About the Guest(s):

Ashley Roberts is the founder of the It’s Just Different Podcast and a former University of Texas basketball player. She began coaching varsity basketball at 23, created a successful AAU program, and now leads an empowering movement for parents of girl basketball players.

Through her podcast and community, she guides families through college recruiting, branding, and building opportunities on and off the court.

David Shands is known as the Podcast King and host of the Social Proof Podcast. As a mentor to countless podcasters, including Ashley, he’s helped transform their platforms into impactful media brands.

His insight into entrepreneurship and media makes him one of the most influential voices in the podcasting space.

Episode Summary:

In this special 2-year anniversary episode, the host becomes the guest as David Shands interviews Ashley Roberts about her evolution from D1 athlete to AAU coach to community leader and podcast entrepreneur.

They break down what it really takes to build something from nothing, especially as a Black woman in youth sports and media.Ashley shares how she turned a passion for helping parents and athletes into a full ecosystem — podcast, community, merch, showcases, and live events.

The episode dives deep into the reality of youth sports politics, recruiting red flags, branding for athletes, the role of transfer portals, and what parents need to know today.It’s a transparent, inspiring, and actionable conversation about building legacy, mentorship, and ownership in sports — and how Ashley’s platform is changing the game for girl basketball players and their families.

Key Takeaways:

- You don’t need a huge platform to start — just a clear purpose and consistent value.

- Parents must understand what’s really happening behind the scenes in AAU and college recruiting.

- Social media branding matters more than ever for athletes — visibility creates opportunities.

- Building relationships with the right people can take you further than talent alone.

- Entrepreneurship is possible in youth sports — from running leagues to creating community-driven products.

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