What do you do when all you have is a dream and $20 in your pocket?

In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester, DeJay shares the story behind one of the biggest turning points of his life and football journey.

Back in 2015, DeJay flew to Iowa for a two-day arena football workout with nothing but a football bag, a backpack, and his last $20. After landing in Des Moines, he used the last money he had on a taxi ride to a hotel near Wells Fargo Arena — only to realize he couldn’t afford a room.

What followed was a journey filled with uncertainty, rejection, resilience, and faith.

After being released following the workout, DeJay returned to Salt Lake City believing football might be over. But only weeks later, another opportunity opened the door that eventually brought him back to Iowa - the same place that would later become part of his story in a much bigger way.

This episode dives into:

•  chasing opportunity with nothing guaranteed 
•  perseverance through setbacks 
•  arena football life 
•  betting on yourself 
•  resilience during uncertainty 
•  finding purpose through adversity 

Sometimes the moments that break you are the same moments that prepare you for what’s next.

🎙️ Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester
Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth.

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In this episode, I sit down with Mrs. Flenniken - my third grade teacher and one of the first people who truly saw me during a difficult time in my life.

While I was bouncing between schools, dealing with anger, confusion, and the challenges of foster care, many people labeled me as a problem.

But she took a different approach.

Through the CARES program, she took the time to understand what I was going through, helping me slow down, process my emotions, and begin to see myself differently.

This conversation is a reflection on the power of being seen, the impact of patience and understanding, and how one person’s belief can change the direction of someone’s life.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

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At 10 years old, everything changed.

In this episode, I share what it was like being placed into foster care - navigating shelters, being moved from home to home, and trying to survive in a system I didn’t understand.

I talk about being labeled and misunderstood in school, feeling isolated, and constantly trying to find where I belonged while everything around me kept changing.

But even in the middle of that chaos, there were moments that mattered - people who saw something more in me, and small sparks of hope that helped me keep going.

This isn’t just a story about foster care.

It’s about what it feels like to be lost… and still find a way to fight forward.

🎧 Listen now and follow the journey as the story continues.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

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What does it mean to become more than just an athlete?

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Bobby Porter - a mentor who played a major role in shaping my mindset, discipline, and identity during some of the most important years of my life.

We talk about building a program from the ground up, the journey to winning a state championship in 2007, and the philosophy behind becoming a “Renaissance Man.”

This conversation goes beyond sports - it’s about growth, leadership, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

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At 10 years old, everything changed.

In this episode of Beneath the Surface, DeJay Lester shares the next chapter of his story - leaving Nigeria and coming to America, where life looked better on the outside… but felt completely different on the inside.

From culture shock and identity struggles to feeling lost in school and misunderstood, this episode captures the emotional reality of starting over in a new country at a young age.

This isn’t just about moving locations - it’s about losing a sense of identity and trying to rebuild it in an unfamiliar world.

This episode explores:
 • The transition from Nigeria to America
 • Culture shock and early identity struggles
 • School challenges and feeling out of place
 • Emotional moments that shaped everything that followed

Just when it seemed like things might settle… life took another turn.

🎙️ Hosted by DeJay Lester

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

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What does it take to build something from nothing?

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Russell to talk about the early days of building a football program, the challenges that came with it, and the mindset required to lead through adversity.

This conversation goes beyond sports - it’s about leadership, resilience, and creating something meaningful without resources or recognition.

A foundational conversation that connects to a bigger story.

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Before the success… there was a beginning.

In this episode, I start sharing my story - from growing up between Nigeria and the United States, to navigating uncertainty, identity, and the early challenges that shaped my life.

This isn’t the full story.

This is where it begins.

If you’ve ever had to find your way without a clear path, this episode is for you.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

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Welcome to Beneath the Surface.

This isn’t a perfect, polished podcast.

No scripts. No filters. No fake conversations.

Just real life - the struggles, the setbacks, the growth, and everything people don’t usually talk about.

In this intro episode, I break down why this podcast exists, what you can expect, and the deeper purpose behind these conversations.

If you’ve ever had to figure life out the hard way… this is for you.

This is just the beginning.

🎙️ New episodes dropping soon.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Watch full episodes on YouTube and follow for updates:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqMpSxgC5JtRe_-T39qhPxZcZyKrtE82Q