Shooting It Straight!

Johns Creek Studios
  • 5.0 (3)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Shooting It Straight! is a podcast where life lessons and motivation come together. Originally hosted by the late coaching legend Jim Clayton and educator/tech specialist Randy Black, the show now features Elizabeth Clayton stepping in to continue Jim’s legacy. Each episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories—helping you Believe, Achieve, and Motivate. From personal growth to overcoming challenges, Randy and Elizabeth share authentic experiences, expert guests, and encouragement to keep you moving forward.

  1. Courage is for the Hard Times

    JAN 26

    Courage is for the Hard Times

    In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton dive into the theme “Courage Is for the Hard Times,” exploring what courage really looks like when life pushes back. They challenge the common idea that courage means the absence of fear, instead framing it as the decision to move forward despite fear. Through personal stories, reflections, and lessons drawn from Coach Jim Clayton’s life, the conversation highlights how courage often shows up quietly—in difficult conversations, hard choices, and moments of uncertainty that test our character. Elizabeth shares deeply personal experiences, including moments of grief, self-doubt, and growth following her father’s passing, illustrating how courage can be found in authenticity, vulnerability, and continuing forward when quitting feels easier. Randy adds perspective through his own life transitions, reinforcing the idea that hardship doesn’t reveal weakness—it reveals strength. Together, they unpack how preparation, reflection, and daily habits help build courage over time, even when confidence is nowhere to be found. The episode concludes with a powerful reminder that courage isn’t reserved for dramatic, life-altering events. It’s practiced daily through small, intentional choices that shape who we become. Anchored by this week’s Wisdom of the Week—“Tough times don’t last. Tough people do.”—listeners are challenged to take one brave step this week, no matter how small, and to remember that courage is always a choice. Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

    1h 11m

  2. JAN 19

    Year-End Reflection: Straight Talk on Planning Your Best Year Yet

    As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause, look back, and get honest about where you’ve been and where you’re headed. In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton walk listeners through a simple but powerful year-end reflection exercise inspired by Mel Robbins. Instead of rushing into resolutions, this conversation focuses on clarity—what worked, what didn’t, and what really matters moving forward. Using seven intentional reflection questions, Randy and Elizabeth share personal insights and straight talk about highlights, challenges, lessons learned, and the habits worth stopping, starting, and continuing. This episode isn’t about perfection or pressure—it’s about honest self-assessment and making room for meaningful growth in the year ahead. To help you put these ideas into practice, we’ve created a free downloadable Year-End Reflection Worksheet you can use to journal your way through the questions at your own pace. Whether you’re planning your next goals or simply trying to gain perspective, this episode and worksheet are designed to help you step into the new year with clarity, purpose, and confidence. Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

    1h 6m
  3. Resilience After Loss: Walking Through Grief Together

    JAN 12

    Resilience After Loss: Walking Through Grief Together

    In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton step into an honest and deeply personal conversation about resilience in the face of loss. Drawing from their own recent experiences with grief, they explore what it looks like to keep moving forward when life changes in ways you never expected. Rather than offering easy answers or tidy conclusions, this episode creates space for real reflection on what grief actually feels like and how it reshapes our understanding of strength. Randy shares his perspective on losing Jim Clayton—not only a close friend, but a co-host who helped build the foundation of the show—as well as the loss of his father-in-law shortly thereafter. Elizabeth speaks from the heart about navigating life after the loss of her father, and the unique challenges of grieving both privately and publicly. Together, they discuss how resilience looks different when it’s lived rather than taught, and how grief often requires patience, honesty, and grace. This episode also offers encouragement for listeners who may be walking through their own season of loss. Practical reflections, shared insights, and a reminder that grief has no timeline help reinforce one central message: you don’t have to carry loss alone. A curated list of grief support resources is included in the show notes for anyone seeking additional help, along with a Wisdom of the Week reflection centered on choosing hope even when it’s hard to see. Grief Resources: National Organizations & Support Lines GriefShare Grief recovery support groups across the U.S. Website:https://www.griefshare.org The Compassionate Friends Support for families grieving the death of a child (any age). Website:https://www.compassionatefriends.org Phone: (630) 990-0010 Crisis Text Line Immediate text-based emotional support. Text HOME to 741741 Website:https://www.crisistextline.org Faith-Based Resources GriefShare Daily Emails (“A Season of Grief”) 365 short daily messages of encouragement. Website:https://www.griefshare.org/dailyemails “Through a Season of Grief” Devotional Book Daily devotions for processing grief from a Christian perspective. Publisher link: https://www.griefshare.org/books  Books on Grief “A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis A raw personal reflection on grief. Publisher page: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-grief-observed-c-s-lewis  “It’s OK That You’re Not OK” by Megan Devine Honest guidance for living through deep loss. Author website: https://refugeingrief.com/book  “Bearing the Unbearable” by Joanne Cacciatore A highly respected guide for those experiencing intense grief. Publisher page: https://wisdomexperience.org/product/bearing-unbearable/ Online Grief Resources What’s Your Grief Articles, guides, courses, and coping tools. Website:https://whatsyourgrief.com Refuge in Grief (Megan Devine) Grief support, writing prompts, and online community. Website:https://refugeingrief.com The Grief Coach Podcast Practical discussion about managing grief. Website: https://grief.coach/podcast(or search via podcast apps) Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

    1h 28m
  4. What’s Next for Shooting It Straight!?

    JAN 5

    What’s Next for Shooting It Straight!?

    Episode 16 is an emotional and heartfelt turning point for Shooting It Straight!—the first full episode recorded after the passing of Coach Jim Clayton. Randy opens the episode by honoring his friend, mentor, and co-host, reflecting on the wisdom, humor, and heart that shaped every moment of the show. This episode marks a new chapter as Jim’s daughter, Elizabeth Clayton, joins as the new co-host. Together, Randy and Elizabeth revisit stories about Jim, share memories from his final weeks, and highlight the legacy he built through decades of coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. They reflect on his handwritten notes, his “Jimmy-isms,” his relentless desire to help people become better, and the impact he had on everyone around him. The episode also looks ahead. Randy and Elizabeth openly discuss the future of the podcast—how it will evolve, how they will honor Jim’s foundational vision, and how they plan to carry his mission forward: sharing encouragement, motivation, and practical wisdom to help others grow. With Elizabeth’s perspective and Randy’s continued commitment, Shooting It Straight! begins its next season with purpose, gratitude, and the same drive Jim lived out every day: show up, do the work, and make someone better. Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support.

    1h 35m
  5. Shooting It Straight! is Coming Back on January 5, 2026

    12/13/2025 · BONUS

    Shooting It Straight! is Coming Back on January 5, 2026

    Shooting It Straight! returns on January 5, 2026, marking a new season shaped by reflection, loss, and renewed purpose. In this brief announcement, Randy shares updates following the passing of original co-host Coach Jim Clayton and the loss of his father-in-law, while also introducing Elizabeth Clayton—Jim’s daughter—as the show’s new co-host. Together, this next chapter honors the past while looking forward to continued honest, meaningful conversations. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and find follow links at shootingitstraight.com/follow so they don’t miss the first episode of the new season.

    4 min
  6. Trailer (New)

    11/15/2025

    Trailer (New)

    Shooting It Straight! is starting a new chapter after the loss of Coach Clayton. Welcome Elizabeth Clayton, Jim’s daughter, to the show and let’s keep doing what we do best, Shooting It Straight!

    1 min
  7. Tributes to a Coach: Believe Bigger, Achieve Louder, Motivate Stronger

    10/17/2025

    Tributes to a Coach: Believe Bigger, Achieve Louder, Motivate Stronger

    In this special memorial episode of Shooting It Straight!, We honor our friend and co-host, Coach Jim Clayton, by sharing a series of heartfelt voicemail tributes from players, parents, coaches, and lifelong friends whose lives he transformed. You’ll hear stories of Jim’s relentless positivity, his gift for building confidence, and the way he blended discipline and joy to help athletes and communities believe bigger, achieve louder, and motivate stronger. From locker rooms to chemo chairs, Jim showed up with passion, consistency, care, and a contagious optimism that made everyone around him better. After the tributes, Randy shares reflections from Jim’s service on September 27, revisiting the four words he wanted to be remembered by—passionate, consistent, caring, positive—and the scriptures that framed how he lived them daily. He also offers a brief update on the show’s future as we work to carry his legacy forward, inviting listeners to stay tuned, subscribe, and keep living the BAM philosophy in their own lives. BAM, Son!

    32 min
  8. BAM, Son!: Believe, Achieve, Motivate—Remembering Coach Jim Clayton

    09/21/2025

    BAM, Son!: Believe, Achieve, Motivate—Remembering Coach Jim Clayton

    In this special remembrance episode of Shooting It Straight, We revisit a 2018 conversation recorded with Randy and Coach Clayton—mentor, educator, motivator, and the heart behind “BAM, son.” We talk about the origins and meaning of BAM (Believe, Achieve, Motivate), why failure is feedback, and how fear, process, and paying the price shape real success. Jim shares timeless lessons from 35 years in education and decades in coaching: building relationships, setting high expectations, learning students’ names, and making every learner feel seen and capable. He opens up about turning passion into profession, trailblazing individualized basketball training, and the second chance that reshaped his life after a devastating childhood injury. We also dig into what makes great teachers and teams—consistency, intentionality, humility, and being “mission over position.” Jim reflects on influences who believed in him, the power of positive culture, and the simple, daily practice of adding value to others. He closes with what he wanted to be remembered for: passion, positivity, and giving 100% every day. BAM, son. If you have any memories of Coach Clayton to share with his family and the podcast, please share it via the contact page on our website (https://shootingitstraight.com/contact/).

    1h 1m
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Shooting It Straight! is a podcast where life lessons and motivation come together. Originally hosted by the late coaching legend Jim Clayton and educator/tech specialist Randy Black, the show now features Elizabeth Clayton stepping in to continue Jim’s legacy. Each episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories—helping you Believe, Achieve, and Motivate. From personal growth to overcoming challenges, Randy and Elizabeth share authentic experiences, expert guests, and encouragement to keep you moving forward.

Information

  • Channel
    Johns Creek Studios
  • Creator
    Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Cppyright 2025-Present - Shooting It Straight! Podcast
  • Show Website
    Shooting It Straight!

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