When you think of college football recruiting, most fans think about stars, stats, and NIL deals. But what if the secret to building a championship roster isn't just talent but relationships, culture, and strategic vision?

In this episode, Cal's Assistant General Manager, Marshall Cherrington, and Chief of Staff for Recruiting, Benji Palu, reveal the behind-the-scenes process that's involved with recruiting talented football players. They share how they evaluate talent beyond the tape—digging into wiring, character, and life goals—making Cal a sleeping giant primed to rise. Discover how Cal's staff prioritizes authentic relationships over dollar signs to recruit players who fit a winning culture—players committed not just on the field but for life.

We break down:

* How Cal's recruiters use relationship-building to stand out amidst NIL chaos

* The importance of shared culture and personality in player fit

* The insider protocols for evaluating character, wiring, and community ties

* Creative ways former stars and NFL alumni boost recruitment efforts

* The role of campus visits, support systems, and alumni stories in sealing the deal

Missing out on this insight means risking a roster built on fleeting hype instead of sustainable success. In a landscape where talent is abundant but trust is scarce, understanding the real science of recruitment can tip the scales. With college sports evolving faster than ever, this episode shows how Cal’s strategy is not just about winning games but building a legacy that lasts.

Perfect for coaches, recruiters, college football fans, and anyone passionate about the true foundations of winning teams—this is your crash course in sustainable talent acquisition. Whether you’re a die-hard Golden Bear or just love the game, tune in to see how Cal is rewriting the rules of recruitment with authenticity, data, and heart.

Join us as Cal's staff unleashes the secret magic behind their success—because in college football, relationships really are everything. Get inspired, get informed, and get ready to see the game differently.

-------------------

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to https://TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com/ to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

It's Part 2 of our special two-part interview with Jeff Tedford, the legendary Cal head football coach who won more games than anyone in school history! In this episode, Coach Tedford shares some great stories about the tree sitters, his relationship with Mack Brown, tells us what we can expect from Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi, and reflects on what might have been with the 2007 Oregon State football game at Memorial. And we talk about Coach Tedford's lasting impact on Cal Football and the Cal community.

If you're a Cal fan, it's an episode you won't want to miss!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

It's our 100th episode! And we couldn't be more fortunate to sit down with the winningest Cal Football coach of all time, Jeff Tedford! It's Part 1 of our interview with the man who is unquestionably the greatest Cal Football coach in modern times! We talk about his transformative impact on the football program at Cal, taking a team that had finished 1-10 the previous season before his arrival into a national powerhouse that was regularly ranked in the Top 10.We discuss his coaching philosophy, how he approaches being a leader of young men, and how he instilled confidence and built trust in his players. And we talk about his many, memorable moments at Cal.If you're a Cal fan, it's an episode not to be missed!

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

If you ever wanted to know more about Cal's mysterious and beloved college mascot, Oski, THIS is the episode for you! Join us for a fun-filled conversation with two former Oski's, Mal Pacheco and Dr. Mo Budak, and learn all about how Oski came to be and what he means to the University of California. We hear some great stories and talk about the symbolic meaning of Oski as an icon and the embodiment of the spirit of California and Cal pride. We also talk about the legacy of Natalie Cohen, a woman far ahead of her time who came to Cal in the 1930s and changed the face of the Cal rooting section.

In this episode, we discuss:

The origins of Oski: how he came to be in the 1930s and evolved over time

Personal anecdotes from Mal Pacheco and Dr. Mo Budak—former Oski's with decades of stories

The symbolic meaning of Oski as the spirit of California and Cal pride

Memorable moments, including Oski's first public performance and animated campus battles

Challenges faced by Oski committees—secrecy, inclusivity, and the iconic costumes

The influence of Natalie Cohen on the Cal rooting section

How university spirit transcends geographical boundaries through Cal alumni

The importance of making a donation to help support Oski

And if you'd like to make a donation to help Oski buy a new pair of shoes, you can click on this link: give.berkeley.edu/oskithebear

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

Justin Allegri - the man who handles play-by-play on the radio for Cal football and men's basketball - joins the show to talk about his journey into sports broadcasting, how he has approached taking over for a legend, and shares his insight into the world of collegiate sports. We discuss behind-the-scenes game-day preparation and how he has worked to build a connection with student-athletes, coaches, and the fans. And he reveals why he is so optimistic about the future of Cal Athletics!

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

In this inspiring interview, former Cal baseball player Michael Bugary shares his journey through addiction, brain cancer, and personal transformation. We discuss how resilience, accountability, and human connection can lead to a meaningful life.

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

In this fun-filled episode, Ahmad and Reza spend some time with Mike Saffell, the former Golden Bear offensive lineman who went from being a player to coaching at Cal. We talk about his playing days, take a sneak peak at what we can expect from the team this season, and learn what makes Cal such a special place to him.

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

Our resident basketball experts, Eddy Kleinhans, Jon Wheeler, and Matt Foley, join the show to interview Richard Midgley, the newly appointed Deputy General Manager of Cal men's basketball! Richard shares insights from his experience evaluating players in the NBA and discusses plans to elevate Cal's basketball program through analytics and strategic recruitment.

Key Topics

Richard Midgley's NBA experience and transition to college basketball.

The role of analytics and data in player evaluation and recruitment.

Strategies for building a competitive Cal basketball team.

The impact of NIL and transfer portal on college sports.

The importance of local and under-the-radar talent in college basketball.

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

Join us for a fun-filled, one-on-one conversation with the co-host of Tell The Whole Damn World, Ahmad Anderson, the man who created Bear Territory, community leader, and current candidate for mayor of Richmond. Discover his journey from a walk-on player on the football team to a Hall of Fame inductee, his deep love for Cal and Richmond, and his vision for community pride and purpose.

We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!

In this entertaining Cal History episode Leslie Mitchell and Reza Sirafinejad talk about the Cal rugby players on the 1920 and 1924 US teams who won Olympic gold in rugby despite being overwhelming underdogs. We share stories of how Cal's athletes defied the odds and made history in Antwerp and Paris, overcoming a lot of challenges and coming back to Berkeley with the first Olympic gold medals associated with the University of California.We're the podcast that celebrates all things Cal. We produce on-camera interviews with the prominent people who are passionate about our university and our sports teams. And we share stories about the rich history and traditions of the University of California - known to many as the center of the universe. If you’re unabashedly and unapologetically all about Cal, you've found the right place!

Go to TellTheWholeDamnWorld.com to learn more about us. Share us with ALL your Cal friends! GO BEARS!!!