Against the Odds: Nick Rinaldi’s Unlikely Rise at Vanderbilt

From Smashville to Special Olympics: Max Herz on Sports, Storytelling, and Community

On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Braden Jenkins sits down with Max Herz, radio broadcaster for the Nashville Predators, to talk about his journey into sports media, life in Nashville, and some of his favorite moments covering Vanderbilt and professional sports. From announcing video games as a kid to calling games across nearly every NHL arena, Max shares how passion, persistence, and saying “yes” to opportunities helped shape his career. The conversation also highlights the power of sports to bring people together. Max reflects on volunteering with Special Olympics Tennessee at events like Summer Games and the Music City Corporate Challenge, discusses memorable moments covering Vanderbilt baseball and Predators hockey, and offers advice to young people interested in media and broadcasting. It’s a fun, insightful episode centered on storytelling, community, and finding joy in what you do. Recorded at Black River Entertainment / Sound Stage Studios.

Against the Odds: Nick Rinaldi’s Unlikely Rise at Vanderbilt

From not playing football until his senior year of high school to becoming a starting linebacker in the SEC, Nick Rinaldi has one of the most unconventional stories in college football. On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Nick joins Nashville athlete Jimmy Clark to talk about betting on himself, earning a scholarship, and helping reshape the culture of Vanderbilt University football from the inside out. Nick also gives an inside look at the Commodores’ recent rise, the pressure and expectations surrounding SEC football, and why this Vanderbilt team believes it can keep proving doubters wrong. From playoff frustrations to the buzz around elite quarterback recruit Jared Curtis, this conversation dives into leadership, resilience, and what it takes to build something lasting in one of college football’s toughest conferences. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

Champions Among Us: Music, Mindset, and Meaningful Moments with Alexandra King

Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, continues with a powerful conversation between Braden Jenkins and Nashville-based artist Alexandra King. Together, they explore the connection between music and sport: confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure. Alexandra reflects on her early start in music, overcoming nerves, and building a career in Nashville, while also sharing her connection to Special Olympics through family and community. This episode highlights how the champion mindset shows up everywhere, from the field to the stage. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios. Learn more here [https://www.specialolympicstn.org/News/champions-among-us].

From the Pitch to Purpose: Matthew Gang Interviews Taylor Washington

In this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics athlete and Vanderbilt University Next Steps graduate Matthew Gang sits down with former Nashville SC defender Taylor Washington for an authentic and inspiring conversation about life, soccer, and purpose beyond the game. Washington reflects on his journey from growing up in New York to an eight-year professional career in Nashville, sharing the challenges, unexpected turns, and defining moments that shaped his path—including overcoming setbacks, chasing new dreams, and ultimately finding fulfillment both on and off the field. Together, Matthew and Taylor connect over their shared experiences as athletes, discussing everything from training and competition to the joy and community that sports create. Taylor offers heartfelt advice to Special Olympics athletes about confidence, dedication, and embracing your unique gifts, while Matthew brings energy and perspective from his own journey in sports and beyond. It’s a conversation rooted in passion, perseverance, and the belief that being a champion is about far more than wins and losses—it’s about how you show up, support others, and pursue what you love. Learn more: https://www.specialolympicstn.org/podcast

Ollie Kujda-Neeley & Jim Chandler on Sports, Growth, and Showing Up

In this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with radio host Jim Chandler of Totally Hits 93.3 for a conversation centered on sports, storytelling, and the power of practice. Jim shares how his journey into broadcasting began at a young age and evolved through years of repetition, curiosity, and a passion for connecting with people. Together, they explore the similarities between athletics and communication—highlighting how confidence, teamwork, and dedication fuel success in both arenas. From favorite teams like the Nashville Predators and Vanderbilt basketball to the excitement of competing and improving every day, this episode captures the joy of learning, growing, and showing up for your teammates—on the field and behind the mic.