Called 2 Compete | The Foundation (Ep. 1)

Building the Program, Building People | Coach Chris Pearl

In this episode of Called 2 Compete, Brian “LB” Booker is joined by special guest Chris Pearl, Head Basketball Coach at Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Coach Pearl shares his journey through the game — from playing college basketball at Grand Valley State and Davenport to serving as an assistant coach before stepping into the head coach role at GRCC. Together, they dive into coaching philosophy, leadership, and the life lessons basketball teaches beyond the scoreboard. This conversation highlights how faith, experience, and intentional mentorship help shape not just strong programs, but strong people.

Rooted in Faith and the Game | John White

In Episode 2 of Called 2 Compete, co-hosts Tory Jackson and Brian “LB” Booker sit down with Pastor John White — Senior Pastor at King of Kings International Church and Head Basketball Coach at Detroit Renaissance High School. Together, they explore what it means to be rooted in faith as both coaches and mentors, and how spiritual values shape their approach to competition and leadership. White shares personal stories from his playing and coaching days, insights from his community work through the Unity Through Hoops food pantry event in Detroit, and the inspiration behind his books The Black Athlete Volumes 1 and 2. This episode is a powerful reminder that faith and basketball can go hand-in-hand in building character, purpose, and unity both on and off the court.

Called 2 Compete | The Foundation (Ep. 1)

In Episode 1 of Called 2 Compete, co-hosts Tory Jackson and Brian “LB” Booker open up about their journeys — from their basketball careers to their experiences at Detroit Catholic Central. Together, they share how faith, competition, and brotherhood have shaped their lives and set the stage for what this podcast is all about: inspiring athletes, coaches, and leaders to compete with purpose, lead with integrity, and live out their calling on and off the court.