Episode 4: The Proving Ground features Payton McBroom, defensive back at North Greenville University, in a conversation about football, faith, confidence, leadership, adversity, and growth.

Payton joins Nate Garner and Jim Padgett to talk about his journey from Greenville to North Greenville, how prayer helped guide his college decision, and what it has been like growing through the demands of college football. He shares the mindset it takes to play defensive back, how confidence changed his game, why film study matters, and what he learned from last season’s run to a conference championship.

The episode also dives into life beyond football, including Payton’s interest in cyber security, his future goals, and the importance of community, brotherhood, and player development inside the program. This is a conversation about team bonding, staying grounded in faith, and becoming the kind of competitor who keeps showing up no matter what.

Episode 3: The Selection features North Greenville defensive back Brannon Teamer in a real conversation about football, faith, humility, adversity, and growth. Brannon joins Nate Garner and Jim Padgett to share his journey from Spartanburg and Dorman High School to North Greenville University, what the transition to college football has taught him, and how trusting God helped him push through difficult moments. He talks about learning to stay humble, finding consistency on the field, building strong relationships with teammates, and why NGU feels like home. Brannon also opens up about life outside football, his interest in cyber security, and why he believes this year will be different for North Greenville football.

Episode 2: Built Different

In Episode 2 of The ALPHA Podcast, Nate Garner and Jim Padgett sit down with North Greenville football player Arber Lekani for an honest conversation about what it really means to be built different.

This episode dives into the daily reality of being a student-athlete, from early morning lifts and classes to practice, film, and the pressure of staying disciplined when nobody is watching. Arber shares his journey through the highs and lows of college football, including the emotional struggles of his freshman year, learning how to handle adversity, and the importance of faith, family, and friendship in shaping who he is.

Coach Garner also gives insight into what coaches notice most in players, why attitude and effort matter, and how football prepares people for life far beyond the game.

This is a conversation about resilience, growth, brotherhood, perspective, and the standard it takes to keep moving forward when life gets hard.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The real schedule of a college football player
• The hardest part of being a student-athlete
• Identity outside of football
• Faith and personal growth
• Dealing with doubt and difficult seasons
• Brotherhood inside the locker room
• Family, sacrifice, and perspective
• Building confidence after setbacks
• Why football is preparation for life

Key takeaway: Being built different is not about talking tough. It is about staying committed, trusting God, stacking good days, and refusing to quit when adversity shows up.

Listen now and learn more at thealphasports.com