Born To The Game Podcast

🎙️ Born to the Game — Danielle Tisdale

Wayman Tisdale’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Carrying Joy Forward

What does it mean to grow up as the daughter of someone who was not only an NBA star, but also a beloved jazz musician, devoted father, and constant source of joy?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Danielle Tisdale, daughter of the late Wayman Tisdale, opens up about growing up inside one of the most unique legacies in sports and music. Wayman was a standout basketball player, the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick, an Oklahoma legend, and a successful jazz musician — but to Danielle, he was first and foremost Dad.

Danielle shares what it was like realizing her father was a major figure in the NBA world, traveling with him during his Phoenix Suns years, watching him transition from basketball to music, and understanding later in life just how rare it was for him to thrive in two different arenas.

She also reflects honestly on losing her father, the waves of grief that followed, and how music, therapy, family, and faith helped her stay connected to his love, light, and joy. From his famous smile to his belief that “quitting isn’t an option,” Danielle carries forward a legacy rooted not only in achievement, but in family, resilience, and purpose.

This is a heartfelt conversation about legacy, grief, joy, music, fashion, fatherhood, and learning how to keep going when the person who gave you so much strength is no longer physically here.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up as Wayman Tisdale’s daughter
Realizing her dad was the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick
Life around the NBA with the Phoenix Suns
Her favorite memories of watching Wayman play
Wayman’s transition from basketball to jazz music
How music was always part of his life before and after the NBA
What made Wayman’s joy, smile, and spirit so unforgettable
How Danielle experienced grief after losing her father
Why she describes grief as “the price of love”
The role therapy played in her healing journey
Staying connected to Wayman through music and March Madness
How her father inspired her love of fashion and menswear
Danielle’s plans to launch her own menswear line
Carrying forward the lesson that quitting is not an option

💬 Key Takeaway:

Legacy is not only what someone accomplishes — it is how they love, how they lead, and what they leave inside the people closest to them. Wayman Tisdale’s legacy lives on through his music, his joy, his family, and Danielle’s commitment to keep moving forward with love, purpose, and resilience.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Asia Monet Ray

Childhood Fame, Dance Moms & Finding Your Voice Beyond Perfection

What does it mean to grow up in the spotlight before you are old enough to fully understand it—and still become your own person beyond the stage?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Asia Monet Ray—singer, dancer, actress, and daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray—opens up about growing up in a world shaped by discipline, performance, competition, and public attention.

From becoming the youngest national title holder at age five, to appearing on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms, Asia shares what it was really like to be a child performer navigating pressure, perfectionism, and public perception while still trying to understand her own identity.

Asia reflects on the lessons she learned from her parents, the role her mom played as her protector and advocate, the impact of growing up around elite athletic discipline, and why she has shifted from proving herself through dance to expressing herself through music, creativity, and self-discovery.

This is a powerful and honest conversation about childhood fame, resilience, family support, perfectionism, reinvention, and learning that you do not have to be perfect to be enough.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up as the daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray
How discipline and competition shaped Asia’s childhood
Becoming a national title holder at age five
Her journey through Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms
What people misunderstood about her childhood in entertainment
The pressure of being labeled mature beyond her years
How perfectionism shaped her as a dancer and performer
Why she stepped away from competitive dance
Her transition into music, singing, and creative expression
The role her mother played as her advocate and protector
What Asia would tell her younger self today

💬 Key Takeaway:

You can grow up performing for the world, but true confidence comes from learning who you are when the performance ends. Legacy may shape you, but your voice, your boundaries, and your self-worth are yours to define.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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Sis! With conversations of how we show up for our sisters running the news cycle, we thought we would share a nice throwback this week. Dr. Dom and Terri are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, the force and founder of Therapy for Black Girls and author of Sisterhood Heals to discuss unique dynamics in Black sisterhood. Dr. Dom, Terri, and Dr. Joy share the importance of finding your tribe, cultivating real relationships, and address the prickly parts of growing and growing apart in friendships. 

Dr. Joy is a leading voice on mental health and emotional wellness, and she’s poured a lot of her wisdom into her new book, while also learning a lot about herself in the process. Lady, if you’re ready to transform your relationships so that they are deeper and more meaningful then this is the episode for you! Dr. Joy offers perspective on what building new friendships really entails (hint: rejection is a possibility) and why understanding your needs can help you call in your people.  

We want to hear from you! Tap in on Instagram and let us know how sisterhood has helped you along your journey.  
 

Podcast: Cultivating H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for the Black Woman

 
Quote of the Day:
"That thing Black women feel when we gather is a kind of glue, a stabilizing force we actively created out of the pain and trauma of our lived experiences in order to hold us up and together."  
– Dr. Joy  

Where to find Dr. Joy Harden Bradford:
Website: Dr. Joy Harden Bradford
Website: Therapy for Black Girls
Website: Sisterhoodheals.com
Instagram: @hellodrjoy
Instagram: @therapyforblackgirls
Instagram: @sisterhoodheals
TikTok: @hellodrjoy
TikTok: @therapyforblackgirls
X: @hellodrjoy
X: @therapy4bgirls
YouTube: Therapy for Black Girls  

Wisdom Wednesdays with Terri
Cultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary  

Resources:
Dr. Dom’s Therapy Practice
Branding with Terri
Melanin and Mental Health
Therapy for Black Girls 
Psychology Today
Therapy for QPOC  

Where to find us:
Instagram

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Jessica & Justin Johnson of The Serving Spoon

Legacy, Community & Carrying Forward an Inglewood Institution

What does it mean to inherit more than a family business — to inherit a cultural landmark that an entire city calls home?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Jessica Bane and Justin Johnson, owners of the legendary Serving Spoon in Inglewood, share the incredible story behind one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a multi-generational legacy.

Founded by their grandfather Harold E. Sparks and later run by their parents Angie and JC Johnson, The Serving Spoon became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, politicians, families, and generations of Angelenos looking for comfort, community, and home.

Jessica and Justin open up about growing up inside the restaurant, the realities of taking over a family business, navigating pressure and sacrifice, surviving COVID, and preserving the soul of Inglewood during a time of rapid change and gentrification.

From stories about celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson, and Mike Woodson stopping by “the Spoon,” to emotional reflections on community support during the pandemic, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about business — it’s about people.

🔑 In This Episode:

The origin story behind The Serving Spoon in Inglewood
How their grandfather built the restaurant with family recipes from Ohio
Growing up inside one of LA’s most iconic Black-owned restaurants
The emotional moment they realized the restaurant belonged to the community
How COVID nearly forced the restaurant to close
The GoFundMe campaign that saved the Spoon during the pandemic
Stories about celebrities, athletes, politicians, and LA legends who became regulars
The realities and misconceptions of owning a restaurant
Balancing family dynamics while running a multi-generational business
Protecting culture and preserving legacy as Inglewood changes
Why hospitality, service, and community are at the center of everything they do

💬 Key Takeaway:

Legacy is bigger than ownership. When you serve your community with consistency, love, and authenticity, a business can become part of people’s lives for generations.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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Born to the Game Website

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Kajun Russell

Legacy, Identity & Building Your Own Path Beyond the Game

What does it mean to grow up in the shadow of one of the NBA’s most intense eras—and still carve out your own identity beyond it?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Kajun Russell—entrepreneur, creative, and co-founder of Tuff Crowd—opens up about growing up as the daughter of former NBA player Bryon Russell and navigating a life shaped by basketball, discipline, and high expectations.

From childhood memories inside NBA arenas during some of the league’s most iconic moments, to building her own brand in fashion and entrepreneurship, Kajun shares a powerful perspective on identity, confidence, and what it really takes to step outside of legacy and define success on your own terms.

This is a candid, inspiring conversation about self-worth, creativity, resilience, and the reality of building something meaningful in a world where people often assume your path is already written for you.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up courtside during the NBA’s most competitive eras
When she realized her childhood wasn’t “normal”
The transition from NBA life to having her dad home full-time
Lessons on discipline, confidence, and self-worth from her parents
Navigating assumptions and proving yourself beyond your last name
Building Tuff Crowd and finding her creative identity
The realities of entrepreneurship—manufacturing, setbacks, and hustle
Why authenticity, boundaries, and staying true to yourself matter

💬 Key Takeaway:

You can be born into legacy—but your identity is something you build. Confidence, consistency, and staying true to yourself are what turn opportunity into purpose.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles

Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame

What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it?

In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms.

From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside.

This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame
• The moment she understood what legacy really meant
• Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college
• The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships
• Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded
• How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice
• Why authenticity matters more than expectations
• Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition

💬 Key Takeaway:

Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast

https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

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🎙️ Born to the Game — 1 Month In

The Grind, The Growth & The Vision | Season 2 Recap

What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just go for it?

In this special recap episode of Born to the Game, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton take a step back to reflect on the first month of Season 2—what they’ve built, what they’ve learned, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something real.

From filming nearly 15 episodes in just a few weeks to creating a space where guests feel safe enough to open up, this conversation is an honest, unfiltered look behind the scenes of building a platform with purpose. They share the highs, the challenges, the exhaustion—and the moments that reminded them why they started.

This is a powerful conversation about taking action, trusting your instincts, embracing fear, and creating something that’s bigger than you.

🔑 In This Episode:

The reality of building Season 2 in real time
Filming 15 episodes in the first month and the response so far
Creating a safe space for guests to share their real stories
Why “doing it afraid” is better than waiting for the perfect moment
Lessons learned from guests about purpose, action, and identity
Breaking misconceptions about legacy and “nepo babies”
The importance of gratitude, discipline, and work ethic
Balancing growth, creativity, and real life behind the scenes

💬 Key Takeaway:
There is no perfect time to start. The only way to know what’s possible is to take the leap—and build as you go.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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Host Jeremy Odem is BACK with a brand new episode of the chart topping, world wide sensation, Laugh with Me Podcast. This week, Jeremy welcomes back to the show for her third appearance, Haddie Odem! Haddie is a content creator, stage performer, comedian and just so happens to be JO's Daughter.

In this episode:

-Jeremy and Haddie discuss Six Seven

-Watching horror movies

-Working on accents

-Why won't Haddie ask her Dad for help with her homework

-AND SO MUCH MORE

"Laugh with Me" performed by the Pepper Spray Singers

Follow us on our socials:

X @LaughwithmePod & @JOfromNebraska

Instagram @laughwithmepodcast

TikTok @JeremyOdem0

YouTube 'Laugh with Me Podcast'

Facebook 'Laugh with Me Podcast'

Apple Podcasts: Laugh With Me Podcast

Our Sponsors:
* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/LAUGHWITHME

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Deborah Joy Winans

Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story

What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity?

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy.

From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her.

This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty
• The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy
• Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations
• The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection
• Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah
• Balancing personal identity with family legacy
• What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments

💬 Key Takeaway:
Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Kylee Evans (Recap Episode)
Presence, Storytelling & Being “Up Next”

What happens when raw talent meets authenticity, presence, and purpose?

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton reflect on their unforgettable conversation with Kylee Evans—an emerging creative force whose storytelling, energy, and vision left a lasting impression.

From her natural charisma and multidimensional creativity to her deep sense of presence and connection, Kylee embodies what it means to step into your own lane while honoring legacy. The hosts unpack the moments that stood out most—from hilarious impressions and pop culture stories to powerful insights on vulnerability, confidence, and chasing your dreams.

More than just a recap, this episode is a celebration of a young Black woman rising in the entertainment industry—and a reminder that greatness often reveals itself early.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why Kylee Evans feels like an “old soul” with next-gen talent
• The power of storytelling and authentic self-expression
• Lessons on presence, connection, and being fully in the moment
• Funny, unfiltered moments that made this episode unforgettable
• Why Kylee is “up next” in film and television
• Inspiration for women pursuing careers in entertainment

✨ Whether you’re an aspiring creative, storyteller, or simply someone navigating identity and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to show up fully and have fun along the way.

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