The GoldenPod

Taking the Next Step (Ep. 30 - MakHai Pleasant Tolliver

Today's guest is a high school senior with eyes on the next level of basketball. He's a three-level scorer and has shown off in both high school and AAU games. The future is bright for this talented young man. Please welcome... MakHai Pleasant-Tolliver. In this episode, we dive deep with rising star MakHai Pleasant-Tolliver, a dynamic high school senior with aspirations of playing at the next level. As we explore his journey from Tacoma to the Nike Hoop Summit, Makai shares his unique perspective on the game and the lessons he's learned along the way.

Gotta Make Your Free Throws (Ep. 29 - Blake Gillespie)

Today's guest is a poet, journalist, and artist. His writing on basketball has connected him to the larger community and allowed him to experience the game in a truly unique way. But at the end of the day, he's still a shooter, so don't leave him open. Please welcome... Blake Gillespie! In this episode of The GoldenPod, we talk with Blake Gillespie about his philosophy behind the free throw routine and connecting with community through basketball photography and essays, which he posts on the Spirit of Hoops Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/spiritofhoops/].

In Her Bag (Ep. 28 - Amanda Ishii

Today's guest is someone heavily involved in the world of basketball. She's a self-described hooper with a disability, showing that you can ball no matter what. She also works with professional players and has a basketball nonprofit. Please welcome... Amanda Ishii!

Never too Late to Start Ballin' (Ep. 27 - Rachel Pelly)

Today's guest is an exercise scientist. She's using basketball as a way to get anyone off the couch and onto the court, showing that it's never too late to pick up the game and get out there. Please welcome... Rachel Pelly! In this episode, Ted speaks with exercise scientist Rachel Pelly about her journey back to basketball after a long hiatus. They discuss the importance of community in sports, the challenges of learning as an adult, and Rachel's mission to create inclusive and approachable basketball content through her platform, Kinda Sporty. Rachel shares her experiences of rediscovering her love for the game, the joy of teaching others, and her future plans for expanding her reach in the basketball community.

Still In the Game (Ep. 26 - Jacki Gemelos)

Today's guest is a former WNBA player. She knows a thing or two about hard work and perseverance. She's also a co-host of the podcast Click Clack and a sports agent helping the next generation of athletes get to the highest level. Please welcome... Jackie Gemelos! In this episode, Ted welcomes former WNBA player Jacki Gemelos [https://www.instagram.com/jacki23/?hl=en], who shares her inspiring journey through basketball, overcoming multiple injuries, and her transition into sports agency. They discuss the growing prominence of women's basketball in Portland, the unique challenges faced by female athletes, and the importance of representation in sports. Jackie also highlights her podcast, Click Clack [https://clickclackpod.com/], which amplifies women's voices in sports and culture.