Episode 3 – VIP Podcast with Derek James Gregory

Beyond the Spotlight: How Sports, Entertainment, and Poker Influence Each Other

Welcome to Episode 3 of The VIP Podcast with Derek James Gregory.

This episode features Omar Gooding—actor, comedian, producer, and rapper—for a hilarious, honest, and wide-ranging conversation. Best known for his roles in Baby Boy and other classic films, Omar comes from one of entertainment’s most talented families and shares incredible stories from his life, career, and time at the poker table.

From growing up in a legendary show-business household to navigating Hollywood, fatherhood, music, and poker, Omar keeps it real from start to finish.

Timestamps:

Welcome to the second episode of the VIP Podcast with Derek James Gregory.

Beyond the Spotlight: How Sports, Entertainment, and Poker Influence Each Other

We welcome Finesse Mitchell, a seasoned actor, comedian and host who was a Saturday Night Live cast member, and has worked in across TV, Film and four stand up specials. Many don’t know before show Buisness with was an NFL player.

(1:00) - Finesse Mitchell Introduction

Welcome to the first episode of the VIP Podcast with Derek James Gregory. 

Beyond the Spotlight: How Sports, Entertainment, and Poker Influence Each Other

We welcome Mitch Butler NBA Veteran & NBA Agent who taught me about consistency. As a UCLA Basketball Player and 8 Year NBA Veteran turned Agent representing luminaries like Dwight Howard, Avery Bradley, & Earl Watson. 

(1:00) - Introduction

(5:30) - Mitch Butler talks about his upbringing and coming from the bottom

(9:51) - Mitch Butler dives into his faith 

(12:03) - Poker’s Influence on Mitch’s Mindset

(16:07) - Happy Harrison’s Basketball Camp & it’s Influence 

(18:01) - Mitch’s childhood friendship with ER & The Pitt Actor, Noah Wylie

(29:40) - The Root of Mitch Butler’s Discipline 

(37:32) - How the support of his neighborhood allowed Mitch to pursue his basketball dream

(42:29) - The cost and commutes involved with pursuing Basketball

(45:52) - How Los Angeles became the hub of Basketball and Magic Johnson’s Role

(51:03) - Poker as a form of Networking 

(102:25) - When Mitch realized that Basketball could be a life path for him

(1:10:02) - When Mitch Butler Met Shaq 

(1:16:05) - How to push the development of young basketball players

Derek James Gregory takes you inside the world of Entertainers, Poker Players, Athletes and more. Here’s a taste.