This episode is a special one for me.

I’m joined by my friend Jimmy Morris, someone I’ve known for years, and we sit down for an honest conversation about his journey through gambling addiction and recovery.

Jimmy shares what it was like growing up in a tight-knit Chicago neighborhood, how gambling slowly became part of his life, and how it eventually spiraled into consequences that impacted his family, his freedom, and his sense of self. He talks openly about jail, isolation, the breaking point with his family, and what it actually took to start doing things differently.

What I appreciate most about Jimmy is his willingness to tell the whole story, not just the redemption arc, but the pain, the denial, the ego, the relapses, and the slow rebuilding of trust.

We also talk about his podcast, Gambling Recovery: Taking Back Your Life, and how helping others has become such an important part of his recovery.

If you or someone you love has struggled with gambling, or any addiction, I hope this conversation reminds you that you’re not alone, and that change is possible.

Listen to Jimmy’s podcast here:

On episode 5 of Their Own Drum, Sam sits down with professor, writer, and American Football drummer Steve Lamos to explore his concept of resonant literacy, tracing the intersections of music, writing, identity, and habit, and unpacking how rhythms of creative and everyday life shape who we become over time.

Steve on IG: https://www.instagram.com/stevelamos/

On Episode 4 of Their Own Drum, Sam sits down with filmmaker and photographer Harvey Pullings II to trace his path from film appreciation and set photography to his acclaimed short Thank You for the Ride, Aileen, exploring influences, on‑set stories, casting choices, and how Chicago becomes a character in his work.

Harvey on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the79thstreetkid/

https://www.the79thstreetkid.com/

This is Episode Three of Their Own Drum.

On the third episode of Their Own Drum, Sam speaks to Keith Frazier, one of the founding members of The Rebirth Brass Band, the legendary, Grammy award winning brass band from New Orleans. 

Keith talks about New Orleans’ musical culture, adapting traditions with hip-hop and R&B influences, the impact of Hurricane Katrina on musicians and venues, and the band’s connection with audiences, including an upcoming show at Evanston Space on January 16, 2026.

Rebirth Brass Band at Evanston Space: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/rebirth-brass-band-space-tickets/14643723

Rebirth Brass Band: https://rebirthbrassband.com/

This is Episode Two of Their Own Drum.

Dr. Adam Lankford is a leading criminologist who studies mass and targeted violence. He discusses what the research actually shows about the roles of firearms, mental health, motives, warning signs, and the media’s impact on copycat attacks.

Dr. Lankford explains why access to guns matters more than mere ownership, how ideological and personal motives can overlap, and why early reporting of concerning behavior can help prevent attacks. The episode emphasizes evidence-based approaches and practical steps listeners can take to recognize and report warning signs.

Check out Adam's research and work at 

https://www.adamlankford.com/

This is Episode One of Their Own Drum.

Scott Lewis is the founder of The Barber's Chair Network, a digital media company covering sports, entertainment & culture. 

We talk about Scott's continued rise and navigation through the media landscape, how he copes with Chicago sports fandom ,what goes into running a media company, and so much more. 

Check out Scott and The Barber's Chair Network's work at

https://www.thebcnet.com/

and find Scott at:

https://linktr.ee/BarbChairScott