Hoops and Headspace isn’t just a basketball podcast. It’s a space where we focus on the mental, emotional, and personal parts of being an athlete, a coach, a parent, and a mentor.
We started this podcast because we saw how often athletes are told to just be tough and push through everything without ever learning how to take care of their mental health. We wanted to help break that stigma. Through honest conversations, storytelling, and real-life experiences, we talk about things like pressure, burnout, confidence, identity, recovery, discipline, and what life looks like beyond the game.
What makes Hoops and Headspace different is that we don’t just talk about winning. We talk about wellness, balance, mindset, nutrition, rest, and the habits that help athletes grow as people, not just players. We bring on guests like athletes, coaches, and mentors who are willing to be real and share their journeys. The good and the hard parts.
Jada Rich, a dedicated educator from Ripley, MS, is a former basketball player turned coach with a passion for mentoring athletes on and off the court. As a school teacher and coach, she combines her firsthand experience in the game with a deep commitment to supporting players mental well-being and development.
Blake Levine joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the pressure and mental toll that social media and rankings can have on young athletes. He provides perspective on staying grounded and focused despite outside noise.
Braylen McDonald is a youth football coach from Ripley, Mississippi who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss balancing coaching with understanding the age and development of young athletes. He shares his struggle with managing his competitive nature while leading kids the right way.
Cam Rucker is from Ripley, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss his resilience and unique journey as an undersized guard. He shares how determination, confidence, and work ethic helped him overcome limitations.
Coach John Redman is the men’s basketball coach at Northwest Mississippi Community College and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss what he looks for in recruits and the culture he wants to build within his program. He shares insight on leadership, accountability, and development at the next level.
Corderro Ayers is from Ashland, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the importance of communication and leadership in team environments. He highlights how strong relationships and accountability build winning teams.
Deimara Macon is from Shannon, Mississippi, a mother of several successful athletes and the spouse of a college football coach. She joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss how parents can properly support and mold their children athletically while balancing life in a sports-driven household.
Dr. Sandrika Bowen is from Ashland, Mississippi and the owner of Strive Therapy & Wellness. She joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the importance of properly treating injuries and prioritizing overall wellness for athletes. She also highlights the critical role of collaboration between coaches and medical professionals to ensure athletes are supported, protected, and able to perform at their best.
Coach Duke is a dedicated AAU basketball coach from Calhoun City, Mississippi, with a mission to develop both the skills and mindset of young athletes. Having experienced the highs and lows of competitive basketball firsthand, including injury and personal setbacks, Coach Duke now focuses on guiding youth through the mental, emotional, and academic aspects of the game. He is passionate about helping kids navigate the pressures of AAU sports while preparing them for success both on and off the court.
Duke James is from Oxford, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss both the positive and negative sides of AAU basketball. He gives a real perspective on exposure, development, and the current culture of the game.
Hunter Givens is a sports writer who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the impact of social media on young athletes and how early exposure can sometimes be detrimental. He provides perspective on media, pressure, and athlete development.
India Howard is a Ripley High School alum and championship-winning basketball player who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss what it truly takes to win a championship. She shares insight on teamwork, sacrifice, and accountability.
Jaylon Moore is from Ashland, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss what it truly means to be a great teammate on and off the court. He shares insight on leadership, communication, and holding others accountable the right way.
Leslie McDonald Watts — health coach, nutrition educator, and wellness advocate
Malik Pearson is from Ripley, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss battling multiple injuries during his high school career and the resilience it took to keep going. He shares lessons on mental toughness and staying committed through adversity.
Monterio Hunt is from Walnut, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss his football journey coming from a small town. He shares his experience navigating multiple colleges and staying committed to his dream despite an unconventional path.
Rico McDonald is from Ripley, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss his journey to becoming the first Black head football coach at Ripley High School, as well as his path to the Hall of Fame at Delta State. He shares insights on leadership, perseverance, and breaking barriers in sports.
Rolanda Tipler is a multi-championship winning basketball coach from Ashland, Mississippi who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss building a winning culture. He breaks down the importance of relationships, standards, and consistency in creating successful teams.
Shunquest Williams is a Ripley High School alum and championship-winning basketball player who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the reality of building a championship team. She highlights chemistry, discipline, and the commitment required to succeed.
Tay Hunt is from Ripley, Mississippi and joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss the challenges young college athletes face when leaving home. He shares insight on staying focused, disciplined, and navigating independence for the first time
Tony Black is a football coach based in Texas who joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss balancing the mental demands of coaching while also being a dedicated girl dad. He shares insight into managing pressure, priorities, and family life.
Toya and Solomon Buchanan, a mother and son from Okolona, Mississippi, joined the Hoops and Headspace podcast to discuss overcoming adversity after Solomon suffered a traumatic high school injury that nearly ended his athletic career. They share how they navigated the experience as a family and the strength it took to keep going.