The Gametime Guru

Shane Larson
The Gametime Guru

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

  1. Shaun Murphy: Mister Motivation Meets The Gametime Guru

    6D AGO

    Shaun Murphy: Mister Motivation Meets The Gametime Guru

    Need some motivation today to help you keep going?! Well search no further than here on The Gametime Guru where I speak with Mister Motivation himself, Shaun Murphy.  Shaun is an accomplished speaker, author, musician and has a life full of adversity and lessons learned. He's now using his platform and knowledge along with his experience, to build others and inspire those who need a 'boost' in life.  If you want to learn more about Shaun's mission go here: https://mister-motivation.com/ You can also read his incredible book today: "Unbreakable Valor: Triumph Through the Soul of Resilience" -  https://www.amazon.com/Unbreakable-Valor-Triumph-Through-Resilience/dp/1961863073   I would encourage any athlete or parent who needs a change of heart or a change in direction with where they're currently headed, to tap into this podcast today!  Follow Shaun today on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misterm0tivati0n/     You can find his music on Spotify as well: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5EPyOcUv5KjjfyDGZFQo5Y  _____________________________ If you are a business owner, and you have heard about ClickFunnels, then you know the power it can have on your business!!  EVERYONE is always looking for a discount to ClickFunnels, and I have it for you right here!  https://www.imallin.com/?aff=5cbea6d0-1f1c-435e-bf6f-489c8a4ac116-1WzEwLDIwNTZdc  If you want to get ClickFunnels at a MAJOR discounted rate, then click the link above and you can literally SAVE HUNDREDS PER YEAR on the subscription!  Get it TODAY!

    45 min
  2. From Walk-On to Leader: Linell Bonner's Journey of Faith, Football & Fulfillment | The Gametime Guru

    JUN 27

    From Walk-On to Leader: Linell Bonner's Journey of Faith, Football & Fulfillment | The Gametime Guru

    In this inspiring episode of The Gametime Guru, former University of Houston wide receiver Linell Bonner shares his powerful journey from being overlooked in high school to becoming a standout D1 athlete, a published author, and a transformational mentor and speaker. Key Topics Covered: How Linell didn’t make varsity until his senior year — and why that didn’t stop him What it took to earn a football scholarship at the University of Houston The role of film study, mental preparation, and mastering the playbook Facing off against future NFL stars like Jalen Ramsey, Derwin James, and Lamar Jackson Why faith guided his transition from football to becoming a full-time speaker and author The meaning behind his book: It’s Your Choice: The Art of Becoming Lessons on patience, persistence, and purpose every young athlete and parent should hear Buy "It's Your Choice: The Art of Becoming" today: https://www.amazon.com/Its-Your-Choice-Art-Becoming/dp/B0D52PMTRX  Follow Linell on his pages: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linellbonner3/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linell-bonner-iii-4b3225a5/  Life After Football: Linell shares how God led him away from professional sports and into a higher calling — mentoring youth, delivering impactful keynotes, and helping people discover their true purpose. Why You Should Watch This Interview: If you're a young athlete, a parent, a coach, or someone struggling to find your identity beyond the game — Linell’s story will resonate deeply. This isn’t just about football. It’s about faith, mindset, hard work, and becoming who you’re meant to be. Subscribe for More Interviews: Every week we go behind the scenes with sports figures from all over the world — showing you a panoramic view of the sports world through a different lens. 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔁 Share | 🔔 Subscribe #GametimeGuru #LinellBonner #FaithAndFootball #CollegeFootball #MotivationalInterview #NFLJourney #D1Athlete #UniversityOfHouston #FromWalkOnToStarter #OvercomingAdversity #ChristianAthlete #TheArtOfBecoming #MindsetMatters

    1h 6m
  3. The Real Truth About Club Basketball in 2025: Cost, Competition & Controversy | Youth Sports Breakdown

    JUN 6

    The Real Truth About Club Basketball in 2025: Cost, Competition & Controversy | Youth Sports Breakdown

    What’s the current state of club basketball in 2025? In this solo episode of The Gametime Guru, I will dive into the real pros and cons of the modern youth sports scene, particularly club basketball. Key Questions Answered: Is club basketball worth the cost in 2025? How do club teams help (or hurt) college basketball opportunities? Why are parents spending $10,000+ per season? Are youth tournaments becoming a money grab? What role do referees and tournament directors play in the athlete experience? Topics Covered: The evolution of club basketball from 2006 to 2025 The explosion of club teams and watered-down competition How unsigned seniors earn college offers through late-season tournaments Frustrations with tournament fees, travel costs, and pay-to-play models The importance of quality refereeing and professionalism The urgent need for youth sports reform focused on development over dollars Why This Matters: Parents, coaches, and athletes are investing time and money into club sports with the hope of long-term payoffs. But are we losing sight of what matters most? Shane shares personal stories and insight after four years of coaching 16U, 17U, and unsigned seniors, providing a raw and unfiltered look at what’s really going on behind the scenes. If you're searching for: “Should my kid play club basketball in 2025?” “Is AAU basketball still worth it?” “Youth sports problems in 2025” “How to get recruited from club basketball” “Club basketball vs high school basketball” “Why are youth sports so expensive?” ...then this episode gives you the perspective you're looking for. Recorded after the 2025 season and featuring real insights from tournaments across California, Utah, and Idaho—including battles with junior college teams and underfunded tournaments—this episode provides an honest look at what youth sports are becoming… and what they should be. Subscribe to The Gametime Guru for weekly interviews with sports figures, deep dives into current sports issues, and behind-the-scenes stories that help you see sports through a different lens. If you would like to see this on VIDEO, feel free to follow me over on YouTube and catch the podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h40snStgyaQ

    26 min
  4. What the NFL Taught Carl Pickens About Pressure, Mindset & Accountability

    MAY 23

    What the NFL Taught Carl Pickens About Pressure, Mindset & Accountability

    Thinking about playing football at the next level? In this episode of The Gametime Guru Podcast, we dive deep into the real-life journey of Carl Pickens, from high school standout to Freshman All-American at Tennessee, to NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Bengals. This conversation is essential listening for: 🚨 Aspiring college and pro athletes 🚨 High school football players looking to understand the process 🚨 Parents and coaches helping athletes navigate transitions 🚨 Fans of 1990s NFL football (Boomer Esiason, Jeff Blake, Deion Sanders, and more!) 🎯 Key Questions Answered in this Episode ➤ How can players handle the disappointment of draft day? Carl shares how being passed over by the Denver Broncos fueled his fire and how he embraced the unexpected call from Cincinnati. ➤ What’s the hardest part about the transition from high school to college football? It’s not just the playbook—Carl talks about culture shock, homesickness, and learning how to re-prove yourself at every level. ➤ Can you make it to the NFL if you’re not a 5-star recruit? Carl explains how mindset, consistency, and accountability matter more than rankings. ➤ What’s it really like to go from college to the pros? From catching passes from Boomer Esiason to learning the pro playbook—Carl explains what being a professional means beyond just talent. 🧠 Top Takeaways from Carl Pickens Accountability defines professionalism: From showing up on time to running clean routes, accountability is the #1 trait that separates the pros. Setbacks are setups: From being redshirted at Tennessee to switching positions early in college, Carl used every obstacle as fuel. You don’t have to be open to make a play: Learn how Carl won contested catches vs. elite DBs like Deion Sanders and Aeneas Williams. Support systems matter: Carl’s family and coaches helped him stay grounded during the hardest transitions of his career. Your “why” drives your success: He didn’t want to let his parents down—and that kept him focused during the grind of NFL life. 🏆 Highlights from the Interview Playing high school basketball as a 6'1" forward and high jumping 7'1" Being the only freshman receiver at Tennessee and transitioning to free safety Being passed on by Denver during the NFL Draft and picked by Cincinnati instead How turf vs. grass impacted his favorite stadiums (Denver, Cleveland) Stories from the locker room: relationships with Darnay Scott, Boomer Esiason, and Jeff Blake 📍 Follow Carl Pickens on Instagram: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/thecarlpickens  Want to see what Carl’s up to now? From motorcycles to horses to podcast appearances—he’s just getting started in his post-NFL journey. 🎙 About The Gametime Guru Podcast Host: Shane Larson Global reach: 182 countries 🔁 Weekly interviews with pro athletes, coaches, and sports visionaries 👉 Subscribe for more powerful conversations that reveal what it really takes to compete and succeed at the highest level of sports.

    32 min
5
out of 5
275 Ratings

About

If you're looking for a unique perspective on sports, we'll bring you the content you want. Through interviews with different guests around the sports industry, we are delivering a panoramic view on sports. My goal is to help you see the world of sports through a different lens!

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