Basketball has always been bigger than the game, and few people embody that more than Jerica Williams. From a stellar career in high school with multiple championships to earning a full ride at UCLA, her story is already the stuff of legends. But she didn’t stop there. Last season, Jerica made history as the only active female coach in Division I Men’s College Basketball, proving once again that she’s built different.

Beyond the court, she’s a mentor, a leader, and a powerhouse in storytelling. She’s the founder of HER: Power Productions, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of young women, and trust me—her work is next level. If you haven’t checked out her videos yet, do yourself a favor. The storytelling? Top-tier. The production quality? Insane.

In this episode, we get into it all—her love for the game, what makes a great coach, and why positive coaching matters now more than ever. We also talk about motherhood and ambition, including the moment she walked across the stage at San Diego State with her newborn son in her arms. And of course, I had to ask about the advice she has for parents navigating their kids' athletic goals.

Jerica’s journey is all about breaking barriers, leading with authenticity, and unlocking greatness—not just in herself, but in everyone around her. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or just love a good hoop story, you don’t want to miss this one.

Listen now and let’s get Courtside Forever—because as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

Visit https://www.herpower.life to learn about Jerica's work.

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"Say goodbye to the next 18 years of your life!"

That was one of the first things someone said to me when I told them my wife and I were expecting our first child. And while I laughed it off, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how messed up that mindset is.

Because here’s the truth—becoming a dad will absolutely change your life. But it won’t ruin it. If anything, it’ll make your life more meaningful, more exciting, and more fulfilling than you ever thought possible.

I’ve always been someone with passions. I love basketball, I love writing, I love creating. And when my first daughter was born, I started hearing all the warnings:

"You won’t have time for that anymore."

But here I am, years later, still doing the things I love—just differently. I learned how to adapt my hobbies instead of abandoning them, how to communicate better with my wife, and how to reject the idea that being a dad means losing myself.

And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode of Courtside Forever.

Here’s what I’m diving into:

Fatherhood isn’t about giving up who you are—it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself. Yeah, my life looks different now. I don’t have endless free time. I don’t spend entire weekends on the couch playing 2K. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything.

So if you’re a new dad, an expecting dad, or even just a guy wondering if he’ll ever get to do the things he loves again—this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about it—because as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

www.courtsideforever.com

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In this episode of Courtside Forever, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lindsey Konchar, a licensed mental health professional, certified financial coach, and author of I Got 99 Coping Skills and Being a B**** Ain’t One. Lindsey specializes in financial therapy and helps her clients navigate their money challenges without shame. As a mom of two and host of the Financial Self Care podcast, she brings a wealth of experience—both personal and professional—to our conversation.

We dive into some really important topics like the link between mental health and finances, why so many parents struggle with shame when it comes to getting their financial lives back on track, and how emotional intelligence can play a big role in financial success.

Lindsey shares some valuable advice on how parents can teach their kids about money, while also being more present in their lives, even when the daily grind can feel overwhelming.

I also ask Lindsey about her own journey, including her battle with postpartum mental illness and the steps she took to prioritize her well-being. Plus, we talk about how couples can avoid fighting over money and—just for fun—how Lindsey would advise Joey Tribbiani from Friends on his disastrous financial decisions.

If you’re looking for actionable tips to improve both your financial and emotional well-being, this episode is for you!

Visit Lindsey at https://financialselfcareblog.com/

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In this episode of Courtside Forever, I take you through the monumental impact of Title IX, the groundbreaking 1972 law that fundamentally transformed the landscape of education and athletics in the United States. This episode explores how Title IX not only leveled the playing field for women in sports but also revolutionized access to higher education and professional opportunities for countless women.

Key Highlights:

As a girls' basketball coach and a dad, I share personal stories and reflections on how Title IX has influenced the sports community and why it remains essential in promoting gender equity. This episode not only honors the legacy of Title IX but also emphasizes the collective responsibility we hold to support and advance the gains made for women’s education and athletics.

We’ll also discuss the potential threats to Title IX in the current political climate and what that could mean for future generations. It’s crucial that we understand the implications of any changes and how they could affect our daughters' rights and opportunities.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Courtside Forever, where as parents, we've got the best seats in the house. Let’s celebrate these moments and continue to fight for the rights and opportunities our girls deserve, ensuring that the legacy of Title IX endures for generations to come.

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In this episode of Courtside Forever, I dive deep into the delicious world of ice cream—a journey that's deeply personal and steeped in history. I start by sharing how my own path as an ice cream maker was ignited by family bonds and the local flavors of upstate New York, highlighting the personal connections and community spirit that inspire my craft.

The star of this episode is Augustus Jackson, an extraordinary figure known as "The Father of Ice Cream." Jackson's pioneering work in the 19th century didn't just revolutionize how ice cream was made but also reshaped its cultural footprint across Philadelphia and beyond. Born during a time when the scars of slavery were still fresh, Jackson's legacy extends far beyond his culinary innovations, weaving into the very fabric of community and entrepreneurship.

I explore Jackson's formative years in the White House kitchens, his impactful return to Philadelphia, and his groundbreaking introduction of eggless recipes that helped forge a new business model supporting other Black entrepreneurs. Despite his profound influence, Jackson's narrative remains largely hidden in the shadows of history—a story I'm passionate about bringing to light and celebrating.

This episode isn't just about tracing the origins of a beloved dessert; it's a recognition and appreciation of the broader contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Join me as I uncover why stories like Jackson's are crucial for both understanding our past and inspiring future generations.

Tune in to see how every scoop of ice cream is filled with stories of innovation, resilience, and community—lessons as enduring and rich as the flavors themselves. Remember, as parents and community members, we've got the best seats in the house. Let's make the most of them, one scoop at a time.

Our kids are waiting for us to build them a better world. Can we? This is a question I asked on July 17, 2024, following the assassination attempt on then-candidate and current President Trump. As millennial parents, we are raising kids during one unprecedented event after another. I don't know about you, but I am tired, and after the past week, I'm even more tired. 

This isn't a political podcast, though I am a political person, so while there is no apology coming, this is a heads up, and if you choose to listen, you'll likely find that I'm pretty measured in my feelings. I want Courtside Forever to be for all parents, but as a dad who preaches empathy, honesty, authenticity, and community, the foundation of my work is in stark contrast to the bullying behavior that's become more and more prevalent in the current administration. My philosophy is that everyone is welcome, but not everything is tolerated. 

On today's podcast, I read my July 17, 2024, piece titled Parenting in Unprecedented Times. It was originally published in the A Parent Is Born publication on Medium. In it, I make my case as to why parents need to lean into being fully present for our families like never before. 

The pace of current events is designed to be fast and confusing and leave the general public feeling so overwhelmed that we have nothing but apathy to give. But as I held my baby girls for the first time, I promised to do my best to build a world they could be proud of, and as long as I’ve got breath in my body, I’m going to try.

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On this episode of Courtside Forever, I am thrilled to feature Anthony Franzese, a multifaceted businessman and father, who also hosts the Successful Working Parents podcast. Today, Anthony shares the journey and inspiration behind his podcast, which has resonated with many parents by addressing the complexities of juggling parenthood and professional life.

During our conversation, Anthony dives into themes common among his guests, such as work-life balance and overcoming challenges like self-doubt and unemployment. He reveals valuable advice he’s received and implemented himself, helping our understanding of what it takes to succeed as a working parent.

We also explore Anthony’s insights on mental health from his tenure at Headspace and his current role at WellRight, where he contributes to enhancing corporate wellness programs. Plus, Anthony discusses his love for movies, sharing his picks for underrated films and his favorite fictional movie dads. 

Subscribe to Successful Working Parents.

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Welcome to a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode of Courtside Forever. Today, I'm giving a speech at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, and I wanted to bring my speech to the podcast. 

This bonus episode is inspired by my personal visits to significant sites in Atlanta—Dr. King's birthplace, his home church at Ebenezer Baptist, and the King Center, which deeply moved me and connected me to the reality of his life and mission.

I’ll also dive into the symbolism captured in my children's book, where a father and daughter enjoy ice cream at the Lincoln Memorial, the site of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This image is a reminder of the everyday moments that can hold profound historical reflections.

In this episode, I reflect on Dr. King not just as a leader of civil rights but as a man who was a son, a husband, a father, and a voice of justice whose teachings are still relevant. As I look at the steps we've taken towards equality and the steps we still need to take, I’m reminded of the power of hope and the importance of continuing the work he started.

Join me as we explore how Dr. King’s message of love, justice, and unity challenges us all to live better and dream bigger. Let’s honor his memory by committing to be part of the ongoing journey towards a more equitable world.

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Welcome back to another episode of Courtside Forever! I’m Ryan, your host, and today’s episode is a deep dive into the digital landscape and its evolution from the authentic interactions of MySpace to today's polished and curated social media environments. This episode is crafted especially for parents, as we explore the significant impact these changes have on our parenting and the way our children perceive and engage with the world.

In today’s discussion, tailored for parents navigating the digital age with their kids, we’ll cover:

As we dive into these topics, we'll discuss our deep-seated desire for real connections in a world dominated by superficial interactions. I’ll offer practical advice for maintaining authenticity in our own online engagements and how to impart these values to our children. This episode is packed with insights for parents trying to balance their online presence and real-life responsibilities while fostering genuine relationships.

So, let’s open up the dialogue about the impact of social media on our parenting approaches. How have digital platforms influenced how you parent? What challenges have you faced in teaching your children about authenticity online? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

Here at Courtside Forever, we’re actively engaging in the parenting game, learning and growing together. Tune in now for a meaningful conversation on raising the next generation in this digital age!

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In today’s episode of Courtside Forever, I chat with David Rushing, aka the Mayor of NBAThreads. David's known for his lively presence on Threads, where he’s been shaping how basketball is discussed online.

We get into his journey from the early days on Twitter to becoming a major voice on Threads and how he navigates being a prominent figure in the NBA's digital space.

We dive into the nuances of social media’s evolution and its impact on sports fans like us. David shares insights from his personal life, too—he’s a dad to three girls and a husband, roles that deeply influence his approach to building communities online. He also talks about his podcast, "Rush'd Vibes," co-hosted with his wife, Jess, where they explore a broad spectrum of topics and what he’s discovered about himself across 100 episodes.

David even recounts some cool real-life meetups he’s had through Threads, including a memorable moment with NBA player Myles Turner. Plus, he gives us his take on why sports enthusiasts should consider jumping over to Threads.

So, tune in and enjoy this insightful conversation with David Rushing right here on Courtside Forever, because as parents, we've got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

Read the Complex article on David: https://www.complex.com/sports/a/jameel-raeburn/david-rushing-basketball-conversations-threads

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Download the Courtside Forever ebooks: https://ryanrucker.gumroad.com/