Larry James: Leadership That Lasts, Developing People, Serving Communities & Building a Legacy

Larry James: Leadership That Lasts, Developing People, Serving Communities & Building a Legacy

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/fan_mail/new] What does it take to build a legacy that transforms lives—not just your own, but an entire community? The conversation goes beyond professional success into the heart of legacy—fatherhood, mentorship, community giving, and developing the next generation of leaders through the African American Leadership Academy. His message is simple yet powerful: "There is no success without a successor." In this inspiring episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Coach Tim Brown sits down with Attorney Larry James, one of Central Ohio's most respected legal, civic, and community leaders. From his humble beginnings in the sharecropping fields of the Jim Crow South to becoming a nationally recognized attorney and champion for justice, Larry shares the defining moments that shaped his life and leadership. Discover how unexpected setbacks became opportunities, why integrity and humility remain the foundation of authentic leadership, and how mentors helped prepare him for every season of influence. Larry also explains why relationship equity, servant leadership, and investing in others are essential for creating lasting impact. If this conversation inspires you, subscribe to the Be a Baller Podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone you're mentoring. Together, we can build leaders who leave a legacy that lasts for generations. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/support]

From Setback to Supermarket: Rick Singletary on Faith, Family, Business & Building Legacy in Columbus

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/fan_mail/new]  What happens when your lifelong dream suddenly becomes impossible? For Columbus entrepreneur Rick Singletary, the end of one dream became the beginning of an extraordinary legacy.  n this inspiring episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Rick shares how his parents shaped his character. His mother taught resourcefulness and perseverance, while his father—a proud Tuskegee Airman and successful electrical contractor—modeled discipline, excellence, and servant leadership. Those lessons became the foundation for Rick's journey from delivering newspapers and bagging groceries at Kroger to climbing the corporate ladder and eventually becoming a successful entrepreneur. Rick also opens up about one of the biggest leaps of faith in his career: leaving the security of corporate America to develop Singletary Plaza at Mount Vernon, overcoming financing challenges, and creating opportunities that strengthen neighborhoods through local investment, jobs, and ownership. This conversation goes beyond business. It's about family, faith, resilience, mentorship, and building a legacy that impacts generations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, student, or someone navigating an unexpected detour, Rick's story offers practical wisdom and timeless encouragement. If this episode encourages you, subscribe to the Be a Baller Podcast, leave a review, and share it with a business owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur who needs to hear Rick's remarkable story. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/support]

The Singleton Family, Pass the Torch: A Basketball Legacy Between Father and Son

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/fan_mail/new] In this special Fatherhood Month episode, Jason Singleton Sr., Director of Athletics at Columbus Academy and former Ohio State basketball captain, sits down with his son, Jason Singleton Jr., one of the nation's top basketball prospects and future Harvard student-athlete.  Legacy sounds big until you realize it is built in ordinary moments: early mornings, hard conversations, long drives, and the choice to do the right thing when nobody is clapping. Their father-son dynamic is calm, honest, and deeply practical, and it turns Fatherhood Month into something more meaningful than a highlight reel. We talk about Detroit roots, a blue-collar work ethic, and the mentors who helped widen a young man’s vision. Jason Sr. explains why raising a successful young man matters more than raising a successful athlete, and how integrity and faith shape a family culture that stays “one” through every season. Jason Jr. shares the moment he knew basketball could be real, how he avoids pressure tied to his father’s name, and why Harvard was the best fit: relationships with the coaching staff, elite academics, and a trusted support system away from home. The heart of the conversation is “passing the torch” as a rite of passage. We dig into resilience, grit, leadership, and the transferable lessons sports can teach for life and work. We also spotlight service beyond trophies, including Jason Jr.’s foundation and a free youth basketball camp designed to give kids opportunity, encouragement, and practical support. If you care about fatherhood, faith-filled leadership, student-athlete mindset, Harvard basketball, or building a generational legacy, press play and take notes. Subscribe, share this with a friend, and leave a review so more families can build a legacy worth following. Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/support]

Throwback Thursday - Building a Father's Legacy That Lasts with Lawrence "Mr. Fundy" Funderburke

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/fan_mail/new] In this special Throwback Thursday Fatherhood Series episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Coach Tim Brown revisits an inspiring conversation with Lawrence "Mr. Fundy" Funderburke—former NBA player, author, speaker, and founder of Momentum Dads. This conversation is for every dad, mentor, coach, and leader who wants to be more intentional about passing the torch to the next generation. Lawrence Funderburke is a devoted Christian and family man who is on a mission to improve the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. His Momentum Dads project is a challenge and practical guide to help dads and families grow. While many know Lawrence for his success on the basketball court, his true passion today is helping fathers and families build momentum that lasts for generations. Through his Momentum Dads Project, he challenges men to become intentional leaders in their homes and provides practical tools to help dads grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally. Raised in a difficult single-parent home, Lawrence's story is a powerful reminder that your past doesn't have to determine your future. His journey from adversity to purpose is rooted in faith, perseverance, and a commitment to building legacy assets that matter most—personally, professionally, financially, and spiritually. Lawrence's message is simple but powerful: As long as you have breath in your body, you have an opportunity to change your story and build a legacy that outlives you. Subscribe to the Be a Baller Podcast, share this episode with a father who needs encouragement, and join the movement of men committed to living and leaving a legacy. #ThrowbackThursday #FatherhoodSeries #MomentumDads #PassTheTorch #BeABallerPodcast #LivingALegacy #Fatherhood #LegacyBuilders #ChristianLeadership #MrFundy #MomentumPlay #IntentionalFatherhood Visit www.MrFundy.com [http://www.MrFundy.com] or www.MomentumDads.com [http://www.MomentumDads.com] for more information on Lawrence's outreach efforts, speaking opportunities, and book orders.       Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/support]

Fatherhood Month Series - Pass the Torch: Generational Education – A Father, A Son, and the Legacy of Education

Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support. [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/fan_mail/new] What does it look like to pass down more than a name—to pass down a calling? In this special Fatherhood Month episode of the Be a Baller Podcast, Coach Tim Brown sits down with Dion Drakeford and his son, Deondre Drakeford, two generations of educators and school leaders who have devoted their lives to serving students in Columbus City Schools. We discuss why  education is one of the greatest forms of generational wealth and how faith, integrity, and service create a legacy that outlives you  From the music and memories that shaped their family to the moments that inspired each of them to pursue education, this father-son conversation explores the power of generational influence, servant leadership, and purposeful fatherhood. Dion shares how he knew in fourth grade he wanted to become a teacher, while Deondre reflects on watching his father connect with students and realizing that education could become his own calling. Whether you're a father, educator, coach, mentor, or leader, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the legacy you're building and the torch you're passing. Because legacy isn't what you leave behind someday—it's what you're living today. 🎙️ Subscribe to the Be a Baller Podcast, share this episode with a father or educator who inspires you, and join us as we continue building a movement of people committed to living and leaving a lasting legacy. #PassTheTorch #FatherhoodMonth #BeABallerPodcast #GenerationalLegacy #Education Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2064785/support]