Born To The Game Podcast

What happens when your father helped coach two of the greatest basketball players of all time, Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but you're determined to make a name for yourself? On this episode of Born to the Game, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton sit down with Imani Cleamons, daughter of legendary NBA player and coach Jim Cleamons, to explore what it means to grow up surrounded by basketball greatness while creating a legacy entirely your own. From watching her father help shape championship teams with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers to becoming a Washington Wizards dancer without revealing her famous last name, Imani shares how she found her own identity beyond the NBA. Now a Los Angeles Rams cheerleader, social media professional, and PhD student, Imani is breaking boundaries across sports, entertainment, and academia. She opens up about her family's influence, her sister's experience with dyslexia, and her passion for researching neurodivergence, identity, and the experiences of Black women. In this episode: Growing up as the daughter of NBA champion and coach Jim Cleamons The life lessons her father learned and shared from coaching Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant Why Imani kept her NBA family connection a secret while dancing for the Washington Wizards Making the transition from NBA dancer to Los Angeles Rams cheerleader How her sister's childhood struggles with dyslexia inspired her academic research The pressure and expectations that come with having successful parents Why building your own legacy matters more than living up to someone else's Imani's story is about more than basketball. It's about family, identity, purpose, and the courage to define success on your own terms. Born to the Game is where the next generation of sports and entertainment legacies shares the stories behind the names. Follow, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who's creating their own path. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the fall film festival season (mostly) in the rearview and release dates set through the end of the year, Adam and Josh hold a Fall Movie Preview Draft that sees them largely ignoring obvious picks like Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three in favor of battling over some of the most intriguing indies still to come. Plus, a review of Aaron Sorkin's The Social Reckoning and Massacre Theatre. This episode is presented by⁠ Regal Unlimited⁠⁠, the all-you-can-watch movie subscription pass that pays for itself in just two visits. Use code FILMSPOT26 to take 15% off. (Timecodes will not be precise with ads.) Intro (00:00:00-00:02:25) ‘26 Fall Preview Draft (00:02:26-0:25:19) Filmspotting Family (0:25:20-00:31:25) Preview Draft, cont. (00:31:26-1:02:41) The Social Reckoning (1:02:42-01:30:58) Massacre Theatre (01:30:59-01:36:46) Credits / New Releases (01:36:47-01:44:01) Notes: -Find the Show: Filmspotting Podcast -Yes, for some reason James Caan appeared on a Fall Preview cast list for “Cliff Booth” along with his son. No, it didn’t occur to Adam that he was dead. (He is.) -”The Family Guy” has the famous “It insists upon itself” joke – not “The Simpsons.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYAi5aI_NPc -Refocus Film Festival https://refocusfilmfestival.org/ Feedback: -Email us at [email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠-⁠Ask Us Anything⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we might answer your question in bonus content. Support: -Join the Filmspotting Family for bonus shows, archive access, and more. http://filmspottingfamily.com -Filmspotting Shop for T-shirts and more. ⁠https://www.filmspotting.net/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow: -Watch Filmspotting on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/filmspotting⁠ -Adam/Filmspotting ⁠Letterboxd⁠ |⁠ Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky⁠ -Josh/LarsenOnFilm ⁠Letterboxd⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠ |⁠ Facebook⁠ | ⁠Bluesky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What was it really like growing up as Gerald Levert's daughter? And how do you find your own identity when your father and grandfather are two of the most iconic voices in R&B history? In this emotional and revealing episode of Born to the Game, singer-songwriter Camryn Levert opens up about losing her father, the legendary Gerald Levert, when she was just eight years old—and the memories, unanswered questions, and music that continue to connect them nearly 20 years later. As the granddaughter of Eddie Levert lead singer of The O'Jays, and daughter of Gerald Levert, Camryn was born into R&B royalty. But behind the famous last name is a woman navigating grief, family expectations, love, and the pressure of building a legacy of her own. Camryn shares unforgettable childhood memories of her father, including the moment he watched her sing for the first time, what it was like seeing Usher at his funeral, and the surprising friendships Gerald had with stars like Stevie Wonder, Jamie Foxx, and Mike Tyson. She also gets deeply personal about calling off her engagement after a 12-year relationship, starting over in love, and learning to let go of the future she once imagined. Plus, Camryn weighs in on whether today's music industry values social media followers over real vocal talent, why having a famous last name can be both a blessing and a burden, and how she's creating her own sound outside the Levert family's R&B legacy. In this episode: Losing Gerald Levert at eight years old and grieving him through life's biggest milestones The childhood memories of her father that fans have never heard Why Gerald Levert's music can both comfort her and bring back painful emotions Growing up with Eddie Levert and the extraordinary O'Jays family legacy The truth about famous last names and expectations in the music industry Why having an incredible voice may no longer be enough to become a star Ending a 12-year relationship and finding herself again Creating her own musical identity, from R&B royalty to pop artist This is more than a conversation about music. It's about losing someone the world loved, discovering who they were after they're gone, and finding the courage to write your own story. Born to the Game is hosted by Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton, produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network, and distributed through iHeartMedia. Listen, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who grew up loving Gerald Levert, The O'Jays, or the unforgettable sound of classic R&B. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you really okay? You can show up for work, take care of your family, meet everyone's expectations, and still be struggling on the inside. So how do you recognize when something isn't right? And how do you start taking care of your mental health when you're just trying to get through the day? In this special episode of Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton sit down with licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Miral Malik for an honest, practical conversation about mental health, anxiety, self-worth, relationships, and the pressures we carry. Together, they explore: Recognizing the signs: How changes in sleep, mood, energy, and behavior can signal that something isn't right. Managing pressure and expectations: How social media, family, and the need to succeed influence how we see ourselves. Separating identity from achievement: Why your accomplishments don't define your worth. Learning to ask for help: How to take the first step, even without access to therapy or a strong support system. Protecting your mental health: Simple daily practices that can make a difference. Navigating difficult relationships: Recognizing when friendships and romantic relationships are affecting your well-being. Breaking free from inherited expectations: Honoring where you come from without letting it determine who you become. Dr. Malik also shares a powerful reminder: Our thoughts are not necessarily facts. Sometimes changing the way we speak to ourselves can change how we experience the world around us. Whether you're navigating anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, questioning your identity, or simply trying to find balance, this conversation offers practical tools and a reminder that you don't have to figure everything out alone. Connect with Dr. Miral Malik: https://www.lanserwestmanpsych.com/drmalik Instagram: @dr.miralmalik About Born to the Game: Hosted by Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton, Born to the Game: Where Legacy Speaks explores the intersection of family, legacy, identity, and the experiences that shape who we become. Follow and subscribe to Born to the Game for more authentic conversations about life, family, identity, and everything beyond the game. Mental Health Resources: This episode discusses mental health challenges and emotional distress. If you are in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Outside the U.S., contact your local crisis support service or emergency services. This conversation is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional mental health care. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when your dad is a two-time World Series champion, but his most memorable advice has nothing to do with baseball? Actress Raquel Justice, daughter of MLB legend David Justice, joins Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton on Born to the Game to talk about growing up with a famous last name, finding her own identity, and the unexpected lessons that shaped her confidence. From her father's hilarious dating advice — "Men are purses" — to navigating heartbreak, therapy, and the pressure of being labeled a "nepo baby," Raquel opens up about learning to know her worth without needing anyone else's approval. She also takes us behind the scenes of Dexter: Original Sin, explains why she initially kept her famous father away from set, and shares what it really takes to build an acting career when people already think they know your story. Plus, David Justice himself makes a surprise appearance, and Raquel reveals why her grandmother's influence may be the most important legacy she's inherited. In this episode: David Justice's unforgettable dating advice and the three types of people in your life The truth about nepotism and proving yourself in Hollywood Raquel's journey from child actress to Dexter: Original Sin Heartbreak, therapy, and overcoming people-pleasing Celebrity privacy, social media, and the pressure to share everything How family, culture, and her grandmother shaped her identity Why building a meaningful legacy matters more than fame Because being born into a legacy doesn't mean you can't create your own. Born to the Game is produced by ARCA Media Group in collaboration with Inflection Network and distributed through iHeartMedia. Follow Born to the Game for more honest conversations about family, identity, pressure, and the people behind famous names. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.