Comeback Stories

🎙️ Born to the Game — Larry Drew Jr. Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game. From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms. We talk about: Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal” The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection. This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life. 💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.   🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Mariah Woodson Turning Pain Into Purpose | The Story Behind the Show Before Born to the Game became a platform… it was pain. In this deeply personal episode, Mariah Woodson steps out from behind the mic and onto the couch to share the story that started it all. The daughter of NBA player and coach Mike Woodson, Mariah opens up about growing up around the game—but not always inside it—and the moment everything changed. From watching her father face public criticism, hate, and pressure… to navigating her own battles with identity, health, grief, and mental health—this is the unfiltered story behind the creation of Born to the Game. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: The phone call that sparked Born to the Game Dealing with public criticism, online hate, and protecting family Growing up as the child of an NBA coach—and what people don’t see Moving from a sheltered life in Texas to the realities of public scrutiny Experiencing bullying tied to her father’s career A life-altering health scare at 13 years old Losing her best friend—and how grief reshaped her perspective Navigating depression, anger, and healing The difference between perception vs. reality in legacy families Turning pain into purpose—and building a platform for others 💭 This Episode Is About… Identity vs. expectation Pain vs. purpose Strength, resilience, and growth Finding your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story 🎧 About Mariah Woodson Mariah Woodson is a creator, storyteller, and co-host of Born to the Game. Raised around professional basketball, she brings a unique perspective on legacy, identity, and what it truly means to grow up connected to greatness. Her mission: to create a space where the next generation can tell their own stories—on their own terms.   Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ New episodes weekly.Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a featured conversation from another show on the Inflection Network: Jenkins & Jonez. In this episode, the hosts break down the Oscars through the lens of Sinners, Michael B. Jordan, and Ryan Coogler—looking at what gets recognized, what gets overlooked, and why those gaps exist. The conversation expands into a broader discussion about cultural impact versus institutional validation, and how success is often defined differently depending on who’s doing the measuring. While rooted in film and pop culture, the throughline is familiar: staying grounded in your work and perspective even when external recognition doesn’t fully align. Jenkins & Jonez brings a sharper, more unfiltered voice to the kinds of conversations we explore here—offering a different angle on resilience, identity, and navigating the highs and lows that come with any journey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Forgiveness sounds simple… until life asks you to practice it with real people and real pain. In this heartfelt solo episode of Choosing Joy, Deborah Joy Winans Williams opens up about one of the most difficult—and most freeing—parts of her own journey: learning how to forgive others, forgive herself, and release the resentment that keeps us bound. Deborah shares the story of her parents’ divorce, how childhood wounds shaped her understanding of forgiveness, and the moment her grandmother gave her a piece of wisdom that changed her life forever. She talks about shame, grace, reconciliation, and why forgiveness isn’t a one-time event, but a process that comes in waves. With honesty and compassion, Deborah reminds us that forgiveness is not about excusing someone else’s behavior—it's about choosing freedom, healing, and joy for your own life. If you’re holding onto hurt, wrestling with disappointment, or trying to heal old family pain, this episode will meet you right where you are. 💜 “Forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation. But it always means freedom.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this deeply honest and joy-filled episode of Choosing Joy, host Deborah Joy Winans Williams welcomes actress, producer, and mother Ryan Michelle Bathé for a soul-nourishing conversation about embracing the chaos of life without apology. From navigating marriage with fellow actor Sterling K. Brown to building a life rooted in faith, humor, and resilience, Ryan opens up about the lessons, missteps, and mantras that keep her grounded. Together, they unpack what it means to redefine womanhood, honor your emotional bandwidth, and build a home full of love—even when your champagne flutes are mismatched. Ryan shares vulnerable reflections on aging, self-care, parenting through exhaustion, and finding joy in a world that rarely slows down. With warmth, wisdom, and a whole lot of laughter, this episode is a celebration of imperfection, intention, and unapologetic Black womanhood. If you've ever felt the weight of being everything for everyone, or struggled to feel safe in your own skin, this one’s for you. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Building a Life of Joy03:00 – Australia, Motherhood & God's Surprises06:00 – 19 Years of Marriage & Unpredictable Careers09:00 – Faith, Stubbornness & Acting as a Calling12:00 – Hollywood Rejection & Learning to Stay15:00 – Parenting & Losing Yourself in the Process18:00 – Perimenopause, Health, and Black Women Aging21:00 – Family, Fear & Avoiding the Doctor24:00 – Illness, ALS, and Loving Through Change27:00 – Alzheimer’s, Caregiving & Choosing Joy Daily30:00 – You Don’t Have to Get Through it Pretty33:00 – Marriage Realizations & Letting Go of Perfection36:00 – Church Culture, Legacy & Beautiful Homes39:00 – Broken Glass & Emotional Meltdowns42:00 – Stewardship, Provision & Taking Care of What God Gives44:00 – Growing With Your Partner & Listening Deeply47:00 – Community, Evolution & Loving the Present49:00 – One Word She Wants Her Sons to RememberSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.