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Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester

Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester

Written by: DeJay Lester
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Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester is a podcast that explores the stories people don’t see - the struggles, the setbacks, and the moments that shape who we become.


Hosted by DeJay Lester, this show dives into real, unfiltered conversations with athletes, coaches, mentors, and everyday individuals who have faced adversity and found a way to grow through it.


From foster care to championships…
from pain to purpose…
this podcast uncovers what it really takes to overcome life’s challenges and build something meaningful.


Through powerful storytelling and honest dialogue, Beneath the Surface creates space for truth, reflection, and growth.


This isn’t the highlight reel.


This is what it took to get there.

© 2026 Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester
Social Sciences
Episodes
  • EP. 09 - The First Championship | Eddie Thompson on Brotherhood, Adversity & Belief
    Jul 3 2026

    Championships aren't built overnight-they're built through years of commitment, sacrifice and perseverance.

    In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I reconnect with my longtime friend and Coach, Eddie Thompson, to reflect on the unforgettable journey that led Layton Christian Academy to its first state championship.

    We discuss the obstacles we faced, the culture Coach Porter built, the importance of brotherhood, learning through adversity, and the life lessons that continue to guide us long after the final buzzer.

    This conversation is a reminder that some of life's greatest victories come long before the scoreboard says you've won.

    Hosted by DeJay Lester.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 18 mins
  • EP. 08 - The People Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Six
    Jun 22 2026

    Long before the podcast, football, coaching, and the opportunities that would come later, there were people who took the time to see beyond the struggles.

    In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I sit down with Mrs. Six, a longtime member of the Layton Christian Academy community who witnessed many of the challenges, growth, and defining moments throughout my journey.

    Together, they reflect on education, mentorship, resilience, and the importance of having people who believe in you when life feels uncertain.

    This conversation is about more than school. It's about the impact one person can have on another life simply by showing up, caring, and seeing potential where others may not.

    Because sometimes the people who change our lives never realize the impact they had.

    Hosted by DeJay Lester.

    Real Stories. Real Struggles. Real Growth.

    #BeneathTheSurface #DeJayLester #Mentorship #Education #RealStories

    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

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • EP. 07 - The Teacher Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Elmy
    Jun 8 2026

    Everyone remembers a teacher who changed their life.

    For me, Mrs. Elmy was one of those people.

    Long before the podcast, long before football, and long before many of the opportunities that would come later, she took the time to see beyond the behavior, the frustration, and the challenges I was facing as a young student.

    In this episode of Beneath the Surface, we reflect on those years at Layton Christian Academy, the lessons learned inside and outside the classroom, the challenges I faced growing up, and the impact that educators can have on a young person's future.

    This conversation is about mentorship, resilience, education, and the people who choose to believe in us when we need it most.

    Because sometimes one teacher can change the entire direction of a life.

    Thank you for listening.

    Hosted by DeJay Lester.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
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