Podcast
Born To The Game Podcast
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts · EN
Welcome to Born To The Game Podcast. Hosted Mariah Woodson, the daughter of NBA great Mike Woodson, and her cousin Temara Payton. This podcast is where the children of legendary athletes, entertainers, businessmen and entrepreneurs share what it’s really like growing up under the lights of legacy. From identity to trust, from pain to purpose, these stories break down what fame can’t protect you from—and what it means to build a name of your own.
27episodes
Episodes
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Growing Up as NBA Star Orlando Woolridge’s Son – Zach Woolridge | Born To The Game Podcast
Jun 901:33:07Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — Zach Woolridge Orlando Woolridge’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Building a Name of His Own What does it mean to grow up as the son of an NBA star whose career stretched from Notre Dame to the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, and beyond — while still learning how to define yourself outside of the game? In this episode of Born to the Game, Zach Woolridge, son of the late Orlando Woolridge, opens up about growing up inside NBA culture, navigating identity, moving from city to city, and learning how to carry his father’s legacy with both pride and perspective. Orlando Woolridge’s basketball story was extraordinary. He went from small-town Louisiana to Notre Dame, became the No. 6 overall NBA Draft pick, played with and against some of the biggest names in basketball history, roomed with Michael Jordan, joined the Showtime-era Los Angeles Lakers, and built a career that left an imprint far beyond the box score. But to Zach, he was also Dad — a man who led by example, treated people with warmth, and taught him to give himself a chance. Zach reflects on childhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and Italy, where he began to understand the reach of his father’s career. He shares what it was like being the child of a professional athlete, the assumptions people made about his life, and how moving often shaped his sense of stability, identity, and self-confidence. He also speaks honestly about the impact of his parents’ separation, the strength and sacrifice of his mother, and the responsibility he felt as the oldest of three children. From Harvard-Westlake to Princeton basketball to a career in finance, Zach’s journey is one of discipline, intention, resilience, and learning how to lead with grace in spaces where not everyone looks like him. This conversation also explores grief, legacy, and memory. Zach opens up about losing his father, the different ways people process grief, and how hearing stories from those who knew Orlando helps him stay connected to the fullness of who his father was — not only as a player, but as a person. This is a thoughtful, funny, grounded, and heartfelt conversation about family, ambition, basketball, grief, identity, discipline, relationships, and what it means to build a life of your own while honoring the legacy that came before you. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Orlando Woolridge’s sonLife inside an NBA familyRealizing his father was known to the worldChildhood memories from Chicago, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and ItalyOrlando Woolridge’s journey from Louisiana to Notre DameBeing drafted No. 6 overall into the NBAPlaying for the Chicago Bulls, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles LakersWhat it meant for Orlando to play with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Moses MaloneWhy Orlando’s time with the Lakers still defines part of his legacyThe story behind Orlando Woolridge’s between-the-legs dunk contest momentWhat people misunderstand about children of athletesMoving often and learning to build stabilityGrowing up in Pacific Palisades and attending Harvard-WestlakePlaying basketball without being pressured by his fatherThe role his mother played in creating foundation and opportunityBeing the oldest child and feeling pressure to lead by examplePlaying basketball at PrincetonBuilding confidence, identity, and self-awarenessWorking in finance and navigating professional spacesLearning who values you when the spotlight changesHow grief looks different for everyoneStaying connected to Orlando through stories and shared memoriesWhat it means to be intentional, grounded, and “straight up”Carrying forward legacy with grace and purpose 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only about highlights, awards, or who someone played with — it is also about how they treated people, what they modeled for their family, and the memories they leave behind. Orlando Woolridge’s legacy lives on through the stories people tell, the impact he made on and off the court, and the intentional life Zach continues to build in his own name. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Growing Up as NBA Star & NBA Analyst Eddie Johnson’s Daughter – Jade Johnson | Born To The Game Podcast
Jun 200:55:03Tap to summarizeDescription:🎙️ Born to the Game — Jade Johnson NBA Legacy, Finding Her Voice & Building a Creative Empire Beyond the Game What does it mean to grow up inside NBA culture — surrounded by greatness, discipline, expectation, and legacy — while still learning how to become fully yourself? In this episode of Born to the Game, Jade Johnson, daughter of NBA standout and Phoenix Suns analyst Eddie Johnson, opens up about growing up around basketball, watching her father’s career evolve, and navigating the assumptions people make when you are born into success. Jade reflects on her childhood memories from Greece, Indiana, Houston, and Phoenix, the discipline her parents instilled in her, and the pressure that comes with being the child of a successful athlete. Although basketball was part of her world, Jade’s heart led her somewhere else: theater, music, acting, songwriting, and storytelling. She shares how she found her voice as a performer, why acting and singing became safe places for vulnerability, and what it really takes to survive the entertainment industry. From graduating at the top of her class at USC to launching her publishing company TS2 — Time, Space, and Sound — Jade explains why artists must also understand business, ownership, catalog development, and creative strategy. Jade also opens up about dating, standards, femininity, friendship, faith, family, and the kind of leadership she hopes to find in a future partner. In a heartfelt moment, she shares the legacy objects that represent her creative journey: a pen, symbolizing storytelling and the power of writing, and the first professional microphone she bought as an investment in herself. This is a warm, funny, emotional, and deeply inspiring conversation about identity, creative purpose, family legacy, discipline, love, music, faith, and the courage it takes to build a life that is truly your own. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Eddie Johnson’s daughterLife inside NBA culture and basketball familiesChildhood memories from Greece, Indiana, Houston, and PhoenixThe discipline Jade’s parents instilled in herWhy success was never simply handed to herThe pressure and expectations placed on children of athletesTrying basketball before choosing theater and musicHow Jade found her voice through acting and singingWhy performing became a safe space for vulnerabilityThe reality of pursuing a career in the artsWhat people misunderstand about auditions and creative workGraduating from USC at the top of her class in actingWhy Jade launched TS2, her publishing companyWhat TS2 — Time, Space, and Sound — representsMusic publishing, catalog development, and song placementThe importance of artists understanding businessJade’s performance of her song “Caught”Her songwriting process and creative inspirationDating, standards, leadership, and faithFriendship, femininity, and women’s expectationsHer legacy objects: a pen and a microphoneA surprise message from her father, Eddie JohnsonBuilding a legacy as an actress, singer, writer, creator, and brand 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not just something you inherit — it is something you shape. Jade Johnson grew up surrounded by NBA greatness, but her story is about discipline, creativity, ownership, faith, and finding the courage to build her own path. Through music, acting, writing, publishing, and storytelling, Jade is carrying forward her family’s foundation while creating a legacy that is fully her own. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Growing Up as NBA Star & Jazz Icon Wayman Tisdale’s Daughter – Danielle Tisdale | Born To The Game Podcast
May 2600:53:21Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — Danielle Tisdale Wayman Tisdale’s Legacy, Life After Loss & Carrying Joy Forward What does it mean to grow up as the daughter of someone who was not only an NBA star, but also a beloved jazz musician, devoted father, and constant source of joy? In this episode of Born to the Game, Danielle Tisdale, daughter of the late Wayman Tisdale, opens up about growing up inside one of the most unique legacies in sports and music. Wayman was a standout basketball player, the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick, an Oklahoma legend, and a successful jazz musician — but to Danielle, he was first and foremost Dad. Danielle shares what it was like realizing her father was a major figure in the NBA world, traveling with him during his Phoenix Suns years, watching him transition from basketball to music, and understanding later in life just how rare it was for him to thrive in two different arenas. She also reflects honestly on losing her father, the waves of grief that followed, and how music, therapy, family, and faith helped her stay connected to his love, light, and joy. From his famous smile to his belief that “quitting isn’t an option,” Danielle carries forward a legacy rooted not only in achievement, but in family, resilience, and purpose. This is a heartfelt conversation about legacy, grief, joy, music, fashion, fatherhood, and learning how to keep going when the person who gave you so much strength is no longer physically here. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Wayman Tisdale’s daughterRealizing her dad was the No. 2 overall NBA Draft pickLife around the NBA with the Phoenix SunsHer favorite memories of watching Wayman playWayman’s transition from basketball to jazz musicHow music was always part of his life before and after the NBAWhat made Wayman’s joy, smile, and spirit so unforgettableHow Danielle experienced grief after losing her fatherWhy she describes grief as “the price of love”The role therapy played in her healing journeyStaying connected to Wayman through music and March MadnessHow her father inspired her love of fashion and menswearDanielle’s plans to launch her own menswear lineCarrying forward the lesson that quitting is not an option 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is not only what someone accomplishes — it is how they love, how they lead, and what they leave inside the people closest to them. Wayman Tisdale’s legacy lives on through his music, his joy, his family, and Danielle’s commitment to keep moving forward with love, purpose, and resilience. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Growing Up on Dance Moms as Bodybuilding Legend Shawn Ray’s Daughter – Asia Monet Ray | Born To The Game Podcast
May 1901:02:50Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — Asia Monet Ray Childhood Fame, Dance Moms & Finding Your Voice Beyond Perfection What does it mean to grow up in the spotlight before you are old enough to fully understand it—and still become your own person beyond the stage? In this episode of Born to the Game, Asia Monet Ray—singer, dancer, actress, and daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn Ray—opens up about growing up in a world shaped by discipline, performance, competition, and public attention. From becoming the youngest national title holder at age five, to appearing on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms, Asia shares what it was really like to be a child performer navigating pressure, perfectionism, and public perception while still trying to understand her own identity. Asia reflects on the lessons she learned from her parents, the role her mom played as her protector and advocate, the impact of growing up around elite athletic discipline, and why she has shifted from proving herself through dance to expressing herself through music, creativity, and self-discovery. This is a powerful and honest conversation about childhood fame, resilience, family support, perfectionism, reinvention, and learning that you do not have to be perfect to be enough. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as the daughter of bodybuilding legend Shawn RayHow discipline and competition shaped Asia’s childhoodBecoming a national title holder at age fiveHer journey through Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance MomsWhat people misunderstood about her childhood in entertainmentThe pressure of being labeled mature beyond her yearsHow perfectionism shaped her as a dancer and performerWhy she stepped away from competitive danceHer transition into music, singing, and creative expressionThe role her mother played as her advocate and protectorWhat Asia would tell her younger self today 💬 Key Takeaway: You can grow up performing for the world, but true confidence comes from learning who you are when the performance ends. Legacy may shape you, but your voice, your boundaries, and your self-worth are yours to define. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Cultivating H.E.R. Space Podcast |We Ride at Dawn: Ways We Show Up for Our Sisters with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford | TBT : Network Drop
May 1700:55:16Tap to summarizeSis! With conversations of how we show up for our sisters running the news cycle, we thought we would share a nice throwback this week. Dr. Dom and Terri are thrilled to welcome Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, the force and founder of Therapy for Black Girls and author of Sisterhood Heals to discuss unique dynamics in Black sisterhood. Dr. Dom, Terri, and Dr. Joy share the importance of finding your tribe, cultivating real relationships, and address the prickly parts of growing and growing apart in friendships. Dr. Joy is a leading voice on mental health and emotional wellness, and she’s poured a lot of her wisdom into her new book, while also learning a lot about herself in the process. Lady, if you’re ready to transform your relationships so that they are deeper and more meaningful then this is the episode for you! Dr. Joy offers perspective on what building new friendships really entails (hint: rejection is a possibility) and why understanding your needs can help you call in your people. We want to hear from you! Tap in on Instagram and let us know how sisterhood has helped you along your journey. Podcast: Cultivating H.E.R. Space: Uplifting Conversations for the Black Woman Quote of the Day:"That thing Black women feel when we gather is a kind of glue, a stabilizing force we actively created out of the pain and trauma of our lived experiences in order to hold us up and together." – Dr. Joy Where to find Dr. Joy Harden Bradford:Website: Dr. Joy Harden BradfordWebsite: Therapy for Black GirlsWebsite: Sisterhoodheals.comInstagram: @hellodrjoyInstagram: @therapyforblackgirlsInstagram: @sisterhoodhealsTikTok: @hellodrjoyTikTok: @therapyforblackgirlsX: @hellodrjoyX: @therapy4bgirlsYouTube: Therapy for Black Girls Wisdom Wednesdays with TerriCultivating H.E.R. Space Sanctuary Resources:Dr. Dom’s Therapy PracticeBranding with TerriMelanin and Mental HealthTherapy for Black Girls Psychology TodayTherapy for QPOC Where to find us:InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Serving Spoon Legacy: Growing Up Inside Inglewood’s Most Iconic Soul Food Restaurant | Born To The Game Podcast
May 1201:14:05Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — Jessica & Justin Johnson of The Serving Spoon Legacy, Community & Carrying Forward an Inglewood Institution What does it mean to inherit more than a family business — to inherit a cultural landmark that an entire city calls home? In this episode of Born to the Game, Jessica Bane and Justin Johnson, owners of the legendary Serving Spoon in Inglewood, share the incredible story behind one of Los Angeles’ most beloved soul food restaurants and the responsibility that comes with carrying on a multi-generational legacy. Founded by their grandfather Harold E. Sparks and later run by their parents Angie and JC Johnson, The Serving Spoon became far more than a restaurant. It became a gathering place for athletes, entertainers, politicians, families, and generations of Angelenos looking for comfort, community, and home. Jessica and Justin open up about growing up inside the restaurant, the realities of taking over a family business, navigating pressure and sacrifice, surviving COVID, and preserving the soul of Inglewood during a time of rapid change and gentrification. From stories about celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Queen Latifah, Magic Johnson, and Mike Woodson stopping by “the Spoon,” to emotional reflections on community support during the pandemic, this conversation is a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just about business — it’s about people. 🔑 In This Episode: The origin story behind The Serving Spoon in InglewoodHow their grandfather built the restaurant with family recipes from OhioGrowing up inside one of LA’s most iconic Black-owned restaurantsThe emotional moment they realized the restaurant belonged to the communityHow COVID nearly forced the restaurant to closeThe GoFundMe campaign that saved the Spoon during the pandemicStories about celebrities, athletes, politicians, and LA legends who became regularsThe realities and misconceptions of owning a restaurantBalancing family dynamics while running a multi-generational businessProtecting culture and preserving legacy as Inglewood changesWhy hospitality, service, and community are at the center of everything they do 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy is bigger than ownership. When you serve your community with consistency, love, and authenticity, a business can become part of people’s lives for generations. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM - Born to the Game Instagram YOUTUBE - Born to the Game YouTube Born to the Game WebsiteSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Growing Up as NBA Player Bryon Russell’s Daughter – Kajun Russell | Born To The Game Podcast
May 501:11:47Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — Kajun Russell Legacy, Identity & Building Your Own Path Beyond the Game What does it mean to grow up in the shadow of one of the NBA’s most intense eras—and still carve out your own identity beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Kajun Russell—entrepreneur, creative, and co-founder of Tuff Crowd—opens up about growing up as the daughter of former NBA player Bryon Russell and navigating a life shaped by basketball, discipline, and high expectations. From childhood memories inside NBA arenas during some of the league’s most iconic moments, to building her own brand in fashion and entrepreneurship, Kajun shares a powerful perspective on identity, confidence, and what it really takes to step outside of legacy and define success on your own terms. This is a candid, inspiring conversation about self-worth, creativity, resilience, and the reality of building something meaningful in a world where people often assume your path is already written for you. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up courtside during the NBA’s most competitive erasWhen she realized her childhood wasn’t “normal”The transition from NBA life to having her dad home full-timeLessons on discipline, confidence, and self-worth from her parentsNavigating assumptions and proving yourself beyond your last nameBuilding Tuff Crowd and finding her creative identityThe realities of entrepreneurship—manufacturing, setbacks, and hustleWhy authenticity, boundaries, and staying true to yourself matter 💬 Key Takeaway: You can be born into legacy—but your identity is something you build. Confidence, consistency, and staying true to yourself are what turn opportunity into purpose. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Growing Up as Cedric the Entertainer’s Daughter – Lucky Rose Kyles | Born To The Game Podcast
Apr 2801:23:48Tap to summarize 🎙️ Born to the Game — Lucky Rose Kyles Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice Beyond Fame What does it mean to grow up with one of the most recognizable comedians in the world—and still have to discover who you are beyond it? In this episode of Born to the Game, Lucky Rose Kyles—founder of Pretty Lucky Lips and daughter of legendary comedian Cedric the Entertainer—opens up about growing up around fame without fully realizing it, and the journey of building confidence, identity, and independence on her own terms. From navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college, to learning how to say no and stay grounded in who she is, Lucky shares a raw and refreshing perspective on what legacy really looks like from the inside. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about identity, self-worth, creativity, and the courage to define success for yourself. 🔑 In This Episode: Growing up as Cedric the Entertainer’s daughter without realizing his global fame The moment she understood what legacy really meant Navigating friendships, boundaries, and assumptions in college The reality of being a “celebrity kid” vs. building real relationships Lessons on confidence, identity, and staying grounded How she built Pretty Lucky Lips and found her creative voice Why authenticity matters more than expectations Dating, independence, and trusting your intuition 💬 Key Takeaway: Legacy doesn’t define you—how you choose to show up does. The most powerful thing you can be is fully yourself. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game:INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/borntothegamepodcast/ YOUTUBE - https://www.youtube.com/@BornToTheGamePodcast https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →1 Month In: From Idea to Reality - Born To The Game Season 2 Recap | Born To The Game Podcast
Apr 2100:37:20Tap to summarize🎙️ Born to the Game — 1 Month In The Grind, The Growth & The Vision | Season 2 Recap What happens when you stop waiting for the “right time” and just go for it? In this special recap episode of Born to the Game, hosts Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton take a step back to reflect on the first month of Season 2—what they’ve built, what they’ve learned, and what it really takes to turn an idea into something real. From filming nearly 15 episodes in just a few weeks to creating a space where guests feel safe enough to open up, this conversation is an honest, unfiltered look behind the scenes of building a platform with purpose. They share the highs, the challenges, the exhaustion—and the moments that reminded them why they started. This is a powerful conversation about taking action, trusting your instincts, embracing fear, and creating something that’s bigger than you. 🔑 In This Episode: The reality of building Season 2 in real timeFilming 15 episodes in the first month and the response so farCreating a safe space for guests to share their real storiesWhy “doing it afraid” is better than waiting for the perfect momentLessons learned from guests about purpose, action, and identityBreaking misconceptions about legacy and “nepo babies”The importance of gratitude, discipline, and work ethicBalancing growth, creativity, and real life behind the scenes 💬 Key Takeaway:There is no perfect time to start. The only way to know what’s possible is to take the leap—and build as you go. Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday. Follow Born to the Game: INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE https://borntothegamepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Transcribe →Introducing : Laugh With Me Podcast | She gets it from her Father (Network Drop)
Apr 1900:25:09Tap to summarizeHost Jeremy Odem is BACK with a brand new episode of the chart topping, world wide sensation, Laugh with Me Podcast. This week, Jeremy welcomes back to the show for her third appearance, Haddie Odem! Haddie is a content creator, stage performer, comedian and just so happens to be JO's Daughter. In this episode: -Jeremy and Haddie discuss Six Seven -Watching horror movies -Working on accents -Why won't Haddie ask her Dad for help with her homework -AND SO MUCH MORE "Laugh with Me" performed by the Pepper Spray Singers Follow us on our socials: X @LaughwithmePod & @JOfromNebraska Instagram @laughwithmepodcast TikTok @JeremyOdem0 YouTube 'Laugh with Me Podcast' Facebook 'Laugh with Me Podcast' Apple Podcasts: Laugh With Me PodcastOur Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods: https://uncommongoods.com/LAUGHWITHMESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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