Who Are You: The Life Lessons of Sports

Jemele Hill is the Co-Host of Numbers Never Lie on ESPN2 with Michael Smith. Growing up in Detroit, Jemele was "a bit of a tom-boy" and loved sports, especially the Detroit Tigers.

From playing with the kids on the street to keeping up with the stories in the newspapers she always found sports a good escape. It was this love that gave Jemele her early inklings that sports journalism might be the path for her. From high school to college and beyond Jemele focused on sports media almost exclusively. She served as a sports writer with the Detroit Free Press covering events such as the Summer Olympics and the NBA Playoffs. Her goal was to work for Sports Illustrated, however when the opportunity arose when she was 22 years old Jemele made the difficult decision to turn it down.

Jemele found that writing full time for a smaller market would be better long term as opposed to fact checking for Sports Illustrated. The senior editor at the time agreed with her choice saying "We will never be able to afford you later." From working with multiple sports publications to working at ESPN, Jemele has shown how much can be gained from having a focus and a drive to do what you love. Join us for a great interview with a great individual.

Tommy Lasorda, while visiting Ted Williams's house has a moment and few words with Dan Duquette's children while Ted is catching a nap.

Listen to the General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles to hear how his leadership once again has the O's back in the 2014 playoffs, seeking a World Series title.

Dan Duquette is the Executive Vice President of the Baltimore Orioles and has a long, storied history in Major League Baseball with multiple organizations. In this podcast, Dan shares his behind the scenes experiences that helped shape his success and formed who he is today. In this interview with Dan.  Dan Duquette was conducted during the Fall of 2013, while his team, the Baltimore Orioles, were unfortunately out of the hunt for the playoffs, but still maturing under Dan’s leadership.

A Note from George Visger:

I played for San Francisco, developed hydrocephalus from concussions during the 81 Super Bow" season, and underwent emergency VP Shunt brain surgery. Now on brain surgery # 9 after surviving surgeries # 4 thru #7 in 1987 while completing a Biology degree. Went on as a wildlife biologist from 90 - 97, taught HS science, chemistry and math for two years, back to Biology, and started an Environmental Consulting firm in 2003. In 2010 we launched The Visger Group, Traumatic Brain Injury consulting. I developed hydrocephalus and underwent VP shunt brain surgery while playing DT for the 1981 SF 49ers Super Bowl champs. I had suffered a major concussion in the prior year (80) against the Dallas Cowboys but never missed a play by use of 20+ smelling salts the trainers and doctors used on me during the game.

My shunt failed 4 months after our Super Bowl XVI victory, was brought to the hospital in a coma. Survived two more brain surgeries 10 hrs apart and given last rites (also given the hospital bills but that's another story). In 1986 I returned to school to complete my Biology degree. Survived 4 more brain surgeries and several gran mal seizures during a 10-month period in 1987. All the while taking Organic, Physics and Pre-Calc courses. Graduated in 1990 at age 32 with a BS in Biological Conservation, surgery induced dyslexia and major short term memory deficits and began my career as a wildlife biologist/environmental consultant. In 2009, due to major memory issues, my primary care advised me to file for SSI, turn in my drivers license and get my finances in order. At the time they had me on Lexapro, Ambien (had gone up to 4 nights straight with no sleep due to inflammation in my brain) and 3 dementia meds (Arricept, Namenda and Resperdal).

Instead of turning it in, I attended a 3 day neuro psych evaluation at Dr Amen's clinic in So Cal. He started me on hyperbaric oxygen treatments, and I began coordinating directly with Dr Barry Sears, and using mega doses (12 - 16 gm/day) of Sears Omega 3's and his natural anti oxidants, concentrated blueberry, cranberry and acaiberry juices in capsules. Since I started my treatment program, and through neuro plasticity activities, my micro cognitive memory scores have improved over 15%. And I'll be 55 in Sept.

I don't buy into the bunk that once brain damaged thats all there is. We only use ~ 5% - 10% of our brain. We just need to repair damaged areas and awaken sequestered neurons.

Jed Speaks To the Life Lessons He Learned From Playing In College and Celebrating Camaraderie More Than The Wins As Well As Speaking To The Point That His Best Friends Are Still Those He Played With At Wesleyan University, Even Today.

Jed Hoyer is now the General Manager for the Chicago Cubs. This episode tells his story of taking monumental risk and starting out as an intern for the Boston Red Sox at 27-years old and at a wage of $8 an hour simply to get into Major League Baseball. Jed grew up in New Hampshire and always loved baseball. From the age 5 Jed would track the scores and stats of the fantasy leagues of the day.

After college Jed found that the business world was not working out for him and looked to the world of sports for his future calling. Taking an internship for the Boston Red Sox at the lowest level Jed quickly worked his way up the chain. After working with the Red Sox he moved to San Diego to be the General Manager of the Padres.

Now as the General Manager for the Chicago Cubs he has found a place that he enjoys waking up to and going to work every single day to contribute towards what will soon be, the first World Series in 106 years, for Cubbies’ Fans all over the world! From cleaning hot dog carts to running one of the most storied franchises in the history of sports, if you ever want to know what it is like to be or become a General Manager then this is a can't miss interview.

Pat Explain That Traveling Overseas To Play Basketball Wasn't Easy, But Wait Until You Hear The Life Lesson Pat Learned.

Pat Burke has a lot to teach about coaching and playing sports, and learning the life lessons from them. Pat has dedicated his career to helping young athletes learn these very lessons; and he’s in a great position to do so.

Pat played for 12 seasons in the NBA, but his road there was not a perfect path. This interview allows listeners the opportunity to hear about Pat’s journey, starting from playing ice hockey at 6 foot 7 inches tall and then making the switch over to basketball. Pat share personal stories about his experiences with the NBA Draft, playing basketball in Europe and the difficult decisions he had to make along the way.

Pat’s motto, getting better every day defines an athlete and a gentleman who embodies that approach. Facing adversity, challenging yourself, knowing your role, being a great communicator – all of this and more comes to light in a fantastic interview with Pat Burke. To use his own words, Pat was never an All-Star in the NBA, but he most certainly is an All-Star in helping us understand the incredible life lessons that come from sports.

I know I learned many things from this interview, so join me as we listen to Pat walks us through a journey not to be forgotten.

James Swanwick, Exclusive Access: Australians Are Known For Their Toughness, But James Has a Softer Side. Can You Meditate For 10 Days Straight?

James Swanwick is a New York-based ESPN anchor on SportsCenter, author of ‘Insider Journalism Secrets’ and co-founder of international agency, Crocmedia. He has been a print or TV journalist for 20 years, writing for newspapers and magazines in the US, UK and Australia. These include Associated Press, Sky Sports, ESPN, WPLJ radio, Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney Daily Telegraph, The Sun, Sky Movie Channel, Q104FM, Loaded magazine, Woman’s Day, The Courier-Mail and much more.