Champions Among Us

Special Olympics Tennessee

Champions Among Us is the official podcast of Special Olympics Tennessee — a platform where athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders share the stories behind the medals. Hosted by Special Olympics athletes, this podcast is built on authentic voices and real experiences. Each episode explores the power of sport to build confidence, create inclusion, and strengthen communities across Tennessee.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Courtside Conversations: Alaina Morris on Covering Vanderbilt Basketball

    On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, athlete-host Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with Alaina Morris to talk about her journey into sports media and what it’s like covering Vanderbilt University women’s basketball. From starting as a student at Lipscomb University to reporting for Vandy 24/7 Sports, Alaina shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped open doors in broadcasting, writing, and courtside coverage of SEC athletics. The conversation dives into game preparation, interviewing head coach Shea Ralph, recruiting standout players like Mikayla Blakes, and the excitement surrounding Vanderbilt women’s basketball. Alaina also offers advice for aspiring sports media personalities, encouraging young broadcasters to stay passionate, keep learning, and embrace every opportunity that comes their way. It’s an inspiring episode about preparation, persistence, and finding your voice in sports storytelling. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

    10 min

  2. May 29

    From Smashville to Special Olympics: Max Herz on Sports, Storytelling, and Community

    On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Braden Jenkins sits down with Max Herz, radio broadcaster for the Nashville Predators, to talk about his journey into sports media, life in Nashville, and some of his favorite moments covering Vanderbilt and professional sports. From announcing video games as a kid to calling games across nearly every NHL arena, Max shares how passion, persistence, and saying “yes” to opportunities helped shape his career. The conversation also highlights the power of sports to bring people together. Max reflects on volunteering with Special Olympics Tennessee at events like Summer Games and the Music City Corporate Challenge, discusses memorable moments covering Vanderbilt baseball and Predators hockey, and offers advice to young people interested in media and broadcasting. It’s a fun, insightful episode centered on storytelling, community, and finding joy in what you do. Recorded at Black River Entertainment / Sound Stage Studios.

    11 min

  3. May 22

    Against the Odds: Nick Rinaldi’s Unlikely Rise at Vanderbilt

    From not playing football until his senior year of high school to becoming a starting linebacker in the SEC, Nick Rinaldi has one of the most unconventional stories in college football. On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Nick joins Nashville athlete Jimmy Clark to talk about betting on himself, earning a scholarship, and helping reshape the culture of Vanderbilt University football from the inside out. Nick also gives an inside look at the Commodores’ recent rise, the pressure and expectations surrounding SEC football, and why this Vanderbilt team believes it can keep proving doubters wrong. From playoff frustrations to the buzz around elite quarterback recruit Jared Curtis, this conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build something lasting in one of college football’s toughest conferences. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

    16 min

  4. Apr 28

    Champions Among Us: Music, Mindset, and Meaningful Moments with Alexandra King

    Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, continues with a powerful conversation between Braden Jenkins and Nashville-based artist Alexandra King. Together, they explore the connection between music and sport: confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure. Alexandra reflects on her early start in music, overcoming nerves, and building a career in Nashville, while also sharing her connection to Special Olympics through family and community. This episode highlights how the champion mindset shows up everywhere, from the field to the stage. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios. Learn more here.

    7 min

  5. Apr 17

    From the Pitch to Purpose: Matthew Gang Interviews Taylor Washington

    In this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics athlete and Vanderbilt University Next Steps graduate Matthew Gang sits down with former Nashville SC defender Taylor Washington for an authentic and inspiring conversation about life, soccer, and purpose beyond the game. Washington reflects on his journey from growing up in New York to an eight-year professional career in Nashville, sharing the challenges, unexpected turns, and defining moments that shaped his path—including overcoming setbacks, chasing new dreams, and ultimately finding fulfillment both on and off the field. Together, Matthew and Taylor connect over their shared experiences as athletes, discussing everything from training and competition to the joy and community that sports create. Taylor offers heartfelt advice to Special Olympics athletes about confidence, dedication, and embracing your unique gifts, while Matthew brings energy and perspective from his own journey in sports and beyond. It’s a conversation rooted in passion, perseverance, and the belief that being a champion is about far more than wins and losses—it’s about how you show up, support others, and pursue what you love. Learn more: https://www.specialolympicstn.org/podcast

    16 min

  6. Apr 3

    Ollie Kujda-Neeley & Jim Chandler on Sports, Growth, and Showing Up

    In this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with radio host Jim Chandler of Totally Hits 93.3 for a conversation centered on sports, storytelling, and the power of practice. Jim shares how his journey into broadcasting began at a young age and evolved through years of repetition, curiosity, and a passion for connecting with people. Together, they explore the similarities between athletics and communication—highlighting how confidence, teamwork, and dedication fuel success in both arenas. From favorite teams like the Nashville Predators and Vanderbilt basketball to the excitement of competing and improving every day, this episode captures the joy of learning, growing, and showing up for your teammates—on the field and behind the mic.

    13 min

  7. Mar 19

    Champions in Health: Jimmy Clark Talks Fitness, Friendship, and Inclusion with Chris Morant

    In this episode of Champions Among Us, host Jimmy Clark sits down with Chris Morant of Wellpoint Tennessee to explore the intersection of health, fitness, and inclusion within the Special Olympics Tennessee community. From personal fitness journeys and the discipline of CrossFit to the broader impact of corporate partnerships, Clark and Morant discuss expanding access to health resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The conversation dives into the importance of programs like Train 4 Life™ and Leadership Academy, while also tackling the bigger question of how to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and empowering for all. It’s an engaging and insightful discussion centered on wellness, opportunity, and the power of partnership to create meaningful change.

    17 min

  8. Feb 20

    Super Bowl Champion and Titans Punter Johnny Hekker Joins Braden Jenkins

    In the inaugural episode of Champions Among Us, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Braden Jenkins sits down with Johnny Hekker of the Tennessee Titans — a passionate advocate for the Special Olympics community. From unforgettable fake punts to the highs and lows of winning and losing in the NFL, the two share an engaging conversation about football, resilience, and the power of community. Recorded at Black River Entertainment in Nashville. Watch more episodes soon at https://www.specialolympicstn.org/podcast

    16 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Champions Among Us is the official podcast of Special Olympics Tennessee — a platform where athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and community leaders share the stories behind the medals. Hosted by Special Olympics athletes, this podcast is built on authentic voices and real experiences. Each episode explores the power of sport to build confidence, create inclusion, and strengthen communities across Tennessee.

Information

  • Creator
    Special Olympics Tennessee
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Special Olympics Tennessee
  • Show Website
    Champions Among Us