Born To The Game Podcast

🎙️ Born to the Game — Larry Drew Jr.

Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game.

From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal”
• The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father
• Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics
• Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled
• Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face
• Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression
• Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur

Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection.

This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life.

💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.

 

🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet.

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

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🎙️ Born to the Game — KyLee Evans Recap

Storytelling, Presence & What It Means to Be “Up Next”

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, we reflect on our powerful and joy-filled conversation with KyLee Evans—a rising creative force with a voice, vision, and presence far beyond her years.

From the moment KyLee sat down with us, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Her energy is magnetic, her storytelling is effortless, and her perspective is both grounded and inspiring. In this episode, we break down what made her conversation so special—from laugh-out-loud moments to deeper reflections on purpose, creativity, and what it means to truly be present.

We talk about:

• KyLee’s natural gift for storytelling and creative expression
• The importance of staying present and finding joy in everyday moments
• Her journey as a young Black woman stepping into the film and television industry
• Why we believe she’s next up as a director and creative leader
• The impact of representation and inspiring the next generation

We also revisit some unforgettable highlights—from hilarious impressions to iconic pop culture moments—and reflect on the deeper lessons KyLee left us with: have fun, stay grounded, and don’t be afraid to take up space.

KyLee Evans is more than talented—she’s multidimensional. And if this episode is any indication, her future is limitless.

🎧 If you haven’t already, make sure to check out KyLee’s full episode to hear her story firsthand

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🎙️ Born to the Game — KyLee Evans

Creating Your Own Lane | Legacy, Creativity & Confidence

What does it really mean to grow up around greatness—and still choose your own path?

In this episode of Born to the Game, KyLee Evans—writer, creator, and daughter of legendary television showrunner Bentley Evans—shares her journey from growing up inside iconic Hollywood storytelling to building a career on her own terms.

From early creative influences and discovering her passion for writing, to working on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and stepping into writers’ rooms at a young age, KyLee opens up about navigating expectations, finding confidence, and developing her own voice in entertainment.

This is a powerful conversation about identity, legacy, creativity, and what it takes to carve your own lane.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up as the daughter of TV creator Bentley Evans
Discovering her passion for writing and storytelling
Working in television and inside the writers’ room
Writing for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Building confidence and finding your voice in creative spaces
Navigating pressure, expectations, and perfectionism
Transitioning into stand-up comedy and live performance
Developing original projects and stepping into her own career

💭 This Episode Explores:

Legacy vs. individuality
Confidence and creative identity
The realities of working in Hollywood
Turning passion into purpose

🎧 About KyLee Evans

KyLee Evans is a television writer, creator, and emerging voice in entertainment. Having worked on major projects including The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, she is now developing her own original content across film, television, and comedy.

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New episodes every Tuesday. 

Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

 

 

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Weekly Recap 

Joy, Vulnerability & Legacy | Reflecting on Our First Episodes

In this week’s recap, we take a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations that launched Born to the Game — from Mariah’s deeply personal and vulnerable debut episode to our inspiring sit-down with Mason Dean.

This episode is all about what stayed with us.

We talk about the courage it takes to share your story, the unexpected joy that came out of these conversations, and the deeper purpose behind the show. Mariah opens up about stepping into the spotlight and embracing vulnerability, while we reflect on the emotional weight—and meaning—behind telling stories that shape who we are.

We also revisit our conversation with Mason Dean, whose grounded perspective on fatherhood, family, and legacy left a lasting impression. As the grandson of Whoopi Goldberg, Mason brings a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just inherited—it’s lived through your values, actions, and character.

More than anything, this recap highlights what Born to the Game is really about:
connection, authenticity, and breaking stereotypes.

This isn’t about headlines or hype—it’s about real people, real stories, and the moments that shape us.

If you’ve been listening, this is your chance to go deeper.
If you’re new, this is the perfect place to start.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Mariah Woodson

Turning Pain Into Purpose | The Story Behind the Show

Before Born to the Game became a platform… it was pain.

In this deeply personal episode, Mariah Woodson steps out from behind the mic and onto the couch to share the story that started it all.

The daughter of NBA player and coach Mike Woodson, Mariah opens up about growing up around the game—but not always inside it—and the moment everything changed.

From watching her father face public criticism, hate, and pressure… to navigating her own battles with identity, health, grief, and mental health—this is the unfiltered story behind the creation of Born to the Game.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The phone call that sparked Born to the Game
• Dealing with public criticism, online hate, and protecting family
• Growing up as the child of an NBA coach—and what people don’t see
• Moving from a sheltered life in Texas to the realities of public scrutiny
• Experiencing bullying tied to her father’s career
• A life-altering health scare at 13 years old
• Losing her best friend—and how grief reshaped her perspective
• Navigating depression, anger, and healing
• The difference between perception vs. reality in legacy families
• Turning pain into purpose—and building a platform for others

💭 This Episode Is About…

• Identity vs. expectation
• Pain vs. purpose
• Strength, resilience, and growth
• Finding your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story

🎧 About Mariah Woodson

Mariah Woodson is a creator, storyteller, and co-host of Born to the Game. Raised around professional basketball, she brings a unique perspective on legacy, identity, and what it truly means to grow up connected to greatness.

Her mission: to create a space where the next generation can tell their own stories—on their own terms.

 

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New episodes weekly.
Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

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🎙️ Born to the Game — Mason Dean

Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice

What does it really mean to grow up in the shadow of greatness and still become your own person?

In this episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Mason Dean, grandson of the legendary Whoopi Goldberg, for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about legacy, pressure, and self-discovery.

From realizing his grandmother was Whoopi Goldberg at just seven years old on the streets of Santa Monica… to navigating expectations, identity, and the weight of a name the world already knows—Mason shares what it’s like to live close to greatness without losing yourself in it.

But this story isn’t just about legacy—it’s about building your own.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The moment Mason realized his grandma wasn’t just “grandma”—she was an icon
• Growing up around fame, cameras, and cultural impact
• The difference between legacy given vs. identity earned
• Lessons from Whoopi Goldberg that shaped his mindset
• The pressure of expectations—and how Mason learned to break free from them
• Music as therapy, storytelling, and self-expression
• Becoming a father and redefining purpose
• Why staying off social media helped him stay grounded
• Choosing authenticity over image—even in an industry built on perception

🎧 About Mason Dean

Mason Dean is an artist, creative, and storyteller carving his own lane through music and film. Blending cinematic soundscapes with personal storytelling, his work reflects a deeper purpose: to create from truth, not expectation.

Inspired by a lifetime around creativity—but driven by his own journey—Mason is building something entirely his own.

💭 A Conversation About…

Legacy isn’t just what you inherit—it’s what you choose to carry forward.

This episode is about:

• Identity vs. expectation
• Pressure vs. purpose
• And the courage it takes to be yourself when the world already thinks it knows who you are

🔔 Follow Born to the Game

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New episodes weekly.
Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

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Jazmin Erving, daughter of NBA icon Julius “Dr. J” Erving, joins Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton on Born To The Game for an inspiring conversation about life, legacy, and identity. In this episode, Jazmin opens up about: ✨ Growing up as the daughter of one of basketball’s most legendary figures 💬 The pressures and expectations of living under a famous last name 🌟 How she’s building her own path and purpose beyond her father’s legacy Watch now and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more untold stories.

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Zeke Thomas — DJ, activist, and son of NBA legend Isiah Thomas joins Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton on Born To The Game for an unforgettable Vegas episode. In this powerful conversation, Zeke opens up about: 🏀 Growing up as the son of an NBA icon 💡 Finding purpose beyond the spotlight 💬 Lessons on identity, resilience, and legacy Born To The Game is where the children of legendary athletes, entertainers, and entrepreneurs share what it’s really like growing up under the lights of legacy. 👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more untold stories

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In this episode of Born To The Game, Mariah & Temara sit down with two powerhouse women who grew up in the glow of sports royalty — but are now shining in their own light.

🖤 Victoria Green, daughter of NFL legend Victor Green

🖤 Chonell Springs, daughter of NBA great Thurl Bailey

They open up about the weight of expectations and the realities of growing up as the daughters of famous fathers — while also navigating identity, womanhood, and success in their own right. Victoria shares how she’s thriving in her professional lane, while Chonell opens up about the beautiful chaos of being a super mom and still showing up for herself in entrepreneurship. This one is emotional, inspiring, and full of joy, truth, and legacy. Oh- and a celebrity guest singer pulls up to surprise them on set.

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In this episode of Born To The Game, Mariah & Temara sit down with Justin Johnson, son of NBA legend Eddie Johnson, and Sydney Cheaney, daughter of NBA great Calbert Cheaney — for a raw, deeply human conversation about identity, pressure, and growth. Justin opens up about the emotional weight of following in his father’s footsteps on the court — and the personal mental health battles he faced while trying to live up to a legacy. His story is one of honesty, healing, and learning to define success on his own terms. Sydney shares her journey of growing up always on the move, struggling to connect with genuine friendships, and learning to trust her own voice beyond the shadow of her last name. Together, their stories reflect the quiet battles so many legacy kids face — and the strength it takes to rise beyond expectation.

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