21 Talks with Former FBI Agent LaRae Quy

On this segment of 21, we talk with University of Texas at El Paso Offensive Coordinator, Mike Canales Mike grew up playing baseball and football primarily, and he did also try his hand at basketball. His love for football won out as he attended Utah State University and played Quarterback. Discipline is Mike’s superpower; and it is that character trait that helped him become a successful college athlete, and later, a coach with a career that most could only dream possible. At the collegiate level, Mike has coached at his alma mater and at the University of Tennessee, University of South Florida, Brigham Young University (BYU), and the University of North Texas...to name a few. During a brief stint in the NFL, Mike was a coach for the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, but he returned to the college gridiron because that is his true passion. Coaching is Mike’s calling. Period. And Mike is a wonderful example of someone who leans into his purpose to be a blessing to others. He loves the game, respects his players, and honors other coaches who have helped him along his path. Mike has a humble spirit, and he works to instill the principles of discipline, humility, and hard work with all whom he coaches. Mike is also very candid about his desire to be a head coach at the college level. The 21 family loves to see great things happen to great people, so we believe that will happen for Coach! Let’s see how things shake out this season. If there are any Athletic Directors listening to this podcast, check out Coach Canales! Listen as Mike discusses his childhood, his family (he denotes spending time with his wife as a hobby!), and the impact that COVID-19 and race issues in our country have impacted him, his players, and the season. Enjoy this episode of 21!

16 Loka 202047min

On this segment of 21, you’ll meet Brad Nicholson. Brad is the President of Van Hulzen Asset Management, which is one of the fastest growing independent advisory firms in the country providing investment, asset management, financial planning and retirement planning services. Brad is an accomplished athlete, and one Drew’s former teammates. He was the 2001 GSAC Conference Player of the Year and played in the NBA Summer League after his senior year in college. Brad’s basketball journey started in Idaho, but the sport was a vehicle for him to travel throughout the USA and to other countries. Brad’s Faith serves as an anchor and guide for his life; stay tuned for a story that Brad tells about how his ‘inner voice’ saved him from a situation that could have derailed his college basketball career. Brad speaks candidly about his passion for basketball, coupled with the need for athletes to have other aspirations just in case a professional sports career does not materialize. And once again, 21 listeners will be remined of the importance of networking. It is not only who you know; it is who knows you that can make the difference! Brad is wise well-beyond his years, candid, and has a super sense of humor. He came prepared with a couple of hilarious “Drew Stories” that will brighten your day. Lastly, you may also be inspired to achieve a 90% three-point accuracy percentage once you hear how Brad made this a focus. Enjoy this episode of 21!

10 Loka 202056min

21 Podcast Intro for Episode with Jason Brewster On this segment of 21, we talk with Jason Brewster, a defensive player for the 2020 Major League Lacrosse Champions, Boston Cannons. After trying his hand at other sports, Jason was introduced to lacrosse in elementary school and his connection to the sport was immediate. Lacrosse not only became Jason’s focus, his love for the sport became a family affair as his parents became his biggest fans and his older brother eventually started to play. Success with lacrosse in high school afforded Jason with the opportunity to play for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He was a very successful student athlete, who was a captain for his team for multiple seasons. Jason’s success did not come without challenges. He faced adversities (including a serious injury), but he used those moments to follow his instincts and pivot....gracefully accepting the changes that life sent his way. Jason is a fierce competitor, with a cool, fun off-the-field demeanor. Listen as Jason discusses his love for his family, passion for lacrosse, the sport’s impact on his leadership style, and his desire to bring lacrosse to young children in disadvantaged communities. Enjoy this episode of 21!

2 Loka 202037min

On this segment of 21, we talk with Troy “TJ” Sledge, one of Drew’s former college teammates. Troy grew up in Brooklyn where his love for the game was fortified by the electric basketball atmosphere of New York City, centered around the famed Holcombe Rucker Park, The Rucker, in Harlem. Troy shares some of his fondest memories play youth basketball, and those early mentors who impacted his life. (Shout out to Heather Brown!) Like so many young athletes, Troy was a basketball superstar who saw the game as a vehicle for his life dreams. And like many young athletes, Troy did not receive the proper guidance to understand the importance of grades and standardized tests in making the sports dream a reality. In Texas, we call it ‘No pass, no play.’ Troy’s journey took a different turn when he did not meet the academic requirements to attend certain colleges. However, on 21 we believe that everything that happens for a reason, and great things happen to great people. Both are true for Troy! Troy left NYC to play college ball in California, then he has a successful professional career overseas. Troy describes how his professional career ended abruptly and that it took him almost 7 years for settle on his next career move. This is not uncommon for professional athletes; most just don’t speak openly about it. Troy’s transparency, his realness is a gift. He is wise beyond his years and now devotes his time to his family and sharing his gifts and lessons with others. Enjoy this episode of 21!

25 Syys 20201h 1min

On this segment of 21, we talk with Vince Gilreath. One of the purposes for 21 is to educate student athletes about careers that relate to sports, even if you are not playing. Vince is an amazing testament to making that a reality! Vince is from Houston, Texas, and hails from Clements High School (Go Rangers!). He was a track star at Texas State University and a dedicated student. Vince majored in kinesiology, which is not an easy major for someone who is a dedicated athlete! Vince, however, does not focus on what is easy; he does what is needed to manifest the best results. This is the same approach that he has with his clients. Vince parlayed his passion for exercise, smart eating, and lifestyle healthy into building a prosperous physical training business. Vince now works with some well-known athletes who are at the top of their games. With his clients, Vince shares his expertise on how to work out most efficiently (smarter, not harder). What Vince appreciates most is his work with young athletes. He understands the importance of instilling young athletes with knowledge on how leverage exercise and diet to bring forth their best, inner athlete. Just listening to Vince will inspire you to put down that cheeseburger and go for a run! It is never too late (or too early) to get into your best shape. Enjoy this episode of 21!

17 Syys 202038min

On this special edition of 21, Tim Derksen issues a call to action for American athletes playing abroad: VOTE in this current election cycle! Tim hails from Tucson, Arizona, where he was the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year in high school. While playing college basketball for the University of San Francisco, Tim was honored as WCC All-Freshman Team and WCC All-Conference Second Team. Tim currently plays in Switzerland for the Les Lions de Geneve and he is using his platform to galvanize American athletes playing overseas to vote. As you listen to Tim, you can hear his real passion for his reasons for voting, and he is sharing his ‘fire’ via social media with other athletes and professionals living abroad. Tim cites www.votefromabroad.org as a primary resource for Americans living overseas who wish cast their vote in the US elections. Share this website and this podcast with everyone you know playing sports and living overseas. Quick action is needed! September 21, 2020, is the deadline for Americans living outside of the country to cast their votes for the current presidential election. Enjoy this episode of 21, then VOTE!

10 Syys 202025min

On this segment of 21, you’ll meet Andre Jones. Andre is a basketball star who hails from Suffolk, Virginia, which is a part of the Hampton Roads area. (For the sports buffs, Hampton Roads has been the source of top athletic talent, including Allen Iverson and Michael Vick, for starters.) Andre epitomizes the pro athlete whose path was not what he thought it would be, but the trials he went through make him so much more appreciative of the success he currently experiences. Andre was a star basketball player at Nansemond River High School. He was highly recruited by well-known colleges until he was sidelined by an injury. Once the dust settled and he healed from his injury, the big-name schools were no longer vying for him. He decided to attend Winthrop University where he soon learned that he was not the big fish in the smaller pond. And while he excelled at Winthrop, he also gained an appreciation for the tremendous talent of other basketball players who may not have had the same name recognition in high school. When Andre graduated from college, he did not immediately go into the pros as he had always dreamed. Before receiving the opportunity to play professionally, Andre worked for a non-profit organization whose work centered around children. What may have seemed like a dream deferred, was really Andre’s training ground for lessons of humility and gratitude. Today, Andre enjoys a career and personal life that he never imagined. As we settled in our recording with Andre, he shared with us how wonderfully humbling it is for him to travel places, and people recognize him and want to meet him. And for the #boymoms listening to this podcast, Andre shares how he wished he would have waited a little later in life before making dating a priority. Such powerful advice our young sons need to hear today!!! As you listen to this podcast, we are sure you will agree that Andre’s greatest life chapters are still ahead of him....and we look forward to seeing all that he has yet to accomplish. We thank Andre for his candor, authenticity, and transparency. Everyone will be able to relate to some part of his journey.

4 Syys 202044min

“You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.” - Oprah Winfrey On this segment of 21, we talk with Eric Pierre. 21 loves to highlight careers that link to sports, even if you are not playing. To that end, Eric is an athlete turned CPA who has both accounting and basketball in his DNA. Listen as Eric discusses his college days at Stephen F. Austin State University, and how a pivotal decision towards the end of his collegiate career established the trajectory and direction of his professional path. The lesson captured in this moment is a powerful reminder to ask for what you want! The basketball bug bit Eric again while he was establishing a very successful business career. He took a brief detour, and then decided that his purpose is to serve his clients by supporting and helping to grow their businesses. And by being true to purpose, Eric now leads Pierre Accounting a successful practice with offices in California and Texas. Enjoy this episode of 21!

27 Elo 202048min