In this episode, Reggie Ford welcomes his soul brother, Ro Coleman, former MLB and #VandyBoys baseball player,  to discuss their deep bond and personal growth, focusing on the powerful impact of sports and community. Ro shares his experiences growing up on the tough west side of Chicago, the life-changing role of baseball, and the challenges and triumphs of transitioning to Vanderbilt University. As a coach and co-host of The Two Percent podcast, Ro emphasizes going 100% in all aspects of life, from academics to athletics to personal relationships, and highlights the transformative impact of therapy. He discusses themes of resilience, mentorship, and the importance of authenticity, consistency, and patience, while also delving into his experiences with grief, his father's legacy, and his passion for helping others.

Highlights:

• Reggie expresses gratitude for Ro's presence in his life, highlighting the profound impact Ro has had on him.
• Ro reminisces about attending a baseball game with his father, reflecting on the special bond they shared over the sport.
• Ro shares the significance of Wisconsin baseball and Vanderbilt University in his life, acknowledging the pivotal role they played in his development.
• Ro delves into his upbringing on Chicago's West Side, discussing the challenges and resilience within his community.
• Ro shares the challenges he faced transitioning to Vanderbilt academically, underscoring the importance of support and preparation for student-athletes.
• Drawing from his experience as a scout and recruiter, Ro offers advice on navigating the academic and athletic demands of college life.
• Ro emphasizes the importance of giving 100% effort in all areas of life, including academics, athletics, and relationships.
• He shares his transformative experience with therapy and the freedom he found in vulnerability.
• Reflecting on the passing of his father, Ro discusses the challenges he faced and the importance of supportive relationships during difficult times.
• Ro highlights the need for greater representation of African Americans in baseball and shares his role in promoting diversity within the sport.
• As a coach at Vanderbilt University under Tim Corbin’s leadership, Ro discusses his commitment to authenticity and the importance of being true to oneself in professional settings.

__________

Connect with Reggie

IG - https://instagram.com/reggiedford

LI - https://linkedin.com/in/reggiedford

Website - https://reggiedford.com

__________

Connect with Ro:

IG - https://www.instagram.com/coachro1coleman/

X - https://x.com/CoachRo1Coleman

Two Percent Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@TheTwoPercentPodcast