Elevated Game W/ G.Wayne

In this powerful father–son episode, G Wayne sits down with Harlem Globetrotter legend, global basketball ambassador, and motivational speaker Harold “Lefty” Williams, alongside his son EJ Williams, star of ABC’s The Wonder Years reboot and rising actor-athlete.

Basketball world traveler and former Harlem Globetrotter Lefty sits down with G-Wayne but this time he brings his son EJ, a fast-rising actor already making waves in Hollywood. They talk fatherhood, discipline, chasing dreams in two different industries, and what it really takes to build a legacy that outlives the game.

Lefty shares his inspiring journey—from SAT setbacks to overseas hoops, from the Washington Generals to becoming the first left-handed showman in Harlem Globetrotter history, to creating the Dare to Dream Tour impacting youth worldwide. He opens up about faith, family, discipline, humility, and the grind behind his global success.

EJ breaks down the road to landing his breakout TV role, the audition grind, carrying a legacy, balancing acting and basketball, and navigating fame at such a young age. Their dynamic is real, funny, honest, competitive, and full of love.

This episode is for athletes, parents, creatives, dreamers, and anyone who believes in pushing past “no” to reach destiny.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🏀 Lefty’s journey from getting overlooked academically to playing overseas, Summer League, and becoming a Globetrotter showman.
• 🙏 How his wife encouraged him not to give up — a decisive moment that changed his career forever.
• 🌍 Stories from performing in every U.S. state, across Canada, and 35+ countries.
• 👑 How he built the Dare 2 Dream Tour and inspired youth globally with Under Armour, FILA & NBA partnerships.
• 🎬 EJ’s full audition journey for The Wonder Years — the frustration, self-doubt, callbacks, and final moment he got the role.
• 💰 EJ seeing the contract numbers at age 11 and saying, “Let’s sign!”
• 🤣 The father–son comedy and competitiveness: who’s the better hooper? Who’s the better actor?
• 🧠 EJ’s maturity and intelligence — coming into kindergarten reading at a 1st grade level, navigating Hollywood with wisdom beyond his years.
• 🌟 Meeting legends: Dave Chappelle knowing EJ by name, Jennifer Hudson running up for a picture, Spike Lee requesting him personally.
• 🥇 “What was once my ceiling is now his floor” — Lefty on passing the torch to his kids.
• 💬 Fatherhood, mentorship, discipline, and protecting your family at all costs.
• 🔥 EJ’s basketball moments: 10 threes in a game, carrying his team, and commanding the crowd.
• 🗣️ Their take on Bronny, LeBron, and how a father should respond when their kid is attacked publicly.
• 👟 Their family legacy: acting, hooping, education, humility, and brand-building.

Connect with EJ: https://www.instagram.com/ejwilliams_42/

Connect with Harold "Lefty" Williams: 

The Art of Rebounding Book: https://www.theartofrebounding.com/landing

Dare2Dream Website: https://dare2dream.xyz/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theartofrebounding/

https://www.instagram.com/leftywilliams42/

X: https://x.com/leftywilliams42/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leftywilliams42/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-art-of-rebounding/id1838779902

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this hilarious, inspiring, and game-filled conversation, G Wayne sits down with comedy powerhouse, filmmaker, and viral creator Big Jah — the man behind “The Whole Crew is Stupid,” “Just Be Funny,” “When the Homie Be Acting Too Hard,” and countless legendary sketches.

Jah opens up about his journey from South Central L.A. to dominating the internet, building a multimedia empire, and staying consistent for over a decade. He talks about film school, directing, writing, building characters, going viral, and the pressure of creating at a high level — all while staying grounded, disciplined, and funny.

This episode is a blend of comedy gems, real-life lessons, creative game, and brotherhood.

🔥 Highlights:

🎬 How Big Jah went from film school to becoming a full-fledged director, actor & writer.

• 😂 The origins of classic characters: Tiberius, Coach Kado, Mufasa, Sade, and more.
• 📈 His formula for staying consistent and dropping content every week for years.
• 🌐 How he built a massive digital fanbase without waiting for Hollywood’s permission.
• 💡 Why he says, “Don’t wait for a break — be the break.”
• 🔥 Behind-the-scenes stories of viral moments and which sketches almost didn’t get made.
• 🎞️ Making the leap from skits to feature films and long-form content.
• 🤝 The power of collaboration with creatives like Minx, Mr. Commodore, Juhahn Jones, G Wayne & more.
• 🧠 His process for writing stories that are funny and authentic to the culture.
• 💪 Balancing comedy, discipline, health, and fatherhood.
• 🎯 Why he believes “consistency beats talent when talent ain’t consistent.”

Connect with Big Jah: https://www.instagram.com/biggjah/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, super producer H Money goes even deeper into purpose, faith, pain, and the spiritual journey behind his career. He explains why pain is necessary for elevation, how to tune into your inner voice, and what it takes to become the version of yourself you were born to be.

Music producer H Money pulls back the curtain on credit stealing, ghost producing, label politics, and why the real creators often get paid last. From studio stories to survival strategies, this one is pure game for anyone trying to win in music without getting played.

H Money speaks on destiny, divine guidance, forgiveness, tuning out distractions, and the discipline required to walk in your calling. He also shares the story of how he became a partner in Vuelo Tequila, how organic relationships changed his life, and why being aligned matters more than being seen.

This episode is spiritual, grounded, real, and full of gems.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🧠 Why pain is necessary for elevation — and how to recognize when you’re being stretched.
• 🙏 The moment Harmony realized his calling wasn’t just music — it was ministry through sound.
• 🎧 How to tune into your inner voice and silence the noise of doubt, comparison, and ego.
• 💔 The healing process — apologizing, forgiving, and releasing what no longer serves you.
• 👁️ Understanding the difference between being gifted and being chosen.
• 🤝 The importance of alignment over opportunity and how real relationships open doors.
• 🔄 Letting go of survival mode and stepping into spiritual maturity.
• 🥃 How his partnership with Vuelo Tequila came together naturally — through love, culture, and respect.
• 💡 Message to creatives: Your value is internal — not dependent on applause, awards, or validation.

Connect with H Money:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonysamuels/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, G Wayne sits down with world-renowned producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist H Money, the musical architect behind records for Ariana Grande, Chris Brown, Brandy, Janet Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Wale, Rick Ross, Chip, Mary J. Blige, and countless more.

Music producer H Money pulls back the curtain on credit stealing, ghost producing, label politics, and why the real creators often get paid last. From studio stories to survival strategies, this one is pure game for anyone trying to win in music without getting played.

Harmony shares his incredible journey — from growing up in London, raised by Nigerian immigrant parents who did not want him pursuing music, to teaching himself multiple instruments by the age of 12, to eventually moving to the U.S. and building a legacy in the studio that shaped a generation of sound.

This conversation dives deep — into culture, creativity, faith, pressure, legacy, sacrifice, and what it truly means to bet on yourself when nobody else sees the vision yet.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🎹 Teaching himself drums, bass, piano, guitar — no lessons, no blueprint, just pure gift and passion.
• 🌍 Navigating Nigerian household expectations vs. creative calling.
• 🚧 Identifying “systemic ceilings” in the UK music scene and making the bold move to America.
• 💿 Producing for the biggest artists in the world — by staying authentic to his sound and spirit.
• 🧠 Why he believes struggle, not comfort, shapes greatness.
• 👑 Stories behind working with Brandy, Ariana Grande, and Janet Jackson.
• ✊🏾 Speaking on culture, racism, and global Black identity — not from theory, but lived experience.
• 💔 The pressure, loneliness, and sacrifice behind success that never gets talked about.
• ⚡ The importance of purpose, not just talent — and learning to protect your gift.

Connect with H Money:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harmonysamuels/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this powerful and thought-provoking episode, G Wayne sits down with NBA Champion, activist, and author Craig Hodges — a man who has lived at the intersection of basketball and social justice. Known for his smooth shooting stroke and fearless advocacy, Hodges opens up about his time with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and the legendary Chicago Bulls, and how speaking truth to power cost him his career — but not his voice.

NBA legend Craig Hodges joins G-Wayne to break down what the league was really like before Steph Curry, how he saved Michael Jordan in key moments, and why speaking truth cost him his career but not his purpose. A masterclass in skill, legacy, and standing on principle.

This is more than basketball talk. It’s a deep conversation about purpose, legacy, faith, and courage. Craig shares stories from his championship runs, the 1992 White House visit that changed everything, and his lifelong mission to use his platform to uplift the Black community.

From hardwood glory to political awakening, Craig Hodges proves that an “elevated game” isn’t just about winning — it’s about standing for something greater.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🏀 Winning back-to-back NBA championships with Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.
• 🎯 His legendary three-point contest performances — and why he shot in a dashiki.
• ✊🏾 Speaking out on racial injustice long before it was popular — and the backlash that followed.
• 🏛️ The White House letter to President George H. W. Bush that changed his career forever.
• 💬 Honest reflections on Jordan, Magic, Kobe, and today’s NBA stars.
• 🧠 How faith, family, and education continue to drive his purpose.
• 🗣️ His thoughts on Colin Kaepernick, athlete activism, and “losing everything but your integrity.”
• 💡 Advice for young athletes on using their voice without fear.

Connect with Craig: 

Website: https://hodgeonhoops.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/hodgeonhoops/videos

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Elevated Game, G Wayne sits down with actor and athlete Pooch Hall — best known for his roles on The Game and Ray Donovan — for a funny, real, and inspiring deep dive into his journey from Massachusetts to Hollywood.

Actor Pooch Hall sits down with G-Wayne to talk about life after The Game, navigating Hollywood without losing himself, and why staying hungry matters more than being famous. From Drake vs Kendrick debates to real-life lessons, Pooch keeps it funny, honest, and elevated.

Pooch opens up about his early grind, starting out with commercials and voiceovers before breaking through as “Derwin Davis” on The Game. He shares how rejection, persistence, and faith shaped his path — and what it felt like landing his first leading role. From behind-the-scenes stories about Tia Mowry, Lisa Bonet, and Snoop Dogg, to real-life lessons about discipline, focus, and humility, this episode is equal parts hilarious and motivating.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🏈 The real story of how Pooch landed his role as Derwin Davis on The Game — after almost losing it.
• 🎬 Early career grind — from background actor to starring alongside John Voight and Liev Schreiber.
• 🎤 His wildest Hollywood experiences, from Snoop Dogg’s Hood of Horror to Ray Donovan.
• 😂 Behind-the-scenes stories about Tia & Tamera Mowry and those unforgettable “on-screen romance” moments.
• 💪 How boxing taught him focus, discipline, and control in both acting and life.
• 🧠 Why listening is the most underrated skill in Hollywood.
• 🙏 Staying grounded, sober, and centered through fame, family, and fatherhood.
• 🏀 Basketball rivalries, LA Fitness trash talk, and who really wins on the court.
• 💬 His advice for young actors: “Be humble. Be a student. And always, always listen.”

Connect with Pooch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iampoochhall/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialPoochHall?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@iampoochhall

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this laugh-out-loud yet deeply inspiring episode, G Wayne sits down with comedy legend Alex Thomas, whose 30-year career has taken him from Soul Train dancer to Hollywood star, writer, and producer. Known for his sharp wit, adaptability, and staying power, Alex keeps it real about navigating fame, staying grounded, and finding success both in front of and behind the camera.

From working with The Wayans Family, Jamie Foxx, and Will Smith, to hosting the Up in Smoke Tour with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem, Alex’s journey proves that talent, discipline, and faith can take you anywhere. The two dive into hilarious Hollywood stories, real-life lessons about longevity, and why “the funny don’t stop.”

🔥 Highlights:

• 🎤 From Soul Train dancer to In Living Color and Don’t Be a Menace – how Alex went from the hood to Hollywood.
• 💪 30 years in comedy and counting — what it takes to stay relevant and respected.
• 😂 His legendary encounters with Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Bill Cosby.
• 💼 Transitioning from stand-up to producing, writing, and creating his own lane.
• 👔 Why he turned down certain roles and stayed true to himself.
• 🏌️‍♂️ The “IngleWoods” origin story — how golfing on tour led to working with Bill Cosby.
• 💰 His views on social media flex culture and financial independence.
• 📚 His best-selling illustrated book “The Funny Don’t Stop” and Netflix series Motown Magic.
• 🧠 Why he says “be funny to everyone, not just your own people.”
• 💬 On the business of comedy, staying humble, and respecting those who opened doors.

Connect with Alex:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/funnymanalexthomas

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Elevated Game, G Wayne sits down with NBA Champion Trevor Ariza for a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation about basketball, growth, and life beyond the game. From his early days as a lanky, “Bambi-legged” teenager to becoming a lockdown defender and 2009 NBA Champion with Kobe Bryant, Trevor opens up about what it takes to last 18 seasons in the league.

The two dive into Kobe stories, trade realities, the mental side of basketball, and the lessons Trevor learned from being on some of the league’s most competitive teams — the Lakers, Rockets, and Wizards. It’s a mix of laughs, deep moments, and a few heated domino games that prove the competitor in Trevor never retired.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🏀 Trevor recalls meeting Kobe Bryant as a teen — and getting his personal number before ever joining the Lakers.
• 💭 How his late brother inspired his drive and shaped his work ethic.
• 🏆 Reflections on the 2009 championship run with Kobe and the Lakers.
• 💼 Life after the league — business moves, family, and building a legacy.
• 🔄 The truth about NBA trades, team loyalty, and learning to adapt.
• 💪 On guarding the best players in the world — including Carmelo Anthony, LeBron, and Jokic.
• 🧠 Why he says Jordan “doesn’t count” when comparing the GOATs.
• 🧒 On fatherhood, raising three sons and a daughter, and building a “family business.”
• 🁬 The intense domino rivalry that nearly derailed the interview.

Connect with Trevor: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_trevorariza/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

G Wayne sits down with Hollywood veteran Robert Ri’chard — the actor you grew up watching in Cousin Skeeter, One on One, Coach Carter, and countless classics. Known for his energy, work ethic, and iconic roles, Robert opens up about his journey from growing up in South Central L.A. to becoming one of the most versatile actors in the game.

The two chop it up about life in the 90s, the real L.A. streets, the grind behind success, and how a young athlete turned a random encounter at an acting studio into a lifelong career. From Nickelodeon fame to working with Samuel L. Jackson, Robert shares stories you won’t find anywhere else — including the truth behind Coach Carter, his history with Megan Good, and how he keeps his drive at an all-time high.

Of course, this episode also brings laughs, friendly jabs, and wild stories about fitness, fasting, and 1,500 crunches a day.

🔥 Highlights:

• 💪 Growing up in Crenshaw and finding purpose through acting
• 🎭 How Wendy Raquel Robinson helped him step into performing
• 🏀 Inside stories from Coach Carter — and how he almost didn’t get the role
• 🎬 What it was really like working with Samuel L. Jackson
• ⭐ Behind-the-scenes with Megan Good, Marcus Paulk, and other ’90s icons
• 🧠 His fitness discipline — 1,500 crunches a day and fasting like a fighter
• 🔥 New roles in Dope Unit and Vicious Affair
• 🗣️ Real talk about faith, masculinity, and the balance between grind and gratitude

Connect with Robert: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therobertrichard/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this hilarious and heartfelt episode, G Wayne chops it up with actor Marcus Henderson, known for standout performances in Get Out, Snowfall, and Django Unchained. The two friends reminisce about old-school hoops, trash talk over dominoes, and how one game may have “ruined” their friendship — all while diving deep into Marcus’s acting journey and creative process.

Marcus opens up about his early love for performing, his college experience at Alabama State University, and how he found his calling in acting. From his breakout role in Django to working with legends like John Singleton and Quentin Tarantino, Marcus shares behind-the-scenes stories, career lessons, and the importance of perseverance in Hollywood.

The conversation blends comedy, humility, and wisdom — proof that success doesn’t come overnight, but from grinding, learning, and staying true to your craft.

🔥 Highlights:

• 🎭 How Marcus found his passion for acting through the performing arts and college mentorship.
• 🎬 Behind-the-scenes stories from Get Out, Django Unchained, and Snowfall.
• 🎥 What it’s like working with directors like Jordan Peele, Quentin Tarantino, and John Singleton.
• 💡 The reality of Hollywood auditions — and how long it really takes to land a role.
• 🤣 G Wayne and Marcus roast each other over dominoes, “slave talk,” and sold dogs.
• 💪 Marcus on producing and co-starring in his latest project, Black Silk, and taking creative control.
• 🏠 Upgrading from the apartment days to watching fireworks from his deck — and how success changes perspective.
• ❤️ The episode ends with brotherly love, forgiveness, and a toast to new beginnings.

Connect with Marcus:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marcushenderson314/

Connect with G Wayne:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elevate_w_gwayne

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@elevatedgamepodcast

Executive Produced by Harold Lefty Williams, Alex Parker, Kori Davis, and Eugene Parker

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.