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.

In this engaging episode of the "Thanks, But No One Asked You" podcast, host Britt Hunter welcomes guest Steve Davis Jr. from Strive Higher After Sports. They dive into a lively discussion about the challenges athletes face when transitioning to life after sports, emphasizing the importance of identity beyond athletics. The conversation covers topics like parental influence, the significance of diverse experiences, and the role of networking in personal growth. Steve shares insights on helping athletes find fulfillment and purpose, while Britt adds her perspective on exposure and cultural experiences.

Keywords

athletes, transition, identity, sports, networking, personal growth, fulfillment, purpose, exposure, cultural experiences

Takeaways

Athletes often struggle with identity after sports.

Parental influence can shape a child's focus on sports.

Diverse experiences are crucial for personal growth.

Networking is key to finding opportunities beyond sports.

Exposure to different cultures enriches personal development.

Athletes should explore interests outside of sports.

Building relationships can open unexpected doors.

Life skills are essential for post-sports success.

Mindset and resilience are vital for overcoming challenges.

Journaling can help athletes reflect and grow.

Website - https://www.strivehigheraftersports.com/

Instagram - https://instagram.com/shed_ave

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevedav/

Strive Higher Journal - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5Q83NFV#

Minnesota Athlete Community Sign Up - http://eepurl.com/jqbAZc

Rich Kaplan and I had an incredible conversation about what it really means to bring truth to power. From his years as a Microsoft executive to his current role as a mentor and advocate, Rich has always been someone who leads with honesty, clarity, and heart—and that’s exactly why he’s one of my favorite humans.

We talked about the importance of speaking up, the expectations that come with leadership, and the very real challenges that exist inside corporate culture. Rich shared how AI is reshaping not just the workplace but also how we live and learn. We discussed adaptability, continuous growth, and the need to stay curious—especially as we face things like ageism and rapid technological change.

We also explored the intersection of AI and healthcare, the role of mentorship in shaping careers, and how feedback and self-awareness are non-negotiables for effective leadership.

Rich and I are similar in that we both say it like it is. You’ll hear him repeat one of his core beliefs throughout our conversation: “Bring truth to power.” It’s who he is, and it’s why I’ve been intentional about managing our relationship and making sure we connect every month. Every time we talk, I walk away with something new—whether it’s wisdom, perspective, or one of his hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from Microsoft back in the day.

As a bonus, Rich even shared memories of working with nearly every major Microsoft leader—from their quirks and strengths to the moments that defined the company’s culture.

This conversation is full of leadership lessons, personal growth, and reminders of what it looks like to lead with courage and candor.

#LeadershipDevelopment #MentorshipMatters #BringTruthToPower #CorporateCulture #AIandLeadership #CareerGrowth #AuthenticLeadership #MicrosoftStories #ProfessionalGrowth #ExecutiveMindset #CourageToLead #Adaptability #InnovationAndAI #WomenInLeadership #BeTheException

What happens when a Cape Verdean joins Teach for America and lands in South Dakota—then meets his future wife? You get Jonathan Santos Silva, founder of The Liber Institute, an organization helping rural leaders serve Indigenous students without taking over—by coaching in ways that honor culture and community.

In this conversation, I learned a LOT: from the complex history between Native students and schools to the quiet segregation that still exists today—and yes, the difference between marginalization and erasure. There is a difference, y’all!

Sound Bites:

• “You can’t tell me I can’t be a scientist.”
• “To whom much is given, much is required.”
• “We need true co-conspirators, not allies.”

🎙️ Episode: Building Legacy, Leadership & a Little Laughter

In this episode of Thanks, But No One Asked You, host Britt Hunter sits down with educator, author, and entrepreneur Lindsie Boykin for a hilarious, heartfelt, and unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to lead, build, and stay grounded while chasing big dreams.

From classroom chaos at Success Academy to building a thriving consulting agency, Britt and Lindsie swap stories about teaching, leadership, and the wild ride of entrepreneurship. They get real about navigating burnout, working under pressure, and finding joy in the mess.

You’ll hear laughs, lessons, and legacy-building gems—plus a sneak peek at Lindsie’s new book for Black women in leadership and her upcoming webinar on community and confidence.

Personal LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsieboykin-eds/

Say It Louder, Sis: 31 Affirmations and Reflections for Black Women Who Build:

https://www.lulu.com/shop/lindsie-boykin-eds/say-it-louder-sis/paperback/product-7k8z467.html?page=1&pageSize=4

Leaders Need Systems Links:

Linktree: https://linktr.ee/leadersneedsystems (webinar registration here)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/leaders-need-systems

LNS IG: @leadersneedsystems

LNS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LeadersNeedSystems/

💡 Tune in if you’ve ever:

Needed a reminder that leadership is messy—but worth it

Wanted to balance purpose with peace

Missed those old-school TV vibes

Or just love a good laugh with your motivation

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation where humor meets heart and every “lesson learned” comes with a story.

#ThanksButNoOneAskedYou #Podcast #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BlackWomenInLeadership #Education #Storytelling #LegacyBuilding #BrittHunter #LindsieBoykin

In this episode of Thanks But No One Asked You, host Britt Hunter dives into a bold, funny, and thought-provoking conversation that spans everything from must-read books and wild conspiracy theories to the power of running, surviving Teach For America, and shaking up outdated dress codes in tech. The episode closes with real talk on pivoting from education to entrepreneurship—and the creativity, courage, and chaos that come with it.

• Books often mirror our own journeys and beliefs.
• Conspiracy theories can be both hilarious and revealing.
• Running is more than exercise—it’s therapy and reflection.
• Teach For America tests your grit and reshapes your purpose.
• Great classroom management starts with empathy and flexibility.
• Redefining dress codes can redefine who feels seen in tech.
• Creativity often grows from wanting to own your path.
• Honest feedback fuels growth and better ideas.
• Every pivot brings lessons you didn’t expect.
• Learning never stops—personally or professionally.

Check Out Casey's site: https://dresscode.dev/

Connect with Casey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseyjostine/