Born To The Game Podcast

What does it take to keep showing up for your family after unimaginable loss? Shaya Bryant — daughter of NBA and European league legend Joe "Jellybean" Bryant and sister of Kobe Bryant — returns for Part 2 of her deeply personal conversation with Born To The Game, going even deeper into grief, healing, and legacy. In this episode, Shaya opens up about: Losing seven family members in six years — including her father, brother, niece, grandmother, and in-laws Grief as waves, not a straight line — why some days are harder than others, even years later Leaning on therapy monthly and using the gym as her own form of therapy Why she refuses to grieve alone — relying on her husband, kids, and sister for support Raising her sons knowing they may be compared to their uncle Kobe on the basketball court Celebrating her daughter Autumn's birthday — which falls on Kobe's birthday — while holding both joy and grief Redefining legacy as unconditional love, good energy, and being remembered as the family's "unicorn" A surprise video message from her children and an emotional legacy objects segment to close out the conversation This is Part 2 of 2 — catch Part 1 if you missed the first half of Shaya's story. New episodes are live every Tuesday. Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube. Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it mean to hold space for celebration, grief, community health, and legacy all in one week? Host Mariah Woodson flies solo this episode — Tamara Peyton couldn't make the trip — to reflect on a jam-packed week at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Mariah walks through the events, moments, and conversations that shaped her week, including: Attending the NBA Legends Annual Event and watching her father fellowship with the pioneers of the game, A surprise, full-circle moment when former guest Olden Polynice praised "Born to the Game" to a room of NBA legends Missing the "She's Got Time" summit — founded by Swin Cash to empower women across sports and entertainment — and committing to attend next year.  A candid conversation with her dad and her husband about how Summer League is really used to evaluate young talent, not just wins and losses An unforgettable "10 out of 10" Jeezy concert experience in Vegas A critical PSA from the National Basketball Wives Association summit: per the CDC, Black women account for over half of new HIV diagnoses among women in the U.S. despite being just 13% of the female population — and why safe sex, regular testing, and ending the stigma matter Processing what it means when fans stop her in person to say the show matters to them A first look at an upcoming Summer League behind-the-scenes YouTube series New episodes are live every Tuesday. Full videos are live every Wednesday on YouTube. Subscribe to Born To The Game for more honest conversations about culture, family, entertainment, ambition, and legacy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when a reality TV moment becomes one of the most precious memories you have left? Allison Mathis Jones — daughter of legendary Atlanta attorney and civic leader Charles Mathis and a familiar face from MTV's My Super Sweet 16 — joins hosts Mariah Woodson and Tamara Peyton for a candid, layered conversation about identity, legacy, grief, and what it truly means to have it all. Allison grew up in Atlanta's elite circles — Grammy parties at home, T.I. and Jermaine Dupri dropping by, and a father who represented some of the biggest names in entertainment. But behind that world was a young woman learning what it meant to carry her father's name, face public scrutiny, and eventually lose him far too soon. In this episode, Allison opens up about: What it was really like filming MTV's My Super Sweet 16 — and why it was largely her dad's idea The legacy of Charles Mathis and how long it took her to grasp his full impact on Atlanta Her journey through grief and how loss reshaped her purpose Launching Moments to Media Content Co., helping brands create social media-ready content Why she believes women can have it all — just not all at once Balancing motherhood, marriage, real estate, content creation, and entrepreneurship Finding your identity outside of being someone's wife or mother The one word she'd use to describe herself: multifaceted New episodes drop every Tuesday. Full videos every Wednesday on YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Born to the Game - Summer League Rewind, we revisit our conversation with Zeke Thomas — DJ, activist, and son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Zeke joined hosts Mariah Woodson and Tamara Peyton live at NBA Summer League 2025 to talk about growing up in the shadow of one of basketball's greatest legends, carving his own identity, and using his platform to fight for equal rights and equal justice. Isiah Thomas's résumé is unmatched — two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, a Hall of Fame induction, and a career that extended into ownership and leadership with the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks. But to Zeke, his father was first and foremost Dad — and understanding the weight of that legacy took a lifetime of moving, adapting, and self-discovery. Zeke reflects on a childhood spent constantly relocating — from Detroit to Indiana to New York — and the toll that repeated uprooting took on his friendships, his trust, and his sense of belonging. He shares the moment his father's fame truly landed for him: arriving in New York and seeing Isiah Thomas on the cover of every newspaper, every single day. He recounts being taken out by Spike Lee and Chris Rock to the 40/40 Club, where he met Jay-Z — a night that crystallized exactly what world he had been born into. The conversation gets candid as Zeke discusses the unique pressure of being asked, constantly, whether he was as great a basketball player as his father — a question he still gets asked today and still finds deeply uncomfortable. He shares the story of beating his father one-on-one on the Pacers' practice court, dunking on him, after which Isiah simply said they couldn't play anymore. He talks about experiencing racism despite his privilege, and the powerful reminder that in America, no matter how famous your father is, being Black means you are never exempt. Zeke opens up about surviving sexual assault and how that experience became a turning point — one that forced him to reckon with his voice, his platform, and his responsibility to speak. As a gay Black man, he describes the layered pressure he carries: a duty inherited from ancestors, from his father's legacy, and from his own community. He speaks about his activism work in cannabis legislation with NORML, his involvement with Shelan Champagne, and his sustainability work with One World Products in the bio-hemp space. Zeke also shares three pieces of advice from his father that have stayed with him: that the one you love the most has the ability to hurt you the most, that the same effort you put in is what you get out, and simply — to smile. This is a layered, funny, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about legacy, identity, duty, resilience, and what it means to be born to the game — and then choose to play it entirely on your own terms. Key Topics Covered: Growing up as the son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Childhood memories of Detroit, Indiana, and New York Seeing his father on the front page of every New York newspaper The night Spike Lee and Chris Rock took him to meet Jay-Z at the 40/40 Club The pressure of constantly being asked: "Are you as good as your dad?" Beating Isiah Thomas one-on-one on the Pacers' practice court How frequent moves shaped his trust, friendships, and emotional resilience Experiencing racism despite growing up in a privileged household Surviving sexual assault and finding his voice through activism Being a gay Black man and the layered duty that comes with that identity His career as DJ Zeke and his start at Hot 97 Activism in cannabis legislation with NORML Shelan Champagne and One World Products in the bio-hemp space The three pieces of life advice Isiah Thomas gave him How Isiah Thomas helped recruit Mike Woodson to Indiana University Advice for other children of legends navigating identity and legacy Three words for "Born to the Game": resilient, duty, and luck About the Guest: Zeke Thomas is a DJ, activist, and creative force based in New York. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Zeke began his career in music at Hot 97 and has built a platform centered on equal rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, mental health awareness, and sustainability. He sits on the board of NORML, is involved with Shelan Champagne, and works with One World Products in the bio-hemp space. He is one of the most prominent and outspoken voices among the children of NBA legends. 🎧 New episodes are live on Tuesdays! 🎥 New videos drop on Wednesdays! Subscribe to Born to the Game for more stories from the families behind the game's biggest names.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Mike Woodson, Mariah Woodson, Olden Polynice & Alexis Polynice NBA Fatherhood, Family Legacy & Old-School Basketball Stories What happens when two NBA fathers sit down with their daughters to talk legacy, family, basketball, and the stories fans never get to hear? In this special episode of Born to the Game, we bring together two father-daughter duos: Mariah Woodson and her father, former NBA player and longtime coach Mike Woodson, alongside Alexis Polynice and her father, former NBA player Olden Polynice. This conversation is playful, heartfelt, unfiltered, and full of real family energy. From father-daughter games and hilarious old-school vs. new-school debates to NBA memories involving J.R. Smith, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Ben Wallace, DeAndre Jordan, and Andre Drummond, this episode gives listeners a rare look at the men behind the basketball careers — as fathers, mentors, friends, and protectors. Mike Woodson opens up about fatherhood, watching his daughters grow into their own lives, the pride he feels in their independence, and why family is the true definition of legacy. He also shares stories from his NBA journey, including overcoming a serious college injury, coaching personalities like J.R. Smith, and the unforgettable fashion choices his family still will not let him live down. Olden Polynice reflects on growing up in Haiti, being born with a physical challenge, learning basketball later than most, and still becoming a professional player. He talks about resilience, brotherhood, old-school toughness, protecting the family name, and how having daughters taught him to soften, listen, and grow. Together, the group laughs through stories about shopping, cooking, chili, vegan food, fashion, basketball terminology, Start/Bench/Cut debates, and the difference between old-school and new-school basketball. But beneath the jokes is a deeper conversation about safety, parenting, adversity, identity, family pride, and what it means to build a legacy that goes far beyond the game. This is a funny, warm, and meaningful episode about NBA families, fatherhood, daughters, resilience, legacy, and the lessons passed down from one generation to the next. 🔑 In This Episode: Two father-daughter duos on one couchMike Woodson and Mariah Woodson on family, growth, and legacyOlden Polynice and Alexis Polynice on fatherhood, independence, and family prideWhat NBA fathers really know about their daughtersThe Know Your Player gameFavorite foods, pet peeves, shopping, and dad phrasesMike Woodson’s legendary fashion story from the Knicks eraOlden Polynice on cooking, Haiti, and family rootsOld-school vs. new-school basketballExplaining basketball terms like pick and roll, boxing out, fast break, switch defense, weak side rotation, and blitzStart/Bench/Cut: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk NowitzkiWho takes the last shot: Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, or Ray AllenFree throw pressure with Ben Wallace, DeAndre Jordan, and Andre DrummondMike Woodson on coaching J.R. Smith and professionalismOlden Polynice on blocking Michael JordanThe story behind Mike Woodson shaving his eyebrowsNBA brotherhood, golf trips, and lifelong friendshipsHow fathers help daughters feel safe going into the worldWhy boys and girls both need emotional support and stabilityMike Woodson’s comeback from a serious college injuryOlden Polynice’s journey from Haiti to the NBAWhy adversity does not have to define your lifeWhat legacy means beyond awards, stats, and careersFamily as the real legacyProtecting your name, your values, and your people 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is bigger than basketball. It is not only about points, championships, coaching careers, or who you played against — it is about the family you build, the name you protect, the lessons you pass down, and the way your children carry that love forward. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Zach Woolridge Orlando Woolridge’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Building a Name of His Own What does it mean to grow up as the son of an NBA star whose career stretched from Notre Dame to the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and beyond — while still learning how to define yourself outside of the game? In this episode of Born to the Game, Zach Woolridge, son of the late Orlando Woolridge, opens up about growing up inside NBA culture, navigating identity, moving from city to city, and learning how to carry his father’s legacy with both pride and perspective. Orlando Woolridge’s basketball story was extraordinary. He went from small-town Louisiana to Notre Dame, became the No. 6 overall NBA Draft pick, played with and against some of the biggest names in basketball history, roomed with Michael Jordan, joined the Showtime-era Los Angeles Lakers, and built a career that left an imprint far beyond the box score. But to Zach, he was also Dad — a man who led by example, treated people with warmth, and taught him to give himself a chance. Zach reflects on childhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Italy, where he began to understand the reach of his father’s career. He shares what it was like being the child of a professional athlete, the assumptions people made about his life, and how moving often shaped his sense of stability, identity, and self-confidence. He also speaks honestly about the impact of his parents’ separation, the strength and sacrifice of his mother, and the responsibility he felt as the oldest of three children. From Harvard-Westlake to Princeton basketball to a career in finance, Zach’s journey is one of discipline, intention, resilience, and learning how to lead with grace in spaces where not everyone looks like him. This conversation also explores grief, legacy, and memory. Zach opens up about losing his father, the different ways people process grief, and how hearing stories from those who knew Orlando helps him stay connected to the fullness of who his father was — not only as a player, but as a person. This is a thoughtful, funny, grounded, and heartfelt conversation about family, ambition, basketball, grief, identity, discipline, relationships, and what it means to build a life of your own while honoring the legacy that came before you. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Orlando Woolridge’s sonLife inside an NBA familyRealizing his father was known to the worldChildhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and ItalyOrlando Woolridge’s journey from Louisiana to Notre DameBeing drafted No. 6 overall into the NBAPlaying for the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles LakersWhat it meant for Orlando to play with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Moses MaloneWhy Orlando’s time with the Lakers still defines part of his legacyThe story behind Orlando Woolridge’s between-the-legs dunk contest momentWhat people misunderstand about children of athletesMoving often and learning to build stabilityGrowing up in Pacific Palisades and attending Harvard-WestlakePlaying basketball without being pressured by his fatherThe role his mother played in creating foundation and opportunityBeing the oldest child and feeling pressure to lead by examplePlaying basketball at PrincetonBuilding confidence, identity, and self-awarenessWorking in finance and navigating professional spacesLearning who values you when the spotlight changesHow grief looks different for everyoneStaying connected to Orlando through stories and shared memoriesWhat it means to be intentional, grounded, and “straight up”Carrying forward legacy with grace and purpose 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only about highlights, awards, or who someone played with — it is also about how they treated people, what they modeled for their family, and the memories they leave behind. Orlando Woolridge’s legacy lives on through the stories people tell, the impact he made on and off the court, and the intentional life Zach continues to build in his own name. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Danielle Tisdale Wayman Tisdale’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Carrying Joy Forward What does it mean to grow up as the daughter of someone who was not only an NBA star, but also a beloved jazz musician, devoted father, and constant source of joy? In this episode of Born to the Game, Danielle Tisdale, daughter of the late Wayman Tisdale, opens up about growing up inside one of the most unique legacies in sports and music. Wayman was a standout basketball player, the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick, an Oklahoma legend, and a successful jazz musician — but to Danielle, he was first and foremost Dad. Danielle shares what it was like realizing her father was a major figure in the NBA world, traveling with him during his Phoenix Suns years, watching him transition from basketball to music, and understanding later in life just how rare it was for him to thrive in two different arenas. She also reflects honestly on losing her father, the waves of grief that followed, and how music, therapy, family, and faith helped her stay connected to his love, light, and joy. From his famous smile to his belief that “quitting isn’t an option,” Danielle carries forward a legacy rooted not only in achievement, but in family, resilience, and purpose. This is a heartfelt conversation about legacy, grief, joy, music, fashion, fatherhood, and learning how to keep going when the person who gave you so much strength is no longer physically here. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Wayman Tisdale’s daughterRealizing her dad was the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pickLife around the NBA with the Phoenix SunsHer favorite memories of watching Wayman playWayman’s transition from basketball to jazz musicHow music was always part of his life before and after the NBAWhat made Wayman’s joy, smile, and spirit so unforgettableHow Danielle experienced grief after losing her fatherWhy she describes grief as “the price of love”The role therapy played in her healing journeyStaying connected to Wayman through music and March MadnessHow her father inspired her love of fashion and menswearDanielle’s plans to launch her own menswear lineCarrying forward the lesson that quitting is not an option 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only what someone accomplishes — it is how they love, how they lead, and what they leave inside the people closest to them. Wayman Tisdale’s legacy lives on through his music, his joy, his family, and Danielle’s commitment to keep moving forward with love, purpose, and resilience. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Jessica & Justin Johnson of The Serving Spoon Legacy, Community & Carrying Forward an Inglewood Institution What does it mean to inherit more than a family business — to inherit a cultural landmark that an entire city calls home? In this episode of Born to the Game, Jessica Bane and Justin Johnson, owners of the legendary Serving Spoon in Inglewood, share the incredible story behind one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a multi-generational legacy. Founded by their grandfather Harold E. Sparks and later run by their parents Angie and JC Johnson, The Serving Spoon became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, politicians, families, and generations of Angelenos looking for comfort, community, and home. Jessica and Justin open up about growing up inside the restaurant, the realities of taking over a family business, navigating pressure and sacrifice, surviving COVID, and preserving the soul of Inglewood during a time of rapid change and gentrification. From stories about celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson, and Mike Woodson stopping by “the Spoon,” to emotional reflections on community support during the pandemic, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about business — it’s about people. 🔑 In This Episode: The origin story behind The Serving Spoon in InglewoodHow their grandfather built the restaurant with family recipes from OhioGrowing up inside one of LA’s most iconic Black-owned restaurantsThe emotional moment they realized the restaurant belonged to the communityHow COVID nearly forced the restaurant to closeThe GoFundMe campaign that saved the Spoon during the pandemicStories about celebrities, athletes, politicians, and LA legends who became regularsThe realities and misconceptions of owning a restaurantBalancing family dynamics while running a multi-generational businessProtecting culture and preserving legacy as Inglewood changesWhy hospitality, service, and community are at the center of everything they do 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is bigger than ownership. When you serve your community with consistency, love, and authenticity, a business can become part of people’s lives for generations. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - Born to the Game Instagram YOUTUBE - Born to the Game YouTube Born to the Game WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms. From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame The moment she understood what legacy really meant Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice Why authenticity matters more than expectations Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Deborah Joy Winans Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity? In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy. From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her. This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah Balancing personal identity with family legacy What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments 💬 Key Takeaway:Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Larry Drew Jr. Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game. From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms. We talk about: Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal” The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection. This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life. 💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.   🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — KyLee Evans Creating Your Own Lane | Legacy, Creativity & Confidence What does it really mean to grow up around greatness—and still choose your own path? In this episode of Born to the Game, KyLee Evans—writer, creator, and daughter of legendary television showrunner Bentley Evans—shares her journey from growing up inside iconic Hollywood storytelling to building a career on her own terms. From early creative influences and discovering her passion for writing, to working on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and stepping into writers’ rooms at a young age, KyLee opens up about navigating expectations, finding confidence, and developing her own voice in entertainment. This is a powerful conversation about identity, legacy, creativity, and what it takes to carve your own lane. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as the daughter of TV creator Bentley EvansDiscovering her passion for writing and storytellingWorking in television and inside the writers’ roomWriting for The Proud Family: Louder and ProuderBuilding confidence and finding your voice in creative spacesNavigating pressure, expectations, and perfectionismTransitioning into stand-up comedy and live performanceDeveloping original projects and stepping into her own career 💭 This Episode Explores: Legacy vs. individualityConfidence and creative identityThe realities of working in HollywoodTurning passion into purpose 🎧 About KyLee Evans KyLee Evans is a television writer, creator, and emerging voice in entertainment. Having worked on major projects including The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, she is now developing her own original content across film, television, and comedy. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ New episodes every Tuesday.  Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

🎙️ Born to the Game — Mariah Woodson Turning Pain Into Purpose | The Story Behind the Show Before Born to the Game became a platform… it was pain. In this deeply personal episode, Mariah Woodson steps out from behind the mic and onto the couch to share the story that started it all. The daughter of NBA player and coach Mike Woodson, Mariah opens up about growing up around the game—but not always inside it—and the moment everything changed. From watching her father face public criticism, hate, and pressure… to navigating her own battles with identity, health, grief, and mental health—this is the unfiltered story behind the creation of Born to the Game. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: The phone call that sparked Born to the Game Dealing with public criticism, online hate, and protecting family Growing up as the child of an NBA coach—and what people don’t see Moving from a sheltered life in Texas to the realities of public scrutiny Experiencing bullying tied to her father’s career A life-altering health scare at 13 years old Losing her best friend—and how grief reshaped her perspective Navigating depression, anger, and healing The difference between perception vs. reality in legacy families Turning pain into purpose—and building a platform for others 💭 This Episode Is About… Identity vs. expectation Pain vs. purpose Strength, resilience, and growth Finding your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story 🎧 About Mariah Woodson Mariah Woodson is a creator, storyteller, and co-host of Born to the Game. Raised around professional basketball, she brings a unique perspective on legacy, identity, and what it truly means to grow up connected to greatness. Her mission: to create a space where the next generation can tell their own stories—on their own terms.   Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ New episodes weekly.Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.