Spencer and Jelani are back after the holiday break, and they're not buying into the "new year, new you" pressure. This episode digs into stamina over motivation, building systems that prevent creative burnout, and the intentional work of making memories with their kids. From Big Bear ski trips and lost Pokemon cards to teaching children how to solve problems independently, they explore what it means to raise resilient, self-sufficient humans. Plus: Indiana football's magical run to the championship, the genius of Coach Curt Cignetti's "professional college players" strategy, and why we need a 24/7 Michael Irvin reaction cam. If you're trying to build something that lasts beyond January's hype, this one's for you.

🔍 Topics Covered

• Stamina vs. motivation: sustaining enthusiasm beyond the New Year's spark
• Systems and environment design to prevent burnout and stay on track
• Nostalgia as emotional architecture (Pokemon, Big Bear, Twitter vs. Threads)
• Teaching kids independence, problem-solving, and how to find things themselves
• Parenting through altercations: boundaries, consequences, and when to front snap kick
• Indiana's Cinderella story and Curt Cignetti's transfer portal mastery
• The "professional college player" model: recruiting older, experienced athletes
• Fourth-down decision culture in football and the role of data vs. intuition
• Legacy letter to Asé on his 5th birthday: stay connected to your God voice

🗣️ Highlight Quotes

• "I don't need new motivation. I need the stamina to sustain the enthusiasm I already have."
• "We're creating a dependent generation. They need to learn how to figure shit out."
• "Cignetti didn't recruit five-stars at 17. He recruited three-stars at 23—professional college players."
• "Asé New Year's resolution? 'To be thankful.' The whole room went 'awwww'."
• "Michael Irvin needs a live reaction cam. I'd pay $2.99 for that all day."

Where to Find Us

Instagram: @highervalleyspodcast

TikTok: @highervalleys

Send us a text