A Ball and A Chance

Angela Lewis

A Ball and A Chance examines how sport functions globally as a training ground for leadership, resilience, and the challenges that define careers and lives. Hosted by Angela R. Lewis, author and former professional athlete, the podcast explores how opportunities in sport become outcomes, positioning sport not just as an experience, but as an institution for leadership development, career success, entrepreneurship, and meaningful relationships. Some episodes feature conversations with guests across the global sports ecosystem, while others are solo reflections, each designed to deliver clear, practical takeaways leaders can implement immediately within programs, teams, and organizations. Each episode translates lessons from sport into actionable frameworks and strategies, offering insight into: Career readiness and upward mobility Leadership effectiveness under pressure Entrepreneurial thinking and adaptability Stronger communication and professional relationships Connect Instagram:@TheAngelaRLewis  Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

  1. 1d ago

    Ep. 23 - How hair care impacts women in sports: launching Simply Mosé with Osato Edobor-Osula

    In this episode, Angela interviews Osato Osula, founder of Simply Mosé, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from playing professional basketball to starting a hair care line. The conversation also delves into the world of women's sports, particularly the New York Liberty basketball team. The conversation covers a range of topics including the experience of being a gold member at a sports event, the intersection of fashion and sports, personal style and makeup, and the journey of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. It also delves into the importance of intentional friendships and the evolution of personal interests such as cooking. Takeaways Entrepreneurial JourneyWomen's Sports Fashion and sports are becoming increasingly intertwined, with athletes expressing themselves through fashion and beauty.Intentionality and support are key to nurturing and maintaining strong friendships over time. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Simply Mo'say05:44 Challenges in the Hair Care Industry12:49 The Importance of Moisturizing21:11 Benefits of Being a Season Ticket Holder27:22 Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth33:42 The Importance of Intentional Friendships Connect with Osato Website: https://simplymose.com Instagram: @simplymose Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: http://angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    42 min
  2. 3d ago

    Ep. 22 -Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Art and Basketball with Jeremy John Kaplan

    In this episode, Angela interviews Jeremy John Kaplan, a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist. He centers his practice on public space as a site of collective endurance. Best known for The Gold Nets Project, an ongoing intervention installing gold basketball nets on community courts since 2005, Jeremy reframes shared spaces as environments where care is practiced collectively. The conversation covers Jeremy's background as an artist and ball player, his love for graffiti, his art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park, and his involvement with the Hoop Bus. It also delves into the significance of the Hoop Bus and its impact on the community. The conversation covers the experiences of the Hoop Bus team in New York, their interactions with law enforcement, the impact of the Hoop Bus on communities, and the broader cultural significance of basketball. It also delves into the unexpected encounters and connections made through the Hoop Bus, as well as the future initiatives and expansion of the project. Takeaways Art and basketball have been integral parts of Jeremy's life since his adolescence.Graffiti is a form of expression that seeks recognition and visibility, echoing a human desire to leave a mark.The Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship and the installation project aim to bring art to the community and make it more accessible.The Hoop Bus serves as a social sculpture, spreading joy and creating imaginative experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Community ImpactCultural Significance of Basketball Chapters 00:00 Art and Basketball: A Dual Passion06:10 Art Installation at Socrates Sculpture Park22:12 The Impact of the Hoop Bus29:11 Hoop Bus Interactions with Law Enforcement39:22 Future Initiatives and Expansion Connect with Jeremy: Instagram: @jeremyjohnkaplan Instagram: @thehoopbus  Visit his new art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria 11101) @socratespark on Instagram  Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: http://angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    52 min
  3. Jun 2

    Ep. 20 - From Heptathlete to UNC Chapel Hill Professor with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight

    The conversation with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight delves into the educational value of sport, the science of expertise, the emergence of sport performance as a major, and the impact of youth sports on education. Dr. Allen-Weight shares insights on the transformative power of sport and the need to recognize the holistic development and educational opportunities it offers. She also discusses the science of expertise, emphasizing the role of self-regulation and mentorship in achieving high performance. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating sport performance as a major in university education and the potential career pathways it offers. Dr. Erianne Allen Weight is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she serves as Director of the Center for Research in Intercollegiate Athletics (CRIA) and is an international leader in sport, leadership, and expertise development. A former NCAA Division I heptathlete, her work explores how people learn, grow, and perform at high levels across sport, business, education, and life. Dr. Weight has authored more than 100 scholarly publications, delivered over 150 invited presentations, and consulted with organizations across athletics, education, and leadership development. Her current work focuses on the science of expertise, self-regulation, human performance, and the future of athlete-centered education. She is also helping lead innovative national initiatives that position sport as a powerful pathway for leadership, STEM learning, identity development, and lifelong growth. Takeaways Sport as EducationExpertise and Self-Regulation Chapters 00:00 The Educational Value of Sport10:39 The Science of Expertise32:23 Youth Sports and Education Connect with Dr. Weight: Website: eweight@unc.edu Email: www.erianneweight.com Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    44 min
  4. May 14

    Ep. 19 - Building Basketball Pathways in Jamaica with P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy

    In this episode Angela interviews Wayne Dawkins, Jamaican-Canadian sports entrepreneur, basketball development leader, and the Founder/Director of P.H.A.S.E. 1 Academy. The conversation covers the topics of youth development through sports and the impact of international opportunities on young athletes. It delves into the challenges and successes of providing international opportunities for young athletes, as well as the importance of persistence and faith in the face of adversity. The conversation delves into the challenges and impact of youth sports programming, highlighting the importance of community support and the obstacles faced in providing opportunities for young athletes. It also explores the upcoming tournaments and programs of P.H.A.S.E 1 Academy, shedding light on the ways to support their initiatives. Takeaways Youth development through sportsThe impact of international opportunities on young athletes Community impactYouth sports challenges Chapters 00:00 Youth Development Through Sports16:36 The Impact of International Opportunities30:49 Overcoming Fear of Risk37:11 Supporting Youth Athletes45:06 Upcoming Tournaments and Programs Connect with Wayne https://www.phase1academy.com/ Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    55 min
  5. May 12

    Ep. 18 - From Athlete to Digital Marketing Manager with the Houston Rockets with Andrew Anderson

    On this Episode Angela interviews Andrew Anderson, Digital Marketing Manager for the Houston Rockets. The conversation covers the introduction to digital marketing, the journey from athlete to marketing professional, foundational skills in marketing, the role of Google Ads in the marketing strategy, and the impact of AI on marketing. It provides insights into the transition from athlete to marketing professional and the foundational skills required for a career in marketing. The conversation covers the importance of engaging with fans and building a connection, the metrics and behaviors for long-term engagement, social media strategy and content distribution, the transition from athlete to business, and advice for breaking into the sports business without connections. Takeaways Digital marketing strategiesTransition from athlete to marketing professional Engaging with fansBuilding a connection Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Digital Marketing08:20 Foundational Skills in Marketing17:11 Google Ads and Marketing Strategy23:40 Engaging with Fans and Building a Connection31:32 Social Media Strategy and Content Distribution39:06 Breaking into the Sports Business Connect with Andrew Anderson LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/itsandrewanderson/ Instagram - @ItsAndrewAnderson Email - andrewa@rocketball.com Houston Rockets - rockets.com Houston Comets - houstoncomets.com Connect with Angela Lewis Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    44 min
  6. May 7

    Ep. 17 - The Athlete Mindset in Business & Exceptional Leadership with Megan Renaldo

    Megan Renaldo, a performance consultant and leadership coach, shares her journey from being a D1 soccer player to becoming a leadership coach. She discusses the impact of sports on her life, the role of a goalkeeper in soccer, and the importance of exceptional leadership. Megan emphasizes the need for clear information, psychological safety, and the transition from MVP to leader of MVPs. She also highlights the athlete mindset and the challenges in providing clear information in organizations. The conversation covers topics such as clear communication, building psychological safety, efficiency and productivity, transitioning from individual contributor to leader, delegating tasks effectively, creating job aids for delegation, capturing delegation through video and other methods, preparing student athletes for the workforce, belief in leadership potential, and the importance of clear communication and culture. Takeaways The athlete mindset values feedback as a gift and seeks continuous improvement.Providing clear information and creating psychological safety are essential for effective leadership and team performance. Clear communication and follow-up are essential for building psychological safety and ensuring efficiency and productivity.Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leader requires effective delegation and a focus on helping others succeed. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Megan Rinaldo06:05 The Importance of Exceptional Leadership11:33 Creating Psychological Safety in Organizations19:45 The Athlete Mindset and Feedback25:24 Challenges in Providing Clear Information30:33 Transition from Individual Contributor to Leader37:08 Capturing Delegation through Video and Other Methods44:09 Belief in Leadership Potential Connect with Megan Renaldo LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-renaldo/ Website - https://renaldoandco.com/  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/meganrenaldo/ Connect with Angela Lewis nstagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ Website: https://angelarlewis.com Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    51 min
  7. May 5

    Ep. 16 - More Than the Game: Identity, Purpose, and Growth with Pasha Cook

    On this episode of A Ball and A Chance, Angela talks with Pasha Cook and covers a wide range of topics, including the lifesaving power of sports, personal development, the impact of women's sports, and professional work. Pasha shares valuable insights on identity, values, relationships, and the purpose of sport, offering advice and wisdom for personal and professional growth. As a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor, Pasha Cook empowers visionary women in leadership, high-impact athletes, and industry executives worldwide. A proud Houston native, her journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and international impact. After dropping out of high school, she earned a basketball scholarship at 24 and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of Memphis, where she played as a point guard. She went on to compete as a semi-pro basketball player, further honing her leadership and competitive edge. Transitioning from sports to New York City’s men’s fashion industry, Pasha spent over a decade styling elite NBA and NFL athletes and guiding top talent through pivotal career transitions. From 2014 to 2017, she provided image consulting and career transition support for WNBA draftees, helping emerging athletes refine their professional presence as they entered the league. In 2018, Pasha made history as the NFL’s first female collegiate speaking ambassador for the Player Engagement division, delivering keynotes and programs that empower student-athletes to navigate life and leadership beyond the game. Her unique approach has enabled her to connect deeply with elite performers across sports, business, and culture. Internationally recognized, Pasha has been featured by Chinese media as a leading consultant in global branding for professional athletes abroad. Her creative reach includes serving as an international film consultant for projects in China and Hong Kong that spotlight stories blending global sports, branding, and culture. Pasha’s story exemplifies what’s possible through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to growth—empowering clients to achieve lasting success, international influence, and transformative results. Takeaways The transformative power of sports as a lifeline and lifesaverThe importance of authentic relationships and core values in personal and professional development Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Reunion05:05 The Purpose of Sport and Transferable Skills13:24 The Impact of Sport and Women's Sports Today18:31 Personal Journey and Professional Work Connect with Pasha Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/ Website - https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/ Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ Website: https://angelarlewis.com Email: info@angelarlewis.com

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A Ball and A Chance examines how sport functions globally as a training ground for leadership, resilience, and the challenges that define careers and lives. Hosted by Angela R. Lewis, author and former professional athlete, the podcast explores how opportunities in sport become outcomes, positioning sport not just as an experience, but as an institution for leadership development, career success, entrepreneurship, and meaningful relationships. Some episodes feature conversations with guests across the global sports ecosystem, while others are solo reflections, each designed to deliver clear, practical takeaways leaders can implement immediately within programs, teams, and organizations. Each episode translates lessons from sport into actionable frameworks and strategies, offering insight into: Career readiness and upward mobility Leadership effectiveness under pressure Entrepreneurial thinking and adaptability Stronger communication and professional relationships Connect Instagram:@TheAngelaRLewis  Substack:https://angelarlewis.substack.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ Website: angelarlewis.com  Email: info@angelarlewis.com