Born To The Game Podcast

The Inflection Network

Welcome to Born To The Game Podcast. Hosted Mariah Woodson, the daughter of NBA great Mike Woodson, and her cousin Temara Payton. This podcast is where the children of legendary athletes, entertainers, businessmen and entrepreneurs share what it’s really like growing up under the lights of legacy. From identity to trust, from pain to purpose, these stories break down what fame can’t protect you from—and what it means to build a name of your own.

  1. 6d ago

    Growing Up as NBA Star & Jazz Icon Wayman Tisdale’s Daughter – Danielle Tisdale | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Danielle Tisdale Wayman Tisdale’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Carrying Joy Forward What does it mean to grow up as the daughter of someone who was not only an NBA star, but also a beloved jazz musician, devoted father, and constant source of joy? In this episode of Born to the Game, Danielle Tisdale, daughter of the late Wayman Tisdale, opens up about growing up inside one of the most unique legacies in sports and music. Wayman was a standout basketball player, the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick, an Oklahoma legend, and a successful jazz musician — but to Danielle, he was first and foremost Dad. Danielle shares what it was like realizing her father was a major figure in the NBA world, traveling with him during his Phoenix Suns years, watching him transition from basketball to music, and understanding later in life just how rare it was for him to thrive in two different arenas. She also reflects honestly on losing her father, the waves of grief that followed, and how music, therapy, family, and faith helped her stay connected to his love, light, and joy. From his famous smile to his belief that “quitting isn’t an option,” Danielle carries forward a legacy rooted not only in achievement, but in family, resilience, and purpose. This is a heartfelt conversation about legacy, grief, joy, music, fashion, fatherhood, and learning how to keep going when the person who gave you so much strength is no longer physically here. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Wayman Tisdale’s daughter Realizing her dad was the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick Life around the NBA with the Phoenix Suns Her favorite memories of watching Wayman play Wayman’s transition from basketball to jazz music How music was always part of his life before and after the NBA What made Wayman’s joy, smile, and spirit so unforgettable How Danielle experienced grief after losing her father Why she describes grief as “the price of love” The role therapy played in her healing journey Staying connected to Wayman through music and March Madness How her father inspired her love of fashion and menswear Danielle’s plans to launch her own menswear line Carrying forward the lesson that quitting is not an option 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only what someone accomplishes — it is how they love, how they lead, and what they leave inside the people closest to them. Wayman Tisdale’s legacy lives on through his music, his joy, his family, and Danielle’s commitment to keep moving forward with love, purpose, and resilience. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    53 min

  2. May 19

    Growing Up on Dance Moms as Bodybuilding Legend Shawn Ray’s Daughter – Asia Monet Ray | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Asia Monet Ray Childhood Fame, Dance Moms & Finding Your Voice Beyond Perfection What does it mean to grow up in the spotlight before you are old enough to fully understand it—and still become your own person beyond the stage? In this episode of Born to the Game, Asia Monet Ray—singer, dancer, actress, and daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray—opens up about growing up in a world shaped by discipline, performance, competition, and public attention. From becoming the youngest national title holder at age five, to appearing on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms, Asia shares what it was really like to be a child performer navigating pressure, perfectionism, and public perception while still trying to understand her own identity. Asia reflects on the lessons she learned from her parents, the role her mom played as her protector and advocate, the impact of growing up around elite athletic discipline, and why she has shifted from proving herself through dance to expressing herself through music, creativity, and self-discovery. This is a powerful and honest conversation about childhood fame, resilience, family support, perfectionism, reinvention, and learning that you do not have to be perfect to be enough. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as the daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray How discipline and competition shaped Asia’s childhood Becoming a national title holder at age five Her journey through Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms What people misunderstood about her childhood in entertainment The pressure of being labeled mature beyond her years How perfectionism shaped her as a dancer and performer Why she stepped away from competitive dance Her transition into music, singing, and creative expression The role her mother played as her advocate and protector What Asia would tell her younger self today 💬 Key Takeaway: You can grow up performing for the world, but true confidence comes from learning who you are when the performance ends. Legacy may shape you, but your voice, your boundaries, and your self-worth are yours to define. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 3m

  3. May 12

    Serving Spoon Legacy: Growing Up Inside Inglewood’s Most Iconic Soul Food Restaurant | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Jessica & Justin Johnson of The Serving Spoon Legacy, Community & Carrying Forward an Inglewood Institution What does it mean to inherit more than a family business — to inherit a cultural landmark that an entire city calls home? In this episode of Born to the Game, Jessica Bane and Justin Johnson, owners of the legendary Serving Spoon in Inglewood, share the incredible story behind one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a multi-generational legacy. Founded by their grandfather Harold E. Sparks and later run by their parents Angie and JC Johnson, The Serving Spoon became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, politicians, families, and generations of Angelenos looking for comfort, community, and home. Jessica and Justin open up about growing up inside the restaurant, the realities of taking over a family business, navigating pressure and sacrifice, surviving COVID, and preserving the soul of Inglewood during a time of rapid change and gentrification. From stories about celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson, and Mike Woodson stopping by “the Spoon,” to emotional reflections on community support during the pandemic, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about business — it’s about people. 🔑 In This Episode: The origin story behind The Serving Spoon in Inglewood How their grandfather built the restaurant with family recipes from Ohio Growing up inside one of LA’s most iconic Black-owned restaurants The emotional moment they realized the restaurant belonged to the community How COVID nearly forced the restaurant to close The GoFundMe campaign that saved the Spoon during the pandemic Stories about celebrities, athletes, politicians, and LA legends who became regulars The realities and misconceptions of owning a restaurant Balancing family dynamics while running a multi-generational business Protecting culture and preserving legacy as Inglewood changes Why hospitality, service, and community are at the center of everything they do 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is bigger than ownership. When you serve your community with consistency, love, and authenticity, a business can become part of people’s lives for generations. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - Born to the Game Instagram YOUTUBE - Born to the Game YouTube Born to the Game Website See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 14m

  4. May 5

    Growing Up as NBA Player Bryon Russell’s Daughter – Kajun Russell | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Kajun Russell Legacy, Identity & Building Your Own Path Beyond the Game What does it mean to grow up in the shadow of one of the NBA’s most intense eras—and still carve out your own identity beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Kajun Russell—entrepreneur, creative, and co-founder of Tuff Crowd—opens up about growing up as the daughter of former NBA player Bryon Russell and navigating a life shaped by basketball, discipline, and high expectations. From childhood memories inside NBA arenas during some of the league’s most iconic moments, to building her own brand in fashion and entrepreneurship, Kajun shares a powerful perspective on identity, confidence, and what it really takes to step outside of legacy and define success on your own terms. This is a candid, inspiring conversation about self-worth, creativity, resilience, and the reality of building something meaningful in a world where people often assume your path is already written for you. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up courtside during the NBA’s most competitive eras When she realized her childhood wasn’t “normal” The transition from NBA life to having her dad home full-time Lessons on discipline, confidence, and self-worth from her parents Navigating assumptions and proving yourself beyond your last name Building Tuff Crowd and finding her creative identity The realities of entrepreneurship—manufacturing, setbacks, and hustle Why authenticity, boundaries, and staying true to yourself matter 💬 Key Takeaway: You can be born into legacy—but your identity is something you build. Confidence, consistency, and staying true to yourself are what turn opportunity into purpose. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 12m

  5. Apr 28

    Growing Up as Cedric the Entertainer’s Daughter – Lucky Rose Kyles | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms. From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame The moment she understood what legacy really meant Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice Why authenticity matters more than expectations Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 24m

  6. Apr 21

    1 Month In: From Idea to Reality - Born To The Game Season 2 Recap | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — 1 Month In The Grind, The Growth & The Vision | Season 2 Recap What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just go for it? In this special recap episode of Born to the Game, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton take a step back to reflect on the first month of Season 2—what they’ve built, what they’ve learned, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something real. From filming nearly 15 episodes in just a few weeks to creating a space where guests feel safe enough to open up, this conversation is an honest, unfiltered look behind the scenes of building a platform with purpose. They share the highs, the challenges, the exhaustion—and the moments that reminded them why they started. This is a powerful conversation about taking action, trusting your instincts, embracing fear, and creating something that’s bigger than you. 🔑 In This Episode: The reality of building Season 2 in real time Filming 15 episodes in the first month and the response so far Creating a safe space for guests to share their real stories Why “doing it afraid” is better than waiting for the perfect moment Lessons learned from guests about purpose, action, and identity Breaking misconceptions about legacy and “nepo babies” The importance of gratitude, discipline, and work ethic Balancing growth, creativity, and real life behind the scenes 💬 Key Takeaway:There is no perfect time to start. The only way to know what’s possible is to take the leap—and build as you go. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  7. Apr 14

    Growing Up as Part of the Winans Family - Deborah Joy Winans | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Deborah Joy Winans Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity? In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy. From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her. This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah Balancing personal identity with family legacy What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 7m

  8. Apr 10 ·  Bonus

    **BONUS** KyLee Evans Episodes Recap!

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Kylee Evans (Recap Episode) Presence, Storytelling & Being “Up Next” What happens when raw talent meets authenticity, presence, and purpose? In this recap episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton reflect on their unforgettable conversation with Kylee Evans—an emerging creative force whose storytelling, energy, and vision left a lasting impression. From her natural charisma and multidimensional creativity to her deep sense of presence and connection, Kylee embodies what it means to step into your own lane while honoring legacy. The hosts unpack the moments that stood out most—from hilarious impressions and pop culture stories to powerful insights on vulnerability, confidence, and chasing your dreams. More than just a recap, this episode is a celebration of a young Black woman rising in the entertainment industry—and a reminder that greatness often reveals itself early. 🔑 In This Episode: Why Kylee Evans feels like an “old soul” with next-gen talent The power of storytelling and authentic self-expression Lessons on presence, connection, and being fully in the moment Funny, unfiltered moments that made this episode unforgettable Why Kylee is “up next” in film and television Inspiration for women pursuing careers in entertainment ✨ Whether you’re an aspiring creative, storyteller, or simply someone navigating identity and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to show up fully and have fun along the way.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    16 min
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4.8
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

Welcome to Born To The Game Podcast. Hosted Mariah Woodson, the daughter of NBA great Mike Woodson, and her cousin Temara Payton. This podcast is where the children of legendary athletes, entertainers, businessmen and entrepreneurs share what it’s really like growing up under the lights of legacy. From identity to trust, from pain to purpose, these stories break down what fame can’t protect you from—and what it means to build a name of your own.

Information

  • Channel
    The Inflection Network
  • Creator
    Born To The Game Podcast
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    20
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Born To The Game Podcast

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