Bailey and Buck Unplugged

Bailey and Buck
  • 5.0 (8)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Bailey and Buck Unplugged is the only podcast with an NFL record holder, former pro NFL Cheerleader, and mental health and performance coach to the stars! Hosted by Robert Bailey, Misty Buck, and Bailey Brooks Mashburn, each week we bring you conversations that offer a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and mental health offering insights beyond the spotlight.  The show dives deep into the mental well-being of celebrities and public figures, uncovering the stories behind their successes and struggles. We’re not afraid to tackle controversial topics, offer bold opinions, and ask the questions that others shy away from—all with the aim of sparking meaningful dialogue. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, an aspiring athlete, or simply looking for inspiration, Bailey and Buck Unplugged has something for everyone.

  1. 1D AGO

    Mental Health Quick Cast: Bryant McFadden

    Former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden (B Mac), two-time Super Bowl champion, Florida State legend, and CBS Sports football analyst, joins Bailey & Buck Unplugged to talk about athlete mental health, identity after sports, and what life feels like when football ends. Bryant opens up about hitting a dark place when his NFL career ended, and why retirement can feel like losing your structure, your identity, and your daily purpose all at once. He breaks down what he calls “double trouble,” how being a man and being a former athlete can make asking for help feel impossible, and what finally pushed him to talk to a professional. We also get into how athletes can approach mental wellness the same way they approach film, training, and getting better every day.  Bryant shares practical steps for finding the right therapist, why you should never settle for a “yes man,” and how building a new passion helped him stay connected to the game while creating a healthier life outside of it. Plus, the crew talks rivalry culture, NIL, and how the pressure on athletes starts way earlier than people realize. Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. More mental health resources: KennedyKids.org

    33 min

  2. FEB 23

    Randal Hill: From Miami Hurricanes Legend to Federal Agent Mental Toughness, Life After the NFL

    What happens after the lights fade and the stadium empties? On this powerful episode of Bailey & Buck Unplugged, we sit down with Miami Hurricanes legend Randal Hill — known to fans as “Thrill Hill” — to talk about life beyond the game, mental toughness, leadership, and the transition from the NFL to a 20-year career as a federal agent. A standout wide receiver at the Miami Hurricanes football, Hill was part of the 1987 National Championship team and delivered one of the most iconic plays in college football history — the unforgettable 44-yard catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish football at the Orange Bowl. He later became a first-round NFL Draft pick, playing seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins, Arizona Cardinals, and New Orleans Saints. But what makes this conversation extraordinary is what came next. After football, Randal built a second high-pressure career in federal law enforcement — navigating national security, courtroom testimony, and global operations. He opens up about: The mental stress of playing in the NFL vs. serving as a federal agent Performing under pressure when mistakes aren’t an option Facing racism and adversity in college and choosing resilience over reaction Why learning to cope with change is the key to mental health The importance of upward mobility, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with strong leaders Transitioning from professional sports to a meaningful second career Randal shares powerful insights on leadership, discipline, mental health awareness, and why structure after sports is critical for long-term success. If you’re an athlete navigating retirement, a veteran transitioning careers, or someone working through life’s inevitable changes, this episode delivers real-world wisdom from someone who has lived it at the highest levels. This is a conversation about resilience, purpose, and building a legacy beyond the spotlight. 🎧 Follow Randal on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randal_thrill_hill/ Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. More mental health resources: KennedyKids.org #MentalHealth #NFLTransition #MiamiHurricanes #Leadership #Resilience #LifeAfterSports #BaileyAndBuckUnplugged

    53 min

  3. FEB 18

    Mental Health Quickcast: Susy Ramirez

    In this heartfelt conversation, Susy Ramirez—Kennedy Kids Foundation board member and the heart behind Dani's Balloons—joins Robert Bailey and Bailey Brooks Mashburn to share a story rooted in resilience, reinvention, and purpose.  Susy opens up about the mental-health challenges that shaped her life across seasons: immigrating from Honduras, being bullied as a child, navigating the pressure and expectation of NFL cheerleading, and enduring deeply personal losses— including her family’s devastating experience with suicide. She reflects on how grief can stay raw for years, and why community is often the bridge that helps people keep going. Together, they pull back the curtain on the “glamour” of professional cheerleading—talking about body image pressure, perfection culture, financial strain, and the emotional toll that many people never see. But this episode is also about hope: how service, movement, family, and meaningful rituals can become survival tools—like Susy’s powerful way of honoring her nephew through the “Brendan’s Sandwich Project,” giving food to people in need. Susy also shares the mindset practices that help her stay grounded: prioritizing fitness, taking pride in caring for herself, showing up for her family, and giving back—because helping others can sometimes be the very thing that helps you heal. If you or someone you know is struggling, visit kennedykids.org and explore the Resources tab. If immediate help is needed, call 911. You can also call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7

    34 min

  4. FEB 17

    How Bryant McFadden, Former Shutdown Cornerback in the NFL, Addresses His Mental Health Mindset

    Former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden (B Mac), two-time Super Bowl champion, Florida State legend, and CBS Sports football analyst, joins Bailey & Buck Unplugged to talk about athlete mental health, identity after sports, and what life feels like when football ends. Bryant opens up about hitting a dark place when his NFL career ended, and why retirement can feel like losing your structure, your identity, and your daily purpose all at once. He breaks down what he calls “double trouble,” how being a man and being a former athlete can make asking for help feel impossible, and what finally pushed him to talk to a professional. We also get into how athletes can approach mental wellness the same way they approach film, training, and getting better every day.  Bryant shares practical steps for finding the right therapist, why you should never settle for a “yes man,” and how building a new passion helped him stay connected to the game while creating a healthier life outside of it. Plus, the crew talks rivalry culture, NIL, and how the pressure on athletes starts way earlier than people realize. Bailey & Buck Unplugged is a program of the Kennedy Kids Foundation. If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). If you are in immediate danger, dial 911. More mental health resources: KennedyKids.org

    50 min

  5. FEB 9

    Mental Health Quick Cast: Alonzo Highsmith

    Former University of Miami Hurricanes standout Alonzo Highsmith joins Bailey and Buck Unplugged for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from elite performance to real-life resilience. Highsmith shares his journey from South Florida high school football to a championship legacy at “The U,” his years in the NFL, and his surprising transition into professional boxing—including fights on major cards and what it took to earn respect in a new sport.The conversation goes deeper as Alonzo opens up about grief, leadership under pressure, and mental health in professional sports. He reflects on returning to work quickly after profound loss, the athlete mindset of “push through everything,” and why many players struggle to ask for help.   Explore the realities of the NFL “bubble,” how team culture impacts mental wellness, and why fear of losing playing time or contracts can keep athletes silent.Highsmith also shares powerful insights on identity after retirement, the importance of mentorship and character, and practical tools he uses to reset—like solitude, reflection, and ending the day with positive affirmations. Plus, don’t miss the incredible stories from his connection to Don Shula, early experiences around the Dolphins, and lessons learned from legendary coaches.If you care about sports leadership, athlete mental health, life after the game, and what it really takes to stay grounded through success and adversity —this episode is a must-listen. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential). In an emergency, dial 911.  More resources are available at kennedykids.org.

    31 min

  6. FEB 2

    Susy Ramirez Former Miami Dolphins Cheerleader Opens Up About Suicide Loss and Healing

    In this heartfelt conversation, Susy Ramirez—Kennedy Kids Foundation board member and the heart behind Dani's Balloons—joins Robert Bailey and Bailey Brooks Mashburn to share a story rooted in resilience, reinvention, and purpose.  Susy opens up about the mental-health challenges that shaped her life across seasons: immigrating from Honduras, being bullied as a child, navigating the pressure and expectation of NFL cheerleading, and enduring deeply personal losses— including her family’s devastating experience with suicide. She reflects on how grief can stay raw for years, and why community is often the bridge that helps people keep going. Together, they pull back the curtain on the “glamour” of professional cheerleading—talking about body image pressure, perfection culture, financial strain, and the emotional toll that many people never see. But this episode is also about hope: how service, movement, family, and meaningful rituals can become survival tools—like Susy’s powerful way of honoring her nephew through the “Brendan’s Sandwich Project,” giving food to people in need. Susy also shares the mindset practices that help her stay grounded: prioritizing fitness, taking pride in caring for herself, showing up for her family, and giving back—because helping others can sometimes be the very thing that helps you heal. If you or someone you know is struggling, visit kennedykids.org and explore the Resources tab. If immediate help is needed, call 911. You can also call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), available 24/7

    1h 3m

  7. JAN 29

    Mental Health Quickcast: Jhoanna Alba

    In this powerful episode of Bailey & Buck Unplugged, the hosts sit down with Joanna Alba — founder of Alba Legacy, Co-Author of InHerPurpose , and Co-Founder of @RepurposeLegacy — a renowned custom fashion designer known for creating made-to-measure pieces for high-profile clients in sports and entertainment. But this conversation goes far beyond style.Joanna shares her deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, domestic violence, family separation, substance use, and suicidal thoughts, and how creativity became her lifeline. From thrifting and redesigning clothes as a kid to building a career in formalwear and launching her own brand, she explains how purpose-driven entrepreneurship helped her reclaim her voice and her future.The conversation explores forgiveness, rebuilding family relationships, and the role of faith, discipline, and service in healing. Joanna also opens up about losing a loved one to suicide, navigating grief, and why compassion matters in mental health conversations. Plus, she shares practical ways she resets today, including embracing solitude, prioritizing recovery, and protecting her peace. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential). In an emergency, dial 911. More resources are available at kennedykids.org.

    35 min

  8. JAN 26

    Alonzo Highsmith: From the U to the NFL Front Office—Legacy, Loss & Life Beyond the Game

    Former University of Miami Hurricanes standout Alonzo Highsmith joins Bailey and Buck Unplugged for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from elite performance to real-life resilience. Highsmith shares his journey from South Florida high school football to a championship legacy at “The U,” his years in the NFL, and his surprising transition into professional boxing—including fights on major cards and what it took to earn respect in a new sport.The conversation goes deeper as Alonzo opens up about grief, leadership under pressure, and mental health in professional sports. He reflects on returning to work quickly after profound loss, the athlete mindset of “push through everything,” and why many players struggle to ask for help.   Explore the realities of the NFL “bubble,” how team culture impacts mental wellness, and why fear of losing playing time or contracts can keep athletes silent.Highsmith also shares powerful insights on identity after retirement, the importance of mentorship and character, and practical tools he uses to reset—like solitude, reflection, and ending the day with positive affirmations. Plus, don’t miss the incredible stories from his connection to Don Shula, early experiences around the Dolphins, and lessons learned from legendary coaches.If you care about sports leadership, athlete mental health, life after the game, and what it really takes to stay grounded through success and adversity —this episode is a must-listen. If you or someone you love is struggling, you’re not alone. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (free and confidential). In an emergency, dial 911.  More resources are available at kennedykids.org.

    1h 25m
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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Bailey and Buck Unplugged is the only podcast with an NFL record holder, former pro NFL Cheerleader, and mental health and performance coach to the stars! Hosted by Robert Bailey, Misty Buck, and Bailey Brooks Mashburn, each week we bring you conversations that offer a unique blend of sports, entertainment, and mental health offering insights beyond the spotlight.  The show dives deep into the mental well-being of celebrities and public figures, uncovering the stories behind their successes and struggles. We’re not afraid to tackle controversial topics, offer bold opinions, and ask the questions that others shy away from—all with the aim of sparking meaningful dialogue. Whether you're a die-hard sports fan, an aspiring athlete, or simply looking for inspiration, Bailey and Buck Unplugged has something for everyone.

Information

  • Creator
    Bailey and Buck
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Bailey and Buck
  • Show Website
    Bailey and Buck Unplugged