Catch as Catch Can

From corporate turnarounds to community transformation, Steve Giordano has led with resilience, faith, and a focus on people. Now serving as President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County, Steve shares his remarkable journey with host George Tinsley Sr. In this conversation, Steve opens up about: · How his corporate turnaround skills translated into nonprofit leadership. · The financial and cultural challenges he faced in stabilizing and growing the clubs. · Why mentorship, trust, and integrity are the cornerstones of his leadership. · The real impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs, from reducing crime to raising graduation rates. · His vision for workforce readiness programs that prepare teens for meaningful careers. With stories of struggle, humor, and heart, Steve reveals why he came to Polk County for the “wrong reasons” but is staying for the right ones. This is a conversation about building safe spaces, changing hope trajectories, and leaving a legacy through service.

In this episode of Catch As Catch Can, George Tinsley Sr. sits down with his longtime friends and teammates, Dallas Thornton and Dick O’Neill, to reflect on their journey from high school gyms to national championships and beyond.

They share stories about growing up with humble beginnings, learning discipline under tough coaches, and winning multiple championships at Kentucky Wesleyan. The conversation highlights their experiences representing the United States on a goodwill tour in Africa, competing against legends like Pete Maravich, and proving they belonged among the best. Dallas discusses his 17 years with the Harlem Globetrotters, including traveling the world, meeting U.S. Presidents, and appearing in film and television, while Dick shares the lessons that guided his career in coaching and mentorship.

Six decades later, their bond remains unbreakable, and their story stands as a powerful reminder of teamwork, perseverance, and lifelong friendship.

Step into the heart of Kentucky Wesleyan College's athletic legacy with broadcaster Joel Utley (61-year "Voice of the Panthers") and sports information director Roy Pickerill (55+ years shaping KWC’s identity). 
George Tinsley Sr. reunites with these living archives to relive iconic moments, from the '18-second miracle' that saved their 1966 championship run to Sam Smith’s title-winning hook shot. 

They share behind-the-scenes gems: bus trips without AC, Coach Strong’s iron will, the gold watch era, and the Quonset hut battles that forged championship teams. Through laughter and nostalgia, Joel and Roy reveal why they "never worked a day in their lives" serving a college they call home.

Beyond the 8 national titles and Hall of Fame inductions, this conversation celebrates Kentucky Wesleyan’s unmatched camaraderie. Joel and Roy unpack how small-college bonds—like George’s class graduating all six players on time—created a "championship tradition" (not just a "winning" one). 

They honor mentors like Coach Strong who unified players amid 1960s racial tensions and reflect on KWC’s enduring magic: where stats wizards like Roy preserved legacies, broadcasters like Joel turned passion into history, and teammates became family. 

A tribute to the place Roy calls "Disneyland for sports" and proof that true impact outlasts trophies.

NBA legend and 4-time All-Star Otis Birdsong joins George Tinsley Sr. for a powerful journey through basketball history and personal triumph. 

From his record-setting high school days in segregated Florida—where he averaged 33 points per game and won a state championship—to becoming the #2 pick in the 1977 NBA Draft, Otis shares untold stories of resilience. He reveals eye-opening details about his early NBA contracts ($150k/year salary, $1k Converse deal), unforgettable rivalries (including a fiery NIT showdown with Larry Bird), and the racial barriers he overcame at the University of Houston. 

Otis also opens up about his tight-knit family (11 siblings attended college), the mentors who shaped him, and his transition to post-NBA life as a sports executive and Brooklyn Nets ambassador. 

With raw honesty, he reflects on the era’s cultural shifts, near-misses with championships, and the spiritual journey that guides him today. A must-listen for basketball fans and anyone inspired by perseverance.

In this inspiring episode of Catch As Catch Can, George sits down with Tony Gaskins Jr.—a renowned life coach, relationship expert, and serial entrepreneur—to unpack his remarkable journey from adversity to empowerment. Tony opens up about his early struggles as a pastor’s son, a pivotal stint in jail as a teenager, and how marrying young and becoming a father propelled him to redefine his purpose. He shares how his wife’s unwavering "tough love" became the catalyst for his transformation, leading him to pitch himself relentlessly until landing a life-changing opportunity on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Dive into Tony’s unique strategies for success, including his viral social media tactics that amassed millions of followers, his rapid-fire ghostwriting process for high-profile clients, and his work mentoring NBA athletes on mindset and personal growth. He also delves into the lessons behind his bestselling book Make It Work and reveals his vision for the Tony Gaskins Family Foundation, a nonprofit aimed at helping youth unlock their purpose early in life. Packed with raw insights on marriage, entrepreneurship, and the power of introspection, this conversation is a masterclass in turning pain into purpose. Whether you’re seeking relationship wisdom, business inspiration, or proof that reinvention is possible, Tony’s story will leave you motivated to carve your own path—no rulebook required.

In this episode of Catch as Catch Can, George is joined by Jania Bailey, CEO of FranNet and a trailblazer in the franchising industry. With over 30 years of experience, Jania shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Paducah, Kentucky, to becoming a celebrated leader in franchising. The conversation dives into Jania's early career in banking, her pivot to franchising, and her transformative work at FranNet, including the challenges of modernizing its structure and scaling its resources. Jania discusses how communication, education, and adaptability have been her keys to success, especially in an industry constantly evolving with technological advances and post-pandemic shifts. Jania also reflects on receiving the prestigious Bonny LeVine Award for her role on the International Franchise Association's executive board, and her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs—especially women—on finding the right franchise fit. With her story of perseverance and innovation, this episode is packed with lessons on leadership, resilience, and turning obstacles into opportunities.

In this inspiring episode of Catch as Catch Can, George sits down with basketball legend and community leader Darrell Griffith to explore his journey from humble beginnings in Louisville to becoming "Dr. Dunkenstein," a nickname that defined his electrifying playing style. Griffith shares heartfelt stories about his early influences, including mentors like Tinsley, his championship victory with the University of Louisville in 1980, and the challenges of transitioning to the NBA with the Utah Jazz. Reflecting on the importance of perseverance, leadership, and giving back, Griffith discusses his current role as Assistant Vice President for Community Engagement at the University of Louisville, where he builds bridges between the university and the local community. With themes of triumph over adversity and the power of mentorship, this episode is a testament to turning obstacles into opportunities.

George sits down with basketball Hall of Famer Artis Gilmore, famously known as "The A-Train." Gilmore recounts his journey from growing up in Chipley, Florida, as one of ten children to becoming a towering figure in professional basketball, both literally and figuratively. He shares how his determination helped him overcome the challenges of poverty and segregation, and how his college career at Jacksonville University launched him onto the national stage, ultimately leading his team to the NCAA Championship game.  Listeners will get an inside look at his experiences with the Kentucky Colonels in the ABA, including his notable 20-year contract and his intense rivalry with basketball legends like Julius Erving. Gilmore also touches on his transition to the NBA, the sense of pride he felt representing his family, and the invaluable lessons that carried him through a career filled with both triumphs and challenges. This episode is a tribute to resilience, family, and Gilmore's unwavering drive to reach the heights of the basketball world.

In this inspiring episode of Catch As Catch Can, Wade Houston shares his journey from humble beginnings in Alcoa, Tennessee, to becoming the first Black head basketball coach in the SEC. Wade reflects on the challenges he faced growing up in the segregated South, his path to entrepreneurship inspired by his father's resilience, and the lessons learned along the way. From coaching success to building one of the largest Black-owned transportation companies, Wade's story exemplifies perseverance and determination. His experiences, combined with his faith and family, have shaped a legacy of leadership and community impact. Tune in to hear how Wade transformed obstacles into opportunities and continues to inspire future generations.