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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 23 Featuring- Wayne Smith

We sit down with Oaklawn Casino and Racing GM Wayne Smith to trace an unlikely path from one college accounting class to a global hospitality career, Vegas casinos, and leading a premier racing casino resort. Along the way we talk work ethic, mentors, family, music, sports, and what legacy really means.

• growing up in Rhode Island and learning discipline at military school
• discovering accounting and gaining range through Northeastern’s co‑op
• saying yes to a headhunter and auditing hotels worldwide
• breaking into Vegas casinos and learning operations on the floor
• moving from finance to GM with help from mentors
• what a casino resort GM actually does day to day
• leadership rules of thumb like inspect what you expect
• family balance, marriage as partnership, and setting shared goals
• music tastes from Prince to Pink Floyd and DJ stories
• sports fandom, the 90s Cowboys, and Yankees memories
• career advice on happiness, choices, and staying open
• defining legacy through honesty, work, and lifting others

"I'm not the smartest person in the room, but i'll out work anyone"

Thank you guys for the support with that button and allows us to keep going the comments and allows us to keep having comments like this.

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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 22 Featuring- Jay Harris

Make sure you check out Season 2 Episode 6 with Jay, to learn more about hsi upbringing and his road to ESPN. Check it out here: https://thedaylanshow.buzzsprout.com/1145969/episodes/8681431-season-2-episode-6-featuring-jay-harris

Jay Harris returns to share a candid account of discovering prostate cancer, choosing surgery, and rebuilding life with clarity and purpose. The story begins with family history and a routine physical that flagged a PSA of 6.3, then moves through MRI, biopsy, and a PET scan that blessedly showed no spread. Faced with equal odds between radiation and surgery, he chose to remove the prostate to preserve future options. Four weeks later he stepped back onto the SportsCenter set, guided by a medical plan and a mindset that health is not a solo project. He’s since turned his platform toward men’s health, urging men—especially Black men—to get screened, learn their history, and drop the “tough it out” act that keeps too many from early detection.

What resonates most is the chorus of support. Jay credits his wife and kids, colleagues like Hannah Storm and Brian Custer, and a flood of strangers who reached out after his Good Morning America appearance announcing his prostate cancer. Those messages became a living map: what to expect from surgery, how to manage uncertainty, and how to speak plainly about intimate topics without shame. That transparency counters a culture where men often hide pain and skip checkups. Jay argues that vulnerability is a survival skill and a leadership trait. When we talk about cancer openly—symptoms, side effects, decisions—we trade isolation for information and transform fear into action. The result is a practical blueprint for community-driven healing.

Jay’s professional life adds another dimension. Despite the velocity of social media and the shift to digital, he insists the core of journalism remains unchanged: gather facts, write with clarity, ask better follow-ups, and refine the story until it’s ready for air. He urges aspiring sports journalists to stop waiting and start building—intern, write daily, cut a reel, learn to interview, and join professional networks.

Away from the desk, Jay’s center of gravity is simple and strong: family, golf, and music. He finds peace walking the course, even on bad rounds, and spends winter fine-tuning bass and guitar.

This is what Jay left me with in terms of legacy: "be a good teammate, a good journalist, a good dad, and a good man. Awards and headlines fade; character endures." That clarity is the heartbeat of this conversation: health as a daily practice, work as a craft, and life as a gift worth protecting. If you’ve waited on a checkup, call today. If you’re stuck at the start line of your career, take one step. The future favors people who show up early and often.

Beyond grateful to be able to do this, moments like this bring joy to my heart. Every episode is a blessing, every conversations is cherishing, so thank you guys for supporting me, and allowing me to co

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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 21- Featuring Michael Johansson

Welcome to the first ever episode 21 in the show!!

Joining me on this historical episode, is my good friend Michael Johansson!

Former Director of International programs at Ole Miss, his story is one like no other!

At 76, Michael Johansson doesn't just have stories – he embodies a living history of cultural connection, mentorship, and boundless curiosity that defies age barriers. From his humble beginnings on a small rented farm in Illinois to becoming the director of international programs at the University of Mississippi, Michael's journey reveals the extraordinary power of staying engaged with life and people across generations.

The conversation takes unexpected turns as Michael shares remarkable experiences – teaching in Japan and Russia, living in a cave off the African coast, digging out an erupting volcano in Iceland, and becoming a full member of Phi Beta Sigma (a historically Black fraternity) at age 60. These aren't just travel anecdotes but profound lessons about breaking down cultural barriers through genuine human connection.

What stands out most is Michael's perspective on mentorship. Rather than viewing it as a formal arrangement, he demonstrates how simple curiosity and genuine interest in others creates natural mentoring relationships. "Take an interest. Ask questions," he advises, sharing how conversations with grocery baggers about their education dreams or connecting international students with resources exemplifies his organic approach to guiding others. His personal philosophy – "honor the ignored" – reveals a commitment to reaching those often overlooked.

Despite calling himself an "old man" at 76, Michael's vibrant engagement with contemporary culture (his last concert was rapper Big K.R.I.T., and he enthusiastically discusses current films) showcases how curiosity keeps us young. When asked about his legacy, his answer cuts to what truly matters: "How did I make people feel? When they think of me, will they have a smile?" This episode isn't just a conversation – it's a masterclass in living a meaningful life through connection, curiosity, and genuine care for others.

Ready to challenge your perspectives on age, mentorship, and what makes a life well-lived? Listen now and discover why connecting across generations might be the most important thing we can do for ourselves and our communities.

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Welcome to season 5 Episode 20- Featuring Bryan Carter!

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On most circumstances, this would be the last episode of the season! But the five year anniversary deserves my best, so more than 20 episodes will be produced this season!

Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Church (Dallas, Texas) joined me on the show for this episode!

This was a dream come true for me! i've been working behind the scenes since 2023 to get Carter on the podcast, and its finally happened.

I took this conversation with a different angle, Carter has been the Senior Pastor of Concord Church since 2003, his resume and accomplishments are outstanding. I focused on getting depicting the day-to-day life of Carter.

Discussing his heavy schedule, and how he balances the plethora of things he does in his life. I had Carter revisit some old moments in his life, such as his college experience. Carter's college journey is like no other, and he was able to give some critical advice to college students, and a great message for those struggling with their faith around those ages.

We also discussed the impact that his parents had on his life, and the things he learned from them to be a great husband and father! Also taking a deep dive into his preparation of his Sunday services, and the impact that pastor E.K. Bailey had on his life and career!

I truly hope you enjoyed this episode as much as I did!

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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 19- Featuring R.J. Morgan


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R.J. Morgan joined me on today's episode, and I enjoyed every second of it! Now you may be asking, how do I know this outstanding person? R.J. was my journalism 101 teacher my freshman year of college, the very first teacher I saw my freshman year at 8 a.m. He also leads the Talbert Fellows scholarship program, which I am also apart of, he's been a great mentor to my career.

Arriving at Ole Miss in 2013, R.J. has worked tirelessly to grow and create an adaptive and innovative school of journalism at Ole Miss. 12 years later, Morgan was innovative in the creation of the Integrated Marketing Communications program at Ole Miss, ranking as the biggest IMC program in the country. Also, Morgan serves as the associate director of the Mississippi Scholastic Press Association.

Attending Mississippi State University gaining his bachelors and masters, Morgan has been teaching for more than 15 years. Morgan spoke to me about why he choose to attend MSU, and the vital things he learned starting his journalism career with different experiences.

As things continue going by, Morgan has continued working with programs, Morgan also serves on the national certification committee for Journalism Education Association and the head of the Scholastic Division of the Association for Educators of Journalism and Mass communication.

This is what he left me with: "What do you have to lose, just go do it, if you fail find something else tomorrow to be successful at. You're not gonna get any better by not taking any risks, or by not getting any reps. Decide what you wanna do, and what you're good at, and just do it!

I truly hope you enjoyed this episode!

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Welcome to episode six of Cardinals Talk with Russ Eddins!

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After two series losses against the Yankees and Rockies things look to be getting toasty around the Cardinals fanbase. Russ and I discuss whether or not the Cardinals have enough to get into a wildcard spot, and if they should even compete for a playoff bush.

We also discuss the impact of Chaim Bloom, and what the future of the organization will look like under him and what he can implement with his experience from the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox!

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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 18- Featuring Nick Wenger !

We welcome Nick Wenger back on the show! Nick is the second recurring guest throughout the five seasons of The Daylan Show. Check out Season 2 Episode 19 with Nick here to learn a little more about his upbringing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3KWARl4T44
(You can see how far i've come)

Check out Nick's website here: https://www.nickwengerdesigns.com/
& his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickwenger.designs/?hl=en

Nick joined me to discuss a variety of different things on this episode! A quick preview of the upcoming Arkansas Razorbacks football season, and what's in store for Sam Pittman in Fayetteville.

Also discussing his excitement for the upcoming high school football and basketball season around Arkansas, and which players and teams stand out for him.

Nick has grown tremendously since the last time I had him on the show, connecting with SportsCenter next since then, and a plethora of other major sports companies, Nick has created a true respectable business.

Nick shared some powerful insights about running a businesses, and how the importance of connections and kindness will take anyone far in their lives.

Also getting married soon, Nick talked to me about what the future may hold for him, and things he hopes to achieve within his work.

"I want my legacy to be dependable, always showing up on time, and building my community up that way, hopefully giving someone to look up to. I think there a lot of kids that try to replicate what I do, and I'm all for it. I want to help the next generation:

If you're new, please hit that follow button! It helps us keep growing, and allows us to continue having these conversations for free! Also leave a five star rating!

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Welcome to Season 5 Episode 17- Featuring Matthew Engelbert!

Coordinator of Football Video Services at Ole Miss, Matthew Engelbert joined me on the show this week!

Born and raised in Iowa, Engelbert was born a Hawkeyes fan, and found great passion for the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers.

Engelbert spook highly about the impact that his parents have had on his life, and how they molded him into being the father that he is today.

Working under Hayden Fry and Kirk Ferentz at Iowa for 25 years truly was a blessing for Engelbert, making connections with so many players and connections throughout the years.

During his time at Iowa, Engelbert gained a strong relationship with Bret Bielema who would later hire him at The University of Arkansas.

After spending decades within the Big Ten, Engelbert found a new discovery while working in the SEC, and truly began appreciating the game of football more because of the change.

After coaching changes at Arkansas, Engelbert found himself looking for a new job, and was hired to be apart of Matt Luke's program at Ole Miss in 2018.
Since 2018 Engelbert has found a home in Oxford, Mississippi. Now working under Lane Kiffin, Engelebrt spoke highly about all the coaches he's worked under, and the impact each stop has had on him.

Truly one of the most uplifting, and vibrant stories i've ever had the chance to listen to, Engelbert displayed everything I envisioned when I started the show five years ago.

"People need to listen, I don't think it happens enough anymore. People just want to talk, but people also need to listen, and I think that would go a long way."

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