Ralph Menar | From Staten Island to New York Basketball History

Harvey Araton | Youth Sports, NIL, and the Game We’re Losing

[AUDIO ONLY EPISODE] In this episode of Live Learn Sports, Coach Tobin sits down with award-winning sports journalist and author Harvey Araton for a wide-ranging conversation on basketball, journalism, youth sports, and the changing landscape of athletics. Harvey shares stories from growing up in Staten Island, his early days at the Staten Island Advance, his years covering sports for The New York Times, and his memories of legends like Willis Reed and the great Knicks teams of the 1970s. The conversation also explores how youth sports have become a massive industry, the pressure facing young athletes and families, and how NIL, the transfer portal, and money have reshaped college athletics. It’s a thoughtful, nostalgic, and honest conversation about what sports used to be, what they have become, and what we should remember about why kids play in the first place.

Robert Ticer | Coaches, Community, and Coming Home

In this episode of the Live Learn Sports Podcast, John sits down with Prescott Valley Chief of Police Robert Ticer for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Prescott, playing basketball, serving in law enforcement, and coming home to lead the community that helped shape him. Chief Ticer shares stories from his days at Prescott High School, the coaches and mentors who influenced him, his early love for basketball, his career in law enforcement, and what it means to serve people he grew up with. The conversation also touches on family, marriage, grandkids, community leadership, traffic safety, old-school coaching, and the lasting impact adults can have on young people. This episode is full of humor, local history, basketball memories, and meaningful reflections on influence, service, and legacy.

The Backburner Story | Family, Business, and Serving the Community

In this episode, John sits down with local entrepreneur and Backburner Family Restaurant owner, Nick Calia, to hear the story behind one of Prescott Valley’s favorite gathering places. From growing up in Arizona and pursuing a career in firefighting to buying a small restaurant with his brother and navigating economic downturns, COVID, and nearly two decades of business ownership, Nick shares the lessons he’s learned about leadership, family, hard work, and serving a community. Along the way, the conversation explores employee culture, entrepreneurship, homeschooling, raising kids, financial wisdom, and why success isn’t always tied to a college degree. Nick’s daughter also joins the discussion, offering a glimpse into the family values that have helped shape both the restaurant and the people behind it. Whether you’re a business owner, coach, parent, student, or simply someone who loves a good small-town success story, this episode is full of practical wisdom and encouragement. Presented by: Chino Valley Heating & Cooling and Monterith Real Estate.

George Hayes | The Game That Never Ends

John sits down with longtime friend George Hayes for a conversation packed with Staten Island basketball memories, old-school CYO rivalries, St. Peter’s stories, undefeated teams, legendary coaches, and the kind of friendship that can only come from decades of shared history. George also shares about his life after basketball, from building a career in IT to raising athletic kids, retiring into full-time RV life, and finding a new competitive outlet in pickleball. Along the way, John and George talk about staying active, coaching the right way, the pressure parents put on young athletes, and why sports should build more than just players.

Kevin Tucker | Hoops, Mentors, and Miracles

In this episode, John sits down with Kevin Tucker for a meaningful conversation about basketball, Staten Island, second chances, and the people who shape a life. Kevin reflects on growing up on Staten Island, getting cut from early teams, finding his way through basketball, playing at Curtis, Staten Island Community College, and Stetson, and eventually building a long career in education. Along the way, he shares stories of coaches who believed in him, the teammates who pushed him, the miracle of surviving a near-death accident, and why he now sees life as something to be deeply grateful for.