Summary

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages with author Andrew Maraniss, exploring themes of sports, storytelling, and social justice. They discuss Andrew's literary influences, the impact of his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning career, and the importance of empathy in writing. The conversation delves into Andrew's work on Perry Wallace, the first black basketball player in the SEC, highlighting the challenges of pioneering in sports and the significance of understanding different perspectives. They also touch on parenting strategies for raising well-rounded children and the dynamics of college athletics.

Takeaways

Bowl games have lost some appeal but are still important.

Family traditions play a significant role in holiday celebrations.

Literary influences shape an author's writing style.

Pressure from a famous parent can impact an author's journey.

Writing about underrepresented voices is crucial for empathy.

Sports can serve as a platform for discussing social issues.

Pioneering in any field comes with challenges and loneliness.

Understanding different perspectives is essential in today's society.

Raising children with diverse experiences fosters empathy.

Authors must balance their craft with marketing efforts.

Titles

Exploring the Intersection of Sports and Social Justice

The Power of Storytelling in Sports

Sound bites

"I love bowl games."

"I spent eight years working on it."

"You have to use your voice."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Andrew Maraniss

01:41 Family Traditions and Holiday Celebrations

02:51 Literary Influences and Favorite Books

08:00 Andrew's Background and Career

09:57 Growing Up with a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Father

11:45 Pressure of Following in Father's Footsteps

14:14 Themes of Social Justice in Andrew's Writing

22:14 Understanding Race and Identity

28:59 Perry Wallace and His Impact

29:04 The Legacy of Perry Wallace

32:17 Pioneering in a Segregated Society

36:30 The Courage to Stand Alone

39:27 The Long Road to Recognition

46:08 Understanding Different Perspectives

50:04 Raising Open-Minded Children

59:49 Advice for Authors and Publishers

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages in a lively conversation with AJ Schaufler, the Assistant Commissioner of the MAAC Conference. They discuss a range of topics including Lane Kiffin's coaching decisions, personal anecdotes about life in New York City, the challenges of aging while working with youth, and the impact of NIL on college athletics. AJ shares insights from his career journey, including his experiences in law school and the importance of student development. The conversation wraps up with advice for student-athletes and interns, emphasizing the need for humility and continuous learning. Takeaways Britt reflects on consumer culture and the tendency to buy solutions instead of using what we already have. AJ shares his admiration for Lane Kiffin's coaching journey and the complexities of coaching transitions. The conversation touches on the importance of music in personal life and how it shapes identity. AJ recounts his experiences living in New York City and the lessons learned from being broke. The realization of aging comes from working with younger generations and recognizing cultural shifts. AJ discusses his career path from law school to compliance in college athletics, highlighting the unpredictability of career trajectories. The impact of NIL on college athletics is explored, particularly how it affects student-athlete dynamics and institutional culture. AJ emphasizes the importance of career development for student-athletes beyond just sports. The need for empathy and understanding in sports culture is highlighted, especially regarding walk-ons and non-revenue sports. Britt and AJ discuss the importance of humility and continuous learning in professional development.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:45 Lane Kiffin's Coaching Decisions

05:56 Music Preferences and Nostalgia

08:52 Life in New York City

11:49 Aging and Working with Youth

14:53 AJ's Career Journey and Aspirations

17:47 Navigating the Sports Industry

20:49 Experiences at HBCUs and Diversity in Sports

28:08 Understanding Different Backgrounds in Athletics

33:08 The Impact of NIL on College Sports

40:27 Career Development for Student Athletes

45:56 The Reality of Division I Aspirations

54:21 Advice for Law Students and Young Professionals

Antoine McClain has built his career around developing athletes and guiding them through the transitions that shape their futures. His foundation started at Clemson University, where he played major college football before advancing to the professional level with stops that included Baltimore, Oakland, Buffalo, and Arizona — earning a Super Bowl ring along the way. That experience gave him a clear, lived understanding of what athletes truly face during and after the game. When his playing career wrapped, Antoine stepped straight into athlete support. He began at the NFL Office in Player Engagement, working with athletes on education, career development, and transition planning. He then served in key roles at Clemson, Tennessee, and UNC Charlotte, leading career relations, alumni engagement, and player development. Across each program, his focus was helping athletes build identity, confidence, and long-term readiness. Today, Antoine is an adjunct professor and program architect at the University of South Carolina, helping design a for-credit Sport Career Transitions course for juniors, seniors, and former athletes. His work blends classroom structure with real-world mentorship and strategy, preparing athletes to step into their next chapter with clarity and ownership. Antoine’s football journey built the foundation. His career work continues to create the impact.

Keywords

Antoine McClain, athlete development, career transitions, Clemson University, NFL, player engagement, sport career transitions, mentorship, athlete identity, professional football

Takeaways

• Antoine McClain's career is centered on athlete development and transition.
• He played major college football at Clemson University.
• Antoine advanced to the professional level, earning a Super Bowl ring.
• His post-playing career began at the NFL Office in Player Engagement.
• He has held key roles at Clemson, Tennessee, and UNC Charlotte.
• Antoine focuses on helping athletes build identity and confidence.
• He is an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina.
• Antoine designs a Sport Career Transitions course for athletes.
• His work combines classroom structure with real-world mentorship.
• Antoine's football journey laid the foundation for his career impact.