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  • Keandre Cook has had one of the most unconventional routes to the pros that you'll see in a long time. From only playing three years of AAU, attending junior college before earning a Division One scholarship, and dealing with a global pandemic as a senior, Keandre has most certainly taken the road less traveled to get to where he is today.

    We caught up with the Baltimore native to discuss his journey that's taken him from a local standout, all the way to the NBA hardwood, and now to one of the best leagues in the world outside of America, the Australian NBL.

    We touch on the early days in the city, including a transfer to Edmondson-Westside High School that catapulted his career to new heights. We then reflect on the grind that is JUCO basketball that prepared him for the stardom he would soon walk into at Missouri State University as a junior and senior.

    We finish the episode with a good old fashion draft segment around international basketball that will surely leave you running to the group chat afterwards to state your case!

    Make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and tell a friend to tell a friend so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one to come!

  • Matt Bonds just wrapped up a legendary three year run with the Nagasaki Velca that saw them go from a team in Japan's third division, to a team firmly in the mix in the top league in Japan in only two years. A feat that included an MVP season, and back to back promotions along the way!

    Bonds unpacks what those three years in Nagasaki meant to his career, and how it has prepared him for his new beginning with the Osaka Evessa in Japan's B1. Matt also shares what he's most looking forward to about playing in Osaka, the second largest city in Japan, and unofficial food capital of the country!

    We get into what has contributed to Matt's success as an undersized big, standing at roughly 6'5, Bonds has always played much bigger than he is, and the same tenacity that allowed him to grab over 1100 rebounds over his four year career in college, is the same tenacity that has allowed him to carve out an 8 year professional career that has spanned over three different countries overseas.

    For all of our #DMVHoops fans, Matt takes us back to that legendary state championship run at North Point high school alongside Marquise Wright, that included a 27-0 season and upset victory in the state title game over American high school LEGEND Aquille "The Crimestopper" Carr!

    This is an episode that will leave you feeling inspired, motivated, and ready to attach whatever obstacle comes your way! Make sure to like, comment and subscribe to our channel for more conversations just like this one!

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  • Ike Udanoh, or "Keasy" as most of us have come to know him as, is one of the more unique players in European basketball. And not for the reason's that you would probably assume.

    Keasy has experienced one of the most improbable journey's to get to where he's at today, that included stints living on an army base in Germany, Sleeping in a train station in Detroit in between jobs, and selling his car to pay his own way for a flight to Europe to give his dream a chance.

    For most people, experiencing one of these, let alone three of them, would cause someone to quit, and pivot to something more stable, with less volatility. But reflecting back on the journey 13 years later, multiple six figure seasons in the rearview mirror, it's clear that it all worked out for the better.

    We go in depth on all the trials, tribulations, and overcoming that it took to get to this point in his career, and Keasy also shares some advice that will change your perspective on how to face adversity, no matter what field your in!

    However, we couldn't forget about the other aspect of Keasy's life that also makes him unique, his social media presence that began on YouTube, and has since grew to instagram and TikTok as well, that has made him one of the most recognizable athlete creators on the internet!

    We get into growing this brand in the midst of a high level basketball career, and how athletes can replicate this in there own lives today!

    This is an episode full of great perspective, advice, and inspiration that will surely change your mindset on how to approach challenges and road blocks in your own life. So make sure you like comment, and subscribe to the channel, so you don't miss anymore episodes like this one!

  • Yonathan Napoleon grew up in Los Angeles, California, and like many other 90's babies, grew up a Lakers fan with hoop dreams. Those hoop dreams eventually turned into an opportunity to play professional basketball in London. A lifelong dream fulfilled, and a future career with endless potential was on the horizon, right?

    Well the pandemic of 2020 changed all of that, and forced Yon to pivot into the next chapter of his life, one that has landed him at Excel Sports Management, one of the leading talent and marketing agencies in the world, in pursuit of becoming an NBA agent.

    We caught up with Yon to discuss his transition from playing, to his role now behind the scenes, trying to work his way up in an industry that's often described as cutthroat, and very transactional.

    Yon shares some of the most important nuggets he's picked up along the way, such as the importance of building genuine relationships, putting aside your ego to ask for help, and not being afraid of rejection. All of which are things that have contributed to him being in the position he's in today, staring his dreams in the face while on the precipice of the breakthrough that could change everything.

    So get your noted out for this one! Because this conversation was full of perspective that could help take you to the next level, no matter what industry you're in.

    Don't forget to like, comment, and tell a friend to tell a friend about what's going on here at the What's In Your Bag Podcast!

  • What if I told you that going viral on twitter could land you a job at the most storied marketing agency in the world? Or to put it in Travonne Edwards words, the "Yankees" or the "Lakers" of the advertising industry. It's crazy what social media can do for you these days!

    Travonne Edwards, also known as "Black Tray" has been utilizing social media to tell stories in so many different mediums. From some of the most legendary marketing campaigns we've ever seen with brands like Mcdonald's, Nike, and ESPN to podcasting, and building up "Count The Dings" to a community that has taken on a life of its own, even today seven years later.

    We caught up with the LA native to discuss his journey from school teacher, to full time creative, storyteller, and podcaster, as well as to share some tips that helped him build a six figure brand along the way!

    We also get into some of the most legendary campaigns of the modern era, such as Nike's "Just Do It", and Chris Rock as Lil Penny and share what went into bringing these to life. Some of these origin stories are just too good to believe!

    Lastly, we share some life nuggets on how to deal with the pressure of getting older, not getting caught up in comparison and the importance of mental health, especially during #mensmentalhealth month here in June! So make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss this episode, and many more just like this one!

  • Chima Moneke has the most incredible path to the NBA that you'll ever hear. And that's not an exaggeration.

    From picking up the game in Australia, and getting cut from his under 18 high school club, to signing an NBA contract with the Sacramento Kings, everything that unfolded in between is something straight out of a Disney movie, that sometimes feels too good to be true.

    We recap the journey through junior college in Nebraska that eventually landed him a Division One basketball scholarship at UC Davis. The same UC Davis that produced fellow overseas standout TJ Shorts, who Moneke shared the court with as a senior.

    We walk through the trials and tribulations of trying to climb the overseas ladder, that included being cut from second division France, and landing at a crossroads in the viability of achieving that coveted NBA dream.

    Chima talks us through how he was able to turn that setback into a catapult that would launch him into the most prosperous days of his professional career to follow. Which eventually led him to an NBA contract with the Kings and a reunion with Team Nigeria Head Coach Mike Brown.

    We cap off the podcast with the question of the hour, after a career euroleague season in Baskonia, where does the NBA lie on Chima's radar today? Could a return be looming?

    Find out on the 50th episode of the WIYB podcast out now on all platforms! And remember to subscribe/follow the show so you don't miss any more episodes to follow!

  • "Just Keep Going" is a mantra that has become a foundational piece to everyday life for Ike Iroegbu. When you get cut from the Olympics for no other reason than politics, "Just keep going". When you receive a random phone call while sitting on your couch one morning saying you're going to be playing in your first NBA game in a few hours, "just keep going". When you decide to start a brand to highlight overlooked basketball players, there was no better phrase to sum it up than "just keep going"

    This phrase is one that can be used whether you're an athlete, or a mailman in your local neighborhood trying to provide for your family. At the end of the day, you just have to keep going!

    Ike joined the show to discuss some of these trials and tribulations that have come along the way during this basketball journey, that include stops with the Clippers during the NBA preseason, the NBA G League, and some of the best leagues in the world including the ACB in Spain, and the Serie A in Italy. We get into some of the politics that exist in both of these situations, and have a transparent conversation on everything you need to know to make an informed decision on both options.

    We then shift our focus to the athlete empowerment era that we're currently in. An era that promotes creativity, freedom of expression, and leaning into creative outlets that can give you the fulfillment that we all seek outside of whatever our 9-5 may be.

    Ike takes us inside the inception of his brand "Just Keep Going" and what it looks like to manage a brand of that scale while being a full time professional athlete.

    This is one of those episodes that every hooper should tune into! A conversation that you'll leave thankful that you heard, and looking forward to your next opportunity to "just keep going!"

    Make sure you like, and subscribe to the show, so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one!

  • Dayne Carter is the definition of what it looks like to be an artist in 2024. He's invested in his craft to the point where he's committed to releasing a single every month of 2024. However, he's also harnessing a love for sports and creativity, while working for Bleacher Report, one of the largest media platforms in the world.

    We sit down with Dayne to discuss the balance between pursuing a career in music, while also maintaining a job in corporate America, and how those two things have come to benefit one another in certain situations.

    Dayne shares an all time story of meeting one of his rap idols, J. Cole through an impromptu run in with Lebron James. It's a once in a lifetime story that you have to hear to believe!

    Dayne takes us through his upbringing in New Jersey/New York that first made him fall in love with hip-hop, as well as how a family relationship landed him a job at a company we've all come to know as Uninterrupted & Make Springhill.

    Dayne embodies everything it means to be a creative in 2024, and his insight into the industry is something you can apply no matter what field you're in! So get your notepad out, because this is one of them one's you'll have to listen to twice to get the message!

  • Maclaine West had no idea when she started inviting friends over to her house for dinner on Thursday evenings, that it would turn into one of the most fulfilling endeavors she'd embark on over the next few years.

    The founder of Soul Supper joined the show to discuss what the journey has been like building what she describes as a "human connection brand" from inception to today where it is undoubtedly one of the fastest growing communities of collaboration that you'll find anywhere.

    We discuss the importance of connection, and how supper can invite more conversations and encourage more breakthroughs than you'd ever imagine.

    We also discuss how West has been able to brand Soul Supper to partner the endeavor with over 30 brands and corporations who have bought into the authenticity of the brand, and everything that it stands for. From the pitch deck, all the way to the supper table we discuss the process it takes to conduct outreach and secure brand partners at even the grassroots level.

    We end the episode with perhaps one of the most powerful conversations we've had here on the platform, where our host gets put in the hot seat, which leads to a deep dive into realizing the beauty of your surroundings and being where your feet are.

    This is one of those episodes you'll want to watch over and over again once you finish it, so make sure you follow the show so you don't miss a single second!

  • Victoria Mazzeo has worked with some of the largest brands in the world. Brands such as Adidas, Gatorade & Google. She's also had the opportunity to work with A-List clients such as Michael Rubin, Jeanie Buss, Allen Iverson, & Tracy McGrady to name a few.

    But how did a former division two athlete turn a basketball career into a business career today that allows her to travel all over the world, while crossing paths with some of the most influential people in the industry?

    She sat down on the podcast to share her incredible journey, from rebounding in a small gym in Philadelphia for Jameer Nelson & upstart NBA trainer Drew Hanlen, to sitting courtside at every Sixers game in that same city, but now, for work! We discuss how to use the game of basketball to propel you into doors and opportunities your mind could never imagine!

    So get your notepad out for this one, because it's full of gems that could change the course of your basketball career, and your post basketball life!

    Make sure you subscribe to the show so you don't miss anymore conversations just like this one!

  • Merix Alexander has become one of the most well known NBA photographers and videographers by bringing a unique editing style that combines the art of basketball with the art of music and rhythm to produce a piece that encapsulates everything modern about today's game.

    Merix joined the show to discuss his unique style that we all have come to love, as well as the new era of basketball content where R&B music and slow jams go together with basketball highlights like we've never seen before.

    We discuss the privilege of shooting all-time greats like Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, and how that has impacted the way Merix approaches shooting a game.

    We also recap NBA All Star weekend, dive into an impromptu run in with Larry June & Currency that has turned into a relationship that has paid dividends for Merix, and reflect on the impact "sight seeing" has had on Merix's creative lens.

    This is an episode you don't want to miss! So Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any of the conversation!

  • Clifford Taylor IV has become the blueprint for what it looks like to be an Athlete creator. From playing football at the University of Florida alongside the likes of Kyle Pitts, Kadarius Toney, and more, Taylor quickly realized he had a talent for story telling, which has allowed him to amass over 1.6 Million followers across Tik Tok, Instagram, and Youtube.

    We caught up with Taylor to discuss his journey from the playing field, to the creator economy that has allowed him to work with some of the largest brands in the world and alongside some of the biggest athletes & creators in the industry.

    We touched on his time working in the corporate space winning a Super Bowl with Odell Beckham Jr. and the Rams, as well as working for the NBA and having the opportunity to cover the NBA finals, a childhood dream manifested.

    Clifford then shared the reasoning behind his departure from the coorporate world, and into the current era of his life as a one man media platform that is responsible for two of the most viral memes on social media over the last few years.

    We get to the bottom of the inspiration behind the "A win in a win" sound, as well as the "Lakers need a Center" which still is making its rounds on the internet today! We then get to the fun stuff, and discuss some of the reasons why content creation is one of the fastest growing industries today. Due to the amount of money brands are pouring into campaigns and influencer budgets, we talk some financials that will have you with a new found respect for some of your favorite creators!

    All in all this was an insightful conversation that will change the way you look at the modern day athlete forever! Don't forget to subscribe to the show, and leave a comment if you enjoy this conversation!

  • KJ Wright, also known as Kelcey Wright Johnson, has become one of the faces of the NBA media scene due to her work as the Memphis Grizzlies sideline reporter and host. Getting the opportunity to cover the upstart Grizzlies and superstars such as Ja Morant is a dream job for most, and one that causes KJ to pinch herself still to this day.

    However, with a large platform, comes a large amount of people who decide to say nasty things over the internet, with the veil of social media to hide behind. We caught up with KJ to discuss how she dealt with her most recent social media battle, after someone made a nasty comment after a picture surfaced of her interviewing Ja Morant during a game this season.

    KJ opens up about the struggles that came along with dealing with being panted in that light for the world to see, and how she chooses to deal with people who choose to be negative over the internet.

    A very candid conversation was had, and wright shared many tips on how to stay true to who you are, as well as how she's been able to make a name for herself in this NBA space after departing from Canada almost five years ago.

    If you're an NBA fan, someone who aspires to work in the media, or just a sports fan who enjoys hearing new perspectives on the industry, then this conversation is a MUST WATCH!

    Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel, so you don't miss any more conversations just like this one!

  • The content creation industry is one that is simultaneously one of the largest growing industries in the world, but also one of the most mysterious in terms of what it actually takes to be successful in it.

    We sat down with Infamous Kayce to discuss her journey from a hooper, to becoming one of the most sought after basketball influencers in the NBA and WNBA space.

    We touch on how she first got into the industry after finishing her collegiate playing career. Kayce shares her reaction when she was offered the largest financial payout she'd ever received to work on a campaign. And she shares her advice on how to navigate choosing an agency, pitching yourself for collaborations, and how you can get started in the space.

    We couldn't let her go without getting the story behind the infamous green hair, and how that has become her calling card when it comes to branding opportunities. It turns out, being unique pays a lot more than fitting in!

    Kayce shares a once in a lifetime story about interviewing Kobe Bryant, an innocent encounter with Gigi in the women's bathroom, and the memories that will last forever from that day.

    This is an episode filled with amazing industry insiders, timeless stories, and perspective that you can't get anywhere else! So make sure you subcribe to the show so you don't miss any more conversations like this one!

  • Securing a job at a corporation like Bleacher Report right out of college is something many of us in this space could only dream of! Then to follow that up with four years at House of Highlights, getting the opportunity to travel across the country to cover the game of basketball... talk about a dream come true.

    However, at some point, it becomes time to spread your wings, and begin to build that empire of your own. We sat down with Jessica Camille to discuss what life has been like since entering her free agency era after leaving House of Highlights to be her own boss.

    We discuss the process of securing clients and new job opportunities as a freelancer, the great debate between going corporate vs. building your own brand as a creator, as well as some of the risks and rewards that are associated with both.

    We have a wholesome discussion around the importance of building genuine community, and finding friends in the industry who don't gatekeep opportunities, but rather try to lift you up & find ways to support you.

    For the sports girlies, we discuss two of the most influential women in sports today, who have changed the way we all view and consume sports content today!

    All in all, this conversation was one of the best we've had on the platform to date! Full of advice, inspiration, and direction for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the sports industry!

    Make sure to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss anymore conversations just like this one!

  • "Started from the bottom now we here" is a phrase that has become cliche over the years, however, it describes the journey of Jody Hou, also known as "WYDJody", to a tee!

    After quitting photography after college, the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity for Jody to reconnect with an old passion, that turned out to be the opportunity that changed everything.

    We reflect on the path that it took to fall back in love with photography, some of the people who inspired her along the way, as well as what it means to be looked at as an inspiration to others today.

    We racap some of the MAJOR events Jody has worked such as the Vanity Fair Oscar's after party (The night of the infamous Will Smith slap), shooting for Google Pixel alongside Druski, and working with brands such as Spotify, Peacock and so many more!

    However, the core of this discussion is about the importance of relationships, and building friendships along the way that can carry you while on your journey in this industry. No matter where you are in your journey, this episode will inspire you to find your tribe to go on this wonderful ride called life with!

    Be sure to subscribe to the channel and follow the show in order to see more episodes just like this one!

  • Imagine paying your way to NBA All Star Weekend, with no gigs locked in, just a camera, your best friend, and vibes!

    Then, imagine leaving that weekend with over ten thousand more followers, hundreds of new connections, and experiences to last a lifetime.

    That's what Sydne Griffith did when she took her talents to charlotte for NBA All Star Weekend in 2019, and now, almost five years later, that decision has turned out to be one that changed the course of her life forever.

    We caught up with the Arizona based photographer, better known as "SydG" to discuss her journey into the space that catapulted after that 2019 weekend in Charlotte to discuss everything that went into the decision to take that trip, what life has been like as a result of that trip, and what advice she would offer to creators looking to secure a similar kind of "big break".

    Sydne drops some gems on the importance of putting yourself out there, as well as how to deal with "no's" in an industry that makes it seem like "yes" is already a foregone conclusion!

    We also touch on the legendary spades tournament hosted by DWade at All Star Weekend, some of Syd's favorite moments on the job, and of course we couldn't let the holiday season roll through without getting Syd's take on her favorite Christmas movies of all time!

    This was a jammed packed episode, filled with amazing stories, great perspective, and some life changing advice, so make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss more conversations just like this one!

  • What's life like working for an NBA All-Star who just became the cornerstone of an upstart NBA Franchise. Tristan Forbes is the man responsible with the task of taking the brand of Houston Rocket's Star Fred VanVleet to a level we haven't seen before.

    We caught up with him to discuss the new life in H-Town, what went into his departure from the Raptors, and some key tips that have allowed him to be in the position he's in today.

    We recap memorable stops along the way, such as working with Serge Ibaka, which included a trip to Congo in 2019 fresh off the Raptors championship celebration, a trip to Greece that started it all with Xavier Rathan-Mayes, and some pieces of advice you won't get anywhere else.

    We also get some fun NBA roadtrip stories, touch on some golden era Canadian basketball, and of course we couldn't let the episode go by without getting a classic 6God story from one of Toronto's finest!

    Make sure you like and subscribe to the show, so you don't miss any episodes just like this one!

  • Joely Live has been in the spotlight since she was five years old. From modeling shoots with Gisele Bundchen, to being a sports illustrated kid reporter, Joely has lived her entire life in the public eye.

    She joined the show this week to discuss the highs and lows of being in the industry, which has included stops working for Young Hollywood, major events such as the Kids choice awards, and most recently starting her own venture with Pucker Up and building that into an exciting new concept.

    We also reflect on what Joely describes as a "life changing" moment, which came in 2022 when she got the opportunity to walk in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show in Miami.

    Joely shares key insights into what has allowed her to achieve this level of success at such a young age, as well as some things that were particularly challenging to overcome along the way.

    We couldn't let Joely leave without giving her a taste of her own medicine though, as we made her spill some tea that you'll want to make sure you stick around to hear!

    Make sure you subscribe to the channel so you don't miss this exceptional conversation!

  • Ashley Tumlinson joined the show this week to share her journey from pivoting after a lifelong career playing volleyball, to now stepping into a new role on the social media team at one of the largest professional sports leagues in the world, the NBA.

    Ashley shares her journey into creating content, which includes doing freelance photography for people like Lil Baby CJ Stroud Bijan Robinson and many others.

    We also touched on the past year, in which Ashley was apart of the digital media team with the San Antonio Spurs, which although provided a plethora of opportunities and experience, also came with a lot of stressors that we dive into during the episode!

    If you're someone who's ever had to pivot, in any area of life, than this conversation is for you! We get into how to transition when one chapter of your life closes, and the stage of depression sets in, and how you can get out of that, and find yourself again!

    We also of course get into the debate of freelance vs. corporate photography, and which one is more appealing in 2023!

    All in all, if you're in the creative space, or work with athletes in any capacity, than this conversation is a MUST LISTEN! Make sure you like, comment, subscribe, and stay tuned for more episodes just like this one coming each and every week!