Counted Me Out Episode 1 "Two Former College Athletes Trying To Figure It Out"

In this episode of The Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with Courtside Les from the 'Talk Les' show and she shares her powerful and unfiltered story of growing up as a Russian immigrant and navigating life as an outsider in America.

From not relating to White American privilege to embracing her own identity, Les opens up about what it really felt like to be misunderstood, judged, and counted out. She speaks on her personal experiences, dating preferences, and why she’s always connected more deeply with Black culture and Black athletes.

After moving to Atlanta, Les had to rebuild, find her place, and create her own lane in a city where she initially felt like she didn’t belong. Through it all, she found strength in being different and turned that into confidence, connection, and influence.

We also dive into her perspective on the similarities between Russian and Black culture, sparking a real and honest conversation that challenges norms and encourages deeper understanding.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, been overlooked, or had to figure life out on their own.

If you’ve ever been counted out, this one is for you.

Topics Covered:

• Russian immigrant experience in America
• Feeling like an outsider growing up
• Identity, culture, and belonging
• Life in Atlanta as a newcomer
• Dating preferences and cultural connection
• Overcoming judgment and stereotypes
• Russian vs Black culture similarities
• Building confidence and finding your lane

Keywords (SEO): immigrant story, Russian immigrant, feeling like an outsider, identity and culture, Black culture conversation, moving to Atlanta, Atlanta lifestyle, athlete culture, dating preferences discussion, self identity journey, overcoming adversity, motivational podcast, entrepreneur mindset, influencer story, real life struggles, personal growth story, counted out podcast

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcast

Guest Court Les: https://www.instagram.com/courtsideles/

#countedmeoutpodcast #toprankboxing #MikeSeals #atlantapodcast

What happens when the internet labels you one way… but your real story is something completely different?

We sit down with professional boxer and viral content creator Mike Seals, also known as “Cannonhandz.” While many people first discovered him through his viral social media content, what they didn’t realize is that he’s been putting in real work inside the ring as a professional fighter. Mike opens up about: His early love for boxing and how it all started His journey fighting under Top Rank The moment he posted his first viral video (and how people initially reacted) Being misunderstood online and turning “cringe” into content gold Balancing entertainment with a serious athletic career And yes… his love for his celebrity crush, Erykah Badu 👀

This episode is about identity, perception, and proving people wrong when they try to put you in a box. If you’ve ever been counted out, misunderstood, or underestimated... this one is for you.

Podcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots.

Follow our social media pages: Mike 'Cannonhandz' Seals @cannonhandz https://www.instagram.com/cannonhandz/

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019 https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazin...

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions https://www.instagram.com/285producti...

Location IG @ATLANTUCKY https://www.instagram.com/atlantucky/...

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CpH...

Video producer and Founder of HBUC (Historical Black University of Creatives), Travis Cochran, stops by to discuss the future of HBUC and his mission to create a real community for creatives. He also shares the exciting news of reopening his Atlanta space and expanding with new production hubs in cities across the country.

Other topics include:

• Toxic women
• Georgia high school/college basketball
• Favorite top 5 NBA players

Podcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots.

Follow our social media pages:

Travis Cochran @donthatetrav

HBUC @thehbuc

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 BTS

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions

#AtlantaCreators #HBUC #CountedMeOutPodcast #AtlantaFilm #AtlantaProduction #Atlantucky

The Counted Me Out Podcast crew sits down & hash out their different opinions about exposing ESPN commentators, gene rejuvenation, college experiences at a PWI (predominately white institution) vs. HBCU and how Tik Tok is revolutionizing music promotion.

Other discussed topics: The death of Homicide Willams, University Of Florida football, social media impact on younger generation and horrible NBA officiating.

Be sure to follow us:

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019

Production Assistant Megan IG @285productions

Don't forget to download all of our episodes on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia & search Counted Me Out Podcast.

Imagine growing up as the son and nephew of dominant, reputable and legendary basketball players. It can be a lot of pressure for one person. Damien Wilkins, the former NBA player is continuing to build his very own legacy. As the GM/Head of Basketball of Overtime Elite (OTE), a basketball league for 16-20 year olds that are looking to become professional athletes. Damien shares how his transition from the league to working in the NBPA helped him prepare for this new and impactful opportunity.

From locker rooms to business success, Damien is passing on knowledge and building community.

Other topics discussed: Embracing individuality, NBA player development, NC State, McDonald's All-American, Definition of success

Every story has a good, a bad, and an ugly. NBA and Atlanta legend Josh Smith joins the show and shares his journey from high school to his post professional career. He gives us the rundown of how front office politics are arranged to why he made the move out of Atlanta. Though, he's not able to showcase his raw talent on the court but his love for the game has transitioned to the sidelines as a coach. Tap in to hear the fascinating tale of the high flying sensation Josh Smith a.k.a. J Smoove.

Other topics: Parenting high school athletes, social media impacting student athletes, NBA trainers and coaches, NIL

Be sure to follow us:

Josh Smith @noigsmoove

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019

Production Assistant Megan IG @285productions

Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.

Kyle Sturdivant, senior guard at Georgia Tech joins the show to share his story traveling across the US and attending USC as a freshmen, the life making decision to come back home to compete in front of his family and friends and his initial reaction when he heard his new coach would be former NBA superstar Damon Stoudamire.

#Collegesports #Collegeathletes #sportpolitics #GaTechbasketball #UNCBasketball #Men'sCollegeBasketball.

Other topics: "College sports is a business" "What coaches look for" "UNC vs GA Tech game"

Be sure to follow us:

Kyle Sturdivant @Kyle.sturdivant

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 BTS

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions

Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.

"Don't group me in the Christian Rap or Gospel Rap genre. I'm a mainstream inspirational artist". The Quality Control (QC)/ Capitol Records artist, Emanuel Da Prophet joins the show and speaks on how his past life experiences helped him rap about the gospel and encourage others through his motivational lyrics. The Jackson, Michigan native shares how getting artists like Rich The Kid and Lil Yachty on his most recent tracks has given the genre a different outlook on what today's faith based music sounds like.

#GospelRap #ChristianRap #CountedMeOutPodcast #AtlantaMusic #AtlantaArtists

Be sure to follow us:

Emanuel Da Prophet IG @emanueldaprohpet

Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/

Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/

Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/

BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/285productions/

Co-hosts JQ and Spoon are joined by one of WNBA's most electrifying, skilled and stylish player, Tiffany Hayes. Not only did they get to learn how influential her mother was to her game but she also shared an unexpected announcement that NO ONE saw coming. The now, former Connecticut Suns hooper is retiring from the game but her love for fashion and community outreach will continue to shine through. #Countedmeoutpodcast #TiffanyHayesRetirement #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #TiffanyHayes #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete #wnba #womensbasketball

Be sure to follow us:

Tiffany Hayes IG https://www.instagram.com/tiphayes3/

Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/

Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/

Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/

BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/285productions/

How many female athletes you know that owns a sneaker company? A female football athlete who earned a multi million dollar contract? Santia "Trackbaby" Barnes can say that she has experienced both. And she does this while pursing other business ventures. With over 1.3 million followers across her social media platforms, Santa finds different ways to give back and help individuals find true and intentional love. The Tronus Sneaker Company owner is just getting started and is already seeking ways on how she can reach her next milly!

#Countedmeoutpodcast #SantiaDeck #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #Loveandfootball #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete #WomensFootball

Be sure to follow us:

Guest Santia Barnes https://www.instagram.com/trackbaby001/?hl=en

Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/

Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/

Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/

BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/meganelanp/

Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.