Podcast
The Higher Valleys Podcast
Hosted by Spencer Paysinger & Jelani Jenkins · EN
Welcome to the Higher Valleys Podcast, where former NFL teammates Spencer Paysinger and Jelani Jenkins trade real conversations about fatherhood, sports, ambition, identity, and life after the game.
Each week, we unpack the tension ambitious fathers face: chasing success, strengthening marriages, and raising emotionally secure kids… without losing ourselves along the way.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Anthems Only
Jun 301:10:57Tap to summarizeEpisode SummarySpencer and Jelani start by unpacking a ten‑year anniversary that didn’t go exactly as planned, and how letting go of a “perfect” La Quinta redo opened the door to something more intimate, rooted, and family‑centered. From rooftop bars in LA to a backyard ceremony officiated by their kids, they explore how legacy is built in real time through the spaces you create, not just the milestones you imagined.From there, they zoom out into fatherhood, kids’ graduations, summer rhythms, and what it means to protect your home as a place of peace, structure, and reset. Sports and culture pull them into a wider lane: Wemby’s mindset, LeBron’s “dog,” Knicks–Spurs Finals possibilities, SEC vs Big Ten power plays, and what playoff expansion says about who really runs college football. The episode lands on Jay‑Z, Drake, and the difference between hits and anthems, using Hov’s Roots Picnic performance to talk about longevity, criticism, and how social media is changing who we allow to define greatness.Topics Covered- Ten‑year anniversary expectations vs reality: La Quinta dream, a new home, and choosing a smaller rooftop celebration instead of a second “wedding.”- Hosting as ministry: curating spaces where friends connect, laugh, and build new relationships.- Backyard vow renewal with the kids: daughter officiating, son in a tux saying the prayer, and watching a decade‑old dream play out with their family.- Kids’ graduations and recitals: watching confidence grow over time, and why seeing children sing with all their innocence hits so hard.- Youth sports moments: a surprise call‑up to play goalie, blocking shots, and small wins that feel like scenes out of a sports movie.- Summer and seasons: how the feel of “real summer” has shifted, and why August still carries that football‑camp intensity and energy.- Wemby, LeBron, and “dog”: debating mental toughness vs résumé, young cores in OKC and San Antonio, and what the Lakers should be building toward.- Knicks, Spurs, and the Garden: imagining a New York–Spurs Finals, what it would mean for the league, and why New York winning is marketing gold.- SEC vs Big Ten: 16 vs 24‑team playoff debate, SEC Championship cultural weight, and whether the Big Ten has quietly become the “big dog.”- Realignment futures: possible secession from the NCAA, NFL‑style two‑conference model, and a return to truly regional rivalries.- Race, power, and the SEC: political pressure, the idea of Black players leaving the league, and “a lot of smoke” around the conference’s future.- Jay‑Z at Roots Picnic: live performance after years away, the battlefield energy of the stage, and years of criticism pouring out in one freestyle.- Hits vs anthems: whether Drake has songs that move a room the way Jay‑Z’s anthems do, and what it takes for a track to become timeless.- Social media discourse: people critiquing Hov’s hair and billionaire status instead of the bars, and how online culture makes it hard to honor elders.- Legacy and growth: why they trust Jay‑Z’s evolution, and how showing up authentically in each life phase is its own definition of greatness.Highlight Quotes“Sometimes the dream changes, but it’s still the dream if your people are there and you’re actually present for it.”“Everybody’s playing the same game, and it’s hard for me not to respect a Black man who played it and won.”“Social media got people arguing about Jay‑Z’s hair instead of the bars and the impact—that tells you everything about where we are.”Where to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcast TikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Water Your Grass
May 2701:33:50Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryA funny electric slide moment opens the door to something deeper: confidence isn’t just personal — it’s cultural, communal, and learned in real time. Spencer and Jelani move from dance floor lessons to NBA futures (Wimby, Chet) and what longevity really requires: health, discipline, and mental resilience to match the gift. They also zoom out on how media figures and social platforms shape narratives, then bring it back home — to family, community, and building a life that feels intentional, not performative.Topics CoveredElectric slide story: confidence, humility, and letting community hold youCultural rituals + why “knowing the steps” can feel like belongingWimby and Chet: ceiling, pressure, and the health piece people ignoreLongevity as a mindset: protecting the body and the spiritSocial media narratives: who benefits from the story that’s being toldStephen A. Smith + the media machine vs. real conversationHome environment: creating peace, structure, and space to resetFamily + outside time: memories that outlast any headline“Cookout” culture debates and how online culture reshapes meaningHighlight Quotes“Sometimes confidence isn’t about knowing the steps — it’s about trusting the room you’re in.”“Legacy isn’t just what you’re gifted with — it’s what you protect.”“Your home is the first arena. If it’s healthy, everything else plays different.”Where to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Empty Tank
May 2001:08:15Tap to summarizeEPISODE SUMMARYSpencer just walked across the stage for his master's, in addition to the victory lap, the room got honest. This week is about what celebration actually feels like when you're running on empty — and what burnout, support systems, and family legacy have to do with the same conversation. Jelani brings the systemic lens: athlete activism without infrastructure, comedy as cultural pressure valve, and what it means to support people structurally instead of symbolically. Two hosts, one milestone, and a real conversation about how to honor a moment without skipping past the cost of getting there.TOPICSSpencer's graduation moment — walking the stage for his master's while honoring his grandparents' legacy, and why being present at milestones is its own disciplineThe burnout underneath the achievement — juggling school, work, family, and community, and what it costs to sit with that instead of sprinting past itSupport systems as infrastructure — why family, friends, and community aren't a nice-to-have, they're the actual scaffolding underneath every "individual" winAthletes, activism, and the systems behind them — what real structural support for athletes looks like vs. what gets called supportThe role of comedy right now — boundaries, free expression, and why satire matters in a moment that wants everyone in lineDrake's Iceman and the post-beef era — the triple-album drop, what it signals about losing a round but winning a cycle, and how the culture decides who "won" when the receipts are streams vs. momentsLegacy letters — Spencer's letter to his daughter, and why writing one is a discipline more than a sentimentSelf-care that isn't performative — listening to the body, setting real boundaries, leaving room for softnessCollective action vs. individual heroics — boycotts, advocacy, and why the systemic move always beats the lone hero moveWhere to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →PAC: Alexys Feaster
May 1301:09:36Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryJelani and Spencer open up about Mother’s Day, fatherhood, and what it really means to build legacy as a dad—beyond one holiday or one “perfect” gesture. They swap stories about kids’ performances, community events, and the quiet moments that remind you why showing up matters. The episode then zooms out to culture and Hollywood: the British vs. American actor debate, the specific lane for Black American performers, and how public opinion can reshape an athlete’s entire narrative, using Stefon Diggs as a case study. Things culminate in a powerful sit-down with producer Alexys Feaster, who bridges sports and entertainment, champions athlete storytelling, and helps unpack gender dynamics, accountability, and collaboration in both work and relationships.Topics CoveredMother’s Day as a simple but meaningful space to honor moms and model love for kidsThe contrast between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day expectations and narrativesEmotional impact of children’s performances and why those moments hit so deeplyCommunity events and movement initiatives as tools for health and connectionCultural representation in media and the British vs. American actor debateHow Black American actors are positioned in Hollywood and what roles they are (and aren’t) offeredBritish actors studying the Black American experience from a distanceThe idea that there are forces and structures in Hollywood shaping which stories and faces leadThe pretrial process vs. trial outcomes and how public opinion can become a permanent labelPersonal reflections on Stefon Diggs and how athletes get framed by narrativeWhy accountability and self-reflection matter in personal relationshipsAlexys Feaster’s work bridging sports and entertainment and advocating for athlete storytellingCollaboration and ownership of one’s story as keys to impactful projects and personal growthClosing reflections on gender dynamics, care in conversation, and what it means to support mothers wellHighlight Quotes“The pretrial process can be more damaging than the verdict, because public opinion becomes the sentence.”“Owning your story is not optional—it’s the only way you keep other people from writing it for you.”Where to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →PAC: SOUL Cole
May 600:51:54Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryJelani and Spencer sit down for a live Higher Valleys conversation with mindfulness leader and former NFL player Soul Cole, recorded at the Pro Athlete Community Accelerate conference in Phoenix. They open with real-life updates—ten-year anniversaries, LA proximity to fame, and what it means to be “in the mix” without being starstruck—before shifting into the deeper work of presence and grounding. From self-talk in the mirror to breathwork, storytelling, and emotional intelligence for underserved youth, the episode explores how to help high-performing athletes regulate, reconnect to their source, and carry those tools back into their families and communities.Topics CoveredTen-year anniversaries, simple family-centered celebrations, and building rituals at homeGrowing up in LA, proximity to celebrity, and how “just more reps” changes what feels normalFirst live Higher Valleys recording: context from the Pro Athlete Community conference in PhoenixWho Soul Cole is: former NFL player, coach, author, breathwork and mindfulness facilitatorSoul Impact: his nonprofit work bringing mindfulness and emotional intelligence to underserved youthChildren’s storytelling and Mighty Soul Adventures as an entry point into mindfulness for kidsBeing a “father figure” and role model even before becoming a parentSupporting high-performing athletes who are always in motion, performance mode, and comparisonUsing breathwork and grounding practices to reconnect athletes to their sourceHow Soul Cole's approach began: talking to himself in the mirror with intention and authorityBringing that same intentional self-talk and presence into peer-to-peer work with other athletesHighlight Quotes“We just have more reps than most people—it’s the concept of proximity.”“This podcast is about fatherhood, and even though you’re not a father yet, you’re a father figure for so many.”“My approach started with me literally talking to myself in the mirror with intention and authority—now I’m saying that to my peers the same way.”Tap in with SOULhttps://soulimpactfoundation.org/https://www.soulcolethebrand.com/https://www.instagram.com/b_cole16https://www.linkedin.com/in/soulcoleWhere to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Thriller
Apr 2901:48:01Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryJelani and Spencer unpack what it looks like to parent with both strength and softness—especially inside youth sports, where pride, pressure, and old wounds can show up fast. From spring-break chaos to sideline coaching, they talk discipline as trust-building, how to protect a kid’s joy, and why confidence has to be owned from the inside. The conversation widens into legacy and culture: the NFL Draft as a living metaphor for dreams and community, the challenge of telling honest stories about icons like Michael Jackson, and the urgent need to treat athlete trauma (Michael Beasley) with real care—not content, not spectacle.Topics CoveredSpring break rhythms + parenting in real timeCoaching your kid vs. controlling your kid (sideline boundaries)Letting kids enjoy the game and learn through experienceResilience without “legacy obsession” (LeBron + sons as a lens)Confidence + identity (milestones, goggles, internal goals)The NFL Draft: pressure, decisions, and community behind the scenesBiopic storytelling: what gets omitted, and why it matters (Michael Jackson)Joe Jackson, genius, and the cost of extraordinary circumstancesTrauma as a trap vs. a source of resilience—nervous system realitiesAthlete mental health (Michael Beasley): media narratives vs. specialized helpThe “too many tabs open” metaphor for unresolved traumaModeling vulnerability, accountability, honesty, apology, and growth at homeHighlight Quotes“Don’t turn their childhood into your legacy.”“The goal isn’t control—it’s confidence.”“Trauma is like having too many tabs open—you’re still running everything, even when you think you’re fine.”Where to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleys Send us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Guilty Pleasure
Apr 1501:58:01Tap to summarizeEpisode SummarySpencer and Jelani wrestle with the tension of loving art created by complicated people—using Kanye as the mirror. They move through mental health, accountability, and the weight of cultural influence, while grounding the conversation in real life: festivals, performance, fatherhood, legacy, and what it means to teach the next generation how to hold truth with compassion.Topics CoveredSupporting the art vs. supporting the artistKanye’s music, controversy, and cultural imprintMental health in public discourse + where accountability beginsNostalgia, ethical consumption, and the reality of “cancel culture”Live performance: stage presence, craft, and why it matters (Coachella)Talking to kids about death and life’s cyclesFatherhood: discipline, coaching, and emotional supportLegacy, ancestors, altars, and cultural ritualCareer transitions and growing through new seasonsCommunity, presence, and living the whole storyHighlight Quotes“It’s not a zero sum game when it comes to supporting art and artists with complicated lives.”“The energy of a performance can inspire or haunt us—it’s the art that touches our core.”“Supporting someone includes embracing all their flaws, their highs and lows—it’s complex, but human.”Where to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Heaven Sent
Mar 2501:46:57Tap to summarizeJelani and Spencer unpack what “authentic” really means in today’s music—how hip hop carries cultural memory, why the internet demands perfection, and how social media can turn every moment into a verdict on the artist. From Jack Harlow to LaRussell to the over-the-top Spider-Man trailer discourse, they explore critique, grace, and the difference between performance and real identity. Then they shift inward: fasting, health discipline, and the quiet work of fatherhood—building legacy through what you practice when nobody’s watching. The conversation widens into spirituality (learning to notice signs without getting swallowed by the feed) and returns to sport and future-making: youth development, WNBA momentum, and what flag football signals about where the game is headed.Topics CoveredAuthenticity debates in music (Jack Harlow / LaRussell)Social media pressure, fan expectations, and “perfectionism” cultureSpider-Man trailer critique + how we consume artFasting, kettlebells, and building discipline for healthBody image + the athlete experience after the gameFatherhood moments, core memories, and legacy choicesSigns from the universe + staying spiritually awareYouth sports: team development + parental supportWNBA growth and the business of women’s sportsFlag vs. tackle football + what the future game looks likeWhere to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Adult Puberty
Mar 1801:17:59Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryMidlife can feel like a second puberty—same awkward growth, higher stakes, and a clearer view of what actually matters. Jelani and Spencer unpack the 30–42 mental shift: mortality showing up in quiet moments, gratitude getting louder, and priorities tightening around family, health, and purpose. From youth sports lessons and NBA mythology to Ryan Coogler’s rise and Lauren Halsey’s community art, the through-line stays the same: storytelling is how we remember, how we heal, and how we build legacy—one honest chapter at a time.Topics Covered“Adult puberty” + the midlife mental evolution (especially for Black men)Aging, birthdays, and celebrating with intentionMortality, parenting, and the circle-of-life conversationsNBA storytelling + how viral moments become league mythologyYouth sports: grit, competition, and learning to fight for the reboundDiscomfort and adversity as the training ground for resilienceLauren Halsey’s South Central statue park + preserving culture through artRyan Coogler’s journey + representation, excellence, and staying the courseOscars, vulnerability, and the stories we choose to honorHealth (mental + physical) as the foundation for the climbWhere to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →Losing the Plot
Mar 1101:38:04Tap to summarizeEpisode SummaryJelani Jenkins and Spencer Paysinger move through the real terrain of fatherhood: the tension between urgency and presence, the weight of legacy, and the responsibility of modeling humanity in real time. They talk discipline without ego, love with firmness, and the quiet work of teaching kids why standards exist. From ancestry and cultural roots to Nipsey Hussle’s long-view impact, the episode stays grounded in one idea: you cannot build a future you respect if you don’t honor where you come from, and you cannot raise resilient kids without first practicing accountability yourself.Topics CoveredDaylight savings, birthdays, and noticing how time changes youAging and transition, and the temptation to “harden” as life gets heavierFatherhood as a path back to softness, not weaknessProtecting mom as a living lesson in respectExplaining the why behind rules so kids learn meaning, not fearAccountability as a parenting tool, not a punishmentBuilding resilient kids for the real world, not a curated oneRoots, ancestry, and making family lineage a lived traditionNipsey Hussle and “The Marathon Continues” as a legacy frameworkCollege athletics, athlete rights, and the shifting future of sportsWhere to Find UsInstagram: @highervalleyspodcastTikTok: @highervalleysSend us Fan Mail
Transcribe →