In this episode of A Moment For Moms, hosts Wendy Sparks and Daynia La-Force speak with Linda Shanklin, the mother of 4 time NBA champion Andre Iguodala. They discuss the journey of motherhood, the challenges faced by moms of professional athletes, and the importance of redefining one's identity beyond being a parent. Linda shares her experiences with the MPBP organization, the significance of education, and the impact of community support. The conversation also touches on life after basketball for Andre and the ongoing role of mothers in their children's lives.

In this episode of A Moment For Moms, hosts Wendy Sparks and Daynia La-Force speak with Barbarita Springer, mother of NBA player Jaden Springer. They discuss Jaden's early passion for basketball, the challenges of choosing the right school for his development, and the importance of family support throughout his journey. Barbarita shares insights on navigating the NBA draft process, the emotional experience of trades, and offers valuable advice for other families raising aspiring athletes. The conversation highlights the significance of a strong support system, faith, and the understanding that success in sports is a marathon, not a sprint.

In this episode of A Moment For Moms, hosts Wendy Sparks and Daynia La-Force discuss the importance of athlete-led foundations with Kent Seton, CEO of Edward Charles Foundation. They explore how to start a foundation, the benefits of philanthropy for athletes, effective fundraising strategies, and the sustainability of these initiatives beyond an athlete's playing career. Kent emphasizes the need for professional guidance and the importance of staying relevant in the business world to ensure long-term success in charitable endeavors. In this engaging conversation, Kent, Wendy, and Daynia discuss the intricacies of building a foundation, emphasizing the importance of assembling a strong team, setting clear goals, and understanding the fundraising landscape. They explore the unique challenges faced by Canadian foundations and the significance of finding passion in philanthropic efforts. The discussion highlights the business aspect of foundations and the importance of branding for athletes, encouraging them to leverage their platforms for positive change.

In this episode, Wendy Sparks and Daynia La-Force speak with Nicol Mobley, mother of NBA players Evan and Isaiah Mobley. Nicol shares her experiences raising two professional basketball players, from the challenges of the recruitment process to the emotional highs and lows of draft night. The conversation explores the impact of her educational background on her parenting, the mental health challenges her sons face, and the importance of family support. They discuss the balance between encouraging dreams and managing expectations, as well as the sacrifices and community that help support young athletes.

In this conversation, Dr. Laura M. Wilde, a holistic performance healer for professional athletes, discusses her unique approach to mental performance coaching. She emphasizes the importance of addressing the whole person—mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual—to help athletes unlock their full potential. Dr. Wilde explains the differences between mental performance coaching and sports psychology, the significance of vulnerability in sports, and how ancestral trauma can impact an athlete's performance. She also highlights the crucial role that mothers play in supporting their children through their athletic journeys. In this conversation, Laura discusses the impact of generational trauma on athletes' performance, emphasizing the importance of mental health and holistic healing. She introduces the Cosmic Arena, a platform for mental performance coaching aimed at making these resources accessible to all athletes, not just professionals. The discussion highlights the need for mental health representation in sports and the importance of equipping young athletes with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the court.

Erin Luczak CAPI, CPRIA, a personal risk advisor at USI, discusses the importance of insurance for athletes and high net worth individuals. She explains how insurance protects athletes' property and liability, and emphasizes the need for proper coverage to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses. Erin also shares her journey into risk management and highlights the role of brokers in providing comprehensive risk management advice. She advises athletes and their families to ask questions, research brokers, and choose a national brokerage that can adapt to their unique situations, especially when dealing with international transitions.

In this engaging conversation, Wendy Sparks and Daynia La-Force chat with Leslie Wesley, mother of NBA player Blake Wesley. They discuss the multifaceted roles of mothers in the lives of professional athletes, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy, community engagement, and mental health awareness. Leslie shares her journey as a change agent and advocate for youth, balancing her professional life with motherhood. The discussion highlights the significance of building a supportive team and the impact of mentorship in Blake's career, along with fond memories and milestones in their journey together.

Roni Toppin, mother of professional basketball players Obie and Jacob Toppin, shares her experiences raising two competitive athletes. Surrounded by basketball, the brothers honed their skills in high school and prep school before securing Division I scholarships—Obi at the University of Dayton and Jacob at Rhode Island, later transferring to Kentucky. Obi became a lottery pick for the New York Knicks, while Jacob signed a two-way contract after going undrafted.

Roni highlights the significance of a supportive agency and staying involved in her sons' lives. She discusses the challenges of attending games and navigating trades, offering advice to aspiring players and their parents about hard work and patience. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of financial education for basketball families.

In this episode, Wendy and Daynia are joined by Max and Hannes Grasher from UBS International to discuss financial literacy for professional athletes and their families. They stress avoiding harmful influences, like Predators, Exploiters, and Pretenders, and the temptation to keep up with established teammates. The guests emphasize the need for education in financial concepts and the establishment of good habits early in athletes' careers. They also highlight the crucial role of family members, especially mothers, in guiding financial success, and offer tips on selecting financial advisors, including questions about fees and long-term goals. The conversation wraps up with examples of athletes who have built wealth and the importance of instilling financial values in future generations.

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Sandra Brunson, mother of NY Knicks star Jalen Brunson. Sandra shares her journey of nurturing Jalen's talent from a young age, the challenges they faced, and the values that shaped his character both on and off the court. With her husband as an assistant coach for the Knicks, Sandra offers a unique perspective on the dynamic of watching her son and husband navigate the highs and lows of professional basketball together. Discover the behind-the-scenes moments of their family life, her insights on balancing sports and education, and her hopes for the future of basketball. Whether you're a Knicks fan or simply love heartwarming stories of perseverance, this episode is not to be missed!