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At the second anniversary of Kobe Bryant's death, we explore how the change in Kobe late in his career might have come about and what this “new Kobe” was like. We hear from Carmelo Anthony, future Hall of Famer, 9th-leading scorer in NBA history. And we hear from two players on Kobe's hometown team: the Philadelphia 76ers. Mike Sielski spoke with Seth Curry and Tobias Harris about their vantage points on Kobe: what it was like to grow up watching him and what it was like to meet him and play against him. And more importantly, we spoke about why Kobe's presence and spirit are still felt throughout the NBA. Purchase Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality": TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let's drill down on the physical and mental attributes that made Kobe Bryant a great basketball player--the granular stuff that basketball junkies love. We examine each stage of Kobe's life and career through the eyes of someone who knew Kobe well at each stage. We have three coaches with ties to Kobe to break everything down. First, you'll hear from Ashley Howard, who grew up with Kobe and played against him when they were kids. He had been Jay Wright's top assistant coach on two national-championship teams at Villanova, and now he's the head coach at La Salle University. In Part 2 of this episode you'll hear from Temple University head coach Aaron McKie, who played 13 seasons in the NBA. Aaron finished his career with the Lakers; he was Kobe's teammate there for two years. But before that, he had to guard him a couple of times each season -- and throughout the 2001 NBA Finals, when Kobe's Lakers beat Aaron's 76ers. In Part 3 you'll hear from Brett Brown. Brett has known Kobe for a long time and in a lot of ways. He game-planned against him and got to coach him in two NBA All-Star Games when Brett was an assistant under Gregg Popovich with the San Antonio Spurs. He coached against Kobe in the Olympics, when Kobe was on the U.S. team and Brett was the head coach of the Australian team. And Brett was the Sixers' head coach when Kobe played his final game in Philadelphia, in December 2015. Purchase Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality": TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Kobe Bryant dead? That can't be." Kobe Bryant's death affected those people who knew him when he was a kid differently than it affected anyone else. It's not that Kobe's Lakers teammates or his friends from the NBA weren't profoundly saddened by his death but the connection between Kobe and people like Jeremy Treatman and his high school coach Gregg Downer and his classmates and teammates from Lower Merion High School was something else entirely. With two years of distance from his death, we can see more clearly what we ought to take away from Kobe's life and his career. We see the value of passion. And determination. And an unwavering belief in yourself. We see his singular and blinkered focus on becoming the best — and his resolute willingness to work as hard and as long as he needed to to achieve it. We see how the people around him fostered and encouraged that focus. And we see the cost of that focus: the entitlement, the self-centeredness. And we see that that cost can be steep. We see, most of all, the everlasting effect that Kobe Bryant had and still has, on the people who knew him. For them, he'll never really be gone. He'll always be there: his scowl, his smile, his breathtaking talent, his relentless desire and tireless will, the kid he had been, the man he was becoming. Forever. Purchase Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality": TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2001 was the year that Jeremy Treatman's relationship with Kobe Bryant changed, because Kobe's relationship with his family changed. 2001 was the year that Kobe married his wife, Vanessa, which led to a falling out between him and his parents, Joe and Pam. There's been a lot of speculation about why the Bryant family fractured as it did. From what I gathered in talking to people who knew Kobe well back then, the problem came down to this: Kobe felt like he was ready to move fully into adulthood, to get married, and his parents thought he was too young. Jeremy's relationship with Kobe evolved in the same way. He hadn't been close just to Kobe. He had been tight with the entire Bryant clan. If there wasn't a clean break between him and Kobe as Kobe moved on from Lower Merion and progressed in his pro career, there was certainly more distance between them.  It had been nearly 30 years since Jeremy met Kobe. It had been 25 years since he was there on the Lower Merion Aces' sideline, celebrating a state championship with Kobe. But that special period of time was fresh in his memory. Kobe had been dead for a year-and-a-half, but he was alive in Jeremy's mind and heart. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kobe Bryant on April 29, 1996, at Lower Merion High School, in a packed gymnasium, made it official: He wasn't going to Duke. He wasn't going to La Salle. He wasn't going to North Carolina or Arizona or Michigan. He wasn't going to college at all. He was going straight to the NBA. The Charlotte Hornets took him with the 13th pick in the NBA draft, then traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers. With that announcement, Kobe Bryant launched himself into the stratosphere of stardom, and he would remain there for the rest of his life. But for many weeks before that press conference, he had already been tasting celebrity, getting close to it, seeing what it was like, and sometimes it was hard for him to handle.  There were two more major events that took place in Kobe's life before his time at Lower Merion High School came to an end, and these events showed two things: one, that he was becoming more famous by the day, and two, that he knew he was becoming more famous by the day -- and he liked it. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most dramatic Kobe Bryant story of his teenage years is the 1995-1996 season of the Lower Merion Aces. It doesn't have to do with the NBA or Jerry Stackhouse or Kobe's appreciation for his time in Italy or any of those things. It's about the community in which he grew up, the pressure that a young athlete feels to perform, and the joy that accompanies the achievement of a goal you've been chasing for years. Kobe said, "That's all I ever wanted. When I first came to high school, I knew I was a pretty good player, and I was going to work hard to accomplish all those individual goals. But, after going 4-20, I said, 'Hey man, I hate losing. There's no way in hell I want to go through this again.' The next year, we improved. The year after, we improved. Throughout the whole time, I remember thinking, 'I want a state championship. I want to be known as the best--not only as the best player, but as the best player on the best team.' That meant so much to me. I just wanted to prove to everybody that I could carry us to a state championship." Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1995 it was common for pro and college players to work out, scrimmage, and play pickup games together during the NBA offseason. Philadelphia 76ers General Manager John Lucas was so impressed with local high school basketball phenom Kobe Bryant that he asked if Kobe wanted to work out with the Sixers. Several of the Sixers' players would be there, including power forward Sharone Wright and the team's 7-foot-6-inch center, Shawn Bradley. Kobe, of course, said yes. But when you hear about Kobe's workouts in the summer of 1995, you hear about Jerry Stackhouse. He had been a high school phenom himself just a few years earlier. The Sixers had taken Stackhouse with the third overall pick in the 1995 NBA draft. At North Carolina, he'd been a state player of the year, the Sports Illustrated National Player of the Year, and taken the Tar Heels to the Final Four. He was supposed to be the Sixers' savior. Stackhouse was playing in those summer scrimmages and pickup games and you would have thought he would dominate them--and Kobe. Except their battles on the court back then have taken on the aura of myth and legend ever since, in a way that has always put Stackhouse in Kobe's shadow. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Kobe Bryant was making his rise through the high school basketball ranks, it would have been a miracle for Philadelphia's La Salle University to win an NCAA championship. It didn't take long for people around La Salle to start thinking that maybe Kobe was going to choose to go to La Salle and become their savior. Kobe played a ton of pickup games in La Salle's little sweatbox of a practice gym. Kobe could come to La Salle, stay for a year or two, and dominate. The school had won a national championship in 1954 and had been great in the late 1960s. If La Salle basketball was going to have any kind of renaissance, it needed Kobe bad, and everyone knew it. As for Kobe, he was keeping most of these plans to himself, and even though his dad was in a tough spot, being an assistant coach at La Salle, he and Kobe were kind of stringing La Salle men's basketball coach Speedy Morris along. La Salle might have a chance to get Kobe. Their school might be the one that Dick Vitale was screaming and shouting about on ESPN. Their school would be in the spotlight for a change. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify But Kobe was at the vanguard of a new generation of players, young men who knew how much power they had and knew that they could wield it. Kobe could choose any path he wanted: college, the NBA, whatever. He could do what was best for him; he just had to be bold enough to follow through on it. Kobe's future wasn't dependent on Speedy Morris. If anything, it was the other way around. And Speedy Morris' future wasn't exactly a high priority for Kobe. It got to the point that Kobe started mocking the idea that he'd choose La Salle. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

High school basketball coach Gregg Downer created a staff of assistants for the purpose of coaching Kobe Bryant. Downer knew what he had in Kobe, and he knew what kind of attention Kobe would draw from opponents, from the media, from everywhere. So he did a really smart, really innovative thing: He brought on four assistants, and each coach would have his own specialized role. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Mike Egan, who had been a college coach in Delaware, was already on board as Lower Merion's defensive coordinator. Downer's older brother, Drew, had a way of talking to people, even teenagers, that put them at ease, so he would be the team's amateur sports psychologist. Jimmy Kieserman was 26 at the time, had played Division I ball at Miami University and at Rider, and had played professionally in Israel. He was quick. He was tough. He could dunk. And he saw a news report about Kobe one night, and he called up Gregg and volunteered to help in any way he could. He became Kobe's foil, guarding and harassing him every day at practice. Jeremy Treatman would be the team's media-relations coordinator. He'd take care of all the interview requests, the reporters, the outside noise. And Gregg would oversee the whole operation. All this because of one 17-year-old kid. Because of Kobe. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kobe Bryant wasn't quite flashing The Mamba Mentality yet. He was 13 years old and he was jumping into the middle of the school year at Bala Cynwyd Middle School. Then after a few more months, boom, he was heading to Lower Merion, a public high school in the suburbs just outside Philadelphia, a school where about 10 percent of the students were Black. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Joe Bryant got a job at Akiba Hebrew Academy, a Jewish day school on the Main Line. You might have heard of Akiba, or at least some of its alumni. Jake Tapper, from CNN, went there, and so did the best-selling author and media personality Mitch Albom. Joe Bryant was the girls basketball coach there, but it wasn't like Akiba's players were all ticketed to play for UConn or Baylor someday. These girls were just learning the game, trying to master its fundamentals, and Joe was happy to teach them that and a few other things. He'd have the players practice dribbling behind their backs and between their legs, stuff that to him was just fun. That's kind of what the job was to Joe: just fun. He'd even bring Kobe to practice from time to time, and it was there where both Joe and Kobe Bryant met Jeremy Treatman, the man who would become their friend and confidant, for the first time. It's a rare thing to have a genuine epiphany, to be able to pinpoint the instant when you know you've uncovered something or come across someone who will be famous or special in some way. There's a story about a man named Jon Landau, who was a music critic and became an influential record producer. In 1974, Landau went to a concert for an up-and-coming band at the Harvard Square Theater in Massachusetts, Afterward, he wrote this, "I saw my rock and roll past flash before my eyes. I saw something else: I saw rock and roll's future, and its name is Bruce Springsteen." Well, Jeremy Treatman had just had his Bruce Springsteen moment. He saw the future of basketball, and its name was Kobe Bryant. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.  Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing a new podcast from Diversion Podcasts & iHeartRadio. What if we could go back in time, before he became the icon, and ask him: how did you become Kobe Bryant? “I Am Kobe” tells the story of Kobe Bryant's early life through his coaches, his family, his friends. With never-before-heard intimate tapes of Kobe himself. His thoughts, his dreams, his goals from his teenage years, revealed for the first time. Listen to “I Am Kobe” for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and all the places you get podcasts. Listen to his voice. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Introducing a new podcast from Diversion Podcasts & iHeartRadio. What if we could go back in time, before he became the icon, and ask him: how did you become Kobe Bryant? “I Am Kobe” tells the story of Kobe Bryant's early life through his coaches, his family, his friends. With never-before-heard intimate tapes of Kobe himself. His thoughts, his dreams, his goals from his teenage years, revealed for the first time. Listen to “I Am Kobe” for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and all the places you get podcasts. Listen to his voice. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Introducing a new podcast from Diversion Podcasts & iHeartRadio. What if we could go back in time, before he became the icon, and ask him: how did you become Kobe Bryant? “I Am Kobe” tells the story of Kobe Bryant's early life through his coaches, his family, his friends. With never-before-heard intimate tapes of Kobe himself. His thoughts, his dreams, his goals from his teenage years, revealed for the first time. Listen to “I Am Kobe” for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and all the places you get podcasts. Listen to his voice. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Introducing a new podcast from Diversion Podcasts & iHeartRadio. What if we could go back in time, before he became the icon, and ask him: how did you become Kobe Bryant? “I Am Kobe” tells the story of Kobe Bryant's early life through his coaches, his family, his friends. With never-before-heard intimate tapes of Kobe himself. His thoughts, his dreams, his goals from his teenage years, revealed for the first time. Listen to “I Am Kobe” for free on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, and all the places you get podcasts. Listen to his voice. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kobe Bryant: basketball superstar for the Los Angeles Lakers, five-time NBA champion, 18-time All-Star, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, children's-book author, husband, father, sometimes a lightning rod for controversy and conflict, always a competitor beyond compare, a global icon. The tapes journalist Mike Sielski plays in this podcast series aren't from the later years of Kobe's Lakers career when he was already a celebrity. They're from 1996 and 1997, from when Kobe was a senior at Lower Merion High School, near Philadelphia. Some are from the weeks just after he graduated. And some are from his first season with the Lakers. All of them are from when he was still just 17 and 18 years old, when he was just beginning his path to glory. No matter what your perspective is on Kobe Bryant, you have to admit that he was more than just famous. He was a fascinating figure. These tapes provide a glimpse of Kobe that few people had while he was alive. This is Kobe as he was. But more than that, this is Kobe as he was figuring out who he would be. When Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people died in a helicopter crash in January 2020, Kobe was as famous, as recognizable, as any athlete on the planet. Over his two decades with the Lakers, he scored 33,643 points. That's more than Michael Jordan scored, more than Wilt Chamberlain scored, way more than Dr. J or Shaquille O'Neal or Larry Bird scored. Kobe also won five championships and two Olympic gold medals. His nickname was the “Black Mamba,” because he was so deadly when the game mattered most. And you know what's funny about that nickname? Kobe gave it to himself. Which kind of tells you everything you need to know about him. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts, in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez, for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you want to get to the heart of the Kobe Bryant story, you have to start with the Joe Bryant story, and that means you have to start with Philadelphia. One of the pieces of Kobe's story that tends to get glossed over is that his dad also played in the NBA. Joe Bryant spent eight years in the league. But throwing out that fact and then moving on doesn't capture the full picture of Joe's career. Because long before Kobe Bryant was a high school legend around Philadelphia, Joe Bryant was a high school legend in Philadelphia. And his legend was every bit as grand as his son's. When Joe Bryant was a kid, Earl the Pearl Monroe was his hero, his biggest basketball influence. Which made Joe different from just about every Philly high school star who had come before him. See, “The Pearl” was 6-foot-3, and Joe wanted to play just like him. Joe put the ball behind his back. He worked on his spin moves. He aspired to be as creative and flashy as The Pearl. There was one big difference, though: Joe wasn't 6-foot-3. He was 6-foot-9. And 6-foot-9 players didn't do the kinds of things that Joe could do. There was a difference between Joe and Kobe, between father and son. Joe ratcheted up his competitiveness, his will to win, only sometimes, when he absolutely had to. But, of course, this is the quality that Kobe is probably most well-known for—he was at that peak level all the time. Pre-order Mike Sielski's related book: “The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality" (1/11/22): TheRiseOfKobeBook.com Join the conversation about “I Am Kobe” on social media: on Twitter and Instagram: @diversionpods Our theme music is “Create Yourself” by Grover Braam feat. Justin Starling: Listen to Create Yourself on Spotify Joe Bryant was arrested in 1976. Joe was charged with drug possession, reckless driving, and two counts of resisting arrest. The aftermath of Joe's arrest wasn't all that different from the aftermath of Kobe's arrest for sexual assault all those years later. The charges and alleged crimes were different, of course, Kobe's more severe than Joe's. But just like with Kobe, there was public shock over Joe's incident with the police, disbelief that he could do something so dumb, that he could put his career at risk. His actions had threatened his marriage — or seemed to, anyway — and led to speculation that the scandal would tarnish him forever. For some people, that's certainly still the case with Kobe. The difference was, nothing much about Kobe's career changed once the public interest in the scandal started to fade. The Lakers didn't trade him. He didn't decide to play somewhere else, though there were times he considered it. He was a Laker, and he remained a Laker. But even though Joe stayed out of legal trouble from then on, he was never able to establish a specific role with the Sixers — or with any other NBA team for the rest of his career. Cover photo © Eileen Blass – USA TODAY NETWORK “I Am Kobe” is a production of Diversion Podcasts, in association with iHeartRadio. This season is written and hosted by Mike Sielski. Produced by Jacob Bronstein and directed by Mark Francis. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Story editing by Jacob Bronstein with editorial direction from Scott Waxman. Editing, mixing, and sound design by Mark Francis. Production Assistant: Stephen Tompkins. Music Supervisor: Scott Velasquez, for Frisson Sync. Executive Producers: Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Thanks to Oren Rosenbaum, Susan Canavan, and Jeremy Treatman. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hosts Rekaya Gibson and Angela Spears have a conversation with tennis trailblazers Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison, the podcast hosts of “The GOAT: Serena” which takes a deep dive into the life and career of one of the greatest of all time, Serena Williams. They discuss their tennis careers. They also share details about their 12-part podcast series in partnership with Diversion Podcasts and iHeartMedia which features archival material and never-before-heard interviews. #KeepItSporty About Zina Garrison Born in Houston, Texas, Zina Garrison is a philanthropist and a former professional tennis player. She started her tennis career at 10 years old, eventually becoming the number one ranked junior player in the world. Turning pro in 1982, she reached a career high number four ranking. In 1990, Garrison also became the first African American woman to play in a Grand Slam final since 1958. Garrison is a three-time Grand Slam mixed doubles champion and a 1988 Olympic women's doubles gold and singles bronze medalist. After retiring from tennis in 1997, she went on to coaching, including the US women's team in the 2008 Olympics, where she coached Serena Williams. Garrison is also involved in philanthropic work. She founded the Zina Garrison Foundation for the Homeless in 1988 and the Zina Garrison All-Court Tennis Program, which supports inner-city tennis in Houston, in 1992. She continues to be a prominent voice in the tennis community to this day. Stay connected on Twitter @beyondthegold and Instagram @garrisonzina. About Chanda Rubin Chanda Rubin is a tennis commentator and former top 10 professional tennis player from Lafayette, Louisiana. In 1992, she won the girls' singles title at Wimbledon, and reached a peak ranking of world number two in the ITF Junior rankings. Throughout her career, she won 7 singles and 10 doubles WTA titles. She won the women's doubles and was a women's single semi-finalist at the 1996 Australian Open. That same year she achieved a number 6 ranking. She reached the quarterfinals of the French Open three times. In the 1999 US Open doubles, her team was runner-up. After retiring from tennis, Rubin became a tennis commentator, providing commentary for the Athens 2004 Olympics, the US Open, the French Open, the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and more. Stay connected on Twitter @Chanda_Rubin and Instagram @thechandarubin. Mentioned in This Episode: The GOAT: Serena - https://www.diversionpodcasts.com/podcast/the-goat-serena/ Podcast Items of Interest: Become a Monthly Patron - https://www.patreon.com/BlackGirlsTalkSports Buy Us a Coffee - https://ko-fi.com/blackgirlstalksports Join Us the Facebook Group (Women only) @BlackGirlsTalkSports Download free Android App in the Google Play Store Podcast Sponsored by Cuisine Noir Magazine - www.cuisinenoirmag.com

In the season finale, we go behind the scenes of the making of The GOAT: Serena podcast. Hosts Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin are joined by the show's writer, veteran tennis journalist Pete Bodo, to discuss how the podcast came together, their perspectives on Serena Williams, the secret question they asked every guest, and much more. Special guests include Monica Seles, Andy Roddick, Rennae Stubbs, Isha Price, Pam Shriver, Rick Macci, Mary Jo Fernandez, and Mackie Shilstone. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This episode explores Serena Williams, the wife, mother and GOAT. Hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison discuss how Serena has juggled all these things and still manages to operate at the highest level in professional tennis. They are also joined by Serena's longtime agent, Jill Smoller, who provides rare, candid insight into Serena's mindset and the determination and drive that has allowed her to still be the undisputed GOAT at the age of 40. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In this special episode, hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison break from the typical format and share their thoughts on the two most magical words in tennis - Grand Slams. They discuss Serena Williams' most memorable Grand Slam wins, detail what it's like to face her on the court, and the highs and lows of some of Serena's biggest matches, including her first major win at the 1999 US Open, the 2017 Australian Open, won while 8 weeks pregnant, and her crushing loss to Roberta Vinci at the 2015 US Open. Mary Carillo and Patrick Mouratoglou also provide some insight on the inner-thoughts of Serena Williams.    The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In this episode, hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison discuss some of Serena Williams' career highlights, including her best matches and her top rivals. Guests include a who's who of tennis royalty: Patrick Mouratoglou, Andy Roddick, Mary Carillo, Rick Macci, Mary Joe Fernandez, Rosie Casals, Benny Sims and broadcaster Robin Roberts. The conversation consists of in-depth analysis and breaking down some of Serena's biggest matches against her sister Venus, Martina Hingis, Jennifer Capriati and Maria Sharapova over her more than 20 year career. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Former tennis pros Pam Shriver and Rennae Stubbs, both still in the game as broadcasters, join hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison to explore the qualities that have enabled Serena Williams to withstand the stress of life at the top and the mental strength that's kept her there for more than two decades. They also discuss mental health in sports in general and high profile athletes who've struggled, at times, with mental health in the public eye, such as tennis pros Naomi Osaka and Mardy Fish, along with Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. This is episode 2 of a 2-episode arc. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Special guests Martina Navratilova, 18-time Grand Slam champion and tennis Hall-of-Famer, along with Mackie Shilstone, fitness trainer to Serena Williams, Peyton Manning, Roy Jones Jr. and many other professional athletes, join hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison to dive into the details on the longevity of Serena's career. They discuss how Serena has remained in shape and relevant for over two decades, and detail some previously unheard stories about Serena's strength and determination, as well as some priceless personal anecdotes. This is episode 1 of a 2-episode arc. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The GOAT: Serena is the second season in The GOAT series. This season looks at the remarkable career of one of the greatest of all time – tennis superstar Serena Williams. She is a record-breaking tennis champion, philanthropist, beloved friend and family-woman. The GOAT: Serena is hosted by tennis legends and Williams' close friends Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Garrison and Rubin, along with other prominent figures in Serena's life, recount the triumphs and tribulations of the making of an icon. Coming August 26th from Diversion Podcasts and iHeartRadio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Special guests Patrick Mouratoglou, Serena Williams' coach since 2012, and Mary Carillo, award-winning tennis and Olympic Games TV correspondent, join hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison to examine the role of stress, conflict, and controversy in Serena's career. From the amusing ones, like Serena's denim skirt at the 2004 US Open and her infamous “biker boots” leg warmers, to the painful and difficult ones, like the 2018 US Open final between Serena and Naomi Osaka, and the others that sparked painful conversations around race, gender, and the fundamentals of fair play. Together these isolated incidents have helped shape Serena in the public eye. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The GOAT: Serena is the second season in The GOAT series. This season looks at the remarkable career of one of the greatest of all time – tennis superstar Serena Williams. She is a record-breaking tennis champion, philanthropist, beloved friend and family-woman. The GOAT: Serena is hosted by tennis legends and Williams' close friends Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Garrison and Rubin, along with other prominent figures in Serena's life, recount the triumphs and tribulations of the making of an icon. Coming August 26th from Diversion Podcasts and iHeartRadio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This week's special guests Common, Oscar and Grammy Award winning rapper, writer, actor, and activist, and Andy Roddick, former world No. 1 tennis player, join hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison for a deep dive into the dazzling world Serena Williams occupies as one of the world's most recognizable celebrities. We also hear from Serena's sister, Isha Price, to talk about Serena as a brand, beyond the tennis court, and why it was important for her to create a life for herself outside of sports. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The path of tennis for Black players has been a long one filled with daunting obstacles and immense triumphs. Before Serena Williams, it was paved by Hall of Famers Althea Gibson and Arthur Ashe along with our own Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin, among others. Serena, the greatest tennis player of all time and an icon in her own right, has inspired many people of color within and beyond the sport. Hosts Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin along with Katrina Adams, former professional tennis player and the first African-American president, chairman, and CEO of the United States Tennis Association and Robin Roberts, the host of Good Morning America and a former athlete herself, explore how Serena forced the culture at large to re-examine its assumptions about race and other issues surrounding women, sports, culture and society.  The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, making her the most decorated singles tennis player of the Open era. The question is, what exactly makes an all-time Grand Slam singles champion? Starting with Serena's first Grand Slam win at the US Open in 1999, hosts Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin track her path to becoming the greatest of all time with stories and insight from tennis hall of famer and icon Billie Jean King and renowned tennis coach Kamau Murray. In this episode, you'll learn that winning big isn't just about having talent on the court, but it's much more. It's a full time job that requires the right attitude, passion, and strategy - all of which Serena possesses.   The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

No GOAT has achieved exceptional levels of success on their own. In the case of Serena Williams, besides her one-of-a-kind talent, discipline, and ambition, she had the power of sisterhood to support her through the ups and downs of her tennis career and personal life. Hosts Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison take an in-depth look at Serena and Venus Williams' unwavering relationship, their mother Oracene's influence, and the overall importance of Serena surrounding herself with supportive women. Conversations include Serena's older sister and business manager Isha Price and tennis champions Monica Seles and Andy Roddick, who had front-row views on Serena's formative years. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about THE GOAT at DiversionPodcasts.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Before she was The Greatest of All Time, Serena Williams was the younger half of a tennis sister duo from Compton, California with raw talent and the promise of greatness. Hidden away from the world by their father Richard Williams, Serena and Venus Williams were shrouded in mystery. Only a select few had exclusive access to their training process, one of which was the renowned American tennis coach Rick Macci. In this episode, hosts and tennis legends Chanda Rubin and Zina Garrison speak with Macci who reveals never-before-heard training stories from Serena's childhood. The GOAT: Serena is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Hosts: Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Written by Pete Bodo. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Original Music: Andy Marvel. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Learn more about THE GOAT at DiversionPodcasts.com Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The GOAT: Serena is the second season in The GOAT series. This season looks at the remarkable career of one of the greatest of all time – tennis superstar Serena Williams. She is a record-breaking tennis champion, philanthropist, beloved friend and family-woman. The GOAT: Serena is hosted by tennis legends and Williams' close friends Zina Garrison and Chanda Rubin. Garrison and Rubin, along with other prominent figures in Serena's life, recount the triumphs and tribulations of the making of an icon. Coming August 27th from Diversion Podcasts and iHeartRadio. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ronnie James Dio is metal music royalty. From his early days in New York playing the trumpet and singing in small bands to becoming a metal vocal powerhouse with Rainbow, the resurrected Black Sabbath and his own band, Dio experienced it all, riding the highs and enduring the lows in every band he played in. Then, an unexpected musical reunion with his ex-Black Sabbath band mates Tony Iommi and Geezer Butler brought him the kind of happiness and career stability he always longed for. Tragically, the group abruptly ended when Dio contracted stomach cancer. Though he fought bravely and tried to continue doing what he did best, the disease was incurable. Friends and family rallied by his side, some forming a tighter bond with Dio than ever, as he inched towards his final days. In this episode, host Jon Wiederhorn addresses Dio's spectacular life and tragic death through interviews with Dio's widow Wendy, and members of Black Sabbath, Heaven and Hell and Dio. Alice Cooper and members of Anthrax, Twisted Sister, and Slayer provide additional commentary. FROM THIS EPISODE: Alice Cooper talks about Dio's onstage charisma. Exodus and former Slayer guitarist Gary Holt remembers listening to Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow and hearing Dio's vocals for the first time. Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider praises Dio for his powerful voice and humble personality. Ronnie James Dio explains his pride and satisfaction in playing metal music. Dio's widow and longtime manager Wendy Dio talks about Dio's use of the sign of the horns, how he got his surname, when she and Dio fell in love, and Dio's sometimes rocky relationships in Rainbow, Black Sabbath and Dio. Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler talks about how Dio hated Rainbow ringleader Ritchie Blackmore. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi discusses how Dio joined the band after they fired Ozzy Osbourne. Guitarist and co-founder of Anthrax Scott Ian marvels at the greatness of Black Sabbath's comeback album Heaven and Hell. Dio drummer Vinny Appice remembers a set malfunction during a Dio concert and shares his experience at Ronnie James Dio's funeral. Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Wendy Dio address Ronnie's battle with cancer and candidly address how he bravely fought the disease and details about the last three weeks of his life. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Pointless. Spontaneous. Hazardous. Deadly. That's what mayhem can be like for some metal musicians. Host Jon Wiederhorn dives into the daredevils of metal music's outrageous pranks, destructive binges, violent outbursts and near-death experiences. And, sometimes, these antics are so outlandish, they couldn't be true. From trashed hotel rooms and sunken boats to out-of-control tour buses, find out the truth behind the over-the-top exploits from Alice Cooper, Baroness, Quiet Riot, Black Sabbath, Anthrax, Pantera, Suicide Silence and more. FROM THIS EPISODE: Baroness vocalist and guitarist John Dyer Baizley recalls a tour bus accident that nearly took his and his bandmates' lives. Alice Cooper sets the record straight on the infamous chicken situation that occurred at one of his concerts. Ozzy Osbourne shares when one of his daughter's teachers claimed he drank a bowl filled with the audience's spit at one of his concerts. The late Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali talks about the pranks he played on Iron Maiden and W.A.S.P.. Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi recalls the time a prank went wrong and he set drummer Bill Ward's legs on fire. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian recounts the band's most expensive instance of destruction. Guitarist Zakk Wylde tells the story of when he and Ozzy Osbourne destroyed a hotel room and were left with an expensive bill for repairs. Pantera bassist Rex Brown recalls when he and Dimebag Darrell destroyed an expensive Japanese hotel room with loaded Uzis. The late Suicide Silence lead vocalist Mitch Lucker talks about the time his band trashed a fan's house during a drunken knife fight. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Ever since Black Sabbath named themselves after a horror movie and started writing dark, foreboding songs that buzzed with menace and defiance, fans and creators of hair-raising films and metal made a run into the darkness. In this episode, we dare to peer into the darkest parts of human nature through the lens of metal music and horror. Alice Cooper explains how he invented horror rock and Rob Zombie and Dee Snider talk about their entry into the world of horror moviemaking. Members of Pantera, Metallica, Anthrax, Cannibal Corpse and more describe the inextricable link between metal and horror. FROM THIS EPISODE: Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo says horror movies and extreme metal are outlets for people who don't deny death and accept the pain and tragedy of life. Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett celebrates the darkness and gloom of metal music and horror and says guitar playing acts as a form of therapy and saved his life numerous times when he was younger.. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian explains his love for the catharsis and excitement of metal and horror and considers them to be two sides of the same coin. White Zombie founder and filmmaker Rob Zombie explains how he's been drawn to horror and metal music since he was young. Alice Cooper talks about how he sustained real injuries during his shows' choreographed switchblade fights. Twisted Sister's Dee Snider is baffled by the love his character Captain Howdy in the 1998 horror film Strangeland gets from young women. Film composer and Zombi bass guitarist Steve Moore states he views metal music as a reflection of the political, ecological and social traumas of the ‘90s. Cannibal Corpse drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz says he and his bandmates always sought out the most extreme entertainment they could find, both in film and music. Horror author Jeremy Wagner explains his fascination with horror and death.  Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

The bottle has called to many metal musicians since the genre's early days. Some artists found it as a way to push the boundaries of excess, and in some cases, numb out physical and psychological pain. The late Eddie Van Halen drank to write and perform. Other artists got caught up in the partying lifestyle. Either way, whether a happy drunk or crappy drunk, going sober for many was an uphill battle. In this episode, hear scary, and sometimes dramatic, tales of blackout drinking and stories of rehabilitation from host Jon Wiederhorn and members of Van Halen, Pantera, Black Label Society, Lamb of God, Megadeth and more.   FROM THIS EPISODE: Longtime Pantera photographer Joe Giron recounts how the band enjoyed outdrinking their friends and fans.  Van Halen guitarist and songwriter Eddie Van Halen explains how his father recommended drinking to deal with performance anxiety while onstage. Singer Ozzy Osbourne remembers how vulnerable he felt during the beginnings of his sobriety. The late Pantera drummer Vinnie Paul describes the band's nightly meet and greet drinking routine while on the road. Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine thinks back to the drunken antics that led to him being kicked out of Metallica. Anthrax guitarist Scott Ian recalls some of Dave Mustaine's drunken outrageous moments. Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor describes how he used alcohol to drown away his unhappiness and how it took a long time for him to gain the confidence to go sober. Lamb of God's lead vocalist Randy Blythe explains that even though alcohol helped him write, drinking became an all-consuming obsession that led to bodily damage. Black Label Society's Zakk Wylde recounts his near-death experience with blood clots caused by drinking. Limp Bizkit bassist Sam Rivers talks about how his drinking got so bad that he eventually needed a liver transplant. Exodus songwriter and former Slayer guitarist Gary Holt says drinking alone during the pandemic pushed him to go sober. Filmmaker Rat Skates, who also co-founded Overkill, theorizes musicians' creative, obsessive nature may lead them to alcoholism. Listen to how Cradle of Filth frontman Dani Filth like most of his peers was captivated by the allure of partying and in the mid-90s he spent years emulating other metal bands he admired. The late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell explains the source of his rowdy nature. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Judas Priest's success skyrocketed in the early 1980's. Along with their boom in fame, came a decline in Rob Halford's emotional and physical health. In the second episode of the two episode arc, host Jon Wiederhorn delves into Halford's inability to be himself in the public eye. Eventually Halford would temporarily split from the band, enabling him to explore his music and come out publicly. Hear members of Judas Priest, At the Gates, and Pantera talk about the band and Rob Halford's journey to becoming a metal music icon. FROM THIS EPISODE: Judas Priest vocalist Rob Halford talks about losing control to alcohol and drug addiction. Hear the story of when he set off a fire extinguisher in a Japanese businessman's hotel room and the high octane stage stunts Judas Priest put on during their tours. Halford remembers the people the metal industry lost to suicide and his traumatic experience with overdosing. And, how the gay community was used as a scapegoat during the AIDS epidemic. Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill recalls the unravelling and eventual break up of Judas Priest. Guitarist Glenn Tipton shares about touring less and dealing with depression after being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Pantera's vocalist Philip Anselmo talks about how it must have been a relief for Rob Halford to perform after coming out and that fans still loved him. At the Gates vocalist Tomas Lindberg discusses the importance of Judas Priest album “Stained Glass” to him as a singer. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

As one of the most eclectic and popular British metal bands and pioneers of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, Judas Priest and their vocal powerhouse frontman Rob Halford will forever be one of the greats. In this episode, the first of a two episode arc, host Jon Wiederhorn discusses the beginnings of Judas Priest with a strong focus on Rob Halford. As a closeted gay man in a heterosexual music world, Halford spent a good portion of his days with the band feeling isolated. Even still, his lyrics and piercing vocals paved the way for future musicians to lean into the aggressive nature of metal music. With exclusive interviews with members of Judas Priest, Diamond Head, Life of Agony, and more, listen to them talk about their experiences with Halford and his many influences on metal.  FROM THIS EPISODE: Judas Priest lead vocalist Rob Halford talks about not being able to recieve sexual intimacy when he was closeted. He also shares the emotional turmoil he endured after being sexually abused as a child and how “Raw Deal” was the only Judas Priest song that truly referenced his homosexuality. Hear Judas Priest bassist Ian Hill talk about the band knowing Rob Halford was gay but waiting until he was ready to come out. Diamond Head guitarist Brian Tatler describes the influence Judas Priest has on his music. Lead vocalist of Pantera Phil Anselmo goes into detail describing what makes Rob Halford such a powerful vocalist. Life of Agony's lead vocalist Mina Caputo explains how the system didn't allow people to reach their full potential and be true to their nature. Listen to Judas Priest lead guitarist Glenn Tipton recount a story of a prank gone wrong with a group of Hell's Angels. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

This episode further explores the impact heroin, a drug some called the angel of death, had on some metal musicians in the 80's, 90's and beyond. Host Jon Wiederhorn and many of metal's biggest names share outrageous stories that include Ministry's drug-fueled visit with William S. Burroughs, Jane's Addiction's adventure through New York City's Alphabet City to score dope, and Guns N' Roses' failed attempt to smuggle heroin onto a flight to Tokyo. Included are interviews with Ratt, as the episode also examines the tragic downfall and AIDS and heroin-related death of their guitarist Robbin Crosby. Members of Eyehategod, Pantera, and many more reveal stories of survival and the pains of addiction. This is the second episode of a two episode arc. FROM THIS EPISODE: Eyehategod vocalist Mike IX Williams describes his self-destructive mentality behind doing drugs. Hear Alan Niven, former manager of Guns N' Roses, recall an incident when members of the band tried to smuggle drugs on a flight to Japan. Pantera's vocalist Philip Anselmo describes how he felt broken after taking heroin and other narcotics to deal with the pain of a back injury. Lead guitarist of Jane's Addiction Dave Navarro walks through when he and the band scored drugs before a big show at Madison Square Garden. Ministry frontman Al Jourgensen recollects how William S. Burroughs wouldn't let the band into his house unless they had brought heroin. Ratt drummer Bobby Blotzer recounts how guitarist Robbin Crosby couldn't hold it together during recording sessions due to his struggle with addiction. Deeply affected by guitarist Robbin Crosby's death, Ratt vocalist Stephen Pearcy says that was the reason he admitted himself into rehab. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In the 80's and 90's metal scene, musicians used heroin to push the limits of excess and chase away their demons. The drug took its toll on some of metal's greatest artists. Many ended up spiraling into the hellish chaos of addiction, some not making it out alive. It was during this period of time that heroin truly became the devil in metal. In this episode, host Jon Wiederhorn interviews members of Alice in Chains, Black Sabbath, Mötley Crüe, Jane's Addiction, Megadeth, Pentagram, and Motörhead who share their horror stories and near-death experiences. This is Episode 1 of a 2-Episode arc. FROM THE EPISODE: Alice in Chains lead singer Layne Staley laments on the fact his drug use had come to define him in the public eye. Author and former Black Sabbath publicist Mick Wall shares how drug use incapacitated Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward for three months. Listen as Mötley Crüe bassist Nikki Sixx tells how writing in his diary helped him cope during the height of his drug addiction. Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro talks about his near death experience due to a heroin overdose Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine recalls how the band relied on drugs as an escape from their dire financial situation. Hear former Megadeth Bassist David Ellefson describe his downward spiral into a life of addiction. Pentagram lead singer Bobby Liebling recalls when he suffered a near-fatal overdose during a gig in Washington, DC. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll...and girls. All part of metal music's culture. In the five decades of metal, there have been groupies and partying around the clock. The 1980's saw an avalanche of a culture of partying, sex, and overall debauchery. Host Jon Wiederhorn tells how metal profited off that spirit, creating an aesthetic of peak hedonism within its music. Members of KISS, Van Halen, Def Leppard, Ratt, Skid Row, Biohazard along with Lita Ford, Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne, and many more share stories of the wild, and sometimes lonely sexual exploits of metal musicians.  FROM THE EPISODE: KISS vocalist and guitarist Paul Stanley explains the meaning of partying in the 1980's. Van Halen lead singer David Lee Roth describes the sexual energy Van Halen brought to rock and roll. Van Halen bassist Michael Anthony talks about his first encounter with infamous groupie “Sweet” Connie Hamzy. Eddie Van Halen admits he grew tired of the partying scene and was ready for something more stable. Biohazard vocalist Evan Seinfeld shocks Kiss' Gene Simmons with his photo album of sexual exploits. Sharon and Ozzy Obsourne share the foundation of their love, respect, and devotion to each other. Tom Beaujour and Richard Bienstock, the co-authors of the New York Times bestseller “Nothin' but a Good Time,” describe how 80's metal bands tapped into the decade's cultural spirit. Learn the meaning of metal music's code of conduct from Ratt singer Stephen Pearcy. Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach recalls the making of the “Eighteen and Life” music video. The Runaways lead guitarist Lita Ford goes into detail on why she became fed up with the record business. Rapper, rocker and actor Ice-T reminisces about when he wandered into a trailer full of groupies. Hear Godsmack vocalist Sully Erna go into detail about the addictive nature of partying and groupies.  Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Black Sabbath and lead guitarist Tony Iommi laid the foundation for metal music. In this episode, Tony shares highs and lows of his journey to becoming a metal legend, including the story of an almost career-ending injury that actually added to Sabbath's dark, demonic sound. Members of Black Sabbath, Anthrax, Pantera, Type O Negative and others share tales and take a deep plunge into the cauldron of molten metal. Black Sabbath's legendary guitarist Tony Iommi recounts the hand injury that almost ended his career. Black Sabbath lead vocalist Ozzy Osbourne condemns the hippy movement. Learn how Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler switched from playing guitar to bass for the band. Pantera vocalist Philip Anselmo praises Black Sabbath and Tony Iommi for their fearless sound. Anthrax guitarist and co-founder Scott Ian explains how Tony Iommi is responsible for every riff written in metal. Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio. Written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn. Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman. Consulting Producer: Andrew Kalb. Production Assistant: Anita Okoye. Social Media Manager: Stephen Tompkins. Instrumental guitar music by Scott Waxman. Editing by Chris Schreiner. Technical Producer: Clem Fandango. Director of Marketing and Business Development: Jacob Bronstein. Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis. Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA. Learn more about Backstaged at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

As metal music continued to grow in popularity, thrash bands turned up the inclusion of Satanic lyrics and sound in their music. Venom and King Diamond were among those to lead the way. Many metal bands became more extreme, musically and lyrically. Host Jon Wiederhorn speaks with Venom vocalist and bassist Cronos, Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer and King Diamond of Mercyful Fate and many others, as he explores “The Devil in Metal.” This is Episode 2 of a 2-Episode arc.   FROM THE EPISODE:   Venom vocalist and bassist Cronos shares what led him and the band to their style of metal.   Gary Holt of Exodus and Slayer talks about his early days on the road.   Mercyful Fate's King Diamond reveals what was behind some of the band's pro-Satanic music.   Morbid Angel's Trey Azagthoth reviews the band's occult rituals.   Atheist frontman Kelly Schaefer goes over some of the crazy “stuff” he saw backstage.   Behemoth frontman Adam “Nergal” Darski reveals if he's a Satanist?   Vincent Crowley, former Acheron frontman, talks about being a member of the Church of Satan.   Mayhem bassist Necrobutcher talks about a very disturbing 1991 incident.   Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio.   This season is written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn.   Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.   Our Consulting Producer is Andrew Kalb.   Production assistance from Anita Okoye and our Social Media consultant is Stephen Tompkins.   The Instrumental guitar music is by Scott Waxman and editing by Chris Schreiner.   Clem Fandango is our Technical Producer and our Director of Marketing and Business Development is Jacob Bronstein.   Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis.    Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA.   Learn more about the podcast at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Metal became part of culture and music's fabric more than fifty years ago. Host Jon Wiederhorn dives into the dark, outrageous and sometimes raw world at what some call “the devil's music.” Through never-before-heard audio, Wiederhorn takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the history of metal music to hear how the devil brings heaviness and intensity to the music. Hear wild conversations with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler, and Coven frontwoman Jinx Dawson, as well as exclusive tales from Megadeath's Dave Mustaine and Bobby Liebling of Pentagram. This is Episode 1 of a 2-Episode arc.   FROM THE EPISODE:   Learn how Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Lynch was turned onto metal music by his brother.   Fear Factory guitarist Dino Cazares shares how the Satanic Panic of the 1980's played a role in his teen years.   Exodus and Slayer member Gary Holt tells tales of blood brother rituals.   Coven frontwoman Jinx Dawson talks about how controversial the band was.   Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler reveals how the band's interest in Ouija boards, tarot cards and black magic derived from curiosity.   Pentagram frontman Bobby Liebling talks black arts, occult and Satanism.   Megadeath frontman Dave Mustaine shares what led to the song “The Conjuring.”   Backstaged: The Devil in Metal is a production of Diversion Podcasts in association with iHeartRadio.   This season is written and hosted by Jon Wiederhorn.   Produced and directed by Mark Francis and Scott Waxman.   Our Consulting Producer is Andrew Kalb.   Production assistance from Anita Okoye and our Social Media consultant is Stephen Tompkins.   The Instrumental guitar music is by Scott Waxman and editing by Chris Schreiner.   Clem Fandango is our Technical Producer and our Director of Marketing and Business Development is Jacob Bronstein.   Executive Producers: Scott Waxman and Mark Francis.    Special thanks to Oren Rosenbaum at UTA.   Learn more about the podcast at DiversionPodcasts.com. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On this episode of Jenkins and Jonez, the guys are joined by the legendary J.A. Adande and Jack McCallum to discuss their podcast "The Dream Team Tapes: Kobe, LeBron & The Redeem Tea‪m‬" season two on Diversion Podcasts. The guys get into which team would win; 2012 v 92 team, how in 2008, you could see the future of the NBA coming together, and who their best interview was with. It's all here and more! Be sure to follow John, Tyler, and Mike on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest from The Volume right here! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.