Born To The Game Podcast

The Inflection Network
The Inflection Network
  • 4.8 (20)
  • Sports

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. 3d ago ·  Bonus

    Growing Up as NBA Icon Dr. J's Daughter & Owning a Crystal Mine | Jazmin Erving | Born To The Game Podcast - Summer League Rewind

    In this special episode of Born to the Game - Summer League Rewind, we revisit our conversation with Jazmin Erving — daughter of NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving — joins hosts Mariah Woodson and Tamara Peyton to talk about growing up in the shadow of one of sport's most beloved figures, navigating the assumptions and pressures that came with the name, and how she became the first Black woman co-owner of a domestic crystal mine in the United States. Julius "Dr. J" Erving's legacy in basketball is untouchable — a pioneer of above-the-rim play, an ABA and NBA champion, a Hall of Famer, and one of the most recognized athletes in American sports history. But to Jazmin, he was first and foremost Dad — the man who protected family time from autograph seekers, took the family to Vegas every summer, played 5-on-5 pickup in the South of France, and quietly taught his children to "see people" for who they really are. Jazmin opens up about what it was like growing up with a father whose fame followed them everywhere — and how at just 12 years old, when asked what it was like being Dr. J's daughter, she simply said: "To me, he's just Dad." She reflects on the double-edged nature of the name — the doors it opened, the assumptions it brought, and the quiet work of learning to be guarded without becoming closed off. She shares the moment in college when eight guys falsely claimed to have been with her — and the calm, direct way she handled it. She tells the story of walking out of her Ralph Lauren job "full Jerry Maguire style" after a visiting manager made assumptions about her because of her father, only to be rehired by her regular manager. And she recounts the moment a player rudely dismissed her and her younger brother asking for an autograph — until he realized who their father was — a lesson she never forgot about how people treat you when they think you're nobody. Then comes the origin story of Because I Rock — her crystal mining company. During the pandemic, Jazmin and her business partner stopped to help a stranded driver on the side of the road. He turned out to own crystal mines. That chance encounter became a partnership, and Jazmin became one of the first Black women to co-own a domestic crystal mine in the United States. This is a joyful, grounded, funny, and deeply moving conversation about legacy, identity, entrepreneurship, and what it looks like when a woman born to greatness decides to go out and create some of her own. 🔑 In This Episode: • Growing up as the daughter of NBA legend Julius "Dr. J" Erving • "To me, he's just Dad" — her answer at age 12 • How Dr. J protected family time from autograph seekers • Vegas summers, Circus Circus, and a 5-on-5 game in the South of France • The double-edged nature of a famous name — doors opened and assumptions made •  💬 Key Takeaway: Jazmin Erving didn't inherit a jump shot — she inherited a standard. Growing up as Dr. J's daughter meant learning early that people will always see the name before they see you. Her story is about doing the quiet, grounded work of becoming someone in your own right — and then building a business that puts crystals in the hands of children who never knew they were miners. "This rock chose you" is not just a tagline. It is how Jasmine Erving has lived her whole life. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes are live on Tuesdays and videos on Wednesdays. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegame_/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@borntothegame_ https://borntothegamepodcast.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Jul 7 ·  Bonus

    Growing Up as NBA Legend Isiah Thomas's Son – Zeke Thomas | Born To The Game Podcast - Summer League Rewind

    In this special episode of Born to the Game - Summer League Rewind, we revisit our conversation with Zeke Thomas — DJ, activist, and son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas. Zeke joined hosts Mariah Woodson and Tamara Peyton live at NBA Summer League 2025 to talk about growing up in the shadow of one of basketball's greatest legends, carving his own identity, and using his platform to fight for equal rights and equal justice. Isiah Thomas's résumé is unmatched — two NBA championships with the Detroit Pistons, a Hall of Fame induction, and a career that extended into ownership and leadership with the Toronto Raptors, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks. But to Zeke, his father was first and foremost Dad — and understanding the weight of that legacy took a lifetime of moving, adapting, and self-discovery. Zeke reflects on a childhood spent constantly relocating — from Detroit to Indiana to New York — and the toll that repeated uprooting took on his friendships, his trust, and his sense of belonging. He shares the moment his father's fame truly landed for him: arriving in New York and seeing Isiah Thomas on the cover of every newspaper, every single day. He recounts being taken out by Spike Lee and Chris Rock to the 40/40 Club, where he met Jay-Z — a night that crystallized exactly what world he had been born into. The conversation gets candid as Zeke discusses the unique pressure of being asked, constantly, whether he was as great a basketball player as his father — a question he still gets asked today and still finds deeply uncomfortable. He shares the story of beating his father one-on-one on the Pacers' practice court, dunking on him, after which Isiah simply said they couldn't play anymore. He talks about experiencing racism despite his privilege, and the powerful reminder that in America, no matter how famous your father is, being Black means you are never exempt. Zeke opens up about surviving sexual assault and how that experience became a turning point — one that forced him to reckon with his voice, his platform, and his responsibility to speak. As a gay Black man, he describes the layered pressure he carries: a duty inherited from ancestors, from his father's legacy, and from his own community. He speaks about his activism work in cannabis legislation with NORML, his involvement with Shelan Champagne, and his sustainability work with One World Products in the bio-hemp space. Zeke also shares three pieces of advice from his father that have stayed with him: that the one you love the most has the ability to hurt you the most, that the same effort you put in is what you get out, and simply — to smile. This is a layered, funny, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation about legacy, identity, duty, resilience, and what it means to be born to the game — and then choose to play it entirely on your own terms. Key Topics Covered: Growing up as the son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas Childhood memories of Detroit, Indiana, and New York Seeing his father on the front page of every New York newspaper The night Spike Lee and Chris Rock took him to meet Jay-Z at the 40/40 Club The pressure of constantly being asked: "Are you as good as your dad?" Beating Isiah Thomas one-on-one on the Pacers' practice court How frequent moves shaped his trust, friendships, and emotional resilience Experiencing racism despite growing up in a privileged household Surviving sexual assault and finding his voice through activism Being a gay Black man and the layered duty that comes with that identity His career as DJ Zeke and his start at Hot 97 Activism in cannabis legislation with NORML Shelan Champagne and One World Products in the bio-hemp space The three pieces of life advice Isiah Thomas gave him How Isiah Thomas helped recruit Mike Woodson to Indiana University Advice for other children of legends navigating identity and legacy Three words for "Born to the Game": resilient, duty, and luck About the Guest: Zeke Thomas is a DJ, activist, and creative force based in New York. The son of NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas, Zeke began his career in music at Hot 97 and has built a platform centered on equal rights, LGBTQ+ advocacy, mental health awareness, and sustainability. He sits on the board of NORML, is involved with Shelan Champagne, and works with One World Products in the bio-hemp space. He is one of the most prominent and outspoken voices among the children of NBA legends. 🎧 New episodes are live on Tuesdays! 🎥 New videos drop on Wednesdays! Subscribe to Born to the Game for more stories from the families behind the game's biggest names. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Jun 30

    Growing Up as NBA Star Olden Polynice's Daughter – Alexis Polynice | Born To The Game Podcast

    In this episode of Born to the Game, Alexis Polynice, daughter of 15-year NBA veteran Olden Polynice, opens up about growing up inside professional basketball culture and the unexpected ways her father's career shaped her identity, relationships, and professional path. Olden Polynice's basketball journey was remarkable — born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, he played center for the Seattle SuperSonics, Los Angeles Clippers, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz across a 15-year NBA career. But to Alexis, he was also Dad — a figure whose frequent absences for games and travel left a complex emotional imprint she didn't fully understand until adulthood. Alexis shares her early memories of going to games and feeling embarrassed by the public attention, the assumptions peers made about her lifestyle as an NBA player's kid, and how her parents' separation at a young age shifted the family dynamic. As the second eldest of four siblings, she describes the close-knit bond with her brothers and the unique pressure of navigating life with a famous, often absent father. The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Alexis discusses her early career in child modeling and pageantry — signed to Ford Models and traveling the country for competitions — and how those experiences contrasted with the traditional path many expected her to follow. She reveals how the nannies who raised her (Cora, Yumi, Barbie, and Fabi) profoundly shaped her life, inspiring her to pursue nannying as a profession. Alexis offers a deeply moving account of her nannying career, including working for notable families such as Julie and Paul Pierce, and a life-altering experience caring for a 13-year-old whose mother was terminally ill. She shares the lessons she learned about love, loss, and the invisible emotional labor of caregiving — and why she believes nannies are among the most valuable assets in any family. Looking ahead, Alexis discusses her aspirations to transition into estate management and personal assistant work, her desire to mentor young women entering the domestic staffing industry, and the therapy and self-reflection that helped her recognize subconscious patterns — like exclusively pursuing long-distance relationships — shaped by her childhood. This is a thoughtful, honest, and emotionally rich conversation about family, legacy, identity, grief, caregiving, and the unexpected ways our earliest experiences write the script for the life we choose to build. Key Topics Covered: • Growing up as the daughter of NBA player Olden Polynice • Early memories of NBA games, public attention, and peer assumptions • Impact of her parents' separation and her father's frequent absences • Sibling dynamics and growing up as the second eldest of four • Child modeling career with Ford Models and the pageant world • The five nannies who shaped her childhood and inspired her career • Nannying for notable families, including Julie and Paul Pierce • Caring for a child whose mother was terminally ill • The business of nannying and domestic staffing • Future aspirations: estate management, personal assistant work, and mentoring • Subconscious relationship patterns shaped by childhood • Therapy, self-awareness, and personal growth • Advice for aspiring nannies and a message to parents About the Guest: Alexis Polynice is the daughter of 15-year NBA veteran Olden Polynice. A former child model signed to Ford Models, she has built a career as a professional nanny working with high-profile families. She is currently pursuing opportunities in estate management and personal assistance, with a passion for mentoring young women in the domestic staffing industry. 🎧 New episodes are live on Tuesdays! 🎥 New videos drop on Wednesdays! Subscribe to Born to the Game for more stories from the families behind the game's biggest names. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jun 23

    NBA Fathers & Their Daughters: Olden Polynice & Mike Woodson on Legacy, Love & the Game | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Mike Woodson, Mariah Woodson, Olden Polynice & Alexis Polynice NBA Fatherhood, Family Legacy & Old-School Basketball Stories What happens when two NBA fathers sit down with their daughters to talk legacy, family, basketball, and the stories fans never get to hear? In this special episode of Born to the Game, we bring together two father-daughter duos: Mariah Woodson and her father, former NBA player and longtime coach Mike Woodson, alongside Alexis Polynice and her father, former NBA player Olden Polynice. This conversation is playful, heartfelt, unfiltered, and full of real family energy. From father-daughter games and hilarious old-school vs. new-school debates to NBA memories involving J.R. Smith, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Ray Allen, Ben Wallace, DeAndre Jordan, and Andre Drummond, this episode gives listeners a rare look at the men behind the basketball careers — as fathers, mentors, friends, and protectors. Mike Woodson opens up about fatherhood, watching his daughters grow into their own lives, the pride he feels in their independence, and why family is the true definition of legacy. He also shares stories from his NBA journey, including overcoming a serious college injury, coaching personalities like J.R. Smith, and the unforgettable fashion choices his family still will not let him live down. Olden Polynice reflects on growing up in Haiti, being born with a physical challenge, learning basketball later than most, and still becoming a professional player. He talks about resilience, brotherhood, old-school toughness, protecting the family name, and how having daughters taught him to soften, listen, and grow. Together, the group laughs through stories about shopping, cooking, chili, vegan food, fashion, basketball terminology, Start/Bench/Cut debates, and the difference between old-school and new-school basketball. But beneath the jokes is a deeper conversation about safety, parenting, adversity, identity, family pride, and what it means to build a legacy that goes far beyond the game. This is a funny, warm, and meaningful episode about NBA families, fatherhood, daughters, resilience, legacy, and the lessons passed down from one generation to the next. 🔑 In This Episode: Two father-daughter duos on one couchMike Woodson and Mariah Woodson on family, growth, and legacyOlden Polynice and Alexis Polynice on fatherhood, independence, and family prideWhat NBA fathers really know about their daughtersThe Know Your Player gameFavorite foods, pet peeves, shopping, and dad phrasesMike Woodson’s legendary fashion story from the Knicks eraOlden Polynice on cooking, Haiti, and family rootsOld-school vs. new-school basketballExplaining basketball terms like pick and roll, boxing out, fast break, switch defense, weak side rotation, and blitzStart/Bench/Cut: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk NowitzkiWho takes the last shot: Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, or Ray AllenFree throw pressure with Ben Wallace, DeAndre Jordan, and Andre DrummondMike Woodson on coaching J.R. Smith and professionalismOlden Polynice on blocking Michael JordanThe story behind Mike Woodson shaving his eyebrowsNBA brotherhood, golf trips, and lifelong friendshipsHow fathers help daughters feel safe going into the worldWhy boys and girls both need emotional support and stabilityMike Woodson’s comeback from a serious college injuryOlden Polynice’s journey from Haiti to the NBAWhy adversity does not have to define your lifeWhat legacy means beyond awards, stats, and careersFamily as the real legacyProtecting your name, your values, and your people 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is bigger than basketball. It is not only about points, championships, coaching careers, or who you played against — it is about the family you build, the name you protect, the lessons you pass down, and the way your children carry that love forward. 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.

  5. Jun 16

    Celebrating Fatherhood, Family & NBA Dads – Father’s Day Countdown Special | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Father’s Day Special Fatherhood, Family, Rest, Legacy & Celebrating the Men Who Show Up In this special Father’s Day episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton switch things up for a heartfelt, funny, and honest catch-up conversation about life lately, the need to reset, the pressure to always be busy, cooking as a form of peace, and the importance of celebrating fathers and father figures. Usually, Born to the Game sits down with guests to explore family, identity, legacy, and life inside and around the world of sports. This time, Mariah and Temara invite listeners into a more personal conversation — a virtual coffee date about the highs, the chaos, the lessons, and the real-life moments happening behind the scenes. The episode opens with the kind of honesty so many people can relate to: feeling overwhelmed, needing to reset, and learning how to be intentional with rest. Mariah and Temara talk about guilt, productivity, motherhood, family responsibilities, and the challenge of allowing yourself to slow down when there is always something else to do. They also share the ways cooking helps them decompress, from vegan chickpea salad and sweet potato protein bowls to Jamaican curry chickpeas and the lessons passed down from aunties in the kitchen. Their conversation reminds us that food, family, creativity, and culture are all deeply connected — and that cooking does not have to be perfect to be meaningful. As Father’s Day approaches, the conversation turns toward the role of dads, husbands, brothers, uncles, and father figures. Mariah and Temara reflect on why fathers matter, why active and present men deserve to be celebrated, and how often the good fathers do not get enough recognition. They speak with love and gratitude about the men in their lives, including Coach Mike Woodson, whose influence helped make Born to the Game possible, and Alden Polonise, who joins the upcoming Father’s Day celebration. This episode is joyful, grounded, emotional, and funny — a reminder to reset, be present, celebrate the people who show up, and honor the fathers and father figures whose love, humor, sacrifice, and presence shape families for generations. 🔑 In This Episode: A personal catch-up with Mariah Woodson and Temara PaytonWhy everyone needs a reset sometimesLearning how to be intentional with restThe guilt that comes with slowing downBalancing work, family, motherhood, and personal responsibilitiesWhy being busy does not always mean moving forwardGiving yourself permission to unplugCooking as a form of peace, creativity, and decompressionVegan chickpea salad, sweet potato bowls, and curry chickpeasLearning family recipes from auntiesWhy cooking does not have to be perfectThe joy of gathering in the kitchenLooking ahead to Born to the Game in the kitchenCelebrating Father’s DayWhy fathers and father figures deserve more recognitionThe importance of present and active dadsHonoring husbands, brothers, uncles, and father figuresWhy men are needed and valued in familiesThe impact fathers leave on their childrenShouting out Coach Mike Woodson and Alden PoloniseFunny family stories about dads, cologne, laundry detergent, and Father’s Day giftsPreviewing the special Father’s Day episodeCelebrating the dads, father figures, and legacies that continue to inspire us 💬 Key Takeaway: Fatherhood is not just about biology — it is about presence, love, sacrifice, humor, guidance, and showing up. This Father’s Day, Born to the Game celebrates the dads, husbands, brothers, uncles, and father figures whose impact is felt in everyday moments and carried through generations. 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.

  6. Jun 9

    Growing Up as NBA Star Orlando Woolridge’s Son – Zach Woolridge | Born To The Game Podcast

    🎙️ Born to the Game — Zach Woolridge Orlando Woolridge’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Building a Name of His Own What does it mean to grow up as the son of an NBA star whose career stretched from Notre Dame to the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and beyond — while still learning how to define yourself outside of the game? In this episode of Born to the Game, Zach Woolridge, son of the late Orlando Woolridge, opens up about growing up inside NBA culture, navigating identity, moving from city to city, and learning how to carry his father’s legacy with both pride and perspective. Orlando Woolridge’s basketball story was extraordinary. He went from small-town Louisiana to Notre Dame, became the No. 6 overall NBA Draft pick, played with and against some of the biggest names in basketball history, roomed with Michael Jordan, joined the Showtime-era Los Angeles Lakers, and built a career that left an imprint far beyond the box score. But to Zach, he was also Dad — a man who led by example, treated people with warmth, and taught him to give himself a chance. Zach reflects on childhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Italy, where he began to understand the reach of his father’s career. He shares what it was like being the child of a professional athlete, the assumptions people made about his life, and how moving often shaped his sense of stability, identity, and self-confidence. He also speaks honestly about the impact of his parents’ separation, the strength and sacrifice of his mother, and the responsibility he felt as the oldest of three children. From Harvard-Westlake to Princeton basketball to a career in finance, Zach’s journey is one of discipline, intention, resilience, and learning how to lead with grace in spaces where not everyone looks like him. This conversation also explores grief, legacy, and memory. Zach opens up about losing his father, the different ways people process grief, and how hearing stories from those who knew Orlando helps him stay connected to the fullness of who his father was — not only as a player, but as a person. This is a thoughtful, funny, grounded, and heartfelt conversation about family, ambition, basketball, grief, identity, discipline, relationships, and what it means to build a life of your own while honoring the legacy that came before you. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Orlando Woolridge’s sonLife inside an NBA familyRealizing his father was known to the worldChildhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and ItalyOrlando Woolridge’s journey from Louisiana to Notre DameBeing drafted No. 6 overall into the NBAPlaying for the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles LakersWhat it meant for Orlando to play with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Moses MaloneWhy Orlando’s time with the Lakers still defines part of his legacyThe story behind Orlando Woolridge’s between-the-legs dunk contest momentWhat people misunderstand about children of athletesMoving often and learning to build stabilityGrowing up in Pacific Palisades and attending Harvard-WestlakePlaying basketball without being pressured by his fatherThe role his mother played in creating foundation and opportunityBeing the oldest child and feeling pressure to lead by examplePlaying basketball at PrincetonBuilding confidence, identity, and self-awarenessWorking in finance and navigating professional spacesLearning who values you when the spotlight changesHow grief looks different for everyoneStaying connected to Orlando through stories and shared memoriesWhat it means to be intentional, grounded, and “straight up”Carrying forward legacy with grace and purpose 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only about highlights, awards, or who someone played with — it is also about how they treated people, what they modeled for their family, and the memories they leave behind. Orlando Woolridge’s legacy lives on through the stories people tell, the impact he made on and off the court, and the intentional life Zach continues to build in his own name. 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.

  7. Jun 2

    Growing Up as NBA Star & NBA Analyst Eddie Johnson’s Daughter – Jade Johnson | Born To The Game Podcast

    Description:🎙️ Born to the Game — Jade Johnson NBA Legacy, Finding Her Voice & Building a Creative Empire Beyond the Game What does it mean to grow up inside NBA culture — surrounded by greatness, discipline, expectation, and legacy — while still learning how to become fully yourself? In this episode of Born to the Game, Jade Johnson, daughter of NBA standout and Phoenix Suns analyst Eddie Johnson, opens up about growing up around basketball, watching her father’s career evolve, and navigating the assumptions people make when you are born into success. Jade reflects on her childhood memories from Greece, Indiana, Houston, and Phoenix, the discipline her parents instilled in her, and the pressure that comes with being the child of a successful athlete. Although basketball was part of her world, Jade’s heart led her somewhere else: theater, music, acting, songwriting, and storytelling. She shares how she found her voice as a performer, why acting and singing became safe places for vulnerability, and what it really takes to survive the entertainment industry. From graduating at the top of her class at USC to launching her publishing company TS2 — Time, Space, and Sound — Jade explains why artists must also understand business, ownership, catalog development, and creative strategy. Jade also opens up about dating, standards, femininity, friendship, faith, family, and the kind of leadership she hopes to find in a future partner. In a heartfelt moment, she shares the legacy objects that represent her creative journey: a pen, symbolizing storytelling and the power of writing, and the first professional microphone she bought as an investment in herself. This is a warm, funny, emotional, and deeply inspiring conversation about identity, creative purpose, family legacy, discipline, love, music, faith, and the courage it takes to build a life that is truly your own. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Eddie Johnson’s daughterLife inside NBA culture and basketball familiesChildhood memories from Greece, Indiana, Houston, and PhoenixThe discipline Jade’s parents instilled in herWhy success was never simply handed to herThe pressure and expectations placed on children of athletesTrying basketball before choosing theater and musicHow Jade found her voice through acting and singingWhy performing became a safe space for vulnerabilityThe reality of pursuing a career in the artsWhat people misunderstand about auditions and creative workGraduating from USC at the top of her class in actingWhy Jade launched TS2, her publishing companyWhat TS2 — Time, Space, and Sound — representsMusic publishing, catalog development, and song placementThe importance of artists understanding businessJade’s performance of her song “Caught”Her songwriting process and creative inspirationDating, standards, leadership, and faithFriendship, femininity, and women’s expectationsHer legacy objects: a pen and a microphoneA surprise message from her father, Eddie JohnsonBuilding a legacy as an actress, singer, writer, creator, and brand 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not just something you inherit — it is something you shape. Jade Johnson grew up surrounded by NBA greatness, but her story is about discipline, creativity, ownership, faith, and finding the courage to build her own path. Through music, acting, writing, publishing, and storytelling, Jade is carrying forward her family’s foundation while creating a legacy that is fully her own. 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.

  8. May 26

    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.

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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
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • 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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