🎙️ Podcast Guest Bio – Kenny Barer

Kenny Barer is a former professional basketball player, coach, and lifelong friend of host Brian Butler. Born in New York City and raised in Roslyn, Long Island, Kenny played college basketball at George Washington University before taking his talents to France, where he enjoyed a five-year pro career. After hanging up his jersey, Kenny dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring athletes at the high school and collegiate level, including stops at Bunnell High School, Wright State, LIU Brooklyn, and UMass Lowell.

Today, he’s the Associate Director and part-owner of Mohawk Day Camp in White Plains, New York, where he brings his signature energy, positivity, and leadership to kids and families every summer.

A proud husband to Aryn and father of three, Kenny is fluent in French, a devoted fan of Chinese food and golf, and has an undeniable love for the color orange. Whether he's still getting buckets on the court (just don’t ask him to defend), coaching the next generation, or lighting up the room with his enthusiasm, Kenny is a true original—and a friend for life.

📄 Show Notes – Episode Title:

"From Hoops in France to Coaching and Camp Life: Kenny Barer's Journey" (Bonus subtitle: “I Can’t Believe I’m 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement!”)

On today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who’s been like a brother to me for over 40 years—Kenny Barer, my former teammate at George Washington University and one of the most upbeat, passionate people I know.

We dive into Kenny’s inspiring journey from the hardwood to the sidelines and beyond, reflecting on his professional basketball career in France, his impactful years as a coach, and his current role running one of the most beloved day camps in New York.

🗣️ In this episode:

• Growing up in Long Island and discovering a love for the game
• Life overseas as a professional basketball player
• What coaching taught him—and what his players taught him
• Why camp life is his current passion
• Staying active (and still shooting!) at nearly 60
• French fluency, Chinese food cravings, golf obsession, and… the color orange
• Reflections on friendship, family, and keeping the joy alive at any age

🎯 Whether you’re a coach, athlete, educator, or someone reflecting on life’s transitions, Kenny’s story is a reminder that passion and positivity are lifelong superpowers.

🎙️ Podcast Guest Bio – Kenny Barer

Kenny Barer is a former professional basketball player, coach, and lifelong friend of host Brian Butler. Born in New York City and raised in Roslyn, Long Island, Kenny played college basketball at George Washington University before taking his talents to France, where he enjoyed a five-year pro career. After hanging up his jersey, Kenny dedicated himself to coaching, mentoring athletes at the high school and collegiate level, including stops at Bunnell High School, Wright State, LIU Brooklyn, and UMass Lowell.

Today, he’s the Associate Director and part-owner of Mohawk Day Camp in White Plains, New York, where he brings his signature energy, positivity, and leadership to kids and families every summer.

A proud husband to Aryn and father of three, Kenny is fluent in French, a devoted fan of Chinese food and golf, and has an undeniable love for the color orange. Whether he's still getting buckets on the court (just don’t ask him to defend), coaching the next generation, or lighting up the room with his enthusiasm, Kenny is a true original—and a friend for life.

📄 Show Notes – Episode Title:

"From Hoops in France to Coaching and Camp Life: Kenny Barer's Journey" (Bonus subtitle: “I Can’t Believe I’m 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement!”)

On today’s episode, I’m joined by someone who’s been like a brother to me for over 40 years—Kenny Barer, my former teammate at George Washington University and one of the most upbeat, passionate people I know.

We dive into Kenny’s inspiring journey from the hardwood to the sidelines and beyond, reflecting on his professional basketball career in France, his impactful years as a coach, and his current role running one of the most beloved day camps in New York.

🗣️ In this episode:

• Growing up in Long Island and discovering a love for the game
• Life overseas as a professional basketball player
• What coaching taught him—and what his players taught him
• Why camp life is his current passion
• Staying active (and still shooting!) at nearly 60
• French fluency, Chinese food cravings, golf obsession, and… the color orange
• Reflections on friendship, family, and keeping the joy alive at any age

🎯 Whether you’re a coach, athlete, educator, or someone reflecting on life’s transitions, Kenny’s story is a reminder that passion and positivity are lifelong superpowers.

On today's episode (part 2 of 2) of I Can’t Believe I’m 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement! I'm joined by someone who has been a friend for over 40 years—my former George Washington University teammate and co-captain during our senior year, Dr. Steve Frick. Steve has had an incredible career as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, educator, and researcher, dedicating 27 years to helping children. He completed his orthopedic residency at MUSC Charlotte and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics in San Diego.

Beyond his career, Steve has been married for 38 years, has two kids, Rachel and Eric, who are married and is a proud grandfather to three granddaughters. While basketball was his world from ages 14 to 22, these days, he enjoys helping children, reading, playing golf, and fishing."**

Biography:

Dr. Steve Frick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery. His clinical focus includes foot and ankle disorders, fractures and injuries, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), skeletal dysplasia, and neurofibromatosis. He is a professor and associate dean at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte campus and has been named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine multiple times.

A past president of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Dr. Frick has also received the Teacher of the Year award from both Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Stanford University. His research interests include pediatric trauma, congenital clubfoot, and leadership development in medicine. He has edited two textbooks on pediatric orthopedic trauma.

Dr. Frick received his bachelor’s degree in zoology at The George Washington University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his orthopedic residency at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Diego.

When he's not helping children or teaching the next generation of surgeons, Steve enjoys walking and training their Hungarian vizsla dog, hiking, cycling, playing golf, fishing, and reading nonfiction.

Listen to the episode here:

• RSS.com
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

On today's episode of I Can’t Believe I’m 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement! I'm joined by someone who has been a friend for over 40 years—my former George Washington University teammate and co-captain during our senior year, Dr. Steve Frick. Steve has had an incredible career as a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, educator, and researcher, dedicating 27 years to helping children. He completed his orthopedic residency at MUSC Charlotte and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedics in San Diego.

Beyond his career, Steve has been married for 38 years, has two kids, Rachel and Eric, who are both married, and is a proud grandfather to three granddaughters. While basketball was his world from ages 14 to 22, these days, he enjoys helping children, reading, playing golf, and fishing."**

Biography:

Dr. Steve Frick is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in pediatric orthopedic surgery. His clinical focus includes foot and ankle disorders, fractures and injuries, osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease), skeletal dysplasia, and neurofibromatosis. He is a professor and associate dean at Wake Forest University School of Medicine Charlotte campus and has been named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine multiple times.

A past president of the Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, Dr. Frick has also received the Teacher of the Year award from both Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and Stanford University. His research interests include pediatric trauma, congenital clubfoot, and leadership development in medicine. He has edited two textbooks on pediatric orthopedic trauma.

Dr. Frick received his bachelor’s degree in zoology at The George Washington University and his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. He completed his orthopedic residency at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center and a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Diego.

When he's not helping children or teaching the next generation of surgeons, Steve enjoys walking and training their Hungarian vizsla dog, hiking, cycling, playing golf, fishing, and reading nonfiction.

Listen to the episode here:

• RSS.com
• Spotify
• Apple Podcasts

Mark Esherick - Bio

Mark Esherick is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in government affairs, having spent the last 20 years as a lobbyist at Siemens, a global powerhouse. With degrees from James Madison University and George Washington University, Mark has dedicated his career to navigating the complexities of policy and business. Outside of his professional life, Mark is an avid pickleball player, hiker, and cyclist, having completed multiple century rides (100 miles in a single day!). He also enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor at American University, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of leaders. Mark, a proud father and fraternal twin, continues to stay active well into his 60s, proving that age is just a number.

Show Notes - Episode: "From Lobbying to Pickleball: Mark Esherick's Active Life After 60"

In this episode of "I Can't Believe I'm 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement!" Brian Butler sits down with Mark Esherick, a man whose life is anything but typical. From his career in lobbying at Siemens to his passion for pickleball, hiking, and cycling, Mark shares how he's staying active and engaged well into his 60s. Hear about his journey through a 30-year career, his commitment to teaching at American University, and his incredible athletic accomplishments. This conversation is packed with insight into living life to the fullest and embracing every new chapter.

Where to Listen:

· RSS.COM: Link to Feed

· Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple

· Spotify: Listen on Spotify

Mark Esherick - Bio

Mark Esherick is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in government affairs, having spent the last 20 years as a lobbyist at Siemens, a global powerhouse. With degrees from James Madison University and George Washington University, Mark has dedicated his career to navigating the complexities of policy and business. Outside of his professional life, Mark is an avid pickleball player, hiker, and cyclist, having completed multiple century rides (100 miles in a single day!). He also enjoys teaching as an adjunct professor at American University, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of leaders. Mark, a proud father and fraternal twin, continues to stay active well into his 60s, proving that age is just a number.

Show Notes - Episode: "From Lobbying to Pickleball: Mark Esherick's Active Life After 60"

In this episode of "I Can't Believe I'm 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement!" Brian Butler sits down with Mark Esherick, a man whose life is anything but typical. From his career in lobbying at Siemens to his passion for pickleball, hiking, and cycling, Mark shares how he's staying active and engaged well into his 60s. Hear about his journey through a 30-year career, his commitment to teaching at American University, and his incredible athletic accomplishments. This conversation is packed with insight into living life to the fullest and embracing every new chapter.

Where to Listen:

• RSS.COM: Link to Feed
• Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple
• Spotify: Listen on Spotify

"Today on Part 2 of 2 of I Can't Believe I'm 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement! I'm joined by two incredible guests, Mike Brown and Michael O'Reilly, who are not only former teammates from George Washington University but also lifelong friends of mine. “

Mike Brown's basketball career is legendary; he spent over a decade in the NBA and 14 years playing professionally. But he's much more than just a former pro athlete. Mike is a savvy businessman, world traveler, and fluent Italian speaker who has built a fascinating life beyond the game.

He's married to Esther, who hails from Spain and continues to compete in the Master’s Games, proving that his love for basketball never faded. He's also a passionate sports card collector and someone who seems to know a little about everything!

Michael O'Reilly, a Brooklyn native, has taken a different but equally impressive path after his playing days. He has spent almost 40 years in the financial industry, building a successful career while raising a family with his wife, Lyn, to whom he has been married since 1988. Together, they have a daughter and three sons. He once shared the court with Chris Mullin in high school before teaming up with me at GW. Recently, he embraced a different kind of challenge by undergoing two hip replacements within just three months!

Today, we'll discuss life after basketball, the realities of aging as former athletes, and the bond that has lasted over 40 years

"Today on Part 1 of 2 of I Can't Believe I'm 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement! I'm joined by two incredible guests, Mike Brown and Michael O'Reilly, who are not only former teammates from George Washington University but also lifelong friends of mine. “

Mike Brown's basketball career is legendary; he spent over a decade in the NBA and 14 years playing professionally. But he's much more than just a former pro athlete. Mike is a savvy businessman, world traveler, and fluent Italian speaker who has built a fascinating life beyond the game.

He's married to Esther, who hails from Spain and continues to compete in the Master’s Games, proving that his love for basketball never faded. He's also a passionate sports card collector and someone who seems to know a little about everything!

Michael O'Reilly, a Brooklyn native, has taken a different but equally impressive path after his playing days. He has spent almost 40 years in the financial industry, building a successful career while raising a family with his wife, Lyn, to whom he has been married since 1988. Together, they have a daughter and three sons. He once shared the court with Chris Mullin in high school before teaming up with me at GW. Recently, he embraced a different kind of challenge by undergoing two hip replacements within just three months!

Today, we'll discuss life after basketball, the realities of aging as former athletes, and the bond that has lasted over 40 years.

"On today's episode of I Can't Believe I'm 60! From Hoops to Hip Replacement! I'm joined by my good friend Chris Jerry, someone I first met in the mid-1990s when we both shared a passion for TV broadcasting. While I was in front of the camera as an on-air talent, Chris was behind the scenes as a producer, editor, and camera operator. We even produced a few cable access shows back in the day!

Chris was born in Richmond, VA, in 1957 and moved to Northern Virginia in 1964, growing up in Bailey's Crossroads. He studied broadcast journalism in college but spent nearly 40 years working for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority before retiring in 2019.

A lifelong sports fan, Chris has loved all sports, but his biggest passion has been soccer, which was a rare love for an American, especially a Black American, back in the 1970s. He also profoundly loves to travel and ride trains, which was his childhood dream.

Chris discusses two major life events that have changed his life since his retirement and what he looks forward to in the next 5-10 years. He also discusses what he would tell his 30-something or 20-something self.

I'm excited to catch up with Chris and talk about life in our 60s, shared media experiences, and everything.

Brian turned 60 in February and now wants to talks about why he is starting this podcast in this introductory episode and how, over the last few years, more and more of his conversations with friends and family have been centered on health and quality of life in this special chapter in his life.