Foyle's Forum

Adonal Foyle
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Where sports, culture, and big ideas collide. Welcome to Foyle’s Forum—where former NBA player, author, and advocate Adonal Foyle goes behind the scenes with athletes, leaders, and changemakers for conversations that blend entertainment, insight, and inspiration. Each interview brings together thought-provoking questions, personal stories, and a dose of fun—exploring not just the big issues of our time, but also the human moments that connect us all. Foyle’s Forum brings powerful ideas and real stories to life.

Episodes

  1. The Cookout: Shomari Smith

    JAN 31

    The Cookout: Shomari Smith

    In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Shomari Smith — photographer, multimedia artist, cultural historian, and one of Oakland’s most influential creative voices. Shomari’s work lives at the intersection of art, activism, sports, and community. From powerful portraiture and large-scale public art to historic monuments like Oakland’s 10 Points to Liberation honoring the Black Panther Party, his creations don’t just document history — they preserve memory and spark dialogue. In this wide-ranging conversation, Shomari shares: His origin story and early connection to art and photography How sports and creative discipline shaped his artistic approach What it means to see his work displayed in public and civic spaces The process behind creating monuments and murals rooted in social justice His creative workflow, philosophy, and sources of inspiration Thoughts on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of artists today This episode is a deep exploration of how art can honor the past, shape the present, and influence the future — especially within communities whose stories deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.

    52 min
  2. The Cookout: Chris Navalta

    JAN 30

    The Cookout: Chris Navalta

    In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with sports journalist, publicist, and first-time author Chris Navalta to talk about his new children’s book, Basketball Stars: Stories and Skills from the NBA’s and WNBA’s Best Players.Chris shares his journey through sports media, public relations, and storytelling—and how those experiences shaped his approach to writing a book for young readers. Together, they explore the inspiration behind Basketball Stars, the lessons young athletes (and parents, coaches, and fans) can take from NBA and WNBA players, and why perseverance, curiosity, and character matter just as much as talent.The conversation also dives into:Why Chris chose a children’s book for his debutThe mix of NBA and WNBA athletes featured in the bookHow kids can apply lessons from basketball even if they never play professionallyBay Area sports culture, iconic moments, and favorite local spotsNIL, social media, and advice for young athletes todayFun rapid-fire questions and behind-the-scenes stories from Chris’s careerThis episode is about more than basketball—it’s about storytelling, growth, and using sports as a way to inspire the next generation.

    45 min
  3. The Cookout: Kentrell Williams

    JAN 30

    The Cookout: Kentrell Williams

    In this powerful episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with professional boxer and celebrity trainer Kentrell Everett for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the life experiences that shaped him—and nearly broke him.Kentrell opens up about his upbringing, the impact of his relationship with his mother, time spent living in group homes, and the choices that led to incarceration for robbery—ending what could have been a promising NFL career. Rather than letting his past define him, Kentrell found a new path forward through boxing.This is a story about accountability, discipline, second chances, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. From prison to the ring, Kentrell’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when pain is transformed into purpose.This episode isn’t just about boxing.It’s about resilience.It’s about growth.And it’s about becoming more than your past.

    33 min
  4. The Cookout: Bea Rudney

    JAN 20

    The Cookout: Bea Rudney

    In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Bea Rudney for a rare and deeply human conversation about resilience, kindness, gratitude, and what it truly means to live a life that matters.Born in 1923 in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Russian immigrants, Bea has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the polio epidemic, the civil rights movement, and more than a century of social and technological change. She went on to become one of the early nurses at Kaiser in Oakland, dedicating 35 years to patient care, advocacy, and community service, while raising a family and opening her home—and heart—to generations of neighbors Now at 102 years old, Bea continues to engage with the world with curiosity, warmth, and joy. In this conversation, she reflects on the lessons shaped by history and lived experience: navigating fear during pandemics, choosing kindness in moments of division, standing up to injustice in segregated hospitals, sustaining a 70-year marriage, and embracing change with grace rather than resistance.Drawing from her book The Neighbor Who Always Waves: How Bea Rudney Became Everyone’s Mom, Bea reminds us that gratitude is a daily practice, curiosity keeps us alive, and community begins with something as simple—and powerful—as acknowledging one another.This episode is not just a look back at history, but a masterclass in humanity—offering wisdom that feels urgently relevant today.

    23 min
  5. Dub Nation Diaries: Charles Dudley | 1975 NBA Champion

    JAN 20

    Dub Nation Diaries: Charles Dudley | 1975 NBA Champion

    In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Charles Dudley, a key member of the legendary Golden State Warriors team that captured the 1975 NBA Championship. Dudley takes us back to a season no one saw coming. Before the year began, expectations were so low that many believed the Warriors wouldn’t even win 20 games. Instead, they defied the odds, built unshakable belief, and shocked the basketball world with one of the most unexpected championship runs in NBA history. The conversation explores what it was really like to play in that era — from gritty travel and physical play to the unforgettable reality of calling the Cow Palace home after the Oakland Coliseum was booked for the Ice Capades. Dudley shares firsthand stories about the culture of the team, the camaraderie, and the resilience that carried them through a season defined by doubt. This episode is a powerful reminder that greatness often comes from the margins — when belief, chemistry, and timing align against all expectations.

    17 min
  6. The Cookout: Joey Hamilton

    JAN 20

    The Cookout: Joey Hamilton

    In this deeply personal episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with someone who isn’t just a guest — he’s family.Joey Hamilton and Adonal have been friends for over 30 years. Their bond stretches from college years and late-night conversations to fatherhood, leadership, creativity, and building purpose-driven work together today. Their kids call each other “uncle,” and their shared journey has included joy, heartbreak, growth, and healing.In this conversation, Joey opens up about:Growing up mixed-race and adopted, and how identity shaped his leadership and parentingCompeting and coaching at elite international levels and the mindset elite sport demandsStudying leadership through traditional wayfinding in New ZealandBuilding brands, movements, and stories rooted in meaning — not egoHis “Masons of Love” speech during the 2020 movement and the courage it requiredPhotography as a way of seeing, feeling, and expressing what words cannotFriendship, partnership, and the future of the work he and Adonal are building togetherThis episode is about identity, adversity, creativity, leadership, and friendship — and how becoming whole is not a destination, but a lifelong practice.

    40 min
  7. The Cookout: Graham Betchart

    JAN 20

    The Cookout: Graham Betchart

    In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with longtime friend and mental performance coach Graham Betchart for a wide-ranging conversation on mindset, growth, and what it really takes to perform—on and off the court.Graham is one of the pioneers of modern mental skills training, working with NBA players, elite athletes, and everyday people to help them strengthen focus, confidence, and resilience. Together, Adonal and Graham explore the mental challenges athletes face at every level, how the conversation around mental health in professional sports has evolved, and why mindset training is just as essential as physical preparation.The discussion goes beyond sports, offering practical tools anyone can use—whether you’re an athlete, parent, creative, or leader—along with reflections on identity, transition after sports, legacy, and living with intention. With humor, honesty, and deep respect, this episode feels like sitting in on one of their off-mic conversations: thoughtful, grounded, and real.If you’re interested in performance, mental health, leadership, or becoming more fully yourself in high-pressure environments, this conversation is for you.0:00 Introduction3:29 Working with young athletes6:41 Parenting young athletes8:53 The pressure on young athletes10:50 Mental Coaching in professional sports 16:02 Being present17:44 Basic Mental Skills21:45 Transition 24:43 Success vs Failure28:42 Flow State30:33 Teacher Shout Out32:29 Quick Questions36:50 Caribbean camps

    39 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

Where sports, culture, and big ideas collide. Welcome to Foyle’s Forum—where former NBA player, author, and advocate Adonal Foyle goes behind the scenes with athletes, leaders, and changemakers for conversations that blend entertainment, insight, and inspiration. Each interview brings together thought-provoking questions, personal stories, and a dose of fun—exploring not just the big issues of our time, but also the human moments that connect us all. Foyle’s Forum brings powerful ideas and real stories to life.

Information

  • Creator
    Adonal Foyle
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Adonal Foyle
  • Show Website
    Foyle's Forum