The Words Matter Podcast – Episode One | Guest: Canaan Chatman

Hosted by Christopher Rivers | Produced by The PAC West Group

Welcome to the premiere of The Words Matter Podcast—a community-centered series uncovering the power of story, history, and lived experience through real conversation.

In this debut episode, host Christopher Rivers sits down with Portland legend and cultural architect Canaan Chatman to reflect on a lifetime in and around the game of basketball. From his Hall of Fame playing career to launching the Rose City Showcase, Canaan shares his journey of influence—shaping athletes, events, and community at every level.

Together, they explore how mentorship, family, faith, and resilience fuel leadership—on the court, in the home, and across generations. This is more than basketball. It’s legacy work.

Topics Include:

• The origin and impact of the Rose City Showcase

• The evolution of grassroots hoops in the Pacific Northwest

• Raising children through adversity and sport

• Mentorship, marriage, and identity off the court

• Canaan’s Top 5–7 most influential players from Oregon

What to Expect from The Words Matter Podcast:

• Honest conversations with athletes, activists, educators & leaders

• Stories of perseverance, purpose, and personal growth

• Insights on legacy, leadership, and giving back to the culture

Why “Words Matter”?

Because words shape perception. Words build movements. Words create legacy. And behind every impact is a story that deserves to be heard.

Subscribe, comment, and listen with purpose.

#WordsMatterPodcastPDX #CanaanChatman #ChristopherRivers #RoseCityShowcase #WordsMatter #ChrisRiversRAPP

Step into the powerful story and influence of DJ O.G. ONE (David William Jackson Jr.), celebrity DJ, music producer, entrepreneur, leadership development coach, and the official DJ of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers. With over 30 years behind the turntables, DJ O.G. ONE is more than a music icon — he is a cultural architect whose beats and philosophy have inspired arenas and communities alike.

In this episode, DJ O.G. ONE shares his BE F.L.U.I.D.™ philosophy of Faithful, Loving, Unwavering, Intentional, Determined and how it became the foundation of his movement Move Different, Win Different, Be F.L.U.I.D. He opens up about the highs and lows that shaped him: growing up without a father, navigating the dangers of LA gang culture, surviving homelessness and a cult, facing the loss of two children, and ultimately rising as a respected leader, husband, father, cancer survivor, and voice of resilience.

We also dive into the mentors and influences who guided his path from Larry Miller taking a chance on him, to his wife and children fueling his purpose, to leaders like Eldridge Broussard III and Pastor Eric Green keeping him grounded in accountability and growth.

Alongside his story, DJ O.G. ONE highlights his latest projects: the launch of The Leadertainment Foundation, the 10 Year Anniversary of PDX Hip Hop Week, and his upcoming project Rolling Into Influence Part 2.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about leadership, resilience, faith, music, and the power of testimony over legacy.

Subscribe, like, and share — because this is more than a story. It is a movement.

#DJO.G.ONE #WordsMatterPodcast #Leadership #Resilience #Faith #HipHopCulture #PortlandTrailBlazers #BeFLUID #MoveDifferent #WinDifferent #CulturalArchitect #ChrisRiversRAPP

In this episode, host Chris Rivers reflects with LaShea Chatman, wife and business partner of Canaan Chatman, and proud mother of three accomplished children. They discussed her vital role in building the Rose City Showcase brand, the importance of reinvesting in Northeast Portland, and the pride she carries as a Jefferson High School alum.

LaShea’s story is a powerful reminder of how family, community, and vision come together to create lasting impact. Her voice highlights the deeper purpose behind the event: uplifting tradition, empowering youth, and keeping Portland’s cultural roots alive.

Subscribe to The Words Matter Podcast for more stories of leadership, culture, and community. Stay connected with us on Instagram @TheWordsMatterPodcastPDX. Also send a DM, with the phrase “WORDS MATTER” to be entered in our monthly free T-shirt give away.

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#TheWordsMatterPodcast #RoseCityShowcase #PortlandBasketball #CommunityLeadership #GrassrootsBasketball #YouthSports #PortlandPride #BasketballCulture #SportsLeadership