Element of Surprise!

In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani kick off with moving day madness, the meaning of Labor Day, and how this season can be a time to either ramp up or recalibrate.

From late school pick-ups to their kids’ first karate classes, the hosts share the hilarious, humbling, and powerful lessons that come with parenting. Spencer reveals his unlikely “weapon of choice” and why the element of surprise might be the best defense, while Jelani reflects on showing his kids their birth videos and what it means to preserve memory and legacy for generations to come.

The conversation stretches from culture to sports — Snoop Dogg’s candid response to his grandson about seeing a gay couple on screen, to Arch Manning’s impossible debut expectations, and the shifting balance of power between the SEC and Big Ten.

Together, they explore:

• The discipline and resilience kids build through karate.
• How fathers balance humor, protection, and responsibility.
• Why recording and remembering matters for legacy.
• Lessons from Snoop’s openness and the realities of raising kids in today’s culture.
• What the SEC vs. Big Ten rivalry reveals about evolution and change.

Quotes

“The element of surprise — no burglar is ever expecting an axe to come flying at them.” – SPENCER


“Karate taught me discipline in a way my parents never could. It gave me confidence and explosiveness that carried into football and life.” – JELANI


“When my son got a bloody nose sparring, he looked up and said, ‘Can I finish?’ That’s resilience.” – SPENCER


“Seeing your first breath in HD? That shifts how you view life itself.” – JELANI

Links & Resources:

• Submit your own voice memo for the show: 
• Follow us on Instagram: @highervalleyspodcast