The Examined Athlete

EP 42 - James Casey (NFL Alum, Cincinnati Bengals Coach)

In this episode, Clay speaks with James Casey. James is a 7-year NFL veteran, spending time with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, and Denver Broncos. Currently, he is the tight ends coach for the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted by the Chicago White Sox out of high school, James spend 4 years in professional baseball before returning to school to pursue his education and football dreams. He earned All-American honors at Rice University before being drafted into the NFL. James and Clay walk through James’ unique journey from humble beginnings in small town Texas to the NFL. The two discuss James’ introvert personality, the tragic loss of James’ mother at 16 years old, asking for help, perseverance, professional baseball and failure, finding his way to Rice, what James does better than anyone else, and what James is most proud of in his life.

EP 41 - Kyle Vitale (Heterodox Academy)

In this episode, Clay speaks with Kyle Vitale, PhD. Kyle is the Director of Programs at the Heterodox Academy (HxA). HxA is a nonpartisan nonprofit formed as a response to the rise of orthodoxy within scholarly culture. HxA works to improve the quality of research and education by promoting open inquiry, viewpoint diversity, and constructive disagreement in institutions of higher learning. The HxA community is made up of more than 5,000 professors, educators, administrators, and students who come from a range of institutions, represent nearly every discipline, and are distributed throughout 49 states and across the globe. Learn more about HxA on their website (https://heterodoxacademy.org/) and check out educational videos on Youtube (https://www.youtube.com/c/HeterodoxAcademy)! Kyle introduces listeners to the Heterodox Academy. Kyle and Clay explore HxA’s mission, the problem of orthodoxy, how to win skeptics, John Stewart Mill’s case for free speech and view point diversity, why ideas must be vigorously contested, responsible disagreement, how to frame ‘harm’ and develop trust.

EP 40 - Christina & Crystal Tegbe (54 Thrones)

In this episode, Clay speaks with Christina Olufunmike Tegbe and Crystal Oluwamayowa Tegbe. Christina is the founder and CEO of 54 Thrones and Crystal is the company’s Chief of Staff. 54 Thrones is a beauty brand that celebrates the richness of the 54 diverse nations across the African continent. Every product offered is sourced directly from artisans throughout Africa. The company has been featured widely, including on Oprah’s Favorite Things, Shark Tank, Today Show, People, Elle, US Weekly, Essence, InStyle, Goop, and is carried nationwide by retailers Sephora and Nordstrom. Christina, Crystal, and Clay use 54 Thrones as a bridge to larger conversations that extend beyond building a great company. The trio discuss growing up in a multicultural environment, American perceptions of Africa, embracing culture, cultural appropriation, representation, and the responsibility that comes with success.

EP 39 - Matt Flaherty (Ultramarathoner)

In this episode, Clay speaks with Matt Flaherty. Matt is a professional ultramarathoner (50 – 100-mile races). He is a past ultra-champion and placed second in the 2021 Leadville 100. In this episode, Matt and Clay walk through Matt’s journey into professional ultramarathoning, his decision to leave professional running to return to school in his 30’s, managing diverse interest, running to your strengths, unreasonable belief in yourself, staying positive over 100 miles, pain and suffering, and making an impact outside of running.

EP 38 - Dr. Gwen Bradford (Philosopher)

In this episode, Clay speaks with Dr. Gwen Bradford. Gwen is an Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Graduate Studies at Rice University. She works in value theory and normative ethics, focusing on achievement, meaning, uniqueness, perfectionism, well-being, and ill-being. Gwen’s book, Achievement (OUP 2015), which is about the nature and value of achievement, was awarded the 2017 APA Book Prize. Gwen and Clay focus mainly on Achievement, and how achievement relates to meaning in life. In addition, they discuss the goal of being human according to Aristotle, the ‘Golden Mean’, Plato’s view of leadership, the philosopher’s role in society, difficulty, evil achievements, and why it’s important to engage in conversations that make us uncomfortable.