The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams

Steve Ehrhart: Inside the 1980s Memphis Showboats and His Career in Sports

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Sandy Adams sits down with Steve Ehrhart — former President and General Manager of the Memphis Showboats (1980s)— for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unforgettable eras in Memphis sports. Recruited to Memphis by cotton industry titan Billy Dunavant — in what Steve calls an offer he “couldn’t refuse” — he helped build a team designed to compete at an NFL level, signing multiple first-round draft picks and assembling a roster that would leave a lasting mark on the game.  In this conversation, Steve shares: *  The real story behind how he was recruited to Memphis  *  What it took to build a winning franchise almost overnight  *  The moment he realized Reggie White was unlike anyone else  *  Why the USFL was actually succeeding… and what led to its collapse  *  And how close Memphis came to becoming an NFL city  Now the longtime Executive Director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Steve reflects on a career that spans leagues, teams, and decades of leadership in sports. 📘 Want to dive deeper into the Showboats story?  Check out "The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team and the City's Fight for Major League Status" by Dr. Keith B. Wood Available on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Memphis-Showboats-Citys-League-Status/dp/1476697884/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7QX00P8PMKXH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.4AMtQWYn43RxQAyB_KCFgwvzQMeLpOVQY8JceZz3QJ_W1Ig0NeO7X5FuAbJHAmD9mpZab-mBoGnpxfUyh1fMRCxp1BQm-hwJm2Stt_XOxtKJWNzrRs_wqsnsu6v4S7tBdbhH1up6jjDZJo7HMGGDm-C6edruxZxVUqJKmZctmnaeWll6Z6574U8u4Oiy5kNoVuLYGonG1l9CBScs2ej5ohbWlupdURaqWDEYRA01-ME.YKx8F5tZ-fGvGHAqMkLvp1dcXjoPhiSSjcyod-1kpXs&dib_tag=se&keywords=keith+b+wood&qid=1777502627&s=books&sbo=RZvfv%2F%2FHxDF%2BO5021pAnSA%3D%3D&sprefix=keith+b+wood%2Cstripbooks%2C139&sr=1-1] and at keithbwoodauthor.com [https://www.keithbwoodauthor.com/] Subscribe for more conversations on sports, leadership, and life after the game. Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/fan_mail/new] Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook [https://sandy-adams.com/playbook/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/support] Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@5thqrtpodcast] | X [https://x.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-5th-quarter-podcast] | Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-5th-Quarter-Podcast-Podcast/B0CGXJBB65?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FEAFqKgQCQzowLKgfP35N] or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] Connect with us: Website [https://5thqrtpodcast.com/] | Email [5thqrtpodcast@gmail.com] Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialsandyadams/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyadams-studio/] | X [https://x.com/sandyadams_co] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@officialsandyadams] | Website [https://sandy-adams.com/]

James Fisher Jr on How a Texas Foundation Led Him to the Bluff City

What does it look like to take deep-rooted discipline from your upbringing and turn it into leadership across sports and business? In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with James Fisher Jr., General Manager of the Memphis Hound Dogs, to talk about a journey shaped long before titles ever came into play. From growing up in Texas, where grit, discipline, and self-belief are part of the culture, to running track and playing football, to continuing his athletic career at Texas State — his foundation was built early. But like many athletes, the real story began in the transition. We talk about how he moved from athlete to entrepreneur, building a career in performance, business, and leadership — and how those experiences now come together as he helps build a new professional franchise in Memphis. Highlights: *  How his Texas upbringing shaped his mindset and work ethic  *  Lessons from competing in track and football  *  The transition from athlete to building a career beyond sports  *  Starting at the ground level and creating real momentum  *  What leadership looks like off the field  *  Building the Memphis Hound Dogs from the ground up   If you’re navigating your next chapter or building something from scratch, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth and leadership. Learn more at memphishounddogs.football [https://memphishounddogs.football/] On social (at) MemphisHoundDogs - On IG (at) JamesFisherJr  Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/fan_mail/new] Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook [https://sandy-adams.com/playbook/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/support] Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@5thqrtpodcast] | X [https://x.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-5th-quarter-podcast] | Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-5th-Quarter-Podcast-Podcast/B0CGXJBB65?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FEAFqKgQCQzowLKgfP35N] or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] Connect with us: Website [https://5thqrtpodcast.com/] | Email [5thqrtpodcast@gmail.com] Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialsandyadams/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyadams-studio/] | X [https://x.com/sandyadams_co] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@officialsandyadams] | Website [https://sandy-adams.com/]

Memphis Showboats: Vision, Leadership & Major League Dreams | Dr. Keith B. Wood

Memphis has chased major league status for decades — from the Memphis Red Sox to the ABA and the World Football League. In the early 1980s, that pursuit led to the Memphis Showboats, one of the most memorable chapters in the city’s sports history. On this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams, historian and author Dr. Keith B. Wood returns to discuss his new book The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team & the City’s Fight for Major League Status and the leadership, vision, and belief that rallied a city. We discuss: *  Memphis’ push to become a major league city  *  How the Showboats landed in Memphis  *  Leadership of owner William Dunavant and GM Steve Ehrhart  *  Pepper Rodgers and the team’s identity  *  The impact of Reggie White and Walter Lewis  *  How the Showboats united Memphis  *  Why the USFL collapsed  *  The team’s lasting legacy  For three seasons, the country took notice — but the story is bigger than football. It’s about leadership, opportunity, and belief in what a city could become. Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/fan_mail/new] Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook [https://sandy-adams.com/playbook/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/support] Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@5thqrtpodcast] | X [https://x.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-5th-quarter-podcast] | Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-5th-Quarter-Podcast-Podcast/B0CGXJBB65?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FEAFqKgQCQzowLKgfP35N] or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] Connect with us: Website [https://5thqrtpodcast.com/] | Email [5thqrtpodcast@gmail.com] Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialsandyadams/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyadams-studio/] | X [https://x.com/sandyadams_co] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@officialsandyadams] | Website [https://sandy-adams.com/]

On The Sideline with Dr. Sally Parish: Why Leadership Identity Starts Earlier Than We Think

- In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline, Sandy Adams sits down with Dr. Sally G. Parish, Vice Provost at the University of Memphis and Superintendent of University Schools. Dr. Parish leads a rapidly growing K–12 school district connected to the university, but her passion for developing confident young leaders was shaped much earlier in life. Growing up in Pulaski, Tennessee, a difficult experience with a high school coach led her to walk away from sports entirely as a freshman. That moment would later influence her mission to create environments where young people — especially girls — can build confidence, resilience, and a strong sense of identity. Before returning to Memphis, Dr. Parish launched an award-winning leadership development program for collegiate student-athletes and conducted research on leadership identity development, identifying key traits such as growth mindset, grit, and competitive purpose. In this conversation, we explore: • How early experiences shape identity and confidence  • Why athletes often face an identity shift when their playing careers end  • What coaches and educators can do to develop leaders — not just performers  • Why young girls need spaces where they can build confidence and use their voice  • How the University school system has grown into a full K–12 district with more than 55 athletic teams This episode is about more than sports. It’s about helping young people discover who they are long before the world tells them what they should be. Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/fan_mail/new] Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook [https://sandy-adams.com/playbook/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/support] Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@5thqrtpodcast] | X [https://x.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-5th-quarter-podcast] | Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-5th-Quarter-Podcast-Podcast/B0CGXJBB65?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FEAFqKgQCQzowLKgfP35N] or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] Connect with us: Website [https://5thqrtpodcast.com/] | Email [5thqrtpodcast@gmail.com] Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialsandyadams/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyadams-studio/] | X [https://x.com/sandyadams_co] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@officialsandyadams] | Website [https://sandy-adams.com/]

Larry O’Bannon Jr. on Career Alignment, Identity After Sports, and Redefining Success

- Larry O’Bannon Jr. made a conscious decision early in his career to plan for life after basketball—so retirement wouldn’t catch him unprepared. In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Larry shares how thinking ahead while still playing at the University of Louisville helped him navigate a 15+ year professional career overseas—and transition smoothly into life after the game. Coached by Rick Pitino, Larry learned resilience, mental toughness, and the importance of moving forward quickly—lessons that proved just as valuable after basketball as they were on the court. From earning an accounting degree as a built-in Plan B to playing professionally across Europe and South America, Larry was intentional about preparing for what came next. We talk about identity beyond sport, redefining success, and building a life that aligns with your values—on and off the court. In this conversation, we cover: * Why Larry chose accounting in college as a long-term strategy * Lessons from Coach Rick Pitino that carried into his post-playing career * How international basketball shaped his perspective and adaptability * Making the transition from athlete to investor, coach, and broadcaster * Redefining success through family, purpose, and alignment P.S. Larry also shares how hosting The Player’s Perspective Uncensored podcast allows him to stay connected to the game—mixing basketball conversations with a growing appreciation for bourbon, creating a unique lane of content that reflects where he is now. Find Larry online: Podcast @theplayersperspectivePodcast [ttps://www.youtube.com/@theplayersperspectivePodcast] Instagram @larryobannon [https://www.instagram.com/larryobannon/] X @LarryOBannon [https://x.com/LarryOBannon] Send us a text. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/fan_mail/new] Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today.  Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook [https://sandy-adams.com/playbook/] Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/support] Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Threads [https://www.threads.net/@5thqrtpodcast] | X [https://x.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/5thqrtpodcast] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-5th-quarter-podcast] | Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts [https://www.audible.com/pd/The-5th-Quarter-Podcast-Podcast/B0CGXJBB65?action_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/6FEAFqKgQCQzowLKgfP35N] or your favorite platform. 📺 Watch on our Youtube channel [https://www.youtube.com/@5thqrtpodcast] Connect with us: Website [https://5thqrtpodcast.com/] | Email [5thqrtpodcast@gmail.com] Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/officialsandyadams/] | Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandyadams-studio/] | X [https://x.com/sandyadams_co] | YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@officialsandyadams] | Website [https://sandy-adams.com/]