The Chan Hicks Podcast

By Chan HicksSports News Sports News Entertainment News

The Chan Hicks Podcast episodes

September 11 The Chan Hicks Podcast | Ga'Von Wray: From Tennessee to the Savannah Bananas — Life as a Firefighter in Banana Ball
Host Chan Hicks catches up with his former Scouts USA teammate Ga'Von Wray on this episode of The Chan Hicks Podcast, sponsored by Corvive — your go-to for athlete hydration and nutrition — and Bluebook Sports, the go-to app for baseball and softball players, parents, and coaches. Ga'Von traces his path from the Atlanta Blue Jays travel ball circuit through a two-way commitment at the University of Tennessee, a COVID-shortened freshman season, a post-grad reset at Scouts USA, and three years at Georgia Southern, before landing with the Frederick Keys in the draft league. He shares the surreal story of getting scouted by the Savannah Bananas organization the moment he landed home from his final pro game — and what his first tryout was really like, from learning choreographed dances on the spot to realizing just how much elite talent is hiding in plain sight at every position on the Firefighters roster.
Ga'Von opens up about the grind that shaped him — brutal two-a-days and infamous "plate push" workouts during his post-grad year — and reflects on his "next hack" moment: staying the course through a canceled COVID season and an uncertain transfer that eventually paid off. The two also get into the lighter side of Banana Ball life: viral TikTok dance-offs, the funniest guys in the league, and Ga'Von's excitement to play at Wrigley Field this season.
A must-listen for players facing a setback or transfer decision, fans curious what it actually takes to make a Banana Ball roster, and anyone who wants proof that talent and entertainment aren't mutually exclusive in today's game.

37 min
September 10 The Chan Hicks Podcast | Shane Green: MLB All-Star Stories, Tommy John with Dr. James Andrews, and Life in "The Show"
Presented by Bluebook Sports, host Chandler Hicks — former Savannah State baseball player — welcomes the podcast's first-ever former Major League All-Star, Shane Green, for a raw and unfiltered conversation. Shane traces his path from unheralded high school recruit in Florida to a rocky start at West Florida, where a devastating elbow injury led him, by pure circumstance, to renowned surgeon Dr. James Andrews — only for his scholarship to be pulled during recovery. He opens up about grinding back through junior college, the mental toll of repeated arm trouble, and how a "nothing to lose" mentality carried him all the way to a big-league All-Star nod.
The conversation turns into a highlight reel of stories from a career spent alongside some of the game's biggest names — from a Mike Trout battle that didn't go his way, to a wild BP story about Ronald Acuña Jr., to breaking down why Jackson Merrill (PCA) and Miguel Cabrera's game-slowing instincts set them apart from everyone else he's played with or against. Shane also gets real about the strange side of fame — fans submitting Bachelor applications on his behalf, and getting pegged by a thrown quarter in Houston — plus some good-natured trash talk about travel ball's modern "drip" culture and the mystery of the towel hanging out of every catcher's back pocket.
A must-listen for young players and parents chasing the next level, anyone fascinated by what it actually takes to recover from major arm surgery, and baseball fans who want unfiltered stories straight from a big-league clubhouse.
1 hr 21 min
April 02Next Hack Podcast: Ga'von Wray | From SEC Baseball to Banana Ball & Playing for the Fans
Next Hack Podcast: Ga’von Wray | From SEC Baseball to Banana Ball & Playing for the Fans
Welcome to the Next Hack Podcast with Chan Hicks, sponsored by Bluebook Sports and CorVive.
In this episode, Chan sits down with Ga’von Wray, pitcher for the Savannah Bananas organization (Firefighters) and former SEC athlete. From committing to Tennessee as a two-way player to playing in sold-out MLB stadiums with Banana Ball, Ga’von shares a powerful journey about staying open, adapting, and finding a new path in the game.
This episode dives into mindset, identity, and what happens when the game becomes bigger than just performance.
Key Highlights:
From Traditional Baseball to Banana Ball
Ga’von walks through his path from Tennessee to Georgia Southern, into pro ball, and eventually getting a DM that changed everything—leading him to Banana Ball.

The Adjustment: It’s Bigger Than You
Moving from a results-driven mindset to a fan-first approach where energy, engagement, and presence matter just as much as performance.

Let It Go – Fast
In Banana Ball, there’s no time to dwell. Cameras are always on, fans are always engaged—you have to move on immediately and stay present.

A Perspective Shift Through the Fans
After a tough outing, kids still asked for autographs and called him their favorite player, proving impact goes beyond stats.

Unexpected Opportunities
Playing in iconic stadiums like Yankee Stadium and Fenway—moments he never imagined just a year earlier.

The Power of Keeping an Open Mind
A decision he almost didn’t make turned into one of the best opportunities of his career.

The Reality of Banana Ball
High-level competition combined with entertainment—elite baseball with added pressure.

Next Hack Mentality
When COVID cut his freshman season short at Tennessee, Ga’von had to pivot. That decision led to development, growth, and ultimately this path.

Family First Moment
Traveling across the country to support his mom’s retirement, then making it back in time to pitch—everything coming full circle.
Closing Thought:
There’s no straight line in this game.
Ga’von Ray’s journey proves that staying open and embracing change can lead to opportunities bigger than you ever expected.
Your last rep doesn’t define you.
Your next one does.
Call to Action:
Download the Bluebook Sports app today to connect with players, coaches, and opportunities across the game.
Visit corvive.com and use code BLUEBOOK for 30% off your first order.
37 min
April 01Next Hack Podcast: Chubb Jones | 97 MPH, Top 10 Prospect & The Mindset Behind Elite Performance
Welcome to the Next Hack Podcast with Chan Hicks, powered by Bluebook Sports and sponsored by CorVive.
In this episode, Chan sits down with one of the most electric young players in the country—top 10 prospect and Alabama commit Chubb Jones. Touching 97 MPH on the mound and hitting balls over 400 feet, Chubb brings elite tools—but it’s his mindset that truly separates him.
This conversation dives into what it takes to compete at the highest level, handle pressure, and keep improving when all eyes are on you.
Key Highlights:
Elite from the Start
Chubb shares how he quickly rose in national rankings once he got in front of scouts and why exposure matters.

High-Level Competition
A behind-the-scenes look at the summer circuit and why events like Perfect Game and PBR are critical for serious players.

Handling Pressure and Noise
How Chubb blocks out social media, criticism, and constant cameras to stay focused on his game.

The “Next Hack” Mindset
From a tough freshman game with multiple errors to bouncing back stronger—learning how to reset and move forward.

Why Alabama
What stood out about the program, the coaching staff, and the culture that made his college decision easy.

Development and Growth
Why adding strength and continuing mental consistency are the next big steps in his journey.

Versatility Matters
Pitcher, shortstop, outfield—how playing multiple positions increases value at every level.

Rapid Fire
Favorite snacks on the road, go-to meals, and the one stadium he’s most excited to play in.
Closing Thought:
Chubb Jones is more than a top prospect—he’s a blueprint for how to approach the game. The talent is obvious, but the mindset is what makes him different.
Call to Action:
Download the Bluebook Sports app today to connect with players, coaches, and opportunities across the game.
Visit corvive.com and use code BLUEBOOK for 30% off your first order.
32 min
November 02, 2025 From Baseball Dreams to YouTube Stardom | Dan Sarmiento on Passion, Perseverance, and Content Creation
In this episode of Your Next Hack Podcast, host Chan Hicks sits down with baseball content creator and YouTube star Dan Sarmiento (D-Sarm) to talk about his journey from the diamond to digital fame. Dan shares how injuries pushed him toward content creation, how he built a 400K+ following, and the mindset it takes to keep swinging after setbacks. You’ll hear stories about meeting Ken Griffey Jr., filming viral baseball videos, and finding purpose in the grind of YouTube.
🎧 Whether you’re an athlete, creator, or dreamer — this episode will inspire you to take your next hack.
Sponsors:
This episode is brought to you by Corvive — elevate your energy, focus, and performance with clean, effective supplements. New customers get 30% off their first order at corvive.com using code HACK30.
Also sponsored by Bluebook Sports — your all-in-one sports network for connecting athletes, teams, and recruiters. Download the Bluebook Sports App today to start building your athletic brand.
50 min
October 24, 2025Breaking Barriers | Your Next Hack with Tenison Myricks
On this episode of Your Next Hack Podcast with host Chan Hicks, softball star Tenison Myricks joins the show as the first softball guest. After dominating at Fort Valley State University, she’s now stepping onto a bigger stage at Georgia State University. A two-way threat at the plate and in the circle, Tennyson shares how she built a relentless mindset and used the transfer portal to find the perfect fit both athletically and academically.
They talk about:
Her mentality as a two-way player and how she balances pitching, hitting, and defense.

The reality of the transfer portal and how to navigate it with a plan.

The talent at HBCUs and the misconceptions surrounding it.

How social media can be a powerful tool—and a potential trap—for student-athletes.

Her “Next Hack” moment that fueled her rise from JV to a college star.

Why staying team-first and embracing your role can elevate everyone.
📢 Follow Chan on Instagram at @_chanhicks and TikTok/YouTube at @chanhickstv.
📢 Follow Tennyson on X at @MyricksTenison and Instagram at @lowkeyy._ten.
💥 This episode is sponsored by:
Bluebook Sports — The ultimate hub for players, coaches, and fans. Download the app today on Apple or Google Play.

CorVive — Get 30% off your first order with code BLUEBOOK at corvive.com.
🔥 Your Next Hack Podcast – Real conversations. Real journeys. Real hustle.
38 min
October 16, 2025No Breaks in the SEC | Your Next Hack with Tre Phelps
On this episode of Your Next Hack Podcast with host Chan Hicks, utility player Tre Phelps of University of Georgia joins the show to talk about the grind of SEC baseball, his journey from freshman standout to team leader, and what it takes to thrive at one of the top programs in the country.
They talk about:
His path from shortstop to corner infielder and the value of playing multiple positions.

The reality of competing in the SEC and facing elite arms every weekend.

The intensity of the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech rivalry and why those games hit different.

His personal style on the field—chains, confidence, and bringing flair to the game.

Overcoming the mental battles of slumps, staying even-keeled, and controlling what you can.

How leadership and mindset have evolved from freshman year to junior year.

Why his goals this season are all about focus and consistency, not chasing numbers.
📢 Follow Chan on Instagram at @_chanhicks and TikTok/YouTube at @chanhickstv.
📢 Follow Tre on Instagram at @tr3phelps.
💥 This episode is sponsored by:
Bluebook Sports — The ultimate hub for players, coaches, and fans. Download the app today on Apple or Google Play.

CorVive — Get 30% off your first order with code BLUEBOOK at corvive.com.
🔥 Your Next Hack Podcast – Real conversations. Real journeys. Real hustle.
29 min
October 14, 2025The Grind Behind the Glory | Your Next Hack with Vahn Lackey
On this episode of Your Next Hack Podcast with host Chan Hicks, catcher VahnLackey of Georgia Institute of Technology joins the show. A top catching prospect for the 2026 MLB Draft, Vahn shares his journey from being a late bloomer with no offers to becoming one of the most talked-about players in college baseball.
They talk about:
How Vahn fell in love with baseball and grew into the catcher position.

The recruiting process that led him to Georgia Tech.

Balancing elite academics with the daily grind of D1 baseball.

Playing for USA Baseball in Japan and lessons learned from international competition.

How he prepares mentally and physically for a long college season.

Why staying focused on the next hack—on and off the field—has fueled his rise to the top.
📢 Follow Chan on Instagram at @_chanhicks and TikTok/YouTube at @chanhickstv.
📢 Follow Vahn on Instagram at @Vahn_lackey.
💥 This episode is sponsored by:
Bluebook Sports — The ultimate hub for players, coaches, and fans. Download the app today on Apple or Google Play.

CorVive — Get 30% off your first order with code BLUEBOOK at corvive.com.
Your Next Hack Podcast – Real conversations. Real journeys. Real hustle.
27 min

About The Chan Hicks Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by baseball player and creator Chan Hicks, The Chan Hicks Podcast is where hustle meets mindset. Every episode features raw, honest conversations with athletes, trainers, social media creators, and thought leaders who are carving their own path to success.