Trae Young joins Michael Porter Jr. for a conversation years in the making.Trae and Mike go back to their early basketball days, long before either became an NBA star. They revisit growing up around elite competition, the players they faced before the league, and the experiences that helped shape them into the players they are today.Trae opens up about his journey to becoming one of the NBA’s elite point guards, balancing scoring with creating for his teammates, adapting to new environments, and the mentality required to succeed at the highest level.The conversation goes deeper into basketball as Trae and MPJ break down shooting, why some players struggle to develop a consistent jumper, NBA roster construction, players they’d want to play alongside, and the basketball IQ that separates great players.Then things get more controversial.Who talks the craziest in the NBA? Does Trae consider himself a villain? Who really starts the beef? Trae and Mike get into trash talk, dealing with referees, drawing fouls, manipulating defenders, and the chess match happening on an NBA court that fans don't always notice.They close things out on a more personal note, talking about how they move off the court, staying grounded, their longtime friendship, and the motivation they share to keep proving people wrong.In this episode: • Trae and MPJ's basketball history • Trae's path to becoming an NBA point guard • Scoring vs. passing and keeping teammates involved • Adjusting to new environments in the NBA • What makes an elite guard • Why shooting is harder to develop than it looks • NBA players Trae respects • Dream teammates and roster construction • NBA trash talk and beef • Trae on being viewed as a villain • How NBA stars draw fouls and manipulate defenders • Basketball IQ and the mental side of the game • Trae and MPJ's friendship off the courtFollow Curious Mike for more conversations with Michael Porter Jr. and some of the most interesting names in sports, entertainment, culture and beyond.

Trae Young joins Michael Porter Jr. for a conversation years in the making. Trae and Mike go back to their early basketball days, long before either became an NBA star. They revisit growing up around elite competition, the players they faced before the league, and the experiences that helped shape them into the players they are today. Trae opens up about his journey to becoming one of the NBA’s elite point guards, balancing scoring with creating for his teammates, adapting to new environments, and the mentality required to succeed at the highest level. The conversation goes deeper into basketball as Trae and MPJ break down shooting, why some players struggle to develop a consistent jumper, NBA roster construction, players they’d want to play alongside, and the basketball IQ that separates great players. Then things get more controversial. Who talks the craziest in the NBA? Does Trae consider himself a villain? Who really starts the beef? Trae and Mike get into trash talk, dealing with referees, drawing fouls, manipulating defenders, and the chess match happening on an NBA court that fans don't always notice. They close things out on a more personal note, talking about how they move off the court, staying grounded, their longtime friendship, and the motivation they share to keep proving people wrong. In this episode: • Trae and MPJ's basketball history • Trae's path to becoming an NBA point guard • Scoring vs. passing and keeping teammates involved • Adjusting to new environments in the NBA • What makes an elite guard • Why shooting is harder to develop than it looks • NBA players Trae respects • Dream teammates and roster construction • NBA trash talk and beef • Trae on being viewed as a villain • How NBA stars draw fouls and manipulate defenders • Basketball IQ and the mental side of the game • Trae and MPJ's friendship off the court Follow Curious Mike for more conversations with Michael Porter Jr. and some of the most interesting names in sports, entertainment, culture and beyond.

Trae Young Gets Real: Growing Up with MPJ, His NBA Journey & What’s Next

Lonzo Ball joins Michael Porter Jr. for a candid conversation about growing up in the Ball family, LaVar Ball’s influence on his career, Big Baller Brand, injuries, relationships, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his NBA journey.Lonzo opens up about the legendary Chino Hills team, his time at UCLA, getting drafted by the Lakers, and how quickly the Ball family became one of the biggest stories in basketball. He also reflects on Big Baller Brand and admits that one of his biggest regrets was not taking more control of his career earlier.He gets honest about the BBB shoes, the pressure of representing the family brand, and the point when he finally began stepping out from under his father’s umbrella and making decisions for himself.Lonzo and Mike also connect over serious injuries and how being physically limited can completely change your relationship with basketball. Lonzo talks about reinventing his game, accepting what he could no longer do physically, and staying grateful for the opportunity to continue playing.The conversation goes beyond basketball as Lonzo discusses his relationship, thoughts on marriage and prenups, LiAngelo’s infamous situation in China, and life after becoming famous at a young age.To close things out, Lonzo and Mike debate some of the greatest guards in NBA history and play Start, Bench, Cut with Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and more. Lonzo even gives his honest ranking of Ant, Ja and his own brother Melo.In this episode:<ul><li>Growing up with LaVar Ball</li><li>The legendary Chino Hills basketball team</li><li>UCLA and becoming the No. 2 NBA Draft pick</li><li>The rise of Big Baller Brand</li><li>Lonzo’s biggest career regret</li><li>The truth about the BBB shoes</li><li>Becoming independent from LaVar</li><li>Lonzo’s long road through knee injuries</li><li>Reinventing his game after surgery</li><li>Relationships, marriage and prenups</li><li>LiAngelo Ball’s China incident</li><li>LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Ja Morant</li><li>Steph Curry vs. Kyrie Irving</li><li>What Lonzo would tell his 19-year-old self</li></ul>Follow Curious Mike and stay tuned for more honest conversations with athletes, creators and people with stories worth hearing.

Lonzo Ball joins Michael Porter Jr. for a candid conversation about growing up in the Ball family, LaVar Ball’s influence on his career, Big Baller Brand, injuries, relationships, and the lessons he’s learned throughout his NBA journey. Lonzo opens up about the legendary Chino Hills team, his time at UCLA, getting drafted by the Lakers, and how quickly the Ball family became one of the biggest stories in basketball. He also reflects on Big Baller Brand and admits that one of his biggest regrets was not taking more control of his career earlier. He gets honest about the BBB shoes, the pressure of representing the family brand, and the point when he finally began stepping out from under his father’s umbrella and making decisions for himself. Lonzo and Mike also connect over serious injuries and how being physically limited can completely change your relationship with basketball. Lonzo talks about reinventing his game, accepting what he could no longer do physically, and staying grateful for the opportunity to continue playing. The conversation goes beyond basketball as Lonzo discusses his relationship, thoughts on marriage and prenups, LiAngelo’s infamous situation in China, and life after becoming famous at a young age. To close things out, Lonzo and Mike debate some of the greatest guards in NBA history and play Start, Bench, Cut with Steph Curry, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Anthony Edwards, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball and more. Lonzo even gives his honest ranking of Ant, Ja and his own brother Melo. In this episode:Growing up with LaVar BallThe legendary Chino Hills basketball teamUCLA and becoming the No. 2 NBA Draft pickThe rise of Big Baller BrandLonzo’s biggest career regretThe truth about the BBB shoesBecoming independent from LaVarLonzo’s long road through knee injuriesReinventing his game after surgeryRelationships, marriage and prenupsLiAngelo Ball’s China incidentLaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards and Ja MorantSteph Curry vs. Kyrie IrvingWhat Lonzo would tell his 19-year-old selfFollow Curious Mike and stay tuned for more honest conversations with athletes, creators and people with stories worth hearing.

Lonzo Ball Gets Honest About LaVar, Big Baller Brand & His Biggest Career Regret

Jason Lee joins Curious Mike for an honest and unfiltered conversation about sexuality, Hollywood, celebrity culture, controversy, and building a media empire.Mike and Jason open the episode with a candid discussion about sexuality, religion, masculinity, the LGBTQ+ community, transgender relationships, and how society’s views have changed over time. Mike also opens up about his own past perspectives and tells the story behind a viral moment from his trip to Taiwan.Later, Jason takes Mike inside the world of Hollywood Unlocked, sharing how he built the platform, developed relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, and learned to balance personal relationships with reporting on celebrity news.They discuss the fake side of Hollywood, whether success requires compromising your morals, celebrities behind closed doors, cancel culture, the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars moment, and why Jason has never been afraid of controversy.Jason also opens up about entering politics, dealing with criticism, the responsibilities that come with having a major platform, and his thoughts on athletes entering the podcast and media space.The episode closes with rapid-fire celebrity questions and a game of “Post It or Delete It,” where Jason decides which hypothetical celebrity stories Hollywood Unlocked would actually publish.Follow Curious Mike and subscribe for more honest conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures.#CuriousMike #JasonLee #HollywoodUnlocked

Jason Lee joins Curious Mike for an honest and unfiltered conversation about sexuality, Hollywood, celebrity culture, controversy, and building a media empire. Mike and Jason open the episode with a candid discussion about sexuality, religion, masculinity, the LGBTQ+ community, transgender relationships, and how society’s views have changed over time. Mike also opens up about his own past perspectives and tells the story behind a viral moment from his trip to Taiwan. Later, Jason takes Mike inside the world of Hollywood Unlocked, sharing how he built the platform, developed relationships with some of the biggest names in entertainment, and learned to balance personal relationships with reporting on celebrity news. They discuss the fake side of Hollywood, whether success requires compromising your morals, celebrities behind closed doors, cancel culture, the Will Smith and Chris Rock Oscars moment, and why Jason has never been afraid of controversy. Jason also opens up about entering politics, dealing with criticism, the responsibilities that come with having a major platform, and his thoughts on athletes entering the podcast and media space. The episode closes with rapid-fire celebrity questions and a game of “Post It or Delete It,” where Jason decides which hypothetical celebrity stories Hollywood Unlocked would actually publish. Follow Curious Mike and subscribe for more honest conversations with athletes, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and cultural figures. #CuriousMike #JasonLee #HollywoodUnlocked

Jason Lee Gets Unfiltered: Hollywood Secrets, Sexuality, Celebrities & Controversy

Michael Porter Jr. sits down with former Denver Nuggets teammate Peyton Watson for an honest conversation about his journey through the NBA, the highs and lows of playing in Denver, and what really happened during his final season with the Nuggets.Peyton opens up about his difficult year at UCLA, betting on himself and entering the NBA Draft, grinding through the G League, and earning his opportunity under Michael Malone. He and MPJ also share behind-the-scenes stories from Denver’s championship run, including Peyton getting called out by Coach Malone and his hilarious experience trying to celebrate the championship in Las Vegas before he was 21.Later, Peyton addresses the biggest narratives surrounding his final season in Denver. He explains the hamstring injury that kept him out of the playoffs, the pressure he felt to return, why he ultimately wasn’t healthy enough to play, and the rumors that surfaced during his contract negotiations.Peyton also reflects on playing alongside Nikola Jokić, his breakout stretch with Denver, leaving the organization, and what he wants to prove in the next chapter of his NBA career.Plus, Peyton and MPJ get into NBA Real Talk, including the toughest players to guard, social media criticism, Jokic vs. Shaq, Kobe vs. LeBron, and the legacy Peyton hopes to leave behind.Stay curious.

Michael Porter Jr. sits down with former Denver Nuggets teammate Peyton Watson for an honest conversation about his journey through the NBA, the highs and lows of playing in Denver, and what really happened during his final season with the Nuggets. Peyton opens up about his difficult year at UCLA, betting on himself and entering the NBA Draft, grinding through the G League, and earning his opportunity under Michael Malone. He and MPJ also share behind-the-scenes stories from Denver’s championship run, including Peyton getting called out by Coach Malone and his hilarious experience trying to celebrate the championship in Las Vegas before he was 21. Later, Peyton addresses the biggest narratives surrounding his final season in Denver. He explains the hamstring injury that kept him out of the playoffs, the pressure he felt to return, why he ultimately wasn’t healthy enough to play, and the rumors that surfaced during his contract negotiations. Peyton also reflects on playing alongside Nikola Jokić, his breakout stretch with Denver, leaving the organization, and what he wants to prove in the next chapter of his NBA career. Plus, Peyton and MPJ get into NBA Real Talk, including the toughest players to guard, social media criticism, Jokic vs. Shaq, Kobe vs. LeBron, and the legacy Peyton hopes to leave behind. Stay curious.

Peyton Watson Gets REAL About Leaving Denver, His Injury & the Narratives Around Him

Dwight Howard and Michael Porter Jr. sit down to discuss any and everything Dwight Howard over the years. From NBA related questions such as the best centers he's ever played against to his recent hall of fame induction and everything in between. Dwight has lived a public life since entering the NBA in 2004. This led to questions surrounding his christianity, marriage, and overall purpose. In this episode he shares his desire to spread positivity in the world while remaining focused on his testimony. This leads to questions such as "how do you want your legacy to be remembered" and statements centered around Dwights message to the world on the power of joy and a smile. Watch the full interview on<a href="youtube.com/curiousmike" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> Curious Mike YouTube</a>. Follow Curious Mike on <a href="instagram.com/curiousmike" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Instagram</a> and <a href="tiktok.com/curious.mike" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">TikTok</a>.

Dwight Howard and Michael Porter Jr. sit down to discuss any and everything Dwight Howard over the years. From NBA related questions such as the best centers he's ever played against to his recent hall of fame induction and everything in between. Dwight has lived a public life since entering the NBA in 2004. This led to questions surrounding his christianity, marriage, and overall purpose. In this episode he shares his desire to spread positivity in the world while remaining focused on his testimony. This leads to questions such as "how do you want your legacy to be remembered" and statements centered around Dwights message to the world on the power of joy and a smile. Watch the full interview on Curious Mike YouTube. Follow Curious Mike on Instagram and TikTok.

Dwight Howard and Michael Porter Jr. sit down to discuss any and everything Dwight Howard over the years. From NBA related questions such as the best centers he's ever played against to his recent hall of fame induction and everything in between. Dwight has lived a public life since entering the NBA in 2004. This led to questions surrounding his christianity, marriage, and overall purpose. In this episode he shares his desire to spread positivity in the world while remaining focused on his testimony. This leads to questions such as "how do you want your legacy to be remembered" and statements centered around Dwights message to the world on the power of joy and a smile. Watch the full interview on<a href="youtube.com/curiousmike" rel="noopener noreferrer"> Curious Mike YouTube</a>. Follow Curious Mike on <a href="instagram.com/curiousmike" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> and <a href="tiktok.com/curious.mike" rel="noopener noreferrer">TikTok</a>.

Dwight Howard on Spreading Positivity, His Testimony, and Hall of Fame Induction

In this episode Michael sits down with Pastor Judah Smith and they talk about a range of topics. Some are more practical, some are more theological, and some are just topics people may have questions about. Tune in to listen to what Judah and Michael have to say on how to find a wife, how Judah dealt with the instagram page Preachers with Sneakers, and how to love others and love yourself as Jesus commands us to.
Watch the conversation on YouTube.
Share and leave a review. 
Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

In this episode Michael sits down with Pastor Judah Smith and they talk about a range of topics. Some are more practical, some are more theological, and some are just topics people may have questions about. Tune in to listen to what Judah and Michael have to say on how to find a wife, how Judah dealt with the instagram page Preachers with Sneakers, and how to love others and love yourself as Jesus commands us to. Watch the conversation on YouTube. Share and leave a review. Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

In this episode Michael sits down with Pastor Judah Smith and they talk about a range of topics. Some are more practical, some are more theological, and some are just topics people may have questions about. Tune in to listen to what Judah and Michael have to say on how to find a wife, how Judah dealt with the instagram page Preachers with Sneakers, and how to love others and love yourself as Jesus commands us to.
Watch the conversation on YouTube.
Share and leave a review.&nbsp;
Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

Leaving Judgment & Loving Others ft. Judah Smith

Michael and Trae talk all things basketball. They dive into what it was like playing together in the AAU circuit, the negative repercussions of ranking kids so young, dealing with criticism and praise, and a lot more.
Watch the conversation on YouTube.
Share and leave a review.
Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

Michael and Trae talk all things basketball. They dive into what it was like playing together in the AAU circuit, the negative repercussions of ranking kids so young, dealing with criticism and praise, and a lot more. Watch the conversation on YouTube. Share and leave a review. Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

From AAU to the NBA Ft. Trae Young

Michael and Lecrae sit down to discuss staying grounded in careers that place people on a pedestal, finding your identity, standing out and standing firm, the differences between faith and religion, and social justice. 
Watch the conversation on YouTube.
Share and leave a review. 
Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

Michael and Lecrae sit down to discuss staying grounded in careers that place people on a pedestal, finding your identity, standing out and standing firm, the differences between faith and religion, and social justice. Watch the conversation on YouTube. Share and leave a review. Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

Michael and Lecrae sit down to discuss staying grounded in careers that place people on a pedestal, finding your identity, standing out and standing firm, the differences between faith and religion, and social justice.&nbsp;
Watch the conversation on YouTube.
Share and leave a review.&nbsp;
Produced by Cierra Jade Productions.

Staying Grounded & Standing Firm In Your Convictions ft. Lecrae

A brief interview with Michael Porter Jr., hosted by his sister Cierra Porter, to answer the question "what even is Curious Mike?" Michael dives into the reasoning behind why he wanted to start the show and his intentions for it moving forward. It also mentions who the first four guests are. Subscribe, review, and share with your friends!

A brief interview with Michael Porter Jr., hosted by his sister Cierra Porter, to answer the question "what even is Curious Mike?" Michael dives into the reasoning behind why he wanted to start the show and his intentions for it moving forward. It also mentions who the first four guests are. Subscribe, review, and share with your friends!

Introducing Curious Mike

An interview show hosted by Michael Porter Jr. where he brings on guests to ask questions, learn, and share the insight with his listeners. Michael isn't claiming to know all the answers, but wanted to create a space where it's okay to talk about anything and everything. This podcast is meant to make you think, and to leave you feeling curious to ask questions of your own.

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