In this episode of The PLΔNNING Podcast, host Isaac M. Cooper sits down with Michael Pierce Jr., former NFL defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens and Minnesota Vikings, to unpack a powerful conversation on life, family, leadership, and resilience. From his favorite NFL memories to the lessons he’s learned about managing money, relationships, and personal growth — Michael shares a transparent look at what it takes to sustain success on and off the field.

💡 Key Topics:

• Growing up and the power of early exposure • Lessons from the NFL and life after football

• Financial management and relationship discipline for athletes • What resilience really means when no one’s watching

• Leadership, legacy, and never giving up This episode is a masterclass in faith, focus, and follow-through — reminding us all that hard work and consistency always pay off.

Watch, share, and subscribe to The PLΔNNING Podcast for more real conversations that bridge money, mindset, and meaning.

#ThePlanningPodcast #MichaelPierceJr #NFL #Leadership #MoneyManagement #Resilience #AthleteMindset #FinancialFreedom

Drawing from DeMaurice’s book, Turf Wars, the discussion unpacked leadership, power, advocacy, and what it truly takes to protect people within complex systems. D. Smith shared how he navigated and negotiated with 31 billionaires, ensuring NFL players were positioned with the knowledge, leverage, and structure needed to truly advocate for themselves.

After 15 years as Executive Director of the NFLPA, he made it clear that his ultimate goal was simple and relentless: to be a “dog” when it came to making the players better. These are the conversations that stretch perspective, sharpen leadership, and spark action, and we’re grateful to create spaces where truth, wisdom, and impact meet.

Follow The PLΔNNING Podcast to watch the fireside chat for yourself and catch every insightful moment. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this moment special.

More to come. #planning #IMC #NFLPA

Leadership doesn’t start when you get the title—it starts long before.

Martin Newton joins The Planning Podcast to reflect on growing up as the son of C.M. Newton, one of the most influential figures in college basketball, and how that legacy shaped his approach to leadership, integrity, and long-term thinking. We explore succession, stewardship, and what it takes to prepare the next generation to lead with purpose in high-stakes environments.

Jayson M. Thornton is a Certified Financial Planner who's brand and visibility skyrocketed over the last year. Pocket Watching w/ JT has been instrumental in debunking and clarifying financial concepts and recommendations that's received millions a views and impressions from other platforms spewing misinformation. During this interview we learn more about the journey of Jayson and gather his professional thoughts on a multitude of financial topics for households, business owners, professional athletes, etc. A ton of great tips in this interview. You don't want to miss it! #planning #IMC

In this episode we breakdown one of the unique ways the top college football programs in the country pay their coaches. USA Today has released results of its survey of the top College Football salaries. Seven of the coaches are making more than $7 million, 21 earn at least $5 million and 37 top $4 million. Tap in to learn more on how public/private colleges and universities make money and the surprising way these collegeitate coaches have structured their contracts. #collegefootball #salary #compensation #planning #IMC

In this powerful episode of The PLΔNNING Podcast, Isaac M. Cooper sits down with visionary entrepreneur and Athletes.ORG Chairman Jim Cavale — a man who has built, sold, and scaled companies that changed industries.

From his early days launching startups to leading IronTribe Fitness and creating INFLCR — later acquired by Teamworks — Jim unpacks what it means to build purpose-driven companies and why he refuses to use the term “student-athlete.” He shares a masterclass in leadership, fundraising, and vision — and how Athletes.ORG is becoming for college athletes what the NFLPA is for pros: a national platform for education, representation, and empowerment in the NIL era.

In this week’s IMC Recap, we cover some of the biggest stories shaping sports, finance, and media. From McNeese State student manager Amir “Aura” Khan turning a viral moment into major NIL deals, to the College Sports Commission’s $80M NIL approvals — and the $40M correction that followed. We also break down the Stablecoin Genius Act and its potential to transform payments, before unpacking Paramount’s bold $1.1B-per-year move to secure UFC media rights and what it means for streaming, branding, and fan engagement.

This episode connects the dots between athlete branding, financial innovation, and media strategy — all through the lens of integrated marketing and communications.

In this episode we unpack the controversial transition of Hall of Famer, Ed Reed, as the Head Coach for the Bethune Cookman football team. Joining us on the podcast is D.A. O'Neal, an All-American Track and Field athlete at Mississippi State University. You don't want to miss this episode. #planning #IMC #theplanningpodcast #money #edreed #coach #football