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AKACHI OKUGO is a Sacramento treasure in my eyes. This 27-year old is a true entrepreneur. Up top is his work in basketball as the Player Development Coach of the Sacramento Kings and Assistant Coach of the Stockton Kings. He also trains hundreds of basketball players in the 2 The Hoop Training Program led by Gus Armstead. And that just scratches the surface. Okugo is also a recording artist (just dropped his second album "Never Regular" earlier this year), owns an apparel line called "Made in Sac,"  hosts a podcast with older brother Amobi ("Pass the Remote"), and just produced a documentary called "So What's Next."

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard sits back and enjoys what Okugo brings to the table. "Akachi inspires me as an entrepreneur. He represents how I believe individuals need to think in the next generation. What stands out is that he is passionate about EVERY project he is involved with as an entrepreneur. I LOVE THAT!"  Our conversation hits FOUR areas: 

• FIRST QUARTER  🏀 gives us the Akachi Breakdown. Okugo tells us about his family, his basketball career as a player, and his introduction to the Sacramento Kings.
• SECOND QUARTER  🏀 starts with Okugo's association with 2 The Hoop Training with Gus Armstead. We talk about his friendship with Arik Armstead (SF 49ers) and his brother Amobi (MLS 12 Years). This quarter then moves into all talk revolving around the Sacramento Kings. Great insight from Akachi.
• THIRD QUARTER  🏀 explores the other adventures of Akachi. Recording Artist 🎶. Made In Sac Apparel Company 👕. Pass the Remote  Podcast 🎙. JustWatchIt.TV 📺. We finish out with thoughts on social media and branding.
• FOURTH QUARTER 🏀 is more experiences as relayed by Ukogo. Helping coach the Nigerian National team 🇳🇬. A visit to India 🇮🇳. And a unique experience with Bogdan Bogdanovic in Belgrade 🇷🇸. We finish out with a potpourri of topics. Fun way to end a great conversation.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. Akachi's definition of ENTREPRENEUR | 1. Being able to enjoy your passions. 2. You have to be hands-on and working with the team to establish your vision. 3. It's not for everybody.
▪️2. Getting to ask NBA basketball questions that I wouldn't normally get to ask. Myths in my head finally get answers.
▪️3. Akachi's upbringing. Work Hard. School first. Treat others the way you want to be treated. It's a common thread in the Okugo family. Akachi was raised right which I believe is instrumental in his success at a young age.

Our Connection |  I have known Akachi since he was EIGHT (8) years old and a student at St. Ignatius School in Sacramento. My favorite memories of Akachi were watching him on the basketball court as a point guard at SI and Jesuit High School. As I told him, Akachi is the teammate you loved to have. But as an opponent, he was annoying because he would tax you both physically and mentally.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Website | AkachiOkugo.Com
☑️ INSTAGRAM | @JustWatchKach
☑️ Podcast | "Pass the Remote" on Apple Podcasts | Click Here
☑️ INSTAGRAM | @MadeInSacApparel
☑️ YouTube | "So What's Next" Documentary | Click Here

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

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CHRIS MEYER definitely embraced the Pivot during the Covid Pandemic. In less than two years, the Funeral Home Owner self-published three books. Think about that for a second. Are you thinking what I am thinking? THAT'S IMPRESSIVE. Even more impressive was how different the three books are. His latest book is set for release in September. "FOUR MONTHS ... AND A LIFETIME" depicts a journey of basketball as a kid and a coach of his son's middle school team.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard turns Meyer loose on all subjects. "What an honor and a gift to be able to write books that will serve as your legacy.  Chris did that. His gift of description and writing style is off the charts. Friendship aside, Chris has an amazing talent!"  Our conversation hits FOUR areas: 

• FIRST QUARTER (up by 14 pts) 🏀 begins with Chris's love for the game of basketball as depicted in his latest work. Meyer gives us the skeleton of FOUR MONTHS ... AND A LIFETIME sharing stories from his childhood, coupled with his journey as his middle son's basketball coach. We discussed recognizing our kids as individuals. And Meyer finishes off with his Flip of the Switch moment when his oldest son Hudson was born.
• SECOND QUARTER (up by 7 pts) 🏀 describes more moments, including coaching basketball in the modern-day as well as the challenges of managing a team with a load of talent. We discuss coaching styles and Meyer goes in-depth about his son Brock. We shift gears and get into Meyer's journey to Sacramento starting with his college stop in Purdue that led to becoming a lawyer to spending 11 years in Los Angeles as a struggling screenwriter. Final arrival was Sacramento as a Funeral Home Director.
• THIRD QUARTER (down by 1 pt) 🏀 focused on Meyer's first two books and the stories surrounding his 2019 and 2020 releases. Chris finished the third segment by talking about his writing style.
• FOURTH QUARTER (WON by 8 pts) 🏀 is a potpourri of questions discussing Meyer's current entrepreneurial endeavors,  another book on its way in 2022, giving kids moments, being and defining entrepreneurship. And Chris flips the script on me with a question on making the decision to retire. This great conversation finishes off with RAPID FIRE 💥

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. FOUR MONTHS ... AND A LIFETIME was obviously personal. Heck, I am mentioned several times in the book. It was about the school I taught at for 26 years. That is bucket list material. I enjoyed every part of it.
▪️2. Friendship aside, Chris Meyer is a great author. His style is unique. I encourage you to read for yourself.
▪️3. Who writes three books and publishes them all in less than two years. I am still trying to wrap my mind around that.

Our Connection |  Chris and I are very good friends. It's a unique friendship. I think in large part it is because we have a lot of parallels in our lives. I have known Chris and his family through St. Michael's and my Buzzardball Youth Basketball program for the past 14 years.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Website | ChrisMeyerAuthor.Com
☑️ INSTAGRAM | @chrismeyerauthor
☑️ Books Available on Amazon | Click Here

📕 2019 | LIFE IN 20 LESSONS - What a Funeral Guy Discovered about Life, from Death
📗 2020 | THE 'WOOD
📘 2021 |  FOUR MONTHS ... and a Lifetime

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

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IAN MCVICAR is a pretty amazing young man! At age 14, he seems wise beyond his years. This Sacramento teenager endured the Covid Pandemic like all of us and what he got out of it will blow your mind. With time on his hands, Ian created a business called "Ian6FX." His business? Making masks. Inspired by his grandparents (who loved Halloween) and later by the band Slipknot, Ian has worked hard to master a unique craft that has helped him create just over 40 masks since last October.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard sits back and enjoys the knowledge dropped on him by a 14-year old. "I was mesmerized by his knowledge behind mask making. At 14, people in the community know who he is. And then he fires off at the end of the conversation that his first love is being a guitar player. The mind of a 14-year old ... I LOVE IT!.  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 starts off with Ian's dive into his mask-making adventure. McVicar discusses the "Slipknot" factor. He gives us a little background on masks, heavy metal music as an outlet, and making mask-making into a business called Ian6FX.
• Segment TWO 💥 is all about the mask-making process. McVicar gives great detail and shares with us how he learned the craft. He reveals what he feels is his biggest accomplishment in the mask-making community. And finishes out with time, money, and if he has ever been noticed by Slipknot themselves.
• Segment THREE 💥 shifts the focus to Ian's preparation for high school. And then the 14-year old shares his thoughts about Covid and some of his biggest takeaways from the Pandemic. Different questions were certainly asked for today's segment of Rapid Fire 💥.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. I walked away from this conversation feeling like I learned so much. Even the finest details like the coveted '83 and '86 half masks that Ian spoke about in our conversation.
▪️2. The kid is 14. I can't say it enough. It was impressive to have him talk about mask-making and life in the Covid world. It resonated with me that we all need to have more of these deep conversations with each other. The things we would learn would give us such a better perspective about each other. It was inspiring.
▪️3. Truly felt like Ian was me as a 14-year old. Not the mask-making part. But certainly his love for heavy metal music. I reminded me of the days sitting in my room listening to Van Halen on full blast with all my posters on the wall. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

Our Connection |  The McVicar family has two of their daughters who attend the school I taught at for 26 years ... St. Michael's. As a youngster, Ian attended a few of the Buzzardball Birthday Parties I hosted in the area.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ ETSY Page | Ian6FX | Click Here
☑️ INSTAGRAM | @Ian_6fx 
☑️ AJ Good (mentioned in the podcast) "The Official House of Masks" | Click Here

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

I wish more kids in high school were like MITCHELL YOUKER. The Senior from Christian Brothers High School combined his fascination for seeing the country and government to come up with the idea called LISTENING ACROSS AMERICA. Mitchell's goal was to make this a listening tour. So, the 16-year old jumped in a car and traveled through 25 states, logging interviews and traveling close to 7000 miles. He did portions of the trip with members of his family. Overall, I couldn't think of a better project.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard catches up with Mitchell while on a pit stop in Flagstaff, Arizona. "Knowing Mitchell since he was a young kid, I couldn't help but smile as he was talking about this unique experience. It gave me hope for the next generation."  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 dives into the origin of the LISTENING ACROSS AMERICA idea. Mitchell discusses the planning stages, traveling with different family members, the route, and how he is feeling as he is nearing the end of his month-long journey.
• Segment TWO 💥 gives us everything about Mitchell's experience. We get a look at the Talking Stories he accumulated over the course of his 7000-mile journey. We discuss education as well as what Mitchell was able to gather from all the people he spoke with in different parts of the country.
• Segment THREE 💥 gives us Mitchell's biggest takeaways from LISTENING ACROSS AMERICA. We then discuss Covid through the eyes of a teenager. We finish up with RAPID FIRE 💥

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...

▪️1. I was impressed by Mitchell's takeaways from LISTENING ACROSS AMERICA. It truly gave me hope for the next generation.
▪️2. I enjoyed Mitchell's take on education and his educational experience while having to be online for his entire Junior Year.
▪️3. Interesting to me how Mitchell's interview really ties into Episode 50's conversation with David Richards, who spoke extensively about what education should look like moving into the future. 

Our Connection |  I was Mitchell's P.E. teacher while he was a student at St. Michael's Episcopal Day School from Kindergarten through 5th Grade. Pretty cool to see him growing up and sharing this amazing experience with all of us.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Instagram | ListeningAcrossAmerica
☑️ Facebook | Listening Across America - this page has more detail

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

DAVID RICHARDS, like many of us,  found out a lot about himself as a result of the pandemic. David's story is pretty amazing. Due to the pandemic, David made a shift from running a school to starting a podcast and just recently launching his own website. He is an educator. He is a coach. He is a calming force. He leads a Men's Group that I am a part of with other men around the country. The goal. Moving toward being your "Authentic Self."

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard gets candid with David about the pandemic, the podcast, his website, and education. "David started 10 schools in 10 years. That information alone lets you know that he has a good idea of what he is doing. He definitely is an entrepreneur that has found many ways to help others and along the way, discover more about himself.  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 begins with our connection through Buzzardball and a men's group that originated during the pandemic.  David describes the origin of the Men's Group and shares his background in education. 
• Segment TWO 💥 focuses on the origin of David's Podcast "A Conscious Way Forward." Richards discusses how the pandemic played a role and the power of the Facebook Group he created that really helped launch everything. He describes the great conversations and topics he has covered and finishes by addressing how we come out of dealing with a pandemic and the chaos of this world.
• Segment THREE 💥 highlights David's work in education. His early days in the Bay Area starting schools and teaching in Oakland, California. We discuss Growth Public Schools and the Montessori model for education. A lot of great insight in this segment. And, as usual, we finish out with Rapid Fire.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. His overall story where he discussed tapping into dealing with his childhood trauma coupled with having Bells Palsy. He recognized it and dealt with it head on.
▪️2. His view on education is fascinating. When you hear him talk about the system that has been in place for so many years, you realize that there has to be a better way and David offers that solution.
▪️3. His message of WE ALL WANT TO BE SEEN AND HEARD. Simple. To the point. And so true.

Our Connection |  Dave and I met a few years ago when he was a coach in my Buzzardball Youth Basketball Program. Due to our connection, he reached out to me during the pandemic to join a men's group that I have been a part of for the past nine months.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Website | DavidKRichards.Com | Click Here
☑️ Podcast | A Conscious Way Forward | Click Here
☑️ Growth Public Schools Website  | GrowthPS.org
☑️ What is Montessori Education | Click Here 

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

GRANT NAPEAR was the Voice of the Sacramento Kings for 32 Years and a top-rated radio show host for 26 years. Then one tweet. “ALL LIVES MATTER…EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!” This was part of a response to former Kings Player DeMarcus Cousins who asked Grant directly "What's your take on BLM?" Napear stands by his tweet, but recognizes the timing of the tweet not being good. Cancel Culture reared its ugly head and now instead of getting ready for another season of Kings Basketball and preparing to go on the air at Sports 1140 KHTK, Napear is now in Miami, Florida.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard catches up with Grant "This was surreal for me. For years we worked alongside each other for three different entities (1240 KSAC, Sports 1140 KHTK, Sacramento Kings), but for the first time ever we got to have this amazing conversation. It was an honor."  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 begins with our connection at Channel 31. Grant discusses the power of internships. We find out how Grant landed the Kings announcing job. Napear talks about his start in Sacramento radio at 1240 KSAC and his jump over to Sports 1140 KHTK. And lastly we discuss the fact that Napear was the only person known to be a Play-By-Play Announcer and have his own radio talk show. A rarity.
• Segment TWO 💥 is the most powerful segment I have done thus far. Grant talks about his current status. He talks about a guy named Roberto. And then Grant goes in detail about Cancel Culture, his situation,  and his take on guys like DeMarcus Cousins, Matt Barnes, and Chris Webber. 
• Segment THREE 💥 hits three topics. Travel. His allegiance to the New York Giants and New York teams. The Golden Years of the Sacramento Kings. I also ask the question, "What is next for Grant Napear?" Oh yeah. And I had to ask about the one time  I thought he was going to take a job with ESPN. Grant has a final message for those of you in Sacramento.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. Undoubtedly, LISTEN to Segment TWO (2). The whole segment is one of my favorites as Grant speaks directly to Cancel Culture and his incident with DeMarcus Cousins regarding his tweet on Twitter.
▪️2. I knew that Grant had a fascination with travel, but had no idea how much he loved travel and his desire to be a pilot.
▪️3. This was simply nostalgic for me because my broadcasting career started with Grant. And here we were 30+ years later having a man-to-man conversation on a podcast. SURREAL!

Our Connection |  In 1992, my first TV internship was with Grant Napear when he was the Sports Anchor at Channel 31. We have worked alongside each other at Sports 1240 KSAC, Sports 1140 KHTK, and with the Sacramento Kings.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Website | The Grant Napear Show | Click Here
☑️ Podcast | The Grant Napear Show | Click Here
☑️ YouTube Channel | If You Don't Like That with Grant Napear | Click Here

Referenced by Napear in the Podcast:

☑️ NY Post | "Adam Silver's take on ESPN Drama reveals NBA's Double Standard" by Phil Mushnick | Click Here
☑️ YouTube | Chris Webber Responds to Grant Napear | Click Here

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

GERRY LANE + JILL BENNETT are the directors of the Parochial Athletic League. The PAL is under the direction of the Diocese of Sacramento and is a sports league that offers eight different sports throughout the school year to up to 30 Diocesan schools in the greater Sacramento area and beyond. This labor of love has been a part of Lane's life for 35 years and Bennett's for 24 years. They are truly a dynamic duo because this job is not an easy one.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard gets a full and unique look at the PAL from the inside."I have been a part of the PAL both as a player (while at St. John Vianney), a coach, and athletic director (while at St. Michael's)" "I have always been a HUGE fan of the PAL and the job that Gerry + Jill to do to run the program and have been looking forward to this conversation." Today's discussion hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 starts with the question, "What is the Parochial Athletic League?" Jill and Gerry share their backgrounds and give us a look at the PAL then and now. We finish out with a story where Gerry and I were coaching against each other in the 2010 PAL Basketball Championship (St. Ignatius vs. St. Michael's). 
• Segment TWO 💥 highlights the course of the PAL during Covid. We discuss hard decisions that had to be made and takeaways from the pandemic. Gerry and Jill discuss the PLAY LIKE A CHAMPION program that was introduced to the PAL a few years ago. We get an inside look of what a daily schedule looks like for the two directors. 
• Segment THREE 💥 begins with a discussion on the implementation of the ALL-PLAY RULE in the PAL. We discuss the importance of officiating as well as the challenges behind putting together schedules. We finish with what is ahead for the PAL as schools return full time this fall and of course ... end everything with Rapid Fire.💥

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. Our discussion about the importance of officials in youth sports.
▪️2. "Everybody's ready. Everybody is excited," - Jill Bennett when describing the thoughts going into upcoming school year.
▪️3. By conversation's end, it was confirmed why I feel so strongly about why the PAL is a great community league for those families and kids who get to participate in it.

Our Connection |  I have known Gerry + Jill since being a coach while at St. Michael's. Our relationship strengthened when I became Athletic Director and served on the PAL Commission during my six years as A.D.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Boys PAL Website - run by Gerry Lane | Click Here
☑️ Girls PAL Website - run by Jill Bennett | Click Here

Sports Offered by the PAL in Sacramento (Boys + Girls in Grades 5-8)
FALL | Girls Volleyball, Boys Flag Football, Cross Country
WINTER | Basketball (Also Little Dribblers for Boys + Girls in Grades 1-4)
SPRING | Boys Volleyball, Girls Flag Football, Track + Field, Golf

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

BARNEY CARGILE did what many people have done in their lifetime. He went on a sea cruise. The only difference with this excursion on Princess Cruises is that Barney and his family were at sea when the Covid scare first emerged back in the spring of 2020. Cargile and his family were quarantined on the ship. They were then quarantined at Travis Air Force Base before eventually returning home. What Barney did as a result of all this? He wrote a book! Smart idea.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard enjoys the story of Barney Cargile"I can't imagine what that experience must have been like. We all went through those first few weeks (or months) of being in our homes together. But I have to imagine it was a different experience on a ship at sea. I applaud Barney's approach!"  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 begins with our connection and a little insight to Santa Rosa (97 miles west of Sacramento). And then we get into it. The whole sea cruise experience including what it was like in the beginning, during, and after the experience. Cargile makes sure to give some love to Princess Cruises for the job they did not knowing how to handle something nobody knew much about.
• Segment TWO 💥 focuses in on the books written by Cargile. "Thriving in Quarantine" and a second book that followed called "Thriving in Troubled Times." Cargile discusses the hit churches took during covid (Cargile is a PASTOR of a church) and the questions surrounding Covid.
• Segment THREE 💥 talks about the retail business he and his wife have ran for the past 26 years. He shares a "God Moment" story and then finishes up with his takeaways from the pandemic. And as always, Rapid Fire takes us to the end of a fun interview.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. Barney's attitude. You could tell that even though he shared his moment about grumbling to God about "why me," he was able to channel the experience into unlocking his passion for writing.
▪️2. His MIRACLE story about the BIG purchase at the store when things didn't look so good. An angel came through.
▪️3. #1 Best Seller on Amazon. Not a lot of people can say that. Pretty cool.

Our Connection |  Barney was introduced to me through my brother-in-law Jim Swaney. I appreciate the suggestions and once I read the notes on Barney I knew that I had to have him on as a guest. Mission accomplished.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ BarneyCargile.Com | Click Here
☑️ Buy His Book "Thriving in Quarantine" - Only $9.99 in Paperback | Click Here 🛳
☑️ Buy His Book "Thriving in Troubled Times" - Only $10.99 in Paperback | Click Here 

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

IAIN FRASER has had an amazing SOCCER ⚽️ journey! The Scottish-born Fraser was a top player of the Sacramento Knights of the Continental Indoor Soccer League. He won Defender of the Year and Coach of the Year on two occasions and was a part of the 1999 Championship team. Before his arrival, Fraser spent many years in the indoor soccer arena. And along with that, he played in the MLS as a member of the New England Revolution. At age 30, he got the opportunity to play for the Canadian National Team. And the stories he has to tell ... BUCKLE YOUR SEATBELT!

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard catches up with Fraser"You knew what you were getting with Iain. He was a tremendous player, a tremendous leader and didn't hold anything back. That rubbed some people the wrong way. But what I liked about Iain is he was a pretty simple guy when it came to expectations. If you didn't step up, Iain was not afraid to let you know."  Our conversation hits FOUR areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 starts us off with a little Sacramento Knights history. Fraser tells us exactly what happened when he was drafted fifth overall by the New England Revolution with the 5th overall pick and why he has a lawsuit named after him. We discuss our first meeting together when Iain became coach of the Sacramento Knights and I was the play-by-play announcer.
• Segment TWO 💥 is dedicated to Fraser's experience with the Canadian National Team. Not exactly the road he had in mind, but truly a great story that he shares with us. Fraser talks about what he learned from the National Team experience.
• Segment THREE 💥 is all about the Sacramento Knights. The story behind the Championship win in 1999. What happened after winning the title. The Golden Years of the CISL. A trip to play in the "Matchbox" in Monterrey, Mexico. 
• Segment FOUR 💥 gets into where Fraser is today. Although he has been doing it for well over 30 years,  Fraser discusses coaching youth soccer, notably his family (Brandon, Dylan, and Isabella). We finish off with Iain's hockey career which involves a pivotal point in his life. And of course ... Rapid Fire 💥 to finish the great conversation. 

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. CONFLICT.  Iain mentions the word a lot. After talking to him, it seems to me that he is often understood. I speak about the intimidation I felt when I first met him only to realize that he always has the best interest of others in mind.
▪️2. That pivotal point when Fraser was 16 years old. In a short span, his hockey journey shifted because of a bad coach. And then shortly thereafter, he was released from the Canadian National Soccer team. Fraser speaks to both experiences and the impact they had on him.
▪️3. Where he is now. It's cool to have a soccer mind right here in Sacramento helping shape the youth of America. He simply wants to teach the game to be played the right way.

Our Connection |  Iain and I met when he was a member of the Sacramento Knights and I was the Play-By-Play Announcer on 1240 KSAC and Sports 1140 KHTK. He came as a defender on the team, but later became a player-coach and I will never forget our first meeting which I discuss in the podcast.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Wikipedia Page | Check Out His Career ⚽️

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts| YouTube Channel

Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

Instagram | @buzzardballexperience | @buzzardballhoops
Website | buzzardball.com

Send us Fan Mail

J.T. Brooksby is ranked #149 in the world on the ATP Tour (Association of Tennis Professionals). And check this out. He is from Sacramento and he is just 20 years old. He just recently played at the French Open. He stands 6'4 and is ready to take his career to another level. I know that you are going to be very impressed with J.T. the individual. This conversation was a lot of fun and a great way to come off a vacation to kick off the summer of 2021.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard talks shop with Derik"The J.T. today was the same kid I remember from his days of rocking his headband at Buzzardball Basketball Camp when he attended 1st-4th Grade. What impressed me the most is his maturity that is well beyond his years."  Our conversation hits THREE areas: 

•  Segment ONE 💥 kicks off with J.T. explaining his journey as a tennis player. He discusses playing at the U.S. Open (in 2018 + 2019) and the French Open (2021). Brooksby lets us into his daily schedule and speaks about playing multiple sports as a kid.
• Segment TWO 💥 is a fire squad of TENNIS questions I have always wanted to ask a professional player. J.T. talks about picking up the racket for the first time (at FOUR years old), the switch to becoming serious about the sport, homeschooling, and burnout. J.T. talks about his 'will to win' mentality, his parent's support, and his best moment as a tennis player thusfar.
• Segment THREE 💥 gets into Brooksby's future as a professional on the ATP Tour. He shares with us the financial aspects of being a pro that includes having an agent and sponsorships. We finish off with Rapid Fire and some final Tennis questions that includes his thoughts on the Big Three (Federer, Nadal, + Djokovic).

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS  ...
▪️1. Overall, I was just in awe of J.T.'s maturity for a 20-year old. I can't imagine trying to be a professional in any sport at that age. You can easily tell that he is committed to his sport.
▪️2. Just talking tennis with a professional player was pretty exciting. J.T. was great and was able to answer all the questions that I brought his way.
▪️3. I just feel it ... J.T. is going to be a star in this sport. You can tell by talking to him that he has the vision to do BIG THINGS on the ATP Tour. Look forward to supporting him throughout his journey.

Our Connection |  J.T. attended Buzzardball Basketball camp during the late 2000's when he was a young kid. He stood out for two reasons. He had a fiery and competitive spirit. And he always rocked the headband! Check out the profile photo

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Jenson (J.T.) Brooksby Profile on the ATP Tour | Click Here 🎾
☑️ Video Clip on J.T. qualifying for the U.S. Open | Click Here 🎾

Experience the Buzz can be found on all podcast platforms
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Steve Buzzard also hosts the following:
NEW! | Let's Talk Weddings Podcast
First Look on YouTube | Song Reaction Videos

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Website | buzzardball.com