Sports Will Save Us All | A Sports Podcast Where Sports Are Just the Beginning

Some guests come to the show through connections, timing, or promotion—and then there are the ones Sasha simply refuses to stop asking until they say yes. Paralympic gold medalist Renee Tyree is one of those guests—and she was absolutely worth the wait.

Renee's story is anything but linear. A lifelong athlete, she faced a rare autoimmune illness at age seven that left her temporarily paralyzed. She fought her way back, returned to sports, and by 19 was a high-achieving college student and competitive athlete—until a second diagnosis changed everything, leaving her a permanent wheelchair user.

What followed wasn't the end of her athletic journey—it was the beginning of an entirely new one.

After discovering adaptive sports at the University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics, Renee quickly rose through the ranks of wheelchair basketball, earning a spot on Team USA just one year after picking up the sport. Over a 12-year international career, she earned a full set of Paralympic medals—gold, silver, and bronze—with her gold coming in Athens at nearly 40 years old.

Throughout it all, Renee's mindset stands out: stay curious, stay open, and keep showing up—even when the path isn't clear.

Her game-changing philosophy? You don't have to have everything figured out. The meaning comes through action.

Find Renée Tyree

LinkedIn

Service Dog Kiki is on Instagram @MissKikiSmiles

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

What does it take to walk 944 miles in 30 days—and why would anyone do it?

This week, Sasha sits down with Kwame Terra, founder and CEO of bEHR Health Systems, distance running coach, and newly minted world-record holder for walking over 2 million steps in a single month. Yes, you read that right—an average of 67,000 steps a day (that's more than a marathon… every day… for a month).

But this conversation goes far beyond the numbers. Kwame made this feat his mission to spotlight health in Black communities and launch the bEHR Health app, a grassroots platform that motivates daily movement and delivers real-time, personalized health insights.

Kwame shares how a moment of uncertainty—losing a major grant and facing the reality of "entrepreneur broke"—sparked a bold idea: turn a personal challenge into a movement. What followed was a physically grueling, mentally demanding, and ultimately inspiring journey that became a platform for something much bigger: transforming community health.

And if you're looking for a true game-changer, don't miss his insight on action, fear, and why doing more—imperfectly—is the real key to results.

This episode is about walking, yes—but more than that, it's about momentum. Personal, cultural, and collective.

Connect with Kwame BEHR Health Systems: https://behrhs.com Instagram: @behrhealth

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

What does it look like to lead boldly in a space that wasn't built for you?

This week on Sports Will Save Us All, Sasha sits down with Toni Will—general manager and governor of the Kalamazoo Wings—who is redefining leadership in professional hockey.

As the first female GM in franchise history and the first woman ever appointed to the ECHL Board of Governors, Toni is not just breaking barriers—she's rebuilding the culture of the game from the inside out.

Under her leadership, the K-Wings have seen seven straight seasons of attendance growth, groundbreaking community initiatives, and one of the most talked-about promotions in sports: Rainbow Ice—a powerful, visual statement of inclusion that's as meaningful as it is unforgettable.

You can find Toni on Instagram @iamtoniwill and online @ ToniWill.com. Her TEDx talk, "Female Leaders in a Male-Dominated Professional Sports Industry," is on YouTube, and her book, Rebellious Success, is available for pre-order now. We have linked to it on our website, SportsWillSaveUsAll.com.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

March Madness is here. But the future of college sports may be hanging by a thread.

For years, fans have debated whether college athletes should be paid. With the rise of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal, it seemed like the system was finally correcting a long-standing injustice.

But what if the next step—professionalizing college sports—doesn't fix the system… and actually breaks it completely?

In this eye-opening episode, Sasha sits down with tax and policy expert Thomas A. McGovern, author of Road to the Final Hour, to unpack a looming crisis most fans don't even know exists.

According to McGovern, if college athletes become employees of their schools, the consequences could be catastrophic:

• Colleges could lose their nonprofit status • Billions in tax-deductible donations could disappear • Athletic departments could face massive new tax burdens • The financial ecosystem that supports hundreds of non-revenue sports could collapse

And that means the fallout wouldn't just affect football and basketball.

It could wipe out opportunities for swimmers, volleyball players, runners, gymnasts, and thousands of other student athletes across the country.

With March Madness tipping off today, this conversation couldn't be more timely. Because the decisions being debated in Congress and the courts right now could fundamentally reshape—or even dismantle—the college sports system as we know it.

Thomas McGovern

LinkedIn

Road the Final Hour

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

What was it like to fight in the very first Ultimate Fighting Championship—before weight classes, before gloves, before rules?

In this unforgettable episode of Sports Will Save Us All, host Sasha Graham sits down with Zane Frazier, one of the original eight fighters who competed in UFC 1—the tournament that launched modern MMA.

But Zane's story goes far beyond the Octagon.

Growing up in Los Angeles during the turbulent 1960s and 70s, Zane was surrounded by history, activism, martial arts culture, and larger-than-life figures. His mother trained in karate and even served as a bodyguard for civil rights icon Angela Davis, while his extended family helped shape the early Black Karate Federation that influenced legends like Bruce Lee.

Along the way, Zane crossed paths with icons—from Muhammad Ali giving him fighting advice as a kid to working security for music legends like Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Zane shares:

• What it was really like to fight in UFC 1 when almost anything went
• The chaos surrounding UFC 9 during the sport's legal battles
• The moment he realized the difference between being good and being great
• The brutal training methods of MMA pioneer Ken Shamrock
• How a college basketball career led him to martial arts and eventually the Octagon
• Why discovering your purpose matters more than talent

Today, Zane channels decades of combat experience into mentoring others as the owner of Title Boxing Club Arcadia in Phoenix, helping everyday athletes build strength, discipline, and confidence.

His message is simple but powerful: greatness isn't just about skill—it's about discovering your gift and refusing to quit.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

This week on Sports Will Save Us All, Sasha sits down with professional wrestler, entertainer, and self-described "modern-day Renaissance man" Spiffy Sean Styles for a hilarious, eye-opening conversation about life inside the ring.

From his early days growing up on 1980s wrestling icons like Hulk Hogan, to learning the art of calling a match on the fly, Sean pulls back the curtain on what's real, what's choreographed, and why "tuck your chin" might be the most important advice in the business.

They dive into:

• The evolution of professional wrestling from the WWF era to today's television-driven spectacle
• The physical toll of wrestling—and why it's like being in a car crash over and over
• How legends like John Cena set the standard for professionalism and leadership
• The difference between athletic talent and true showmanship
• Why crowd psychology matters as much as strength and conditioning
• The surprising role of neurodivergence (ADHD and autism) in performance, focus, and creativity

Sean opens up about being an "adult poster child" for autism and ADHD, and how stepping into a character allows him to channel hyperfocus, mask anxiety, and transform fear into fuel. For athletes who've ever felt "different," this part of the conversation hits home.

They also explore:

• The parallels between NIL-era college athletes and pro wrestlers building personal brands
• Why charisma can matter just as much as a six-pack
• The lost art of improvisation in live sports entertainment
• The deep camaraderie and brotherhood behind the scenes

Whether you're a lifelong wrestling fan or someone who's never given it a chance, this episode might just convince you to try the broccoli. (Add cheese if necessary.)

Because at its core, professional wrestling is what sports have always been about: storytelling, community, resilience—and the timeless battle of good vs. evil.

You an learn more about Spiffy Sean at www.SpiffySeanStyles.com.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

This week on Sports Will Save Us All, Sasha sits down with Dr. Matthew Harmody—retired ER physician, endurance athlete, living kidney donor, and author of Ascending America. In 2017, Matt donated a kidney to a complete stranger. A few years later, he joined four other living kidney donors on an audacious mission: climb the highest point in all 50 U.S. states in under 43 days and set a Guinness World Record.

Five donors. Fifty peaks. One RV. Endless snow, summit fever, team tension—and a powerful purpose.

In this conversation, Matt breaks down:

• The truth about living kidney donation—risk, recovery, and why donors are not physically limited
• Why kidneys from living donors last nearly twice as long as those from deceased donors
• What dialysis really does to quality of life—and why the need is urgent (90,000+ Americans are currently waiting for a kidney)
• The wild team dynamics of chasing 50 state high points under extreme weather and time pressure
• The near-disasters, crevasse falls, RV chaos, and emotional breaking points along the way
• The difference between victory and fulfillment—and why the latter matters more

You'll hear about Denali, Granite Peak, frozen river crossings, camp fuel mishaps, and the emotional moment that reminded the team why they were really out there: raising awareness for the National Kidney Registry.

This episode is about endurance—but not just the physical kind. It's about service, sacrifice, and redefining what strength looks like.

If you've ever wondered whether an ordinary person can do something extraordinary, this conversation is for you.

Learn more:

• Matt's book: Ascending America
• Living donation resources: National Kidney Donation Organization

As always, if this episode moves you, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Sports are just the beginning.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

When elite athletes limp off the field only to return minutes later, most of us wonder the same thing: How is that even possible? And maybe more importantly — is it wise?

In this episode of Sports Will Save Us All, Sasha sits down with sports chiropractor and regenerative-medicine expert Dr. Tommy Rhee to unpack the real science of injury recovery — from the sidelines of the NFL to everyday athletes trying to heal smarter.

Sasha and Dr. Rhee dive into the high-pressure reality of professional sports, where contracts, performance expectations, and identity can push athletes back into competition before their bodies are ready.

They discuss:

• The role of chiropractors on professional sports medical teams
• Why recovery — not training — is often the key to performance
• The mental toughness elite athletes share
• The truth behind cryotherapy, cold plunges, and hyperbaric chambers
• Recovery trends that may do more harm than good
• Stem cells, regenerative medicine, and the future of healing

This conversation explores the complicated intersection of pain, performance, science, and human nature — and why recovery might be the most underrated skill in sports.

About Dr. Rhee

Sports fam, you can learn more about Dr. Rhee and his work at RheeGen.com, and his book, The Future of Regenerative Medicine, is now available on Amazon.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

Sports Will Save Us All goes LIVE from Dick's House of Sport in Glendale, Arizona for a powerful, joy-filled community celebration with the Pretty Precise Step Team—and the voices of the kids who remind us why sports matter in the first place.

Host Sasha Graham is on location for a special event honoring Pretty Precise's five-year anniversary, including a $5,000 grant from the Dick's Sporting Goods Sports Matter Foundation to support their mission of empowering young girls through step, discipline, sisterhood, and confidence.

In this episode, you'll hear from:

• Leaders at Dick's House of Sport on their vision for community, access, and youth athletics
• A Pretty Precise board member on creating safe spaces, scholarships, and long-term legacy
• A Mother and daughter sharing how step transformed confidence, identity, and mindset
• Kids ages 6–13 talking football, soccer, nerves before games, hype songs, confidence, friendship, and Super Bowl dreams

From step performances and pickup games on the field to honest conversations about growth, discipline, joy, and belonging—this episode captures what happens when sports become a gathering place, not just a game.

💕You can find Pretty Precise Step Team online at PrettySteppin.org.

🎥 Watch the full video episode and sizzle reel on YouTube @SportsWillSaveUsAll 📸 See clips and photos on Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall

If you've ever wondered how sports shape confidence, community, leadership, and lifelong lessons—this episode is proof.

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]

When we watch Olympic bobsledding, it looks fast, thrilling—and smooth. But for the athletes inside the sled, it's anything but.

As the Winter Olympics approach, host Sasha Graham sits down with William Person, a former Team USA bobsledder who competed for nine seasons after an elite career in track and field. What followed his retirement was a decade-long descent into confusion, memory loss, migraines, emotional darkness, and symptoms that no one—doctors included—could explain.

In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, William shares what many athletes are only now beginning to understand: bobsledders experience repeated micro-concussions and extreme G-forces—sometimes exceeding 80Gs—on every run, even without crashing. The result? A condition known as "sled head," mounting brain trauma, and symptoms strikingly similar to CTE.

William opens up about:

• The hidden neurological dangers of Olympic bobsledding
• Why micro-concussions may be more dangerous than major crashes
• Losing teammates to suicide and living through undiagnosed brain injury
• The moment a New York Times investigation finally gave his suffering a name
• How hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) dramatically reduced his symptoms—and may offer hope to others

This episode goes beyond sport. It's about what happens when we celebrate athletes without protecting their brains, why loved ones often recognize CTE symptoms before doctors do, and how advocacy, awareness, and emerging therapies could save lives.

If you care about athlete health, concussion awareness, mental health in sports, or the true cost of Olympic glory—this is an episode you need to hear.

About William Person

GoFundMe:

https://www.gofundme.com/f/cte-recovery-for-athletes-and-military

Instagram : @WillP1234567

About Sports Will Save Us All podcast

Sports Will Save Us All is an inspirational sports podcast hosted by Sasha Graham, featuring powerful conversations with athletes, coaches, and changemakers about how sports shape mental health, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through real-life stories of women in sports, inclusive and adaptive athletics, and athletes overcoming adversity, the show explores how sports change lives—on and off the field.

On Instagram @SportsWillSaveUsAll

Online at www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at [email protected]