WaveCapital's Guest Speaker Series on Relationship Building in a Team Environment: Recent Episodes

Garrett Boorojian

Host, Garrett Boorojian, interviews notable professionals in sports, media and business including those who are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, Basketball Hall of Fame, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame, honored by the Baseball Hall of Fame, Olympic Medalists, Coaches of the Year, NBA and NFL First Round Draft Picks and NBA, NCAA and Super Bowl Champions.

Source: Renala

https://leadwithfamily.com/about/

"Transforming Families. Transforming the Future.

Renala is named after the magnificent Baobab trees in Africa because we ask families, What if your family tree became less about the past—and more about the future?

We believe leadership begins at home, which is why we provide families holistic support to have hard conversations, solve conflict, lead with strengths, and co-create a vision, purpose, and values for your lives together.

We use the power of play—using LEGO, art, storytelling, games, and more—through experiential retreats, immersive experiences, and personalized strengths coaching for couples and families.

Play activates up to 80 percent of the brain—whereas talking aloud activates only 15 percent—enabling your family to more quickly and sustainably create new habits and step into the connected and aligned personal, family, and work life you long for.

Geoff Anderson

Co-Founder + Managing Partner

Geoff retired in 2024 as one of the elite pilots to fly the President aboard Air Force One. His career included key leadership roles supporting the White House, combat airlift and humanitarian operations in multiple theaters, and training future fighter pilots at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. His leadership experience in high-stakes environments brings a unique perspective to family development.

He is the co-author of the book, Living Room Leadership (2025)."

Source: audible

https://www.audible.com/author/Geoff-Anderson/B0FT6CSFX4

"A retired Air Force One pilot and former Director of Operations for the Presidential Airlift Group, Geoff brings more than 20 years of military leadership experience into the heart of family transformation work. As one of the elite pilots selected to fly the President aboard Air Force One, Geoff served in one of the most prestigious and high-stakes roles in the military. His career included key leadership roles supporting the White House, combat airlift and humanitarian operations in multiple theaters, and training future fighter pilots at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. In 2024, Geoff made the courageous decision to retire from military service to co-lead Renala alongside his wife, Brittany. His shift from Presidential pilot to family leadership coach was rooted in a desire not only to be a leader—but to inspire and create them. Through Renala, Geoff now helps families design vision, purpose, and values together, using experiential retreats, coaching, and play-based tools to help families better understand one another, build stronger support systems, and co-create a vision, purpose, and values for their family. He is the co-author of the book, Living Room Leadership."

Garrett Boorojian and Claudia Romo Edelman discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: Bio - Claudia Romo Edelman

https://www.claudiaromoedelman.com/pages/bio

"CLAUDIA ROMO EDELMAN

Claudia Romo Edelman is a global brand builder, entrepreneur, and cultural strategist focused on shaping purposeful, credible narratives. She has held senior roles at the World Economic Forum, the United Nations, UNICEF, UNHCR, and the Global Fund, and helped launch initiatives such as Product (RED) and the Sustainable Development Goals. Her work centers on building trust, mobilizing communities, and creating enduring brands.

She is the Founder and Executive Chair of We Are All Human and its flagship initiative, The Hispanic Star, which has partnered with more than 300 companies, 100 Hispanic organizations, research institutions, and media outlets to elevate the U.S. Latino narrative.

She recently launched Sotol Romo, blending global vision with deep Mexican roots to create a brand defined by ascent and intention. A leading voice for Latinos and women, she champions visibility, equity, and recognition of Latino communities as a powerful economic and cultural force.

Claudia is a thought leader and speaker, and author of ten bilingual children’s books with Macmillan Publishers, plus five books on Hispanic topics.

Named one of Bloomberg’s Women Who Lead 2026 at Davos and one of Time’s Top 17 Hispanics of 2024, she has received honors including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. She serves on nonprofit boards, including the Harvard David Rockefeller Center for Latin American Studies and the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino.

Claudia holds a Master’s degree in Political Communication from the London School of Economics, is fluent in six languages, and enjoys sports with her husband and spending time with her two children.

In this new entrepreneurial chapter, Claudia brings together her global expertise and her Mexican tradition—bridging heritage and vision to unite the best of both worlds: her cultural roots and her entrepreneurial drive."

Source: World Economic Forum

https://www.weforum.org/people/claudia-romo-edelman/

"Claudia Romo Edelman, a Mexican-Swiss Diplomat is the founder of “We Are All Human”, an organization cultivating radical inclusion by promoting tolerance and diversity to fight racial xenophobic discrimination. In addition to this role, Romo is a Special Advisor of UNICEF and currently serves on the board for Bank Street College of Education, Hispanicize, and Agrosmart. She is a judge for the D&AD Impact Awards and Cannes Lion SDG Awards. Romo launched her career as a journalist and press correspondent for Latin American media companies such as Notimex, Proceso, Infrared Monitor. Recognized as a strategist in communications and media Romo has run PR for the World Economic Forum in Switzerland (1999- 2007), the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB & Malaria. Since 2014 Romo worked with the Executive Office of the Secretary General for the United Nations helping to lead communications and advocacy on the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals and Climate Change. She is also a marketing professor at the University of Geneva for MBA students with a specialization in international organizations, IOMBA, and MOOCs marketing.

Holding a Masters of Political Communications from the London School of Economics, Romo also has degrees in Communications, Philosophy, and Photography. A frequent public speaker and moderator her favorite topics of discourse include Radical inclusion and diversity; Latino entrepreneurship and..."

Garrett Boorojian and Dara Torres discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: Dara Torres

https://www.daratorres.com/about-dara-torres/

"Dara's Story

About Dara Torres

Dara Torres, the most decorated US female Olympic athlete of all-time, NY Times best-selling author, fitness advocate, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, and mother, started her career on the international stage by breaking her first world record at the age of 15. This incredible feat was accomplished on the way to her first of 5 Olympic appearances, in Los Angeles at the 1984 Games.

Torres who owns 4 Gold, 4 Silver and 4 Bronze medals was never someone that competed for the accolades instead for the challenge of doing what no one else has ever done. That intense passion for the unknown has driven Dara to represent the US from age 15 to age 41. This incredible journey, 26 years on the Olympic stage, has never been accomplished by any other American athlete and serves as the backdrop for Dara’s incredibly motivating speeches delivered to corporations all over the world. As one of the most requested female keynote speakers, Dara captivates audiences with her story of overcoming obstacles such as her age both young and old, injuries, insecurities, eating disorders, being bullied and others on her way to one of the most storied Olympic careers ever. Torres was inducted into the United States Olympic Committee’s Hall of Fame in 2019 along with other iconic Olympic athletes such as Nastia Liukin, Apolo Ohno, and Misty May-Treanor.

During Dara Torres’s career, she was a Wilhelmina model, named the first athlete model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, hosted the most successful fitness infomercial of all-time the Tae-bo program with Billy Blanks selling over 10 million DVDs, and also worked on Cindy Crawford’s Crepe Erase which generated hundreds of millions of dollars in sales.

Dara has been a spokesperson for hundreds of companies including Toyota, Quaker Oats, Speedo, CaniBrands, Amlactin, and others. Dara is visible regularly on CBS Sports’ We Need To Talk, the first-ever all-female sports talk show that airs nationally, focusing on women’s perspective of sports.

Additionally, Dara is an entrepreneur and has invested in several companies including CaniBrands, a leading CBD company in addition to owning equity in two (2) Barre Method studios. Dara has found being an entrepreneur as challenging and competitive as being an Olympic level athlete says Dara, “I always remember my father being in business for himself, so I am sure that is where I got the hunger for wanting to be involved with ownership. I love the competition and the passion to succeed so my skills are always getting better, but my desire to make my companies great is always there!”

Dara is involved with several charities as well including Princess Charlene of Monaco’s global initiative on drowning prevention, the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation. Dara travels the globe in support of the Princess and her cause, trying to save children in need of assistance from drowning."

Source: BC Eagles Staff Directory

https://bceagles.com/staff-directory/dara-torres/1816

"Dara Torres, one of the most decorated Olympians in United States history, was announced as the head men's and women's swimming & diving coach at Boston College on June 18..."

Source: DARA TORRES | 4 Gold | 4 Silver | 4 Bronze |

https://www.teamusa.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/dara-torres

Garrett Boorojian and Rina Shah discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Rina spoke about her:

Family Tree and Career Background
"Republican against Trump" stance, and her concerns regarding the future of the Republican Party post-2026 Midterms
Criticism about the War in Iran, which includes the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, with no foreseeable conclusion of the war
Loss for words over the innocent Iranian school girls and staff who were killed by an inadvertent U.S. missile strike, which the Trump Administration will not take on any responsibility

Garrett shared his:

Criticism about President Trump's domestic and foreign policy decisions, including the War in Iran, that don't serve the best interests of the American people
Anger about the problems and crimes that have happened so far during the second Trump Administration, such as in Minneapolis, Austin, and San Jose, that were the direct or indirect results of ICE (Minneapolis) and the War in Iran (Austin and San Jose)
Concerns about "a point of no return" due to the innocent Iranian school girls and staff who were killed by an inadvertent U.S. missile strike, which the Trump Administration will not take on any responsibility

Garrett and Rina agree that:

The relationship between American voters and President Trump is strained because of the War in Iran
Non-MAGA Republicans, like Rina, have a much easier time engaging in a civil discussion with Democrats
Republicans need to have the same unifying message leading up to the 2026 Midterm Elections in what will appear to be decisive Democratic victories across the board

".... I'm a Republican because I believe in freedom, opportunity and a strong defense, but not blind loyalty. I think the party that owns that kind of message, principle, forward-looking, not reactionary, they're going to connect with the independents and the weary voters who want leadership and not more division. - Rina Shah

Source: © 2025 Renew Democracy Initiative

"RINA SHAH

Advisor

https://rdi.org/team/rina-shah/

Rina Shah is a Washington, DC-based geopolitical risk advisor, political commentator, and award-winning social entrepreneur. She has served as a senior aide to two Republican U.S. House members, a top consultant to two presidential campaigns, and a sought-after counselor to elected officials, diplomats, and corporate leaders worldwide. A proud West Virginia native and daughter of immigrants from Uganda and India, Shah rose to national prominence in 2016 as the first RNC delegate to publicly oppose Donald Trump’s nomination, leading the #NeverTrump movement. This stance triggered her removal from the RNC—later reversed after a legal battle.

In 2020, she founded Republican Women for Biden; in 2024, she led the Republicans for Harris coalition. Shah currently serves as Senior Fellow for Inclusive Governance at the Rainey Center and sits on the boards of the Women’s Congressional Staff Foundation, League of Minority Voters, and VoteRunLead. She co-founded the Women’s Public Leadership Network. Named by Business Insider as one of “20 political strategists to watch ahead of 2022 and 2024,” she is represented by United Talent Agency and contributes frequently to BBC, CBS, MSNBC, and CNN. Most recently, she became a Senior Advisor to Our Republican Legacy, advocating for a GOP rooted in constitutional principles, fiscal responsibility, and inclusive leadership. Her pro-democracy work spans the globe, from Germany to the Maldives."

Garrett Boorojian and Yogi Roth discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Garrett's first podcast guest, College Football Hall of Famer, National Champion, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Lou Holtz, who was referenced in this episode passed away after this interview was recorded on February 12, 2026 but before it aired on June 9, 2026. Garrett's honored his late friend and former colleague, Lou Holtz, multiple times, which included a dedicated A Tree to Remember ™ in his memory.

"Celebrate the game and coach the viewer." – Yogi Roth

Source: Yogi Roth | Yogi Roth Bio

https://www.yogiroth.com/

https://www.yogiroth.com/bio/

"Yogi Roth has been driven by the power of sports and story for over 20 years, as an on-air college football analyst, Elite 11 coach, Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, and New York Times and Amazon best-selling author. A former Pitt wide receiver and USC coach, he is also a motivational speaker, tv and event host, and world traveler. To talk football, family, and storytelling, connect with him @YogiRoth.

Yogi began his storytelling career after coaching football at USC, co-authoring the New York Times best-seller Win Forever with Pete Carroll, as well as his second book From PA to LA..."

"BROADCASTER

Yogi has been broadcasting college football & other sports for nearly two decades on the Big Ten Network, Pac-12 Networks, Fox, ESPN, NFL Network, Turner, Sirius XM, Bleacher Report & more.

PODCASTS

Yogi is currently hosting Y-OPTION: College Football through the lens of the West Coast on every podcast platform and on Substack. Spanning 8 years, this podcast has evolved to become the go to source for powerful stories, thoughtful dialogue in sport & discerning opinions. Y-OPTION is a uniquely expert, curious, and western take on the college football. Yogi has hosted a variety of podcasts in his career from Ted & Yogi's Pac-12 Adventure to a groundbreaking podcast titled The Season of Sam with former USC QB and current Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold.

FILMMAKER

Yogi has directed, produced & starred in over 20 films around the globe in theatres, on television & digital platforms.

SPEAKER & MODERATOR

Yogi has spoken on the world stage at TEDx & around the globe alongside brands such as Nike, World Surf League, Capital One, NACDA, Dignity Health, PMK*BNC, IMG College & various universities. He consistently moderates conversations with some of the most powerful names in sports.

AUTHOR

Yogi recently released 5-Star QB and his first children's book titled, Finding Free Fun. He also wrote From PA to LA and co-authored the New York Times best-seller Win Forever with Pete Carroll.

TRAVEL

Yogi has explored over 30 countries, seeking & uncovering the humanity in sports at each stop.

RAD TEES

Sports and Story have shaped Yogi's life from the age of 6. Ever since he began to travel it became the third bucket that drove inspiration to his life. An explorer of over 30 countries, Yogi has come to realize that a quality shirt can impact an adventure. Enjoy this new collaboration with Another Best Day, as each tee is cut from the same cloth: to seek and uncover humanity in sports around the globe."

Source: Yogi Roth Newsletter

"https://www.yogiroth.com/newsletter/"

Garrett Boorojian and Brittany Anderson discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: https://leadwithfamily.com/living-room-leadership/

"NEW BOOK BY BRITTANY + GEOFF ANDERSON

Unlock the Power of Living Room Leadership

What if your living room became your most powerful leadership training ground?"

Source: https://leadwithfamily.com/about/

"About Renala

Transforming Families. Transforming the Future.

Renala is named after the magnificent Baobab trees in Africa because we ask families, What if your family tree became less about the past—and more about the future?

We believe leadership begins at home, which is why we provide families holistic support to have hard conversations, solve conflict, lead with strengths, and co-create a vision, purpose, and values for your lives together.

We use the power of play—using LEGO, art, storytelling, games, and more—through experiential retreats, immersive experiences, and personalized strengths coaching for couples and families.

Play activates up to 80 percent of the brain—whereas talking aloud activates only 15 percent—enabling your family to more quickly and sustainably create new habits and step into the connected and aligned personal, family, and work life you long for.

Brittany Anderson

Co-Founder + CEO

Brittany's passion for family-first leadership was sparked by her own story as a mom and military spouse to a now-retired Air Force One pilot. Their fierce pursuit of career growth left them on the brink of divorce in 2019, until they discovered the power of transformational work not just in transforming their family—but their leadership in every sphere of their lives.

Brittany is a certified transformational coach, LEGO SERIOUS PLAY facilitator, Narrative Intelligence practitioner (Level II), and CliftonStrengths strategist whose 20+ year career began as a journalist covering Capitol Hill to later leading vision and strategy development for major organizations including World Vision, USAID, and the National Cancer Institute.

Brittany is the co-author of the book, Living Room Leadership (2025).

Geoff Anderson

Co-Founder + Managing Partner

Geoff retired in 2024 as one of the elite pilots to fly the President aboard Air Force One. His career included key leadership roles supporting the White House, combat airlift and humanitarian operations in multiple theaters, and training future fighter pilots at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program. His leadership experience in high-stakes environments brings a unique perspective to family development.

He is the co-author of the book, Living Room Leadership (2025)."

None

Garrett Boorojian and Drew Bledsoe discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Drew's NFL Career / Accolades:

– 251 Passing Touchdowns / 44,611 Passing Yards

– Super Bowl 36 Champion / 2x AFC Champion

– 4x Pro–Bowler

– 1994 Passing Yards Leader

– New England Patriots Hall of Famer / All–1990s Team

Source: https://www.bledsoefamilywinery.com/Our-Story

"Our Story

The uniqueness and diversity of the Walla Walla Valley is unlike anything in the world. Having a career in the NFL was the realization of a childhood dream, but somehow, I couldn’t deny the pull of my roots back to my hometown. My wife Maura and I, along with our team, are excited to celebrate this special place with you by sustainably crafting the purest expression of it with each vintage. We hope you enjoy!

Bledsoe Wine Estates

A Family of Wines

An exploration of the Walla Walla Valley and an open invitation to those who believe that celebrations of life’s victories - small or large - are always more memorable with unforgettable wine. Bledsoe Family is an important member of a family of wineries that make up Bledsoe Wine Estates. The nationally acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon of Doubleback, accessible varietals of Bledsoe Family Winery, and boundary-pushing Pinot Noir and Syrah of Bledsoe|McDaniels all showcase our commitment to exploring the full potential of our land to produce authentically representative American luxury wines.

Doubleback

“Go big or go home,” they say, but where do you go if you’re already home? If you’re Drew Bledsoe, you go for glory. Because when you’ve doubled back to play in front of the home crowd, there’s too much on the line to go for anything else. So, you apply your passion for wine and the leadership skills gained from the hometown you love into building an estate-focused winery hellbent on crafting one of America’s finest Cabernet Sauvignons. You and your wife, Maura, find the perfect piece of land to grow an estate vineyard and then build a team around a winemaking wunderkind named Josh McDaniels. You first have to explain to him what you think you are doing dabbling in his business but he listens to your story and is inspired by your desire to pay homage to your, and his, hometown, and the next thing you know your first interpretation of home – elegance, balanced, complex and truly representative of the ground it came from – is rated one of America’s best, and the rest is history. Except, really, it’s just the beginning.

Bledsoe|McDaniels

A winemaking team driving for glory and built around high-performing, ultra-competitive leaders and team members isn’t kicking the ball away often. Bledsoe|McDaniels Winery is the payoff for the team’s willingness to embrace risk and go deep on fourth and short. Emerging from the Bledsoe Family Winery’s “idea laboratory” and in response to consumer demand, Bledsoe|McDaniels is the stunning outcome of Drew Bledsoe and Josh McDaniels’ long-standing friendship and desire to make their favorite wine of the Willamette Valley – Pinot Noir – along with homegrown Syrah. Like all Bledsoe wines, these are balanced, elegant and complex wines that demonstrate a unique sense of place while showcasing both the differences and similarities between the renowned valleys.

Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just a philosophy we subscribe to, it’s an ongoing practice that extends far beyond just our farming. While it certainly is about the land, it’s also equally about our people, our community, and our establishment.

Bledsoe Family Winery

229 E Main St. Walla Walla WA 99362

1-509-792-3510"

Garrett Boorojian and Marty Scott discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: Liverpool Legends

https://www.liverpoollegends.com/about

"Liverpool Legends are four world-class musicians and actors, hand-picked by Louise Harrison — sister of the late George Harrison — to honor her brother’s legacy and re-create the band that changed the world forever..

Internationally acclaimed, Liverpool Legends have toured the world with sold-out shows across the U.S., Europe, Mexico, Canada, Israel, Ukraine, India, and South America. They have headlined prestigious venues including Carnegie Hall, The Cavern Club, Busch Stadium, The Rose Bowl for an audience of 50,000, and Auditorio Nacional in Mexico City.

They have recorded at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios in London and earned a Grammy nomination for their work on Fab Fan Memories – A Beatles Bond."

Source: Liverpool Legends

https://www.liverpoollegends.com/the-show

"The Show

From the early mop-top hits to the Abbey Road Classics — relive every era of The Beatles.

The Complete Beatles Experience! — a journey through the history of The Beatles. From the early mop-top mania of “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” “She Loves You,” and “Twist and Shout”, you’ll relive the excitement that changed music forever. Travel down Penny Lane and into the colorful world of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, then soar into the timeless anthems of the late ’60s. In the end, you’ll Come Together for sing-along classics like “Get Back,” “Here Comes the Sun,” and “Hey Jude.”

This unforgettable show is personally narrated by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison, making it the only Beatles tribute with a direct family connection. It’s more than a concert — it’s a chance to relive the music that defined a generation."

Source: Liverpool Legends

https://www.liverpoollegends.com/new-page

"TICKET TO RIDE: MARTY SCOTT OF LIVERPOOL LEGENDS

Marty Scott shares his story of the long and winding road that led him to stardom as George Harrison in Branson’s Liverpool Legends.

WRITTEN BY JEFF HOUGHTON | PHOTO BY CHUCK TRAVERS 417 MAGAZINE Jan 2017

Marty Scott found himself sitting on a couch wedged between Paul McCartney and Louise Harrison, George Harrison’s sister. Squeezed beside one legendary Beatle and the sister of another would feel surreal to anybody, but especially to Scott because he had recently begun playing George Harrison in a Beatles tribute band.

“I’m thinking, ‘This is weird,’” Scott recalls. “I’m still freaking out that I’m with her, you know? We sat with Paul for like 45 minutes on the couch. It was a cool time in my life, just bizarre. I got to sing with him for a second. It was the coolest day ever.”

Scott and Harrison had recently become friends when she spotted him performing as George Harrison in a festival in Chicago just a few months after George had passed away. “This figure comes out on stage looking exactly like my brother, singing a song [‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’] sounding exactly like my brother, and for the first time since he had died, the tears just streamed down my face,” remembers Harrison.

It was then that they struck up a friendship and eventually a plan to work together. Scott ended up starting a new..."

Garrett Boorojian and Barbara McQuade discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: University of Michigan Law School

https://michigan.law.umich.edu/faculty-and-scholarship/our-faculty/barbara-l-mcquade

"Barbara L. McQuade

Professor from Practice

Law School
bmcquade@umich.edu

Assistant(s)

Lilian Epley

Barbara L. McQuade, BA ’87, JD ’91, is a professor from practice at Michigan Law. Her interests include criminal law, criminal procedure, national security, data privacy, and civil rights. From 2010 to 2017, McQuade served as the US attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Appointed by President Barack Obama, she was the first woman to serve in her position.

McQuade also served as vice chair of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and co-chaired its Terrorism and National Security Subcommittee. As US attorney, she oversaw cases involving public corruption, terrorism, corporate fraud, theft of trade secrets, civil rights, and health care fraud, among others. She also serves as a legal analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Foreign Policy, Lawfare, Just Security, Slate, and National Public Radio, and she has been quoted in The New York Times, Time, Newsweek, Politico, and other publications.

Before becoming US attorney, McQuade was an assistant US attorney in Detroit for 12 years, serving as deputy chief of the National Security Unit, where she handled cases involving terrorism financing, export violations, threats, and foreign agents. She began her career practicing law at the firm of Butzel Long in Detroit. She previously taught at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

McQuade has been recognized by the Detroit Free Press with the Neal Shine Award for Exemplary Regional Leadership, The Detroit News with the Michiganian of the Year Award, Crain’s Detroit Business as a Newsmaker of the Year and one of Detroit’s Most Influential Women, the Detroit Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Arab American Civil Rights League with their Tribute to Justice Award, and the Council on Legal Education Opportunity with its Diversity Award.

McQuade is the author of Attack from Within: How Disinformation is Sabotaging America."

Source: Barbara McQuade

https://www.barbaramcquade.com/

BARBARA MCQUADE

The Fix

Book Tour

Attack from Within

THE FIX

Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government..."

Garrett Boorojian and Rhoda Griffis discuss relationship building in a team environment.

"... [T]his platform is fabulous Garrett, there is a door for everybody, and that's thanks to you." – Rhoda Griffis

Source: University of North Carolina School of the Arts

https://www.uncsa.edu/about/leadership/uncsa-board-of-trustees/board/rhoda-griffis.aspx

"Rhoda Griffis

Vice Chair

UNCSA Board of Trustees

A native of North Carolina, Rhoda Griffis has made her home and galvanized her professional career in the Southeast market. Rhoda is a professional working actress with over 40 years and 250+ credits in film, television, theatre, commercials, voice-overs and print.

Holding a B.F.A. from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she was a member of the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival Acting company for seven seasons, and toured the east coast teaching Shakespeare in schools. In between acting work, Griffis charges her artistic batteries teaching on-camera acting, theatre, voice-overs and assistant directs in the fine arts department of The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia."

Source: Rhoda Griffis

https://www.rhodagriffis.net/

"Rhoda Griffis is an Atlanta-based Actor

John Cusack: “I kept telling Rhoda she should move to LA and get her own sitcom… I guess LA’s loss is Atlanta’s gain.” (Runaway Jury)

Jackie Burch: “When I moved here from LA and met Rhoda, I remember a director jumping up, throwing his arms in the air with joy, from having an actor who is so solid and with quite the range. I was beaming.” (Casting Director)

Peter Hedges: “Rhoda IS the Meryl Streep of the South.” (The Odd Life of Timothy Green)

Andy Fickman: “Rhoda’s just an amazing local ATL actress and she came in for another role…(through her) this character was born and we started adding her to scenes in the movie - we just loved what she was doing.” (Parental Guidance)

For Full Resume go to: www.imdb.me/rhodagriffis"

Source: Rhoda Griffis - Biography - IMDb

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0341421/bio/

"Rhoda Griffis has acted in more than 150 Film and Television projects, such as WALK THE LINE, ROAD TRIP, THE BLIND SIDE, RUNAWAY JURY, JUST MERCY and THE BANKER. Television credits include series ARMY WIVES, DROP DEAD DIVA, FEAR THE WALKING DEAD, MINDHUNTER and recently THE RIGHTEOUS GEMSTONES and OZARK. Her extensive list of Regional Theatre credits include leading roles in MACBETH, RICHARD III, ANGELS IN AMERICA, PROOF, INTIMATE APPAREL, COLLECTED STORIES and DINNER WITH FRIENDS. Rhoda had the honor of playing friend of the Iconic Dolly Parton in A DOLLY PARTON MAGICAL MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS. Ms Griffis holds a BFA from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts where she serves on the Board of Directors. Rhoda loves being a working actor.- IMDb mini biography by: UNCSA"

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/rhoda-griffis

"Rhoda Griffis

Veteran character actress Rhoda Griffis has played everyone from Jacqueline Kennedy to Lady MacBeth, but she counts the scheming Lenore Ludwig Baker on "Army Wives" (Lifetime, 2007-14) as one of..."

Garrett Boorojian and Bryce Paup discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: Iowa State Football

https://cyclones.com/sports/football/roster/coaches/bryce-paup/2348

"Bryce Paup

Title: Assistant Defensive Line
Email: bpaup@iastate.edu
Phone: 515-294-6721

Bio

Bryce Paup spent the 2025 season as assistant defensive line coach at Iowa State after spending the previous seven seasons at UNI. In 2022, he was named assistant head coach in addition to his defensive line responsibilities.

In Paup's lone season in Ames, Iowa State went 8-4 and reached bowl eligibility. Defensive lineman Domonique Orange was a force on the defensive line, earning All-Big 12 Third Team honors. The Cyclone defense allowed just 20.2 points to rank 26th nationally in scoring defense.

In total, Paup spent 11 seasons on the coaching staff at his alma mater. Between stints, the Scranton, Iowa, native spent the 2017 season at Minnesota.

Five of Paup’s defensive linemen earned All-America accolades during his tenure with the Panthers, including first-team picks Karter Schult and Jared Brinkman. Ten times his defensive linemen earned spots on the All-Missouri Valley Football Conference first team.

Paup had an outstanding NFL career, being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-Pro in 1995 while playing for the Buffalo Bills. He was a four-time NFL Pro Bowler and had stints with Green Bay, Jacksonville and Minnesota, in addition to the Bills.

Paup totaled 545 career tackles and 75.0 sacks, including an NFL-best 17.5 sacks during his pro bowl season in 1995.

At UNI, Paup was a three-year starter at inside and outside linebacker, defensive end and nose tackle. He compiled 298 tackles and 15 sacks in his career as a Panther. In 1989, Paup was named All-Gateway Conference honors and was a Third-Team All-American by the Associated Press.

Following his collegiate career, Paup was a sixth-round pick in the 1990 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers.

Paup earned his bachelor’s degree from UNI in liberal arts in 2017.

Coaching Experience

2025 – Iowa State – Assistant Defensive Line

2022-24 – UNI – Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Line

2018-21 – UNI – Defensive Line

2017 – Minnesota – Defensive Line

2013-16 – UNI – Defensive Line

2007-12 – Green Bay Southwest HS (Wis.) – Head Coach

2004-06 – De Pere HS (Wis.) – Linebackers”

Garrett Boorojian and Trent Cooper discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: https://trent-cooper.com/

"TRENT COOPER

8X EMMY-WINNING DOCUMENTARY DIRECTOR

Trent Cooper is a visionary filmmaker best known for his seven-year tenure as creative director and showrunner of NFL 360. His roots in narrative film infused the docuseries with cinematic style and emotional depth, elevating it into one of the most acclaimed storytelling brands in sports.

From 2021 to 2024, NFL 360 earned an industry-leading 42 Sports Emmy nominations and 10 wins.

Multiple Emmys went to films directed by Cooper, including the short documentaries—Heroes (2024), The Gift of Gaba (2021), and I Am Shaquem Griffin (2019)—each capturing deeply personal journeys of individuals overcoming extraordinary challenges. He also directed the feature-length, Emmy-winning Who If Not Us (2023), following American football players turned soldiers fighting on the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Most recently, Cooper created the Emmy-nominated Prime original series Raise the Flags (2025), chronicling the improbable rise of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers across their fifty-year history. Produced by Heroes & Fables, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports, the project debuted as Amazon’s most-engaged sports documentary to date and holds a 9.1 rating on IMDb.

Cooper is currently directing Titletown, ESPN’s six-part premium saga of the Green Bay Packers, produced by Omaha Productions, NFL Films, and Skydance Sports. Set to premiere alongside the Super Bowl in 2027, the series is a cinematic, character-driven telling of one of the great underdog stories in sports, shaped by Lombardi, Favre, and Rodgers and the mythology that fuels our love of the game."

Garrett Boorojian and Kimberly Williams discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Sources: The Fair Path Project

https://www.fairpathproject.com/

"Overcome Workplace Bullying. Build Psychological Safety.

The Fair Path Project helps employees and leaders fight toxic workplace culture and create organizations rooted in dignity, respect, and accountability."

https://www.fairpathproject.com/team

"Meet Our Founder

Kim Williams founded the Fair Path Project to confront the silent epidemic of workplace bullying and to help employees reclaim dignity at work. A veteran HR executive and survivor of workplace abuse, she witnessed first hand how workplace culture, gaslighting, and retaliation harm not only individuals but entire organizations. Determined to create change, Kim transformed her lived experience into a mission of accountability and healing. She equips employees with tools to document abuse, protect their rights, and recover their confidence, while guiding employers toward cultures rooted in psychological safety and integrity. Today, Kim is recognized nationally as a speaker, advocate, and thought leader dedicated to ending workplace abuse and building safer, more just workplaces for all."

https://www.fairpathproject.com/solutions

"Resources

A Collective for Courage, Care, and Accountability

The Fair Path Project is a one-of-a-kind collective designed to address workplace bullying from every angle. While bullying is often still lawful, there are proven ways to protect yourself, reclaim your voice, and chart a safer path forward.

Our services support people at every level of an organization—from company leaders struggling to respond to abusive executives, to HR professionals on the front lines, to employees carrying the heavy pain of mistreatment at work. We bring lived experience, practical tools, and compassionate guidance together to help you navigate what may feel impossible and move toward healing, dignity, and strength. Explore the sections to find tools, guidance, and support that can help you rise, shift the balance of power, and create workplaces built on dignity, psychological safety, and lasting accountability."

Source: Unveiling Workplace Dynamics: Insights from Kim Williams on Addressing Executive Abuse and Bullying

MARCH 16, 2026

BARBARA ZABAWA

https://wellnesslaw.com/blogs/news/unveiling-workplace-dynamics-insights-from-kim-williams-on-addressing-executive-abuse-and-bullying

Garrett Boorojian and Jay Harris discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Source: ESPN Press Room

https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/harris_ja/

"Jay Harris

SportsCenter Anchor

https://x.com/JayHarrisESPN

Jay Harris joined ESPN in February 2003 as an ESPNEWS anchor. He was chosen to anchor his first Sportscenter that May, and Sportscenter continues to be his main assignment. His schedule can be interesting, ranging from weekend mornings, to 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. weekdays. He’s also hosted Outside the Lines, NFL Live, Baseball Tonight and NBA Finals coverage. Away from ESPN, he is a sought-after event host, speaker and panelist.

Harris came to ESPN from WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh, Pa., where he worked his way up from “temporary” weekend reporter to main weeknight anchor.

He has more than 30 years of experience in television and radio news, including morning news anchor at WAMO-FM and national news at American Urban Radio Networks, both in Pittsburgh, and at WOWI-FM in Norfolk, Va.

A native of Norfolk, Va., Harris graduated from Old Dominion University with a bachelor’s degree in speech communication. In 2003 he was honored with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University. In 2004, he was the keynote speaker for Old Dominion’s 100th commencement ceremony and was honored to be chosen to speak at commencement again in 2022. He also served two terms on ODU’s Board of Visitors.

Among his other honors, Harris contributed to multiple Sportscenter Emmy Awards, he’s a recipient of a Silver World Medal from the New York Festival Awards, Robert L. Vann Award from the Pittsburgh Black Media Federation, and has an EXCEL Award from the Hampton Roads Black Media Professionals.

Married with two young adults, Harris enjoys mentoring young journalists, playing bass guitar, and is an avid golfer. He scored an ace in a charity tournament in Las Vegas in 2014, his first, winning a car in the process."

Garrett Boorojian and Buzz Peterson discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Robert Bower Peterson Jr. | Buzz Peterson:

– 1981 High School Basketball Player of the Year in the U.S. state of North Carolina

– 1982 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Champion at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

– Men's Basketball Consultant at UNC

– Former roommate of Michael Jordan at UNC

– Former NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Head Coach (267 Division I Career Coaching Victories) at Appalachian State University, University of Tulsa, University of Tennessee, Coastal Carolina University, and University of North Carolina at Wilmington

– 2001 National Invitation Tournament (NIT) Champion at the University of Tulsa

– Former Assistant General Manager at the NBA's Charlotte Hornets

Women's Pro Baseball League Co-Founder Keith Stein:

Served as Corporate Counsel for Toyota Canada, learned Japanese, and "created a Japanese North American Friendship Foundation for Young Professionals."
Served as "the right–hand guy to the founder and chairman" at "the largest independent car parts manufacturer in the world" based in Canada.
Owns Krispy Kreme Doughnuts (Canada).
Named in the credits for his assistance in Chris Farley's and David Spade's movie "Tommy Boy."
Discussed his time meeting former U.S. President Bill Clinton, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Doug Band, Gene Simmons, Jon Bon Jovi, Robbie Robertson, The Rolling Stones, U2, and Eric Clapton.
One of the last people who saw and met with John F. Kennedy Jr., which was four days before JFK Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren passed away. July 12, 1999: JFK Jr. flew to Toronto to meet with Keith about a potential investment in "George" magazine.

https://www.dentons.com/en/keith-stein

"Keith joined Dentons as Counsel in 2014 after serving as Counsel at Heenan Blaikie from 2008 until February 2014. From 1994 to 2008, he was a senior executive with an international auto parts manufacturer reporting to the Chairman, and continued to act as a consultant reporting to the Executive Vice-Chairman until November 2010. Prior to becoming a consultant, Mr. Stein held the position of Senior Vice-President of Corporate Affairs.

Mr. Stein also served as Senior Corporate Counsel for Toyota Canada and Toyota Credit Canada.

Mr. Stein is a graduate of Osgoode Hall Law School and was called to the Bar in 1989. He has taught at the Law Society of Upper Canada and York University.

In addition to his work as a lawyer, Mr. Stein has a variety of business interests. Mr. Stein has been a board member of various publicly listed companies. He has also been a founding director of three capital pool companies listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

His other business interests include real estate and a significant ownership interest in a well-known Canadian restaurant chain with locations in Ontario and Québec.

Mr. Stein was one of the founding partners, together with Gene Simmons, Universal Music Canada and others, of Simmons Records, a music label dedicated to Canadian artists. He was also one of the founders of the Toronto Phantoms indoor football team.

Aside from his professional activities, Mr. Stein was a Big Brother, a board member of Canada's Walk of Fame and Ontario Place, as well as a member of the Advisory Council for President William J. Clinton's 60th Birthday Fundraising Celebration. Together with Mark Tewksbury and others, he also founded OATH, an Olympic advocacy organization..."

https://www.womensprobaseballleague.com/2024/10/29/womens-pro-baseball-league-launching-in-america-in-2026/

"League Co-Founder, Keith Stein, is a lawyer and businessman with a history in professional sports leagues and team ownership.

“We believe that the success of other women’s professional leagues such as the WNBA and NWSL demonstrates the incredible interest and support for women’s sport,” commented Co-Founder, Keith Stein."

https://www.thestar.com/sports/baseball/why-a-toronto-businessman-is-launching-a-new-pro-women-s-baseball-league-with-help/article_b7dac1c4-96ff-11ef-90ff-a3aca9676e13.html

Garrett Boorojian and Jeanne Sheehan Zaino discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Garrett and Dr. Zaino, who's a Bloomberg News contributor, an Iona University political science and international studies professor, a book author, and a pollster, analyze the current state of our nation during these polarizing times where the federal government under both Trump Administrations have been sowing doubts in our free and fair democratic elections, undermining democratic norms, and dismantling democratic institutions. Dr. Zaino believes, and Garrett concurs, that the constructs of Congress and The White House need to be reimagined (redesigned) to prevent any future unconstitutional and authoritarian-style overreach originating from the Executive Branch.

Garrett and Dr. Zaino also speak about the political fallout of President Trump's role on January 6th, 2021, the immigration policy during President Biden's Administration, and the 2010 BP Oil spill during President Obama's first term.

Garrett believes that the federal government under Trump hasn't employed as many of the best and brightest compared to America's academic, financial, and corporate institutions. He further adds that not every leader at the federal level, although previously accomplished in the private sector, are effective, qualified, and competent. Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, and Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., are cited as examples.

https://jeannesheehanzaino.net/

https://ash.harvard.edu/people/jeanne-sheehan-zaino/

https://www.iona.edu/faculty/zaino-jeanne

"JEANNE SHEEHAN ZAINO, PH.D.

PROFESSOR OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

Phone:

(914) 633-2252

Email:

jzaino@iona.edu

Degrees:

Ph.D., Political Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
MA, Political Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
MPA, Survey Research & Data Analysis, Roper Center for Public Opinion Research, University of Connecticut, Storrs (now Cornell University)
BA, University Scholar, Political Science & Mass Communications, University of Connecticut, Storrs

Biography

Dr. Jeanne Sheehan Zaino is a professor of Political Science & International Studies at Iona University (NY, USA). A pollster by training, she is also political contributor with Bloomberg News, a Senior Democracy Fellow with the Center for the Study of the Presidency & Congress [CSPC], an affiliated faculty member with the Institute for Thomas Paine Studies (ITPS), a member of the International Advisory Board for South Asia Research, and author of several books and articles, including her most recent book Sikander Hyat-Khan: Collected Papers of The Premier of United Punjab, 1928-1942 (Primus 2024) and the forthcoming America Democracy in Crisis: The Case for Rethinking Madisonian Government, Post-January 6 (Palgrave MacMillian 2025). Along with four colleagues at Iona who form the Data Science working group she was recently awarded a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation's (NSF's) Division of Undergraduate Education for a project entitled "Data Science for Future Leaders."

More on Dr. Sheehan Zaino and her work can be found on www.jeannesheehanzaino.net."

Garrett Boorojian and Craig Minassian discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.clintonfoundation.org/about-the-clinton-foundation/leadership#leadership-team/

"CRAIG MINASSIAN

CHIEF CONTENT, COMMUNICATIONS, AND MARKETING OFFICER

Craig Minassian brings a unique background in strategic communications, public affairs, brand marketing, programming and content development to advancing the work and impact of the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). Craig served as assistant press secretary and director of television news in the White House for President Clinton, on numerous presidential campaigns and as a senior advisor to the Democratic National Convention Committees in 2008 and 2012. Craig spent a significant portion of his career as an executive, consultant and producer for HBO and other networks including Comedy Central, ABC and MTV, and served on the organizing committee in marketing for World Cup USA in 1994. In 2006, he launched Minassian Media, which advises a wide range of leading global private and public sector organizations in technology, media and global health and development. Craig serves on the Advisory Board for Georgetown University’s Institute of Politics and Public Service, where he was Visiting Fellow, and the President’s Council, Dean’s Advisory Committee and Academic Review Committee for the School of Communication for the University of Miami, his alma mater, and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences."

https://politics.georgetown.edu/profile/craig-minassian/

"Craig Minassian

Consultant, Comedy Central; Chief Content, Communications and Marketing Officer, Clinton Foundation; Former Producer HBO; Former White House Assistant Press Secretary and Director of Television News; Founder, Minassian Media. - Fall '23 Fellow"

https://sps.columbia.edu/person/craig-minassian

https://www.minassianmedia.com/who-we-are

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4156026/

https://x.com/MinassianMedia

Garrett Boorojian and Josh Fryday discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://serve.ca.gov/josh-fryday-bio/

"Josh Fryday

GO-Serve Director and California Chief Service Officer

As a member of the Governor Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet, Josh Fryday leads the newly created Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement. He also serves in a leadership position with the California Governor’s Council for Career Education.

He oversaw the creation of the largest service force in the country—including the nation’s first statewide California Climate Action Corps, College Corps and Youth Service Corps.

Fryday is the former Mayor of Novato, his hometown. Fryday led the COVID-19 Task Force to support food insecure communities and food banks across the state. He also served as President of Golden State Opportunity (GSO), leading the expansion and implementation of the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). Prior to GSO, he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for NextGen Climate, a leading national organization focused on climate change.

Fryday served in the military as an Officer in the United States Navy (‘09-‘13) as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps (JAG). He worked on the Military Commissions in Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. He also served in Japan, where he augmented the Navy’s 7th Fleet’s Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief efforts during ‘Operation Tomodachi’ following the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima nuclear disaster. Fryday received his law degree from UC Berkeley School of Law, and clerked in the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California, as well as the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office for then District Attorney Kamala Harris.

He is a founding Board Member of Amazon Frontlines, an emeritus board chair for Demos, a national think-tank focused on issues of economic, racial and political inequality. He is married to Mollye Fryday, an educator, and they have three energetic young boys, Shay, Calvin and Tam."

https://careereducation.gov.ca.gov/josh-fryday/

"Josh Fryday

California’s Chief Service Officer, California Volunteers

Josh Fryday serves as California’s Chief Service Officer within the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom to lead service, volunteer, and civic engagement efforts throughout California through California Volunteers.

He led the COVID-19 Task Force to support food insecure communities and food banks across the state and launching of the nation’s first statewide Climate Action Corps, #CaliforniansForAll volunteer initiative, the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps to help thousands of Californians who commit to serving for a year pay for college, and #CaliforniansForAll Youth Jobs Corps, a program to employ underserved youth across the state in critical issue areas. Fryday is the former Mayor of Novato, his hometown. He also served as President of Golden State Opportunity (GSO), leading the expansion and implementation of the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC). Prior to GSO, he served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for NextGen Climate, a leading national organization focused on climate change."

Garrett Boorojian and Shanlon Wu discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.shanlonwu.com/about/

"About Shan Wu

Shanlon “Shan” Wu is a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer whose practice areas include white-collar defense and college student defense. With over a decade as a federal prosecutor, Shan brings to his clients a wealth of criminal defense experience as well as an insider’s understanding of the U.S. Justice Department gained through his service to former Attorney General Janet Reno. As Counsel to the Attorney General, he advised the Attorney General on various criminal law issues. During that time, he also served as a liaison to the FBI, DEA, and National Institute of Justice, among others. He has received numerous awards for his groundbreaking work within the world of law; he pioneered the use of expert testimony in domestic violence prosecutions and was part of the team that secured the first life-without-parole sentence ever given for a serial rapist. His body of work spans the public and private sectors and includes prosecuting, investigating and defending matters ranging from violent crime to complex white-collar criminal investigation.

Shan’s recent white-collar cases include representing a top executive in the “Fat Leonard” U.S. Navy fraud cases as well as a Singapore national extradited to the United States on charges of International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR) violations. Shan is a pioneer in the area of college and university student defense having represented students in cases ranging from campus sexual assault and hazing to academic honor code violations. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for Sarah Lawrence College.

Shan received his law degree from Georgetown University; prior to that, he obtained a B.A. in English Literature from Vassar College and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Sarah Lawrence College. He is bilingual in Mandarin Chinese and beyond law, his interests include writing, boxing, and holistic health. He is a past-President of his local Asian Pacific American Bar Association and has served on the D.C. Bar Association’s Board of Professional Responsibility Hearing Committee.

Shanlon Wu contributes commentary and insights on current events as a Legal Analyst."

https://dcstudentdefense.com/about/attorney-shanlon-wu/

"SHANLON WU

College Student Criminal Defense Attorney

Shan’s professional and personal background gives him a unique understanding of academic institutions and the criminal justice system. A former federal prosecutor in Washington, D.C. who is now a nationally-known CNN Legal Analyst, he is at home in D.C. Courts and very familiar with the Washington, D.C. law enforcement agencies, especially the Metropolitan Police Department.

As the child of immigrants who worked as university professors, Shan grew up in a university environment. He understands the mindset of academic institutions and serves on the Board of Trustees for Sarah Lawrence College.

Shan served as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia for over ten years..."

https://dcstudentdefense.com/

"CNN Appearances"

https://www.shanlonwu.com/cnn-appearances/

Garrett Boorojian and Blaine Bishop discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Blaine was a 4x Pro–Bowler and 2x All–Pro (1995, Pro Football Writers; 2000, Associated Press).

Note: During my interview with Blaine, I refer to him as a 2x All–Pro. Blaine refers to himself as a 2x All–Pro on his X Account. Technically, Blaine is a 3x All–Pro (but his 1995 and 1996 All–Pros are both a United Press International designation. The UPI designation ceased for NFL players three decades ago).

Blaine is a member of the Ball State Athletics Hall of Fame, Indiana Sports Hall of Fame, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, and Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.

Blaine communicated the following to me (via LinkedIn):

"I'm... a guy who went from a small Division 2 school to playing on the biggest stage in football. After retiring from the NFL, I transitioned into broadcasting and now co–host a daily sports radio show in Nashville."

Blaine then added:

"... I'd love to join your podcast and share my journey – from being underestimated to becoming one of the most respected players on the field."

Blaine concluded:

"More importantly, I want to talk about the power of belief, hard work, and how to stay grounded through every transition in life – whether that's sports, career, or identity... I'd be honored to join you."

https://ballstatesports.com/honors/hall-of-fame/blaine-bishop/14

"Bishop earned three letters in football at Ball State from 1989-92 after transferring to BSU from St. Joseph’s (Ind.) College. He sat out the 1989 season as a transfer before lettering in 1990, 1991, and 1992 for the Cardinals. Bishop completed his Ball State career with an appearance in the Blue-Gray All-Star Game and then was selected by the Houston Oilers in the eighth round of the National Football League Draft. Bishop started 10 games as a senior and 28 contests in his three seasons, while appearing in 32 contests. He was an All-Mid-American Conference Second-Team choice in 1992 as a senior and 1990 as a sophomore. One of BSU’s team captains as a senior, Bishop was rated as the 17th-best defensive back in the country by a professional scouting service prior to his senior season. The 5-foot-9 cornerback, tallied 243 total tackles, managed 13 pass breakups, tallied 15 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, one interception, and one blocked kick in his Ball State career. Bishop played 10 seasons in the NFL for the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Titans, and Philadelphia Eagles. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and was named one of the NFL’s Top 100 Players by The Sporting News in 1998."

https://www.1045thezone.com/shows/blaineandzach/

"Zach Lyons and former Tennessee Titans safety Blaine Bishop discuss the latest headlines with you every weekday right here on 104.5 The Zone. Join the show LIVE from 1-3 PM and hear every hour right here for free on the Zone Podcast network – available wherever you listen to podcasts!"

Garrett Boorojian and Joe Walsh discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-contract-with-joe-walsh/id1590913798

"The Social Contract with Joe Walsh

About

America, we gotta get back to doing what's expected of us as free citizens in this democracy. That means being tolerant, being respectful, staying informed, and being engaged. I'm former Congressman Joe Walsh. Follow me here and join the millions of Americans who are renewing their social contract with each other. The social contract. It's on us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information."

https://socialcontractwithjoewalsh.substack.com/

"The Social Contract with Joe Walsh

The Social Contract with Joe Walsh is a citizen-supported movement resisting authoritarianism and restoring classic American values like civic engagement, tolerance, and mutual respect. Join our community!

Over 201,000 subscribers"

https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/24200

"WALSH, Joe, A Representative from Illinois; born in North Barrington, Lake County, Ill., December 27, 1961; graduated from Barrington High School, Barrington, Ill., 1980; B.A., University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, 1985; M.P.P., University of Chicago, Chicago, Ill., 1991; business executive; unsuccessful candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 1996; elected as a Republican to the One Hundred Twelfth Congress (January 3, 2011-January 3, 2013); unsuccessful candidate for reelection to the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress in 2012."

Garrett Boorojian and Mark Gottfried discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.coachmarkgottfried.com/meet-mark

"Hi, I’m Mark. Let’s Talk About What It Means to “Get It Done.”

For more than three decades, I’ve lived at the intersection of grit, integrity, and desire — the same values that define the Get It Done mindset I now share with teams and organizations around the world. In a time when success demands courage and alignment, I help audiences shift their mindset — from complacency to conviction, from hesitation to action. My mission is simple: build teams that win together.

“Winning cultures aren’t born — they’re built, one decision at a time.”

From Ohio Roots to the National Stage

I grew up in north-central Ohio, the son of a basketball coach and an educator. Competition, perseverance, and accountability weren’t just taught — they were lived. At eight years old, I’d fall asleep listening to “Havlicek Stole the Ball” on my record player, dreaming of what was possible. Those early days — mowing lawns, delivering newspapers, and learning to push through — taught me that nothing great happens without effort. That lesson has stayed with me in every season of life.

From the Hardwood to the Boardroom: Leadership Under Pressure

As a student-athlete at the University of Alabama, I played at the highest level and was later drafted by the Detroit Pistons. But my real calling came on the sidelines — leading, teaching, and developing others. As a head coach, I learned how to lead when the lights are brightest. The job demanded clarity, poise, and the Get It Done mentality every single day.

“When millions are watching and the clock’s ticking down, leadership isn’t a theory — it’s who you are.”

A Lifetime of Achievement

National Championship Assistant Coach

UCLA

11 NCAA Tournament Appearances

as Head Coach

Multiple Wins Over #1 Ranked Teams

Conference Coach of the Year

in Multiple Leagues

NBA Experience

with the Dallas Mavericks

Two Years as ESPN Broadcaster

UCLA

Every win and every challenge has deepened my conviction: ‍grit, integrity, and desire always win in the long run.

The “Turnaround” Coach: From Struggle to Success

Over my career, I’ve become known as the coach who turns things around — helping teams rediscover their edge, their unity, and their confidence. Now, I help organizations do the same. My framework for transformation applies both on and off the court:

Overcoming adversity with purpose

Uniting around a shared vision

Building daily habits that drive results

Turning pressure into performance

Are You Ready to Get It Done?

If your team is ready to rise above mediocrity, align around purpose, and pursue greatness together — let’s get started.

https://www.coachmarkgottfried.com/podcast

Conversations That Build a

GET IT DONE MINDSET

Go beyond the scoreboard. The Mark Gottfried Show explores the defining choices, habits, and values that drive people to win — in sports, business, and life."

Garrett Boorojian and Kristin Lynch discuss relationship building in a team environment.

As the former Special Assistant to former President Joe Biden and former Chief Speechwriter to former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Kristin has one of the most impressive professional backgrounds in American politics. Kristin’s the Principal of KCL Strategies and one of the Partners at Pinnacle Collective Public Affairs.

Kristin also held significant communications / press and advisory roles in Washington. She worked for U.S. Senators Cory Booker, John Hickenlooper, and Michael Bennet, as well as then-U.S. Congressman Jared Polis (who’s the current Governor of Colorado). In addition to those career opportunities, she worked in public affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s Communications Director (Colorado) during her 2016 run for president.

https://www.pinnaclecollective.co/about/the-team

"KRISTIN LYNCH

Partner

WHO WE ARE

We blend strategy, creativity, and execution to deliver high-impact solutions. Whether it’s influencing policy, crafting compelling narratives, or protecting reputations in times of crisis, we ensure our clients stay ahead, break through, pivot or avoid pitfalls as desired. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all strategies. We design winning solutions that fit your specific set of circumstances and needs. Every public affairs challenge is unique and our commitment to our clients is simple: We forge tailored strategies that create lasting influence and impact.

WHAT WE DO

Pinnacle Collective Public Affairs is dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations achieve their critical policy and engagement objectives. Drawing on our extensive and diverse collective experience, which spans decades across the intricate landscapes of policy, politics, business, and strategic communications, we act as trusted partners. We meticulously craft and implement effective public affairs strategies that are precisely tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. Our comprehensive approach encompasses insightful analysis, strategic planning, targeted advocacy, impactful communication, and proactive stakeholder engagement, all designed to amplify your voice and deliver meaningful, sustainable results."

Garrett Boorojian and Anahita Dua discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.massgeneral.org/doctors/20714/anahita-dua

"About Anahita Dua, MD

Dr. Dua is an Associate Professor of Surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School. She is the director of the peripheral artery disease center, associate director of the wound center, clinical director of research and director of the sub-internship in vascular surgery. She is the past director of the vascular lab at the MGH. She developed and currently leads the Limb Evaluation and Amputation Program (LEAP) at the MGH. She also founded and runs the only comprehensive vascular surgery homeless clinic in the country at the MGH.

Dr. Dua completed her vascular surgery fellowship at Stanford University Hospital, general surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin and her medical school in the United Kingdom. She has also completed a master's degree (MS) in trauma sciences and a master's in business administration (MBA) in health care management. She also has a certificate in health economics and outcomes research as well certificates in drug and device development and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Dua is doubled board-certified in vascular surgery and general surgery. She is also boarded in advanced wound care and management.

Dr. Dua has published over 250 peer reviewed papers and has edited five vascular surgery medical textbooks. She serves on multiple national vascular surgery committees including the Society for Vascular Surgery, is the past president of the South Asian-American Vascular Society (SAAVS) and the current president of the Society for Vascular Ultrasound (SVU) Foundation. She is a past presidential leadership scholar.

Dr. Dua runs an NIH funded lab that focuses on anticoagulation and biomarkers that are predictive of thrombosis and hemostasis in patients that have undergone revascularization. Her research focuses on thromboprophylaxis precision and point of care medical approaches to anticoagulation for patients post revascularization. Her clinical and outcomes research focuses primarily on diseases involving peripheral vascular disease, limb salvage and critical limb ischemia. She is part of a technology development team that creates tools to increase walking distance and wound healing while decreasing pain in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Dr. Dua is a self-described animal lover and rescuer of pitbulls. At one point, she housed 14 pitbull puppies and their mother at once. Nowadays, her spare time is spent with her husband, son, daughter, and dog Leo.

Medical Education

MD, Aberdeen University School of Medicine
Residency, Medical College of Wisconsin
Fellowship, Stanford Hospital & Clinics

American Board Certifications

Surgery, General, American Board of Surgery
Vascular Surgery, American Board of Surgery”

Further context about measles below as discussed in Episode 85:

https://publichealth.jhu.edu/ivac/2025/us-measles-cases-hit-highest-level-since-declared-eliminated-in-2000

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/first-us-measles-death-reported-west-texas-outbreak-affects-more-than-130-people-2025-02-26/

Garrett Boorojian and Mimi Rocah discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.fordham.edu/school-of-law/faculty/directory/adjunct/miriam-e-rocah/

"Miriam E. Rocah

Adjunct Professor of Law

Miriam E. Rocah (Mimi) was elected as District Attorney of Westchester County, New York in November 2020. During her four years as DA, she modernized the DA’s Office, aggressively pursued gun and violent crime, developed ways to better serve crime victims, and instituted sensible criminal justice reforms.

Prior to becoming DA, Ms. Rocah served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York (SDNY) for nearly 17 years from 2001-2017. As an AUSA, she was prosecuted cases involving violent crime, organized crime, human trafficking, sex trafficking, child exploitation, frauds and public corruption.

In 2012, she was appointed as Chief of the SDNY’s Westchester Division, a position she held for five years. In that position, she served as the primary liaison with law enforcement agencies and other prosecutorial offices in the Northern Counties and coordinated and co-chaired multi-county task forces on public health and safety issues like sex trafficking and the opioid overdose epidemic. Before running for office, Ms. Rocah was a Distinguished Fellow in Criminal Justice at Pace University School of Law and an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School. Ms. Rocah has been a frequent commentator on MSNBC, NBC News, CNN, and numerous podcasts on topics relating to law, justice and women’s issues and has written and published dozens of opinion pieces on those topics.

Education

Ms. Rocah graduated with a B.A. in American History from Harvard University in 1992 magna cum laude and from New York University School of Law in 1997 magna cum laude and a member of the Order of the Coif. She clerked for Judge John Gleeson of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, and Judge Chester J. Straub of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. She was also a litigation associate at the law firm Cravath, Swaine and Moore."

Garrett Boorojian and Julie Donaldson discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.juliedonaldson.com/

"ABOUT JULIE

Julie has been a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting, breaking gender barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men. She has not only made remarkable strides in her career but has also been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry. With over two decades of experience as a sports journalist, Julie has worked in several top U.S. markets including Miami, New York City, Boston, and Washington DC, covering major events including four Olympic Games.

Julie is currently an anchor/reporter for WTTG FOX5 DC. She recently served as SVP of Broadcast for the Washington Commanders as the first hire of change during a most tumultuous time for the franchise. She was pivotal in helping change the culture of not only her department but the organization as a whole. On top of her leadership duties, for four seasons she was a permanent member of the game day radio broadcast, making her the first female to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. This achievement led Sports Illustrated to name her one of the top 50 Most Powerful Women in Sports that year."

https://www.juliedonaldson.com/resume

"Julie Donaldson served as a permanent member of the gameday radio broadcast for the Washington Commanders from 2020 to 2024, making her the first female to be a regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth. She also served as Senior Vice President of Broadcast for the franchise for three years, where she was responsible for hiring the team to work alongside her and within the broadcast department. As a member of Washington's executive leadership team, Julie oversaw the entire broadcast and editorial operation for the organization and contributed input and vision to all of the club's in-house creative content. Additionally, she hosted the Coaches Show, the franchise's daily programming, and the two-hour pregame show..."

https://www.fox5dc.com/person/d/julie-donaldson

"Julie Donaldson

Julie Donaldson is a freelance anchor and reporter. She joined FOX5 DC in December 2024. She made the switch to news after making history as the first female regular on-air member of an NFL radio broadcast booth, serving four seasons with the Washington Commanders’ gameday radio team. As Senior Vice President of Media and Content for three seasons, she led the franchise’s broadcast and editorial operations, assembling and managing a talented team while shaping the organization’s creative vision.

Before joining the Commanders, Julie spent a decade at NBC Sports Washington, covering major teams and events in the D.C. and Baltimore region. She hosted Emmy-winning NFL pregame and postgame shows and contributed to national and international coverage, including four Olympic Games (2012–2018).

Julie is a board member for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, reflecting her commitment to community and advocacy. A University of Florida alumna, she is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys working out, boxing, biking, and reading a good book. She has a 16-year-old Maltese, Lucy. Her career began in Miami with FOX Sports and the Miami Heat, followed by roles in New York City, Boston, and Washington, D.C., solidifying her legacy as a trailblazer in sports media. She was Miss Florida USA 2001."

https://www.stevenmgillon.com/

"STEVEN M. GILLON

Historian | Author | Producer | Professor | Speaker

"History is not about memorizing facts. It’s about using facts to build an argument for interpreting the past." - Steven M. Gillon"

https://millercenter.org/experts/steven-m-gillon

"Fast Facts

Former Scholar-in-Residence at The History Channel
Written or edited nearly a dozen books
Professor emeritus, University of Oklahoma

Steven Gillon is the former Scholar-in-Residence at The History Channel and emeritus professor of history at the University of Oklahoma.

Gillon received his BA in history from Widener University, where he graduated summa cum laude with honors in history. He was named the recipient of the faculty prize for maintaining the highest undergraduate GPA. He went on to earn his MA and PhD in American civilization from Brown University, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving his PhD, Gillon spent nine years teaching history at Yale University, where he won the prestigious DeVane Medal for outstanding undergraduate teaching. In 1994, he accepted a position as University Lecturer in modern history at Oxford University. Three years later, he returned to the United States at the invitation of the president of the University of Oklahoma to become the founding dean of a new Honors College.

Gillon is one of the nation's leading experts on modern American history and politics. He has written or edited nearly a dozen books including the New York Times e-book bestseller, The Pact: Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and the Rivalry that Defined a Generation (Oxford 2008). Among his many other books are: Boomer Nation: The Largest and Richest Generation and How it Changed America (Free Press 2004); 10 Days that Unexpectedly Changed America (Three Rivers 2006); Pearl Harbor: FDR Leads the Nation into War (Basic 2011); That’s Not What We Meant to Do: Reform and Its Unintended Consequences in Twentieth-Century America (W.W. Norton, 2000); The Democrats' Dilemma: Walter F. Mondale and the Liberal Legacy (Columbia University, 1992); and Politics and Vision: The ADA and American Liberalism, 1947-1985 (Oxford 1987). Gillon's next book, Presidents at War, will be released in early 2025.

Gillon's articles have appeared in both academic journals and popular newspapers, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Daily News, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, and Boston Globe. He is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. He has made appearances on NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News as a commentator and expert on issues related to modern American history.

Over the past decade, Gillon has hosted a number of shows on The History Channel, including the network's flagship public affairs program, HistoryCenter. He has also hosted Our Generation, History vs. Hollywood, and Movies in Time. His last three books have been turned into prime time documentaries on the network: The Kennedy Assassination 24 Hours After, Pearl Harbor: 24 Hours After, and Lee Harvey Oswald: 48 Hours to Live.

In addition to his scholarly and television work, Gillon has served as a historical consultant for a number of prominent organizations. He was the chief historian for the Woodstock Museum in Bethel, New York. He spent two years as a consultant to News Corp CEO Rupert Murdoch. In 2013, AARP chose him as one of ten “Thought Leaders” in the United States on issues related to the aging of the Baby Boom generation."

Garrett Boorojian and Aaron Bennett discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://fenwaystrategies.com/team/aaron-bennett/

"Aaron Bennett

Senior Speechwriter

Aaron’s parents suspected that he might have a future in persuasive communications after he delivered a passionate pitch for adopting a pet — complete with a 15-slide PowerPoint presentation. The effort was moderately successful: he wanted a puppy, but ended up with a betta fish and a lesson in the art of compromise.

Many, many years later, Aaron joined Fenway fresh off the Harris-Walz presidential campaign — where he drafted remarks for vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, wrote for and traveled the battleground states with Mrs. Walz, and led the surrogate speechwriting operation. He was also a key member of the writing team at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, which produced speeches and stories that resonated from the United Center to living rooms and social media feeds all across the country.

Before hitting the campaign trail, Aaron spent three years with Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As Pelosi’s chief speechwriter in her final term as Speaker, he handled everything from speeches and statements to video scripts and social media posts. His work captured news cycles and helped drive one of the most productive periods of policy-making in history — including pandemic relief and generational climate action, as well as Pelosi’s historic visits to Ukraine and Taiwan.

After the Speaker stepped down from congressional leadership, Aaron helped her voice cut through the crises and chaos of the 118th Congress as her top communications strategist, spokesperson, and speechwriter. He also collaborated with Pelosi on her #1 New York Times Bestseller, The Art of Power.

Joining Fenway is a homecoming of sorts for Aaron. Back in 2020, the firm gave him his first-ever shot at professional speechwriting, recruiting him to help draft a few op-eds and remarks for Biden campaign surrogates.

Aaron has lived in D.C. for a decade — but he won’t let you forget he’s a proud New Jersey native. You can usually find him exploring the best restaurants our nation’s capital has to offer – when he’s not trekking across the country and world with his adventure-seeking partner and fellow Hoya, Abbey.

@abennett97"

Garrett Boorojian and Elie Honig discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B093HZ7WZL/about

"Elie Honig

About the author

Elie Honig is CNN's Senior Legal Analyst. He previously worked for 14 years as a federal and state prosecutor.

Honig provides on-air commentary and analysis for CNN on news relating to the U. S. Department of Justice, major criminal trials, the Supreme Court, Congressional and grand jury investigations, national security, policing, and other legal issues. In 2022, Honig was nominated for an Emmy Award by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in the category "Outstanding News Analysis: Editorial & Opinion."

Honig is the national bestselling author of two prior books published by HarperCollins: "Hatchet Man: How Bill Barr Broke the Prosecutor's Code and Corrupted the Justice Department" (2021) and "Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away With It" (2023). His third book, "When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, from Nixon to Trump," publishes in September 2025.

Honig writes a weekly column on legal news for New York magazine and CAFE. He hosts the popular true-crime podcast, "Up Against the Mob," and a weekly legal podcast, "The Counsel," both productions of Vox Media. Honig graduated from Rutgers College (where he now teaches) in 1997, and Harvard Law School in 2000."

https://www.amazon.com/When-You-Come-King-President-ebook/dp/B0DPXCH8CZ?ref_=ast_author_dp&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.N0BEe3F7iVt3m8P_R9ejcyEcEIyyeRst4of8H0Zrl2DGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.LTlf9NBgb_SarXX4LJTcMO7QLCMUiyi1Y_FipuDny8E&dib_tag=AUTHOR

"When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, From Nixon to Trump

by Elie Honig

"[A] deeply researched, keenly analytical, and frequently provocative chronicle of this singular judicial entity. . . . A senior legal analyst for CNN and former assistant U.S. attorney, Honig is well-suited to the task of providing a historical overview of the special counsel's function with the ever-evolving context of politics, partisanship and political skepticism." —Booklist (STARRED review)

"A fascinating, fast-paced insider’s account....[a] riveting, deeply reported book.” —Anderson Cooper

“Every page hums with gripping anecdotes and breaking news journalism." —Douglas Brinkley

Imagine you’ve been put in charge of investigating your own boss—who also happens to be the most powerful person on the planet.

You might unearth information that will be politically, professionally, and personally devastating to your subject, and you alone hold the power to indict and potentially imprison him. At the same time, the boss can fire you and end the case—and might even turn the tables and launch an inquiry aimed at you. As the lone-wolf assassin Omar put it in The Wire: “You come at the king, you best not miss.”

That’s the crucible for any Special Counsel. For decades, the Department of Justice has appointed outside prosecutors to handle our highest-stakes cases. But do these independent investigations lead to just results?

In When You Come at the King, CNN senior legal analyst Elie Honig delivers a fast-paced, insider’s account of the most important Justice Department investigations..."

Garrett Boorojian and Wendy Bazilian discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.wendybazilian.com/about

"Wendy Bazilian, DrPH, MA, RDN is a writer, educator, food enthusiast and award-winning journalist. She graduated summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa with a B.A. from Tufts University, received her M.A. from UC, San Diego, and completed her Doctorate in Public Health and Nutrition from Loma Linda University summa cum laude where she was awarded the prestigious Chancellor’s Award, the top university honor. She is a registered dietitian nutritionist and American College of Sports Medicine Certified Exercise Physiologist. Dr. Bazilian is author of Eat Clean, Stay Lean series (Rodale), The SuperFoodsRx Diet (Rodale), and has contributed to several books including the James Beard- and IACP-nominated Golden Door Cooks at Home, and the original New York Times bestseller SuperFoodsRx.

Wendy maintains a busy private practice with individuals from CEOs, artists, and actors, to professional athletes, parents and children seeking to improve their and their family’s nutrition, fitness and health. She is an expert consultant to the spa industry, to start-up and established food and commodity groups, and to the health care industry. She is on the Board of Directors for the California Academy Foundation, and active advocate for students and others pursuing scholarships, fellowships, research and educational grants, and paid internships—and becoming part of mentoring relationships.

Dr. Bazilian was honored as Nutrition Entrepreneur of the Year for 2022, and in May was awarded the prestigious 2024 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Distinguished Lecture Award “in recognition of [her] exemplary career and remarkable contributions to the nutrition and dietetics profession” and with this will deliver the Distinguished Lecture keynote presentation at FNCE in Minneapolis in 2024 to a conference audience of more than 5,000 health professionals.

A frequent nutrition and wellness presenter at scientific, medical, corporate, culinary and public conferences and festivals, Dr. Bazilian’s expertise is featured in and she also writes for a variety of national print and digital media. She has been an expert contributor and returning guest on NBC’s TODAY show and GMA for many years. For the past 15 years, she has been a frequent guest and nutrition expert on Live with Kelly and Mark."

https://www.wendybazilian.com/podcast

"Enliven Your Day: Tune into Dr. Wendy’s Podcast to Recharge, Restore, Refresh, and Reenergize Your 1,000 Waking Minutes!

And wherever you get your podcasts!

Optimize Your Life’s Currency: Living Well in Your 1,000 Waking Minutes.

We experience 1,000 waking minutes each day, on average. How you are spending yours?

Did you know that after we subtract those magical 7-ish hours of restorative sleep nightly (the very amount that has been shown critical to promoting and preserving good health), we are left with about 1,000 waking minutes - to work, eat, move, play,…to really live! How we choose to spend those minutes matters—they’re life’s currency!"

https://www.wendybazilian.com/better-together

"Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.

~ Helen Keller"

https://www.wendybazilian.com/books

Garrett Boorojian and Joey Jackson discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.joeyjacksonlaw.com/

"PREMIER LEGAL REPRESENTATION FOR NEW YORK

Nationally recognized for expertise in criminal law, union members facing discipline, teachers facing removal from classes or demotion, and Labor Arbitration proceedings.

JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC provides top-tier legal defense and protection for individuals, teachers, correction officers, law enforcement, and various union members. Whether you’re under investigation, facing arrest, dealing with the potential loss of a job, suspension, wrong-doing in the workplace or have a pending case, we are here to help."

https://www.joeyjacksonlaw.com/attorney/jackson-joey/

"BIOGRAPHY

Joey Jackson is a nationally recognized Attorney who has for more than two decades represented individuals and Labor Unions in State and Federal Court. Mr. Jackson and his Associates have represented a diverse group of clients under the glare of cameras as well as those who have never attracted public attention. He has built an outstanding career as a defense lawyer representing clients who have fallen into high-stakes personal and professional crises, as well as those who are average citizens in need of his fierce and benevolent counsel.

Prior to Law School, he earned his MPA from SUNY Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. While earning his Master's Degree, he worked for the N.Y.S. Assembly Speaker as a Legislative Analyst. He also holds a B.A. from SUNY Brockport, where he participated in the honors program, directed the student-run Legal Information Service, served as student body president, and interned with the N.Y.S. Education Department as well as Congressman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) in Washington, D.C. He also worked for the N.Y.C. Mayor's Office in the Division of Special Projects. In 2020, Mr. Jackson was beyond honored when Brockport constructed an InterCultural Center (ICC) bearing his name: The JOEY JACKSON ICC.

While in law school, he served as editor for the Hofstra Labor & Employment Law Journal. He was also a member of the National Moot Court and National Trial teams where he represented Hofstra Law school by competing with other Moot Court & Trial teams throughout the country. Mr. Jackson also served as the Graduation Speaker for his Law School Class. In 2022, Mr. Jackson was inducted into the Hofstra Law School Hall of Fame, an honor afforded to one Alumni per Graduating Class. He currently sponsors an annual Scholarship for Law Students at Hofstra each and every year.

He is the Principal & Founder of JOEY JACKSON LAW, PLLC., located in Mid-Town Manhattan. The Firm’s Attorneys, who are highly skilled advocates, are talented problem solvers— available to assist clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week: 1-833-JOEYJACKSON (563-9522). In addition to a plethora of other clients, The Firm has the privilege of defending and protecting the Members of the 2nd largest Law Enforcement Union in the Country, the New York City Correction Officers Benevolent Association (COBA), achieving historic victories and having unprecedented success.

Mr. Jackson has been a member of the New York Bar since 1995. After graduating from Hofstra Law School, he was appointed..."

"BAR ADMISSIONS

New York
U.S. District Court Southern District of New York
U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York
Supreme Court of New York

HONORS

Distinguished Public Service Award
Hofstra Law School Hall of Fame Inductee
Joey Jackson InterCultural Center at SUNY Brockport"

Garrett Boorojian and Rufus Gifford discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.elrodgifford.com/

https://www.elrodgifford.com/#services

"Rufus Gifford

READ FULL BIO

Rufus Gifford is a former U.S. Ambassador, senior aide to Presidents Obama, Biden and Vice President Haris, civic leader, public speaker and advocate for Democratic causes.

Most recently Gifford served as Finance Chair of the Biden-Harris and Harris-Walz campaigns amassing a record $ 2.2 billion for the efforts. Prior to that he was the Chief of Protocol of the United States with the rank of Ambassador and Deputy Campaign Manager for Biden for President in 2020 with a focus on finance, external outreach and coalition building. Aside from Presidential politics, he is focused on promoting civic engagement, particularly among youth and issue areas ranging from U.S. public diplomacy to renewable energy.

From 2013 to 2017, Rufus served as the U.S. Ambassador to Denmark where he led efforts to address the effects of climate change, build international coalitions, and invest in clean energy. He was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of the Dannebrog by Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark for his meritorious service.

His pioneering tenure as Ambassador has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal, the Atlantic, CNN, and Vice News, among many other national and international outlets, and he has spoken extensively across Denmark and the United States about his efforts to break down walls and humanize the work of government.

Prior to Government service, Rufus was the National Finance Director of the Democratic National Committee and supported passage of a number of Obama policy initiatives including the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he was an aide on Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign. During Obama’s first term, Rufus was the National Finance Director of the Democratic National Committee and supported passage of a number of Obama’s policy initiatives, most notably the Affordable Care Act. Before that, he was an aide on Obama’s historic 2008 presidential campaign.

A native of Massachusetts, Rufus holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. He is married to veterinarian Dr. Stephen DeVincent and they live in Concord, Massachusetts with their Golden Retrievers, Svend and Odin."

https://deadline.com/2025/03/adrienne-elrod-rufus-gifford-political-strategy-firm-1236326951/

"Democratic Campaign Veterans Adrienne Elrod And Rufus Gifford Launch Political And Public Affairs Strategy Firm

By Ted Johnson

March 17, 2025 2:00am

"...Gifford was finance chair of the Harris-Walz and Biden-Harris campaigns, which raised a combined $2.2 billion. He was chief of protocol with the rank of ambassador during the Biden administration, and served as U.S. ambassador to Denmark..."

Garrett Boorojian and Peter Selfridge discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.usasean.org/

https://www.usasean.org/people/peter-selfridge

"Peter Selfridge

Nominations and Governance Committee Chair

Peter A. Selfridge is the Global Head of Government Affairs for SAP. The Government Affairs function at SAP encourages the digital transformation of government decision-making and services worldwide. Peter is specifically responsible for promoting technological transformation in the public sector and the positive role played by digital technologies in addressing economic and societal challenges around the world.

Peter was the U.S. Chief of Protocol during the second term of the Obama Administration, where he served as the President’s representative to the foreign diplomatic corps posted in Washington, D.C. His other duties included welcoming visiting foreign leaders to the capital; supporting presidential delegations on their overseas travel; and planning and executing high-level summits and multilateral events.

Formerly, he served as President Obama’s Advance and Operations Director, a position he previously managed for Vice President Biden during the first two years of the Obama Administration. He began his career in Washington, D.C. as a staff member for U.S. Senator Tom Harkin, and later served as a scheduling assistant to President William J. Clinton. Peter also served on the presidential campaigns of Al Gore, John Kerry and Barack Obama.

Peter is no stranger to the private sector, having worked for Citigate Communications as well as Rendezvous Consulting, where he helped various clients develop and execute on their communications strategies. In 2007, he worked at the William J. Clinton Foundation as the organization’s city director in Los Angeles.

In addition to his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Iowa, Peter has a Master’s Degree in International Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University. He is a native of Minnetonka, Minnesota and is married to Parita Shah. The couple lives in Washington, D.C."

In his conversation with Garrett, Jeffrey speaks about:

His mentor Tina Brown, former Editor of The New Yorker, who gave Jeffrey a chance by hiring him in 1993.
Covering Mark Fuhrman's role in the O.J. Simpson trial.
Preferring "fairness" over "objectivity" as a journalist.
His global professional network of legal contemporaries such as Elena Kagan, Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.
Republican Party (Presidents Nixon vs. Trump eras).
His concerns about the future of Trump's second term.
"Keep an open mind" when building relationships.

https://www.cnn.com/profiles/jeffrey-toobin-profile#about

"ABOUT

Jeffrey Toobin, chief legal analyst for CNN and a staff writer for The New Yorker, is one of the most recognized and admired legal journalists in the country. His most recent book, American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst, was published by Doubleday in 2016 and became an immediate New York Times best-seller. His book, “The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson,” was the basis for the acclaimed ten-part limited series, “American Crime Story,” starring John Travolta and Cuba Gooding, Jr., on the FX Network, in early 2016.

His book, The Oath: The Obama White House and the Supreme Court, was published by Doubleday in 2012 and was also a New York Times best-seller. The Oath followed The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court, which was also a best-seller and earned the 2008 J. Anthony Lukas Prize for Nonfiction from the Columbia Graduate School of Journalism and the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University.

Toobin, who is also a noted lecturer, has written several other critically acclaimed, best-selling books including A Vast Conspiracy: The Real Story of the Sex Scandal that Nearly Brought Down a President, and Too Close to Call: The 36-Day Battle to Decide the 2000 Election.

Previously, Toobin served as an assistant U.S. attorney in Brooklyn. He also served as an associate counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh, an experience that provided the basis for his first book, Opening Arguments: A Young Lawyer’s First Case—United States v. Oliver North.

Toobin earned his bachelor’s degree from Harvard College and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School where he was an editor of the Harvard Law Review."

https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/jeffrey-toobin

"Jeffrey Toobin

Jeffrey Toobin, the chief legal analyst for CNN, was a staff writer at The New Yorker from 1993 to 2020. Previously, he worked for ABC News, and, in 2000, received an Emmy Award for his coverage of the Elián González case. For the magazine, he wrote Profiles of the Supreme Court Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Anthony Kennedy, Clarence Thomas, and Chief Justice John G. Roberts, as well as articles on major legal controversies and trials. Before joining the magazine, he served as an Assistant United States Attorney in Brooklyn and an associate counsel in the Office of Independent Counsel Lawrence E. Walsh. He is the author of several books, including “The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court” and “True Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Investigation of Donald Trump.”"

True Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Investigation of Donald Trump

The Nine: Inside the Secret World of the Supreme Court

Garrett Boorojian and Brigadier General (Retired) John Teichert discuss relationship building in a team environment.

John spoke with me about how Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” movie inspired him to join the United States Air Force, his time at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the significance of round metallic objects (Garrett, a civilian, has three RMOs that were given to him by U.S. military personnel), special missions John was an integral part of while serving in the Air Force, how “Top Gun” compares and contrasts to real-world missions, how the Pentagon functions / operates as military officials’ roles / responsibilities change (depending on their respective ranks) from one U.S. presidential administration to the next due to specific policy changes, the timeline of events leading up to the recent bombings of three uranium enrichment sites in Iran carried out by the U.S. military in “Operation Midnight Hammer,” John’s family, and his three books.

https://johnteichert.com/about/

“BRIGADIER GENERAL E. JOHN "DRAGON" TEICHERT, USAF (RET)

After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Stanford University, John entered the United States Air Force as an F-15E combat pilot. He would go on to serve as an F-22 test pilot and eventually lead as the commander of Joint Base Andrews, the commander of Edwards Air Force Base, and our nation’s Senior Defense Official in Iraq. General Teichert ended his service in the Air Force as the Assistant Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs. During his career, he logged over 2,000 flight hours in 38 different aircraft types.

General Teichert is a champion for inspirational, innovative, integrity-filled leadership. He has vast whole-of-government leadership experience – from cutting-edge technology to our nation’s most sensitive international relationships. John has written and spoken extensively on leadership, innovation, advanced technology, revival, national security, and international affairs. He is an Amazon #1 best-selling author and a former candidate for U.S. Senate who maintains a robust schedule of media engagements with frequent commentary on NewsNation and Fox News. John is the founder and president of Capital Leadership LLC, developing the leaders our nation needs and fostering a leadership style that breaks barriers, challenges convention, and ignites innovation. His wide-ranging activities can best be followed through johnteichert.com, prayatlunch.us, and LinkedIn as he continues to serve with his amazing wife Melonie and their three remarkable children.“

“BRIGADIER GENERAL E. JOHN TEICHERT”

https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Biographies/Display/Article/1607028/e-john-teichert/

Garrett Boorojian and John Wallace discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.legendsofbasketball.com/alumni/john-wallace/

https://www.legends-mag.com/for-john-wallace-hard-work-mental-health

Garrett and John spoke about John's dominant performance in the 1996 NCAA Division I Men's National Championship Game as a starter for the Syracuse Orange. Although the University of Kentucky won the game, 76-67, John finished with an incredible stat line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, with a total field goal percentage of 57.9% (66.7% from three point range), and a free throw percentage of 100.0%.

In 127 career games (126 starts) in four years at Syracuse playing for Basketball Hall of Famer / College Basketball Hall of Famer, Jim Boeheim, John averaged 16.7 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1. steals. John's total field goal percentage was 53.3% (39.0% from three point range).

John was drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round (18th selection) in the 1996 NBA Draft. He played for five NBA teams (Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Phoenix Suns, and Miami Heat). John talked about playing with Basketball Hall of Famer / College Basketball Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, Larry Johnson, Allan Houston, and other notable Knicks on the legendary Knicks' teams of the mid-to-late 1990s. John also played overseas in Greece and Italy, and cited the importance of phenomenal overseas talent entering the NBA from the 1990s and 2000s, such as Arvydas Sabonis (Lithuania) and Dirk Nowitzki (Germany), to present day's NBA stars' Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece / Nigeria), Nikola Jokić (Serbia), and Luka Dončić (Slovenia). Tony Parker (Belgium / France) and Manu Ginóbili (Argentina) were also mentioned as great examples of foreign-born players who played and excelled as NBA Champions during the the 2000s and 2010s. Nowitzki played in the 2010s as well.

John also spoke about his admiration for the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, especially when he witnessed Michael's iconic 51-point performance at Madison Square Garden (MSG) on January 21, 1997, during John's rookie year as a Knick; the 1996 NBA First Round Draft Class' photo shoot in Orlando; two of Spike Lee's movies (He Got Game and Bamboozled) that John was featured in; friendship with his former Raptors' teammate Kevin Willis (1984 NBA First Round Draft Pick – 11th selection) who's also a friend of Garrett's; friendship with Joseph Fiorie of Pittsford, New York – who's Garrett's wife Angela's uncle; great appreciation for the Knicks' organization that drafted him, and hired him to work for the NBA franchise as a MSG broadcaster; and philanthropic / public service background as an Executive Board Member with the Heavenly Productions Foundation.

John shared his final thoughts about relationship building. John stressed the importance of communicating with your team about what's on your mind. John said a team has to work together and be on the same page to know how to approach a difficult situation or solve a problem. Whether it's a CEO or another person on the team, John added that everyone has a vital role to play. Essentially, the right people have to be on the team, starting with the CEO, to be very successful.

Garrett Boorojian and Linda Cohn discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/cohn_linda/

"Linda Cohn

SportsCenter Anchor

Hall of Fame sportscaster Linda Cohn has served as a SportsCenter anchor since joining ESPN in 1992. She is ESPN’s longest-tenured SportsCenter anchor and in early 2016 was recognized for anchoring her 5,000th SportsCenter, the most of any anchor in ESPN history. In 2017, she was inducted into the National Sports Media Association (NSMA) Hall of Fame.

She currently hosts the 1 a.m. ET edition of SportsCenter that originates from Los Angeles.

In 2008, Cohn authored her autobiography – Cohn-Head: A No-Holds-Barred Account of Breaking into the Boys’ Club. The book details her hard-fought rise to the top of the sportscasting world and her life inside the ESPN empire.

Cohn began her career in sportscasting in Patchogue, N.Y., as a news anchor, writer and sports reporter for WALK-AM/FM in 1981. She continued her work with three other New York radio stations until 1987: WCBS NewsRadio 88 (1984-87); WCBS-FM (1984-87); WGBB-AM (1984-85). Cohn’s radio experience is highlighted by her becoming the first full-time female sports anchor on a national radio network (ABC) in 1987 where she worked 87-89. In 1985 she began working for WLIG-TV on Long Island as a part-time anchor and reporter. She also worked as anchor, news director and chief correspondent for Long Island News Tonight, a daily television news program (1985-86). Beginning October 1989, Cohn worked at KIRO-TV in Seattle where she was a weekend sports anchor and full-time reporter.

Cohn received a bachelor of arts degree in communications from SUNY at Oswego in 1981. As a senior at Newfield (N.Y.) High School, she served as the goalie on the boy’s ice hockey team and in college on the Oswego women’s ice hockey team."

https://jewishsportshof.org/listings/linda-cohn/

"HALL OF FAMER

Linda Cohn

SPORT: Media

INDUCTED: 2024

COUNTRY: USA

BORN: November 10, 1959

DESCRIPTION:

Broadcaster Linda Cohn has anchored ESPN's flagship program SportsCenter for more than 30 years. In 1987, she made sportscasting history by becoming the first full-time U.S. female sports anchor on a national radio network when she was hired by ABC.

She also was the first woman sports anchor for WCBS Radio from 1984-87. Her big break in TV came when she was hired by KIRO-TV in Seattle as a Sports Anchor/reporter from 1989-1992. It was there where she was discovered by ESPN and hired to host SportsCenter in July 1992 where she has been ever since.

Cohn is a 4-time Emmy award winner for hosting SportsCenter. While attending SUNY Oswego, she was a goalie on the ice hockey team and is a member of the college's athletic hall of fame. In 2003, she was inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Cohn was a recipient of the Women's Sports Foundation's prestigious sports journalism award."

Garrett Boorojian and Jim Morris discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.mlb.com/news/featured/jim-morris-story-stars-dennis-quaid-in-the-rookie

https://www.jimtherookiemorris.com/

"Jim "The Rookie" Morris Bio

Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite all his hard work and determination, a series of unfortunate events and injuries scuttled his career before he was twenty-five. Doctors told him he would never play again.

Then at age thirty-five—after a string of highly implausible events and at an age when most players are retiring—Morris found himself on the mound as a relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. His return to the game was so incredible that Disney made his story into a heartwarming film The Rookie with a stellar performance by Dennis Quaid. It was released to popular acclaim and was a huge box office success. It won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002 and the CAMIE award for Character and Morality in Entertainment.

In addition to his distinguished career as a motivational speaker, Morris is also an accomplished author. His latest book, Dream Makers, picks up where The Rookie left off. This compelling memoir delves into the previously untold chapters of his life—from a turbulent relationship with his father and a relentless struggle with pain and addiction to the profound mentorship of his wise and loving grandfather. With unwavering resolve and deep faith, Morris overcame every tribulation. Dream Makers underscores the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best and most accomplished people, inspiring readers to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

Over the course of his career, Morris has participated in prestigious events such as The Million Dollar Round Table, not once but twice, solidifying his reputation as a distinguished speaker.

In 2008, Morris received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, recognizing his dedication to making a positive impact on young lives. His passion for helping others extends beyond the stage—he founded his own non-profit, which is dedicated to helping children in underserved communities find hope and inspiration through participation in sports.

Through his words and actions, Morris continues to uplift and empower individuals around the globe, leaving a lasting legacy of encouragement and support."

Garrett Boorojian and Shelli Brunswick discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://shelli-brunswick.com/

https://councils.forbes.com/profile/Shelli-Brunswick-CEO-Founder-SB-Global-LLC/216e10a6-fa2d-4f13-b1f9-9970ac99dd52

"Shelli Brunswick

Shelli Brunswick is a globally recognized leader bridging the space community with the broader public, fostering collaboration, innovation, and transformative impact. A visionary in space technology, leadership, and entrepreneurship, she champions the power of space to drive global progress and unlock opportunities across industries. Her latest book, What’s Space Got to Do With It? 10 Life Lessons for Personal Growth, distills insights from her 35-year aerospace career and conversations with 30 global thought leaders, inspiring individuals to embrace resilience, leadership, and bold action. With a career spanning the U.S. Air Force, Space Foundation (as former COO), and now SB Global LLC, Shelli has shaped the global space ecosystem through strategic leadership, thought-provoking keynotes, and groundbreaking initiatives. A sought-after speaker at premier global forums such as the World Economic Forum, UN General Assembly Science Summit, LEAP, and the European Rover Challenge, she sparks dialogue on how space technology can address humanity’s greatest challenges. She serves as an Executive Board Member for the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) Global Women Leaders Committee, championing access to smart finance and entrepreneurial opportunities. Her commitment to sustainability has earned her recognition as one of 100 Voices for Our Planet by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She has also been named one of the Top 100 Women of the Future in Emerging Technology, reinforcing her influence as a global changemaker. As Global Chair for the G100 Space Technology & Aviation Wing, Shelli leads international collaborations that harness space innovation for a sustainable and inclusive future. Through her thought leadership, Shelli illuminates the boundless potential of space technology—not just for exploration, but as a catalyst for economic empowerment, sustainability, and a brighter future for all."

Garrett Boorojian and Stefani Booroojian discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Garrett and Stefani are distant Armenian relatives who discuss their Armenian heritage and the history of the Armenian people pre–and–post Armenian Genocide from 1915 through 1921.

From a relationship building standpoint, Stefani also spoke about her 42–year journalistic career at the NBC–affiliate KSEE24 in Fresno, California. She had the honor and privilege of a lifetime when she met and interviewed notable NBC's The Today Show journalist, Jane Pauley, whom Stefani has admired the most in the field of journalism.

Stefani, at one time, worked with two of Garrett's other guests on his podcast – Mike Hill and Wisdom Martin. Stefani, Mike, and Wisdom are all KSEE24 alumni.

During her conversation with Garrett, Stefani shared her experiences on mission trips to Armenia and explained how Armenians are "survivors" for what their people have had to endure for well over a century. Stefani and her husband, Marc Cotta, are proud parents who raised their son and daughter in Fresno. Stefani's married last name is Cotta.

Located in the San Joaquin Valley, and a city rich with its Armenian culture, Fresno is home to a large population of Armenians including one of the most famous Armenians, Pulitzer Prize and Academy Award winning William Saroyan (1908 – 1981) – an icon who both Stefani and Garrett have looked to for inspiration as fellow Armenians. Ross Bagdasarian (1919 – 1972) and Kirk Kerkorian (1917 – 2015) were also Fresno natives. Saroyan's cousin, Bagdasarian, created "Alvin and the Chipmunks," and Kerkorian was a multi–billionaire hotelier and philanthropist in Las Vegas, Nevada.

To learn more about Stefani's professional career in broadcast journalism at KSEE24, please read below.

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/author/stefani-booroojian/

"Stefani Booroojian

Stefani Booroojian anchors KSEE24 Local News That Matters at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 6:30pm. Born and raised in Fresno, she received distinguished alumni honors from Fresno City College and Fresno State. She began her career at KSEE24 as a reporter before becoming anchor of the evening newscasts.

Stefani has award-winning experience, having earned four Emmys and a number of Associated Press awards. She has enjoyed more than 40 years at the station and is proud of having participated in BuddyCheck 24 breast cancer-awareness stories and events since 1996. She has travelled to Armenia numerous times to bring back stories of local doctors’ medical missions with The Valley’s Armenia specials. Her education stories promote teachers’ and students’ characters and accomplishments."

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/digital-enterprise/hard-to-say-goodbye-stefani-booroojian-looks-back-on-42-years-with-ksee24/

"‘It’s hard to say goodbye’: Stefani Booroojian looks back on 42 years with KSEE24"

Garrett Boorojian and Sheila Nix discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Sheila has one of the most complete and accomplished professional careers in local, state, and national politics, from the campaign trail to Washington, DC. She worked for two U.S. Senators, a U.S. Governor, two U.S. Vice Presidents, two U.S. Presidents, a U.S. Second Lady, and a U.S. Secretary of Education. She has also excelled as a lawyer and in high–level executive leadership roles in the non–profit space.

Sheila has achieved relationship building in various team environments – by forming close and trusted bonds with several of the most influential political figures and executive decision makers in U.S. history.

If you're interested in a professional career in U.S. politics, then speaking with Sheila – who has a combined 36 years of political and legal insight, wisdom, and expertise – will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how her career track evolved from one role to the next, which has been a natural trajectory for her.

The Bidens, the Obamas, Kamala Harris, Bill Nelson, Bob Kerrey, Bradley Tusk, and Bono – these influential 20th and 21st centuries' leaders' lives have been positively impacted by Sheila, and vice versa.

Sheila Nix’s Professional Bio:

Chief of Staff, Vice President Kamala Harris – Biden for President
Chief Of Staff, U.S. Department of Education
President, Tusk Philanthropies
Senior Advisor, Biden for President
Chief of Staff, Second Lady of the U.S., Dr. Jill Biden – The White House
Senior Staff, Presidential Inaugural Committee
Chief of Staff, Vice President Joe Biden – Obama for America
US Executive Director, Bono's The ONE Campaign
Senior Vice–President, The Strategy Group
Deputy Governor, U.S. state of Illinois
Chief of Staff, U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Chief of Staff; Legislative Director, U.S. Senator Bob Kerrey
Associate, Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP

Garrett Boorojian and Adrienne Elrod discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://deadline.com/2025/03/adrienne-elrod-rufus-gifford-political-strategy-firm-1236326951/

"Democratic Campaign Veterans Adrienne Elrod And Rufus Gifford Launch Political And Public Affairs Strategy Firm

By Ted Johnson

March 17, 2025 2:00am

Adrienne Elrod and Rufus Gifford, who have been top strategists on Democratic campaigns and officials in recent presidential administrations, are partnering to launch a new communications, fundraising and strategy firm.

The Elrod Gifford Group will represent individual, non-profit and corporate clients, at a moment when Democrats and progressives grapple with when and how to respond to the Republican dominance at the federal level. Elrod said that the firm will work with clients to “navigate this increasingly challenging and complex world.”

Elrod most recently was senior adviser and senior spokesperson for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign and, before that, had the same position for President Joe Biden’s reelection bid. She was director of external affairs for the CHIPS program office for Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo. She also was director of surrogate strategy and operations for Biden’s 2020 campaign and had a similar role in Hillary Clinton’s 2016 bid.

Gifford was finance chair of the Harris-Walz and Biden-Harris campaigns, which raised a combined $2.2 billion. He was chief of protocol with the rank of ambassador during the Biden administration, and served as U.S. ambassador to Denmark during the second term of Barack Obama. He also has been national finance director of the Democratic National Committee and served as an aide on Obama’s 2008 campaign.

In addition to corporate and philanthropic organizations, they also want to work with political..."

https://milkeninstitute.org/events/asia-summit-2019/speakers/adrienne-elrod

"Adrienne Elrod

President, Elrod Strategies; Analyst, MSNBC

Adrienne Elrod is a seasoned political strategist with over 22 years of experience in government, communications, and campaigns. She is the President of Elrod Strategies, a communications firm focusing on communications and influencer engagement. Most recently serving as Hillary for America’s Director of Strategic Communications, Elrod oversaw the Clinton Campaign’s wide-ranging surrogate operations, deploying elected officials, civic leaders, celebrities, and other key influencers across the nation and on broadcast and digital platforms. Elrod has over a decade of experience working on Capitol Hill, including six years as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA). Elrod worked with a number of candidates at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's during the Democrats historic takeover of Congress in 2006. She began her political career in President Clinton’s Administration, and was a senior spokesperson for Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She appears regularly as a political commentator and strategist on cable news outlets including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. She received her B.A. in journalism from Texas Christian University."

Garrett Boorojian and Ken Thomas discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.wsj.com/news/author/ken-thomas

"Ken Thomas

National Political Reporter, The Wall Street Journal

Ken Thomas is a national political reporter covering the Trump administration. He has worked for The Wall Street Journal since November 2018.

Ken has covered the past four presidential campaigns and the White House under Presidents Biden, Trump and Obama. Ken previously covered national politics, presidential campaigns and the White House for the Associated Press, where he was based in Washington, D.C., Miami, and Des Moines, Iowa."

https://talkingbiznews.com/they-talk-biz-news/wsj-hires-aps-ken-thomas-as-a-reporter/

"WSJ hires AP’s Ken Thomas as a reporter

November 5, 2018

Posted by Chris Roush

Ken Thomas

The Wall Street Journal has hired Associated Press reporter Ken Thomas to cover the Democrats and the 2020 election.

He will start in mid-November.

Thomas has been a reporter for the AP since 1999. He also worked at the Charleston Daily Mail in West Virginia for a year.

Thomas holds degrees from Georgetown University and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism."

Garrett Boorojian and Wisdom Martin discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.wusa9.com/article/about-us/team-bios/wisdom-martin-get-up-dc-anchor-wusa9-bio/65-d1cfe9e7-4a0c-417b-b970-99c03b37a2bd

"Wisdom Martin | Get Up DC Anchor

Wisdom is a proud graduate of Jackson State University. He's covered news in Jackson, Mississippi, Fresno, California, North Carolina, Nashville and Atlanta.

Credit: WUSA9

Author: WUSA 9 Staff

Published: 2:52 PM EST November 21, 2023

Updated: 2:52 PM EST November 21, 2023

WASHINGTON — Wisdom Martin is the morning anchor on the WUSA 9 morning show Get Up DC 425am -7am.Martin has anchored and reported in Washington DC since 2003.

“I love everything about the DMV and I look forward to continuing to build on more than 2 decades of relationships with the viewers all over the Washington DC area.“

He has covered it all in the DMV. He was first reporter on the scene for the Emmy Award-winning live coverage of serial bank robbers in Washington. He reported live from Miami on the murder of NFL player Sean Taylor and from New Orleans, covering the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, as well as several presidential inaugurations.

Wisdom is a proud graduate of Jackson State University and has covered news and sports in Jackson Mississippi (WAPT) Fresno, California (KSEE), North Carolina (WRAL), Nashville (WKRN) and CNN in Atlanta.

Wisdom is a published author of “Pass Interference: The history of the black quarterback in the NFL”and“Conventional Wisdom” vol. 1 and 2 . When he is not working, he enjoys speaking at schools and other community events, loves to try his hand at cooking, works out at the gymand most importantly spends time with his wife and 3 kids.

You can follow Wisdom on Facebook, X and Instagram."

https://www.eastwestcenter.org/about/staff/kathryn-kitty.pilgrim

"Kathryn Pilgrim (known professionally as Kitty Pilgrim) is an award-winning broadcast journalist and thought leader on how media shapes global affairs in an increasingly interconnected world. A pioneer in cable news, she played a key role in helping build CNN into a global news powerhouse through her work as a domestic and international correspondent, as well prime time news anchor.

During her twenty-five-year tenure with the network, Kitty provided in-depth geopolitical and economic analysis, and became known as one of the top voices in television, covering foreign affairs and economic change. Her broadcasts were viewed in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. In her work as a journalist, she has traveled the world and reported on economics, politics, global climate issues, pandemics, social movements, military affairs, international conflict, genocide, revolution, international terrorism, and war. She anchored her own CNN morning show Early Edition based in Atlanta and was promoted to prime-time anchor for CNN’s 7PM broadcast, a position which she held for more than a decade. Kitty has chronicled many of the major stories of the past three decades for CNN, including the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. She was one of the first western journalists to be allowed back into Cuba in the mid 1990’s. She was one of the first network correspondents to cover domestic terrorism in America. And she was part of the CNN team that broadcast continuously during the September 11 attacks in New York.

She has interviewed countless world leaders and public figures. Along with her team at CNN, she has won multiple industry awards including an Emmy, a New York Society of Black Journalists Award, and several Overseas Press Club awards and citations. Kitty is actively involved in foreign policy, Women Peace and Security, and Arctic and Polar International Security, participating in various study groups and fellowships on those topics. She was elected to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York in 2000, and frequently moderates panels on various topics for that organization. She was a Hong Kong Journalism fellow at the East-West Center, as well as a fellow in the Korean Studies program. She has participated in many conferences and events at the institution. Pilgrim was a fellow at the Salzburg Global Seminar in Austria, in a program on Asian-Pacific security. She served on the U.S Board of Directors of the Paris-based organization Reporters Without Borders.

Kitty is a frequent speaker on how media and broadcast news shapes public opinion and also the issue of press freedom. She has served as a featured speaker in The New York Times TEDx talk series and at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, DC. She holds a BA from Manhattanville University and has served on the board of that college. She gave the commencements address in 2012 and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters. She holds a master’s in international and public affairs from Columbia University in NYC. In 2024 she completed a Graduate Certificate in International Security from Harvard Extension School. She currently teaches Women Peace and Security, and Leadership Communications at Manhattanville University. In her free time, Kitty writes mystery novels. She has authored three thriller novels and was first published in 2011 by Scribner, a division of Simon and Schuster in New York. She frequently speaks at book events around the country..."

Notes: Presidents Reagan, Lincoln, and Jefferson said in their own words how America is the "best hope" and "great hope."

Garrett spoke of the information / digital age, in the modern context of 1994, regarding the World Wide Web's rapid expansion.

Garrett Boorojian and Arshi Siddiqui discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.bellwetherga.com/about

https://cof.org/person/arshi-siddiqui

"Arshi Siddiqui

Bellwether Government Affairs

Founder & CEO

During the course of her career, Arshi has gained invaluable experience at leading institutions in Washington, with nearly 15 years as a partner at a top law firm and her time as a senior staffer on Capitol Hill, which included working for House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), navigating the House Ways and Means Committee, and serving as policy advisor to various members of Congress and campaigns. During her tenure in the Hill, she worked to develop and advance a broad range of policy priorities, collaborating closely with relevant committees, members of Congress, Senate leadership and the Administration. Click the arrow to read more.

Her efforts contributed to the enactment of several major bills, including:

The bipartisan economic stimulus bill negotiated with the Bush administration and a breakthrough compromise on free trade agreements that helped pave the way for bipartisanship on the trade agenda.
Former President Obama’s economic recovery package following the 2009 financial crisis.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA).

While on the Hill, she focused on issues related to tax, international trade, innovation, health care, financial services and retirement, which also required her to help develop compelling messaging and stakeholder campaigns to promote various policy initiatives.

Arshi holds a B.S. in Economics and Political Science from the University of California, Davis, and a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center."

Garrett Boorojian and Susan Hendricks discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Garrett and Susan, a former CNN / HLN Anchor, spoke about their respective professional career backgrounds and what relationship building means to each of them in a team environment; their New Jersey roots; their fathers who are lawyers; Garrett's interest to start his own podcast; how the advent of technology allows for people to connect, relationship build, and find common ground; how to address "negativity" and "criticism" toward one's opinions online; the high-profile criminal cases Susan has covered over the years to present day; the unique and meaningful relationships Susan has formed, in order to be a source of healing and light, with those who have suffered significant tragedies; Susan's longtime connection with Basketball of Famer Charles Barkley and story about how she and her son, Jack, met ESPN Journalist Stephen A. Smith; Susan's love for her family and motherhood; and several other key topics.

Susan Hendricks | Hachette Book Group

"Susan Hendricks

About the Author

Veteran CNN and HLN journalist Susan Hendricks anchored the network’s live news program Weekend Express from 2016 to December 2022. Among her many assignments at HLN, Hendricks anchored extensive coverage on the Delphi double murder investigation including the special report, “Delphi Murders: Teen Girls’ Killer in Custody?” along with retired veteran cold case investigator Paul Holes.

Hendricks also anchored the “Gabby Petito Investigation: Where is the Fugitive Fiance?” Susan recently sat down for a one on one exclusive interview with Gabby Petito’s father Joe Petito, who shared the struggles he and his family have gone through and the action they are taking to change laws and make it easier for the families of missing loved ones. Additionally, Hendricks delivered news updates for 5 years on Anderson Coopers CNN primetime show, AC360. Prior to joining CNN/HLN, she served as a morning news anchor at NBC affiliate station WMIR-TV, and a reporter at ABC affiliate KESQ-TV, both in Palm Springs, CA. Raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey, Hendricks attended the Hun School of Princeton and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from Arizona State University. She resides in Atlanta with her husband, Joe, and two children, Emery and Jack."

Garrett Boorojian and Larry Rothschild discuss relationship building in a team environment.

A Chicago native, Larry explained how Major League Baseball has changed with analytics but relationship building has stayed the same. Larry agrees with Joe Maddon that there's a place for analytics, but it can't dominate the game to the point where it significantly hinders the development of coaches and players from the minors to the majors. Throughout his professional career as a coach and manager, Larry enjoyed coaching / mentoring players individually, in a one–to–one relationship building capacity, within the culture of an organization (i.e. MLB franchise).

Whether it's pitching or hitting, Larry provides a break down of what he believes MLB franchises now emphasize as a barometer of success – which Larry believes is the wrong approach. Larry says it shouldn't be about who can hit the most home runs or who can throw the fastest pitch – because that leads to serious and unnecessary players' injuries and shorter careers. Hence, Larry believes there’s an overall negative effect on Major League Baseball.

Larry is a true historian of the game – Whether it was coaching under legendary managers Lou Piniella and Jim Leyland, or managing the Devil Rays and some of the game's greatest hitters from Wade Boggs to Fred McGriff, Larry is another MLB legend who's had a front row seat to baseball history.

"Larry, welcome to the Yankees, it's great to have you here." – When Derek Jeter stopped taking ground balls, and walked over to shake Larry's hand after Larry joined the Yankees in 2011.

Larry:

Won the 1990 World Series as the MLB Bullpen Coach for the Cincinnati Reds.
Won the 1997 World Series as the MLB Pitching Coach for the Florida Marlins.
Was the first MLB Manager in Tampa Bay Devil Rays’ history from 1998 to 2001.
Was the MLB Pitching Coach for the New York Yankees from 2011 to 2019.
Was an MLB Pitcher for the Detroit Tigers.
Played baseball collegiately at Florida State University.
Coached in MLB for the Reds, Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Yankees, and San Diego Padres.
Was in uniform when MLB’s Wade Boggs, Derek Jeter, and Alex Rodriguez each hit a home run for their respective 3,000th MLB hits.

Garrett Boorojian and Joe Maddon discuss relationship building in a team environment.

On relationship building: "It means everything." – Joe Maddon

Joe's feedback about his conversation with Garrett: "Thanks Garrett, great preparation, I really appreciate that too and good luck with the number 61."

Specifically, Garrett and Joe had an incredible conversation (Episode 60) about his (Joe's) youth / upbringing in Hazleton, Pennsylvania; growth, development, and leadership in baseball – as a player, coach, and World Series Manager and Champion; mentors / role models in the game; special connections with Joe Namath and fellow coaches and players over the decades; team–first attitude and innovative approach / philosophy to the game, and thoughts regarding the evolution of today's development of MLB coaches and players; personal views regarding the role of analytics today that Joe knew so much about back in the 1990s; Tampa Bay Rays' "Game 162" in 2011; Joe's great respect for baseball writers / journalists; Respect 90 Foundation partnered with his former Executive Director Rick Vaughn; Hazleton Integration Project; podcast and “The Book of Joe” that Joe co–wrote with Tom Verducci; etc.

Garrett truly appreciated all of Joe's insight and wisdom, about baseball and life, for Garrett and his audience to listen to and learn from Joe.

In his final words in their interview about relationship building in a team environment, Joe said "listening skills to [him] are so underrated and not spoken about enough."

After the interview, off–line, Joe flipped his camera around and showed Garrett the picturesque Thomas Kinkade–like scene overlooking Joe's backyard in Hazleton. Garrett and Joe looked out in the distance beyond Joe's golf course. Joe wanted Garrett to see what he was seeing during their interview. When they met at the Tampa Baseball Museum at the Al Lopez House, Joe recommended to Garrett that their interview take place when Joe was back in Hazleton because he loves the environment ("setup") there. Joe mentioned that he was growing tomatoes in his garden and loves Italian cuisine. Garrett's wife, Angela, and son, Peter, are Italian Catholic like Joe – hence another quality Joe’s and Garrett's families have in common. Joe then played a full morning of golf after their interview.

When this interview occurred on the morning of May 8th, 2025, it was just a few short hours before a new pope (Pope Leo) was chosen as the first American pope in history – and who grew up in Chicago!

Given that Joe is Italian Catholic, and that he led the Chicago Cubs to a World Series Championship in 2016 (that broke the 108–year drought for the Cubs), it certainly was meant to be for Garrett to interview Joe on the same day that Pope Leo made his first public appearance to the world from the Vatican.

Garrett Boorojian and Rick Vaughn discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Tampa Spring Training Tales, Florida: Rick Vaughn: 9781467156363: Sports: Paperback – Arcadia Publishing

"Tampa Spring Training Tales

Major League Memories

By Rick Vaughn

Publication Date: 11th March 2024

Since 1913, Tampa has provided the background for some of the Major League Baseball's most iconic spring moments led, of course, by the longest home run of Babe Ruth's career. Tampa was the scene of the Grapefruit League's first no-hitter and the only spring time All-star Game. It was the first gathering place of the Big Red Machine and the Core Four. Well over 125 Hall of Famers honed their craft among the city's three major league ballparks: Plant Field, Al Lopez Field and Steinbrenner Field..."

"Rick Vaughn is a veteran in the sports communications field having served more than 30 with baseball’s Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays and the NFL’s Washington Redskins. He served as the lead PR executive for the closing of Baltimore’s beloved Memorial Stadium and the opening of the iconic Oriole Park at Camden Yards, and the launch of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays expansion franchise and its rebranding to Rays in 2008. He is presently the executive director of Los Angeles Angels Manager Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation."

Garrett Boorojian and Ken Khachigian discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Ken-Khachigian/219269121

https://www.reaganandnixon.com/bio

https://www.reaganandnixon.com/

"Behind Closed Doors

In the Room with Reagan & Nixon

Available Now

InBehind Closed Doors: In the Room with Reagan & Nixon, White House history is revealed like never before by Ken Khachigian as an eyewitness with two unprecedented perspectives: a unique, contemporary hands-on account of Ronald Reagan’s presidency and an exclusive chronicle of Richard Nixon’s emergence and political footprint in the first months and years after his resignation. Behind Closed Doors flows with insights, anecdotes and disclosures that reveal these men and their presidencies as never before.

Ken Khachigian – trusted adviser, counselor and speechwriter to the Cold War’s presidential lions – brings readers behind the scenes as his bosses navigated crises, confronted opponents and staked their legacies. This intimate, riveting book takes you inside the Oval Office, Air Force One, Camp David and the Western White House as Khachigian opens his diaries, secret memos, and contemporaneous notes to share untold history.

Get the insider’s view of the West Wing every moment of the week leading up to the day Richard Nixon resigned, then go to Nixon’s San Clemente home as the former president worked to rebuild his shattered reputation. Witness as Nancy Reagan emerges as critical partner, and even fierce challenger, to her husband. And learn of Nixon’s secret advice to Reagan, of Reagan’s preparation to meet with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, and the first-ever account of the exchange at Reagan and Nixon’s private meeting when both were former presidents. Eavesdrop on the dramatic decisions of the 1980 and ’84 presidential campaigns and be the first to know precisely how Reagan viewed his Revolution’s crusade.

Khachigian provides a fascinating glimpse behind Pennsylvania Avenue’s iron gates and secretive oaken doors as he also exposes self-serving power-grabs, betrayals and intrigues that shrouded the capital’s halls."

Garrett Boorojian and Michele Steele discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Michele Steele - ESPN Press Room U.S.

"Michele Steele

Studio Anchor, Reporter

Michele Steele is a correspondent for ESPN based in Chicago. A versatile journalist, she has covered some of the biggest stories both in the Midwest and nationally for SportsCenter, NFL Live, Outside the Lines and ESPN’s digital platforms. She also currently serves as a fill-in anchor for ESPN’s franchise program, SportsCenter.

Over her career at ESPN, she has been based out of the Bristol, Boston and currently Chicago bureaus and interviewed some of most prominent figures in sports including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NFL owners Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones, and many of the game’s best players and coaches. She has served as the event reporter for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, the Warrior Games and ESPN Radio’s NFL game coverage.

In 2025, Michelle was named President of AAJA Sports’ Sports Task Force, where she leads efforts to grow the sports media landscape, foster collaboration and representation, and engage broader audiences.

Prior to joining ESPN in 2011, Steele was an anchor for Bloomberg Television and the network’s first full-time sports reporter. She started her career in sports covering Tiger Woods for Bloomberg TV in 2009, ultimately following his return to The Masters that year.

A native of Chicago, she is a member of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA), the Alliance Francaise and the Young Professionals group of the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. In 2019, she was recognized by ESPN in its “Volunteer of the Year” awards among employees for her work with Special Olympics and Unified Sports.

Steele earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Science in journalism from Columbia University. She speaks fluent French and conversational Tagalog, the language of the Philippines."

Charles "Chuck" Todd | GW Alumni Association | The George Washington University

Biography

Chuck Todd is NBC News’ political director and the moderator of the #1 rated Sunday public affairs program, Meet the Press. Todd is a primary anchor for the network’s primetime political and election programming and spearheads NBC News’ political coverage across all its platforms and flagship news programs.

Todd was named moderator of Meet the Press in 2014 and the program has since become the #1 rated Sunday public affairs show for five straight years and won the 2019-2020 broadcast season across the board for the fourth season in a row.

In 2015, Todd took the success of the Sunday program to MSNBC with MTP Daily airing at 1 p.m. on weekdays.

As moderator, Todd has brought the longest-running show in television history into the modern age by expanding to streaming, digital and podcasting. The Chuck ToddCast, published each Wednesday, features interviews with top reporters from the nation’s capital and exclusive sit-down interviews.

Over the last five years, the annual Meet the Press Film Festival with the American Film Institute has showcased over 85 issue-based short documentary films from more than six countries, including over a dozen Oscar® and Emmy® nominations and the 2020 Oscar winner for Best Documentary Short Subject, Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (If You’re A Girl).

In 2020, Meet the Press also made its debut on NBC News’ streaming platform, NBC News NOW, with Meet the Press Reports. The 30-minute program focuses on a single topic explored through the Meet the Press lens. In its first season, Meet the Press Reports with Chuck Todd led viewers through deep-dives on pivotal election issues, historical moments and under-reported political issues with long-form interviews, expert discussions, historical archives, and more.

During the 2020 presidential election cycle, Todd co-moderated two of the network’s presidential primary debates. The first in June 2019, hosted by NBC News, MSNBC and Telemundo, set records as the most-watched Democratic presidential debate in history with 18.1 million viewers and nine million live stream viewers. Then, in February 2020, the network broke records once again with the most-watched Democratic debate ever, averaging nearly 20 million total viewers and 13.5 million live stream viewers. In 2016, he also co-moderated a Democratic primary debate with MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow.

Prior to taking the helm of Meet the Press, Todd served as NBC News chief White House correspondent, traveling around the world with President Obama and reporting on the main pillars of his presidency, including the passage of the Affordable Care Act. From 2010 to 2014, Todd also hosted MSNBC’s The Daily Rundown, featuring daily interviews with top congressional members.

In 2009, Todd co-authored with Sheldon Gawiser the definitive election result analysis book for the 2008 presidential campaign, titled How Barack Obama Won. His second book, The Stranger: Barack Obama in the White House, was released in November 2014.

In 2007, Tim Russert, then-Washington bureau chief and Meet the Press moderator, recruited Todd to join NBC News as the network’s political director. Prior to joining NBC News, Todd worked at the National Journal’s “The Hotline” for 15 years, serving for six of those years as the editor-in-chief.

He has been named “The Most Powerful Journalist in Washington” by GQ as part of the magazine's “50 Most Powerful People in Washington” list.

Todd is a native of Miami and currently resides in Arlington, Va. with his wife, Kristian, and two children.

Garrett Boorojian and George Smith discuss relationship building in a team environment.

George Smith | WOODTV.com

"George Smith

Follow https://x.com/georgesmithtv

George Smith joined News 8 Daybreak as an anchor in August 2024.

He is no stranger to the Midwest. George’s broadcast career includes working for television stations in Cleveland, Chicago, and Madison, Wisconsin. His passion for news runs deep, but he’s also had the opportunity to work in sports, including 10 years as a correspondent for ESPN for “SportsCenter” and “Outside the Lines.”

George graduated from Columbia University’s School of Journalism and studied at Phillips Academy Andover and Oberlin College. He’s a member of the Oberlin College Heisman Club Board, which supports the athletic department.

When he’s not at the desk, Smith enjoys working out and playing golf. He’s traveled to 49 states (only missing Alaska) and has two children.

Catch George with Teresa Weakley, Tom Hillen and Matt Kirkwood on News 8 Daybreak weekdays from 4:30 a.m. to 7 a.m."

Garrett Boorojian and John Anderson discuss relationship building in a team environment.

John Anderson ESPN Joins Mizzou School of Journalism Faculty

John Anderson - Mizzou School of Journalism

"John Anderson

Professional Practice Professor

Endowed Chairs, Journalism Professions

Leonard H. Goldenson Endowed Chair in Radio and Television Journalism

205 Reynolds Journalism Institute Missouri School of Journalism Columbia, MO 65211

(573) 882-2360

John Anderson joined the University of Missouri School of Journalism’s faculty in January of 2025 after 25 years anchoring SportsCenter, ESPN’s signature news and information program.

Prior to ESPN, Anderson worked for local news stations in Phoenix, Arizona and Tulsa, Oklahoma. He began his career at KOMU-TV in Columbia, Missouri.

Anderson graduated from Mizzou in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. He was a four-year member of the men’s track team, competing in high jump, and captained the squad his senior season.

Anderson also spent seven seasons as co-host of Wipeout, an extreme obstacle-course series on ABC.

A 4-time Emmy award winner, Anderson has broadcast some of the world’s premier sporting events including: The Olympic Games (Track & Field, Opening and Closing ceremonies), The NFL Super Bowl, NBA Finals, MLB All-Star Game, The Final Four, U.S. Open Golf Championships, The Open Championship (British Open), The Rose Parade, World & USA Track & Field Championships, NYC Marathon, Boston Marathon as well as numerous NCAA Championships and Bowl Games.

He has been recognized for his work on behalf of the University with the Mizzou Faculty-Alumni Award, The CASE District VI Volunteer of the Year Award and the Golden Quill Alumni Excellence Award.

Since 2003 he has sponsored the ESPN/Mizzou internship that sends one journalism student to Bristol, Connecticut every summer.

In 2024 Anderson was inducted into Missouri Sports Hall of Fame."

Garrett Boorojian and George Mumford discuss relationship building in a team environment.

About | George Mumford

"George Mumford’s deeply moving personal story is unforgettable. An aspiring basketball player at the University of Massachusetts (where he roomed with Dr. J, Julius Erving), injuries forced Mumford out of the game he loved. The medications that relieved the pain of his injuries also numbed him to the emptiness he felt without the game and eventually led him to heroin.

After years of making meditation on and off the cushion the center of his life and getting clean, Mumford enrolled in Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program and collaborated with him to create the Inner-city Stress Reduction Clinic in the early nineties.

When Michael Jordan left the Chicago Bulls to play baseball in 1993, the team was in crisis. Coach Phil Jackson, a long-time mindfulness practitioner, contacted Dr. Kabat-Zinn to find someone who could teach mindfulness techniques to the struggling team—someone who would have credibility and could speak the language of his players. Kabat-Zinn led Jackson to Mumford and their partnership began.

Mumford has worked with Jackson and many of the teams he coached to become NBA champions. His roster of champion clients has since blossomed way beyond basketball to include corporate executives, Olympians, and athletes in many different sports."

Books | George Mumford

Unlocked | George Mumford

"Introducing My New Book

Unlocked

Embrace Your Greatness; Find The Flow; Discover Success

George Mumford is a world-renowned psychologist and mindfulness performance expert who has helped superstars such as Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant transform their careers. In Unlocked, he offers proven strategies for unleashing our innate strengths, avoiding burnout, and discovering enduring success."

The Mindful Athlete Book | George Mumford

"‘The Mindful Athlete’ Book

The Mindful Athlete

By George Mumford

Michael Jordan credits George Mumford with transforming his on-court leadership of the Bulls, helping Jordan lead the team to six NBA championships.

Mumford also helped Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Lamar Odom and countless other NBA players turn around their games. A widely respected public speaker and coach, Mumford is sharing his own story and the strategies that have made these athletes into stars in The Mindful Athlete: The Secret to Pure Performance. His proven, gentle but groundbreaking mindfulness techniques can transform the performance of anyone with a goal, be they an Olympian, weekend warrior, executive, hacker, or artist.

With a charismatic teaching style that combines techniques of engaged mindfulness with lessons from popular culture avatars such as Yoda, Indiana Jones, and Bruce Lee, Mumford tells illuminating stories about his larger than life clients. His writing is down-to-earth and easy to understand and apply. The Mindful Athlete is an engrossing story and an invaluable resource for anyone looking to elevate their game, no matter what the pursuit."

Garrett Boorojian and Joe Seldner discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Joseph Seldner - Stanford Distinguished Careers Institute

"Joseph Seldner

Writer/Producer; Founder, Senior Poverty Prevention Project Princeton, NJ

Joseph Seldner has more than 35 years of experience in journalism, entertainment and non-profits. He began his career as a journalist, earning a Pulitzer Prize nomination, then moved to the entertainment world, at Columbia Pictures, then as creative executive for Tom Hanks, and later producing the HBO film “61” (Billy Crystal, director) and other independent projects, and starting the news department for the largest cable TV company in the country.*

Returning East to raise his young children as a single dad (his best work), Joe served as a speechwriter to a governor, wrote a screenplay about a woman who spent ten years in a Texas prison for a murder she didn’t commit, and continued to write about a wide range of topics, from politics to social issues to parenting, for several publications. He continues to develop film and television projects. Joe has taught seminars on screenwriting and idea development, been a speaker at film festivals, and worked with dozens of actors and producers.

Keenly aware of the massive but largely overlooked issue of senior poverty, he founded the non-profit Senior Poverty Prevention Project, aimed at raising awareness of this issue that affects millions of people over 50 in America who have no money saved for the many years they may yet have to live.

In 2013, Joe climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, has played touch football weekly – and weakly – since 1995, and is always seeking new challenges and adventures. He has an MBA from Yale, and degrees in journalism and psychology from Columbia, and is the proud father of two and grandfather of three."

Garrett Boorojian and Terance Mathis discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Terance's relationship with his family, especially his late mother, and the relationships he forged during his football playing days and post–NFL career, make Terance an elite relationship builder admired by so many of his peers, friends, and fans in the state of Georgia, across the country, and around the world.

A native of the state of Georgia, Terance went to college out of state and played for the University of New Mexico Lobos where he was named Third–team All–American in 1987 and Consensus All–American in 1989. Terance went on to have a very successful career in the National Football League, where he played for the New York Jets, Atlanta Falcons, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

As a Falcon, Terance was selected to play in the 1994 Pro Bowl (and was Second–team All–Pro that year) and a few years later played in Super Bowl 33 on January 31, 1999. In this historic game, against future Pro Football Hall of Famers John Elway, Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe, Steve Atwater and their Super Bowl Champion Denver Broncos, Terance caught the first touchdown pass in Atlanta Falcons' Super Bowl history (a 3–yard touchdown pass thrown by quarterback Chris Chandler).

Terance finished his notable NFL career with 689 receptions, 8,809 receiving yards, 12.8 yards per catch, and 63 receiving touchdowns in 206 career games (130 career starts). He had three 1000–yard seasons – and his longest receiving touchdown was 81 yards. Terance had 11 touchdown catches in two of those 1000–yard seasons (1994 and 1998). In 1994, he had 111 receptions, and in 1998, he averaged 17.8 yards per catch. Terance is tied for second in NFL history with six successful two–point conversion catches.

Terance's three most memorable games, according to Terance:

1) As a New York Jet (1990) – Returning a 98–yard punt return for a touchdown, which is tied for fourth in NFL history for longest punt return touchdown. The Jets won the game, 24–9, in Week 9.

2) As an Atlanta Falcon (1995) – Catching a 37–yard touchdown, which allowed the Falcons to take the lead and beat the San Francisco 49ers 28–27 in Week 17. The Falcons completed their 9–7 regular season with a win against the 49ers to get into the playoffs.

3) As an Atlanta Falcon (1998) – Catching a 16–yard touchdown, which allowed the Falcons to force and win in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game.

Terance previously coached at Savannah State University, Pinecrest Academy (Georgia), Blessed Trinity High School (Georgia), and Fellowship Christian School (Georgia). He's currently the head coach at Morehouse College.

As a College Football Hall of Famer, New Mexico Sports Hall of Famer, Georgia Sports Hall of Famer, former collegiate and professional football player, former high school and current college football coach, philanthropist, husband, father, friend, and man of strong faith, Terance Mathis has proven time and time again why he’s an elite relationship builder in a team environment.

Garrett Boorojian and Michael Lombardi discuss relationship building in a team environment.

"I think the only form of currency that matters today is, are you willing to share your knowledge." – Michael Lombardi

Garrett interviewed Michael prior to Michael becoming the General Manager of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Football program. Michael joins head coach Bill Belichick who'll lead the Tar Heels with a five-year deal starting in 2025. Full circle: Bill’s father, Stephen Belichick, was an Assistant Coach for a few seasons at North Carolina in the 1950s when Bill was a toddler.

When Garrett interviewed Michael on October 27, 2023, Garrett asked Michael where would he like to be five years into the future? Little did Michael, Garrett, and the international sports world know that on December 11, 2024, Bill (as Head Coach) and Michael (as General Manager) would officially join the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Football program to lead the Heels starting in the 2025 season. Garrett's alma mater is UNC–Chapel Hill.

https://vsin.com/college-football/vsin-host-michael-lombardi-leaving-to-join-bill-belichick-at-university-of-north-carolina/

"Vienna waits for you." – Michael quoted the famous Billy Joel

Michael has won three Super Bowls (one with the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers as a Scout for then–Head Coach Bill Walsh, and two with the NFL’s New England Patriots as an Assistant to then–Head Coach Bill Belichick).

Listeners and viewers will enjoy learning about the coaching tree of several of the all–time legendary coaches and some of the league's greatest players and Hall of Famers who directly and indirectly, positively, impacted Michael's life and vice versa.

When Bill spoke with NBC Sports Boston's Tom E. Curran (2016) about Michael's time working with Bill at the Patriots:

"Mike's...one of the smartest people I've worked with. He was huge asset to me for the two years he was here...he studies football and he knows it very well."

https://www.nbcsportsboston.com/nfl/new-england-patriots/former-pats-exec-lombardi-critical-of-gronk-others/382612/

Michael, and another legendary football coach Nick Saban (seven–time national champion), first worked with Bill as a part of Bill’s coaching staff at the NFL’s Cleveland Browns. Many years later, Michael would then serve as the General Manager of the Browns. Nick coached alongside Bill's father, Stephen Belichick, for one year at Navy.

The great and iconic George Raveling is brought up multiple times by a few of Garrett's guests, including by Michael Lombardi, throughout Garrett’s podcast series.

https://coachgeorgeraveling.com/

Michael, George, and Kimati Ramsey co-founded “The Daily Coach.”

https://www.thedaily.coach

Michael wrote Gridiron Genius: A Master Class in Winning Championships and Building Dynasties in the NFL and Football Done Right: Setting the Record Straight on the Coaches, Players, and History of the NFL.

Michael’s career in football has spanned 44 years (collegiate and professional levels combined). Born in Ocean City, New Jersey, he played collegiate football at Hofstra University. Michael is married to Millie, and they have two children Matt and Mick.

Garrett Boorojian and Jennifer Lynne Williams discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Jennifer Lynne Williams - USA Basketball

"Former Alabama State University director of athletics Jennifer Lynne Williams was announced on May 25, 2021, as the chief development officer of the USA Basketball Foundation. Williams will begin her duties on July 1.

As chief development officer of the USA Basketball Foundation, Williams is responsible for all aspects of the USA Basketball Foundation, including developing a holistic fundraising platform to support various USA Basketball national team programs and youth and sport development initiatives.

Named on Oct. 10, 2018, the director of intercollegiate athletics at Alabama State University, she previously served as Alabama State’s interim athletic director and deputy athletic director for the 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.

During her time at ASU, the Hornets experienced tremendous success, with athletic teams winning 43 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) championships, three consecutive commissioner cups and two conference academic awards for the highest GPA under her leadership.

Williams spent four years (2012-16) at North Carolina A&T State University as the associate athletic director for development and executive director of the Aggie Athletic Foundation. While there, Williams oversaw all giving initiatives for athletics, while overseeing the athletics marketing department. She also was the liaison between IMG Sports Properties and the department of athletics. In 2014, the Aggie Athletic Foundation was recognized as a model booster organization by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

Williams also worked at DePaul University as the assistant director of development for athletics (2009-12) and worked in development and marketing for Women Leaders in College Sports (formerly the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators).

Williams was named the 2018 Women Leaders in College Sports Division I (FCS) Administrator of the Year and was selected by her alma mater, North Carolina Central University, as a 40-under-40 Class of 2016 honoree, recognizing young NCCU alumni who have made significant contributions in the arts, entertainment, healthcare, sciences, education, law, business, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, public service or government.

A four-year letterman and two-year captain in women’s basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Williams began her professional career as a reporter for the Tar Heel Sports Network and as a production assistant for Fox Sports South.

The Detroit native earned her bachelor’s degree as a double major in journalism and African American history at North Carolina, and a master’s degree in athletic administration from NCCU, where she graduated magna cum laude.

In 2018 Williams was appointed to the NCAA Division I Council, where she served on the Football Oversight Committee as part of her council duties; and was an executive committee member of the National Association of Athletic Development Directors (NAADD).

She also served on the Women Leaders in College Sports Board of Directors, the NCAA Board of Governors Committee to Promote Cultural Diversity and Equity, the Black AD Alliance, and the Black Coaches United Board of Directors."

Garrett Boorojian and Matt Doherty discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Doherty Coaching

"Meet Coach Doherty

Matt Doherty is a nationally recognized motivational speaker, best-selling author, media personality, and executive coach. His season with New to the Street on Bloomberg TV aired in 2023-2024. He currently appears weekly on The FirstTV and WBT Charlotte.

In addition to his keynotes and trainings, he guides corporations, C-suite managers, sales executives, and sports coaches to develop their leadership skills, culture and team dynamics.

As a starter of the 1982 National Championship team with Michael Jordan at UNC, he began his leadership journey under the legendary Dean Smith. He went on to be the Head Coach at Notre Dame and North Carolina, and in 2001 led the team to the ACC Regular Season Championship and was named the AP National Coach of the Year. Coach Doherty also was the Head Coach at FAU and SMU, in addition to working with ESPN, the Indiana Pacers, and the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Coach Doherty's mission is to “Learn & Grow" every day. His leadership journey took him to the UVA Darden School of Business and The Wharton School.

Coach is committed to sharing universal teachings and lessons from the basketball court to the boardroom, all with actionable ideas that will work for you.

He will provide the game plan, the rest is up to you."

Garrett Boorojian and Jeannine Edwards discuss relationship building in a team environment.

https://www.espnfrontrow.com/2017/12/cotton-bowl-marks-end-jeannine-edwards-remarkable-career/amp/

"Cotton Bowl marks end of Jeannine Edwards’ remarkable career

Edwards was hired by ESPN as a horse racing analyst in 1995, then later branched into college football and basketball sideline reporting. She added general reporting nine years ago and later became a fulltime SportsCenter bureau reporter."

"There have been so many stories and interviews that Edwards found it hard to pick career highlights. But she said the opportunity to cover Duke versus North Carolina in basketball, Ohio State versus Michigan in football and American Pharoah’s Triple Crown win are all very memorable, especially the interview she did with Bob Baffert, American Pharoah’s trainer."

"Another memorable assignment was Shaquille O’Neal’s retirement, for which the announcement took place in O’Neal’s home, and the NBA star photo-bombed Edwards’ live shot by dancing through in his pajamas."

Garrett Boorojian and Larry Beil discuss relationship building in a team environment.

Larry Beil Bio:

Larry Beil | ABC7 KGO News Team - ABC7 San Francisco (abc7news.com)

"At a fairly young age, it became clear that my dreams of playing point guard in the NBA or tailback in the NFL were a longshot. So I decided the next best thing would be talking about sports. I started my journalism career at the University of Hawaii, working on the student newspaper and campus radio station. Through my years in the islands, I covered everything from erupting volcanoes to sumo wrestling, to play-by-play of my beloved UH Warriors. I moved to Northern California just in time to experience the 1989 earthquake and was actually driving through the Caldecott Tunnel during the quake (it didn't move an inch, by the way). After 5 1/2 years at KTVU, I left for ESPN and spent the next 6 years hosting SportsCenter alongside Robin Roberts, Keith Olbermann and Dan Patrick to name a few. People always ask why I would ever leave national television to return to local TV, but for me, it was all about location and lifestyle. So, in 2001, I happily returned to the Bay Area to work for ABC7 News. When I'm not working, you can find me working out or naturally, watching sports. The P-90x DVD workout series is a favorite because it feels so good once it's over. Follow me on Twitter for news and sports updates. If you ever have a story idea, or thoughts on what we're covering, tell me about it on Facebook. Larry Beil co-anchors ABC7 News weekdays at 4 p.m. He also covers sports for ABC7 News weekdays at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. During basketball season, you'll see him co-host ABC7's post-game show, "After the Game." Larry has been with ABC7 News since 2001."

Garrett Boorojian interviewed Kevin Negandhi about relationship building in a team environment.

Source: https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/kevin-negandhi/

"Kevin Negandhi is an anchor for the 6 p.m. ET SportsCenter. In 2017, he joined the ESPN on ABC College Football studio team.

In addition to being a part of an Emmy nominated SportsCenter, Negandhi has hosted NFL Live, Baseball Tonight, Outside the Lines, College Football Live, NBA Tonight and the women’s NCAA basketball Final Four. Negandhi has also hosted the Special Olympics World Games since 2015. He has been a part of special projects that include co-hosting SportsCenter’s Veterans Day specials and in 2015, he was awarded the Team ESPN Disney Volunteer Commentator of the Year. Negandhi joined ESPN in 2006.

Prior to ESPN, Negandhi worked as a sports director at WWSB-TV in Sarasota, FL. While working in Florida, he won three Associated Press awards — “Best Sports Cast” in 2004 and 2005 and “Best Breaking Sports News” in 2005. Prior to that, he was a sports director for KTVO-TV in Kirksville, Mo. (1998-99). Negandhi began his career as a college sports stringer at USA Today in 1995.

A native of Phoenixville, Pa., he graduated from Temple University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He was inducted in Temple’s School of Media and Communications Hall of Fame. Negandhi is the first Indian-American to serve on a national sports network."

Garrett Boorojian and Peggy Grande talk about relationship building in a team environment.

Peggy speaks fondly of her time as former President Ronald Reagan's Executive Assistant to Reagan's Chief of Staff and then directly Reagan's Executive Assistant during the first 10 out of the former President's 15 years of his post—presidency.

As a recent college graduate from Pepperdine University, in 1989, Peggy embarked on a unique and an incredible journey that led her to be an integral part of the former President's inner circle of staff members and assistants who served on behalf of the former President — managing his office's communications strategy while planning and coordinating his public and private events and meetings at home and abroad. From a relationship building in a team environment perspective, they, including Peggy, were several of the former President's closest confidants and became like family members to him and former First Lady Nancy Reagan.

Peggy, for the majority of her 20s and early 30s, became a widely—recognizable figure in American politics by working alongside one of the greatest American presidents and leaders of the 20th century and in American history.

On my podcast, Peggy discusses her book, "The President Will See You Now," and highlights consequential events she witnessed, lessons she learned, and wisdom she gained in a post—presidential capacity as former President Reagan's Executive Assistant. Peggy also talks about her love and devotion for America; what makes America a great nation of "We the People;” former President Reagan's and former First Lady Nancy Reagan's impacts on America as well as Peggy's and her family's lives; and Peggy's own family's support of, and influence on, her career.

Furthermore, from sports, media, and business perspectives, Peggy explains the significant influence former President Reagan had in these realms as a youth, as a young adult, and as a President — always exuding confidence and courage as a natural born leader and team builder of relationships.

Former President Reagan grew up as a Democrat in Illinois and evolved as a Republican in his later years in California. He supported former U.S. Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman from the early 1930s through the early 1950s. Yet, during U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Administration, once Reagan left his Hollywood acting career behind and served as a two—time President of the Screen Actors Guild, his political preference already shifted toward conservatism as a Republican. It was in the late 1960s through the mid—1970s when he made a national name for himself as Governor of California and then in the 1980s on the world stage as President of the United States.

From former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Margaret Thatcher to former Prime Minister of Canada Brian Mulroney, from Pope John Paul II to Mother Theresa, Peggy greatly admired how former President Reagan was widely revered by his contemporaries around the globe.

The former President passed away after a long and hard—fought battle of Alzheimer’s disease on June 5, 2004, at the age of 93 in Los Angeles, California. Even 20 years after his passing, former President Reagan’s calls for strength, peace, patriotism, and unity still reverberate both near and far — and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Peggy Grande's Professional Career Roles:

Executive Assistant to the 40th President of the United States of America, Ronald Reagan – Post Presidency (1989 – 1999)
Author of "The President Will See You Now"
Keynote Speaker
Project Manager
Executive Consultant
Leadership Trainer
Political Commentator

Peggy Grande's Academic Career:

Pepperdine University – Bachelor's Degree, Communications and Business

Garrett Boorojian and Christopher Helfrich talk about relationship building in a team environment.

Christopher's Professional Background:

President and CEO of Stephen and Ayesha Curry's Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation
CEO of Starlight Children's Foundation
Head of Nothing But Nets Campaign at the United Nations Foundation
Director of Development and Marketing at Public Citizen
Associate Director at The Fund for Davidson / Director of Development at WDAV Public Radio at Davidson College
Director of Development at KRTU Jazz Radio at Trinity University

Garrett Boorojian interviews Gus Ramsey about relationship building in a team environment.

Gus is the Program Director at the Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University in Winter Park, Florida. Gus is also a graduate of the prestigious Rollins College (class of 1989), which is located in Winter Park outside of Orlando, Florida. At Rollins, Gus was the Founding Father of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Gus became a member of the Rollins College Hall of Fame in 2018 for Alumni Athletic Achievement.

On the podcast:

Gus talked about his close friendship with the late Barry Sacks of ESPN and Barry's tremendous influence on Gus' life. Gus also spoke about his great friendship with ESPN's Tim Kurkjian.

The audience will also learn about Gus's time growing up, when he and his father developed a unique friendship with 12x All-Star, 3x Cy Young Award Winning, World Series Champion, and Hall of Fame Baseball pitcher, Tom Seaver, who played for the MLB's New York Mets for the majority of his professional baseball career.

Gus highlighted the 1996 Summer Olympics and 2000 World Series as examples of major sporting events that had significant impact on Gus' life as well as his employer, ESPN, covering the event. The audience will learn why on the podcast.

During the 1973 World Series, when Gus was six years told, he learned a lesson from his father how to show class and good sportsmanship when his favorite team, the New York Mets, lost to the Oakland Athletics in seven games during that year's World Series.

At one time, Gus' father was a teacher at the Robert Louis Stevenson School located in the Monterey, California, area and his mother was the Director of Marketing at Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, California.

Gus shares more stories with Garrett about lessons on relationship building in a team environment that are able to be applied in not just the professional sports industry, but in everyday professional life.

With respect to Tom Seaver, Gus and another ESPN alumnus, Bill Simmons, had the extraordinary opportunity to play catch and spend time with Tom when they were teenagers.

Many years later, circa 2007, Gus and his father were able to be reunited with Tom and his family, sharing stories, and standing in front of Tom's Hall of Fame plaque at a party that was held for that year's Baseball Hall of Fame Induction festivities. Tom was voted into the Hall of Fame in 1992, but like is fellow Hall of Famers, they're all able to enjoy the festivities every year as already inducted members.

Sadly, Tom passed away on August 31, 2020, at the age of 75, but his memory lives on in the Ramsey family.

Gus' Professional Career History:

– Program Director – Dan Patrick School of Sportscasting at Full Sail University – 2017 to Present

– Talent Coach at GusRam Productions – 2016 to Present

– Coordinating Producer at ESPN – 2000 to 2015

– Producer at ESPN – 1994 to 2000

– Producer at WESH–TV (NBC-affiliate in Orlando, Florida) – 1990 to 1994

Garrett Boorojian interviews Harold Shelton III about relationship building in a team environment.

Garrett and Harold are former ESPN colleagues who worked together on the ABC / ESPN College Football Live studio production team during the 2011 college football season at ESPN Headquarters in Bristol, Connecticut. Garrett was the in–studio production assistant while Harold was one of the in–studio researchers for the nationally acclaimed show. They worked with on–air talent, producers, and directors on 13 Saturdays from 12:00pm to 1:00am EST.

Originally from Michigan, Harold is a Michigan State University graduate whose first job out of college was working as an Usher for the MLB's Detroit Tigers. From there, he became a Senior Researcher at ESPN. Subsequently, he joined Big Ten Network where he currently holds the title of Senior Manager of Research. During Harold's years as a youth, he was a ball boy at the University of Detroit. Sports, its facts and figures that help people tell stories about what's happening in all phases and aspects of games, and the significance of each of these sporting events, have always been parts of Harold's life as a sports research analyst. He has a passion for sports, research, and telling stories of nationally and internationally televised games through the stats and information that Harold uncovers and gathers in his everyday professional career.

Hundreds of millions of sports fans across the country, and around the world, who have watched ESPN and Big Ten Network sports programming for the past 17 years, and counting, have enjoyed Harold's world–class work as an expert research analyst of sports stats and information.

Harold's Professional LinkedIn biography reads the following:

"With over 17 years of experience in sports broadcasting, journalism, marketing and information, I am a Senior Manager of Research at Big Ten Network, where I lead the research coverage of all Big Ten sports, ensuring relevance, balance, accuracy, and timeliness. I have generated over 500 research packages consisting of more than 25,000 pages of research data while covering about 2,500 college games, and led a team of 5 professional sports researchers."

His biography continues:

"I am passionate about delivering engaging and insightful content that attracts and scales sports audiences, using data–supported analysis, market research, and storytelling. I have built strategic relationships with analytics and advanced stats providers, created, voiced, and produced digital and social media content, and recruited on–air talent and producers for Fox Sports and Big Ten Network. I am also a certified leader and mentor, having completed the Premiere Leadership Management Development Program issued by Fox Corporation. I am driven by ownership, accountability, results, and continuous improvement, and I thrive in fast–paced and ambiguous environments."

Garrett Boorojian interviews Gary Reasons about relationship building in a team environment.

Gary is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. He won two Super Bowls, 21 and 25, as a member of the NFL's New York Giants.

Gary played for legendary coaches, Bill Parcels and Bill Belichick, as one of the top linebackers for the Giants in the 1980s and early 1990s.

Unintentionally, Gary was a part of the harrowing sack (along with his former Giants' teammates' Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson) that ended former quarterback great and fellow College Football Hall of Famer Joe Theismann's NFL career. In 2018, a similar injury that's compared to Joe's happened when J.J. Watt sacked veteran quarterback Alex Smith. Alex returned to the NFL and was awarded NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2020.

Along with two Super Bowl wins, Gary retired with 87 career starts, 10 interceptions, nine fumble recoveries, and three and a half sacks in nine total regular seasons. In five total postseasons, Gary had nine career starts, three interceptions, and one sack.

Gary talked to Garrett about his upbringing in Crowley, Texas, his collegiate football career at Northwestern State University in Louisiana as the first three–time All–American in Division 1–AA / FCS history, his time living in the New York Metropolitan area and winning Super Bowls 21 and 25, how relationship building defined his playing career on his way to winning those two Super Bowls for the Giants, the evolution of league rules and player safety in the NFL, and his post–NFL career as a businessman in the medical industry where Gary consults on, invents, and provides healthcare insurance solutions to companies' employees and the senior population across America.

Gary also spoke about the acronym YES (Y = Why, Expectations, and Structure) on how to achieve success in any group or organization. He explained how YES made the Giants a successful team. Gary finally discussed what he learned as a player and part of a team from both Coaches Parcels and Belichick, and how much his family means to him. Gary and his wife Terri have been married for 40 years. They have three children, Nicholas, Randi, and Lacy, and two granddaughters.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Fred Whitfield about relationship building in a team environment. Garrett and Fred reconnected after 17 years in 2022, and a short time later in 2023 had an in–depth conversation about the importance of building relationships on Garrett's podcast.

Garrett explained in the Bonus Episode of his podcast that his time spent with Fred, Michael Jordan, and Seth Bennett, at the Hooptee Celebrity Golf Classic – 2022 at the Grandover Resort in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 2005, had a very profound impact on his life. Garrett identifies this event as the bridge between his teenage and adult years – a defining, pivotal breakthrough. During his time at Hooptee, Garrett also met other professional legendary sports icons such as Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald, Chris Paul, Dré Bly, Alonzo Mourning, Greg Anthony, Richard Dent, Kenny Smith, Stephen A. Smith, Charles Oakley, Ron Harper, James Brown, and the late-Joe Morgan.

When Garrett met Michael and some of his closest friends, it was only a little more than two years after MJ's last NBA game with the Washington Wizards, and a year before he became involved as a minority owner of the NBA's then–Charlotte Bobcats franchise. Michael eventually became majority owner of Charlotte's NBA franchise (Hornets), and Fred became a minority owner of the team. Seth, who was Fred's first hire in the organization, currently serves as the Hornets' Chief Marketing Officer. Garrett reconnected with Seth after Garrett moved to Charlotte in 2014, and was in attendance when Michael received his Charlotte Business Journal's Business Person of the Year Award at the then–Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte in 2015.

Fred received his undergraduate and graduate degrees at Campbell University in Buies Creek, North Carolina, and his law degree from North Carolina Central University. Fred's and Michael's close friendship goes far back to their early years in North Carolina, and their relationship evolved as Fred became one of MJ's trusted confidants and business associates.

When Garrett first met Fred, he was the Director of Business / Legal Affairs at Jordan / A Division of Nike, Inc.

As a 17–year–old, Garrett was thankful that Fred made the opportunity possible for him to be surrounded by professionals from all walks of life, from Delta Airlines and PepsiCo, Inc., executives, to world–class professional athletes and sports broadcast journalists. Unbeknownst to Garrett at the time, but two years later at 19, he would become a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after his freshman year at UNC Charlotte. Like Michael, Garrett is a proud Tar Heel.

Since this interview aired, ownership and executive related changes occurred in the Hornets' organization. Citing his and his mom's health issues, and the need to prioritize more time with family, Fred recently moved on from the Hornets. This happened after Michael resumed his status as a minority owner of the franchise.

Fred accomplished monumental success at Nike, with the Bobcats / Hornets, and as a notable business leader, social advocate, and philanthropist, in the state of North Carolina, including in the city of Charlotte.

The world is a better place because of Fred's positive and life–changing impacts on humanity.

Hornets Sports & Entertainment President & Vice Chairman Fred Whitfield Departing Organization | NBA.com

Garrett remains in contact with Fred and Seth, and every now and then reflects on the wonderful memories made at Hooptee during that extraordinary 2005 summer in Greensboro.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Scott Howard-Cooper about relationship building in a team environment.

Scott Howard–Cooper's bio: Scott Howard-Cooper | Official Publisher Page | Simon & Schuster (simonandschuster.com)

Scott's next book is arriving in the Spring of 2024: "Kingdom on Fire: Kareem, Wooden, Walton, and the Turbulent Days of the UCLA Basketball Dynasty."

Garrett interviewed Scott about his latest book, "Steve Kerr: A Life," that was published back in 2021.

Steve Kerr is a 5x NBA Champion Player (Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs) and 4x NBA Champion Head Coach (Golden State Warriors). Steve is one of the Top 15 Coaches in NBA History.

"Steve Kerr is a perfect example of relationship building." – Scott Howard–Cooper, Author of "Steve Kerr: A Life."

Scott and Steve have known each other since the 1980s. Scott explained to Garrett how "relationship building... came to fruition with this book."

How Scott pitched his book about Steve to his publisher: "It's the story of a guy with a unique career but a fascinating life."

Scott talked to Garrett about the social issues that Steve cares about, and Steve's father's tragic passing, and how all of those factors have had a combined, monumental impact on Steve's life.

Scott also talked about how Hall of Famers Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich have, and the late Hall of Famer Lute Olson had, impacted Steve's life.

Scott said that Steve had an interest in being a head coach as early as high school and college. As Scott stated: "He thought that was his destiny."

Scott explained that Steve never thought he would have an NBA career as a player last as long as it did in comparison to what he originally contemplated when he first started his NBA career. Scott said that Steve lacked confidence in his playing days but was able to overcome that obstacle.

Scott also talked about Steve's close relationships with Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and John Paxson, and that Steve admired John's role on the team. Scott said that Steve's infamous fight with Michael in one of their Bull's practices, ironically, brought them closer together as friends.

Scott pointed out that Michael saw a unique quality in Steve that Michael also saw in himself, but didn't see from other Bulls' players, which was a lack of fear. Steve was very competitive and wasn't afraid of Michael's intensity and tough personality.

Scott discussed Steve's thought process regarding becoming the head coach of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, instead of the NBA's New York Knicks. Steve's experience as the General Manager of the NBA's Phoenix Suns validated his interest to be a head coach instead of continuing as a GM.

Scott highlighted Steve's strengths as a coach, such as his "attitude" and "preparation" amongst other attributes.

By writing his book, "Steve Kerr: A Life," Scott's professional relationship with Steve dramatically changed due to the fact that Steve was not happy the book was about his life. Scott said Steve's concern about how the Warriors franchise would view Steve, especially in the locker room, once Scott's book was released, never materialized into a problem. Scott added that Steve winning another championship proved that he, meaning Steve, was still held in very high regard despite Scott's book.

Scott spends the final minutes of the interview talking about his professional career and next book about the legendary John Wooden and the UCLA Basketball dynasty.

In closing, Scott says "awareness" is essential to relationship building as well.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Greg Buckner about relationship building in a team environment.

Regarding Hall of Fame Basketball Coaches Del Harris and Don Nelson at the NBA's Dallas Mavericks:

"We called him (Coach Harris) the professor, right, he was a genius... a match made in heaven. He was a genius on defense and Nelly (Coach Nelson) was a genius on offense." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

Regarding the fans in Cleveland about his coaching:

"Coach you're doing a good job, and when they say something like that, it makes you smile, laugh a lot, and it makes you understand and appreciate that you're in a great situation, not just in the organization but the city (fans) who really support you, who really has your back, and who really wants you to be successful because they've been there their whole lives. And they live, eat, and breath, you know, Cleveland sports." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

When asked if he would like to be a head coach of an NBA team one day:

"I think about it every day. Every day, I think about it." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

With respect to making a positive impact in the world:

"I think my job on this earth is to make this earth a better place than it was before I got here." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

Regarding the influence of future Hall of Fame College Basketball Head Coach, Rick Barnes:

"I don't know where I'd be without Rick Barnes... Rick was amazing to me when I played... he's an unbelievable man and he knows how to be successful." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

With respect to relationship building:

"Everybody must understand it's about the bigger picture, right. It's not about you only, and you have to understand that it's about you being a small piece of the success of the whole team. So how do you do that, right, you have to be selfless, you have to be able to communicate with each other, you have to spend time with each other, you have to be willing to understand the other side..." – Greg Buckner, Associate Head Coach, NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.

Greg played for Coach Barnes at Clemson University from 1994 to 1998. Greg was awarded Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year in 1995. At Clemson, he was a 2x Second-team All ACC player and helped lead Clemson to three consecutive NCAA Division I Tournament appearances. During the regular season, Greg started all 122 games played, averaged 14.4 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, and shot an impressive 50.4% from the floor. Greg is a member of the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame and was inducted in 2005.

Greg was drafted in the second round of the 1998 NBA Draft and played for five NBA teams: Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Memphis Grizzlies. His best NBA game, as a player, was in a 110–82 win on November 21, 2004. As a member of the Denver Nuggets vs. the Dallas Mavericks, in 32 minutes of playing time, Greg scored 28 points, making 10 of 13 field goals. In addition to a 76.9% field goal percentage for that game, he made 50% of his threes and 75% of his free throws. Greg's well–rounded performance also included two assists, four steals, and nine rebounds.

His last game in the NBA as a player was in 2009, but Greg returned to the court as a coach in 2017. In the past six years, he has held the titles of Assistant Coach of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies and the Assistant Coach of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, and Greg currently holds the title of Associate Head Coach of the Cavaliers.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Paul Tesori about relationship building in a team environment.

Paul Tesori Professional and Collegiate Backgrounds:

Caddie from March 2023 to Present Day – PGA TOUR for Cameron Young
Founder from June 2010 to Present Day – Tesori Family Foundation
- Tesori Family Foundation – Lending a helping hand, providing hope and healing hearts.
- Caddie from January 2011 to June 2023 – PGA TOUR for Webb Simpson – 1x Major Champion (U.S. Open – 2012) and Players Championship – 2018
- Caddie from September 2007 to October 2010 – PGA TOUR for Sean O'Hair
- Caddie from August 2000 to August 2006 – PGA TOUR for Vijay Singh – 3x Major Champion (PGA Championship – 1998 and 2004; Masters – 2000)
- Caddie from June 2003 to December 2004 – PGA TOUR for Jerry Kelly
- Professional Golfer from January 1997 to September 1999 on the PGA TOUR – 25 PGA Tour wins
- University of Florida, Class of 1996 – Member of the 1993 NCAA Division I Men's Golf Championship Team

Garrett Boorojian interviews Jim "Jimbo" Covert about relationship building in a team environment.

Jim is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the 1985 Chicago Bears of the National Football League who won Super Bowl 20 and the University of Pittsburgh Panthers playing alongside my former ESPN colleague, and legend Mark May (also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame) and legend Dan Marino (who's a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame).

I met Jim's legendary Chicago Bears' Super Bowl-winning head coach, Mike Ditka, and one of his former teammates, Richard Dent, who was the Super Bowl MVP that year. (Both Mike and Richard are members of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame).

Jim's notable accolades:

111 Career Games
110 Career Starts
Six Fumble Recoveries (Regular Season)
One Fumble Recovery (Playoffs)
Super Bowl 20 Champion
Two-time Pro Bowl
Two-time First-Team All Pro
1986 Offensive Lineman of the Year
1983 PFWA All-Rookie Team
NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
100 Greatest Bears of All Time
1982 Consensus All American
1995 Walter Camp Alumni of the Year
Pittsburgh Panthers Number 75 Retired

Garrett Boorojian interviews Renee Washington about relationship building in a team environment. As an undergraduate at LaSalle University, Renee competed in two NCAA Division I sports, soccer and track & field. While playing on the Women's Soccer Team, she was a 2x Capital One Co–Sida Academic All–American, NSCAA Academic All–American and NSCAA All–American. Renee was also a 4x All–Conference Player in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Also, at LaSalle, she was the University's Student Athlete of the Year in 2014. That same year, Renee was nominated as the NCAA Woman of the Year.

To learn more about Renee's professional background and work, please visit her website at Tv Personality | Renee P Washington.

Professional Career:

Gotham FC Analyst – MSG Networks, Inc.
Reporter – Atlantic 10 Conference
Contributing Writer – BET Media Group
Founder – Planted, Not Buried
Student Success Manager – Mentor Collective
Sports Reporter / Analyst – ESPN
Sports Reporter – 6abc WPVI–TV Philadelphia
Show Host – MLBbro
Content Creator & Host – WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association)
Sports Reporter – FOX Sports
Sports Reporter – Washington Football Team
Game Day Broadcaster – Philadelphia Union
Soccer Coach – FC DELCO
Men’s Basketball In–Arena Host – La Salle University
Head Coach – Council Rock United Soccer Association
Team Reporter with Atlantic City Blackjacks – Arena Football League
Senior Anchor / Producer – National Lacrosse League (NLL)
News / Sports Multimedia Journalist and Anchor – SNJ Today
Reporter / Anchor – GateHouse Media
Freelance Writer – Double G Reports
Sports and News Reporter – WBCB 1490
Anchor of The Sports Break – Radio Vision Network
Graduate Assistant Coach for Women’s Soccer – Lehigh University
Sports Media Assistant – Lehigh University

Academic Career:

Lehigh University

Mastered: Master of Education (M.Ed.) – Educational Leadership

Graduate Assistant for the Lehigh Women's Soccer Team

Majored: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) – Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication

Double Minored: Spanish and Psychology

African American Student League
La Salle Women's Soccer
La Salle Women's Track and Field
Neighborhood Tutoring
Lambda Pi Eta Honors Society
Dean's List (2010 – 2014)

Pennington Preparatory School

Sustainability Club
Spanish National Honors Society
Varsity Women's Soccer (Four Years)
Varsity Women's Basketball (Four Years)
Junior Proctor Peer Program
Dean's List (2006 – 2010)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Richard Yeargin III about relationship building in a team environment.

Richard is a 2x National Champion (2016 and 2018) as a member of the Clemson University Tigers' NCAA Division I Football program. Richard was on his way to becoming a top NFL Draft pick but, while he was at Clemson, he sustained a serious neck injury in a terrible car accident that changed his life forever.

Richard was able to turn his tragedy into a triumph.

Richard started the two-year rehabilitation process and when he attempted a comeback to play collegiate football, Clemson's Atlantic Coast Conference rival, Boston College, reached out to Richard in the transfer portal and asked him to join its Division I program.

After hearing that he could play again from his doctor, he took the necessary time to make an informed decision of what he wanted to do with respect to football.

Engaged and with a son, Richard made the journey to Boston and never looked back.

Richard played well at Boston College and proved that he could still be effective on the gridiron.

At Boston College, Richard was awarded the Atlantic Coast Conference's Brian Piccolo Award in 2019.

Richard talked about the positive influences in his life, including his older brother Richard Jr. and his former coach, future College Football Hall of Famer Dabo Swinney, throughout his football and professional career journey. Richard also spoke about his strong faith in God who helped him get through the most challenging and difficult times of his recovery period.

Since his playing days, now at the age of 26, Richard is a husband and father, has been very active as a servant leader and professor at Clemson, and is a nationally recognized motivational speaker. After receiving his undergraduate (Sports Communication & Business Administration) and graduate degrees (Athletic Development & Organizational Leadership) at Clemson, he's now on pace to get his Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy, Educational Leadership) from the University in 2027.

Richard's story is the true definition of relationship building.

Heart. Determination. Mental Strength. Faith. Resilience. Winner's Attitude. That's Richard Yeargin III.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Ryan Harris about relationship building in a team environment.

Ryan Harris' Collegiate and Professional Career Accolades:

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (2003–2007).
Played in 114 NFL games.
Started in 70 NFL games.
Despite 10 total surgeries, Ryan proved that he could still play at an elite level in the NFL and won Super Bowl 50 as the starting offensive tackle at the NFL's Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos (2007–2010, 2012, 2015).
- Super Bowl 50 Champion (Started all 16 regular season games and all three (3) playoff games (including the Super Bowl vs. the Carolina Panthers).
- Protected Hall of Famer and two-time (2x) Super Bowl Champion and Quarterback, Peyton Manning, on the offensive line.
- NFL's Philadelphia Eagles (2011).
- NFL's Houston Texas (2012–2013).
- NFL's Kansas City Chiefs (2014).
- NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers (2016).
- Ryan is also a motivational speaker, book author (Mindset for Mastery), sports television analyst and mentor,

Garrett Boorojian interviews Lionel Hollins about relationship building in a team environment.

Lionel talked to Garrett about the key elements of relationship building and how they have applied in the NBA from his experiences as a former NBA player, head coach and assistant coach.

Lionel discussed the similarities and differences from a basketball perspective of several players, teams and coaches, the style and manner in which the game is played today, the emphasis on less structure and more of a fast-paced game today, and the effects of social media pertaining to the media and analysis of every move a player and team makes resulting in mental health issues amongst players today.

Lionel stated that in his era of basketball, the fundamentals have not developed as quickly with younger players as they rely more on athleticism. However, no matter the era of basketball, players have to score, rebound, assist, defend, cause turnovers, win the time of possession, and overall execute and play team basketball in any coaching system that's implemented. NBA is modernized with all the resources for players to train, heal, and perform to the best of their abilities.

Not every coaching system works for a team, but the right system for the right players is what makes NBA Championship teams effective, dominant and hard to beat.

Lionel talked about the similarities and differences from a basketball perspective of the 1993 Chicago Bulls and Phoenix Suns in that year's NBA Finals, highlighting Michael Jordan and Charles Barkley. Lionel played against both of them. Garrett, as a great NBA fan, has met both Michael and Charles.

Whether it's Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, Wilt Chamberlain, or Bill Russell, etc., players today would have challenges to guard these elite players of their respective generations.

More to tune into in Episode 31 with Garrett and Lionel talking about relationship building in a team environment.

Lionel played in three NBA Finals, winning one championship:

1977: (NBA Champions): Portland Trail Blazers (4-2 vs. Philadelphia 76ers)

1980: (Eastern Conference Champions): Philadelphia 76ers (4-2 vs. Los Angeles Lakers)

1982: (Eastern Conference Champions): Philadelphia 76ers (4-2 vs. Los Angeles Lakers)

Lionel coached in two NBA Finals as an Assistant Coach, winning one championship:

1993: (Western Conference Champions): Phoenix Suns (4-2 vs. Chicago Bulls)

2020: (NBA Champions): Los Angeles Lakers (4-2 vs. Miami Heat)

Lionel just missed playing in four NBA Finals. After his final year in Philadelphia, he played for the San Diego Clippers. After their 1980 and 1982 defeats, the 1983 76ers swept the Lakers 4-0 in the NBA Finals.

Lionel's Professional Career Accolades:

NBA First Round Draft Pick (1975, 6th Pick Overall)
NBA Career Averages: 11.6 Points Per Game, 4.5 Assists Per Game, 1.6 Steals Per Game)
2x NBA Champion (1977, 2020)
3x Western Conference Champion (1977, 1993, 2020)
2x Eastern Conference Champion (1980, 1982)
NBA All-Star (1978)
NBA All-Defensive First Team (1978)
NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1979)
NBA All-Rookie First Team (1976)
262 wins as an NBA head coach and won three NBA playoff series
Jersey Retirements: #14 Portland Trail Blazers and #33 Arizona State Sun Devils
Third Team All-American (Associated Press and National Association of Basketball Coaches, 1975)
2x First Team All-Western Athletic Conference (1974, 1975)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Super Bowl LVI Champion, Jacques McClendon, about relationship building in a team environment.

Jacques McClendon's Professional Career History:

Director of Football Affairs (and Super Bowl LVI Champion) at the NFL's Los Angeles Rams
Director of Player Engagement at NFL's Los Angeles Rams
Management Council Player Benefits Steering Committee at the NFL
Board of Advisors at Black Sports Business Symposium
Co–Vice Chair Racial Equity Task Force; College Athlete Issues and Educational Mission Committee at Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics
Chairman's Forum at UNIFY Financial Credit Union
Offensive Lineman at the NFL (Indianapolis Colts, Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins)

Jacques McClendon's Education History:

Brown University (Executive MBA, Business Administration and Management, General)
University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Master of Science, M.S., Sport Management); Activity: Partners in Sports
University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Bachelor's Degree, Economics); Activities: Omicron Delta Epsilon (Economics Honor Society), FCAIA, Habitat for Humanity, SEC Academic Honor Roll
The Wharton School (Athlete Development Professional Certificate, Executive Education)
IE Business School (Executive MBA, Business Administration and Management, General – IE Brown Executive MBA Program)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Nancy Lieberman about relationship building in a team environment.

"The Greatest Religion of All is Love and Kindness... that's what Muhammad Ali taught me." - Nancy Lieberman

“Great show. She is without doubt one of a kind. The best.” - Del Harris

October 6th, 2022:

Nancy talked about her love for basketball and the conversations she had with her former players when she was the Assistant Coach at the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and as the current head coach at Power in the BIG3.

Nancy talked about how she grew up, as a woman playing youth basketball and baseball. She learned quickly that she was discriminated against because as a woman she couldn't be insured playing youth sports.

She loved her time at the YMCA because the organization allowed her to play on youth sports' teams with boys.

Nancy learned how to develop a thick skin playing in her neighborhood and at Rucker Park. The people she played with during her high school days named her "Fire" because of her "attitude." Nancy played with a lot of passion and wasn't afraid of any type of competition.

She was inducted into the Rucker Park Hall of Fame and felt it was an amazing honor. Nancy talked to Garrett about her very tough childhood. A bright spot early on was at Rucker Park, because decades later she loves that people still fondly remember and know her well as "Fire" and "Lady Magic."

She got a full scholarship to play on the Old Dominion University Women's Basketball team. She competed in the Olympics and FIBA World Championship games.

Nancy had no father-figure in her life and sports were her positive outlets. She looked up to the legendary Muhammad Ali. Nancy wanted to become the Greatest Basketball Player of All time.

Nancy worked hard to overcome all obstacles of people saying Nancy couldn't achieve what she set her mind to achieve. She succeeded valiantly.

In December of 1979, Ali talked to Nancy at The Plaza Hotel and taught her vital life's lessons.

"God made you special." - Ali said to Nancy

Nancy felt that she was "broken," but Ali changed the course of her life.

Nancy would have access to Ali for 20 years in the latter stages of his life as his health declined from Parkinson's disease.

"I'm a reflection of Muhammad Ali... that's who I am." - Nancy

In addition to the late Ali, Nancy talked humbly about her friendships with Cuttino Mobley, Carmelo Anthony, Larry Fitzgerald Jr., Walt "Clyde" Frazier, Ice Cube, Del Harris, and the late Kobe Bryant. She, George Raveling and John Calipari are a few of Del's closest friends.

Nancy and Garrett talked about how women are celebrated and appreciated for their roles in basketball and the continued growth and development of the global game.

Nancy discussed her awareness that women, and women of color, still need to be focused and prioritized so they're able to advance to the next levels with the same career opportunities.

Nancy had to make a very hard decision to leave the Sacramento Kings in 2017 to take care of her mom who had been in poor health in recent years. Nancy shared with Garrett that she lost her mom four months prior to their interview.

At the time of her conversation with Garrett, Nancy Lieberman Charities have awarded over $8 million in scholarships. Nancy's Dream Courts created at-risk youth venues to play on in their communities. Ninety high school seniors are attending HBCU schools. Over 5 million children get to enjoy 115 Dream Courts. Pfizer and Pepsi are global companies that support Nancy's exceptional charity work.

Nancy talked to her good friend, Kobe, via text messaging two nights before he passed away and spoke with Kobe on the phone the night before he passed. She almost flew with Kobe on his helicopter the day it crashed in Calabasas, California.

Nancy concluded by talking about her love for motherhood and her son TJ.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Lisa Borges about relationship building in a team environment.

Lisa graduated from Westfield State University in Westfield, Massachusetts, with a B.A. in Political Science, received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management (Nonprofit / Public / Organizational Management) from Clark University in Worchester, Massachusetts, and her J.D. from New England Law in Boston, Massachusetts.

Although Lisa never practiced law professionally, she explained to Garrett that her law school background has been very helpful in her professional career.

After her first two career roles outside of the nonprofit space, she became the Executive Director at the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foundation for Autism in Framingham, Massachusetts.

The Foundation is named after former college and NFL quarterback, Doug Flutie, who was the 1984 Heisman Trophy Winner and unanimous All–American at Boston College.

Under Lisa's leadership, guidance and direction as its Executive Director, she would hold that title at the Foundation for 18 years from 1999 to 2017.

Lisa oversaw all aspects of the Foundation, which included administration, operations and budget, program development, fundraising, donor relations, marketing, community outreach, policy decisions and organizational goals. She also worked with the Foundation's Board of Directors, stakeholders and strategic partners, Lisa was responsible for making sure all areas of the Foundation were running smoothly and effectively together.

After her 18–year tenure, Lisa became the Interim Executive Director at the Cam Neely Foundation for Cancer Care. Cam Neely is a former NHL right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and the Boston Bruins. Following her brief time there, since 2018, she has been a part–time Faculty Member on behalf of an online training "Sports and Entertainment Impact Certificate" program.

Her full–time roles are two–fold:

Lisa is the CEO and Founder of her consulting company, Anchor Foundation Consulting, that supports other Foundations to reach their goals and carry out their missions.

In September of 2020, during the first year of the COVID–19 pandemic, Lisa was named the Executive Director at Tom Brady's TB12 Foundation. At the TB12 Foundation, it's focused on the holistic growth and development of the athlete, inside and outside of sports. The Foundation makes a variety of resources available for at–risk children and military personnel, active or veterans, that are education, nutrition, rehabilitation and athletic based. Pliability is what the TB12 methodology explains as the reasoning behind Tom's longevity for two–plus decades as a professional NFL quarterback. Pliability complements Tom's discipline to follow a very regimented and healthy lifestyle as per the TB12 methodology.

The TB12 Body Coaches develop and build lifelong relationships with the people they help serve, becoming mentors and friends to them. Tom and the body coaches take great interest in the health and wellness path of today's youth, the military and other groups of people interested in a healthier lifestyle that requires hydration, nutrition, rest, exercise and recovery.

At the time of their conversation, Lisa talked to Garrett about the successful implementation of the TB12 methodology in one of the top 30 largest school systems in the United States, which is Pinellas County Schools in Florida.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Kenny Albert about relationship building in a team environment.

"Well Garrett, it's great to be with you. I know you've had a pretty illustrious list of guests so it's an honor to join you..." - Kenny Albert

Kenny Albert's Professor Career Background: (Source: Kenny Albert - Fox Sports Press Pass)

Versatile five-sport broadcaster Kenny Albert has been calling NFL games for FOX Sports since its 1994 inception and currently is the only broadcaster handling play-by-play for all four major U.S. sports (NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL). For FOX’s 2022 NFL coverage, Albert teams with analyst Jonathan Vilma for the third season. Albert marked his 440th network NFL broadcast in Week 17 of the 2020 NFL season and has called games involving every NFL team at least three times during his career, totaling more than 60 matches with some.

Entering the 2022 season, Albert’s 458 NFL games called rank him eighth-highest all-time among play-by-play broadcasters (trailing only Al Michaels, Dick Stockton, Don Criqui, Pat Summerall, Charlie Jones, Dick Enberg and Kevin Harlan) and 14th-highest among NFL broadcasters across any role. On the NHL side, Albert has called the 10th-most network TV games of any play-by-play announcer at 391 and sits 16th among play-by-play announcers with 412 MLB games called on network television. Across the four primary U.S. sports, Albert holds the fourth spot among total games called at 1,261 and counting.

In early 2021, NBC Sports named Albert the lead play-by-play announcer for its NHL coverage, replacing Mike “Doc” Emrick and calling the 2021 Stanley Cup Final. Additionally, Albert was named the lead hockey play-by-play broadcaster by Turner Sports, beginning with the 2021-22 season. In 2018, FOX Sports named Albert the blow-by-blow announcer for its coverage of Premier Boxing Champions, charging him with calling some of the most high-profile championship fights in the world on FOX and FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View shows.

The two-time play-by-play category Sports Emmy Award nominee (2015 and 2019) previously partnered with analyst Rondé Barber from 2017-2019 and Daryl “Moose” Johnston from 2007-2016, calling five NFC Divisional postseason games, as well as the 2008 Pro Bowl with Johnston and sideline analyst Tony Siragusa. Albert has called Major League Baseball on various FOX networks since 1997 (on FOX Sports since 2001). He contributed as a field reporter for the 2003 and 2004 American League Championship Series (ALCS) on FOX and hosted the ALCS trophy presentations in 2003, 2004 and 2009.

The list of sports Albert has called for FOX is long and distinguished, highlighted by: five seasons of NHL coverage (1995-1999); BCS college football, including the Allstate Sugar Bowl (2007 & 2009), FedEx Orange Bowl (2008) and AT&T Cotton Bowl (2011) broadcasts; and two years as host of the NTRA Champions on FOX series (1999-2000). Albert called the 2009 BCS Championship Game and 2010 MLB All-Star Game in 3-D for FOX/DirectTV.

He handled play-by-play for FS1’s Big East men’s basketball coverage in 2014 and 2015 and Big3 basketball on FS1 during the summers of 2017 and 2018. Albert was behind the mic for FS1’s presentation of the 2019 American League Division Series (ALDS) (Houston vs. Tampa Bay), 2018 National League Division Series (NLDS) (Brewers vs. Rockies), the 2016 NLDS (LA Dodgers vs. Washington), 2015 ALDS (Toronto vs. Texas) and 2001 NLDS (Braves vs. Astros on FX).

Additionally, Albert has called NFL Europe games on FOX. His FOX broadcast partners overall have included Rondé Barber, John Lynch, Johnston, Howie Long and Terry Bradshaw (2007 Sugar Bowl), Troy Aikman, Tim Green, Ron Pitts, Brian Baldinger, Anthony Munoz, Tim McCarver, Eric Karros, Lou Piniella, Joe Girardi, Greg Olsen, Tom Verducci, …

Garrett Boorojian interviews Jade McCarthy about relationship building in a team environment.

Jade McCarthy's Professional Career Background: (Source: About — Jade McCarthy)

Jade McCarthy is an ESPN alum who hosted the network’s flagship show, SportsCenter. She reported feature stories for NFL Sunday Countdown and hosted a variety of shows for the World Wide Leader in Sports. Jade is an Emmy award-winning 20-year veteran of the television industry.

Jade has covered New England Patriots Super Bowl championships, the 2011 Boston Bruins Stanley Cup championship and welcomed viewers to SportsCenter after the Boston Red Sox won the 2013 World Series. Quite a thrill for a girl born and bred in Boston. In 2008, she ran onto the field at Citizens Bank Park moments after the

Philadelphia Phillies clinched a World Series title. She has interviewed the likes of Billie Jean King, Michael Phelps, and Rafael Nadal.

During her time at NBC Philadelphia, Jade created an Emmy-award winning series, “GameChangers” which profiled people who changed the way we look at sport. Their stories of remarkable resilience, grit, and willpower have never left her. Jade told similar stories while at ESPN – profiling Super Bowl champion coach Bruce Arians and Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman.

Jade strives to share these same messages in her own home. She admits it takes creativity. What doesn’t with four young children! Jade and her husband, Gordy, reside in the Northeast with their children Mac, Finn, Brinley and Emerson.

Host | Consultant at SiriusXM NFL and Fantasy Radio for The 33rd Team (NFL Think Tank)
Host at NBC Sports Boston
Host / Anchor / Feature Reporter at ESPN
- SportsCenter
- NFL Live / Insiders
- NFL Sunday Countdown
- Outside the Lines
- Covered NCAA football bowl games
- Host / Reporter at New England Sports Network
- Boston Red Sox sideline reporter
- Anchor / Reporter Anchor / Reporter at WCAU NBC10 (NBC-owned-and-operated)
- Emmy-Award winner
- Anchor / Reporter at WAFF 48News (NBC-affiliated)
- Reporter / Assignment Editor at WGGB-TV (ABC, Fox, and MyNetworkTV-affiliated)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Lauren Sisler about relationship building in a team environment.

"I truly think that my experiences have given me such a deep level of gratitude." – Lauren Sisler

Lauren is an ESPN Reporter based in Birmingham, Alabama, which is a role that she has served since 2016. Lauren has reported on college football and gymnastics for the Network. When she joined ESPN, Lauren was also hired as the SEC Network's SEC Nation Reporter.

She also works for AL.com as a Sports Reporter and Host. Before ESPN and the SEC Network, Lauren worked as a Sports Anchor and Reporter for WIAT 42 (CBS–affiliated) in Birmingham. Prior to WIAT 42, she served in the same roles at WTAP–TV (NBC–affiliated) in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

Before her move to West Virginia, Lauren was a Sports Reporter, Video Photographer and Editor at WDBJ7–TV (CBS-affiliated) in Roanoke, Virginia.

Her professional career started in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, at CNBC as a News Associate for Fast Money and then as a Technical Associate.

Tragically, Lauren's parents lost their lives from prescription drug overdoses when Lauren was 18 years old. After suffering the very painful and heartbreaking tragedies and losses in her family, Lauren's resilience and fortitude brought her to the pivotal moment of raising awareness and becoming an advocate for people fighting and avoiding their drug addiction. Lauren's uncle and aunt, and her Rutgers' teammates and coaches, were all there for her during the very difficult times she experienced after her parents passed away.

Lauren is a motivational speaker. As of 2022, she serves as the Chief Communications Officer for The12thStep.org, The organization's mission is centered on connecting and caring with all those who are recovering from their drug additions. The Addiction Prevention Coalition in Birmingham, the Speakers Bureau for the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition, Bradford Health Services and The Foundry are groups Lauren has been a part of to inspire and help people who have been affected by their additions.

Lauren talks about covering a University of Kentucky and University of South Carolina football game. After learning of a unique characteristic of Kentucky's J.J. Weaver, it brought to light that while challenges vary amongst people who face them, the empathy shown to all is universal.

"Gratitude" within relationship building is the final message Lauren shares with the viewers and listeners.

She graduated from Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, with a B.A. in Communication. She was a Division I student athlete and honored as the Team Captain for Rutgers' Gymnastics team.

Professional Accolades:

Lauren won a Regional Emmy Award (2017); Interview between Charles Barkley and Nick Saban (11 million + views online including via social media)
At WIAT 42, Lauren was a four–time award winner; one of the awards Lauren received was the National Sports Media Association's Alabama Sportscaster of the Year (2016)
Lauren was named Alabama Associated Press' Best Sports Anchor (2014 and 2015)
Lauren won the Alabama’s Best in Broadcasting (ABBY) as Sports Anchor of the Year (2013)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Steve Kirschner about relationship building in a team environment.

Steve Kirschner's Professor Career Background: (Source: UNC Athletic Department)

https://goheels.com/staff-directory/steve-kirschner/25

Steve Kirschner is in his 39th year in athletic communications, including 34 at the University of North Carolina, where he has been a member of the Tar Heel staff continuously since 1990.

A native of Bristol, Conn., Kirschner is Senior Associate Athletic Director for Sports Information and Media Relations. He manages media relations and communications for the Tar Heel men's basketball and men’s and women's golf programs, serves as a secondary administrator for men’s basketball, manages the department’s historical archives and the Carolina Basketball Museum, oversees press box operations on football game days at Kenan Stadium and assists with overall departmental strategic communications.

A 1988 graduate of the University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Sports Studies, Kirschner has held a variety of roles within the UNC Athletic Communications office. As an intern from 1988-89 and Assistant Director from 1990-95, he worked under Rick Brewer and Dave Lohse with the men’s basketball, football, women's soccer, wrestling, baseball, track and field and women's golf teams. He served as Director of Media Relations for Football and Men's Basketball (1995-2000), Assistant AD for Communications (2000-01) and Associate and Senior Associate AD for Communications (2001-12, 2017-20).

He has served as the primary contact for men’s basketball beginning with the 1995-96 season.

Kirschner has worked with numerous Hall of Fame head coaches, including Dean Smith, Roy Williams, Mack Brown, Anson Dorrance, Bill Lam and Dennis Craddock, and National Players/Athletes of the Year Antawn Jamison, Sean May, Tyler Hansbrough, Mia Hamm, Kristine Lilly and T.J. Jaworsky, College Football Hall of Famer Dré Bly and future NFL and NBA Hall of Famers Julius Peppers and Vince Carter.

All five of Carolina’s men’s basketball coaches Kirschner has worked with have won National Coach of the Year honors (Smith, Bill Guthridge, Matt Doherty, Williams and Hubert Davis).

During his tenure, Carolina men’s basketball has won NCAA championships in 1993, 2005, 2009 and 2017, played in a total of 12 Final Fours, won 12 regular-season ACC titles and eight ACC Tournament titles and had 36 players selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. In 1997, Coach Smith set the all-time NCAA record for coaching wins and was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Year.

The USBWA presented him with the Katha Quinn Award for service to the media in 2005. He won the National Wrestling SID of the Year award in 1994 in recognition of UNC hosting the NCAA Championship at the Smith Center.

Kirschner has co-authored with Matt Bowers and Adam Lucas books on three of Carolina men’s basketball’s NCAA championships – “Led By Your Dreams” (2005), “One Fantastic Ride” (2009) and “Redemption” (2017) – and the story of the 2022 run to the national championship game ("Together"), and co-produced “Legends in Blue,” a 25th anniversary video retrospective of UNC’s 1982 national championship.

During his tenure as women’s soccer SID (1988, 1990-95), the Tar Heels won six NCAA titles and posted NCAA-record consecutive game unbeaten streaks of 103 and 101 games.

While an undergraduate at UConn, Kirschner worked for four years in the Huskies' sports information office under the direction of Tim Tolokan, Chuck Steedman and Barb Kowal.

He also spent 12 years (1977-88) working for the Eastern League (AA) affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, where he worked with approximately 70 future major leaguers, including Roger Clemens, Wade Boggs...

Garrett Boorojian interviews Peggy Kusinski about relationship building in a team environment.

Peggy is a 12–time Emmy Award winner as a sportscaster whose professional career in the broadcast industry started in 1992. As a Chicago sports journalist, she covered Michael Jordan's last three NBA Championships with the Chicago Bulls (1996, 1997 and 1998). During her career, Peggy interviewed Super Bowl-winning and Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach, Mike Ditka. She also covered former NFL's Chicago Bears' quarterback, Jay Cutler, Baseball Hall of Famer and former Chicago White Sox' first baseman and designated hitter, Frank Thomas, and former NHL's Chicago Blackhawks' center, Jonathan Toews, careers.

Oprah Winfrey responded to a letter Peggy wrote to her when Peggy was back in college. Peggy said "Oprah was a huge influence." Oprah and Robin Roberts were two women that Peggy looked up to as role models who broke barriers as broadcast journalists and icons.

Peggy's Professional Career:

Host, “Peggy & Dionne” at ESPN Radio 1000 Chicago
- ESPN | Freelance
- Podcast Host, “Pass the Mic” (The Barroom Network)
- Focusing on women in sports and sports media
- Podcast Host, The Sportscaster and Her Son
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sportscaster-and-her-son/id1460738762
- Board of Directors, Girls in the Game
- Co–Chair "Field of Dreams" 2014
- Sportscaster at NBC5 Chicago
- Sports Anchor / Host at ESPN Radio 1000
- Associate Producer at ESPN
- Sports Talk Host at WMAQ–RADIO AM 670
- Sports Anchor at CLTV (Chicagoland Television)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Whit Watson about relationship building in a team environment.

Whit graduated from Cornell University with a B.A. in English with a Concentration in Communications. Whit was a National Merit Scholar, Cornell National Scholar and part of WVBR-FM. Whit has won four Emmy Awards (10 nominations).

Whit's Professional Career:

Television Reporter and Radio Producer at the NBA's Orlando Magic
Anchor at ESPN (SportsCenter; ESPNEWS; ESPN2; Guest Host on ESPN Radio; Columnist for ESPN.com); Covering events: Host of NBA Matchup, Indy 500 and the Boston Marathon
Freelance College Basketball Studio Host at SEC Network
Anchor and Play–by–Play Host at FOX Sports (4x Suncoast Regional Emmy Award winner as a host and reporter: NBA's Orlando Magic, MLB's Tampa Bay Rays, NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning, NCAA's University of Florida, Florida State University, etc.)
Freelance Sports Reporter at Westwood One (The Masters Tournament and PGA Championship)
Freelance Play–by–Play Host and Reporter at the Golf Channel (PGA Tour; LPGA Tour; Morning Drive and Golf Central)
Freelance Broadcaster at PGA Tour (PGA Tour Live on ESPN+)
Play–by–Play Announcer and Host at NBC Sports Group (Atlantic 10 Conference Basketball)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Roland Lazenby about relationship building in a team environment.

The movie Air, by Hollywood Oscar-winning actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, was recently released in the United States. There's brief overlap in Garrett's interview with Roland when Roland brings up Sonny Vaccaro (portrayed by Damon) who signed Michael Jordan to his first Air Jordan shoe deal at Nike. Roland discusses his version of storylines that were featured in ESPN's and Netflix's The Last Dance.

Roland's first-hand experience, knowledge and conversations during the Bulls' and Lakers' dynasties surrounding their dominant and influential figures take Garrett and his listeners back in time during the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s in the National Basketball Association.

Roland's personal accounts help him narrate the major headlines that occurred during those times. Garrett and his listeners gain a lot of insight as they learn about Roland's close associations and conversations with Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, Jerry Krause, Jerry Reinsdorf, Johnny Bach, Tex Winter, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, George Mumford, Scott Howard Cooper, Billy Packer, Terry Holland, James Worthy and other key figures.

Regarding the Bulls' and Lakers' dynasties, during their interview, Roland highlights the unique dynamic of relationship building that took place from his perspective:

"These are complicated people. They do build relationships. And often, they build very complicated relationships. But they are bound together by the challenge. They are bound together by the life... these insular worlds... I call them the tube... You're so in the tube that is your world... your whole atmosphere... you're competing in the tube... these personalities who are in the tube... it's almost like they aren't everyday people." - Roland Lazenby, in his interview with Garrett Boorojian, January 5, 2022.

Roland is the author of over 45 notable sports books such as Michael Jordan: The Life, Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant, Mindgames: Phil Jackson's Long Strange Journey, The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It, Blood on the Horns: The Long Strange Ride of Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, Bull Run: The Story of the 1995–96 Chicago Bulls, the Greatest Team in Basketball History, and many others.

Garrett talks about when he and his father met Michael Jordan when Garrett was 17 years old in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Roland talks about relationship building in the context of emotional intelligence:

"It's all wrapped up in the secret of emotional intelligence... I write all my biographies as if I'm pursuing a mystery. And there is a great mystery in every life. And there is a great mystery to every relationship, and you really sort of unpack the details at the time." - Roland Lazenby, in his interview with Garrett Boorojian, January 5, 2022.

Roland sums up relationship building as it relates to Michael Jordan:

"I think Michael has provided us probably with some of the most unique relationship building in the history of competitive sports." - Roland Lazenby, in his interview with Garrett Boorojian, January 5, 2022.

Interesting connections with my other guests:

Roland was Coach Seth Greenberg's (Episode 14) daughter Paige's professor at Virginia Tech University.
George Raveling, the former Nike executive and bodyguard for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who's inducted into the College and Basketball Halls of Fame, is portrayed in the movie Air by the Hollywood actor Marlon Wayans. Raveling was one Len Elmore's (Episode 9) mentors.

Roland has taught at Virginia Tech University and Radford University. He lives in Virgina.

Roland's Magic Johnson: The Life book will be released later this year, in 2023.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Dave Heeren about relationship building in a team environment. Basketball Hall of Famer Del Harris introduced Dave to Garrett.

Born on April 11, 1938, Dave graduated from Teaneck High School in Teaneck, New Jersey in 1956. His parents got him a radio when he was in elementary school. Dave would listen to New York Knicks' games at night. He has impacted the NBA for more than 60 years. Dave's father was a sports editor for The New York Times and would take Dave to Knicks' games. Dave was the statistician for the Knicks for the 1961–1962 season. He got that role through his father's introduction to the Knicks.

Basketball Hall of Famer, Wilt Chamberlain, asked Dave about Wilt's rating and how it was determined based on the TENDEX system. Dave created TENDEX, which modernized the way NBA players' statistical performances in points, rebounds, assists, missed shots, etc. were tracked. As the Knicks' statistician, he witnessed Wilt and Basketball Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson break monumental records of that era.

Dave was the Editor-in-Chief for The Review during his senior year before graduating from the University of Delaware in 1961 with concentrations in English Literature and Mathematics. He served in the U.S. Army and was a reporter for the MLB's Cincinnati Reds and The Bergen Record (where the latter he was a sportswriter as well). Throughout his journalistic career, Dave also covered Ohio State University Football and Basketball, the NFL's Miami Dolphins' 1972 and 1973 Super Bowl teams, University of Miami Football, and New York Yankees' spring training games.

After Dave moved from New Jersey to Florida, Dave was a journalist for the Fort Lauderdale News, Broward Times, and South Florida Sun-Sentinel (where he was there at the latter for 36 years). Dave also contributed to the publications, Basketball Times and The Sporting News.

Dave's brother-in-law was Dick Davies who was on the 1964 Olympics Team, representing the United States, that won the Gold Medal in Tokyo, Japan. Dick's brother, Bob Davies, was inducted into the College Basketball and Basketball Hall of Fames. Bob and fellow Hall of Famers Red Auerbach, Henry Iba and John McLendon all coached Dick Davies at different times of his life.

Dave has authored many sports and religion books. Dave wrote "Seventy-Five: Best NBA Players and Teams Rated by Statistician who has Seen Games Since 1947 (League's Entire 75-Year History)."

Adopted globally, 16 NBA teams had conversations with Dave about his TENDEX system. Basketball leagues in Europe and Australia were also utilizing the TENDEX system.

TENDEX was used for the first time in the 1984 NBA Draft for rating the potential of players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Michael Jordan, Sam Perkins, Charles Barkley, Kevin Willis, and John Stockton.

TENDEX ranks Dennis Rodman as the greatest rebounder in NBA history.

Hall of Famer Don Nelson asked Dave about his thoughts regarding Don drafting Latrell Sprewell to the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Hall of Famer Willis Reed called Dave because he wanted to hire Dave at the NBA's New Jersey Nets.

Dave says he felt the "camaraderie" and being a part of a "team" during his conversations with Hall of Famers' Don Nelson, Del Harris, and Rick Barry, and the former Senior Vice President of the Orlando Magic, Pat Williams, who was a Philadelphia 76ers' executive when the 76ers won the 1983 NBA Championship.

Dave discusses his deep Christian faith, shares insight into the Christian books he's authored, references Jesus' sermons, and quotes Isaiah 6:8 in the Bible. Dave also talks about his late wife, Joan, who also had a strong faith. She has since passed and gone to Heaven.

Dave has won 15 Florida Sports Writing Contest Awards, two National Journalism Citations and a Prose Writing Award from the University of Delaware.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Annie Sabo about relationship building in a team environment.

A Cincinnati, Ohio, native, Annie is the Reds Live Host for pre / post-game shows at MLB's Cincinnati Reds. baseball games covered by Ball Sports Ohio | Bally Sports Great Lakes.

Annie looks up to FOX Sports Reporter, Erin Andrews, as a role model, and looks up to her father as a mentor.

Prior to her current role at Bally Sports, Annie was a Host at the Big Ten Network (BTN), a Pre / Post Game Host at Bally Sports North, an NFL Around the League Host at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and a Sports Reporter / Host at WFLA-TV (NBC-affiliated) station in Tampa, Florida.

In 2015, Annie graduated from the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor, with a B.A. degree in Communications and Media Studies.

Notably, she was the first student news reporter hired by MGoBlue.com at Michigan.

In Memory of Barry S. Sacks (November 22, 1959 to February 12, 2023).

Garrett Boorojian interviewed his former ESPN / ABC College Football Live colleague, Barry Sacks, on relationship building in a team environment.

A 33–year veteran and Emmy Award winning producer at ESPN, who was known universally throughout the ESPN community as a legendary figure at the Worldwide Leader in Sports, Barry was one of the key founders of the iconic ESPN shows, "SportsCenter" and "College Gameday."

Garrett, as the ABC / ESPN Studio Project Production Assistant, and Barry, as the ESPN / ABC Senior Coordinating Producer, worked together during the 2011 ESPN / ABC College Football Live season in Bristol, Connecticut.

During their one–hour plus long interview on December 29, 2021, Barry and Garrett talked about a lot of different topics, from the time Barry started at ESPN, highlighting some of the life–changing sporting events he covered, to what his current roles were at the time of the interview, which were serving as the Executive Producer at the WNBA's Connecticut Sun Basketball and a journalism professor at Quinnipiac University.

Also, in his conversation with Garrett, Barry talked about his hopes for the future in the broadcast journalism industry, the challenges with social media and COVID-19 in their profession, and what young people should prioritize to become successful professionals. Toward the conclusion of their interview, Barry emphasized his interest to connect with and help others in any way possible.

Their Zoom interview was the first time seeing each other in 10 years. They would hear from each other in that 10–year period, but in 2022 they kept in more frequent contact via several communications (phone call, LinkedIn and Facebook),

As Garrett has said before, relationship building is the essence of humanity, Barry was the epitome of relationship building. He showed everyone what humanity is all about by bridging people together to build relationships with one another, as a family.

Barry's mindset was for teams to achieve common goals in order to celebrate collective success.

There are many others at ESPN, past and present, who worked with Barry a lot longer, and knew him a lot longer, than Garrett. Garrett's thankful for and humbled by the time he and Barry knew each other.

Barry always referred to Garrett as "G," which symbolized their friendship in time.

Rest in eternal peace, Barry.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Gayle Sierens on relationship building in a team environment.

Gayle Sierens' Professional Career and Accolades:

A Florida State University graduate, Gayle worked at WFLA–TV (NBC affiliated television station) for 38 years from 1977 to 2015 in Tampa, Florida
- From 1977 to 1985, she was the weekend sports anchor and reporter
- In 1985, WFLA–TV chose Gayle as Bob Hite’s co-anchor for the 6pm and 11pm news
  - She would co-anchor with Keith Cate later in her career
    - Dr. C.A. Tuggle:
  - Gayle's producer / colleague at WFLA–TV
  - Garrett's former broadcast journalism professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  - Tampa Bay Area: First female sportscaster; Tampa Bay Metro Magazine's best sports reporter (1981)
  - Sports Reporting: Florida Emmy Award (1984)
  - News Reporting: Florida Emmy Award (1991)
  - Gayle Sierens Day: 30th anniversary of Gayle's tenure at WFLA–TV (January 10, 2007)
  - Sports Club of Tampa Bay Hall of Fame (2022)
  - First woman in NFL history to call an NFL game as the play–by–play broadcaster (December 27, 1987)
- NBC Sports' coverage of the Seattle Seahawks and Kansas City Chiefs regular season game
- Notable New York sports radio broadcaster, Marty Glickman, helped Gayle as a mentor and voice coach to prepare for the game
- NBC Sports' Producer Michael Weisman planned to have Gayle call more games for the Network
  - Gayle's WFLA–TV contract and pregnancy with her first child, at the time, were key factors for Gayle staying in the Tampa Bay Area
    - Gayle talks to Garrett about how she and her husband, former NFL player Mike Martin, met Pro Football Hall of Famer Lamar Hunt at the Seahawks at Chiefs game at Arrowhead Stadium
  - Hunt congratulated Gayle on her performance as the play–by–play broadcaster
    - Hunt was the Owner of the Kansas City Chiefs for 46 years, and won an AFL Championship (December 23, 1962) and Super Bowl IV (January, 11, 1970)
    - The NFL's AFC Championship trophy is called the "Lamar Hunt Trophy"
    - Gayle also talks to Garrett about her friendship with ESPN broadcaster, Beth Mowins
- While Gayle is the first, Beth is the second woman in NFL history to call an NFL game as the play–by–play broadcaster
  - Beth is the first woman in NFL history to do the play–by–play broadcasting for a Monday Night Football game
  - Gayle talks to Garrett about Mike's pie establishment, Mike's Pies, located in the Tampa Bay Area
- Mike and Gayle were live on ABC's Good Morning America, as Mike and his “Mike's Pies” company were featured, on November 14, 2022

Garrett Boorojian interviews Kevin Corke about relationship building in a team environment. Kevin is nationally renowned as a FOX News Correspondent (who previously served as the White House Correspondent). He has covered the U.S. Presidents W. Bush, Obama, Trump and Biden Administrations.

Prior to FOX News, Kevin worked as an NBC News Correspondent, and as an ESPN SportsCenter Anchor and Host of other specialty shows for the Network. After NBC News, but before FOX News, he rejoined ESPN as a Host and Play–by–Play Broadcaster at the Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista, Florida.

Prior to entering into the national news and sports network realms, Kevin started his professional journalistic career in local news television in Denver and Miami. He won two Emmy Awards, one each at ESPN and NBC News, respectively on teams:

ESPN: National Sports Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement

NBC News: National Emmy Award for Team Election Coverage

Kevin holds Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Journalism from the University of Colorado at Boulder, a Master's Degree in Public Administration, Government and Economics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, and is currently a law student at the University of the District of Columbia's David A. Clarke School of Law, also known as UDC Law, in Washington, DC.

Kevin Corke's Professional Career Background (Source: FOX News)

Kevin Corke | Fox News

Kevin Corke currently serves as an FNC correspondent based in Washington, DC. He joined the network in 2014. In addition, Corke serves as a recurring guest-anchor on FOX News @ Night (weeknights from 12-1 AM/ET).

Most recently, Corke interviewed Maryland teacher Keishia Thorpe, winner of Global Teacher Prize as part of the network’s Black History Month special. During his time at FNC, Corke has reported from numerous continents covering issues ranging from politics and international policy to trade and terrorism. In 2020, he reported on the protests in Black Lives Matters Plaza in Washington, D.C. as well as contributed to the network’s presidential election coverage, reporting from the state of Ohio. In July 2018, he contributed to FNC's special live coverage surrounding President Trump’s trip to Europe including stops in Brussels, Belgium; the United Kingdom, Helsinki, Finland and Glasgow, Scotland.

Before joining FNC, Corke spent four years as a member of the White House Press Corps covering the George W. Bush administration (2004-2008) for NBC News. His coverage experience in Washington includes reporting from the Pentagon, Supreme Court, Capitol Hill and the U.S. State Department. Previously, he has reported for the Today Show and NBC Nightly News. In political campaign cycles he served as an anchor for MSNBC's Super Tuesday political coverage.

As a journalist, Corke has covered a variety of stories, including the Virginia Tech tragedy, the last Space Shuttle flight, hurricanes and nearly every major American sporting event. He has served as primary news anchor at WTVJ-TV in Miami, anchor/reporter at KUSA-TV in Denver and hosted ESPN’s Sports Center as well as broadcasted games for the network.

Corke is a graduate of Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, where he earned a Littauer Fellow citation for academic excellence, leadership and commitment to work in the public interest. He also has earned both a Masters and Bachelor degrees in journalism from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Garrett Boorojian interviews his former ESPN colleague, Steve Bunin, on relationship building in a team environment. A four–time Emmy Award winner, Steve is a former ESPN Anchor and, at the time of this interview, was an anchor at KING–TV (NBC) station in Seattle, Washington. Garrett and Steve discuss several topics, from Steve's journey to ESPN to the challenges that stem from the different media platforms reporting on the COVID–19 pandemic. Steve also highlights and talks in detail about a boy named Ari and how a sequence of events associated with Ari impacted Steve's life and altered his career path. Steve is a natural teacher and mentor who, since this interview took place, owns his own executive communications company.

Steve's Professional Career and Accolades:

Sports Anchor (November 1995 – September 2003)

Syracuse, New York (WTVH)
Binghamton, New York (WICZ)
Flagstaff, Arizona (KNAZ)
Lansing, Michigan (WLAJ)
Battle Creek, Michigan (WOTV)

Sports Anchor (September 2003 – October 2012)

ESPN (Bristol, Connecticut)
- Emmy Award as a SportsCenter Anchor
- Anchored and hosted:
  - SportsCenter
  - Outside the Lines
  - NFL Live
  - Baseball Tonight
  - Sports Reporters
  - ESPN Radio
  - Pregame, Halftime and Postgame coverage of many other events, including NCAA related events

Sports Anchor (October 2012 – November 2014)

COMCAST SPORTSNET HOUSTON (Houston, Texas)
- Emmy Award for interview special with nine–time gold medalist and one–time silver medalist Olympian, Carl Lewis
- Lead Anchored / hosted at regional sports network:
  - Two Emmy Award nominations

Radio Host (November 2014 – December 2016)

Yahoo Sports (Houston, Texas)
- Co–hosted national primetime shows at:
  - Yahoo Sports Network
  - SB Nation Radio
    - Co–hosted local afternoon show at ESPN Houston
    - Work included live coverage:
  - Super Bowl (San Francisco)
  - Boxing matches (Las Vegas)

News Anchor, Live Desk Anchor, Verify Reporter / Producer (January 2017 – December 2022)

KING 5 Media Group (Seattle, Washington)
- Seven Emmy Award nominations and two Emmy Award wins in nearly a six–year period
- Reported on the COVID–19 pandemic
- Coverage devoted to local communities and pet rescue groups
- Interviewed NBC's Meet The Press Host, Chuck Todd, once–a–week about national political news topics

Founder (February 2023 – Present)

Steve Bunin Communications (Seattle, Washington)
- Executive Communications Coach who teaches applications that include:
  - Presentations (Executive Presence)
  - Media Training
  - Image Consulting
  - Zoom Etiquette
  - Speechwriting

Garrett Boorojian interviews ESPN College Basketball Analyst, Seth Greenberg, about relationship building in a team environment. Coach Greenberg joined ESPN in 2012. He has appeared / commentated on ESPN's College Gameday Covered by State Farm, SportsCenter, ESPN Radio, as well as other platforms as an analyst.

Coach Greenberg's Men’s Basketball Playing Career:

Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1974–1978
Four-year letter winner for Head Coach Al LoBalbo

Coach Greenberg's Men’s Basketball Coaching Career:

383–293 (Overall)
Columbia University (assistant), 1978–1980
University of Pittsburgh (assistant), 1980–1983
University of Virginia (assistant), 1983–1984
- The University of Virginia reached the 1984 NCAA Final Four.
- University of Miami (assistant), 1985–1987
- Long Beach State University (assistant), 1987–1990
- Long Beach State University (head coach), 1990–1996
- University of South Florida (head coach), 1996–2003
- Viriginia Tech University (head coach), 2003–2012

Coach's Greenberg's Signature Head Coaching Wins:

January 25, 1993: Long Beach State University upset #1 University of Kansas 64–49 at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kansas
January 6, 2007: Virginia Tech University upset #5 Duke University 69–67 (OT) at Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina
January 13, 2007: Virginia Tech University upset #1 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 94–88 at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia
February 13, 2007: Virginia Tech University upset #4 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill 81–80 (OT) at Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
January 21, 2009: Virginia Tech University upset #1 Wake Forest University 78–71 at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Winston Salem, North Carolina
February 26, 2011: Virigina Tech University upset #1 Duke University 64–60 at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virigina

Sports Trivia about Coach Greenberg:

At Long Beach State University, Coach Greenberg coached future NBA players Lucious Harris and Bryon Russell.
- Lucious reached two NBA Finals with the New Jersey Nets (2002 and 2003).
- Bryon reached two NBA Finals with the Utah Jazz (1997 and 1998) and one with the Los Angeles Lakers (2004).

Coach Greenberg's Accolades:

2x Big West tournament champion (1993, 1995)
1x Big West regular season champion (1996)
1x Conference USA regular season champion (2000)
2x Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year (2005, 2008)
3x NCAA Men's Division I Tournament Appearances (1993, 1995, 2007)
Al Lobalbo Award at Fairleigh Dickinson University (2009)
"The Pinnacle" at Fairleigh Dickinson University (2011)

Coach Greenberg in Halls of Fame:

Southern California Jewish Sports Hall of Fame (1996)
Five Star Basketball Camp's Hall of Fame (2004)
The National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (2012)
Long Beach State Hall of Fame (2013)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Steve Petyerak about relationship building in a team environment. Steve is Jim Cantore's Producer at The Weather Channel, Prior to The Weather Channel, Steve produced for ESPN, ABC and CNBC.

Steve talks to Garrett about his time producing for ABC's Good Morning America and ESPN's SportsCenter. Steve then goes into detail about forming relationships with Jim, ESPN's Scott Van Pelt, residents of Western Kentucky affected by a tornado that caused major destruction in the state, a police officer and local councilwoman affected by a hurricane that caused devastation in Lousianna, internationally acclaimed chef and humanitarian, José Andrés of World Central Kitchen, National Hockey League Commissioner, Gary Bettman, and nine-time NBA Champion (as a player, an assistant coach and executive) of the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, Kurt Rambis.

Steve's Professional Career:

Chairman of the Board - Athletes For A Better World (December 2020 - Present)
Producer for Jim Cantore - The Weather Channel (March 2014 - Present)
Producer for SportsCenter - ESPN (June 2008 - June 2013)
Producer for Good Morning America - ABC (September 2007 - June 2008)
Producer for Fast Money - CNBC (September 2006 - September 2007)
Segment Producer - ESPN (2005 - 2006)
Producer - CSTV (2004 - 2005)
Associate Producer - Rainbow Media (2003 - 2005)
Story Coordinator - Inside Edition (2000 - 2003)

Garrett Boorojian interviews fellow Tar Heel, Kim Stone, about relationship building in a team environment.

Kim graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Public Relations & Journalism and received her MBA in International Business at the University of Miami's Herbert Business School.

Kim served as one of the NBA's top female executives in the country on behalf of the Miami Heat and Golden State Warriors. Currently, Kim is the President at the UBS Arena and Executive Vice President at Oak View Group, East Coast.

While Kim was at the Heat, the organization appeared in five NBA Finals (2006, 2011-2014) and won three NBA Championships (2006, 2012 and 2013). During the Heat's sixth NBA Finals' appearance in 2020, Kim was at the Warriors.

Two months after Kim joined the Warriors in 2019, the Warriors appeared in the 2019 NBA Finals. During the Warriors 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022 NBA Championships, and 2016 NBA Finals' appearance, Kim was with the Heat including at the time of this interview on November 17, 2021.

Kim's Professional Career:

President - UBS Arena
Executive Vice President - Oak View Group, East Coast
Executive Vice President, Human Capital & Special Projects - Miami Heat
General Manager, Chase Center - Golden State Warriors
Executive Vice President, Sales & Business Development - Miami Heat
Executive Vice President and General Manager, American Airlines Arena - Miami Heat
Parade Director, 2012 and 2013 NBA World Championship Parade - Miami Heat
Vice President, Season Ticket Services & Retention - Miami Heat
Chief of Staff and Vice President, Business Development - Miami Heat
Senior Director, WNBA Operations, Miami Sol - Miami Heat
Director, Sports Media Relations - Miami Heat
Assistant Director, Sports Media Operations - Miami Heat
Sports Publicity Director - University of Texas at Austin
Assistant, Sports Information Department - University of Miami
Student Assistant, Sports Information Department - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Kim's Professional Volunteer Roles:

Former Board Member - San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
Former Board Member - Miami Downtown Development Authority
Former Committee Member - Orange Bowl Committee
Former Councilwoman - President's Council, University of Miami
Former Sports Committee Chair - Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce

Garrett Boorojian interviews Larry Harris, who's the Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel at the NBA's Golden State Warriors. Larry previously was the General Manager of the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks.

Larry talks about what relationship building means to him, the positive influence his father, Basketball Hall of Famer Del Harris, and other NBA head coaches and executives have had on Larry's life as Larry has climbed the professional ladder in the NBA to become one of the top GMs in the NBA, the impact of the Golden State Warriors' leadership and culture in their locker room that has helped lead the franchise to four NBA Championships and six NBA Finals' appearances since 2015, and how much the NBA has reached new heights of globalism, especially in African and Asian countries, from a humanitarian perspective and for the identification of talent from those continues.

Larry's Professional NBA Career:

Golden State Warriors' Assistant General Manager (2016 to Present) and Director of Player Personnel (2015 to Present)
- Scouting the talent of professional and collegiate players
- Helping the Warriors in key discussions pertaining to the NBA draft, free agents and trades
- Golden State Warriors' Basketball Consultant and Scout (2009 to 2015)
- Golden State Warriors' Assistant Coach (2008 to 2009)
- Served under former Head Coach, and Basketball Hall of Famer, Don Nelson
- Milwaukee Bucks' General Manager (2003 to 2007)
- Before his role as GM, Larry served in the following roles: Assistant General Manager, Director of Player Personnel, Director of Scouting, Scouting, and Video Coordinator and Scouting (1987 to 2003)
- Larry's father, Del, was the Assistant Head Coach at the Bucks (1986 to 1987) and Head Coach at the Bucks (1987 to 1991)

Larry's Collegiate Career:

Eastern New Mexico University Men's Basketball (1981 to 1985)

Garrett Boorojian interviewed the incredibly successful sports broadcaster, Tim Brando, about relationship building in a team environment. Tim and Garrett talked about their mutual friends and connections, from the ESPN alumni community, who positively impacted their lives, from the late John Saunders to Lou Holtz to Howard Schwab. Tim's current broadcasting friend and colleague at FOX Sports, and a former Super Bowl Champion, Spencer Tillman, reminds Tim so much of John.

The earliest broadcast Tim did was back in 1971, assisting his father on a high school football broadcast, when Tim was 14 years told. The famous sportscaster Curt Gowdy was one of his closest mentors. Tim and his wife Terri moved from Louisianna to Connecticut when Tim joined ESPN in 1986. They moved back to Lousianna in 1990 and he remained at ESPN until 1994. From ESPN to present day, Tim takes pride in the fact that he worked at several major networks (ESPN, CBS Sports, Raycom Sports, SiriusXM, and FOX Sports) and learned how to be an "asset" and adapt to "change" by taking "a vibrant, and fresh approach" throughout his career.

Tim talked a lot about his key relationships in the industry. He highlights the three types of relationships a person has in his or her life. Tim added if you have five people who are "confidants" then you have a "full life." He also emphasized the importance of trust, team and influence as well as other relationship building qualities in the sports broadcasting industry.

Tim's Professional Career and Accolades:

FOX Sports (including FS1) Play-by-Play Broadcaster - College Football and College Basketball
CBS Sports Studio Host and Play-by-Play Broadcaster - College Football, NFL, College Basketball
Raycom Sports Studio Host and Play-by-Play Broadcaster - College Basketball and College Football
TNT Studio Host and Play-by-Play Broadcaster - NBA
FOX Sports South Play-by-Play Broadcaster - NBA (Atlanta Hawks), MLB (Atlanta Braves)
ESPN Studio Host (SportsCenter) and Play-by-Play Broadcaster (25+ sports)
Tim was the Preseason Voice for the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints,
CBS Sports Network and SiriuxXM - Tim Brando Show
CBS (Digital) Host - PGA (Masters Tournament); CBS Television Announcer - Liberty Mutual Legends of Golf Champions Tour event
Tim was awarded the Jake Wade Award in 2009, Lindsey Nelson Award in 2014, Richard M. Uray-Alpha Epsilon Rho Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2018 and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Ambassador Award in 2020.

Garrett Boorojian interviews 1974 NBA First Round Draft Pick, Len Elmore, about relationship building in a team environment.

Len's Collegiate and Professional Career:

Len played college basketball at the University of Maryland (NCAA Division I)
- Consensus Second Team All American (1974)
- First Team All-ACC (1974)
- Two-time Second Team All-ACC (1972 and 1973)
- Len played in the ABA (1974 to 1976) and NBA (1976 to 1984)
- 1974 NBA First Round Draft Pick (Washington Bullets)
- Indiana Pacers, Kansas City Kings, Milwaukee Bucks, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks
- Len received his J.D. from Harvard Law School (1987)
- Len broadcasted for ESPN, CBS Sports, and FOX Sports / FOX Sports 1 for 33+ years
- With Verne Lundquist, famously called the Elite 8 game (1992)
  - Duke University Basketball Legend Christian Laettner's game winning shot against the University of Kentucky
  - Len was a prosecutor in King County (Brooklyn, New York), and practiced law at renowned law firms.
  - Len is a Senior Lecturer at Columbia University and teaches multiple Sports Management classes
- Columbia University awarded Len with the Dean Excellence Award (2019)
- Len is the director of 1800Flowers.com board
- Len is an advisor of The Shirley Povich Center board at the University of Maryland
- Len is the commissioner on the Knight Commission for Intercollegiate Athletics
- Chair of the Racial Equity Task Force

Garrett Boorojian interviews his former ESPN colleague, Mike Hill, about relationship building in a team environment. Mike is a host at FOX Sports. At the time of this interview, he was a co-host at Black News Channel (BNC). Prior to BNC, Mike was an anchor and host at ESPN. Before his career in Bristol, Connecticut, at the Worldwide Leader in Sports, Mike worked at local stations across the country. He's the cousin of actor and comedian, D.L. Hughley, and is friends with actor and comedian, Steve Harvey. Mike is the proud father of two daughters. He's the author of his memoir, "Open Mike."

Mike's Professional Career:

Vendor at Yankees Stadium (Bronx, New York)
U.S. Air Force reservist (Philippines, and Hawaii, Maryland, United States)
WHAG-TV (Hagerstown, Maryland)
- Sports Director
- KSEE-TV (Fresno, California)
- Sports Anchor
- Worked with Garrett's distant relative, Stefanie Booroojian, who's an anchor at KSEE-TV
- WKRN-TV (Nashville, Tennessee)
- Sports Anchor
- Winner of two Emmy Awards.
- FOX Sports Net (New York, New York)
- Host
- KXAS-TV (Dallas, Texas)
- Sports Anchor
- ESPN and ESPN Radio (Bristol, Connecticut)
- Host
  - SportsCenter
  - SportsNation
  - First Take
  - NFL Live
  - Baseball Tonight
  - NBA Tonight
  - Both Sides of The Ball
  - Hill and Schlereth
  - FOX Sports, FS 1 and FOX Sports Radio (Los Angeles, California)
- Host
  - America's Pregame
  - FOX Sports Live
  - FOX Football Daily
  - UFC on FOX
  - FOX College Hoops
  - Keeping it Real with Mike Hill
  - Entertainment Tonight (Los Angeles, California)
  - BNC (Los Angeles, California)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Chris Ramsay, who's a former ESPN Coordinating Producer at ESPN, and former Senior Director and Deputy Editor at ESPN.com.

Chris started his career at ESPN supervising the production of the late night SportsCenter and ESPNEWS. He also produced ESPN coverage of the NBA Finals.

Chris is an alumnus, class of 1980. of Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida, with a B.A. in Communications.

His late father, Basketball Hall of Famer, Dr. Jack Ramsay, was named to the lists of Top 10 Coaches in NBA History and Top 15 Coaches in NBA History. Chris's brother-in-law, who's also Dr. Ramsay's son-in-law, is former NBA head coach Jim O'Brien.

Dr. Ramsay served in the U.S. Navy as a captain and frogman, which was the precursor to the Navy Seals, in World War II. He graduated from Saint Joseph's College (now called St. Joseph's University) with a bachelor's degree and received both his master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Before coaching in the NBA, Dr. Ramsay coached Saint Joseph's College to the 1961 NCAA Final Four. His record as head coach at Saint Joseph's was 234-72.

Dr. Ramsay was the General Manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Basketball Hall of Famer, Wilt Chamberlain, when they won the NBA Championship in 1967.

Dr. Ramsay coached four NBA teams with a combined NBA head coaching record of 864-783 (76ers, Buffalo Braves, Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers).

Dr. Ramsay coached the 1976-1977 Trail Blazers, led by Basketball Hall of Famer and College Basketball Hall of Famer, Bill Walton, and former NBA All-Stars Lionel Hollins and Maurice Lucas, to the NBA Championship in 1977 against Basketball Hall of Famer, and College Basketball Hall of Famer, Julius Erving's (Dr. J's) 76ers.

The Trail Blazers were the underdog team. In addition to Dr. J., the 76ers had Basketball Hall of Famer George McGinnis, and top-tier players such as Doug Collins, Henry Bibby, Joe Bryant, Mike Dunleavy, Daryl Dawkins, World B. Free, Caldwell Jones and Steve Mix.

The following year, Dr. Ramsay was the head coach of the Western Conference team in the 1978 NBA All-Star Game.

After coaching, notably, Dr. Ramsay was an ESPN television analyst and ESPN Radio analyst. He worked with his son Chris at ESPN when they covered the NBA Finals.

In 1995, at 70 years of age, Dr. Ramsay was a world-class triathlete. He was also a book author.

Dr. Ramsay received the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2009 - 2010 NBA season.

Before he passed away, Dr. Ramsay created the "The Jack Ramsay Grassroots Basketball Development Clinic" in Zimbabwe, Africa. The name of his charity is "Africa Outreach USA," which Chris leads on behalf of his late father.

Chris and his brother (John) and three sisters (Susan, Sharon and Carolyn) carry on their late father's legacy as successful professionals and educators.

Garrett Boorojian interviews Assistant Coach of the NBA's Charlotte Hornets, Rex Walters, about relationship building in a team environment.

At the time of this interview, Rex's last coaching role was as an Assistant Coach for Head Coach Stan Van Gundy of the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans. He was also the Assistant Coach for Stan when they both coached for the NBA's Detroit Pistons.

Rex's Professional Background and Accolades:

Collegiate and Professional Playing Career:

Northwestern University (1988 - 1990); Played for 2x NCAA Final Four Head Coach, Bill Foster
- All-Big 10 Honorable Mention (1989 - 1990)
- University of Kansas (1991 - 1993); Played for Basketball Hall of Fame, and College Basketball Hall of Fame, Head Coach, Roy Williams
- 2x First Team All-Big Eight (1992 and 1993)
- Big Eight Newcomer of the Year (1992)
- Big Eight Male Athlete of the Year (1993)
- All-NCAA Midwest Regional Team (1993)
- Reached the 1993 NCAA Final Four as a Player
- 1993 College All-Star Desert Classic (Phoenix, Arizona)
- 1993 Tournament Team
- "He helped me get drafted at a higher level." - Rex speaking about his coach at the Desert Classic (Basketball Hall of Fame Head Coach, Del Harris)
- 1993 NBA First Round Draft (16th Pick)
- Appeared in the 1994 movie "Blue Chips"
- Played in the NBA for seven seasons (1993 - 2000) for Basketball Hall of Fame, and College Basketball Hall of Fame, Head Coaches, Chuck Daly (NBA's New Jersey Nets) and Larry Brown (NBA's Philadelphia 76ers), and Basketball Hall of Fame Head Coach Pat Riley (NBA's Miami Heat)
- Baloncesto Leon (Spain, 2000)
- Kansas City Knights (2000 - 2001, 2002 - 2003)
- CB Gran Canaria (Spain, 2001 - 2022)

Professional Coaching Career:

Blue Valley Northwest High School (Overland Park, Kansas) as an Assistant Coach (2002 - 2003)
Valparaiso University as an Assistant Coach (2003 - 2005)
Florida Atlantic University as an Assistant Coach (2005 - 2006)
Florida Atlantic University as Head Coach (2006 - 2008)
University of San Francisco as Head Coach (2008 - 2016)
- West Coast Conference Coach of the Year (2014)
- Grand Rapids Drive as Head Coach (2016 - 2017)
- NBA's Detroit Pistons as an Assistant Coach (2017 - 2018)
- University of Nevada, Reno as a Special Assistant Coach (2018 - 2019)
- Wake Forest University as an Assistant Coach (2019 - 2020)
- NBA's New Orleans Pelicans as an Assistant Coach (2020 - 2021)
- NBA's Charlotte Hornets as an Assistant Coach (2022 to Present)

Garrett Boorojian interviews Howard Schwab about relationship building in a team environment. He was one of Garrett's mentors at ESPN. Howard worked at ESPN for 26 years and eventually became a Coordinating Producer who led the network’s research department. He and the late, great, SportsCenter Anchor Stuart Scott co-starred in the widely popular ESPN’s "Stump the Schwab" show originally aired in the mid-2000s.

Howie talks to Garrett about his friendships with Stuart, ESPN college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale, the late ESPN / ABC broadcaster John Saunders who Garrett worked with on the ESPN / ABC College Football Live team in 2011, and the late Jim Valvano, who won the 1983 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship at North Carolina State University. The V Foundation for Cancer Research is named after Jimmy who said these memorable words at the first ESPYs in 1993, "Don't give up. Don't ever give up."

After ESPN, Howard was a consultant for the "Sports Jeopardy" show hosted by another former notable ESPN SportsCenter Anchor, Dan Patrick.

Garrett Boorojian interviews James Miller, Assistant Men's Basketball Coach at Mississippi State University, about relationship building in a team environment.

At the time of this interview, James was the Associate Head Coach at New Mexico State University. Garrett first met James and his New Mexico Junior College team when Garrett did the play-by-play broadcasting for the NJCAA Region V Tournament Championship in 2013.

James has 18 years of collegiate coaching experience and, as an assistant coach, demonstrates great leadership, team and relationship building skills to one day become a top NCAA Division I Head Coach.

James Miller's Professional Background:

Mississippi State University as an Assistant Coach (2022 - Present)
New Mexico State University as an Associate Head Coach (2019 - 2022)
New Mexico State University as an Assistant Coach (2018 - 2019)
University of North Texas as an Assistant Coach (2017 - 2018)
Arkansas State University as an Assistant Coach (2016 - 2017)
University of Nebraska at Omaha as an Assistant Coach (2015 - 2016)
New Mexico Junior College as Head Coach (2012 - 2015)
- NJCAA Region V Tournament Championship (2013)
- 77-23 record; 2013, 2014 and 2015 postseason appearances; 21 of Coach Miller's NMJC players continued their collegiate basketball careers, which included at top-tier NCAA Division I universities such as North Carolina State University, Texas Christian University, Oklahoma State University, and Texas Tech University
- New Mexico Junior College as an Assistant Coach (2009 - 2012)
- Colorado State University Pueblo as an Assistant Coach (2005 - 2009)

Garrett Boorojian interviews 1995 NBA Coach of the Year, Del Harris, about relationship building in a team environment. Del is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, as well as other halls of fame, and has won countless basketball games, awards and championships.

Del Harris:

Earlham College Quakers Head Coach (Richmond, Indiana, 1965 - 1974)

Superior League Head Coach (Vaqueros de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, 1969 - 1975)

Iberia Superstars Head Coach (Barcelona, Spain, 1975)

American Basketball Association Assistant Coach (Utah Stars, 1975 - 1976)

National Basketball Association Assistant Coach (Houston Rockets, 1976 - 1979)

National Basketball Association Head Coach (Houston Rockets, 1979 - 1983)

National Basketball Association Assistant Coach (Milwaukee Bucks, 1986 - 1987)

National Basketball Association Head Coach (Milwaukee Bucks, 1987 - 1991)

National Basketball Association Head Coach (Los Angeles Lakers, 1994 - 1999)

FIBA World (Assistant Coach, 1998)

Summer Olympics (Head Coach, China Men's National Basketball Team, 2004)

National Basketball Association Assistant Coach (Dallas Mavericks, 2000 - 2007)

National Basketball Association Assistant Coach (Chicago Bulls, 2008 - 2009)

National Basketball Association Assistant Coach (New Jersey Nets, 2009 - 2010)

FIBA Americas (Assistant Coach, 2011)

National Basketball Association G League Head Coach (Texas Legends, 2011 - 2012)

Accolades include:

Holds a combined NBA Head Coaching record of 556 - 457 at the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers
Coached Hall of Famers such as Moses Malone, Sidney Moncrief, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O'Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, and Steve Nash
National Basketball Association Western Conference Champions (Head Coach, Houston Rockets, NBA Finals Appearance, 1981)
National Basketball Association Western Conference Champions (Assistant Coach, Dallas Mavericks, NBA Finals Appearance, 2006)
FIBA World Championship (Assistant Coach, Bronze Medalist, 1998)
FIBA Americas Championship (Assistant Coach, Bronze Medalist, 2011)
Won the NBA Coach of the Year Award in 1995
Won the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020
Won the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019
Won the Coach Wooden "Keys to Life" Award in 2014
Won the Jerry Colangelo Award for Leadership in 2010
Won the Puerto Rican League Championships (1973, 1974 and 1975)
Earlham College Hall of Fame
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame
Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame

Garrett Boorojian interviews ESPN Journalist and Baseball Analyst, and Book Author, Tim Kurkjian, about relationship building in a team environment.

Tim Kurkjian:

Was a journalist at the Washington Star, Baltimore News-American, The Dallas Morning News, The Baltimore Sun, Sports Illustrated, CNN-SI, and is currently a journalist at ESPN for the past 25 years.

At ESPN:

Tim has been featured on SportsCenter, Baseball Tonight, Monday Night Baseball, Wednesday Night Baseball, the network's coverage of the Little League World Series, and in ESPN The Magazine and ESPN.com.

In 2022:

The Baseball Hall of Fame honored Tim with the Baseball Writers' Association of America Career Excellence Award. Tim and his fellow recipients are recognized "for meritorious contributions to baseball writing."

Tim's three books:

America's Game; Is This a Great Game, or What; I'm Fascinated by Sacrifice Flies

Garrett Boorojian interviews legendary college football head coach, and member of the College Football Hall of Fame, Lou Holtz, about relationship building in a team environment.

Lou Holtz:

Was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020
Was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008
Won the 1988 National Championship as a Head Coach at the University of Notre Dame - Fiesta Bowl
Won the 1968 National Championship as an Assistant Coach at the Ohio State University - Rose Bowl
Holds a combined NCAA Head Coaching record of 249–132–7 at College of William & Mary, North Carolina State University, University of Arkansas, University of Minnesota, University of Notre Dame, and University of South Carolina
Won 12 College Football Bowl Games
Coached the NFL's New York Jets in 1976
Won the Southern Conference Championship in 1970
Won the Atlantic Coast Championship in 1973
Won the Southwest Conference Championship in 1979
Awarded the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award in 1977 and 1988
Awarded the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award in 1977 and 1988
Awarded the Sporting News College Football Coach of the Year Award in 1977 and 1988
Won the Walter Camp Coach of the Year Award in 1977
Won the Atlantic Coast Conference Coach of the Year Award in 1972
Won the Southwest Conference Coach of the Year Award in 1979
Won the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year Award in 2000

Host, Garrett Boorojian, talks to his listeners about:

His purpose behind choosing relationship building in a team environment as the main topic of his podcast.
Why relationship building is the essence of humanity.
The necessary elements of relationship building.
Several of the renowned and accomplished guests (including hall of famers, champions, and award winners) he's interviewed on his podcast, as Garrett briefly highlights the influential figures who, and specific circumstances that, had major impacts on their lives from a relationship building standpoint.
How he faced and overcame adversity throughout his years as a teenager, and how four early, specific, relationship building experiences in 2005 and 2006 changed Garretts' life forever.
How his former high school history teacher, mentor and friend, Mr. Robert Bradshaw, and Garrett's basketball idol, the greatest basketball player of all time, Michael Jordan, had positive impacts on Garrett's life.
What he was writing on 3x5 note cards that exemplified Garrett's relationship building process at work.
Leaving a legacy with two key parts that should be included when giving back to communities and the world as a whole.
Final words of advice for his listeners about relationship building.

` - Garrett's Academic and Professional Career Highlights:

Elected as Freshman Class President in the Student Government Association at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Reported for the student-run Carolina Week at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communication, at the now called Hussman School of Journalism and Media (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Received a Political Journalism Certificate, through The Fund for American Studies' Institute on Political Journalism, at Georgetown University (Washington, District of Columbia)
Interned at WUSA-TV, the CBS-affiliated news station (Washington, District of Columbia)
Interned on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Congressman who represented, at the time, the 13th District of North Carolina (Washington, District of Columbia)
Worked as a Desk Assistant NBCUniversal on site at the NBC News Bureau (Washington, District of Columbia)
Worked as a Studio Project Production Assistant at the headquarters of ESPN (Bristol, Connecticut)
Worked as a Research Assistant at LakePoint Sports (Emerson, Georgia)
Broadcasted as an independent sports play-by-play broadcaster (U.S. states of Georgia and Texas)
Hosted, briefly, an ESPN and CBS-affiliated sports radio show (Raleigh, North Carolina)
Earned real estate brokerage licenses (U.S. states of North Carolina and South Carolina)
Served on the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, which is now called the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance (Charlotte, North Carolina)
Worked as the Managing Partner and Chief Development Officer at WaveCapital Partners (Represented clients in 10-12 U.S. states, on average, a year)
Interviewed on many media outlets including Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, Bloomberg Radio, Forbes, Yahoo News, Yahoo Finance, Washington Examiner, TD Ameritrade Network, Newsy, Cheddar News, Thrive Global, ReadWrite, Fox 5 New York, Fox 11 Los Angeles, and ABC7 Chicago (National / International Coverage)