Episodes

  • Legacies and Legends: Honoring Willie Mays and Jerry West

    Legacies and Legends: Honoring Willie Mays and Jerry West
    Jun 28 2024
    On this week's Let's Talk, Carl is back in West Virginia after camps and golf in the thawed tundra of the north. Hollis rejoins him for a dynamic episode where they discuss the legacies of the recently passed Willie Mays and Jerry West. The pair question whether West is commemorated enough in his home state beyond Morgantown and ponder his broader recognition. They also dive into a comparison of the WNBA and NBA, the excitement of the NBA finals, and the intriguing dynamics of "Daddyball" with LeBron and Bronny James and its impact on the NBA draft. Additionally, Carl and Hollis explore AAU and other national and travel sports leagues, examining what they get right, what they get wrong, and what athletes and their parents need to be aware of. Tune in for an engaging conversation that blends sports history with contemporary analysis and practical advice for youth athletes.
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    59 mins
  • Breaking Barriers: Kayla Ross's Journey in Women's Professional Football

    Breaking Barriers: Kayla Ross's Journey in Women's Professional Football
    Jun 19 2024
    Join Carl on this week's Let's Talk, broadcasting from Minnesota, as he welcomes Kayla Ross, a standout athlete in her second season playing professional women's football for the Minnesota Vixens of the Women's Football Alliance. A graduate of Luther College in 2020, Kayla has also had a brief stint as a head women's varsity basketball coach. Excelling as both a wide receiver and quarterback, Kayla shares her remarkable journey to pro football, her vision for the future of women's sports, and discusses whether the moment for women's professional sports has finally arrived and how to best capture it. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a trailblazer in women's football.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • A Conversation with Karley Walker - Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, WNBA, NIL and the controversies

    A Conversation with Karley Walker - Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, WNBA, NIL and the controversies
    Jun 11 2024
    Join Carl and Hollis on this week's Let's Talk as they welcome Karley Walker, the newly appointed Assistant Women's Basketball Coach at West Virginia State University. The trio delves into the current landscape of women's sports, discussing Caitlin Clark's experience with aggressive defenders in the WNBA, the impact of players like Angel Reese, and the evolving nature of NIL deals in college athletics. Walker, with her extensive experience and new role at WVSU, shares valuable insights on these topics and more, providing a comprehensive look at the state of women's sports today. Don't miss this engaging discussion that celebrates achievements and tackles challenges in women's sports.

    Walker brings a wealth of experience from her playing and coaching career, making her a key voice in this important conversation.
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    59 mins
  • The Caitlin Clark Experience and the Gambling Sponsorship Debate

    The Caitlin Clark Experience and the Gambling Sponsorship Debate
    Jun 5 2024
    Join Carl and Hollis on this week's Let's Talk as they delve into two significant stories impacting the sports world. First, they examine the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, who has been at the center of intense defensive play and hard fouls, raising questions about whether she is being targeted on the court. They discuss the varied reactions from opponents, coaches, and media personalities to Clark's treatment. Then, they turn to the heated debate on gambling in sports, sparked by Padres' player Tucupita Marcano's lifetime ban for gambling violations. Exploring the role of gambling companies in sports sponsorships and the strict anti-gambling rules for athletes, Carl and Hollis provide a comprehensive analysis of the ethical and financial implications. Tune in for a thought-provoking episode that navigates the complexities of modern sports dynamics.
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    57 mins
  • The Evolution of Athlete Compensation: Direct Payments and Back Pay Settlements

    The Evolution of Athlete Compensation: Direct Payments and Back Pay Settlements
    May 31 2024
    Join Carl and Hollis on this week's Let's Talk as they dive into two groundbreaking stories about college athletes getting paid. First, they explore the recent developments where colleges might start compensating athletes directly following an antitrust lawsuit settlement. Then, they discuss the implications of former athletes winning a lawsuit for back pay related to the use of their name, image, and likeness (NIL) in past years. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on the evolving landscape of athlete compensation and its impact on the future of college sports.
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    56 mins
  • Sports and Society: Challenges and Opportunities in West Virginia

    Sports and Society: Challenges and Opportunities in West Virginia
    May 24 2024
    In this episode of Let's Talk, Carl and Hollis dive into recent stories that intersect with sports in the Charleston area. They discuss the troubling shooting near the Shawnee Sports Complex and its implications for parents and event safety. They also explore the excitement surrounding the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championship and the expansion of sports tourism in West Virginia. Tune in to hear their thoughts on how the state can attract more major events like NBA preseason games and regional match-ups. Join the conversation on the evolving landscape of sports and society in West Virginia.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Celebrating a Coaching Legend: Nitro Girls Basketball Coach Lawrence Scott Swayne

    Celebrating a Coaching Legend: Nitro Girls Basketball Coach Lawrence Scott Swayne
    May 16 2024
    In this episode, Carl and Hollis welcome the esteemed Coach Lawrence Scott Swayne to the show. Coach Swayne, the first African-American quarterback at Gary High School and a West Virginia State University graduate, has dedicated over four decades to teaching and coaching in Charleston-area schools. From football to basketball and track, his teams have won numerous championships, and his mentorship has shaped countless lives. Currently, he continues to inspire as an assistant girls' basketball coach at Nitro High School. Tune in to hear about his incredible journey and lasting impact on the community.
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    56 mins
  • Coaching Chronicles: Shaping Lives on and off the Field

    Coaching Chronicles: Shaping Lives on and off the Field
    May 7 2024
    Join Carl and Hollis in this week's episode as they delve into the pivotal role of coaches in the development of athletes at all levels. Drawing from insights gathered from youth, high school, college, and professional coaches, Carl and Hollis navigate through the profound impact coaches have on players' lives, both on and off the field. Tune in as they uncover the multifaceted dimensions of coaching and its enduring influence on athletes' academic, athletic, and personal growth.
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    1 hr and 1 min