What's Your Y?

In this episode of What’s Your Y, we had the pleasure of interviewing Connor Dukes, the Head Assistant Basketball Coach at Bellevue University. Hailing from Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Coach Dukes began his basketball journey at Peru State College. But then ended up transferring to Peru State Bellevue university. Dukes began his basketball journey as a walk-on at Bellevue, ultimately earning a spot in the starting lineup.

During our conversation, Coach Dukes shared his inspiring coaching journey, starting from his high school days where he coached alongside his father. After achieving notable success at the high school level, he pursued his dream of coaching at the collegiate level. His impressive career includes appearances in the national tournament, both as a player with Bellevue and as a coach with Dickerson University.

Coach Dukes emphasized the significance of cultivating a strong culture within his program and highlighted the critical role of player development. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be a college basketball coach and his commitment to enhancing his players' skills both on and off the court. His passion and dedication make him a role model for aspiring coaches everywhere.

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In this episode of the What’s Your Y? Podcast, we sit down with Wes Spalding, twin brother of co-host Wyatt Spalding, for a deeply personal conversation about growing up together, the challenges that shaped their childhood, and the unbreakable bond between two brothers.

Wes shares what it was like growing up alongside his twin, how Wyatt’s challenges impacted their family and childhood, and why their relationship became such an important source of strength for both of them. From playing sports together to watching Wyatt overcome obstacles, those experiences helped shape Wes’s own perspective on life and ultimately his “why.”

This episode dives into the power of family, the impact of adversity, and the ways sports can shape who we become far beyond the playing field.

At the heart of it all is a simple but powerful reminder: sometimes, our greatest purpose is shaped by the people we grow up beside—and the challenges we learn to overcome together.

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Drew Brees reflects on finding purpose beyond football and how his “Y” has evolved since retiring from the NFL. From redefining competition to embracing new challenges, this episode explores what continues to drive him as he prepares for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Jake Burnside shares his journey of battling through injury and difficult setbacks. From recovery to resilience, this episode explores how adversity shaped his mindset and deepened his “Y.”

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In Episode 2 of the What’s Your Y? Podcast, we sit down with RJ Nealon—an adaptive athlete, storyteller, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu competitor whose journey is built on resilience, adaptation, and relentless belief.

Born after suffering a stroke that led to cerebral palsy affecting his right side, RJ grew up constantly being told what he couldn’t do. But through sports, he found a different path—one rooted in problem-solving, persistence, and proving that limitations don’t define potential. From competing in Special Olympics for nearly two decades to graduating from the University of Alabama with honors, RJ’s story is one of rewriting expectations at every stage of life.

RJ shares how Brazilian jiu-jitsu became more than just a sport—it became his outlet, his therapy, and his identity. In a discipline that demands both physical and mental toughness, he learned to adapt every movement to his body, creating a unique style that turned perceived weaknesses into strengths.

This episode dives into the mindset behind RJ’s journey—the moments of doubt, the setbacks that nearly made him quit, and the “why” that kept him going. Now an advocate for representation and inclusion in sports, RJ is using his platform to show others that adversity can be the very thing that fuels purpose.

RJ’s story is a powerful reminder: it’s not about the obstacles in front of you—it’s about how you adapt, respond, and keep moving forward

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In this episode of the What’s Your Y? Podcast, we introduce a show built on the powerful connection between sports and personal growth—where passion becomes purpose and adversity fuels transformation. Each episode highlights real stories from athletes, coaches, and fans who use sports as a vehicle to overcome life’s toughest challenges.

Today, we dive into Wyatt’s story—a journey shaped by resilience, perspective, and a deep love of the game. Wyatt shares how sports became more than just competition, but a guiding force that helped him navigate obstacles, find purpose, and define his “why.”

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