to talk about the return of live basketball! Scarborough served as an analyst for ESPN on the opening weekend of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). He tells Greg about the fun of being back on the air, the level of competition at the event, health/safety protocols and breaks down the Elam Ending. #WhatsGood

Two-time Olympic fencer, two-time medalist and #TokyoOlympics qualifier Alex Massialas joins Greg to talk about his memorable run at #Rio2016, what it's like to be coached by a fencing Olympian who is also your dad and some common misconceptions about his favorite sport. #WhatsGood

USA Hockey Women's National Team goalkeeper and 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist Maddie Rooney joins Greg to talk about what's ahead for Team USA with play stopped due to the pandemic. Rooney also remembers her epic shootout save to help claim gold at #PyeongChang2018 and discusses her new challenge as a high school coach plus the role Team USA plays in growing women's hockey nationwide. #WhatsGood

Professional basketball player and former Sacramento King Jason Thompson joins Greg to talk about his time with leagues in China and Spain before COVID hit and what's next when he returns to the court. The longest tenured player in Sacramento history discusses his time with the team, his appreciation for their stance on social justice issues and why athletes need to use their platform in a positive way. #WhatsGood

Director of Community Relations & Youth Sports for the Los Angeles Sparks and motivational speaker Rushia Brown joins Greg to talk about her brand new position in Los Angeles. The former professional basketball player who spent seven years in the WNBA discusses her role as a change agent, how athletes can overcome adversity and her thoughts on helping to inspire future generations of women on and off the playing field. #WhatsGood

Motivational speaker, author, television analyst and former collegiate basketball athlete Chris "Smooth" Williams joins Greg to talk about how he is sharing positive energy during tough times. Williams talks about his belief that positivity is a gift, how the next generation has him excited for the future and the importance of working out during quarantine. #WhatsGood

Greg talks with three-time NCAA Champion in women's volleyball Kathryn Plummer. The former Stanford Cardinal great also competes for Team USA and tells us about the start of her professional career in Italy that was interrupted due to COVID-19. Plummer also discusses her journey home from Italy, how she is staying volleyball ready and her efforts with Hunger: Not Impossible. #WhatsGood

Greg talks with former University of Houston star running back Kenneth Farrow. Farrow has spent time with the Chargers, Dolphins and Patriots. He's coming off strong performances in both the AAF (San Antonio Commanders) and XFL (Seattle Dragons). He tells us about staying ready to get back on the field plus the importance of his foundation 'Grind With A Purpose,' and much more. For more information on GWAP visit grindwithapurpose.org. #WhatsGood (Recorded on May 18, 2020)