21 Podcast

On this segment of 21, we talk with Milton Lewis.

The 21 Podcast is always excited to highlight those who have become successful in careers that relate to sports, even if they you are not playing. To that end, you will enjoy hearing Milton’s story.

Milton is from Houston, Texas, and a proud graduate of the sports powerhouse, Madison High School. Milton was an all-around athlete in high school and played football in college. When Milton returned to Houston, he decided to launch his career in fitness training working for a large health club company. And while he was very successful, Milton eventually decided to bet on himself and start his own business…F45. F45 Training is a global fitness community specializing in innovative, high-intensity group workouts that are fast, fun, and results-driven. The f stands for functional training, a mix of circuit and hiit style workouts geared towards everyday movement. 45 is the total amount of time for sweat-dripping, heart-pumping fun. Milton and his team of trainers inspire athletes at all levels to bring their a-game to F45 workouts.

As you listen to Milton, you quickly learn that his wife and children are his driving force, his inspiration. Milton also shares that he wishes he would have started his business sooner…reminding us that that sometimes you have to do it afraid. 

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we talk with Brock Jessel, Senior Director of Broadcasting & Entertainment for the Houston Dynamo.

On 21, we like to highlight career opportunities that are related to sports, even if you are not a professional athlete. Brock is a magnet for new opportunities, rarely saying ‘no’ to a new professional challenge.

Brock grew up playing soccer and continued to play while a student athlete at Sam Houston State University (SHSU). At SHSU, Brock majored in Radio & Broadcasting, a field of study he leveraged to open doors for an internship with a major TV network.

Brock’s path to the Dynamo is paved with stops at all the major Houston professional sports teams…the Rockets (NBA), the Astros (MLB), and the Texans (NFL). Additionally, he has applied his expertise to the production and/or editing for the 2017 Super Bowl LI, 2013 NBA All Star Game, 2 MLB All Star Games, and a U.S. Open Cup Final…and he has the awards to show for it! Brock’s position with the Dynamo has a footprint that extends beyond the team. Brocks currently produces broadcasts for the Houston Dash (professional women’s soccer team) and Texas Southern University football (yes, that is American football, not futbol!).

Brock is a master networker, who has learned to set himself apart from the crowd. He is also a generous spirit which is evident in the time that he spends volunteering with Katy Youth Soccer and the Boys Scouts of America. With all that he has on his plate, we are impressed that Brock still makes time to volunteer…and we are especially thankful for his willingness to share his story with us.

On this special edition of 21, we feature podcast content from the All In Podcast, produced by 21 Media. The All In Podcast is a dynamic audio experience featuring conversations with thought leaders in sports, entertainment, and business. The host, Rod Watson, interviews guests who are at the top of their games in their respective professions, and willing to share their wisdom, lessons, and inspirations. Rod’s own successful journey and life lessons make him a sage, trustworthy guide for these discussions with his guests.

On this segment, Rod goes All In with Drew Lasker. Not only are Rod and Drew former teammates, they share a brotherhood that transcends basketball as they have supported each other in their successful business careers.

Drew understands the power of positive collaborations, and he welcomes opportunities to share his life lessons with different audiences around the world.

Go All In with this episode and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

On this special edition of 21, we feature podcast content that 21 recorded with Linda Lorelle for her podcast, Our Voices Matter.

Linda is a hero in the Houston community and beyond. She is a former news anchor for KPRC, Houston’s NBC Affiliate. While she is no longer on the air, Linda remains a master storyteller, committed to being a megaphone for causes that change our world for the better.

Also joining the conversation are two guests from previous 21 podcasts, Adam Hall and Tim Derksen.

This episode is a repeated call to action for American athletes playing abroad, and all Americans to VOTE in this current election season!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3 rd , and many states offer some form of early voting. Check with your local election officials and create a plan to vote. Your voice matters! Your voice has power! Your vote is your voice!

Thanks to all the professional athletes who are leveraging their platforms to rock the vote. And much gratitude to Linda for all that she continues to do for our community. Connect with Linda on social media, and you can find her podcast wherever you subscribe.

Enjoy this episode of 21, and VOTE!

On this segment of 21, we talk with University of Texas at El Paso Offensive Coordinator, Mike Canales

Mike grew up playing baseball and football primarily, and he did also try his hand at basketball.  His love for football won out as he attended Utah State University and played Quarterback. Discipline is Mike’s superpower; and it is that character trait that helped him become a successful college athlete, and later, a coach with a career that most could only dream possible. At the collegiate level, Mike has coached at his alma mater and at the University of Tennessee, University of South Florida, Brigham Young University (BYU), and the University of North Texas...to name a few.  During a brief stint in the NFL, Mike was a coach for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, but he returned to the college gridiron because that is his true passion.

Coaching is Mike’s calling.  Period.  And Mike is a wonderful example of someone who leans into his purpose to be a blessing to others.  He loves the game, respects his players, and honors other coaches who have helped him along his path. Mike has a humble spirit, and he works to instill the principles of discipline, humility, and hard work with all whom he coaches.

Mike is also very candid about his desire to be a head coach at the college level. The 21 family loves to see great things happen to great people, so we believe that will happen for Coach!  Let’s see how things shake out this season.  If there are any Athletic Directors listening to this podcast, check out Coach Canales! Listen as Mike discusses his childhood, his family (he denotes spending time with his wife as a hobby!), and the impact that COVID-19 and race issues in our country have impacted him, his players, and the season.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, you’ll meet Brad Nicholson.  Brad is the President of Van Hulzen Asset Management, which is one of the fastest growing independent advisory firms in the country providing investment, asset management, financial planning and retirement planning services.

Brad is an accomplished athlete, and one Drew’s former teammates.  He was the 2001 GSAC Conference Player of the Year and played in the NBA Summer League after his senior year in college.

Brad’s basketball journey started in Idaho, but the sport was a vehicle for him to travel throughout the USA and to other countries.  Brad’s Faith serves as an anchor and guide for his life; stay tuned for a story that Brad tells about how his ‘inner voice’ saved him from a situation that could have derailed his college basketball career.

Brad speaks candidly about his passion for basketball, coupled with the need for athletes to have other aspirations just in case a professional sports career does not materialize.  And once again, 21 listeners will be remined of the importance of networking.  It is not only who you know; it is who knows you that can make the difference!

Brad is wise well-beyond his years, candid, and has a super sense of humor.  He came prepared with a couple of hilarious “Drew Stories” that will brighten your day. Lastly, you may also be inspired to achieve a 90% three-point accuracy percentage once you hear how Brad made this a focus.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

21 Podcast Intro for Episode with Jason Brewster On this segment of 21, we talk with Jason Brewster, a defensive player for the 2020 Major League Lacrosse Champions, Boston Cannons.

After trying his hand at other sports, Jason was introduced to lacrosse in elementary school and his connection to the sport was immediate.  Lacrosse not only became Jason’s focus, his love for the sport became a family affair as his parents became his biggest fans and his older brother eventually started to play.

Success with lacrosse in high school afforded Jason with the opportunity to play for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.  He was a very successful student athlete, who was a captain for his team for multiple seasons.

Jason’s success did not come without challenges.  He faced adversities (including a serious injury), but he used those moments to follow his instincts and pivot....gracefully accepting the changes that life sent his way.

Jason is a fierce competitor, with a cool, fun off-the-field demeanor.  Listen as Jason discusses his love for his family, passion for lacrosse, the sport’s impact on his leadership style, and his desire to bring lacrosse to young children in disadvantaged communities.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we talk with Troy “TJ” Sledge, one of Drew’s former college teammates.

Troy grew up in Brooklyn where his love for the game was fortified by the electric basketball atmosphere of New York City, centered around the famed Holcombe Rucker Park, The Rucker, in Harlem. Troy shares some of his fondest memories play youth basketball, and those early mentors who impacted his life. (Shout out to Heather Brown!)

Like so many young athletes, Troy was a basketball superstar who saw the game as a vehicle for his life dreams. And like many young athletes, Troy did not receive the proper guidance to understand the importance of grades and standardized tests in making the sports dream a reality. In Texas, we call it ‘No pass, no play.’

Troy’s journey took a different turn when he did not meet the academic requirements to attend certain colleges. However, on 21 we believe that everything that happens for a reason, and great things happen to great people. Both are true for Troy!

Troy left NYC to play college ball in California, then he has a successful professional career overseas. Troy describes how his professional career ended abruptly and that it took him almost 7 years for settle on his next career move. This is not uncommon for professional athletes; most just don’t speak openly about it.

Troy’s transparency, his realness is a gift. He is wise beyond his years and now devotes his time to his family and sharing his gifts and lessons with others.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we talk with Vince Gilreath.

One of the purposes for 21 is to educate student athletes about careers that relate to sports, even if you are not playing.  Vince is an amazing testament to making that a reality!

Vince is from Houston, Texas, and hails from Clements High School (Go Rangers!). He was a track star at Texas State University and a dedicated student.  Vince majored in kinesiology, which is not an easy major for someone who is a dedicated athlete!  Vince, however, does not focus on what is easy; he does what is needed to manifest the best results.  This is the same approach that he has with his clients.

Vince parlayed his passion for exercise, smart eating, and lifestyle healthy into building a prosperous physical training business.

Vince now works with some well-known athletes who are at the top of their games. With his clients, Vince shares his expertise on how to work out most efficiently (smarter, not harder).

What Vince appreciates most is his work with young athletes.  He understands the importance of instilling young athletes with knowledge on how leverage exercise and diet to bring forth their best, inner athlete.

Just listening to Vince will inspire you to put down that cheeseburger and go for a run!  It is never too late (or too early) to get into your best shape.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this special edition of 21, Tim Derksen issues a call to action for American athletes playing abroad:  VOTE in this current election cycle!

Tim hails from Tucson, Arizona, where he was the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year in high school.  While playing college basketball for the University of San Francisco, Tim was honored as WCC All-Freshman Team and WCC All-Conference Second Team.

Tim currently plays in Switzerland for the Les Lions de Geneve and he is using his platform to galvanize American athletes playing overseas to vote.  As you listen to Tim, you can hear his real passion for his reasons for voting, and he is sharing his ‘fire’ via social media with other athletes and professionals living abroad.

Tim cites www.votefromabroad.org as a primary resource for Americans living overseas who wish cast their vote in the US elections.  Share this website and this podcast with everyone you know playing sports and living overseas. Quick action is needed!  September 21, 2020, is the deadline for Americans living outside of the country to cast their votes for the current presidential election.

Enjoy this episode of 21, then VOTE!