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

In this episode, Chris Rivers sits down with Grant High School alum, Portland basketball influencer, and respected community leader Samuel Thompson. Sam currently serves as the Director of the Mike James Elite Basketball program and is also known for hosting “Trap Bingo” at the Alberta Street Grill. He shared the valuable experience his 14U team will gain from competing in the Rose City Showcase as they prepare for Nationals. Sam emphasized the importance of players embracing their roles—and how doing so can directly shape their success as high school athletes. He also reflected on the lasting influence of Canaan Chatman, sharing how Canaan’s example continues to inspire the work he does today in the Portland community and beyond.

Subscribe to The Words Matter Podcast and follow us on Instagram @TheWordsMatterPodcastPDX for more real conversations on leadership, culture, and basketball.

#TheWordsMatterPodcast #ChrisRivers #RoseCityShowcase #BasketballLeadership #PortlandBasketball #YouthSports #CommunityImpact #TrapBingo #MikeJamesElite #CanaanChatman

In this special Words Matter Podcast Live Short, host Christopher “Coach” Rivers sits down with Portland basketball icon Tony Broadous, the current Athletic Director at Portland Community College and a true OG in the city’s basketball community.

Recorded live at opening night of the Rose City Showcase, this conversation captures the essence of legacy, leadership, and community. Coach Rivers and Tony reflect on the early years of the Showcase—back when future NBA stars like Dwight Howard, Josh Smith, and Kevin Love first made their mark—and celebrate how the event continues to thrive more than two decades later.

Tony shares powerful reflections from his 31-year coaching career at Roosevelt and Grant High Schools, including a 2008 state championship, and opens up about what it means to see his former players now leading and mentoring the next generation. From Mike James and Mike Moser to countless others giving back to the game, his influence runs deep.

Together, they highlight the enduring spirit of Portland basketball—where connection, culture, and care for young athletes continue to define the community.

Tap in and hear what it means to build legacy that lasts beyond the court.

🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations in sports, leadership, and life.

#WordsMatterPodcast #RoseCityShowcase #PortlandBasketball #Leadership #Legacy #ChrisRiversRAPP

In this episode, Rivers reconnects with Kameron Chatman, who he’s known most of his

life. Kameron’s had an impressive basketball journey, including an outstanding high

school and college career. Most recently, he has played professionally across five

countries. After sitting out due to injury last season, he reflects on mentoring younger

players, being the son of an iconic father, and preparing to become a father himself.

🎙️ Subscribe for more real conversations in sports, leadership, and life.

#WordsMatterPodcast #RoseCityShowcase #PortlandBasketball #Leadership #Legacy #ChrisRiversRAPP