The Big Jump

The underdog South Central LA native attended Beverly Hills High School via a permit, the start of an unlikely story that inspired the CW television Series "All American.” But the against-all-odds nature of Spencer Paysinger’s (@pysngr) story didn't end there.

The cult favorite author vulnerably discusses the ups and down of his big jump from pro hoops player to author and writer’s workshop space founder. Season Two kicks off with Paul Shirley, who began his writing career while playing in The NBA for the league-best Phoenix Suns, writing on their blog about his experience on the team as it unfolded throughout the 2004-05 season. You’ll hear Paul’s insane rollercoaster of basketball rosters playing for about a dozen teams between the NBA and teams overseas and more about that Phoenix Suns blog which led to his first hit book Can I Keep My Jersey, which was then adapted and made into a TV pilot. All of this while playing pro basketball.

The hidden thing that holds us back from writing our own story, host David Gardner presents the idea of “Invisible Box Syndrome." Rather than the usual interview format where Host David Gardner sits down with a pro athlete who has created success beyond sports, this a Solo Episode – or a if you prefer a “Solosode.”

If you’re thinking about making your next big jump, this episode is for you. It answers the question “what holds us back from reinventing ourselves and writing our own story?”

And what holds people back, the reinvention killer – is actually ourselves. So this episode is really about you.

There’s something that we all do – but we’re blind to it – it’s invisible to us – what David calls “Invisible Box Syndrome.”

This episode discusses how to beat “Invisible Box Syndrome” and will help anyone who wants to spark their next big jump.

Olympic gold winner turned doctor in residence, the Stanford standout “The Buehldozer" gives a behind-the-scenes account of her big jump from the soccer field to the medical field that saw sitting in her first medical school class less than 24 hours after taking off her professional jersey for the last time. In episode 6 of The Big Jump, David and Rachel talk the “Buehldozer,” Disney music, and her incredible 24 hour transition from professional soccer to medical school orientation. From inspiring the next generation of female soccer players to following her lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, Rachel opens up about her double life as a professional athlete and high-level academic.

NFL concussion effects to startup investor identity creation, Ryan Mundy opens up about his big jump. With a Superbowl win and eight seasons in the NFL under his belt, Ryan Mundy has made his big jump from professional football to the tech investing world. From tackling offensive linebackers to launching his own venture capital firm, Mundy is more than just an athlete. In episode five of The Big Jump, Mundy and David talk helmets, concussions, tech, and transitions.

Thank you to Grand Voyage for sponsoring this episode! Go to thebigjumpshow.com/shoes and use promo code THEBIGJUMP to get $35 off your purchase!

Another big thank you to the Concussion Legacy Foundation at Boston University for all the research they have conducted and will conduct on CTE. They have provided valuable insight on a little known disease and continue to make remarkable strides.

“Shut up and dribble” is discussed by the current NBA player and former Duke champion who defies convention with his myriad off-court business pursuits he’s embarking upon during the prime of his NBA career. Mason Plumlee, one of three Plumlee brothers in the NBA. From using Outlier Theory to understand Mason’s success as a middle child to recognizing the need to pursue interests off the court, David and Mason discuss Mason’s journey into the NBA and the future transitions that will inevitably result.

Thank you to Grand Voyage for sponsoring this episode! Go to thebigjumpshow.com/shoes and use promo code THEBIGJUMP to get $35 off your purchase!

Post-Olympic depression is discussed by the 2x silver medalist and she opens up about her journey of making her big jump from the Olympics to Silicon Valley. An example of incremental growth and triumph, Christine gets real with David about the realities of post-Olympic depression and adapting to life beyond professional sports. From swimming laps against the clock to diving headfirst and fast into the corporate world, Christine reveals how she transitioned from a momentous career in professional swimming to making it in Silicon Valley.

The contagiously energetic, vulnerable, champion’s mindset that fuels Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) as he figures out his next move in Hollywood alongside his wife Julianne Hough, fresh off of his 13-year NHL career.

Who knew?! A rare interview reveals a budding business empire, wise emotional depth, and a youth world swimming title – check what you think you knew about Kris Humphries (@krishumphries) at the door, because there’s much more than meets the eye.

Fueled by a mission to inspire your next big jump, this podcast is about human reinvention – featuring professional athletes who have leveraged their athletic minds to create success beyond sports.

Join host David Gardner, a professional basketball player turned CEO of branding firm ColorJar, as he shares interviews with professional athletes that uncover their challenging and surprising transitions.