Built Through Adversity: Chris Alexander on Football, Coaching, and Leadership

Built Through Adversity: Chris Alexander on Football, Coaching, and Leadership

On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Jimmy Clark sits down with Chris Alexander to talk about the lessons football taught him through years of competition, injury, and perseverance. From playing the sport since childhood through college, Chris reflects on the emotional highs and lows of athletics, including battling injuries that changed the course of his football career. He opens up about the challenges of identity after sports and how those difficult moments ultimately helped shape him into the coach and mentor he is today. The conversation also explores Chris’s coaching philosophy and the importance of understanding athletes beyond performance alone. He shares how different personalities require different approaches, why leadership and accountability matter, and how sports can help build stronger people both mentally and physically. Packed with energy, honesty, and motivation, this episode highlights the power of resilience, relationships, and pushing beyond perceived limits. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

Finding Your Voice: Lauren Strange on Music, Nashville, and Taking Chances

On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Braden Jenkins sits down with Lauren Strange to talk about her journey from growing up in Memphis to building a career in Nashville’s music scene. Lauren shares stories about teaching herself guitar, being inspired by artists like Elton John, and performing alongside artists across multiple genres. From recording her first song at nine years old to eventually performing at the legendary Ryman Auditorium, Lauren reflects on the moments that shaped her path as an artist and songwriter. The conversation also dives into the realities of moving to Nashville, building connections from scratch, and staying motivated through uncertainty. Lauren shares heartfelt advice for young musicians about embracing what makes them unique, working hard, and continuing to show up even when the road gets difficult. It’s an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, and finding community through music. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

Courtside Conversations: Alaina Morris on Covering Vanderbilt Basketball

On this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, athlete-host Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with Alaina Morris to talk about her journey into sports media and what it’s like covering Vanderbilt University women’s basketball. From starting as a student at Lipscomb University to reporting for Vandy 24/7 Sports, Alaina shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped open doors in broadcasting, writing, and courtside coverage of SEC athletics. The conversation dives into game preparation, interviewing head coach Shea Ralph, recruiting standout players like Mikayla Blakes, and the excitement surrounding Vanderbilt women’s basketball. Alaina also offers advice for aspiring sports media personalities, encouraging young broadcasters to stay passionate, keep learning, and embrace every opportunity that comes their way. It’s an inspiring episode about preparation, persistence, and finding your voice in sports storytelling. Recorded at Black River Entertainment/Sound Stage Studios.

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.