You know Michael Irvin as “The Playmaker.” This conversation takes you back to the parts of his story that shaped the man long before the spotlight did. In this episode of Bailey & Buck Unplugged, the Pro Football Hall of Famer opens up about the childhood experiences that shaped his mental health and mindset, from struggling in school and carrying anxiety at a young age to the people who poured into him when he needed it most. He reflects on the words that first made him believe he could be special, the pain of being forced to sit out sports for a full calendar year after transferring to St. Thomas Aquinas, and why that season changed the course of his life. Michael also talks about earning his degree from the University of Miami, the value of small wins, and the mindset lessons that still drive how he shows up today. He breaks down his 6 C’s of a champion: Called, Courage, Challenge, Competition, Collaboration, and Celebration, and shares why mental health conversations matter more than ever, especially for athletes and young people carrying more than they show. This is a meaningful conversation about identity, confidence, exposure, pressure, purpose, and what it takes to keep your mind strong when life gets heavy.

Bailey & Buck Unplugged, hosted by Robert Bailey, Bailey Brooks Mashburn, and Misty Buck, is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988. In an emergency, call 911. More resources at KennedyKids.org.

 Key Quotes: “Take your greatest pain and make it your greatest promise.” “It wasn’t that I was so dumb. It was I didn’t have the exposure.” “I’d rather you tell me you have these thoughts than pretend to be strong.” “Just focus on the 10 yards, not the 100.” “Failure is not part of your journey to success.” “The game of life requires you keeping your mind in shape.” “You must control, best you can, how you’re thinking.”

About the Show: Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosted by Robert Bailey, Bailey Brooks Mashburn, and Misty Buck, is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation, focused on conversations around mental health, performance, and personal growth.


🧡 If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (free, confidential) 
🧡 In an emergency, call 911
🧡 More resources at kennedykids.org
🧡 Support mental health awareness—subscribe, like, comment, and share

On this episode of Bailey and Buck Unplugged: Rob and Misty speak with community leader, and U football linebacker legend Rod Mack! In today's conversation Rod details his experiences managing his own mental health throughout his journey from being a high performance athlete to coaching the next generation of football players. A standout scholar-athlete, Rod began his football journey with the North Dade Bulldogs before excelling at Monsignor Edward Pace High School. Ranked among Florida’s top 50 players, he earned All-Dade and All-State honors, served as team captain and Most Valuable Defensive Player, and was recognized as a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete in 1995. He was later inducted into his high school Hall of Fame in 2016. Rod continued his success at the University of Miami as a starting linebacker and four-year letterman, graduating with dual degrees in Business Management and Finance. In 2010, Rod co-founded the Miami Gardens Ravens Youth Football Academy, now the city’s largest and most successful volunteer youth program. As President, he has led the Ravens to 16 National Championships, helped develop 150+ collegiate athletes, and mentored thousands of young boys and girls. The program’s national impact led to an international invitation to Brazil in 2025 to help launch a youth football initiative modeled after the Ravens.

Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

More mental health resources: Kennedy Kids Foundation Resources

On this episode of Bailey & Buck Unplugged, Jevon Holland opens up about mental health, suicide loss, grief, therapy, journaling, and life in the NFL. The former Miami Dolphins safety and current New York Giants player shares how losing multiple people close to him changed the way he looks at life, healing, and emotional honesty. Jevon also talks about Mario Cristobal’s impact on his life and leadership journey, why he still carries those lessons with him, and how strongly he feels about possibly working with Cristobal after his NFL career. In Jevon’s words, “When I’m done playing, I wanna go work for him.” He also says, “I got nothing but love for Cristobal. I will forever have love for him.” This episode also dives into how Jevon started therapy through his NFL team clinician, how journaling and books became part of his healing process, and what it means to him to “live a full life.” It is a meaningful conversation about mental health in sports, grief and healing, therapy for athletes, suicide prevention awareness, and the work it takes to keep growing on and off the field. In this episode, Jevon talks about: Mental health and grief after losing multiple people close to him Suicide loss and how it impacted his perspective Starting therapy through the NFL team clinician Mario Cristobal’s influence and leadership Journaling, books, and self-reflection What “living a full life” means to him Communication, parenting, and emotional honesty His go-to mental health tools His book club Quotes from this episode: “I deserve to live a full life.” “If there’s a hint of desire to do something, to experience something, to talk to somebody, then to lean into that desire.” “I need to go talk to somebody who is a professional. Not because they know better than me, but because they have the questions necessary for me to get into my thought process deeper.” About the Show: Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosted by Robert Bailey, Bailey Brooks Mashburn, and Misty Buck, is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation, focused on conversations around mental health, performance, and personal growth. 🧡 If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (free, confidential) 🧡 In an emergency, call 911 🧡 More resources at kennedykids.org 🧡 Support mental health awareness—subscribe, like, comment, and share

On this episode of Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosts Misty Buck, Robert Bailey, and Bailey Brooks Mashburn sit down with boxing legend Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley for a powerful conversation on mental health in boxing, athlete mindset, and life beyond the ring.Kevin Kelley is a former professional boxing champion who rose through the ranks to become a two-time world champion, holding the WBC Featherweight title (1993–1995) and the WBU Featherweight title (1995–1997). Known for his electrifying fighting style and resilience, Kevin shares firsthand insight into the realities of competing at the highest level.This episode explores the mental health challenges of professional athletes, including the pressure to perform, burnout, recovery, and the transition after a competitive career. Kevin opens up about his journey through the highs of championship success and the lows that come with stepping away from the sport, offering real perspective on resilience, discipline, and long-term wellness.The conversation also dives into the evolution of boxing, the rise of celebrity fighters, and the importance of brain health, sports psychology, and training mindset in both boxing and football.Today, Kevin continues to train athletes and co-hosts The Sucker Punch Show, staying deeply connected to the boxing world.On this episode of Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosts Misty Buck, Robert Bailey, and Bailey Brooks Mashburn sit down with boxing legend Kevin “The Flushing Flash” Kelley for a powerful conversation on mental health in boxing, athlete mindset, and life beyond the ring.Kevin Kelley is a former professional boxing champion who rose through the ranks to become a two-time world champion, holding the WBC Featherweight title (1993–1995) and the WBU Featherweight title (1995–1997). Known for his electrifying fighting style and resilience, Kevin shares firsthand insight into the realities of competing at the highest level.This episode explores the mental health challenges of professional athletes, including the pressure to perform, burnout, recovery, and the transition after a competitive career. Kevin opens up about his journey through the highs of championship success and the lows that come with stepping away from the sport, offering real perspective on resilience, discipline, and long-term wellness.The conversation also dives into the evolution of boxing, the rise of celebrity fighters, and the importance of brain health, sports psychology, and training mindset in both boxing and football.Today, Kevin continues to train athletes and co-hosts The Sucker Punch Show, staying deeply connected to the boxing world.*******About the Show:Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosted by Robert Bailey, Bailey Brooks Mashburn, and Misty Buck, is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation, focused on conversations around mental health, performance, and personal growth. If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (free, confidential)
 In an emergency, call 911
 More resources at kennedykids.org
 Support mental health awareness—subscribe, like, comment, and share

George Mumford joins Bailey & Buck Unplugged for a powerful conversation on mindfulness, mental performance, flow triggers, addiction recovery, stress, happiness, and what it really takes to grow through adversity. Known as the “performance whisperer,” George opens up about the injury that ended his basketball career, his recovery journey, and how mindfulness helped reshape his life and purpose. In this episode, George shares how that path led him to work with Phil Jackson and the Chicago Bulls after Michael Jordan retired, why crisis can also mean opportunity, how flow starts with getting comfortable being uncomfortable, and what it looks like to make choices that stay in alignment with who you are. He also talks about forgiveness, purpose, core values, growth, and why struggle can bring out something stronger in all of us. This episode is for athletes, parents, coaches, competitors, and anyone trying to handle pressure, setbacks, change, and mental health with more intention. In this episode: • Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and the Chicago Bulls during a time of crisis • Mindfulness and mental performance • Flow triggers and growth under pressure • Addiction recovery and identity after sports • Core values, worthy cause, and personal alignment • Stress, forgiveness, and long-term happiness Key quotes from the episode: • “Hey, great players make everybody else great, so you have to share the burden.” • “Crisis has 2 meanings.” • “I take roadblocks and turn them into stepping stones.” • “All I gotta do is learn the lesson, and it’s gonna be fun, the joy of discovery.” • “The science says that 90 percent of long-term happiness is predicated on how the brain and the nervous system interprets experience.” • “When you know better, you do better.” • “No struggle, no swag. I got swag. I earned that.” • “When I align with the divine, everything is fine and right on time.” • “The only time you have is now, the only one you can be is you, and all you need is love.” Bailey and Buck Unplugged, hosted by Robert Bailey, Bailey Brooks Mashburn, and Misty Buck, is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. 🧡 If you or someone you love is struggling, call or text 988 (free, confidential). 🧡 In an emergency, call 911. 🧡 More resources at kennedykids.org. 🧡 Show your support for mental health. Subscribe, like, comment, and share.

On this episode of Bailey and Buck Unplugged: Rob and Misty speak with community leader, and U football linebacker legend Rod Mack! In today's conversation Rod details his experiences managing his own mental health throughout his journey from being a high performance athlete to coaching the next generation of football players. A standout scholar-athlete, Rod began his football journey with the North Dade Bulldogs before excelling at Monsignor Edward Pace High School. Ranked among Florida’s top 50 players, he earned All-Dade and All-State honors, served as team captain and Most Valuable Defensive Player, and was recognized as a National Football Foundation Scholar Athlete in 1995. He was later inducted into his high school Hall of Fame in 2016. Rod continued his success at the University of Miami as a starting linebacker and four-year letterman, graduating with dual degrees in Business Management and Finance. In 2010, Rod co-founded the Miami Gardens Ravens Youth Football Academy, now the city’s largest and most successful volunteer youth program. As President, he has led the Ravens to 16 National Championships, helped develop 150+ collegiate athletes, and mentored thousands of young boys and girls. The program’s national impact led to an international invitation to Brazil in 2025 to help launch a youth football initiative modeled after the Ravens.

Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

More mental health resources: Kennedy Kids Foundation Resources

In this episode, we welcome Oscar Cuza, founder of Performance and Recovery System, a Miami-based athletic recovery and wellness facility serving pro athletes and high performers. Oscar shares why recovery should be proactive, not reactive, and why true performance goes far beyond the physical body. We dive into the powerful connection between mental health, emotional wellness, athletic recovery, and peak performance, including how mindset affects healing, confidence, burnout, and return-to-play. Oscar also discusses the role of breathwork, cryotherapy, hyperbaric therapy, red light therapy, gratitude, and nervous system regulation in helping athletes and everyday individuals perform at their best. This conversation explores how the mind-body connection impacts recovery, resilience, stress, and overall wellness—and why a holistic approach is essential for both athletes and anyone navigating high-performance living.

 Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation.

 If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

 If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

 More mental health resources: Kennedy Kids Foundation Resources

In this episode, we welcome Oscar Cuza, founder of Performance and Recovery System, a Miami-based athletic recovery and wellness facility serving pro athletes and high performers. Oscar shares why recovery should be proactive, not reactive, and why true performance goes far beyond the physical body. We dive into the powerful connection between mental health, emotional wellness, athletic recovery, and peak performance, including how mindset affects healing, confidence, burnout, and return-to-play. Oscar also discusses the role of breathwork, cryotherapy, hyperbaric therapy, red light therapy, gratitude, and nervous system regulation in helping athletes and everyday individuals perform at their best. This conversation explores how the mind-body connection impacts recovery, resilience, stress, and overall wellness—and why a holistic approach is essential for both athletes and anyone navigating high-performance living.

 Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation.

 If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).

 If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

 More mental health resources: Kennedy Kids Foundation Resources

What happens after the lights fade and the stadium empties? On this powerful episode of Bailey & Buck Unplugged, we sit down with Miami Hurricanes legend Randal Hill — known to fans as “Thrill Hill” — to talk about life beyond the game, mental toughness, leadership, and the transition from the NFL to a 20-year career as a federal agent. A standout wide receiver at the Miami Hurricanes football, Hill was part of the 1987 National Championship team and delivered one of the most iconic plays in college football history — the unforgettable 44-yard catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish football at the Orange Bowl. He later became a first-round NFL Draft pick, playing seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints. But what makes this conversation extraordinary is what came next. After football, Randal built a second high-pressure career in federal law enforcement — navigating national security, courtroom testimony, and global operations. He opens up about: The mental stress of playing in the NFL vs. serving as a federal agent Performing under pressure when mistakes aren’t an option Facing racism and adversity in college and choosing resilience over reaction Why learning to cope with change is the key to mental health The importance of upward mobility, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with strong leaders Transitioning from professional sports to a meaningful second career Randal shares powerful insights on leadership, discipline, mental health awareness, and why structure after sports is critical for long-term success. If you’re an athlete navigating retirement, a veteran transitioning careers, or someone working through life’s inevitable changes, this episode delivers real-world wisdom from someone who has lived it at the highest levels. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a legacy beyond the spotlight.
🎧 Follow Randal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randal_thrill_hill/

Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911.

More mental health resources: KennedyKids.org #MentalHealth #NFLTransition #MiamiHurricanes #Leadership #Resilience #LifeAfterSports #BaileyAndBuckUnplugged