What is the point of international competition? Is it worth the work and the money? Do the benefits outweigh the costs? would we better off without any? Is there a fiscal benefit to the games? Questions like this have fascinated me for quite some time. Now, in this shorter episode this week, I am joined with a promoter of the 2019 South East Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held in the Philippines in November, Karen Caballero. I was able to bring some of these questions to Karen. Take a listen and enjoy the interview. Send us a response at Facebook.com/globallyballin, what are you thoughts on international competition, is it worth it?

The Philippines is an interesting place. In terms of population, it is in the top tier of countries. When it comes to poverty, sure there are impoverished areas but it would crazy to say other places around the world do not struggle with poverty more on a wider scale. Yet, the Philippines is one of only a few countries left with so gold medal in the Olympics. In the 2016 Olympic Games, the Philippines was represented with a silver medal winner, Hidilyn Diaz, a female weightlifter. Hidilyn then went and won gold in the following Asian Games. Now, she is the favorite in the even more narrowed-competition of the 2019 SEA Games. Yet, her eyes are still set on the 2020 Tokyo Games. Hidilyn has a real chance to be the first ever gold medal winner in the Philippines. And, as a country that celebrates their athletes on a completely different level (when they are successful), that is an achievement that one can not take lightly. However, Hidilyn has had her share of controversy, some of which has damaged her reputation. Join me as I interview Hidilyn about a number of topics including her past competitions, the upcoming SEA games and Olympics, and the pride she feels representing the Philippines. And, as an extra bonus, the second half of the episode features a discussion I had with the host of the Limihan Basketball Podcast, Lance Fernandez (my go-to for all things Philippines sports) as he helps break down what Hidilyn means to the country and some of the controversy that has followed her career as of late. We apologize for the late post and plan to be back on schedule if not with the next episode then the one after that. Thank you all for listening and thank you once again to Hidilyn and Lance for their contributions to this episode.

As the The Basketball League grows (adding a few new teams for year two already), the name Evelyn Magley grows with it. A recent interview and shoutout by Ciara (you know, as in "Russel-Wilson-and-Ciara-Ciara, or as in, 1-2-Step-Ciara") Evelyn Magley is quickly growing in the spotlight of basketball in the United States. This episode is Globally Ballin's first on-location interview. I journeyed to Chicago for one of many of The Basketball League's combines. Ms. Magley was a fantastic guest; she answered every question I had in more depth than I could have expected, with time to spare to go out and take care of wet spot on the court. This interview is one of my favorites to date. Enjoy this episode and if you have any questions or comments feel free to send them to us at our Facebook page at facebook.com/globallyballin. If you enjoy the episode, a rating on Apple Podcasts would be huge help, thank you all very much and thank you Evelyn Magley!

Former Kansas Jayhawk and former Commissioner of the NBL Canada, David Magley, hasn't left the world of basketball, but instead has immersed himself in said world by being the president of a newly found league, "The Basketball League." If that wasn't enough, his wife is the CEO of the league. It's safe to say that this power couple has made basketball (or possibly just kept basketball) a focal part of their life. Now their days are spent traveling cross country going to combine events, games, and other league events to make sure everything is moving smoothly. This interview with with the first of the two mentioned, David Magley. The TBL is different, I'll leave it at that. Anything I write will not do it justice. David does a fantastic job describing the elements of the TBL that are different and what makes this league a success. I thank David for his time and contribution to the mission of Globally Ballin. Enjoy the interview, and thank you for listening!

What is it that creates a fantastic energy and atmosphere at live sporting events? What is it that drives a fandom to create such an atmosphere? Do the best on the court always bring the best in the stands? On the flip side, does lower talent on the court bring less energy in the stands? This episode dives into key factors that create and feed the energy of the crowd and of fandom while discussing The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL). This semi-pro league in the Philippines has some a few key differences than the pro league in the Philippines the PBA. One could argue that it is due to these differences that the MPBL is growing at such a rate that the addition of teams has been capped. What is a game like in this league? What makes it different? Will it last? All these questions and more on our latest episode of the Globally Ballin Podcast. Enjoy the podcast and thank you to Marc for your time.

Coming from the Ivory Coast (Cote d'Ivoire), Dini Ouattara knew that he loved soccer/futbol at such a high level that he knew his future would formed around it. After growing up and competing in the Ivory Coast, Dini now find himself playing professionally in the Philippines. Enjoy this interview with Dini as he talks about soccer in both Africa and the Philippines. Although it may not be a league you have heard of before, for some of you, professional soccer in the Philippines may have exactly what you need. For others of you, enjoy this interview as Dini shows us how these different sports are valued in vastly different (and yet similar) parts of the world. Thank you for listening.

How do you choose an agent? When do you choose an agent? How do you decide where to play? What happens if you get a bad agent? What about a bad team? Are you in danger? What happens if you are? Join me on this interview with NBA and FIBA agent Jeremiah Haylett a lawyer at Haylett Sports & Entertainment. For those of you that feel overwhelmed by the life of overseas athletics, listen to the wise words of Jeremiah, to help you clear things up. Make sure you listen to the whole thing as Jeremiah tells a sad but very valuable story about a recent accident that happened with an international player in Indonesia.

**This interview can also be found on our partnered podcast, the "Limahan Podcast"**

Ivan Johnson has been all over the place including playing for the first year of the Big3 and playing in the championship in the PBA. Listen to this fantastic interview to get an in-depth look at what it is like to play in the Philippines, from private islands to fried PB&J's Ivan covers it all.  In addition, Johnson touches on the mindset he was in when some of his more memorable moments in the PBA occurred, including an ejection.   Please, enjoy my conversation with former Big3 pioneer, Atlanta Hawk, and PBA champion, Ivan Johnson. 

Edit: On February 13, 2016, Johnson was permanently banned from the PBA. After an apology on his twitter, Johnson's life ban was changed to a one year suspension.

Join me on a conversation with former Tennessee Volunteer and current international basketball player, Wayne Chism. Chism finds himself all over the world depending on the offers on the table. One of his most notable international stints was in the Philippines playing for the Magnolia Hotshots. Listen and enjoy.