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In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The 5th Quarter, Sandy Adams sits down with Coach Regina Smith, Morgan State’s inaugural Head Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach, to explore her incredible journey from competitive athlete to pioneering leader.

As the head coach of the first and only HBCU Division I acrobatics and tumbling program, Regina shares how her faith has been a cornerstone of her life, guiding her decisions and providing strength throughout her career.

Key Highlights

• Early Lessons: How sports and faith shaped Regina’s confidence and resilience.
• Pivotal Moments: Her decision to step away from college cheerleading and the clarity it brought.
• Coaching Journey: Finding purpose in mentoring athletes and building new programs.
• Making History: Leading Morgan State’s groundbreaking acrobatics and tumbling program.
• Faith and Leadership: How her beliefs anchor her philosophy and inspire her legacy.

This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and the role of faith in building a meaningful career. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone striving to lead with purpose, Coach Smith’s story will inspire and uplift you.

Learn more about Morgan State University Acrobatics & Tumbling Program >>HERE<<

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, we sit down with Jason Staub, a former pitcher for Eastern Connecticut State University and now the interim Head Baseball Coach at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges.

Jason shares his incredible journey from a standout high school and college athlete to a coach leading his team to unprecedented success.

Key Highlights:

• Athletic Journey: Jason reflects on his 14-year baseball career
• Overcoming Adversity: A torn labrum in his freshman year of college reshaped his perspective on everything
• Coaching Milestones: Jason coached Pomona-Pitzer to their first-ever conference championship and so much more
• The Transition: Jason shares the challenges of stepping away from competitive play and rediscovering his purpose
• Lessons Learned: From balancing science and emotions in coaching to inspiring his athletes with his personal story

Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or fan of the game, Jason’s story is packed with wisdom and inspiration for anyone navigating their own “5th Quarter.”

Where to Find Jason:
Pomona-Pitzer Baseball  |  PFA Sports

Follow Jason on social media
Instagram @coachjasonstaub  |  Instagram @sagehenbaseball

Want to learn how to turn your expertise into a personal brand?   Join the waitlist for my signature online program - doors open soon sandy-adams.com/bybwaitlist

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
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Send us a text.

- In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Sandy sit's down with former MLB pitcher, Drew Hayes, to explore his inspiring journey from small-town Tennessee to life in professional baseball and beyond.

Drew shares insights into the MLB draft process, the mental toughness required for life in the minors, and the pressure of pitching on the biggest stage.

He reflects on navigating setbacks, learning to move past performance highs and lows, and realizing his worth beyond the game.

From winning a state championship to playing on the biggest stage in baseball, Drew’s story highlights the grit, adaptability, and resilience it takes to succeed in sports and life.

Key Highlights:

• MLB Draft Experience: What it’s like to be drafted three times, why Drew didn’t sign initially, and how perseverance led him to the Cincinnati Reds.
• Life in Minor League Baseball: The challenges of grueling schedules, managing performance pressure, and staying motivated during six years in the minors.
• Transition to the MLB: Drew’s emotional and mental preparation for the big leagues and the lessons he learned during his time with the Reds.
• Post-Baseball Life: How Drew rebuilt his identity after retiring from professional sports, finding purpose in coaching, and overcoming the struggles of transitioning to life beyond the field.
• Resilience and Self-Worth: Moving past performance highs and lows and realizing your value isn’t tied to outcomes, a lesson that applies far beyond sports.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will motivate you to embrace resilience, adapt to challenges, and find purpose beyond the game!

Find Drew on Social Media
IG @DrewHayes13
X @DrewHayes13

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
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📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

.  In this episode on the sideline, Sandy sits down with Greg Graber, a renowned mental performance coach, author, and educator, to dive into the transformative power of mindfulness in sports.

Known for his work with college basketball teams, including the Memphis Tigers Men’s Basketball program, Greg shares his journey from the classroom to the court, where he now helps athletes and coaches overcome mental challenges and sharpen their focus under pressure.

Greg discusses the origins of his coaching philosophy, the unique dynamics within elite sports teams, and how mindfulness plays a critical role in their success.

He offers insights from his book, Slow Your Roll: Mindfulness for Fast Times, and shares memorable stories from working alongside legendary coaches, such as Will Wade and Penny Hardaway.

Greg also talks about his new podcast venture, The LiveALittle Podcast, he co-hosts with Pete Pranica, exploring how mental toughness and mindfulness can impact both players and fans.

If you’re looking to elevate your mental game and find calm amid chaos, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for everyone.

Listen to Related Episodes:
William Bedford Ep 2
Andre Turner Ep 3
Cameron Kinley Ep 53
Grant Vermeer Ep 55
Pete Pranica Ep 56

Find Greg online:
X: @greggraber
Website: greggraber.com

For full show notes, visit 

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

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Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

- In this inspiring episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, we dive into the journey of Sydney Griffin, a former D1 sprinter/hurdler and retired semi-pro international athlete whose track career began at just 13 in Marietta, Georgia.

From an early age, Sydney faced her share of challenges, including injuries that tested her grit and determination through high school. At every step, her father—a former track athlete from Howard University—was her biggest motivator, pushing her to new heights even when the road got tough. But having a parent so deeply invested in her athletic path brought its own set of challenges, balancing motivation with pressure.

Sydney’s story didn’t end on the track. After a standout collegiate and semi-pro career, she turned her passion for sports into a powerful career in athletic administration, working with elite programs at Duke, Notre Dame, Austin Peay, Army West Point, and now Georgia Tech.

Join us as Sydney shares the highs and lows of her journey, the influence of family support, and the lessons she’s learned on resilience, leadership, and life beyond the finish line.

Connect with Sydney on Social Media:
Linkedin:
Twitter: 

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

In this episode, I sit down with Calvin Blackmon — a former D1 football player from Miami University in Ohio and founder of the Fourth Phase.

Join us as Calvin opens up about the fascinating way football found him, how reality hit him early in his college career and how it all prepared him for what he does now.

If you are struggling with your true calling and finding value in yourself, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now!  You don't want to miss it!

Find Calvin on Social Media:

LinkedIn: (at) calvin-blackmon

X: (at) _c_blackmon

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast's On the Sideline series, I sit down with Pete Pranica, sports broadcaster and the tv voice of the Memphis Grizzlies.

We talk about his childhood and how his love for sports commentary began.

We dive deep into his career before digital media and after.   We discuss his prep work for each game and how he and co-worker, Brevin Knight, make each game cast sound, and look, so easy.

Plus the surprising connections he has made with the sports fans and the community.

And yes, Pete talks this upcoming season of the Memphis Grizzlies.

Plus so much more!

Find Pete on Social Media:  IG / X @petepranica
Listen/Watch Pete and Brevin on the Memphis Grizzlies game coverage when available.

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

In this episode, I sit down with Grant Vermeer—a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and former D1 basketball player, former Cryptologic Warfare Officer, and current real estate expert.

Grant’s story is one of finding true purpose beyond his job titles. From playing basketball at the Naval Academy to serving in submarine operations, Grant realized that his identity wasn't just about his sport or his military career—it was about his passion for helping others.

After leaving the Navy, he found new purpose as a partner in The Vermeer Group and as founder of Academy Insider, a nonprofit supporting Midshipmen and their families.

Join us as Grant opens up about the challenges of transitioning out of the military, the importance of discovering who you are beyond the uniform, his love of the game of basketball and how he continues to make an impact in his community.

If you’re searching for ways to redefine yourself and find your next purpose, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in now!  You don't want to miss it!

Find Grant on Social Media:

Instagram: @grantvermeer22

LinkedIn: @Grant-Vermeer

Website: academyinsider.com

Website: thevermeergroup.com

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast's On the Sideline series, I sit down with sports broadcast journalist Jessica Benson, host of The Jessica Benson Show with CJ Hurt on Grind City Media Network.

We dive deep into her journey as a woman navigating the male-dominated world of sports media. Jessica shares how she found her unique voice in the industry and the challenges she faced breaking into the sports space. 

We also discuss her transition from local TV to the digital sports world, how digital media has reshaped her storytelling, and the sacrifices she's made for her career.\

Jessica offers insightful advice for young women (or anyone) aspiring to break into sports media and shares her vision for the future of the industry.

Plus she shares what she's most excited about for this upcoming NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies.

Don’t miss this inspiring and funny conversation!

The Jessica Benson Show with CJ Hurt
Youtube | Apple | Spotify

Jessica Benson on IG and X @jessbensontv

A glimpse into a day in the life of Jessica Benson https://bit.ly/3ZryoJk

Grind City Media on Social Media @grindcitymedia

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I chat with Cameron Kinley, Naval Intelligence Officer, former Navy and NFL football player, speaker and author.

Cameron shares his story of resilience, living with no regrets and finding his passion (and purpose) after football.
 
Highlights include:

• The early years in Memphis
• College recruitment
• The Naval Academy years
• The NFL
• Finding new purpose
• His book

Tune in to hear his inspiring story!

Find Cam on Social Media:
Instagram @ck3thethrill
X | Twitter @ck3thethrill
Linkedin @cameronkinley

Cameron is the author of “Identity: Finding Purpose Through the Storm” available now on Amazon.  https://a.co/d/fwTcLPZ

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website