What's Driving You
Welcome to What's Driving You, the official channel hosted by 13-year NBA veteran Keyon Dooling.
We go beyond the highlight reels to uncover the true stories behind the world's most successful athletes, artists, and leaders. In these raw and unfiltered conversations, we explore the personal journeys, mental health battles, and the defining moments that shaped their careers. This is a space for real talk about motivation, resilience, and discovering the "why" that fuels greatness.
If you're looking for the untold stories and the inspiration behind the icons you admire, you're in the right place.
Subscribe and join the conversation to find out what's really driving them.
What's Driving You
Dr. Larry Sanders on Mental Health, NBA Pressure & Finding Purpose | What’s Driving You
Former NBA standout Dr. Larry Sanders joins Keyon Dooling on this powerful episode of What’s Driving You for one of the most honest conversations of his career. In this raw and emotional discussion, Sanders opens up about mental health, NBA pressure, generational trauma, identity, and finding purpose beyond basketball.
From growing up in difficult environments to navigating the intense demands of professional sports, Larry shares how unaddressed mental health struggles followed him throughout his NBA journey. He reflects on injuries, media narratives, team dynamics, and the moment he realized he had to choose his life over the league.
Larry also discusses the role of therapy, self-awareness, and healing — explaining why mental health must be treated with the same seriousness as physical health for athletes. He breaks down how fame, expectations, and internal battles can silently affect players, especially those who feel pressure to always appear strong.
Now focused on coaching, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and mental wellness advocacy, Dr. Sanders explains how stepping away from the game allowed him to rebuild his purpose and redefine success. He speaks openly about helping young athletes, sharing his story so others don’t feel alone, and why conversations around mental health in sports are more important than ever.
This episode of What’s Driving You is a must-watch for fans of NBA stories, athlete mental health, personal growth, and life after sports. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, or someone navigating your own journey, this conversation offers perspective, honesty, and inspiration.
01:10 – Childhood, family trauma & early influences
07:30 – Falling in love with basketball
14:45 – Rapid rise & being unprepared for NBA life
20:10 – Media narratives, injuries & pressure
27:45 – Mental health struggles & breaking point
34:30 – Therapy, healing & choosing himself
41:15 – Life after basketball & rebuilding purpose
47:30 – Coaching, mentorship & mental health advocacy
53:40 – Final reflections & advice to young athletes
#LarrySanders #WhatsDrivingYou #KeyonDooling #NBAMentalHealth #AthleteWellness #LifeAfterNBA #BeyondMediaGroup
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Keyon Dooling: https://www.instagram.com/keyondooling
What's Driving You: https://www.instagram.com/whatsdrivingyou_podcast
Dr. Larry Sander: https://www.instagram.com/thereal_larrysanders
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Produced by Beyond Media Group: https://www.instagram.com/beyond_mediagroup
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