In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton step into an honest and deeply personal conversation about resilience in the face of loss. Drawing from their own recent experiences with grief, they explore what it looks like to keep moving forward when life changes in ways you never expected. Rather than offering easy answers or tidy conclusions, this episode creates space for real reflection on what grief actually feels like and how it reshapes our understanding of strength.

Randy shares his perspective on losing Jim Clayton—not only a close friend, but a co-host who helped build the foundation of the show—as well as the loss of his father-in-law shortly thereafter. Elizabeth speaks from the heart about navigating life after the loss of her father, and the unique challenges of grieving both privately and publicly. Together, they discuss how resilience looks different when it’s lived rather than taught, and how grief often requires patience, honesty, and grace.

This episode also offers encouragement for listeners who may be walking through their own season of loss. Practical reflections, shared insights, and a reminder that grief has no timeline help reinforce one central message: you don’t have to carry loss alone. A curated list of grief support resources is included in the show notes for anyone seeking additional help, along with a Wisdom of the Week reflection centered on choosing hope even when it’s hard to see.

Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen.

We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me.

And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started.

You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

Episode 16 is an emotional and heartfelt turning point for Shooting It Straight!—the first full episode recorded after the passing of Coach Jim Clayton. Randy opens the episode by honoring his friend, mentor, and co-host, reflecting on the wisdom, humor, and heart that shaped every moment of the show. This episode marks a new chapter as Jim’s daughter, Elizabeth Clayton, joins as the new co-host. Together, Randy and Elizabeth revisit stories about Jim, share memories from his final weeks, and highlight the legacy he built through decades of coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. They reflect on his handwritten notes, his “Jimmy-isms,” his relentless desire to help people become better, and the impact he had on everyone around him.

The episode also looks ahead. Randy and Elizabeth openly discuss the future of the podcast—how it will evolve, how they will honor Jim’s foundational vision, and how they plan to carry his mission forward: sharing encouragement, motivation, and practical wisdom to help others grow. With Elizabeth’s perspective and Randy’s continued commitment, Shooting It Straight! begins its next season with purpose, gratitude, and the same drive Jim lived out every day: show up, do the work, and make someone better.

Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen.

We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me.

And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started.

You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

Shooting It Straight! returns on January 5, 2026, marking a new season shaped by reflection, loss, and renewed purpose. In this brief announcement, Randy shares updates following the passing of original co-host Coach Jim Clayton and the loss of his father-in-law, while also introducing Elizabeth Clayton—Jim’s daughter—as the show’s new co-host. Together, this next chapter honors the past while looking forward to continued honest, meaningful conversations. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and find follow links at shootingitstraight.com/follow so they don’t miss the first episode of the new season.

Shooting It Straight! is starting a new chapter after the loss of Coach Clayton. Welcome Elizabeth Clayton, Jim’s daughter, to the show and let’s keep doing what we do best, Shooting It Straight!

In this special memorial episode of Shooting It Straight!, We honor our friend and co-host, Coach Jim Clayton, by sharing a series of heartfelt voicemail tributes from players, parents, coaches, and lifelong friends whose lives he transformed. You’ll hear stories of Jim’s relentless positivity, his gift for building confidence, and the way he blended discipline and joy to help athletes and communities believe bigger, achieve louder, and motivate stronger. From locker rooms to chemo chairs, Jim showed up with passion, consistency, care, and a contagious optimism that made everyone around him better.

After the tributes, Randy shares reflections from Jim’s service on September 27, revisiting the four words he wanted to be remembered by—passionate, consistent, caring, positive—and the scriptures that framed how he lived them daily. He also offers a brief update on the show’s future as we work to carry his legacy forward, inviting listeners to stay tuned, subscribe, and keep living the BAM philosophy in their own lives. BAM, Son!

In this special remembrance episode of Shooting It Straight, We revisit a 2018 conversation recorded with Randy and Coach Clayton—mentor, educator, motivator, and the heart behind “BAM, son.” We talk about the origins and meaning of BAM (Believe, Achieve, Motivate), why failure is feedback, and how fear, process, and paying the price shape real success. Jim shares timeless lessons from 35 years in education and decades in coaching: building relationships, setting high expectations, learning students’ names, and making every learner feel seen and capable. He opens up about turning passion into profession, trailblazing individualized basketball training, and the second chance that reshaped his life after a devastating childhood injury.

We also dig into what makes great teachers and teams—consistency, intentionality, humility, and being “mission over position.” Jim reflects on influences who believed in him, the power of positive culture, and the simple, daily practice of adding value to others. He closes with what he wanted to be remembered for: passion, positivity, and giving 100% every day. BAM, son.

If you have any memories of Coach Clayton to share with his family and the podcast, please share it via the contact page on our website (https://shootingitstraight.com/contact/). 

In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I honor my dear friend, colleague, and cohost, Coach Jim Clayton, who passed away on 09/18/2025. I reflect on meeting Jim when I was a teenager, learning from him as a young educator, and growing alongside him as a colleague, coach, and friend. From school hallways to Sports City U, and finally to the 11 episodes we recorded together, Jim’s wisdom, humility, and relentless encouragement shaped my life and the lives of countless students, athletes, and listeners. His legacy—rooted in faith, kindness, integrity, and service—continues to resonate in every story, lesson, and laugh we shared.

I share the memory of our final recording night, a moment marked by his embrace and the words “I love you,” and offer love and comfort to his cherished family: his wife Anne, his children Elizabeth and Wes (and Kayla), his granddaughters Vera and Heidi, and his loyal companion, Alfie. Jim fought the good fight, kept the faith, and lived a life that called us all to believe bigger, achieve louder, and motivate stronger. May we honor him by carrying forward the values he lived by and the lives he inspired.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," host Randy Black dives into the pervasive myth of multitasking and its impact on productivity. With co-host Jim Clayton absent due to a medical situation, Randy takes the reins to explore why multitasking is more about task switching than true efficiency. Drawing on cognitive science research, he explains how our brains are not wired to handle multiple high-level tasks simultaneously, leading to decreased effectiveness and increased mistakes. Randy offers practical strategies such as single-tasking, time blocking, and the Pomodoro technique to help listeners regain focus and productivity.

Randy emphasizes the importance of creating distraction-free environments and setting boundaries to protect focus. He discusses the balance between being responsive and maintaining deep work, suggesting methods like setting office hours and managing digital notifications. The episode also features "Jimmy's Wisdom of the Week," where Randy shares an insightful quote from Jim Clayton about the necessity of change for progress. Listeners are encouraged to implement one focus strategy and share their experiences on the podcast's website. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic on the hidden costs of constant partial attention.

In this episode of “Shooting It Straight,” host Randy Black dives into the pervasive myth of multitasking and its impact on productivity. With co-host Jim Clayton absent due to a medical situation, Randy takes the reins to explore why multitasking is more about task switching than true efficiency. Drawing on cognitive science research, he explains how our brains are not wired to handle multiple high-level tasks simultaneously, leading to decreased effectiveness and increased mistakes. Randy offers practical strategies such as single-tasking, time blocking, and the Pomodoro technique to help listeners regain focus and productivity.

Randy emphasizes the importance of creating distraction-free environments and setting boundaries to protect focus. He discusses the balance between being responsive and maintaining deep work, suggesting methods like setting office hours and managing digital notifications. The episode also features “Jimmy’s Wisdom of the Week,” where Randy shares an insightful quote from Jim Clayton about the necessity of change for progress. Listeners are encouraged to implement one focus strategy and share their experiences on the podcast’s website. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic on the hidden costs of constant partial attention.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton dive into the critical difference between tools and habits, emphasizing that while tools can aid productivity, it's the habits that truly drive success. Jim shares insights from his coaching experience, highlighting how habits form the foundation of personal growth and achievement. The discussion covers the importance of consistency, the pitfalls of relying too heavily on tools, and the need for a strong system of habits to support any tool's effectiveness. They also explore how habits shape identity and provide motivation, using examples from sports and personal anecdotes.

Randy and Jim further illustrate their points by discussing real-life examples of successful individuals like Tim Ferriss, Warren Buffett, Serena Williams, and Jeff Bezos, who have achieved great success through disciplined habits rather than relying solely on tools. The episode concludes with actionable advice on building consistent habits and a reminder that while tools can enhance productivity, it's the habits that lay the groundwork for lasting success. Join the conversation to learn how to harness the power of habits and keep "shooting it straight."