Give Me A Sense with Mike Yam

Portland Trailblazers TV analyst and former Oregon State basketball star Lamar Hurd had a dream of playing in the NBA. On The Give Me a Sense podcast, Hurd shares his story of moving away from home in the 6th grade to dedicate his life to the game. His journey found him turning down Baylor after committing, landing at Oregon State and having what he describes as a “rollercoaster” career in college. Lamar played overseas and when he was on the verge of potentially making the NBA, he walked away to coach kids. He has a fascinating story and after hearing him you’ll understand what passion really is. Lamar Hurd: @L_Hurd http://www.theothersideofbasketball.org Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam // @GiveMeAsense

Eric Byrnes was an electric baseball player who spent 11 years in the major leagues. He’s the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. He shares some great stories from playing in the bigs - the highs and lows and the run in he had with A’s GM Billy Beane in the parking lot after he was sent down to the minors. Byrnes has made the successful transition from baseball to a new sport; he competes as an ultra marathon runner. Eric created a documentary on running the Western States Endurance Run, which is a 100 mile race completed in 1 day.  It’s an amazing story which includes hallucinations, torn up feet and Lance Armstrong. You can find the documentary on vimeo here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/diamondtotherough/187851807 All portion of the proceeds go to the Pat Tillman Foundation. Eric on Twitter: @byrnes22 @Diamond2Rough Instagram: @ebyrnes22 Facebook: Eric Byrnes   Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

Mike Montgomery is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. Montgomery was a powerhouse coach making Stanford into a consistent force in college hoops. Over his 32-year collegiate coaching career with Stanford and Cal, Montgomery made 16 NCAA Tournaments, captured 6 conference championships, and piled nearly 700 victories. After his time at Stanford, he made the jump to the NBA, taking over the Warriors. Montgomery is honest about his time with the team and the challenges he faced with at that level.  If you’re a basketball fan, you’ll love hearing his stories. @GiveMeAsense @Mike_Yam on twitter and instagram. Facebook: “Mike Yam”

Chad Brown kicks off season 2 of The Give Me a Sense Podcast. After winning a national championship at Colorado, Brown was selected in the 2nd round of the NFL draft by the Steelers. Brown explains what made Bill Cowher, Mike Holmgren and Bill Belichick different, but successful. You’ll have a much better understanding of why the Patriots win as much as they do.   In our conversation you’ll hear what life is like in the NFL, the adjustment to life without football and how close “Ballers” on HBO is to being real. Chad Brown: @ChadBrown94 Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam on Twitter and Instagram

Rick Neuheisel was a Rose Bowl MVP quarterback at UCLA, who made a successful transition from playing, to coaching and now broadcaster. I was fortunate enough to work with him for 3 seasons at Pac-12 Network and we swapped some stories about the first few years after we launched. Rick explained how he built cultures when he arrived at a program, what some of the best wins felt like and how the losses were crushing. Unlike the pros (he was the offensive coordinator with the Baltimore Ravens), he had to recruit players out of high school and told some funny stories including jumping off a cliff in Hawaii with Manti Te’o.  If you’re a sports fan I can guarantee you’ll enjoy this conversation.   Rick Neuheisel: @CoachNeuheisel Mike Yam: Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam  Facebook: Mike Yam

Out of high school Jeremy Affeldt set his path to become a major league baseball player. Bypassing college, he remembers life in the minors, which wasn’t always easy, being married while having roommates and eventually getting a chance in the bigs. He shares some of his best moments playing and winning World Series with the Giants. On The Give Me a Sense podcast Affeldt explains why he hated the game and wanted to quit. His encounter with a 16 old homeless girl not only gave him new perspective on his life, but has sparked him to work with Generation Alive.  Jeremy Affeldt on twitter: @JeremyAffeldt www.generationalive.org  https://jeremyaffeldt.wordpress.com/ Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

The face of 120 Sports Michael Kim spent 17 years working as an ESPN anchor. He left a dream job to work at a startup. Kim explains why 120 Sports is set up to be the future of how sports fans watch content.  As the first Asian American male sportscaster on a national network, Kim takes us through his career path, explains why more Asian aren’t in prominent broadcasting roles and the time he couldn’t land a job because of how he looked.    Michael Kim: @MichaelKim120 @120Sports Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

Pac-12 Networks studio host Ashley Adamson guests host the Give Me a Sense podcast. Former Stanford soccer player Lisa McCaffrey joins the show. Besides, being married to 3x Super Bowl Champion Ed McCaffrey, her son Christian has been one of the premiere running backs in the country. Lisa shares her athletic journey and what it was like raising 3 boys.  Standout moments: The family’s wild Heisman experience in New York City. Scouting report on future Michigan quarterback Dylan McCaffrey.   Lisa McCaffrey twitter: @LisaMcCaffrey Ashley Adamson twitter: @AdamsonAshley

Business + Sports + Philanthropy = One Hope Wine. CEO and Co-Founder of One Hope Wine Jake Kloberdanz is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. From the humble beginnings of selling wine out of cars to being able to boast over 2 million dollar in donations, One Hope Wine is the type of business you want to be associated with. Award winning wines with game changing philanthropic work has attracted the likes of John Elway, Chris Paul and Clayton Kershaw to be connected with the company.  Kloberdanz shares a remarkable journey that has had a positive impact on so many people. For more info: www.onehopewine.com @OneHopeWine   Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

UCLA’s John Wooden is the greatest college basketball coach of all time. The “Wizard of Westwood” won 10 national titles in a 12 year span with the Bruins. Former UCLA basketball coach Steve Lavin was mentored by Wooden. Current women’s coach Cori Close was introduced to Wooden by Lavin. The two coaches are the latest guests on the Give Me a Sense podcast.  Lavin and Close had special relationships with Wooden and explain what made him a great coach, but also reveal some of the private moments they had with him that shaped them not only professionally, but personally.    Steve Lavin on Twitter and Instagram: @SteveLavin64 Cori Close on Twitter and Instagram: @CoachCloseUCLA // @CoachCori_UCLAWBB Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

Colorado men’s basketball coach Tad Boyle is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast.  A captain for the Kansas Jayhawks and teammate of Danny Manning, Boyle puts into perspective how great a player and teammate Manning was. Playing for iconic coach Larry Brown, had a huge influence on Boyle. Tad said, “it was not easy to play for him,” but reflects on the impact Brown had on him as a player and now as a coach. Boyle has had historic success in Boulder with the Buffs. In his Boyle 6 seasons he owns 5 of CU’s 9, 20 win seasons. He talks recruiting philosophy, his favorite recruiting moment and what he would change about college basketball fan. Colorado Twitter: @CUBuffsMBB Mike Yam Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

Utah Men’s basketball coach Larry Krystkowiak is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. The former 2nd round NBA pick relives what it was like to get drafted and explains why in some ways the night was a “nightmare” according to him. Krystkowiak spent time around some of the greatest players of all time (Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaq, and Penny Hardaway) and shares how those players impacted him. In some ways Phil Jackson, who won 11 NBA titles as a coach, in many ways is the reason why Larry is a coach and you’ll hear why.  Host Note: The passion for the game is clear when you hear Larry speak. I’m a huge NBA fan and I found myself caught up in throwing out names just to hear stories about players he either coach or played with.  I think any basketball fan will enjoy this show.   Utah Men’s Basketball: @Runnin_Utes Larry Krystkowiak: @LKrystkowiak   Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam Twitter and Instagram Facebook: Mike Yam

Jay Dobyns has been called the toughest player in Arizona football history. He is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast and shares a life that is made for the movies. Dobyns tells the story of his NFL combine experience with Jerry Rice and Andre Reed, his tryout with the Chicago Bears as Mike Ditka watched on and how he became a federal agent with the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fireams. Dobyn is known for infiltrating the Hells Angels gang. He takes us through the life of an undercover agent, explains the toughest times he faced trying to stay connected with who he was as a person, the difficulty living two separate lives, being worried about the safety of his family and what it was like to face death threats to himself and his family. Dobyns is brutally honest about his experience and his story is as compelling as any you will ever here. The show is for mature audiences as it deals with violent content. Jay Dobyns: www.jaydobyns.com Twitter: @JayDobyns   Mike Yam: Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

14 year NFL veteran Eric Allen is the latest guest on The Give Me a Sense podcast. He takes listeners through an amazing career that includes 6 pro bowls, being a major piece to one of the NFL’s greatest defenses in Philadelphia and interactions with WR’s Michael Irvin, Keyshawn Johnson, Isaac Bruce, Cris Carter and Jerry Rice. EA, explains what hurts the most about not being in the Hall of Fame yet, and why film study can separate good players from great ones. He has amazing stories about being around John Gruden and why leaving the Eagles was ultimately a great decision. Host Note: I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many former professional players and Eric Allen is on the short list of classiest guys ever. His stories about his time with the Eagles, being a teammate with Reggie White, what it was like to try to keep in check WR’s he grew up watching was fascinating. Selfishly, hearing stories about guys I grew up fans of was a great experience for me. I hope you enjoy listening to this show as much as I did hosting it. Eric Allen: @EricAllen619 Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam on Twitter and Instagram

Beto Duran is a Los Angeles based bilingual sports broadcaster who has covered Southern California sports since 2005. He goes through his amazing journey from passing out shirts and bumper stickers to being on air. Duran’s path is unlike most in the business. He’s the first guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast whose primary gig for most of his career was radio. He has amazing stories of his break through moments to get into the business, why he was able to land an on air job from just answering calls at a radio station, and why relationships might be the most important aspect of broadcasting.  Beto also explains why being bilingual has become an asset will covering teams and after spending years covering the Lakers, he’ll reveal his favorite Kobe Bryant Stories.   Beto Duran: Twitter: @DuranSports and @LTDpod Instagram: @Betovision Check out Beto's Living the Dream Podcast.   Mike Yam: Twitter @Mike_Yam Instagram: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam

ESPN anchor Kevin Connors is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. From making 17k to becoming one of the faces of SportsCenter, his story is one of resiliency. Connors, explains how he was able to land his job at ESPN, what his audition was like and how he’s been able to rise to one of the more prominent roles at the network.  It isn’t always easy for broadcasters and Kevin talks candidly about some of his low points and how he was able to push through rejections. The show is a must listen for anyone who watches ESPN and wants to peak behind the curtain of SportsCenter. Kevin Connors: @KevConnorsESPN Facebook: Kevin Connors Instagram: @KConnors13   Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam Instagram: @Mike_Yam

John Middlekauff is a former scout for the Philadelphia Eagles. He explains how he was able to land the job despite not playing football in the NFL or even college. Middlekauff goes through what its like to be apart of an NFL organization and the highs and lows of the job. His experiences are unique in that he worked for 2 different regimes, starting with Andy Reid and ending with Chip Kelly. Find out the differences of both and what potentially was Kelly’s downfall.  John has some great stories about Peyton Manning and Tom Brady that you haven’t heard before, plus he goes through some of the most jaw dropping talents he evaluated and what made them great. John Middlekauff on Twitter and Instagram: @JohnMiddlekauf Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam

Former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. Plummer was an All American at Arizona State University and shares how a skinny kid from Boise landed in Tempe. The 2nd round draft pick played his first few years in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals. Plummer explains why he didn’t initially didn’t want to play in Arizona and why it ended up being a great experience. The pro bowler who lived through free agency reveals why he decided on Denver over Chicago. If you’re a football fan, it’s a great listen for anyone who wants to know what life in the NFL is like and what is actually happening around the game when you are a franchise QB. Jake Plummer: @Snakestakes Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam on Twitter and Instagram. Facebook: Mike Yam

The latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast is former University of Arizona football player Glenn Parker, who played in 5 Super Bowls and shares his memories of playing on the games biggest stage. Parker remembers his favorite teammates, relives the agony of defeat and explains what still hurts the most about the losses.  Glenn Parker on twitter @Glenn_Parker62 Mike Yam on Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam Don't forget to rate, review and subscribe to the Give Me a Sense podcast to win a brand new pair of Bose QC35 headphones.

FS1 studio host Mike Hill is the latest guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. From his humbling beginnings in the Bronx cleaning up Yankee Stadium to sportscasting stardom; Hill explains his unique start in the business which includes being in the military, having top secret clearance and how that helped him earn his first on air job. He still remembers sending out 74 tapes, getting 70 rejection letters and 2 interviews. Hill relives his day’s at ESPN and some of his favorite encounters with Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and Snoop.  Mike Hill:  Twitter and Instagram: @ItsMikeHill www.steptothemike.com   Mike Yam: Twitter and Instagram: @Mike_Yam

What do you get when 2 friends are on a road trip hopping from campus to campus doing college football shows? A podcast recorded in a car about being a college football analyst. Pac-12 Network analyst Yogi Roth shares his story of walk-on wide receiver at Pitt to working on Pete Carroll’s staff at USC and how he landed on tv. Roth explains what it’s like on the road as an analyst and why storytelling is vital in his job.  Yogi Roth: @YogiRoth  Instagram: YogiRoth www.yogiroth.com Mike Yam: @Mike_Yam Instagram: Mike_Yam

Arizona Football coach Rich Rodriguez has had amazing success guiding the wildcats. The former West Virginia and Michigan coach stopped by The Give Me a Sense podcast to tell some stories about how he got started in coaching, why the folks in Ann Arbor didn’t like him using “ain’t” in press conferences and one of his favorite moments recruiting. If you like to be entertained (the answer is yes) then this is the episode for you. Twitter: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam T: @ArizonaFball T: @CoachRodAZ

American gymnast Samantha Peszek won a silver medal in the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing.  The world champion stops by The Give Me a Sense podcast and shares some of her unforgettable moments from competing in those games, including the time she gave Kobe Bryant (who she didn’t know at the time) an attitude on her way to an event. Peszek also explains what it was like to be hurt during the games and how that shaped her role on the U.S. team. Twitter: @Mike_Yam Facebook Page: Mike Yam Twitter: @samanthapeszek

Jeremy Bloom is the only athlete in history to ski in an Olympic Games and also be drafted into the NFL. Bloom relives his favorite Olympic moments on The Give Me a Sense podcast. He explains why his second Olympic games were night and day from the first time around. If you ever wondered what the Olympic Village is REALLY like, Bloom gives his honest take on what the athletes are doing. While competing in the Olympics would be a dream come true for any athlete, Bloom shares his NFL draft experience and gives full credit to the league in helping him become a successful businessman. Twitter: @Mike_Yam Facebook: Mike Yam Guest: @JeremyBloom11

Sports Anchor Ducis Rodgers has had a remarkable career. Starting in Chattanooga he’s anchored in Miami, New York City, as well as at ESPN and is now currently the sports director at WPVI in Philadelphia. On The Give Me a Sense podcast he shares his path of having a small bedroom with a mattress on the floor eating ramen noodles to rising up the ranks of being in the number 1 market in the country. Rodgers has had some strange run-ins with athletes and relives a strange encounter on the set with Stephon Marbury. Ducis also recalls an unforgettable moment with OJ Simpson after the not guilty verdict was announced. If you’re an aspiring broadcaster or a sports fan this is a must listen to show.

An All American WR at USC and 12 year NFL veteran, Curtis Conway has had remarkable success on the football field. The current Pac-12 Network analyst is also married to Laila Ali. Conway shares his memories of meeting Muhammad Ali the first time after dating Laila (the World Champion asked question Curtis will never forget). You've seen the footage of Ali boxing, you've read about his social impact, but Conway offers unique perspective on what Ali was like at home with his family.

Former big league catcher and current Blue Jays radio analyst Joe Siddall tells the story of his son passing away from cancer. The tragedy led to his current broadcasting job. Siddall remembers his first big league hit, homerun and the time he threw a baseball off Randy Johnson's head. Joe, who caught for Johnson, Pedro Martinez, Al Leiter and Kevin Brown explains the common denominator that made them great.  If you're a baseball fan this is a must listen.

One the latest episode of the Give Me a Sense podcast, Ashley Adamson of the Pac-12 Network and Sarah Kustok of the YES Network share their career paths. Ashley (Studio Host/Sideline Reporter) and Sarah (Game Analyst/Sideline Reporter) have both made it to prominent on air positions, but both achieved success with differently. Kustok and Adamson reveal the real challenges women face in the sports industry.  Male or female, if you have aspirations to be on air, this show will give you amazing insight on what it takes and how to do it.

Washington State Football coach Mike Leach is one of the most recognizable names in college football. He stops by the Give Me a Sense podcast for a discussion about his interests away from the game. He imagines what life would have been like as an attorney, reveals some of the scary objects that rest below him while he sleeps, and he explains the unfairness of not being paid by Texas Tech for the 2009 season when he coached.  Names like Donald Trump and Matthew McConaughey pop up during the show and he finishes off the conversation with an epic story.

Connecticut Sun star Chiney Ogwumike has accomplished as much as any women's basketball player in NCAA history. The WNBA's 1st overall pick in 2014 relives some of her favorite moments at Stanford, compares the pitch between UCONN's Geno Auriemma and Stanford's Tara VanDerveer, explains how she almost landed at Duke and what it was like to be selected with the top pick in the draft. Chiney's sister, Nneka, is having phenomenal success with the LA Sparks. Chiney speaks about their relationship as teammates and sisters, shares stories about how they grew up, and dishes dirt on what it was like to face her sister in the pros.  Ogwumike is one of the most dynamic analysts on television and her personality is infectious. You'll have a new favorite player after listening to this show.

One of the biggest stars in sports television stops by the Give Me a Sense podcast. The host of ESPN's Around the Horn, Tony Reali, relives his career path. His humble beginning started at Fordham University working at WFUV radio, which led him to a research job at ESPN. From mistakes to success, writing sports trivia to becoming stat boy, and the phone call that changed his career, the tv host recalls some of the signifcant events that changed his professional life. Reali will prove why the word "yes" is the most important word any aspiring sportscaster should use.

What happens when one of the greatest shooters in the history of the game decides to take on his head coach in a shooting contest? Former Arizona basketball star Matt Muehlebach tells the story of his old teammate Steve Kerr taking on his star player Steph Curry in a free throw shooting contest. Kerr who was a fantastic shooter when he played didn't miss much against the back to back MVP. The reason why Curry won is why you want to listen.

AAU Basketball doesn't have the best reputation. Sports Illustrated's Pete Thamel goes in depth on a story he wrote called "Out of Power: How DC's Most Prominent AAU Leader Landed in Jail." Curtis Malone handled notable players like Michael Beasley and Nolan Smith. He was sentenced to 100 months in prison after being convicted of drug trafficking. Thamel goes into the story, his time visiting Malone in prison and how what people around Malone think of him.

Former 1st round NBA pick Alaa Abdelnaby explains how a kid of Egpytian decent could fall in love with basketball. Abdelnaby shares the pitch he received from Coach K and what his emotions were like when Krzyzewski laughed at him when he told his coach he wanted to play in the NBA. Alaa explains how that fueled him in the offseason before his senior year. While with the Blazers, Abdelnaby reveals what was happening to him and his teammates as they watched Michael Jordan's Bulls win the NBA title.

NFL QB Matt Leinart stops by and shares his Heisman experience. A finalist twice Leinart reveals why his 2nd time, when he lost, was in some ways more fun. The first round NFL pick talks about his time in the NFL and takes us inside the QB room (aka the dungeon as he describes it). Who was the Alpha in Houston when Matt Schaub, Jeff Garcia, Jake Delhomme, TJ Yates and Leinart were in the same room?

One of the greatest football players of alll time, Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott is the first guest on the Give Me a Sense podcast. Lott, explains the importance of mentors in his life and teammates who inspired him to be great. He tells the story of the time his dad pulled him off the field as an 11 year old for being "overly" competitive. The 49er's great shares what he thinks can push people past failure and offers advice to young athletes.

Episode 0: Legends on the field and off, here's what you can expect on Give Me A Sense.