In this episode, I sit down with Mrs. Flenniken - my third grade teacher and one of the first people who truly saw me during a difficult time in my life.

While I was bouncing between schools, dealing with anger, confusion, and the challenges of foster care, many people labeled me as a problem.

But she took a different approach.

Through the CARES program, she took the time to understand what I was going through, helping me slow down, process my emotions, and begin to see myself differently.

This conversation is a reflection on the power of being seen, the impact of patience and understanding, and how one person’s belief can change the direction of someone’s life.

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At 10 years old, everything changed.

In this episode, I share what it was like being placed into foster care - navigating shelters, being moved from home to home, and trying to survive in a system I didn’t understand.

I talk about being labeled and misunderstood in school, feeling isolated, and constantly trying to find where I belonged while everything around me kept changing.

But even in the middle of that chaos, there were moments that mattered - people who saw something more in me, and small sparks of hope that helped me keep going.

This isn’t just a story about foster care.

It’s about what it feels like to be lost… and still find a way to fight forward.

🎧 Listen now and follow the journey as the story continues.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

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What does it mean to become more than just an athlete?

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Bobby Porter - a mentor who played a major role in shaping my mindset, discipline, and identity during some of the most important years of my life.

We talk about building a program from the ground up, the journey to winning a state championship in 2007, and the philosophy behind becoming a “Renaissance Man.”

This conversation goes beyond sports - it’s about growth, leadership, and becoming the best version of yourself.

Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface.

If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow and share it with someone who needs to hear it.

Watch full episodes on YouTube and follow for updates:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLqMpSxgC5JtRe_-T39qhPxZcZyKrtE82Q