In this episode, I sit down with Carter Franklin, a former collegiate baseball player turned self-taught photography and videography expert, who is now one of the leading content creators for Ohio State Football and a live content correspondent for the NFL. Carter shares his incredible journey of teaching himself videography after graduating in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when jobs were scarce. He talks about the trials of breaking into the sports content industry and some of the key moments that helped him rise to the top, including an unexpected meeting with Myles Garrett at a rec basketball game that led to Carter becoming his personal videographer and moving to Austin to help launch Garrett’s YouTube channel.

Carter dives into his experiences working for Ohio State Football and the NFL, highlighting some of his favorite projects, including a special role in the NFL Draft. He offers invaluable advice for aspiring sports content creators and life lessons that go far beyond the field. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, creativity, and seizing opportunities in unexpected places!

In this episode, I’m giving a life update on all the exciting things happening lately, from my marathon training to new podcast interviews and my ongoing sports job search. After catching you up on life, I dive into the main topic of today’s episode: relationships in college as a student-athlete, specifically navigating long-distance relationships. My husband joined me in creating an outline for this episode to share our personal experiences with the challenges and transitions we faced when moving to college. We also break down the major themes we wish we had known going into long-distance and offer advice for anyone facing similar situations. Whether you're a student-athlete, in a long-distance relationship, or just looking for tips on balancing college life and love, this episode is packed with insights and lessons learned!

In this episode, we sit down with Yusty Sanchez, a true testament to following your passions, no matter where they lead. Yusty takes us through his nearly 20-year journey in martial arts, a non-traditional sport that shaped his discipline and determination from a young age. He shares his unique experience of competing in martial arts at the collegiate level, as his martial arts was not an "official" NCAA sport at his University.

As we dive deeper, Yusty opens up about the pivotal moment in his junior year of college when he made the bold decision to pivot from a planned career in computer science to pursue his true passion in the sports industry. We explore how he navigated this significant shift, leading to multiple internships with Ohio State University Athletics that ultimately assisted in him securing a full-time role at Ohio State University Athletics.

Yusty offers invaluable insight and advice on carving your own path in the sports world, whether you are looking to pursue a career in the sports industry or finding your way in participating in a "non-traditional" NCAA sport. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the power of pursuing what you love, even when it means changing course completely.

Get excited for preseason! Whether you're heading into high school or college, this episode is your playbook for starting strong and staying positive. I’m sharing the top 10 things I wish I knew before my own preseason journeys—insights that will boost your confidence and keep you motivated. From mental prep to recovery tips, these life-changing strategies will help you shine from day one. Whether you’re getting ready to go or already in the thick of it, this episode is packed with the advice you need to make your preseason a healthy, successful, and enjoyable experience. Let's crush it together!

In this special episode of Real Life Plays with Devon Horan, I take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, sharing my top 10 favorite memories from my time as a student-athlete. From the adrenaline of winning championships to the unforgettable team bonding experiences, the thrill of traveling for games, and the moments that shaped me both on and off the field—this episode is a celebration of the incredible journey that being an athlete truly is.

As I reminisce about the highs and the lessons learned, I challenge you to reflect on your own favorite memories. Whether you're a current athlete, a former one, or just love sports, this episode is all about honoring the experiences that make the athlete's life so unique and rewarding. So, grab your headphones and join me in celebrating the best parts of being an athlete!

In this episode of "Real Life Plays with Devon Horan," I candidly share the five things I wouldn't change and the five things I wish I could do differently from my athletic career. This episode is an unfiltered exploration of my time as a Division 1 Big 10 athlete, filled with heartfelt insights and lessons learned.

In this episode of Real Life Plays with Devon Horan, we dive deep into the world of academics for college athletes. Join me as I share my journey of balancing the demanding life of a Division 1 Big 10 athlete while achieving academic excellence, graduating summa cum laude with a 3.866 GPA.

Drawing from my personal experiences, both as a student-athlete and as a student when I wasn't playing sports, I offer a well-rounded perspective on managing your academic responsibilities alongside athletic commitments. This episode is packed with practical advice and insights for high school athletes navigating the recruiting process, current college players striving for academic and athletic success, and anyone looking to excel in both arenas.

Throughout the episode, I'll share strategies that helped me maintain a high GPA, tips on effective time management, and how to leverage available resources to your advantage. We’ll also discuss the importance of prioritizing academics and how the skills you develop will benefit you long after graduation.

To wrap up, I'll highlight key takeaways and pieces of advice I wish I had known during my college years, which will not only help you succeed academically but also prepare you for a thriving professional career. Whether you’re a prospective student-athlete or currently juggling sports and studies, this episode is a must-listen for achieving balance and excellence in all areas of your life.

In this inspiring episode of "Real Life Plays," I sit down with Lauren Richie, a current Division III collegiate soccer player, who shares her personal journey of mental struggles during the recruiting process and her preparation for college life. Lauren opens up about her deep-seated fears of change and the overwhelming anxiety that almost prevented her from attending her chosen college. She candidly discusses her worries about not being fit enough, not being good enough, struggling to make friends, and the difficulty of leaving home.

Despite these daunting fears, Lauren reveals how she was able to overcome her doubts and embrace the unknown. Through determination, support, and self-discovery, she found the strength to push past her anxieties, leading to what she describes as the best decision of her life. Now, as she gears up for her sophomore season, Lauren reflects on her growth, the importance of resilience, and the incredible experiences she has gained from her college journey.

Join us for an honest and uplifting conversation about facing fears, embracing change, and discovering the power of perseverance. Whether you're an athlete or someone navigating life's uncertainties, Lauren's story will resonate deeply and inspire you to take that leap of faith towards your own best decision.

In this episode of Real Life Plays, we dive into the world of making money as a student-athlete. Join me, Devon Horan, as I share my personal journey of earning income during high school and college. I’ll reveal the strategies I used, the opportunities I seized, and the lessons I learned along the way.

But that’s not all – we also hear from our incredible community! I asked you, our listeners, how you made money as student-athletes, and you responded with some fantastic stories and creative approaches. From part-time jobs to entrepreneurial ventures, we explore a variety of methods you used to support yourselves financially while balancing sports and academics.

Additionally, I reflect on what I wish I had done differently with my finances and career planning. Hindsight is 20/20, and I hope my reflections can provide valuable insights for current and future student-athletes.

We also take a comprehensive look at the NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) regulations that came into effect on July 1, 2021. Using information from NCSA Sports, we break down what NIL means for student-athletes, how it has changed the landscape of college sports, and the potential it holds for you to maximize your earnings legally and ethically.

Tune in for a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and inspiring stories that will help you navigate the financial aspects of being a student-athlete. Whether you're in high school, college, or just interested in the intersection of sports and finances, this episode has something for everyone.

In this compelling episode of "Real Life Plays," we sit down with Alex Herndon, a remarkable individual whose journey has taken him from the football fields of The West Point Military Academy to the elite ranks of special operations. Alex shares his inspiring story of being recruited into West Point, his unforgettable moments as a football player, including the iconic Army-Navy games and a nail-biting double overtime loss to Michigan.

Alex opens up about the life-altering injury that doctors said would end his football career, and how he defied the odds to return to the field. After graduating, he served as a field artillery officer in the army, before deciding to pursue the rigorous path of special operations. Hear about the extensive training, the challenges he faced, and the triumph of being selected for special operations.

Now training to become a civil affairs special operations officer, Alex's journey is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of never giving up. Join us as we explore the intersections of athletics, military service, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.