Kicks & Convos with Coach Dion

The Carters Creative LLC

🆕 Podcast. 🎙️👟 Sneakers. Stories. Real Talk.
Hosted by Coach Dion | New episodes dropping soon! 🚀

  1. 9h ago

    Behind the Gamecock Gear with Kyle Lipsey | Kicks and Convos

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Kicks and Convos, we welcome Kyle Lipsey—a behind-the-scenes member of South Carolina Athletics whose Gamecock journey stretches from college baseball’s biggest stage to the uniforms and apparel worn by USC’s teams. Kyle serves as South Carolina’s Associate Athletics Director for Apparel Operations, overseeing apparel logistics, Under Armour ordering, and uniform planning. Before stepping into that role, he served as the baseball program’s director of operations and was part of the staff during the Gamecocks’ unforgettable back-to-back national championships in 2010 and 2011. From his beginnings as a student manager to a career supporting Gamecock student-athletes, Kyle brings a unique perspective on the work that happens beyond the spotlight. If you love South Carolina sports, sneakers, team gear, and the people behind the programs, this is an episode for you. SPONSOR Kicks and Convos is presented by Max Fitness by Garner Fit! Thank you to Max Fitness for supporting the podcast and helping us bring these conversations to life. Check them out and learn more here: https://www.maxfitnesslex.com/ Learn more about Kyle: https://gamecocksonline.com/staff/kyle-lipsey/ Like this video, subscribe to Kicks and Convos, and drop a comment: What’s your favorite Gamecock uniform or piece of team-issued gear? #KicksAndConvos #KyleLipsey #Gamecocks #SouthCarolina #GamecockBaseball #UnderArmour #SneakerCulture #SportsPodcast #MaxFitness #GarnerFit

  2. Oct 7

    From Homeless Teen to Coroner | Dr. Naida Rutherford | Kicks and Convos

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Dr. Naida Rutherford, Richland County Coroner in Columbia, South Carolina, joins Kicks and Convos for a powerful conversation about resilience, leadership, and finding purpose through serving others. As the first woman and first African American to hold the office, she brings a unique perspective to a job that goes far beyond what most people see. From growing up in foster care and experiencing homelessness to finding an opportunity at Benedict College, becoming a nurse practitioner, and stepping into public service, Dr. Rutherford shares the experiences that shaped her life—and why she refuses to let her beginnings define her future. There’s heart, humor, and plenty of sneaker talk in this conversation—but the message is bigger than the kicks: your past doesn’t have to decide your future. Filmed at Cola Kicks in Columbia, SC. Special thanks to Adam Patrick and the Cola Kicks team for hosting us. ColaKicks.com A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Max Fitness, powered by Garner Fit. Thank you for supporting Kicks N Convos and helping us continue to bring meaningful conversations, sports culture, leadership, and stories that inspire the next generation. Get stronger, healthier, and more confident—learn more at: https://www.maxfitnesslex.com/ Subscribe to Kicks and Convos for more real conversations with the people making an impact in our community. Drop a comment: What part of Dr. Rutherford’s story connected with you most? #KicksAndConvos #NaidaRutherford #RichlandCounty #ColumbiaSC #ColaKicks

    From Homeless Teen to Coroner | Dr. Naida Rutherford | Kicks and Convos
  3. Sep 23

    Coach Tomekia Reed on Toughness, Swag & Building a Winning Culture | Kicks N Convos

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Coach Tomekia Reed joins Kicks N Convos for an inspiring conversation about basketball, resilience, culture, leadership, faith, fashion, and the journey that took her from Jackson, Mississippi, to leading at the Division I level. Coach Reed sits down with Coach Dion to talk about growing up as the baby girl in a competitive household, playing basketball barefoot on a dirt court with her brothers, winning three state championships in high school, and becoming known as “Baby Rodman” for her rebounding, energy, and toughness. She also shares the real story behind her coaching journey—from starting at South Georgia Technical College, grinding through the community-college ranks, and building a championship culture at Jackson State to taking the next step at Charlotte. Coach Reed explains why standards matter, why staff loyalty is everything, and how she built programs that refuse to be overlooked. Coach Reed’s message is clear: know your role, be tough, keep going through adversity, and never let anyone define the ceiling on what you can accomplish. A special thank you to our episode sponsor, Max Fitness, powered by Garner Fit. Thank you for supporting Kicks N Convos and helping us continue to bring meaningful conversations, sports culture, leadership, and stories that inspire the next generation. Make sure to like this video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with a coach, athlete, parent, or person who needs a reminder to keep pushing through. #KicksNConvos #CoachTomekiaReed #WomensBasketball #Charlotte49ers #JacksonState #BasketballCulture #WomenInSports #CoachLife #SneakerCulture #Jordan11 #MaxFitness #GarnerFit #FaithAndResilience #Leadership #HBCUBasketball

    Coach Tomekia Reed on Toughness, Swag & Building a Winning Culture | Kicks N Convos
  4. Sep 9

    Sneakers, HBCU Pride & Legacy: Hamilton R. Grant’s Story

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Kicks N Convos, Coach Dion sits down with Hamilton R. Grant—South Carolina State Representative, business leader, HBCU alumnus, father, and sneaker enthusiast—for a real conversation about style, leadership, advocacy, and legacy. Hamilton breaks down why Jordan 1 Lows are his go-to shoes at the State House, how sneakers can build confidence, and why personal style should not disappear just because you work in professional or political spaces. But this episode goes far beyond the kicks. Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Hamilton reflects on his journey through Richland Northeast, South Carolina State University, the Marching 101, Alabama A&M, family business, and public service. He shares why HBCU culture matters, why greater investment in HBCU students and marching bands is needed, and how South Carolina State’s legacy continues to shape generations. Hamilton also opens up about his commitment to advocating for small businesses, churches, communities of color, young people, and all 44,000 constituents of House District 79. He explains how a desire to give people a voice at the table led him into elected office—and why leadership is ultimately about serving others. From the historic moment South Carolina State’s flag flew above the State House on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to the powerful family history that fuels his purpose, this is a conversation about showing up authentically, honoring the people who came before you, and building something better for the people coming after you. If this conversation inspires you, make sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who believes in leadership, community, HBCU culture, and making a difference. Thank you to our sponsor, Max Fitness by Garner Fit. Get stronger, healthier, and more confident—learn more at: https://www.maxfitnesslex.com/ #KicksAndConvos #DevinDowney #SouthCarolinaBasketball #OrangeburgeSC #SneakerCulture #BasketballPodcast

    Sneakers, HBCU Pride & Legacy: Hamilton R. Grant’s Story
  5. Sep 2

    Basketball Saved my Life - The Untold Story of Dr. Jermaine Johnson

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! On this episode of Kicks & Convos, we sit down with Dr. Jermaine Johnson, South Carolina State Representative and candidate for Governor of South Carolina. From his journey as a student-athlete and professional basketball player to earning advanced degrees, serving his community, building opportunities for others, and stepping into public service, Dr. Johnson brings a unique perspective to leadership and the issues shaping South Carolina’s future. In this conversation, we go beyond politics to discuss the experiences, values, challenges, and vision that continue to drive his work. We talk about his personal journey, the lessons sports taught him about discipline and teamwork, what inspired him to serve, and the conversations South Carolinians should be having as the state approaches a pivotal election season. Dr. Johnson is the Democratic nominee in the 2026 race for South Carolina governor.washingtonexaminer+1 This is a conversation about community, opportunity, resilience, leadership, and leaving a meaningful legacy. A special thank you to our sponsor, Max Fitness Powered by Garner Fit, for supporting Kicks & Convos and helping us continue to bring you authentic conversations with athletes, leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers from across South Carolina and beyond. See more about them at https://maxfitnesslex.com/ . Be sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode. Drop your thoughts in the comments: What issues matter most to you and your community in South Carolina? #KicksAndConvos #JermaineJohnson #SouthCarolina #SCPolitics #SCGovernor #Leadership #Community #SouthCarolinaVotes #Podcast #CoachDion #MaxLife #SneakerCulture #ConversationsThatMatter

    Basketball Saved my Life - The Untold Story of Dr. Jermaine Johnson
  6. Aug 26

    Building an EliteCulture of Wellness - Jason Garner CEO of Max Fitness Powered by Garner Fit

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! In this episode of Kicks & Convoys, Coach Dion sits down with Jason Garner, CEO of Max Fitness Powered by GarnerFit, for a conversation that goes far beyond sneakers. Jason shares how his love for kicks started with the iconic Air Jordan 11, why sneakers represent more than style, and the stories behind favorites like KG’s Air Max Tempos and the classic white Air Force 1. From sneaker culture to mindset, this episode explores how the shoes we wear can reflect who we are, where we come from, and the greatness we strive for. The conversation also dives into Jason’s journey from Louisiana to South Carolina, his experience as a multi-sport athlete at Mauldin High School and Guilford College, and the lessons football taught him about discipline, leadership, preparation, and embracing the grind. As the CEO of Max Fitness Powered by GarnerFit, Jason discusses the purpose behind his work in fitness, athlete development, and wellness. After working in health care and seeing the effects of preventable health challenges firsthand, he became committed to helping people build healthier, stronger lives before they reach a crisis point. His approach goes beyond workouts—focusing on movement, nutrition, recovery, sleep, accountability, and intentional programming. Jason also shares the vision for Max Fitness Powered by GarnerFit, a community-driven fitness experience designed to serve student-athletes, adults over 50, first responders, and anyone ready to improve their lifestyle. The mission is simple: create a space where people can train with purpose, build confidence, and become the best version of themselves. From entrepreneurship and family to resilience, legacy, and the “be a dog” mentality, this is a powerful conversation for athletes, business owners, parents, and anyone working toward something bigger. Subscribe, like, and share for more conversations with coaches, athletes, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. Thank you to our sponsor, Max Fitness by Garner Fit. Get stronger, healthier, and more confident—learn more at: https://www.maxfitnesslex.com/ If you enjoy real basketball stories, sneaker culture, South Carolina hoops history, and conversations with people who lived it, make sure to like, comment, subscribe, and share this episode. #KicksAndConvos #SneakerCulture #Jordan11 #AdidasProModel #MaxFitness #GarnerFit #CoachDion #CoachJasonGarner #MaxFitnessLexington #SneakerCulture #AirJordan11 #FitnessMotivation #Entrepreneurship #SouthCarolina #AthleteDevelopment #Leadership #Legacy #BeADog

    Building an EliteCulture of Wellness - Jason Garner CEO of Max Fitness Powered by Garner Fit

About

🆕 Podcast. 🎙️👟 Sneakers. Stories. Real Talk.
Hosted by Coach Dion | New episodes dropping soon! 🚀