BE A BALLER -"Building a lifelong legacy"
Welcome to Be A Baller, where we're building a lifelong legacy for our families, communities, and the world! I'm your host, Coach Tim Brown, and I'm excited to for you join me on this journey.
On this show, we'll be talking about how to be intentional about building a lasting legacy. We'll be exploring what it means to leave a mark that goes beyond just our own lives, but has a positive impact on those around us and even generations to come.
Our guests will be individuals who have built a legacy in various fields – ministry, business, sports, education, and community service. And what's unique about our guests is that they're committed to the Wisdom Pledge. That means they're not just sharing their own stories and experiences with us, but they're also paying forward and sharing wisdom to empower the next generation.
So if you're looking for inspiration, guidance, and practical tips on how to build a lasting legacy that makes a difference, then you're in the right place!
So grab your earbuds, get comfortable, and let's dive in!
Episodes
135 episodes
The Singleton Family, Pass the Torch: A Basketball Legacy Between Father and Son
In this special Fatherhood Month episode, Jason Singleton Sr., Director of Athletics at Columbus Academy and former Ohio State basketball captain, sits down with his son, Jason Singleton Jr., one of the nation's top basketball pro...
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Throwback Thursday - Building a Father's Legacy That Lasts with Lawrence "Mr. Fundy" Funderburke
In this special Throwback Thursday Fatherhood Series episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Coach Tim Brown revisits an inspiring conversation with Lawrence "Mr. Fundy" Funderburke—former NBA player, author, speaker, and found...
Fatherhood Month Series - Pass the Torch: Generational Education – A Father, A Son, and the Legacy of Education
What does it look like to pass down more than a name—to pass down a calling?In this special Fatherhood Month episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Coach Tim Brown sits down with Dion Drakeford and his son, Deondre D...
Pass the Torch: Lessons on Legacy from Ronnie and Ron Stokes Jr.
Legacy isn't built in big moments—it's built in everyday choices. In this special episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, we sit down with Ronnie Stokes, former Ohio State basketball standout and longtime Ohio State Men's Basketball R...
Passing the Torch: Faith, Family & Legacy with Ralph Smithers Sr. & Jr
In this Father’s Month conversation we sit down with Ralph Smithers Sr., a trailblazer in Columbus, Ohio urban development and public service, and his son Ralph Smithers Jr., a leader focused on inclusion, belonging, and community impact. Toget...
“Behind the Brand: The Reality of Building While Becoming ”
What’s up, Ballers! Welcome back to The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we spotlight the people building something bigger than themselves.And today’s conversation is for every person who’s ever tried to build something while still figuring...
Built by Faith: Motherhood, Legacy & Leading Through Life’s Seasons
Legacy doesn’t happen by accident, and Celeste Allen proves it with a life that’s been shaped by faith, discipline, and service. We’re talking with a mother, educator, mentor, and ministry leader with more than 45 years of experience who has he...
Elizabeth Gaddis, Mother’s Month Special: Triplets, Faith, and Finding Strength in Prayer
Triplets. A baby at home. A working husband. Tight budgets. Big faith.At the center of her story is a steady foundation—faith expressed through prayer. You’ll hear how prayer has guided her marriage, shaped family decisions, and anchored...
“More Than a Workout: Training for Life & Legacy” with Austin Parker (Coach AP)
What’s up, Ballers! Welcome back to The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we highlight individuals who are building something bigger than themselves.Today’s guest is someone who’s using fitness as a vehicle — not just for physical t...
Dr. Michael Langan on Faith, Medicine & Legacy
In this episode of the BAB Podcast, Dr. Michael Langan shares how faith, discipline, and purpose shape leadership in medicine and life. From burnout and mentorship to healthcare access and serving underserved communities, this conversation is f...
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Helping You Prosper: Redefining Wealth Beyond the Bottom Line
What does real prosperity look like when it’s not just about money? In this episode, we sit down with First Merchants Bank Jennifer Griffith and Matt Gerhardts, to explore how true success is built through relationships, trust, and long-term im...
Dr. Nathan Harris - Engineering a Legacy with Dr. Nathan Harris, CEO/Founder See Your Brilliance
What's Up Ballers! Welcome back to another episode of The NxtUp Ballers Podcast. Today’s guest is someone who is literally engineering impact. Dr. Nathan Lee Roy Harris is an educator, visionary, and the President of See Brilliance — an organiz...
Women's History Month - Shirley Rogers-Reece, McDonald's Dean of Hamburger University - A Legacy in Business
Shirley Rogers Reece was a pioneering figure in McDonald's leadership, breaking barriers for African Americans in corporate roles. She served as the first African American female vice president at McDonald's, paving the way for future leaders. ...
Joshua Goshay, Called to Lead: Faith, Courage & Student Impact
In this powerful Be a Baller Podcast episode, former Columbus City Schools Student Ambassador and current Otterbein University leader and licensed minister Joshua Goshay shares how faith shaped his leadership journey. From campus senat...
Women's History Month - Dr. Gene Harris - Building a Life Long Legacy in Education
Dr. Gene Harris was the longest-serving superintendent of Columbus City Schools. Dr. Gene Harris is a proud graduate of Columbus City Schools and spent 37 years as a professional educator. She is a true women of great faith who God ...
From Neighborhood Roots to Citywide Impact | Councilmember Nick Bankston | NxtUp Ballers Podcast
What's up, Ballers! Welcome to the first episode of The NxtUp Ballers Podcast — where we spotlight those who are building something bigger than themselves. The ones turning their hustle and purpose into legacy impact. Today, we’ve got one of th...
Taylor Smith. Educator - A Legacy Builder: Aligning Home, Church & School for a Lasting Impact
What if legacy is less about success and more about alignment? Coach Tim Brown sits down with veteran educator Taylor Smith to explore a 46-year journey from segregation-era Virginia to leading Worthington Christian Schools with excellence and ...
The NxtUp Ballers (Building A Life Long Legacy) Podcast
What’s up! Welcome to The NxtUp Ballers (Building A Life Long Legacy) Podcast—where the next, and now, generation of leaders, dreamers, and builders come to talk real growth, real lessons, and real legacy. Here, with our host Christian Noel, we...
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Kimberly Jones On Faith, HBCUs, And Building Futures
What if the smartest move you ever made wasn’t the safe one—but the faithful one?Detroit native, Central State University alum, and educator Kimberly Jones joins us to share how faith, a no-excuses mindset, and the unique power of HBCUs ...
Building a Legacy in Education: Truth, Identity, and Courage with Dr. Donja Thomas
In this compelling episode of Be a Baller, Coach Tim Brown sits down with Dr. Donja Thomas—educator, curriculum pioneer, and TEDx speaker of Blackness Is a Superpower—to explore how truth-telling in schools awakens identi...
“From Buckeye Walk-On to Community Builder: Obie Stillwell on Endurance, Equity & Everyday Leadership”
Obie Stillwell, Former OSU Buckeye walk-on, Buckeye Fever television co-host and real estate professional serving hundreds of residents in affordable housing. Obie Stillwell has lived enough lives for three people—and in this episode, Coach Tim...
What a Year: Be A Baller 2025 Recap and Season 7 Reveal
What. A. Year. Coach Tim Brown kicks off this special Be A Baller Podcast episode by reflecting on the unforgettable journey of 2025 — a year overflowing with stories, student leadership, and community impact.From powerful con...
Dr. Moses Newsome: Legacy Lessons From An HBCU Giant
A celebration can tell you everything about a leader’s life’s work. When Dr. Moses Newsome Jr. returned to Norfolk State University for the 30th anniversary of its social work PhD—the school’s first doctoral program—he saw former students runni...
The Making of a Trailblazer: Gayle Saunders on Faith, Firsts & Legacy
Coach Tim Brown sits down with business leader and PR powerhouse Gayle Saunders to explore how faith, family, and fierce preparation shaped her journey from a small Kentucky town to a thriving communications career. Gail shares powerful ...
OSU Football Player Maurice Hall & Cast: "The Story Behind the movie #WorstChristmasEver”
OSU football alum Maurice Hall shares how he rebuilt his identity after football, trusting God and hard work to guide him into filmmaking. Along with co-writer/director Tony L. Patterson, he breaks down the real moment that inspired Wors...
