Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow

RJ Thompson is the driving force behind Orange Arrow’s “cool factor.” By day, he serves as the Manager of Digital Strategy in the Health Sciences at Pitt and teaches at Pitt, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Point Park University, and West Virginia University. A longtime supporter, RJ is the creative mind behind the evolution of the OA brand and various OA projects, including launching this podcast. Tune in to hear how Captain America inspired his career in graphic design, and stay to discover how he listens to stories to capture the spirit of OA in his designs.

Get an inside look at the making of OASIS! In this episode, hear from several of our dynamic day one speakers, including Lousaka Polite and Doug Whaley, plus the can't-miss keynote conversation between OA Founder Shawn Robinson and legendary coach Jim Tressel.

Franco Harris was the epitome of what it meant to be more than an athlete. We are forever grateful for everything that he and his family have done for Orange Arrow and the community at large. The sports and greater community lost an icon when we heard of his passing. Orange Arrow will continue to do good work as part of his inimitable legacy.

Tune in as Shawn sits down with Monica McNeil, an academic counselor and learning specialist with Pitt Football! Listen to learn why Monica tells everyone that she’s “Not really from anywhere,” and how she made a gut decision to attend the University of Pittsburgh, even after moving in at Alabama. Monica also details her career-ending injury and how she relied on her community for support during her recovery. They finish by discussing how she became involved with Orange Arrow.

OA Vault: God's Plan (Episode 1) by Orange Arrow Players Association

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and Hope Utilities CEO Morgan O’Brien! The Outstanding CEOs Career Achievement winner, and former CEO of Duquesne Light & Peoples Natural Gas, O’Brien discusses the importance of hard work, from coming in early to staying late and everything in-between, including volunteering to take on more projects and always being willing to do what it takes to help the company succeed. He also explains the importance of leading by example and never losing touch with who you are, and the power of building relationships not just within your company, but also with the people you serve. They close out the episode by discussing the bonds created through golf and the importance of empowering people to help others, both on and off the field.

We're going back into the OA Vault to revisit our episode with Mike Pichette, Ohio native, standout swimmer, and Pitt grad. Listen as he talks about growing up a swimmer, his injury, finding structure through Orange Arrow, and how he prepared for life after graduation.

Join our host, Shawn Robinson, as he sits down with former Pitt football players and OA interns, Alex Kessman and Therran Coleman, to discuss everything from college recruitment to video games and finding balance as a student-athlete. These leaders also talk about learning how to deal with past failures both on and off the field, and how to turn criticism into motivation for success.

Today we’re talking about the news — OA news! Hear updates on our summer programming in McKeesport, how an event at Howard University led to an unexpected reconnection, our upcoming Training Table event, and key lessons in leadership and building winning cultures. Join our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/Ze2yv

Dr. Rich Milner is the Cornelius Vanderbilt Chair of Education in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Vanderbilt Peabody College of Education and Human Development. In this role, he is not only a teacher, but also a researcher and leader in the fields of urban education and teacher education. Tune in to hear more about his journey to Vanderbilt, his time at Pitt - where he served as the director of the Center for Urban Education - and how he ended up rejoining the faculty at Vanderbilt in 2018.

Matthew Goncalves is a former Pitt football athlete and Orange Arrow intern now playing professionally with the Indianapolis Colts. Tune in to hear about his experiences at Pitt and how he balanced his sport and extracurriculars. As always, stick around to the end to hear his advice for young student-athletes and why he supports the work of Orange Arrow.

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and one of the longest tenured members of the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Department, E.J. Borghetti! A Pitt man through and through, Borghetti has been at Pitt for nearly 30 years. Tune in as he discusses his own start in sports and how he always strived to both play and one day work at Pitt. He also reminisces on some of the most memorable players to come through the football program and provides advice to young athletes for pursuing a career after sports.

Today, Shawn sits down with DJ Moyer, a student-athlete and former OA intern, who shares his journey through college sports and academics. A first-generation college student, DJ opens up about balancing life as a student-athlete, offering tips for staying ahead of schoolwork and shedding light on the transfer portal experience. Our first football intern to manage his internship during the season, DJ also discusses his time with Orange Arrow, from the benefits he received from mentoring youth to his favorite activities to do with the kids.

Pitt offensive lineman Ryan Baer shares his journey from Eastlake, OH, to college football, including a unique COVID-era recruiting process and why he ultimately chose Pitt. He reflects on finding a sense of home in Pittsburgh, interning with Orange Arrow, and why success beyond the field matters.

We’re continuing our inside look at the making of OASIS! In this episode, hear from several of our dynamic day one speakers, including Lousaka Polite and Doug Whaley, plus the can't-miss keynote conversation between OA Founder Shawn Robinson and legendary coach Jim Tressel.

In this episode of Inside The Play Call with Orange Arrow, host Shawn Robinson shares highlights from OASIS, the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports.

Revisit the first episode of Inside the Play Call! This episode will take you on a journey of the development of Orange Arrow through the eyes of our founder, Shawn Robinson, starting with a city that draws 10,000 people for each high school football game to understanding why an NFL dream was not realized.

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson reflects on the power of relationships and how many dynamic OASIS speakers joined the lineup through meaningful connections. From shared values to mutual respect, Shawn shares stories that prove the best plays are drawn from genuine relationships. Tune in to hear how the dots connect behind the scenes of Orange Arrow. #TakeAim

Go behind the scenes of OASIS! Host Shawn Robinson gives listeners an inside look at the planning, vision, and conversations shaping the symposium. From the inspiration behind it to the details that make it all come together, this episode reveals what it takes to create a powerful event focused on building inclusive and winning teams at the intersection of sports and education. Tune in for a firsthand look at the making of OASIS! Don’t miss out — register today at orangearrow.org/oasis

Shawn sits down with Chris Curd, a Youngstown native, former Pitt student-athlete, and president of the Pittsburgh Flag Football League. They dive into a lively debate of "Off the Wall" vs. "Thriller," discuss the impact of NIL in college sports, and explore the growing presence of girls in flag football. Chris also shares personal insights on the vital role his spouse plays in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with engaging stories and reflections on sports, music, and life!