Standing Above the Crowd Podcast featuring Former NBA Coach Dick Motta

Standing Above the Crowd Podcast - James Donaldson Speaking on Mental Health Issues

In this episode James Donaldson speaks on mental health issues of all types and how no two individuals are the same.

Standing Above the Crowd Podcast featuring Former NBA Coach Dick Motta

In today's episode, James Donaldson interviews his long time (and one of his favorite coaches) Dick Motta. Motta won the NBA World Championship in 1978 with th Washington Bullets. Great interview from one of the greats of the game!

Standing Above the Crowd Podcast featuring Brandon Bird and Carver Gayton and the Multi Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame Event

James Donaldson intoervies both Brandon Bird and Carver Gayton on today's episode. Brandon Bird is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle, Washington. Carver Clark Gayton's story bears witness to Seattle's experience of race and the importance of family, teachers, teamwork, and building bridges in the context of the civil rights movement. It is a timely story, written by a Seattle native with deep perspective on the last century. From his family roots in slavery and abolition, his young life in the Seattle public school system, his sports career as a Husky football player and assistant coach, to his long career at Boeing and his civic activities, Gayton draws on his experiences to highlight the tension of being Black in America. His odyssey is shaped by the necessity of taking a stand, or as Mississippi voting rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer put it, being "in the mess," and by the inspiration and hope drawn from leaders like his great-grandfather Lewis Clarke, who wrote, "You and your generation and those who are coming after you can never know or feel what we who have been slaves endured. You are surrounded by golden opportunities such as I never dreamed would come."

Standing Above the Crowd Podcast featuring Hogan Hilling of Let's Talk Grief

James Donaldson interviews Hogan Hilling in this episode. Hogan Hilling is a passionate, optimistic man of action and the Founder and Owner of "Let's Talk Grief," a life coaching service focused on grief. He has authored 14 books spanning genres such as fatherhood, parenting, divorce, cold cases, and social justice. With 30 years of experience leading fatherhood support groups and 2 years with divorce support groups, Hilling has made significant contributions in these areas. Hilling is also certified to talk about suicide prevention and received his certification with the American Legion's "Be The One" Initiative Suicide Prevention Course. He was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show in 2001 and featured in ABC's documentary, The Story of Fathers and Sons, in 1999. Tragically, Hilling's son, Wesley Jordan Hilling (32), passed away on December 18, 2022.

Standing Above the Crowd Podcast featuring Craig Brown of Stop Hiding Start Healing

James Donaldson interviews Craig Brown of Stop Hiding Start Healing. Craig is a seasoned expert in overcoming adversity working with individuals, groups, families and organizations looking to discover how to be set free from pain and shame that can lead to addiction and other painful life struggles and live a life of freedom, meaning and purpose. Craig transformed his life from the brink of destruction—overcoming addiction and financial hardship—Craig now dedicates his career to helping others navigate their own challenges. As the Founder of Stop Hiding Start Healing, Craig has guided countless individuals through their personal struggles, using his unique blend of practical life principles and inspirational storytelling. His work focuses on mental health, emotional resilience, and personal growth, making him a sought-after speaker for organizations looking to foster a culture of well-being and success.