Counted Me Out Episode 1 "Two Former College Athletes Trying To Figure It Out"

From Farm Life to the WNBA: Miah Spencer's Story of Basketball, Loss & Purpose | Counted Me Out PodcastIn this powerful episode of the Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with former NC State standout and professional basketball player Miah Spencer as she shares her incredible journey through sports, adversity, and life after basketball.Miah takes us back to her childhood growing up on a farm in Toccoa, Georgia, before moving to Atlanta, where her basketball career took off after just one summer of AAU basketball. She reflects on how her high school coach prepared her for success at the next level, making her transition from high school to college basketball a smooth one.We also discuss her collegiate career at NC State, earning an opportunity with the Phoenix Mercury during WNBA preseason, and the realities of playing professionally overseas. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the sports world, Miah was faced with a life-changing decision. Rather than taking the COVID vaccine to continue her overseas career, she chose a different path and began building her life beyond the game.The conversation takes a deeply personal turn as Miah opens up about losing her mother in 2023. Through grief, healing, and self-discovery, she found a new purpose and became a published author. Her book, A Heart That Still Beats, serves as a testament to resilience, faith, and finding strength through life's most difficult moments.This episode is for athletes navigating life after sports, anyone dealing with loss, and those searching for purpose after unexpected setbacks.🔔 Subscribe for more inspiring stories from athletes, entrepreneurs, and individuals who refused to let adversity define them.About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.Follow & Stay Connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...Youtube: / @countedmeoutpodcastMiah Spencer (guest) https://www.instagram.com/_miahspencer/Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...#CountedMeOutPodcast #WomensBasketball #BasketballPodcast #ProfessionalBasketball #BasketballJourney #AthleteStories

Former OTE standout and professional basketball player TJ Clark joins The Counted Me Out Podcast to share his basketball journey, lessons learned, and what’s next in his career. Born and raised in Covington, TJ opens up about playing alongside NBA star Stephon Castle during high school, competing on the national stage with Overtime Elite, and navigating the pressure, expectations, and business side of basketball at a young age. In this episode, TJ talks about: 🏀 His experience playing for OTE 🏀 The realities of chasing a pro basketball career 🏀 Being overlooked and staying motivated 🏀 Lessons from playing around elite talent 🏀 His mindset moving forward and what’s next This episode is packed with perspective, motivation, and game for athletes chasing the next level. If you’ve ever been overlooked, doubted, or counted out—this one is for you. 🎙 Counted Me Out Podcast — Where resilience meets real stories. About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win. Follow & Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou... Youtube: / @countedmeoutpodcast TJ Clark (guest) https://www.instagram.com/tj.clark23/ Spoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1... JQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/... #CountedMeOutPodcast #TJClark #OTE #OvertimeElite #BasketballPodcast #StephonCastle #ProfessionalBasketball #CovingtonGA #BasketballJourney #AthleteStories

On this episode of the Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with former NBA player and Georgia legend Al-Farouq Aminu to break down the real story behind his rise from high school phenom to the league.Known as “Mr. Georgia Basketball,” Al-Farouq takes us back to the early days—when iron sharpened iron. Competing against elite talent like Howard Thompkins and Lou Williams didn’t intimidate him—it fueled him. That competitive fire helped shape the mindset that carried him to becoming the #8 overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft.We also dive into:Why he chose Wake Forest University and how that decision impacted his journeyThe reality of getting drafted and transitioning to the NBAHis passion for fashion off the court and how athletes build identity beyond sportsThe evolving conversation around college athletes staying longer than 4 yearsHonest insight into life in the G League and what players are really experiencingThis episode is packed with perspective, motivation, and game for athletes chasing the next level.If you’ve ever been overlooked, doubted, or counted out—this one is for you.🎙 Counted Me Out Podcast — Where resilience meets real stories.About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.Follow & Stay Connected:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcastGuest Al-Farouq Aminu https://www.instagram.com/chiefhasarrived/?hl=enSpoon (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/?hl=enJQ (co-host) https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/?hl=en

In this episode of The Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with Courtside Les from the 'Talk Les' show and she shares her powerful and unfiltered story of growing up as a Russian immigrant and navigating life as an outsider in America.From not relating to White American privilege to embracing her own identity, Les opens up about what it really felt like to be misunderstood, judged, and counted out. She speaks on her personal experiences, dating preferences, and why she’s always connected more deeply with Black culture and Black athletes.After moving to Atlanta, Les had to rebuild, find her place, and create her own lane in a city where she initially felt like she didn’t belong. Through it all, she found strength in being different and turned that into confidence, connection, and influence.We also dive into her perspective on the similarities between Russian and Black culture, sparking a real and honest conversation that challenges norms and encourages deeper understanding.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, been overlooked, or had to figure life out on their own.If you’ve ever been counted out, this one is for you.Topics Covered:Russian immigrant experience in AmericaFeeling like an outsider growing upIdentity, culture, and belongingLife in Atlanta as a newcomerDating preferences and cultural connectionOvercoming judgment and stereotypesRussian vs Black culture similaritiesBuilding confidence and finding your laneKeywords (SEO): immigrant story, Russian immigrant, feeling like an outsider, identity and culture, Black culture conversation, moving to Atlanta, Atlanta lifestyle, athlete culture, dating preferences discussion, self identity journey, overcoming adversity, motivational podcast, entrepreneur mindset, influencer story, real life struggles, personal growth story, counted out podcastAbout Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.Follow & Stay Connected: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=enYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcastGuest Court Les: https://www.instagram.com/courtsideles/

#countedmeoutpodcast #toprankboxing #MikeSeals #atlantapodcast What happens when the internet labels you one way… but your real story is something completely different? We sit down with professional boxer and viral content creator Mike Seals, also known as “Cannonhandz.” While many people first discovered him through his viral social media content, what they didn’t realize is that he’s been putting in real work inside the ring as a professional fighter. Mike opens up about: His early love for boxing and how it all started His journey fighting under Top Rank The moment he posted his first viral video (and how people initially reacted) Being misunderstood online and turning “cringe” into content gold Balancing entertainment with a serious athletic career And yes… his love for his celebrity crush, Erykah Badu 👀 This episode is about identity, perception, and proving people wrong when they try to put you in a box. If you’ve ever been counted out, misunderstood, or underestimated... this one is for you. Podcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots. Follow our social media pages: Mike 'Cannonhandz' Seals @cannonhandz https://www.instagram.com/cannonhandz/ Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou... Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/... Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1... Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019 https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazin... Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions https://www.instagram.com/285producti... Location IG @ATLANTUCKY https://www.instagram.com/atlantucky/... Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CpH...

Video producer and Founder of HBUC (Historical Black University of Creatives), Travis Cochran, stops by to discuss the future of HBUC and his mission to create a real community for creatives. He also shares the exciting news of reopening his Atlanta space and expanding with new production hubs in cities across the country. Other topics include:Toxic womenGeorgia high school/college basketball Favorite top 5 NBA playersPodcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots. Follow our social media pages:Travis Cochran @donthatetravHBUC @thehbucCounted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcastCo-host JQ IG @jqsportsprCo-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 BTSCamera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions#AtlantaCreators #HBUC #CountedMeOutPodcast #AtlantaFilm #AtlantaProduction #Atlantucky

The Counted Me Out Podcast crew sits down & hash out their different opinions about exposing ESPN commentators, gene rejuvenation, college experiences at a PWI (predominately white institution) vs. HBCU and how Tik Tok is revolutionizing music promotion. Other discussed topics: The death of Homicide Willams, University Of Florida football, social media impact on younger generation and horrible NBA officiating. Be sure to follow us: Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019 Production Assistant Megan IG @285productions Don't forget to download all of our episodes on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia & search Counted Me Out Podcast.

Imagine growing up as the son and nephew of dominant, reputable and legendary basketball players. It can be a lot of pressure for one person. Damien Wilkins, the former NBA player is continuing to build his very own legacy. As the GM/Head of Basketball of Overtime Elite (OTE), a basketball league for 16-20 year olds that are looking to become professional athletes. Damien shares how his transition from the league to working in the NBPA helped him prepare for this new and impactful opportunity. From locker rooms to business success, Damien is passing on knowledge and building community. Other topics discussed: Embracing individuality, NBA player development, NC State, McDonald's All-American, Definition of success

Every story has a good, a bad, and an ugly. NBA and Atlanta legend Josh Smith joins the show and shares his journey from high school to his post professional career. He gives us the rundown of how front office politics are arranged to why he made the move out of Atlanta. Though, he's not able to showcase his raw talent on the court but his love for the game has transitioned to the sidelines as a coach. Tap in to hear the fascinating tale of the high flying sensation Josh Smith a.k.a. J Smoove.Other topics: Parenting high school athletes, social media impacting student athletes, NBA trainers and coaches, NILBe sure to follow us:Josh Smith @noigsmooveCounted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcastCo-host JQ IG @jqsportsprCo-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019Production Assistant Megan IG @285productionsDon't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.

Kyle Sturdivant, senior guard at Georgia Tech joins the show to share his story traveling across the US and attending USC as a freshmen, the life making decision to come back home to compete in front of his family and friends and his initial reaction when he heard his new coach would be former NBA superstar Damon Stoudamire. #Collegesports #Collegeathletes #sportpolitics #GaTechbasketball #UNCBasketball #Men'sCollegeBasketball.Other topics: "College sports is a business" "What coaches look for" "UNC vs GA Tech game" Be sure to follow us: Kyle Sturdivant @Kyle.sturdivant Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 BTS Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019 Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.

"Don't group me in the Christian Rap or Gospel Rap genre. I'm a mainstream inspirational artist". The Quality Control (QC)/ Capitol Records artist, Emanuel Da Prophet joins the show and speaks on how his past life experiences helped him rap about the gospel and encourage others through his motivational lyrics. The Jackson, Michigan native shares how getting artists like Rich The Kid and Lil Yachty on his most recent tracks has given the genre a different outlook on what today's faith based music sounds like.#GospelRap #ChristianRap #CountedMeOutPodcast #AtlantaMusic #AtlantaArtistsBe sure to follow us:Emanuel Da Prophet IG @emanueldaprohpetCounted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/285productions/

Co-hosts JQ and Spoon are joined by one of WNBA's most electrifying, skilled and stylish player, Tiffany Hayes. Not only did they get to learn how influential her mother was to her game but she also shared an unexpected announcement that NO ONE saw coming. The now, former Connecticut Suns hooper is retiring from the game but her love for fashion and community outreach will continue to shine through. #Countedmeoutpodcast #TiffanyHayesRetirement #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #TiffanyHayes #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete #wnba #womensbasketball Be sure to follow us: Tiffany Hayes IG https://www.instagram.com/tiphayes3/ Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/ Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/ Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/ BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/ Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/285productions/

How many female athletes you know that owns a sneaker company? A female football athlete who earned a multi million dollar contract? Santia "Trackbaby" Barnes can say that she has experienced both. And she does this while pursing other business ventures. With over 1.3 million followers across her social media platforms, Santa finds different ways to give back and help individuals find true and intentional love. The Tronus Sneaker Company owner is just getting started and is already seeking ways on how she can reach her next milly!#Countedmeoutpodcast #SantiaDeck #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #Loveandfootball #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete #WomensFootballBe sure to follow us:Guest Santia Barnes https://www.instagram.com/trackbaby001/?hl=enCounted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/meganelanp/Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia.

The Counted Me Out Podcast is BACK! We open up Season 2 with former WNBA player, entrepreneur, owner of the TY Gear brand, TV personality and sneaker head Tamera (Ty) Young. She rarely shares that her high school jersey hangs up besides the GOAT of all times, Michael Jordan but enjoys helping her community in anyway that she can. Her laid back personality shines through in our sit down interview. #Countedmeoutpodcast #TyYoung #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete #ACES #wnba Guest: Ty Young IG https://www.instagram.com/tyyoung11/ Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/ Co-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/ Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon11/ BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazine2019/ Social Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/meganelanp/ Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia. What else did we discuss? #CarolinaFlames AAU #James Madison Women's Basketball #CollegeRecruiting #Flavor Wings #sneakers #TY1Gear

Shari' Nycole, from the "Just A Thought With Shari' Nycole" Podcast has always thrived in her career endeavors whether that's on the basketball court or in media. Shari' tells us that many people don't know that she was a highly recruited high school basketball player that received a full scholarship to play at Wisconsin. But because her college career didn't go as she planned, she had to quickly find her next purpose in life. The world sees Shari' as an exceptional media producer but she also displays her expertise and skillset in journalism and media hosting. With so many accolades and still prospering in her purpose, there's nothing that Shari' Nycole cannot do. And by the way, just because she works with #Essence doesn't mean that she can get you tickets or book your clients. LOL. #Countedmeoutpodcast #ShariNycole #Atlantapodcast #blackpodcast #Wisconsin #athletestories #athleteinterviews #morethananathlete Counted Me Out Podcast IG https://www.instagram.com/countedmeouCo-host JQ IG https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/Co-host Spoon IG https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1BTS Camera Man Fonz IG https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazinSocial Media Content Producer Megan IG https://www.instagram.com/meganelanp/Don't forget to download the episode on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple and Iheartmedia. What else did we discuss? -Radio host -Beyonce Atlanta concert -CollegeRecruiting -Women's Basketball -Flavor Wings -Mild sauce -Notre Dame -College Basketball -Journalism

This interview was not your typical interview. We learned a lot about the 2X NBA Champion Josh Powell. He talks about his basketball journey from high school to the pros, why he turned vegan and comfortably explaining why he says we all fail people we love everyday. Get ready to take life notes!

JQ & Spoon are both former college athletes who took different paths to get where they are in life. The two discuss today's NBA culture young players vs OG's, growing up as kids and how they dealt with the transition life after sports.

Brandon "Goody" Goodwin Atlantic Sun Player of The Year and Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP finally tells his side of the story. Brandon explains why he transferred out of UCF to Florida Gulf Coast and how his hard work and relationships with NBA players landed him jobs in the league. Some would believe that Goodwin's professional career has come to an end but Goodwin says that people have it all. Watch him work!wrong.

Known as the disruptor and trendsetter, Jahi Rawlings had a vision that many people didn't believe he would be able to pull off. He shook up Atlanta's sport culture and brought the New York Rucker Park style of basketball to Georgia. After a few trail and runs and being doubted by gatekeepers, Jahi created the now successful competitive sports organization, the AEBL (Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League). With his sports and marketing expertise, Jahi has created one of the country's most anticipated summer basketball leagues. His business ventures don't stop here: youth summer camps, the 24 High School All-Star Game, HBCU Elite, sneaker ball gala, and a sports, music & entertainment summit. There's no telling what Jahi has coming up next....

Brandon "Goody" Goodwin Atlantic Sun Player of The Year and Atlantic Sun Tournament MVP finally tells his side of the story. Brandon explains why he transferred out of UCF to Florida Gulf Coast and how his hard work and relationships with NBA players landed him jobs in the league. Some would believe that Goodwin's professional career has come to an end but Goodwin says that people have it all wrong. #atlantapodcast #atlantahawks #athleteinterviews #nbaplayers #UCF #floridagulfcoastbasketball

Known as the disruptor and trendsetter, Jahi Rawlings had a vision that many people didn't believe he would be able to pull off. He shook up Atlanta's sport culture and brought the New York Rucker Park style of basketball to Georgia. After a few trail and runs and being doubted by gatekeepers, Jahi created the now successful competitive sports organization, the AEBL (Atlanta Entertainment Basketball League). With his sports and marketing expertise, Jahi has created one of the country's most anticipated summer basketball leagues. His business ventures don't stop here: youth summer camps, the 24 High School All-Star Game, HBCU Elite, sneakerball gala, and a sports, music & entertainment summit. There's no telling what Jahi has coming up next....

Grassroots basketball camps, clinics and tournaments seem to come and go but this isn't the case for On The Radar Hoops. Since 2019, Shun Williams, founder of the elite national basketball exposure platform, has found a way to sustain and leverage his skill set and credibility of scouting talent. He talks about the evolution of youth sports competition, integrating shoe sponsored and independent teams in his tournaments and how high school athletes and parents should go about selecting which showcases to attend.

Jakai Newton, 2023 Indiana commit joins the show and explains how he fought through an injury his senior season, feeling like home visiting Indiana and getting into real estate and stocks. High school athletes and parents tune in and learn from other recruits prepare for the next chapter in their story.

7 feet Mississippi State commit, Guy Chol comes on the show and share his story moving from South Sudan to the United States. He thought soccer was going to be his first love but quickly noticed that basketball was the path that he wanted to embark on. Hosts JQ and Spoon tag team and ask the Polo G and Burner Boy listener some quite interesting fire questions.

Is the college transfer portal a crutch for athletes? Will Mikey Williams learn his lesson and focus on the things that are lined up for his future? Did top recruit, Peyton Marshall know that he was going to de-commit from Auburn University while he appeared on our show? We talk about all of these topics and more!

Kell High school state champion & 2024 basketball recruit, Peyton Marshall joins the show and talks about his journey to winning the Georgia state championship, dealing with today's social media pressure while all being a standout athlete.

Welcome to our very first Counted Me Out episode where we talk about our journey from being college athletes to now sport professionals off the playing field. We dive in and discuss the purpose of the show and how we aim to shine light on the individuals in the sports and entertainment industry who are striving to excel in their path of success.