Norense Odiase spent most of his life chasing one dream: basketball.A former Division I athlete and professional basketball player, Norense helped Texas Tech make history, ultimately reaching the 2019 National Championship game. But behind the success, recognition, and accomplishments was a much more complicated story.In Part 1 of our conversation, Norense sits down with Joe and Hannah to talk about the experiences that shaped him long before the world knew him as a basketball player.He opens up about growing up in a Nigerian-American family, being sexually assaulted as a child, getting bullied, struggling to fit in, fighting for respect, and eventually discovering basketball as a place where he finally felt safe, seen, and valued.But as basketball gave Norense confidence and purpose, it also slowly became his identity.He shares what happened when injuries threatened the one thing he had built his life around, how rejection pushed him to take control of his own future, and what it felt like to experience the greatest basketball success of his life while privately dealing with grief, loss, and suicidal thoughts.This is a conversation about identity, childhood trauma, ambition, faith, resilience, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.And it’s only Part 1.00:00 Meet Norense Odiase05:00 Childhood, Family & Trauma08:59 Finding Safety in Basketball14:52 Rejection, Coaches & Identity17:01 Faith & Finding Meaning in Pain21:27 Betting Everything on Basketball24:04 Taking Control of His Own Future28:03 Injuries & Losing His Identity31:32 The National Championship Run32:55 The Mental Health Battle Nobody Saw33:13 To Be Continued...

Sterling Cooper has seen intimacy from a perspective few people ever will.After years working in the adult film industry, Sterling transitioned into coaching men and women on confidence, attraction, intimacy, and relationships.In this episode of First Rounds On Me, Hannah sits down with Sterling to unpack what men and women actually want—and how much of what we've learned about sex and relationships may be completely wrong.They dive into the biggest insecurities men bring into the bedroom, why performance anxiety is so common, what women really want from men, the importance of confidence and decisiveness, and why enthusiasm may be one of the most powerful things a woman can bring to intimacy.Sterling also explains why communication doesn't have to feel clinical, how couples can learn what their partners actually want, and why becoming better at intimacy is a skill that can be learned.They also explore the bigger cultural conversation: the growing divide between men and women online, rage-bait algorithms, Andrew Tate-style content, and why social media seems determined to push both sexes further apart.00:00 – Meet Sterling Cooper01:32 – From the Adult Film Industry to Coaching05:07 – The Biggest Problems Men Bring to Sterling07:29 – Performance Anxiety & Male Insecurity08:34 – What Porn Gets Wrong About Real Sex12:07 – How to Learn What Your Partner Actually Wants13:12 – Using Sexting to Improve Communication15:25 – Why Sterling Started Coaching Women16:03 – What Do Men REALLY Want?17:02 – The Ultimate Male Fantasy20:20 – What Do Women Really Want From Men?22:04 – Confidence & Leadership in the Bedroom23:25 – Can You Actually Learn to Be Good at Sex?25:12 – Why Intimacy Matters in Relationships27:52 – Are Men & Women Being Pushed Apart?29:05 – How Social Media Algorithms Divide Us31:23 – Why Rage Bait Works32:02 – Giving People What They Need to Hear33:35 – Where to Find Sterling Cooper

What does it actually take to generate 250 million views a month?This week on First Rounds On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Matthew Shaw, founder and CEO of Bebida, the media company behind some of the internet’s most recognizable sports, pop culture, and entertainment content.Matthew breaks down how he went from working a 9-to-5 he hated to building a massive digital media company, why committing to consistent content changed everything, and what he’s learned about creating videos people actually want to watch and share.But going viral is only part of the story.Matthew opens up about the pressure of constantly growing a media company, the mental exhaustion that comes with entrepreneurship, building the right team, finding people with an entrepreneurial mindset, and the strange reality of having friends who are also your direct competitors.They also get into the psychology behind viral content, building real brand loyalty, why creators need personality—not just views—and Matthew’s journey from sleeping on couches to interviewing NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki at the Basketball World Cup.Plus, Matthew tells the story of asking UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett to kick him for a video—a decision he was still feeling a month later.And, of course, Hannah puts Matthew and Joe’s sports knowledge to the test with a round of increasingly difficult trivia.This episode is about much more than going viral. It’s about what happens behind the views when you’re trying to turn content into a real, lasting business.Follow First Rounds On Me for more conversations about entrepreneurship, relationships, culture, and everything in between.00:00 – Meet Matthew Shaw, Founder of Bebida01:03 – How Bebida Started02:08 – Making Content Before It Was a Career04:02 – Leaving the 9-to-505:06 – The Sports Trivia Video That Changed Everything06:21 – Why Matthew Hates “Hater” Sports Media07:16 – What Actually Makes Content Go Viral?08:15 – 250 Million Views vs. Building a Community10:09 – Turning Hosts Into Personalities12:02 – The Highs and Lows of Entrepreneurship13:14 – The Problem With Having Too Many Opportunities15:15 – Mental Exhaustion, Sacrifice & Balance17:23 – How Much Should You Tell Your Team?18:17 – Hiring Employees vs. Hiring Leaders20:26 – Learning How to Become a Leader21:09 – Building a Community of Creators21:57 – When Your Friends Are Also Your Competitors24:40 – The Problem With Comparing Yourself26:00 – Matthew’s Favorite Video Ever26:43 – From Sleeping on Couches to the Basketball World Cup28:05 – Getting Kicked by Paddy Pimblett29:47 – Meeting The Schmo30:46 – Sports Trivia Begins38:53 – The Final Trivia Questions40:01 – What Matthew Would Tell His 10-Year-Old Self41:12 – Where to Follow Matthew & Bebida

What does it take to go from an intern working behind the scenes to becoming a host on one of the most legendary radio stations in the country?In this episode of First Rounds On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Miabelle, a host and on-air personality at HOT 97, as well as a producer and writer whose career has been shaped by music, culture, community, and genuine human connection.Miabelle shares how listening to radio as a child inspired her dream, how an initial internship rejection eventually led to her opportunity at HOT 97, and why she was willing to take on nearly any role to get her foot in the door.She takes us through her journey from intern to the HOT 97 Street Team, the digital department, overnight radio, weekend programming, and eventually morning radio.The conversation also explores how music and media have changed, why so much modern content can feel empty, what separates a memorable host from someone simply performing, and how Miabelle gets celebrities to lower their guard during interviews.Miabelle also opens up about the personal side of success, the importance of checking in on people beyond their work, learning to be present, and what she would tell the ten-year-old version of herself who could only dream about the life she has now.This episode is about much more than radio. It is about perseverance, authenticity, community, creativity, and becoming the person you once imagined you could be.Subscribe to First Rounds On Me for more honest conversations about dating, relationships, culture, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and human connection.00:00 – Introduction01:33 – Miabelle’s Radio Journey06:11 – Authenticity Behind the Microphone08:41 – From Rejection to HOT 9715:38 – Moving into Morning Radio17:00 – How Music and Culture Changed22:22 – Interviewing Celebrities28:44 – Making an Impact on Listeners31:10 – Advice to Her Younger Self32:24 – Life Beyond the Career35:23 – Closing Affirmation

Survivor winner Kyle Fraser returns to First Round’s On Me to introduce Paprclip, a social accountability app designed to help people accomplish goals, build better habits and strengthen their relationships together.Kyle explains how an unexpected moment involving a cartoon and a paperclip inspired the original idea—and how his secret Survivor alliance with Kamilla Karthigesu eventually evolved into a real-world business partnership.We explore why traditional habit trackers often fail, how accountability changes motivation and why completing goals alongside another person can be far more powerful than trying to do everything alone.Kyle also breaks down Paprclip’s shared goals, habits, daily challenges, group functionality and private photo and video check-ins. He shares how the platform could help friends, couples, families, new parents and members of the ADHD and neurodivergent communities stay connected while becoming better versions of themselves.The conversation also covers entrepreneurship, choosing the right co-founder, maintaining adult friendships, protecting your imagination and learning to stop measuring your worth by how much other people like you.Paprclip’s Kickstarter launches July 14. Follow the campaign through the link below and support the team as they prepare for beta testing.https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1638490462/paprclip-the-social-accountability-app?ref=aj5ebcIn this episode:• Why accountability is more powerful than motivation• How Kyle came up with the idea for Paprclip• Why most habit-tracking apps fail• Building goals and habits with friends• How body doubling can improve consistency• Using accountability within marriages and families• Gamifying personal growth without replacing human connection• Kyle and Kamilla’s transition from Survivor allies to co-founders• The loneliness of becoming a solo founder• Why friendship and imagination matter• What Kyle would tell his 10-year-old selfSubscribe to First Round’s On Me for more honest conversations about dating, relationships, personal growth and genuine human connection.Happy connecting.00:00 Kyle Fraser Returns01:10 Becoming a New Father01:46 Where Paprclip Came From03:20 Turning an Idea Into an App05:38 What Is Paprclip?07:09 Accountability With Friends or Strangers08:17 Daily Challenges and Gamification09:33 Completing Goals Together10:20 Group Paprclips and Shared Content12:02 Why Habit Trackers Fail13:11 Accountability and the Loneliness Epidemic14:06 Maintaining Long-Distance Friendships15:00 Competition, Chores and Relationships17:02 Who Is Paprclip Built For?18:25 Fitness, Marriage and New Parenthood20:16 Making Adult Life Fun Again21:25 Introducing the New Dating App22:07 Calendars, Organization and AI23:24 Why Paprclip Is Human-Centered24:18 Paprclip’s Development and Beta24:57 The July 14 Kickstarter27:13 Paprclip and the ADHD Community27:53 The Loneliness of Being a Founder28:38 Choosing Kamilla as a Co-Founder31:25 Paprclip’s Vision for the Future32:01 Friendship and Imagination34:02 Finding Your Real Cheerleaders35:34 Refusing to Lose Your Creativity36:32 Advice to Kyle’s 10-Year-Old Self37:39 Supporting Paprclip38:19 Where to Find the Kickstarter

Survivor 45's Kellie Nalbandian became one of the season's most respected strategic players, but the biggest lessons she learned weren't just about the game—they were about people.Joined by her wife, Gabrielle Bellettieri, this episode explores what Survivor reveals about human nature, what makes relationships last, and why becoming the best version of yourself often starts with having the right person beside you.Kellie shares what it was like competing on one of television's toughest social experiments, how her experience as a Covid ICU nurse prepared her for Survivor, and what she learned from watching people at their absolute lowest.Gabrielle opens up about startup life, building consumer brands, healthy food marketing, and what it was like supporting Kellie throughout her Survivor journey.Together they tell one of the most unique love stories we've ever heard—from meeting in line at a Glee meet-and-greet as teenagers, reconnecting years later, navigating coming out, and building a marriage rooted in trust, friendship, and unwavering support.Whether you're a Survivor fan, entrepreneur, or simply looking for a healthier relationship, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and heartfelt moments.If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs this conversation.00:00 Intro01:05 Meet Kellie Nalbandian02:20 Why Kellie Applied for Survivor04:05 How Survivor Actually Works07:00 Being Apart for Six Weeks09:40 Watching Survivor Together13:08 What Survivor Taught About Human Nature17:05 Life as a Covid ICU Nurse18:10 Building Startup Brands22:00 Healthy Food & Food Marketing25:05 How They Met at a Glee Meet & Greet31:20 The One That Got Away33:20 Knowing They'd Get Married34:45 Communication & Relationship Differences37:30 Growing Together39:45 Favorite Things About Each Other43:10 Outro

What happens when two entrepreneurs decide to build a business together?In this episode of First Round's On Me, Joe and Hannah sit down with Jeffrey Carlson and Gabriela Desposito- Carlson, founders of Barkhouse NYC, to discuss entrepreneurship, marriage, hospitality, community, and raising a family while building a growing business.They dive into the philosophy behind creating memorable customer experiences, why attention to detail matters, how they balance work and marriage, and the lessons they've learned while building Barkhouse into one of New York City's most unique pet destinations.The conversation also explores dating, founder relationships, entrepreneurial mindsets, and the powerful responsibility of raising children while building something meaningful.Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, parent, or simply someone who values community and hospitality, this episode is packed with lessons on creating a life and business you genuinely love.Follow Barkhouse:Instagram: @barkhousenyc00:00 Introduction01:04 The Origin of BarkHouse02:30 The Equinox of Dog Daycare05:33 Building Through Attention to Detail09:19 Creating Experiences People Remember11:22 The Cheers Effect13:35 Why Community Matters More Than Ever15:36 Building a Business With Your Spouse19:05 Managing Conflict & Working Together20:28 Every Founder Needs a Delusional One22:17 Thinking Bigger as Entrepreneurs25:04 Choosing the Right Life Partner26:02 How Jeffrey & Gabriela Met28:04 Standing Out in Dating29:35 Connection at First Sight31:02 Building a Future for Your Children34:12 Entrepreneurial Parents & Imagination35:37 A Question for Their Son at 1838:28 The Power of Unconditional Love39:18 Where to Find BarkHouse

Over the last year, everything changed.Joe and Hannah became parents, welcomed their son Leo into the world, rebuilt businesses, launched new ventures, opened a physical space in New York City, and navigated one of the most challenging seasons of their lives.In this deeply personal episode, they reflect on parenthood, marriage, ambition, gratitude, family, sacrifice, and what it really takes to build a life you're proud of while raising a child.From the emotional realities of the first year of parenthood to balancing multiple businesses and chasing freedom, this conversation is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons become the most meaningful ones.If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure whether you're doing enough, this episode is for you.00:00 Welcome & Why This Episode Matters01:06 Joe's Emotional Moment About Leo03:36 The Happiest Year of Our Lives05:12 Surviving Parenthood & Business Together07:31 Mortality, Presence & Appreciating Time09:14 Teaching Through Example11:27 Building Businesses While Raising a Child13:12 Why We Push Ourselves So Hard15:08 Missing Family & Living Far From Home17:19 Building Freedom Through Entrepreneurship18:24 Why We Work So Well Together21:12 Marriage, Business & Playing the Long Game22:56 Lessons From the Past Year25:13 What We Hope Never Changes27:15 Looking Ahead to the Next Decade28:14 Final Thoughts