The Higher Valleys Podcast
The Higher Valleys Podcast is an ongoing conversation about all things fatherhood from friends and former NFL athletes Spencer Paysinger and Jelani Jenkins. The show offers an unfiltered perspective on how to show up fully at home while thriving professionally.
Episodes
15 episodes
Goin’ Up Yonder
In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani open with the beautiful chaos of home renovation. Spencer shares how living among half-unpacked boxes and a house that needs a full electrical and plumbing overhaul is teaching...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:38:11
Empathy or Nah?
In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer returns from a family trip to Jamaica with stories of island detours, resort culture, and an unforgettable quest for the world’s best KFC, while Jelani reflects on the gratitude an...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:54:52
The Struggle is Real
In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani get real about what it means to be fathers in transition. From navigating personal anxiety and moments of dysregulation, to apologizing to their kids and showing up with honesty, the ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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1:05:16
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 ka...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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2:01:22
The Golden Child
In this week’s episode, Jelani and Spencer explore the unspoken rules of parenting, cultural identity, and community responsibility - all through the lens of real-life fatherhood moments. From a deep dive into Indigenous and Black...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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1:49:21
Home Sweet Home
In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani open up about the magic of returning to Los Angeles, the lessons that come with buying a new home, and the deeper meaning of what it takes to hold space for your family’s d...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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1:51:13
BE FREE
Episode SummaryIn this week’s episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani cover everything from back-to-school energy and concert season to the deeper layers of freedom, preparation, and legacy.The guys kick thin...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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1:29:53
Adapt or Fade Away
In this episode, Jelani and Spencer talk about what happens when your environment—and your body—start sending messages you can’t ignore. It starts with a yellow jacket nest in the yard, but quickly turns into a deeper convo about maintenance—ph...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:49:39
Life After Us.
In this deeply moving and expansive episode of Higher Valleys, Jelani and Spencer hold space for one of the most important and often avoided conversations—legacy planning and death.What begins as a casual ca...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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43:28
Listen to Yourself
In this episode, Jelani and Spencer peel back the layers on fatherhood, time, and the creative process. From summer chaos to smoothie meltdowns, they wrestle with the beautiful tension of being providers, protectors, and creators—...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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1:56:09
Liberation Starts at Home w/ Héritier Lumumba
In this episode, Jelani and Spencer are joined by global activist, father of three, and former pro athlete Lumumba—a man who lives at the intersection of truth, freedom, and fatherhood. What begins with lighthearte...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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1:16:48
A Dream Reimagined
In this episode, Jelani and Spencer reflect on the meaning of Independence Day—from the literal fireworks in Inglewood to the symbolic ones lighting up in the culture, politics, and fatherhood. What starts as playful banter about neighborhood g...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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1:07:31
Two & Through w/ Justin Tinsley
It’s the first guest episode of Higher Valleys, and we had to kick things off with family—literally. Journalist, author, ESPN personality, and proud dad Justin Tinsley joins us to talk fatherhood, legacy, and what it me...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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1:18:22
Raising Kids While The World Burns.
We covered everything this week on Higher Valleys — from flag football to fallout shelters.In this episode, Spencer & Jelani unpack what it means to raise confident, self-led kids while navigating the pr...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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1:13:31
Welcome to Higher Valleys: Pilot Episode
Welcome to Higher Valleys — a podcast where fatherhood meets ambition, legacy meets curiosity, and two dads lean all the way into the mess and the magic of raising kids while chasing dreams.In this debut episode, Spencer Paysin...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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45:51