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.

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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

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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.

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What do you do when all you have is a dream and $20 in your pocket?

In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester, DeJay shares the story behind one of the biggest turning points of his life and football journey.

Back in 2015, DeJay flew to Iowa for a two-day arena football workout with nothing but a football bag, a backpack, and his last $20. After landing in Des Moines, he used the last money he had on a taxi ride to a hotel near Wells Fargo Arena — only to realize he couldn’t afford a room.

What followed was a journey filled with uncertainty, rejection, resilience, and faith.

After being released following the workout, DeJay returned to Salt Lake City believing football might be over. But only weeks later, another opportunity opened the door that eventually brought him back to Iowa - the same place that would later become part of his story in a much bigger way.

This episode dives into:

• chasing opportunity with nothing guaranteed
• perseverance through setbacks
• arena football life
• betting on yourself
• resilience during uncertainty
• finding purpose through adversity

Sometimes the moments that break you are the same moments that prepare you for what’s next.

🎙️ Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester
Real stories. Real adversity. Real growth.

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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.

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