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Podcast hosted by Nabaté Isles checking in on retired, accomplished athletes.
Episodes
Monday Apr 27, 2020
Monday Apr 27, 2020
The 17th edition (Part 1 of 2) of Whe're They At features Hip-Hop legend, founding member of Public Enemy and activist, Chuck D. Chuck had an iconic career lasting over three decades as a lyricist, leader of the one of the most influential groups in American music, Public Enemy and entrepreneur. His powerful lyrics and artistic foresight helped Public Enemy spearhead the rise of Def Jam Records in the late-1980's while releasing four of the greatest albums in hip-hop history from 1987-91 (Yo! Bum Rush The Show, It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, Fear of a Black Planet and Apocalypse 91....the Enemy Strikes Back). While still performing with PE and on his own, he has spearheaded ventures in radio and multimedia. Recently, he's been touring with The Prophets of Rage (with B-Real from Cypress Hill and members from Rage Against The Machine) and has released a new album in April 2020 with Enemy Radio called 'Loud is Not Enough'. Also, him along with Public Enemy received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in January 2020. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Chuck on a myriad of topics including:
02:21: Nabaté thanks Chuck for his support and edification of his album, 'Eclectic Excursions'.
05:03: Discusses his new album with Enemy Radio called, 'Loud Is Not Enough'.
06:35: On his underrated longevity.
09:00: 'Netizens' (citizens of the internet) and how they lack the researching and comprehending acumen of what the internet is really about, especially during this Covid-19 crisis.
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Wednesday Apr 22, 2020
Friday Apr 17, 2020
Friday Apr 17, 2020
The 15th edition of Whe're They At features Olympic Gold Medalist and former World Record holder in the Decathlon, Dan O'Brien. Dan is one of the most celebrated track and field athletes in United States Olympic history. He won the Gold Medal in the Decathlon at the 1996 Summer Olympics on U.S. soil (Atlanta, Georgia). He is also a 5-time U.S. and 3-time World Champion Decathlete. On September 5, 1992, Dan came back from not qualifying for the 1992 Summer Olympics and broke the world record in decathlon with 8,891 points, his record lasted for almost SEVEN years. Now, he is a motivational speaker and coach & released his autobiography, "Clearing Hurdles: The Quest to Be The World's Greatest Athlete" in 2012. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Dan on a plethora of topics including:
01:35: Where's he at and what he's up to now?
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
Tuesday Apr 07, 2020
The 14th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and one of the most prolific basketball players (male or female) ever, Nancy Lieberman. Nancy is still the youngest American basketball player in Olympic history, playing on the 1976 USA Olympic team at 18 years old. She went on to augment the Old Dominion Univ. women's basketball program and become one of the greatest players in the history of the WBL (Women's Professional Basketball League), while competing against men in the NBA (National Basketball Association) Summer Leagues, USBL (United States Basketball League) and on the Washington Generals (regular opponent to the Harlem Globetrotters). She was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996 and played in the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) at ages 39 AND 50. She has coached in NBA, it's developmental league (now called the G-League) and currently coaches Team Power in the BIG 3. Nancy is now doing remarkable work through her Nancy Lieberman Charities foundation (www.nancyliebermancharities.org). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Nancy on a myriad of topics including:
02:13: On her foundation providing hot meals to the first responders in Dallas, Texas.
04:12: Her work with other celebrities and athletes, via the Stand Together organization, raising millions of dollars for people in need during the Covid-19 pandemic.
08:20: On getting her son, T.J. Cline playing basketball in an urban setting.
11:47: Harlem and Rucker Park inspired Nancy as a basketball player and overall person.
18:49: Reminisces on her mentor Muhammad Ali and his everlasting influence.
22:02: On taking on the challenge to play basketball with a struggling program in Old Dominion University, leading a complete metamorphosis.
28:55: On David Stern sharing his idea of the WNBA back in 1984.
30:55: Reflects on playing in the Women's Professional Basketball League (WBL).
34:56: On being inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996.
39:14: On the diligent work of her foundation and the importance of helping people.
42:25: Getting the opportunity to coach in the D-League and NBA as well as her approach towards coaching.
50:17: On Kobe Bryant's overwhelming support for women in basketball and his tremendous respect for Nancy's impact on the game.
58:15: Her impression of former Univ. of Oregon and future WNBA star & Kobe mentee, Sabrina Ionescu.
1:00:31: On the continuous overall growth and exposure of the WNBA.
1:03:55: Nancy's thoughts on the NBA possibly having teams in only a couple of sites to play out the season.
1:06:02: On LeBron James' longevity and greatness.
1:10:01: A candid and funny message that late, great coach Pat Summitt that shared with Nancy.
1:12:46: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Nancy.
1:19:17: The inspiration for Nancy to become a recent subject for ESPN's The Magazine's Body Issue.
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
Wednesday Apr 01, 2020
The 13th edition of Whe're They At features former NBA All-Star, New York City Basketball Hall of Famer and current Fisk University head coach, Kenny Anderson. Kenny was one of the most dynamic point guards in the NBA in the 1990's. He was named the Gatorade High School Player of Year in 1989, out of Archbishop Molloy H.S in Queens (NY). He was part of one of the most memorable trios in NCAA basketball history, 'Lethal Weapon 3' with Dennis Scott and Brian Oliver, leading Georgia Tech University to the Final Four in 1990. He was the #2 pick in the 1991 NBA Draft and had a solid 14-year career. Kenny's eventful life was featured in a riveting documentary called, 'Mr. Chibbs: The Kenny Anderson Story'. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Kenny on a multitude of topics including:
01:57: The process and inspiration behind the creation of his documentary.
03:19: On COVID-19 striking Elmhurst Hospital and the surrounding areas around where he grew up in Queens, NY.
04:59: On his upbringing in LeFrak City and basketball showing him the way.
07:40: On following his childhood mentor and fellow former NBA guard, Kenny Smith to attend Archbishop Molloy H.S. and playing for legendary coach, Jack Curran.
09:04: Which New York City basketball greats inspired him to add to the lineage?
10:18: Why is New York City amateur basketball not elite anymore?
12:30: On the tragic deaths of Kenny's NYC basketball contemporaries due to COVID-19, Dave Edwards, Lee Green, Jonathan Duck and Jermaine Miller. David Cain was infected as well but he is expected to recover.
16:23: On his rivalry and friendship with Bobby Hurley.
18:56: On what made Kenny attend Georgia Tech University under the tutelage of Coach Bobby Cremins.
19:56: On his bond with Brian Oliver and fellow former NBA player, Dennis Scott as they created the trio, 'Lethal Weapon 3' at Georgia Tech.
22:29: On the fraternization involving current NBA competitors.
23:55: Does he wish that he was picked by a team other than the New Jersey Nets in the NBA Draft so he could have been further away from his hometown and distractions?
24:57: Does he feel disappointment that him and Derrick Coleman didn't reach the high expectations with the Nets?
26:09: On how Dennis Scott helped influenced the current NBA game.
26:41: The difficulties of dealing with instant fame.
29:22: How he's coped with the upsetting memories of being sexually molested as a youth?
30:52: His approach to Fatherhood through his experiences.
33:48: On the rich Black history and tradition of Fisk University, the school where Kenny is now coaching.
36:24: On the plethora of point guards in the early-1990's, who was the toughest one he faced?
38:04: Who was the BEST player he played against?
38:40: On playing for nine different teams throughout his 14-year career.
40:16: On the different coaches he learned from while playing in the NBA.
41:18: How tough was retirement for him?
42:17: Reminisces on the bizarre North Korea excursion with Dennis Rodman's goodwill team of former NBA players.
43:51: On how the point guard style of the 1990's that he was a major part of influenced today's game.
46:01: It's tough to not be able to work with his players in person at Fisk University due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
47:36: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Kenny.
Friday Mar 13, 2020
Friday Mar 13, 2020
The 12th edition of Whe're They At features 12-time NBA All-Star, NBA champion and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Rick Barry. Rick is the ONLY player to win scoring titles in the NCAA, NBA and ABA. He had one of the greatest runs in NBA playoff history leading the underdog 1974-75 Golden State Warriors the NBA title, winning Finals Most Valuable Player. He is also known for his underhanded free throw shot contributing him to shoot 90% in his career. He made the smooth transition from player to broadcaster as well. Rick is continuing to be an ambassador for the game as well as a gracious humanitarian. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Rick on a plethora of topics including:
01:14: Part of Rick Barry's introduction features fellow Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and his teammate on the 1974-75 Warriors NBA championship team, Jamaal Wilkes.
03:53: Expresses his disappointment of being misunderstood as person and teammate.
04:45: Doesn't understand why current athletes are not aware of the things they do in the age of social media.
05:49: The advantage of being a son of a basketball coach, growing up in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
06:57: Reflects on his memorable experiences with a legendary New York City athlete who he grew up admiring and became friends with him.
11:01: Reminisces on his time at the University of Miami and falling short in the prestigious (at the time) NIT tournament and not playing at the NCAA Tournament.
13:47: Should NCAA athletes be compensated?
15:18: On how he made an instant impact within his first two years in the NBA (2x 1st team All-NBA, averaging 35.6 points per game in his 2nd season to win the scoring title and set NBA Finals PPG record for a single series).
18:40: There is no greatest player in the history of the NBA, it's a 'team sport'.
20:17: Will we see a return of the overall dominance of centers?
21:15: The 2014-19 Golden State Warriors changed 'the way the game was looked at'.
22:55: His thoughts on Stephen Curry coming back this season.
25:12: Why he departed the NBA for the ABA?
27:58: How the ABA influenced today's NBA?
30:04: What he do if he was playing in the league today?
31:31: Doesn't understand how shooting his free throws underhanded was deemed 'embarrassing' when he was successful at it.
32:51: On top two NBA MVP candidates, Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James free throw struggles.
35:00: What made the 1974-75 Warriors championship team truly memorable?
39:59: On the lack of objectivity with voting for awards, especially when he should have won the regular season MVP award in the 1974-75 season.
41:48: Rick sets the record straight on the controversy surrounding his play and demeanor during Game 7 of the 1976 Western Conference Finals.
45:54: On referees looking to determine the outcome of the games too much.
47:28: Adamant thoughts on replay during NBA games.
48:12: Nabaté shares a surprise greeting for Rick from former NBA player, coach, executive and Rick's Houston Rockets teammate, Mike Dunleavy, Sr.
48:54: Reflects on the last two years of his career with the 'talented' Houston Rockets (1978-80).
54:14: On being a trailblazing broadcaster as an athlete.
55:26: On his podcast, Warriors 24 and take on Kevin Durant leaving the Warriors.
57:29: Tough to see his Warriors go from 'the penthouse to the outhouse'.
1:00:23: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Rick.
1:03:12: On his youngest son, Canyon looking to help lead the USA to qualify for the Olympics 3×3 basketball tournament.
1:07:14: Provides updates on his other sons (Scooter, Jon, Brent and Drew, who all played professional basketball) and daughter (Shannon).
1:11:49: Former NBA head coach Del Harris shares a surprise written reflection on Rick.
1:12:51: Not a fan of the isolation style of basketball by James Harden and the current Houston Rockets, but James is NOT a selfish player.
1:15:11: On his future appearances.
Friday Mar 06, 2020
Friday Mar 06, 2020
The 11th edition of Whe're They At features 2-time All-Star outfielder and 2-time World Series champion (w/2004 Boston Red Sox and 2009 New York Yankees), Johnny Damon. Johnny was one of the best outfielders in Major League Baseball during the decade of the 2000's. He has over 2,700 career hits, 1,600 runs, 400 stolen bases and batted .284 in his excellent 18-year career. He provided a major contribution to the Red Sox's 2004 championship run, as they were the only team in MLB history to come back from a 0-3 deficit (vs. New York Yankees in American League Championship Series) and proceeded to help lead the Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years. He went on to help the New York Yankees win the World Series, five years later, as him and Babe Ruth are the only starters to win for both the Red Sox and Yankees. Johnny is doing major charitable work though his foundation (Johnny Damon Foundation) as well. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Johnny on a cornucopia of topics including:
02:00: Funny story on how his Thai mother and American father met in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
03:37: His natural athleticism helped him excel in different sports as a youngster.
07:00: Teaming up with other future professional athletes on the All-Star high school baseball team, representing the state of Florida.
09:10: His tough senior year had his stock drop in the 1992 MLB Amateur Draft.
11:05: The necessity of going to the Major Leagues out of high school.
12:40: On finding his way, developing a tireless work ethic.
14:04: Having to prove himself and dealing with the lack of leadership on the Kansas City Royals.
18:25: On how playing with the 2001 Oakland A's inspired him as a player and as a teammate.
20:07: Reflected on the Derek Jeter play that derailed the A's season.
21:18: On the false accusation from his ex-wife about him using Performance Enhancing Drugs.
23:19: On his friend and former A's teammate Jason Giambi being connected to BALCO.
24:54: Will Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens eventually be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?
25:50: Johnny speaks on not having the opportunity to extend his career and the lack of recognition from the Hall of Fame.
29:06: On how he created a more relaxed and fun clubhouse in Boston, leading to a historic championship run in 2004.
32:26: The start of the 'Idiots' in Boston.
35:41: The reason that he had to move on from the Red Sox to join the rival New York Yankees.
40:12: On his own personal obstacles and Yankees' playoff struggles, eventually leading to the 2009 championship.
42:46: On adjusting to retirement and his vast amount of endeavors, especially with his foundation.
46:16: Johnny shares his candid take on the Houston Astros cheating scandal.
52:06: His picks for the 2020 World Series.
53:14: On the Red Sox making a mistake trading away the elite Mookie Betts and how they have a history of letting players go too soon.
54:56: On the talented Tampa Bay Rays going into the 2020 season.
55:37: Johnny is not a fan of the proposed MLB playoff format, nor the current WildCard Round format.
57:57: HIT AND RUN segment of random questions for Johnny.
1:04:01: Discusses the charity boxing match involving our mutual friend, Mike Dempsey and former Heavyweight contender, Gerry Cooney for the YCS Foundation on June 20 in Hoboken, NJ.
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
Tuesday Feb 25, 2020
The 10th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Managing Director of USA Basketball and businessman, Jerry Colangelo. Jerry's prolific career has spanned over five decades. He was the youngest General Manager in NBA history at 28 years old with the expansion Phoenix Suns (1968), where he would eventually lead the ownership group. He was a 4-time NBA Executive of the Year and was the Managing Partner for Major League Baseball's Arizona Diamondbacks, in which he led them to a World Series championship in only the team's FOURTH year of existence (2001). He has been the Managing Director of USA Basketball (since 2005) as well as Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (since 2009). He was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2004. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Jerry on a myriad of topics including:
01:37: He expresses his elation for being presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 NBA Legends Brunch.
02:38: On how he found basketball growing up in the Chicago area.
05:07: On the principles and values shaping him for success.
06:07: On his friendship with Wilt Chamberlain at the Univ. of Kansas and why he had to transfer to the Univ. of Illinois.
09:41: How did sports molded his philosophy on entrepreneurship?
11:45: His valuable experience helping to build the expansion Chicago Bulls.
17:19: Reflects on the growth of Phoenix Suns and the unfortunate drug scandal surrounding the team in 1987.
18:21: Reminisces on the Suns' acquisition of Charles Barkley.
20:21: On how he was able to build the Arizona Diamondbacks from an expansion team to a World Series champion.
23:58: On increasing the sports landscape in Phoenix, spearheading the arrival of the original Winnipeg Jets (now the Arizona Coyotes) as well.
26:44: Thoughts on future Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Fitzgerald joining the current Phoenix Suns ownership group.
27:53: Jerry's candid take on the MLB cheating scandal.
31:11: Will the controversy raise the visibility and ratings for baseball?
32:59: On the vast events during his time as Managing Director of USA Basketball.
37:58: Discusses change in the selection process involving the 2020 USA Men's Basketball Team and the injuries involving star players who are being considered for Team USA.
41:15: His take on the proposed major changes to the NBA schedule & playoff format for the 2021-22 season and beyond.
46:34: Thoughts on the current game and what he would like to see.
48:10: Assesses the 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists and the process behind having a smaller group.
51:29: On the current improvement of the Phoenix Suns led by General Manager James Jones.
53:06: FAST BREAK segment of random questions for Jerry.
56:58: Provides an update on the endeavors of his son, Bryan (former NBA GM).
57:50: The secret to approaching his 60th year of marriage (with his wife, Joan).
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
The 9th edition (Part 2 of 2) of Whe're They At took place at 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, IL. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with a multitude of great players and contributors to the game of basketball:
01:31: Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Alex English on his eventful upbringing in South Carolina, contributing to the success of the Univ. of South Carolina, the historic All-Black 1966 Texas Southern team, finally receiving his opportunity to showcase his scoring acumen in the NBA, leading the offensively potent Denver Nuggets of the 1980's, their influence on today's game, current players who exhibit 'creative expression' on the court, the '80's Nuggets falling short in the playoffs, his favorite All-Star moment, competitive energy of All-Star Games in the '80's, controversial dunk contests in Chicago (1988 and 2020), his movie role ('Amazing Grace and Chuck'), reflects on Kobe Bryant's legacy (including him scoring 81 points), Alex's coaching career and the SIX toughest players he played against.
25:00: Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum on the past NBA player he's watched a lot on YouTube & his 'big brother' and mentor Bradley Beal not making the All-Star Game.
26:45: Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker on past players he likes the watch and the 'vets' who mentored him.
28:31: Houston Rockets All-Star guard James Harden on the type of basketball he watches and the 'vets' who guided him early in his career.
30:20: Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and the 1st Black General Manager in the NBA, Wayne Embry on his humble beginnings, developing a strong work ethic and diligence, impactful friendships with Oscar Robertson and Bill Russell, vast differences with All-Star Weekend compared to the 1960's, discusses the 1964 NBA All-Stars threatening to strike, how he became General Manager for the Milwaukee Bucks, his philosophy in scouting talent, who prevails in a series between the 1960's Celtics and 1990's Bulls, current players who represent the game well on and off the court, the 2019-20 Toronto Raptors still winning, Raptors' team president Masai Ujiri's success & names the most resonating events in NBA history.
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Friday Feb 21, 2020
Friday Feb 21, 2020
The 9th edition (Part 1 of 2) of Whe're They At took place at 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, IL. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with a multitude of great players and contributors to the game of basketball:
03:14: Memphis Grizzlies rookie guard Ja Morant on the point guards he's enjoyed watching.
04:22: Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. on the benefit of having a father (Jaren Sr.) who played in the NBA and he names a legend that he's recently watched on YouTube.
06:10: Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Dikembe Mutombo on the overall emotional mood during the weekend, the importance of community service by current NBA players and his favorite All-Star moment.
10:20: Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young on the mentorship of Dikembe Mutombo and names the three great shooters he would want to compete against in the 3-point contest.
11:20: New Orleans Pelicans All-Star forward Brandon Ingram on the former All-Star who has served as a mentor to him, the importance of giving back to his community and the gratification of making his first All-Star appearance.
14:57: New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Zion Williamson on the past players he enjoyed watching.
17:06: Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon names his favorite dunk in the history of the Slam Dunk contest, states who he felt won the 1988 contest (last time it was in Chicago) between Michael Jordan and Dominique Wilkins & names the past players he idolized.
18:42: Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris names three past shooters that he admires.
23:27: Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes on her influences, illustrious career, the current landscape of women's college basketball, the best game(s) of her career and the work of her foundation, The Sheryl Swoopes Foundation for Youth.
31:09: 2020 Curt Gowdy Media Award (for Electronic Media) recipient Mike Breen on his love for calling games, the great NBA players who inspire him and the past play-by-play broadcasters he enjoyed listening to.
34:50: 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Finalist Tamika Catchings on what drove her to excellence, her quintuple-double in high school, the pinnacle moment of her illustrious career & the progress of women's professional basketball.
39:10: Former NBA forward and current Utah Jazz television color analyst Thurl Bailey on playing for dynamic coaches Jim Valvano, Frank Layden and Jerry Sloan, the annual reunions of fellow retired NBA players (spearheaded by the NBRPA) during All-Star Weekend, names past and present players who are exemplary on AND off the court, seeing the growth of former teammates Karl Malone and John Stockton, his take on the current style of the NBA game, actively serving his community, assesses the potential of the current Utah Jazz, his love for music & musical tribute for Kobe Bryant, entitled “Wasn’t Ready For Goodbye”. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXCgxZ6vSuc and it is available on Apple Music).
1:05:32: Announcement of Kobe Bryant as a finalist for the 2020 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame Class (voice of NBA-TV's Matt Winer).