The FocalFlip Podcast

In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Highlands High School Head Basketball Coach Kevin Listerman to talk about leadership, mental toughness, and the journey that shaped one of Kentucky’s premier basketball programs.Kevin shares what it was like growing up as the son of legendary coach Mike Listerman, learning the game on a gravel basketball court where toughness and ball-handling were built the hard way. We talk about his playing career at Northern Kentucky University under Coach Ken Shields and Coach Dave Bezold, and the coaches who made up his personal “Mount Rushmore” of mentors.Coach Listerman also opens up about his time coaching collegiately at NKU and the difficult decision to step away when the lifestyle began taking a toll on his family. That decision ultimately led him to Highlands High School, where he’s built a championship culture while also getting the opportunity to coach his sons, Vinny and Dom.We discuss the 2021 KHSAA State Championship, the powerful meaning behind the team motto “212 – Turn It Up,” and the mindset required to build a winning culture.This conversation is packed with insights on leadership, family, growth, and mental toughness, along with a look at the success of this year’s Highlands team and the future of basketball in Fort Thomas.#FocalFlip #KevinListerman #HighlandsBasketball #Leadership #MentalToughness #212TurnItUp

In Episode 71 of the FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with Ryan Curtis, Dan Curtis, and (in a surprise moment) Jarrett Curtis for an episode full of basketball, legacy, laughter, and perspective. The conversation spans generations and shows how sports can shape identity, relationships, and purpose. Mike and Ryan go way back to their elementary days at Dixie Heights basketball camp, and their friendship grew into years of coaching together across Northern Kentucky. Ryan shares what it’s like being an assistant coach at Conner High School under his childhood best friend Nathan Browning, and why relationships with players and strategy are at the center of how he coaches. Ryan also opens up about the battles people don’t always see—his struggle with weight, dealing with eight kidney stones, and working the same job for 21 years while waking up at 3:30 AM every day. His story is a powerful reminder that discipline and resilience aren’t just built in the gym—they’re built in everyday life. Then Ryan’s dad Dan shares his story of growing up in Nicholas County, moving to Latonia, and starting at Holmes High School. Dan reflects on umpiring for 15 years and spending 22 years behind the mic calling games at Holmes, witnessing legendary moments and building a life around community sports. Mike and Dan’s chemistry brings some of the funniest moments of the episode, including Mike calling Dan the best granny shooter on the planet and Dan defending his love for reviewing popcorn—while giving Walton-Verona High School a serious shoutout for having the best around. The laughs hit, but the respect underneath it all is even louder. To top it off, Mike surprises Jarrett—Ryan’s son—by inviting him on the show to recognize the intangibles he brings to Conner basketball and how much he loves the team, especially Brady Bushman. Jarrett shares the meaning behind his name and the inspiring story of Jarrett’s Joy Cart, before the episode ends with laughs and a teased NBA 2K rematch that might even happen live on FocalFlip.

Episode 70 – Michael Kannady: Past, Present, and Future (Hosted by Tim Hanner) We've got a deep one in this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, where Tim Hanner sits down with Mike for the most vulnerable conversation to date, tracing the full arc of his life: the past that shaped him, the present that grounded him, and the future he’s intentionally building. Mike and Tim’s relationship began years ago in a unique way. Tim became principal at Piner Elementary the year after Mike had moved on to Twenhofel, yet their paths would eventually cross—marking the start of a mentorship that would quietly influence Mike’s growth as a person, leader, and man. Mike opens up about growing up on a farm, his deep love and respect for his parents, and the values instilled through hard work, school, sports, and community. He reflects on his social life, his passion for basketball, and his genuine love for people—traits that fueled both his success and, later, his struggle. As a collegiate athlete, a serious injury led to prescribed opiates—marking the beginning of a long, quiet battle with addiction. What followed were years of overdoses, hospital visits, lost jobs, and losing everything… twice. On the outside, business success kept him afloat. On the inside, mental health and emotional pain went unaddressed, buried beneath achievement and appearances. Mike shares the darkest moments with raw honesty—including his final stretch before recovery after COVID, when he entered treatment after taking 53 shots of Fireball, being physically held up by nurses, fully ready to die—but too afraid to take his own life. From there, the conversation shifts to the turning point: doing the work. Mike walks through the moment he finally took a hard look at himself, completing a 43-page personal inventory to uncover his true identity, patterns, wounds, and authentic self. That work became the foundation for FocalFlip—why it was created, what it stands for, and how flipping perspective quite literally saved his life. Mike explains the mission of FocalFlip today: helping others reframe pain, build self-awareness, and find clarity through perspective—especially when life feels unbearable. This episode isn’t about inspiration—it’s about truth. Not about perfection—but about ownership. Not about success—but about becoming real. Mike closes by sharing what the future holds for both himself and FocalFlip—and why the work is only just beginning. 🎧 If you’ve ever felt lost, high-functioning but hurting, or unsure who you really are—this episode is for you. This episode is SPONSORED by our incredible friends at Better Blend in Independence, KY! Many people don't know this, but at one point I was 371 lbs at my heaviest. I've struggled with my weight for years but this past year was the year I was going to take my fitness and nutrition to another level. I joined a gym and immediately after my workouts I wanted to recover and replenish with something that was actually good for me... so I ran across the street and started my relationship with Better Blend. It's clean. It's healthy. It tastes great. The people are awesome! Big THANK YOU to their team for supporting the mission that is FocalFlip!

If you're ready for real-talk that's expressed with emotion and humor, this is your episode. Meet my friend Sal Calanni and dive deep with us as we learn his life story and promote his brand new comedy special that airs right here on YouTube on January 29th! Sal is a lactose intolerant Italian originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he hit the road and began doing stand up in San Francisco. He has crawled through the ranks and has appeared at clubs all over the U.S. He now lives in East Hollywood. Sal did a set on the tv show Gotham Comedy Live, he acted in NBC's Trauma, and Spike Lee's film in NBA2K16. He starred in, co-wrote, and co-produced the film, Lucifer's Crewcut starring Maria Bamford, Arj Barker, Jello Biafra, and GWAR. He tours with Tim Meadows and has opened for Dave Chappelle, Dave Attell, Bill Burr, John Caparulo, Iliza Shlesinger, Greg Giraldo and many more. He has been featured on the Funny or Die homepage, was part of a sketch for Vet TV that went viral with over 3million views, he has performed at the Oddball Comedy Festival, SF Sketchfest, the Bumbershoot Film Festival and is a Finalist of the San Francisco Comedy Competition. His latest album Little Dago was released through Comedy Records in 2017 and hit #3 on the iTunes chart. That and his first album Real Job, Real Paycheck can be heard on SiriusXM and Pandora. #focalflip #breakthestigma #comedian #comedyspecial #mentalspillness #salcalanni #michaelkannady #podcast

In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Arron Cope, the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Independence, Kentucky, to talk about leadership, community, self-care, and what it truly means to live life with intention. The first 25 minutes of the conversation dive into Arron’s background and her role within the City of Independence. What began as a part-time position has evolved into a full-time leadership role, fueled by her passion for community and a growing interest in political science. For Arron, community isn’t just part of the job — it drives everything. We also explore Arron’s deeply personal journey with self-care. As someone who has always poured into others — as a wife, mom, employee, and leader — she reached a point where she realized she wasn’t fully utilizing her gifts and talents because she wasn’t caring for herself. When COVID hit, it became a turning point. Arron made the decision to live her best life, not only for herself, but so she could better serve and help others do the same. Throughout the episode, Arron shares powerful insights on: - Living your life with intention - Being comfortable getting uncomfortable - Embracing being imperfectly perfect - Valuing time above all else - Avoiding complacency - Mindset and performance - A 100-pound weight loss journey - Balancing family life - Growth, purpose, and personal transformation This conversation is a reminder that self-care isn’t selfish — it’s essential — and that when you show up fully for yourself, you show up better for everyone around you. 👉 Like, subscribe, and share if this episode resonates with you, and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. #FocalFlip #Podcast #CommunityLeadership #SelfCare #Mindset #PersonalGrowth #IndependenceKY #ParksAndRecreation

In this episode, I sit down with William Clarke — former NFL defensive end and current UFL player — to unpack the journey behind the helmet. Will grew up in Pittsburgh, PA, sharpening his game playing street football with smaller, faster friends who forced him to adapt, compete, and develop an edge early. That edge carried him to West Virginia University, and ultimately to the NFL, where he was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals with the 88th overall pick. But this conversation goes far beyond football. Will opens up about:- What it really feels like to hear your name called on Draft Day - The mental health challenges inside the NFL - Getting cut, navigating free agency, and handling uncertainty - Why hard work is the true separator at the elite level - The mindset of greatness — and the “switch” that never turns off We also dive into Will’s faith, his love for Jesus, and how surrounding yourself with the right people is essential for protecting your mental, spiritual, and emotional health — especially in high-pressure environments. On the personal side, Will shares how he met his wife Mercedes Clarke in the college bookstore, how they’ve built a beautiful family together, and why they’re now so passionate about giving back through their youth sports training business. Their mission is clear: help kids develop discipline, confidence, and ultimately earn scholarships through sport. This episode is about resilience, purpose, faith, and impact — whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone chasing greatness in any field. 🎧 Don’t miss this one. 📌 Like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear it. Love y'all Mike

In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Stephen Owens, General Manager of Better Blend in Independence, Kentucky — and we’re excited to announce that Better Blend is the official sponsor of FocalFlip for the entire month of December.I first met Stephen in a pretty unconventional way. My daughter and I were creating content around cleaner health choices, and instead of the old alcohol benders I used to find myself on, we committed to a 7-Day Better Blend challenge. That decision opened the door to a deeper conversation about discipline, action, and mental health.Stephen shares his journey from Princeton High School in Cincinnati to the University of Cincinnati, where he served as Vice President of the ATO fraternity and graduated with honors. Originally set on a career in physical therapy, Stephen’s path shifted into the fitness world, where he spent six years training clients at The Sports Club and OrangeTheory Fitness.That chapter led him to meet Karin Smith, who later purchased the rights to the Better Blend Independence location and invited Stephen to step into the role of General Manager — a transition that came with real mental and emotional challenges. We dive deep into the first six months of leadership, the internal pressure that comes with responsibility, and how action (even when it’s uncomfortable) plays a critical role in mental health.Stephen also opens up about life outside of work as a husband to Haley and father to Luka and Jackson, and how balancing family, leadership, and personal wellness continues to shape him.This episode is a powerful conversation about: • Mental health and leadership • The struggle behind stepping into responsibility • Action vs. avoidance in mental health • Clean health choices and lifestyle change • Growth through discomfort🎧 Whether you’re navigating leadership, personal change, or your own mental health journey, this conversation will resonate.📍 Better Blend – Independence, KY 🤝 Official FocalFlip Podcast Sponsor – December#FocalFlip #MentalHealth #Leadership #BetterBlend #CleanHealth #ActionCreatesChange

In this episode, I sit down with a longtime friend from our NKU days, Justin Holthaus, the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Cooper High School. Justin is a husband to Ashley and a proud father of five boys — a full team at home and on the court!With 16 years under legendary Cooper coach Tim Sullivan, Justin has done it all: Freshman coach, JV head coach, Girls Varsity head coach, and now leader of one of the top boys’ programs in Kentucky. During his time as the Girls Varsity coach, he held nearly an 80% win percentage, led Cooper to the state semifinals, and even took over the program during the chaos of 2020 — using Zoom meetings to build trust, connection, and culture with his team.We dive deep into: 🏀 Coaching boys vs. coaching girls — how communication, learning styles, and leadership impact each group 📚 The days he helped me as a JV coach at Ryle by sharing books and resources 💡 Why girls often want to understand the why and how behind basketball concepts 📋 The power of preparation, collaboration, and not coaching with an iron fist 🔥 Our shared love for author and speaker Jon Gordon, and Justin reflects on Jon’s recent visit to Cooper (which I was there for!) 🎯 Coaching every kid differently while still uniting them toward one collective mission 🧠 The evolving mental health landscape for young athletes 📱 How cell phones, comparison culture, and social media are reshaping identity and confidence ⚖️ Why performance should never define a player’s worth as a human beingThis conversation is a blend of coaching philosophy, leadership growth, culture-building, and authentic friendship. Whether you're a coach, parent, player, or someone passionate about mental performance, this episode has something for you.

In this deep & heartfelt episode, Mike sits down with Aaron Stamm, a longtime Northern Kentucky coach whose journey through life, sports, health, and self-discovery offers lessons for athletes and non-athletes alike.We open by taking it way back to the early 2000s, when Aaron was coaching at Ryle High School during one of the most stacked eras the 9th Region has ever seen—packed gyms, elite talent, and top-ranked battles every single night. Aaron relives what made that time so special and how it shaped his coaching philosophy.From there, we flip the script and dive into the intentional design behind Mike’s FocalFlip podcast set—crafted in the basement of his childhood home with symbolic meaning, legacy, and purpose behind every detail.Aaron then takes us through his coaching timeline: • His years in Ludlow • Coaching baseball • His run leading Conner Girls Basketball • Transitioning into the boys’ game • And the realization that ultimately pulled him back to what he loves most—the girls’ game, leading him to Bishop Brossart.But the heart of this episode comes from Aaron’s personal journey. Aaron opens up about being diagnosed with diabetes, contracting a severe finger infection that led to a partial amputation, and the wake-up call that changed everything. Since then, he’s dropped 70 pounds, rebuilt his habits, and found a new level of emotional balance, gratitude, and peace. He discusses how slowing down, letting go of constant pressure, and choosing joy has made him a better coach, husband, and human being.We wrap with Aaron giving flowers to the legends—his Mount Rushmore of local coaches who influenced his life and the game he loves.This episode is for coaches, athletes, parents, and anyone navigating adversity or looking to become the healthiest version of themselves.Hit play. Take the ride. Flip your perspective.

In this episode, Michael Kannady runs it back with Danielle Harris and Mercedes Clarke for a deep, honest, and transformative conversation about faith, relationships, womanhood, and what real connection looks like in today’s world. We open with church vs. religion vs. spirituality—how they differ, how they overlap, and how each one uniquely shapes our identity and healing journeys. From there, we explore the heartbeat of community and connection and why authentic relationships matter more than ever. 💬 Key Topics in This Episode: • Our thoughts on the difference between church, religion, and spirituality • Why community is essential for emotional and spiritual growth • What men can do to be better partners in their relationships with women • The power of love languages and how they show up in daily life • Why speaking to the feminine side of a woman matters — and how speaking to her masculine energy changes the dynamic • Parenting and raising kids with intention • Coaching each child differently based on who they are • How to strengthen listening skills as both partners and parents • Building a united front in marriage or partnership • Women’s expectations of a husband — directly from a woman’s perspective • What’s the best way for men to express how they feel? • And finally… what does balance truly mean? This episode is packed with wisdom, raw truth, and practical takeaways for men, women, parents, and anyone committed to growing into their fullest, healthiest self. 🎙️ Like, comment, and subscribe to join the FocalFlip movement—where transformation begins with honest conversation.

In Episode 62 of the FocalFlip Podcast, Pat Morgan sits down with two extraordinary women—Danielle Harris and Mercedes Clarke—to open Warrior Women Season. Together, they unpack what it truly means to be a woman of strength, intention, and unwavering purpose. Danielle, owner of a remodeling company and manager of a thriving design firm, shares her courageous journey as a mom of three who fought through a near-divorce in 2017 and discovered a calling to support young people and families. Mercedes, wife of former NFL and current UFL player Will Clarke, brings her perspective as a mother of four, co-owner of a family training business, and cheer director for the Union Raiders—balancing leadership, motherhood, and the ever-changing world of professional athletics. This episode dives deep into:- What defines a strong family and the characteristics that hold it together - Honest parenting: asking kids better questions, opening your home, and creating emotional safety - Understanding children beyond their behavior instead of labeling them as “bad” - Navigating marriage, misunderstandings, and relationship struggles - Living a life for God on purpose—prayer, gratitude, spiritual disciplines, and embracing strong-willed qualities - Why truth, compassion, and intentionality are at the heart of raising the next generation If you’re a parent, spouse, leader, or someone seeking encouragement, this episode will fill you with wisdom, hope, and the inspiration to live boldly, love deeply, and lead with purpose. Welcome to Warrior Women Season. Let’s dive in.

Balancing Love, Leadership & Legacy — Andrea & Tim Sullivan on The FocalFlip Podcast 🎧 Episode Description: In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with husband-and-wife coaching duo Andrea and Tim Sullivan — two of Northern Kentucky’s most respected educators and leaders in high school athletics. Andrea, the Head Volleyball Coach at Scott High School, brings over 23 years of coaching experience, 500+ career wins, and a lifetime of athletic excellence to the conversation. A former three-sport collegiate athlete — competing in softball, volleyball, and basketball — Andrea shares her story of relentless drive, competitive spirit, and growth as both a coach and a mother. She opens up about her journey from athlete to mentor, her perspective on mindset and leadership, and the challenges of balancing motherhood, coaching, and “mom guilt” while leading young women on and off the court. Tim, now the Head Basketball Coach at St. Henry District High School, reflects on resilience through life’s ups and downs — from being cut from teams and navigating career transitions to rediscovering purpose in coaching and family life. Together, the Sullivans talk about what it’s like to teach side by side at Scott High School while coaching at different schools — and raising two student-athletes who are each chasing their own dreams: Emory, who transferred to play volleyball for her mom, and Elijah, who’s thriving at St. Henry as a basketball player and student. The episode dives deep into: • Mindset, mentality, and leadership in sports and life • Parenting while coaching under the same roof • How to handle change, setbacks, and transitions with grace • The power of relationships in coaching, marriage, and family • Words of encouragement for young men and women stepping into leadership roles This episode captures the heart of what it means to compete, coach, and care deeply— a conversation filled with wisdom, laughter, and perspective that every athlete, parent, and coach needs to hear. 🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and everywhere you stream. #FocalFlipPodcast #MindsetMatters #CoachingLife #MarriageAndLeadership #ParentingAthletes #PerspectiveFlip #AthleteMindset

In this episode, we dive deep into the story of Farmer Nate’s Sauce, a small-batch hot sauce brand born from one man’s pandemic hobby and now recognized on the national stage. Founder Nate Nunemaker — better known as Farmer Nate — started out as a city guy in Covington, Kentucky, who just wanted to grow a few peppers in his backyard. But when his habaneros and jalapeños exploded in abundance, he turned his harvest into handcrafted sauces that quickly caught fire. What started as a simple backyard experiment became a full-blown business that has grown distribution across multiple states in over 1000 brick and mortar stores such as Publix, Home Goods, Meijer, Jungle Jims and the online giant, Amazon. Nate’s philosophy centers on flavor over heat, sustainability, and the idea that food connects people. You’ll hear how Farmer Nate’s Sauce has racked up awards — including Most Unique Sauce and Best Spicy Seasoning at the 2025 International Flavor Awards — and built a loyal community around its signature creations like Kentucky Tang, Curry Jalapeño, Smokehouse Habanero, and the legendary Covington Gold Dust. Now, behind all of those Awards & Accomplishments lies a unique story. His story. He and his family weaved their way through many life challenges from the time that Nate was a young boy. Some of these challenges included dealing with the grips of addiction within the family, which led to a significant struggle in his upbringing. His superstar Mom would work three jobs just to make ends meet while he and his sister would stay over at his aunts or a friends house... only to be stolen from time and time again. From a life-changing car accident to bullying, to dealing with family tragedy & coming to terms with his own life mistakes, Nate has been through it all. But, he didn't let it define him. He decided to rise. He chose to look deep within himself and he started to peel away the layers. All of them. What he found? His authentic self and his purpose. The rest of the story speaks for itself and continues to be written... Well done young man. I'm proud of you.

In this episode of The FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Coach Ross Hart, head coach of Beechwood Boys Basketball, to talk about his journey from a Beechwood grad with a dream to the man leading the same program to new heights.We unpack his journey from a player at Wilmington College to transferring to UK to study education, health, and PE — trading the player’s life for a coach’s calling.From long days student teaching in Lexington until 2 PM and driving to Beechwood to coach until 9 PM, to his time at Holmes under Dave Henley, Coach Hart has worn every hat there is in high school basketball.He reflects on the lessons learned from mentors like Coach Booher, Mike Listerman, Coach Rick Shumate and Coach Skinner, and shares powerful moments — from James “Beetle” Bolden’s breakout season to the heartbreak of Jack Sullivan’s injury just days before the postseason.Ross also opens up about mental health in youth sports, the role of parents in today’s programs, and how he balances fatherhood, leadership, and legacy — including the surreal day he was named Beechwood’s head coach on the same day his son was born.🎧 Topics We Cover:Building culture and legacy at BeechwoodThe grind and calling of a high school coachMental health and the pressures on young athletesThe lessons that shape great leadersTurning challenges into championship momentsFunny basketball stories about Beetle & Bluegrass Preps#FocalFlipPodcast #BeechwoodBasketball #RossHart #KentuckyHoops #HighSchoolBasketball #Leadership #MentalHealthInSports #CoachingJourney

🎙️ The FocalFlip Podcast | Episode 58 “Built Different — The Mamba Mentality of Brenden Stowers” In Episode 58 of The FocalFlip Podcast, I sit down with Brenden Stowers, Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach at Northern Kentucky University, to unpack a story of drive, discipline, and heart that started long before the sidelines of Division I hoops. Brenden opens up about his early days on the court — the lessons learned from his father, the fire that was built in local gyms, and unforgettable moments that revealed the switch inside him — moments that define what it truly means to compete with purpose. From the courts of Independence, Kentucky to coaching at NKU, Brenden shares how his passion evolved from player to mentor, carrying the same intensity and “Mamba Mentality” that shaped his game into the way he now develops others. In this episode Mike and Brenden dive into: - The Team Crunk days and the grit that came with them. - Dream-chasing and what it looks like to let go. - How failure and frustration builds the foundation for leadership. - What “breaking yourself to become what you’re meant to be” really looks like. - Playing professionally overseas and transitioning into coaching. - Leaving the Simon Kenton Girls job to coach at NKU. - The mental side of competition and how to balance fire with focus. - ...and what it was like playing for legendary coach Ken Shields. This ep is about more than hoops — it’s about growth, humility, and what it looks like to chase your dreams. 🎧 Tune in to FocalFlip for authentic stories of resilience, mindset, and the people who embody the meaning of flipping focus to find purpose.

In this episode of the FocalFlip Podcast, Mike sits down with his longtime friend Tony Hill to dive deep into the heart of life, family, and leadership. Tony shares his journey of struggle, growth and service, from starting as a tech to becoming a respected leader in the Nursing Profession at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. Together, Michael and Tony discuss how their choices growing up shaped their desire to love, help, and serve others—and what it really means to lead with heart. Tony also opens up about his passion project, Even Balanced Hoops Training, where he mentors young athletes through the game of basketball—teaching not just skills, but balance, work ethic, and mindset. In a touching segment, Tony’s sons Lucas and Xavier join the show to share what they’ve learned from their dad about family, effort, and mental health. This conversation is packed with wisdom, humor, and authenticity—a reminder that leadership begins at home and love is the foundation for all we do. 🎧Listen now to be inspired by Tony’s story of balance, service, and strength.

In Episode 56 of the FocalFlip Podcast, we sit down with Coach Jeff Stowers, the head coach of the 8th Region Champs, Simon Kenton Girls Basketball Program, whose story embodies resilience, family, and faith in the power of sports. Jeff opens up about growing up in the projects of Covington, Kentucky, one of 11 kids in a big, tight-knit family. He shares how the basketball courts on 10th Street and Lincoln Grant became his refuge and foundation — a place where he found friendship, discipline, and a lifelong love for the game. From humble beginnings to building a powerhouse basketball program, Jeff’s coaching journey began through his own kids — Brenden, Jordan, Evan, and Taylor — and evolved into something much larger: a mission to mentor and inspire the next generation. We dive into Jeff’s coffee conversations with my father, moments filled with wisdom, laughter, and life lessons that shaped both of our paths. Jeff opens up about the tough decision to step back from coaching as his battle with diabetes took a toll on his health — only to be pulled back into the game when his son Brenden joined the NKU Women’s Basketball Program as an assistant coach. We talk about his teams 26 - 5 Season last year and how they return EVERY starter this year. We chat coaching philosophy, his players, his methods to his madness AND we revisit one of the most iconic moments in Kentucky high school basketball history — the Simon Kenton girls’ victory over Sacred Heart, snapping their 92-game win streak and cementing Jeff’s program as one of the best in the state. This episode is a heartfelt look at family, perseverance, purpose, and legacy — a reminder that sometimes life’s toughest challenges lead us right back to where we’re meant to be. ☕ Tune in and flip your focus with us as we honor the leadership of Coach Jeff Stowers. #FocalFlip #JeffStowers #SimonKentonBasketball #KentuckyBasketball #CoachingLegacy #FaithAndFamily #Inspiration #Resilience

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and college roommate from Northern Kentucky University, Jeff Hatter, the Founder of North Star Yerba Mate and @yerbatravels ! Jeff’s story is unique—after graduating, he moved to South Korea where he spent 15 years teaching before moving back home a year and a half ago. Throughout the years, he was always encouraging me to try Yerba Mate, a traditional South American tea known for its holistic health benefits, sustained energy, and mental clarity. The problem? I thought it was too cumbersome to prepare, especially living a fast-paced life here in America. I used to joke with Jeff, “If only someone could make an instant version of Yerba Mate for us…” Well—he did. 🙌In this episode, we talk about: Jeff’s journey from Kentucky to South Korea and back. The inspiration behind North Star Yerba Mate. The health benefits of Yerba Mate and why it’s different from coffee or energy drinks. How Jeff created an instant version designed for people who want wellness, energy, and convenience all in one. If you’ve ever been curious about Yerba Mate, entrepreneurship, or how to bring an idea to life, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.👉 Learn more about North Star Yerba Mate: www.northstaryerbamate.com

In this episode, we explore the extraordinary journey of Tim Hanner, former Superintendent of Kenton County Schools and celebrated consultant. Recognized as Kentucky Superintendent of the Year in 2010, Tim led with vision and innovation—launching programs like STEM campuses, Born Learning Academy, and the Success Academy. His leadership left a lasting imprint on education in Northern Kentucky while also inspiring his later work as a business consultant and nonprofit founder with NaviGo, guiding students toward college and career readiness. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tim’s story is one of resilience. Diagnosed with chronic kidney disease just before becoming superintendent, he defied the odds by pushing forward with his five-year plan. His health struggles eventually led to two kidney transplants—first from his sister Rebecca in 2013, and later from a former student, Alyssa Davis, in 2020. Each gift of life brought new perspective, gratitude, and purpose. Through Tim’s reflections, we uncover lessons in perseverance, faith, and community. His journey shows how leadership is not only about guiding institutions but also about embracing vulnerability, drawing strength from others, and transforming adversity into a mission of hope. This is a story of survival, generosity, and the power of human connection.

Texas Will, Sir William & Tha Village Podcast: A Father’s Mission for Autism AwarenessI first met Will Adams—better known in our college days as Texas Will—at Northern Kentucky University’s campus recreation center. Our friendship began on the infamous “center court,” the most competitive and unforgiving place on campus to play ball, where every game came with bragging rights. Life took us in different directions, but we stayed connected from afar. Over the past three to three and a half years, Will’s journey has been transformed by his son, Sir William, who was diagnosed with autism and is non-verbal. The challenges of navigating autism and breaking the stigma around mental health—especially in communities where the conversation is often avoided—sparked a new purpose in his life. That purpose became ​⁠​⁠ @ThavillagePodcast , which Will founded and now hosts with Josh Hopkins and Wayne Wall. The show advocates for fathers raising children on the autism spectrum, sharing real stories, practical resources, and open discussions about mental health and family dynamics. They also have real, unfiltered conversations about life through the perspectives of Black men—covering everything from fatherhood and identity to resilience and community.In this episode, we revisit our college days, dive into Will’s personal and family journey, and explore how Tha Village Podcast is creating space for honest dialogue, connection, and hope for fathers, families, and anyone committed to understanding autism on a deeper level. ​⁠