Unguarded by Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet and Quez sit down with KLUTCH Sports Group founder Rich Paul — one of the most influential figures in modern sports. From selling throwback jerseys out the trunk of his car to building a global agency that reshaped athlete representation, Rich shares the mindset behind the movement.They dive into the origin of KLUTCH, what it means to truly represent players beyond contracts, and how ownership, relationships, and long-term thinking changed the power dynamics of the league. Rich opens up about navigating criticism, building trust with superstars, and why culture and credibility matter more than ever.This isn’t just a conversation about sports agencies — it’s about shifting the ground beneath an entire industry.Legacy. Disruption. Blueprint.

On this episode of Unguarded, Fred and Quez sit down with Houston icon Bun B for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond music.Bun opens up about life after the spotlight, carrying the legacy of Pimp C, and how grief, growth, and purpose reshaped his outlook on success. He reflects on love and partnership with his wife, the importance of integrity, and what it means to evolve without losing who you are.The conversation also dives into entrepreneurship with Trill Burgers, his passion for education as a professor at Rice University, and why giving back to the next generation is just as important as any chart-topping record.Raw, thoughtful, and full of game—this is Bun B unguarded.

Fred’s Unguarded dives into legacy, access, and accountability across sports and culture. From questioning whether we’re entering the final phase of LeBron’s era, to debating the NBA’s fractured streaming model and the unintended consequences of legalized sports betting, the conversation stretches far beyond the court. We also explore mental health in today’s culture, information-hoarding versus mentorship, Hollywood’s treatment of Black excellence, and how narratives shape public judgment — ending with a real discussion on fairness, legacy, and context in how athletes are remembered.

We kick things off with the NBA trade deadline, breaking down what really happens when teams start making moves — who benefits, who gets left behind, and how “business decisions” affect real lives. From there, the discussion turns into a wild but honest comparison: why the mob operates without a salary cap, and what that says about structure, risk, and accountability.As the episode unfolds, we expand beyond sports into the bigger picture:The real impact of AI replacing jobs and why it’s happening faster than people thinkHow Elon Musk approaching a $1 trillion net worth represents more than wealth — it represents influence. Why certain systems are designed to reward the few while squeezing everyone else. What it means to adapt when the game keeps changing. This isn’t a headline-chasing episode. It’s a real conversation connecting sports, technology, money, and culture — and asking the questions most people avoid.No scripts. No gimmicks. Just honest dialogue and different perspectives.🎙️ Watch the full episode, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more conversations like this.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: @fredvanvleet / @Unguardedpod

In this episode, we sit down with Mark Owens, founder of Mark Owens Boxing, to talk about a journey that’s bigger than sports.Mark opens up about his past — including time spent in jail — and the hard lessons that forced him to confront his mistakes, his mindset, and his future. Through boxing, discipline, and relentless self-belief, he transformed his life and built one of Houston’s most respected training facilities.This conversation goes beyond boxing. It’s about accountability, second chances, mental toughness, and turning negativity into purpose.If you’ve ever felt counted out, this episode is for you.Presented by Li-NingFollow & subscribe for more unguarded conversations around basketball, culture, and life beyond the game.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: fredvanvleet / Unguardedpod

Episode 5 is all about the uncomfortable conversations people usually avoid.We talk politics in sports, recent NBA fights, what loyalty really looks like in today’s league, and whether the NBA season is simply too long. Players, fans, and media all have opinions — we break it down from every angle.This is Unguarded the way it’s meant to be.Watch, listen, and join the conversation.Follow & subscribe for more unguarded conversations around basketball, culture, and life beyond the game.YouTube: @FVVTV815 Instagram: @unguardedpod / @fredvanvleetPatreon: @Unguarded (exclusive episodes & behind-the-scenes)Tik Tok: fredvanvleet / Unguardedpod

On this episode of Unguarded, Fred VanVleet reflects on the social media reactions to the Kevin Durant podcast release and the challenges athletes face when media pulls headlines out of context. He talks resilience through adversity, including the moment Jake Paul broke his jaw, and shifts into his Chicago roots with thoughts on the Bears and the power of hometown fan loyalty. Fred closes on one of his core principles: the balance between love and loyalty, the difference between obligation and belief, and why context matters more than reaction. Real conversations. Real perspective. This is Unguarded.

Episode 004 of Unguarded features NBA superstar Kevin Durant joining Fred VanVleet for an unfiltered conversation on GOAT debates, the Houston Rockets, and the 2019 Toronto Raptors championship. Fred and KD also discuss cannabis being removed from the NBA’s banned substance list, how to fix the NBA All-Star Game, and the continued growth of Jabari Smith Jr. Real basketball talk, league insight, and culture straight from two of the game’s best.Keywords: NBA podcast, basketball podcast, Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant, NBA culture, Toronto Raptors, Houston Rockets, NBA All-Star Game, player perspective, sports podcast

NIL drama, Lane Kiffin headlines, Dillon Brooks energy, a Luka conspiracy, and a Raptors parade story you’ve never heard. Fred and Marquez break it all down in another hilarious, unfiltered episode of Unguarded.

The debut of Unguarded is here. Fred and Marquez rewind to the Raptors championship days, react to Steph Curry stepping away from Under Armour, and swap stories about Fred at the NBA YoungBoy concert. Plus, our first wave of callers jump in to debate, joke, and talk their shit with Fred. A chaotic, honest, late-night vibe to kick things off.