This episode of Intangible Podcast features Vanderbilt vice chancellor and athletics director Candice Lee. She recalls growing up an “Army brat,” being born early and having eye surgery as an infant, discovering basketball later than most and instantly falling in love with Vanderbilt during an elite camp. Lee discusses turning repeated ACL tears and knee surgeries into lessons in perseverance and leadership, and explains how mentors like David Williams and trailblazer Perry Wallace shaped her path. Her journey culminated in becoming Vanderbilt’s—and the SEC’s—first Black woman athletic director. She shares her vision for the “Vanderbilt Way,” combining academic rigor with winning athletics, and offers advice on staying true to yourself and leading with resilience, joy and grace.

Parkinson’s at 27? Most would’ve tapped out — Jimmy Choi laced up and ran marathons (literally). Jimmy opens up about growing up in Chicago, being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s, and turning that life-altering moment into a mission of movement, meaning, and motivation.

Jimmy shares how burpees, family, TikTok antics, and Guinness World Records became his medicine. It’s a story of grit, humor, humility — and a whole lot of heart.

If you’ve ever faced a challenge and wondered “Why me?” — this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in for real talk, laughs, and some serious inspiration.

From Big Plays to Bigger Purpose: Jordan Babineaux’s Journey Beyond the NFL.
Former Seahawks standout Jordan Babineaux joins longtime teammate Chris Spencer for an honest, powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and leadership after football. Known as "Big Play Babs" for his clutch moments on the field, Jordan opens up about his journey from growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, to carving out a nine-year NFL career as an undrafted free agent—and the tough emotional transition that followed.

Chris and Jordan dive into brotherhood, competitiveness, overcoming loss, and how football became a lifeline. Now a bestselling author, consultant, and leadership coach, Jordan shares the framework behind his book Pivot to Win and breaks down how athletes—and anyone facing major life transitions—can find purpose, build culture, and thrive under pressure. This one’s full of wisdom, heart, and laughs from two former teammates who’ve lived it.

We sit down with former Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett for a real conversation about his journey from Birmingham, Alabama to the SEC, the NFL, and now college athletics leadership. Earl opens up about being raised in the projects, how Vanderbilt University became the perfect fit over Kentucky and Notre Dame, and what it really took to succeed both on the field and in life after football. It’s a conversation about figuring things out, betting on yourself, and staying grounded no matter how far you go.

We sit with former NFL fullback and media personality Michael Robinson for an unfiltered conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of community. From growing up in Richmond, Virginia, to winning Big Ten Player of the Year and becoming a Pro Bowler, Mike opens up about the real challenges behind the glory — single-parent upbringing, evolving through adversity, and navigating identity shifts after football.

We dive into what it means to be more than an athlete, the power of mentorship, and how leadership is forged in quiet moments off the field. With stories of street football, locker room lessons, and life-altering conversations with Coach Paterno, this episode goes deeper than stats and highlights — it’s about transformation, truth, and the journey to becoming your full self.

Branding strategist and mentor Lauren Walsh joins the pod for a powerful conversation on identity, authenticity, and building a purpose-driven career. From her early days as a competitive gymnast on Chicago’s South Side to working with elite athletes and entertainers in the NFL, MLB, and music industry, Lauren shares her personal evolution—how burnout and motherhood led her to redefine success and rediscover her “why.”

We dive into the realities of NIL, the misconceptions around personal branding, and how young athletes can shift from transactional deals to transformational legacies. Lauren offers insight into the importance of being fully known, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and how true branding begins with self-awareness.

Former NFL Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis sits with us for a raw and insightful conversation about the journey behind the stats. He talks candidly about the personal battles that came with being a journeyman in the league, his struggles with emotional control and composure early in his career, and how self-awareness and exposure to new ideas changed the way he lived and competed. We also dive into the lesser-known challenges pro athletes face, including health issues like low testosterone, and how Evan took matters into his own hands to advocate for his well-being in a system that wasn’t designed to support it.
This conversation is about more than football—it's about growth, resilience, and the intangible qualities that define success on your own terms.

Chip Paucek Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community (PAC) delves into the journey of personal and professional growth. We talk about how awareness and foundational knowledge can serve as a springboard for future success, particularly highlighting the invaluable impact of community and collaboration in reaching the next level. We discuss how supportive networks and shared experiences within a community can truly propel individuals forward.