The Leverett Ball Show

Leverett Ball, Bleav
  • 4.9 (63)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A sports, business, and entertainment podcast hosted by ESPN personality Leverett Ball.

  1. 15H AGO

    Love Is Blind’s Ashley Carpenter on Dating Red Flags, Reality TV & Self-Worth

    What really happens after Love Is Blind ends—and what can it teach you about relationships? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Love Is Blind contestant Ashley Carpenter shares a candid, behind-the-scenes look at her experience on the hit Netflix dating show, including her relationship with Alex, her decision at the altar, and how the show changed her perspective on love, self-worth, and personal growth. Ashley opens up about navigating public attention while working a full-time job, dealing with online criticism, and staying grounded through it all. She also dives into deeper relationship topics like recognizing red flags, overcoming toxic dynamics, and why trusting your intuition is critical when dating. What You’ll Learn: What Love Is Blind is really like behind the scenes Why Ashley Carpenter said no at the altar How to recognize toxic or manipulative relationships The importance of asking hard questions in dating How to maintain confidence and self-worth after a breakup Episode Highlights: Ashley’s life before and after Love Is Blind Her relationship with Alex and what went wrong Dealing with hate and public scrutiny Viral moments from the show and what viewers didn’t see Advice for anyone struggling in unhealthy relationships Ashley also shares powerful insights from her past experiences, including being in a toxic, manipulative relationship, and how that shaped her approach to love today. Her message is clear: know your worth, trust your gut, and never settle. If you're a fan of Love Is Blind or interested in dating advice, personal growth, and real conversations about relationships, this episode delivers both insight and authenticity. Be sure to follow, subscribe, and share if you enjoy conversations like this. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min

  2. APR 5

    Inside the Life of Actor Laith Wallschleger: NFL Dreams, Hollywood Roles & Hustle

    What does it really take to go from pro football dreams to landing roles in hit shows like NCIS, Stranger Things, and All American? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett sits down with actor and former professional football player Laith Wallschleger to break down his unconventional journey into Hollywood. From playing Rob Gronkowski on screen to sleeping in his car early in his career, Laith shares the real story behind chasing a dream in a highly competitive industry. They dive into the transition from athletics to acting, the realities of making a living in entertainment, and the mindset required to navigate uncertainty, rejection, and opportunity. Laith also shares insights on building multiple income streams, staying grounded, and why betting on yourself is often the only path forward. Whether you're pursuing acting, sports, or any non-traditional career, this episode offers a raw and honest look at what it takes to succeed. What You’ll Learn: .How Laith transitioned from football to acting .What it’s like playing Rob Gronkowski on screen .The reality of breaking into Hollywood without connections .How to manage uncertainty and rejection in competitive industries .Why living below your means can create long-term freedom ️ Episode Highlights: 02:00 – Playing Rob Gronkowski and going viral 06:30 – From arena football to first acting role 12:45 – Why he chose acting over a finance career 18:10 – The reality of life as a working actor 24:30 – Building multiple income streams in entertainment 30:15 – Balancing career, relationships, and personal life 36:40 – Advice for aspiring actors and creators Closing Insight: “You only get one life, and it goes by fast. If you’re going to do it, do it.” If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe and share it with someone chasing their own path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min

  3. MAR 29

    Shawne Merriman on Sacking Peyton Manning, NFL Evolution & Life After the League

    What does it take to go from NFL superstardom to building a second career after football? And what really happens behind the scenes of elite-level competition? In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, former NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Shawne Merriman shares the full story behind his rise to fame, his “Lights Out” identity, and how he reinvented himself after football. From growing up in Maryland to dominating in the NFL with the San Diego Chargers, Merriman opens up about the mindset that made him one of the most feared defenders in the league—and the adversity that tested him later in his career. He also breaks down how the NFL has evolved, what players really think about rule changes, and why transitioning out of professional sports is one of the hardest challenges athletes face. Drawing from his experiences in both football and MMA, Merriman reveals how he built Lights Out Extreme Fighting and found a new competitive edge in the world of combat sports. What You’ll Learn: How Shawne Merriman earned the “Lights Out” nickname and built his identity The mindset behind his dominant NFL rookie season What it’s like facing elite quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady How NFL rule changes have impacted the game and player safety The mental and physical challenges of injuries and career setbacks Why transitioning out of the NFL is so difficult for many athletes How Merriman built a successful post-football career in MMA and media Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Shawne Merriman’s Maryland roots and college decision 05:30 – The origin of the “Lights Out” nickname 12:45 – Rookie year struggles and breakout NFL success 18:20 – Facing Peyton Manning and elite quarterbacks 24:10 – NFL rule changes and the evolution of the game 35:00 – Injuries, adversity, and career challenges 44:15 – Transitioning out of the NFL 52:30 – Building Lights Out Extreme Fighting Meet the Guest: Shawne Merriman is a former NFL linebacker, Defensive Rookie of the Year, and three-time Pro Bowler best known for his time with the San Diego Chargers. He is now the founder of Lights Out Extreme Fighting and a leader in the combat sports and media space. Closing Insight: “Find something that gives you that same fire you had when you played—because that’s what keeps you going.” Subscribe to The Leverett Ball Show for more conversations with elite performers, athletes, and leaders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min

  4. MAR 21

    Trey Burton Talks Super Bowl, Eagles, and Life After Football

    What is it really like to go from undrafted to Super Bowl hero—and then walk away from the NFL? On this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, former NFL tight end Trey Burton shares the incredible story behind his career, including his unforgettable role in the iconic Philly Special during Super Bowl LII with the Philadelphia Eagles. Trey opens up about how he overcame being overlooked coming out of college, what it was like playing alongside teammates like Nick Foles and Jason Kelce, and how he carved out a successful NFL career with the Eagles, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts. He also dives into the challenges of retiring from football, including the loss of identity many athletes face, his decision to prioritize family, and how he’s finding purpose in life after the game. What You’ll Learn: How Trey Burton went from undrafted to Super Bowl champion The real story behind the Philly Special play What it’s like playing with Nick Foles and Jason Kelce The mental and emotional challenges of retiring from the NFL Why Trey chose family over continuing his football career His thoughts on NIL, the transfer portal, and the future of college sports ️ Episode Highlights: 00:00 – Trey Burton’s journey from Florida to the NFL 07:30 – Overcoming being undrafted 14:10 – The Philly Special: behind the scenes 22:45 – Playing with Nick Foles and Eagles culture 30:20 – Life in Chicago and Indianapolis 36:50 – Why Trey retired from the NFL 45:10 – Mental health and identity after football 52:30 – NIL and the transfer portal discussion About the Guest: Trey Burton is a Super Bowl-winning tight end best known for throwing the touchdown pass on the iconic Philly Special play in Super Bowl LII. He played for the Eagles, Bears, and Colts and is now focused on family, advocacy work, and life after football. Don’t Forget: Subscribe for more interviews with top athletes, entrepreneurs, and creators sharing real stories and insights. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    23 min

  5. MAR 15

    Boone Niederhofer on Competing in the Olympics After Playing Football at Texas A&M

    What does it really take to become an Olympic athlete? On this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett Ball sits down with Olympic bobsledder Boone Niederhofer to discuss his unlikely journey from college football at Texas A&M University to competing for Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Boone shares how a career-ending injury in football changed his path, how a phone call from a former teammate led him to try out for the U.S. bobsled team, and what it was actually like competing at the Olympics. He also talks about balancing life as an engineer, husband, and father while pursuing one of the most demanding athletic dreams in the world. The conversation also touches on Boone’s time playing alongside Heisman winner Johnny Manziel at Texas A&M and the unexpected twists that led him from an engineering job in the oil industry to the Olympic stage. Topics covered in this interview include: • Boone Niederhofer’s transition from college football to Olympic bobsledding • What competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics was really like • The path to making Team USA in a niche sport like bobsled • Life as an Olympic athlete who also works a full-time job • Lessons from high level sports, injuries, and career transitions Boone’s story is a powerful reminder that the path to success is rarely straightforward. Sometimes the opportunity of a lifetime starts with a simple phone call. Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, entertainers, and fascinating guests on The Leverett Ball Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    22 min

  6. MAR 8

    How John Carney Became One of the NFL’s All-Time Leading Scorers

    On this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett is joined by former Pro Bowl NFL kicker John Carney, one of the most accomplished specialists in league history. Carney finished his career among the top five scorers and field-goal leaders in NFL history and played more than two decades at the highest level. John reflects on his journey from playing college football at University of Notre Dame to fighting his way into the NFL as an undrafted free agent. He shares what it took to survive early setbacks, how he eventually earned a Pro Bowl selection, and why mental discipline and accuracy are the keys to success for elite kickers. He also discusses some of the most memorable moments of his career, including his time with the New Orleans Saints and kicking in the emotional return to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina. Today, Carney is mentoring the next generation of specialists through his training program, helping young kickers and punters develop the mindset and mechanics required to reach the professional level. In this episode, you’ll learn: .What it’s really like to compete as an NFL kicker .Why accuracy matters more than power in professional kicking .The mindset needed to overcome rejection and earn an NFL opportunity .How John Carney now trains and mentors future kickers If you enjoy conversations with elite athletes and sports insiders, this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the most unique positions in football. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    29 min

  7. MAR 1

    Julia Radley on Building Stoop Dating and Working at Tom Brady’s Creative Media Studio

    In this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, Leverett sits down with Julia Radley, founder of Stoop Dating, a fast-growing dating experience built around real-life connection, community, and authentic conversation. Julia shares how her idea was inspired by meeting people organically while sitting on stoops in Boston and why she believes modern dating needs a reset. They discuss how Stoop Dating events work, why dating apps can feel impersonal, and how Julia is creating positive, low-pressure environments for singles to meet face-to-face. Julia also explains the content strategy behind live filmed dates and how social media can be used to bring optimism back to dating culture. Beyond entrepreneurship, Julia talks about her role as a video editor at Shadow Lion, Tom Brady’s creative media studio, and what it’s like working in high-level sports media while building her own business on the side. This conversation covers modern dating trends, entrepreneurship, creative careers, and the mindset required to build something from scratch. In this episode, you’ll learn: .Why Julia founded Stoop Dating and how the concept works .The biggest problems with modern dating apps .How in-person events create more authentic connection .What it’s like working at Tom Brady’s Shadow Lion .Lessons Julia has learned building a business from the ground up .Listen now for insights on dating, creativity, and entrepreneurship in today’s digital world Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    20 min

  8. FEB 21

    Full Interview With Love Is Blind Star Brenden Guthrie

    What is life really like after Love Is Blind? On this episode of The Leverett Ball Show, former Season 9 contestant Brenden Guthrie shares what happened after the cameras stopped rolling and how the experience changed his life. Brenden opens up about dating after reality TV, dealing with public attention and online criticism, and why he has no regrets about how his relationships played out on the show. He also shares behind-the-scenes insights from the pods, the friendships he built with fellow cast members, and what he is focusing on now personally and professionally. From navigating fame to figuring out what comes next, this is an honest look at life after one of Netflix’s most talked-about dating experiments. If you are a Love Is Blind fan or curious about reality TV relationships, you will not want to miss this conversation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    24 min
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4.9
out of 5
63 Ratings

About

A sports, business, and entertainment podcast hosted by ESPN personality Leverett Ball.

Information

  • Creator
    Leverett Ball, Bleav
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    146
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024 The Leverett Ball Show
  • Show Website
    The Leverett Ball Show