A Ball and A Chance

Ep. 16 - More Than the Game: Identity, Purpose, and Growth with Pasha Cook

36 min · 5 de may de 2026
Portada del episodio Ep. 16 - More Than the Game: Identity, Purpose, and Growth with Pasha Cook

Descripción

On this episode of A Ball and A Chance, Angela talks with Pasha Cook and covers a wide range of topics, including the lifesaving power of sports, personal development, the impact of women's sports, and professional work. Pasha shares valuable insights on identity, values, relationships, and the purpose of sport, offering advice and wisdom for personal and professional growth. As a trusted thought partner and strategic advisor, Pasha Cook empowers visionary women in leadership, high-impact athletes, and industry executives worldwide. A proud Houston native, her journey is defined by resilience, reinvention, and international impact. After dropping out of high school, she earned a basketball scholarship at 24 and graduated as a first-generation college student from the University of Memphis, where she played as a point guard. She went on to compete as a semi-pro basketball player, further honing her leadership and competitive edge. Transitioning from sports to New York City’s men’s fashion industry, Pasha spent over a decade styling elite NBA and NFL athletes and guiding top talent through pivotal career transitions. From 2014 to 2017, she provided image consulting and career transition support for WNBA draftees, helping emerging athletes refine their professional presence as they entered the league. In 2018, Pasha made history as the NFL’s first female collegiate speaking ambassador for the Player Engagement division, delivering keynotes and programs that empower student-athletes to navigate life and leadership beyond the game. Her unique approach has enabled her to connect deeply with elite performers across sports, business, and culture. Internationally recognized, Pasha has been featured by Chinese media as a leading consultant in global branding for professional athletes abroad. Her creative reach includes serving as an international film consultant for projects in China and Hong Kong that spotlight stories blending global sports, branding, and culture. Pasha’s story exemplifies what’s possible through grit, vision, and an unwavering commitment to growth—empowering clients to achieve lasting success, international influence, and transformative results. Takeaways * The transformative power of sports as a lifeline and lifesaver * The importance of authentic relationships and core values in personal and professional development Chapters * 00:00 Introduction and Reunion * 05:05 The Purpose of Sport and Transferable Skills * 13:24 The Impact of Sport and Women's Sports Today * 18:31 Personal Journey and Professional Work Connect with Pasha Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pashacook/] Website - https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha [https://pashacook.com/pages/about-pasha] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/ [https://www.instagram.com/pashacook/] Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/] Website: https://angelarlewis.com [https://angelarlewis.com] Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

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23 episodios

Portada del episodio Ep. 24 - Fathers, Faith, Family, and the Power of Sport to Bring Us Together
with Glenn Sandifer

Ep. 24 - Fathers, Faith, Family, and the Power of Sport to Bring Us Together with Glenn Sandifer

Glenn Sandifer and Angela Lewis discuss the impact of sports on their lives, their experiences with their fathers, and their shared love for the New York Knicks. Glenn shares stories of his father's athletic achievements and his own experiences with sports. The conversation also delves into their Super Bowl traditions and the importance of women's sports. Glenn's career journey and the challenges of publishing a book are also explored. Glenn Sandifer and Angela R. Lewis discuss the transition from speaking at conferences to podcasting, the premise of Glenn's books, and the importance of self-reflection and faith in relationships. Takeaways * Father's impact on sports experiences * Importance of women's sports * Challenges of publishing a book Podcasting as a preferred platform * The importance of self-reflection and faith in relationships Chapters * 00:00 Glenn's Career Journey and Book Publishing Challenges * 21:41 Transition to Podcasting and Book Premise * 27:25 The Role of Faith in Relationships and Society * 35:33 Future Books and Relationship Advice Connect with Glenn: Instagram: @tmgbookseries Website: https://www.tmgbookseries.com/ [https://www.tmgbookseries.com/] Website: https://www.glennsandifer.com/ [https://www.glennsandifer.com/] Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: http://angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

18 de jun de 202643 min
Portada del episodio Ep. 23 - How hair care impacts women in sports: launching Simply Mosé
with Osato Edobor-Osula

Ep. 23 - How hair care impacts women in sports: launching Simply Mosé with Osato Edobor-Osula

In this episode, Angela interviews Osato Osula, founder of Simply Mosé, joins the podcast to discuss her journey from playing professional basketball to starting a hair care line. The conversation also delves into the world of women's sports, particularly the New York Liberty basketball team. The conversation covers a range of topics including the experience of being a gold member at a sports event, the intersection of fashion and sports, personal style and makeup, and the journey of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. It also delves into the importance of intentional friendships and the evolution of personal interests such as cooking. Takeaways * Entrepreneurial Journey * Women's Sports Fashion and sports are becoming increasingly intertwined, with athletes expressing themselves through fashion and beauty. * Intentionality and support are key to nurturing and maintaining strong friendships over time. Chapters * 00:00 Introduction to Simply Mo'say * 05:44 Challenges in the Hair Care Industry * 12:49 The Importance of Moisturizing * 21:11 Benefits of Being a Season Ticket Holder * 27:22 Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth * 33:42 The Importance of Intentional Friendships Connect with Osato Website: https://simplymose.com [https://simplymose.com/] Instagram: @simplymose Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: http://angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

11 de jun de 202641 min
Portada del episodio Ep. 22 -Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Art and Basketball
with Jeremy John Kaplan

Ep. 22 -Finding Purpose at the Intersection of Art and Basketball with Jeremy John Kaplan

In this episode, Angela interviews Jeremy John Kaplan, a Brooklyn-based multidisciplinary artist. He centers his practice on public space as a site of collective endurance. Best known for The Gold Nets Project, an ongoing intervention installing gold basketball nets on community courts since 2005, Jeremy reframes shared spaces as environments where care is practiced collectively. The conversation covers Jeremy's background as an artist and ball player, his love for graffiti, his art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park, and his involvement with the Hoop Bus. It also delves into the significance of the Hoop Bus and its impact on the community. The conversation covers the experiences of the Hoop Bus team in New York, their interactions with law enforcement, the impact of the Hoop Bus on communities, and the broader cultural significance of basketball. It also delves into the unexpected encounters and connections made through the Hoop Bus, as well as the future initiatives and expansion of the project. Takeaways * Art and basketball have been integral parts of Jeremy's life since his adolescence. * Graffiti is a form of expression that seeks recognition and visibility, echoing a human desire to leave a mark. * The Socrates Sculpture Park Fellowship and the installation project aim to bring art to the community and make it more accessible. * The Hoop Bus serves as a social sculpture, spreading joy and creating imaginative experiences for people of all ages and backgrounds. Community Impact * Cultural Significance of Basketball Chapters * 00:00 Art and Basketball: A Dual Passion * 06:10 Art Installation at Socrates Sculpture Park * 22:12 The Impact of the Hoop Bus * 29:11 Hoop Bus Interactions with Law Enforcement * 39:22 Future Initiatives and Expansion Connect with Jeremy: Instagram: @jeremyjohnkaplan Instagram: @thehoopbus  Visit his new art installation at Socrates Sculpture Park (32-01 Vernon Blvd, Astoria 11101) @socratespark on Instagram  Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: http://angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

9 de jun de 202652 min
Portada del episodio Ep. 21 - How Bright Female Ballers is Changing the Game for Girls with Jazz Ducker

Ep. 21 - How Bright Female Ballers is Changing the Game for Girls with Jazz Ducker

Jazz Ducker, the founder of Bright Female Ballers, discusses her program's impact on empowering young girls through basketball and mindset development. The conversation delves into the collaboration with the Hoop Bus, Jazz's social media presence, the importance of mindset and determination, and the broader impact of her work beyond basketball. Takeaways * Empowering girls through basketball * Combining basketball and mindset for personal development Chapters * 00:00 Empowerment Through Basketball * 05:40 Bright Female Ballers Program * 13:55 Social Media and Street Ball * 19:06 Mindset and Determination Connect with Jazz Ducker Email: info@brightfemaleballers.com [info@brightfemaleballers.com] Website: www.Brightfemaleballers.com [http://www.Brightfemaleballers.com] Instagram: @up2no_goood Connect with Angela: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis Substack: https://angelarlewis.substack.com/ [https://angelarlewis.substack.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: http://angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

4 de jun de 202629 min
Portada del episodio Ep. 20 - From Heptathlete to UNC Chapel Hill Professor with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight

Ep. 20 - From Heptathlete to UNC Chapel Hill Professor with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight

The conversation with Dr. Erianne Allen-Weight delves into the educational value of sport, the science of expertise, the emergence of sport performance as a major, and the impact of youth sports on education. Dr. Allen-Weight shares insights on the transformative power of sport and the need to recognize the holistic development and educational opportunities it offers. She also discusses the science of expertise, emphasizing the role of self-regulation and mentorship in achieving high performance. The conversation highlights the importance of integrating sport performance as a major in university education and the potential career pathways it offers. Dr. Erianne Allen Weight is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she serves as Director of the Center for Research in Intercollegiate Athletics (CRIA) and is an international leader in sport, leadership, and expertise development. A former NCAA Division I heptathlete, her work explores how people learn, grow, and perform at high levels across sport, business, education, and life. Dr. Weight has authored more than 100 scholarly publications, delivered over 150 invited presentations, and consulted with organizations across athletics, education, and leadership development. Her current work focuses on the science of expertise, self-regulation, human performance, and the future of athlete-centered education. She is also helping lead innovative national initiatives that position sport as a powerful pathway for leadership, STEM learning, identity development, and lifelong growth. Takeaways * Sport as Education * Expertise and Self-Regulation Chapters * 00:00 The Educational Value of Sport * 10:39 The Science of Expertise * 32:23 Youth Sports and Education Connect with Dr. Weight: Website: eweight@unc.edu Email: www.erianneweight.com Connect with Angela Lewis: Instagram: @TheAngelaRLewis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-lewis/] Website: angelarlewis.com [http://angelarlewis.com]  Email: info@angelarlewis.com [info@angelarlewis.com]

2 de jun de 202644 min