Let's Talk with Carl Lee

The discussion hits on a variety of hot button issues within sports this week. First, WVU and MU played last weekends to very different results. Was the WVU win that notable? Was the MU loss a sign of things to come? Then, the officiating controversy in Michigan. Game clocks... officials clocks... Multiple clocks?! The discussion also turns to the NFL and luxury taxes, with a look into the role of the Player's Association in that sort of thing. Are the players invested in their fanbases anymore, or is it all about the bottom line? Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy.

Lisa Otey takes the reigns on this week's episode, asking Carl and Hollis a variety of questions regarding the upcoming college football seasons for WVU and Marshall, coaching/player philosophies, broadcasting, and more! Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis! 

After lawsuits and discussions within the NCAA, 5 years of elegibility has been granted to players as a result of the Covid-19 Pandemic, but it's creating an interesting scenario: NFL rookies considering going back for one last year in college football. The discussion then moves to the Cleveland Browns and the QB1 problem it has on its hands. Deshaun Watson is still owed over $40 million on his contract, but Watson comes with some issues, and Shedeur Sanders is showing a lot of talent. Finally, the discussion puts ties everything back to youth sports and a notable shift away from football. New studies have shown that contact football should be withheld until kids are age 14, but participation numbers are showing that football may be on a slow decline as other Olympic sports take hold. Let's talk with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy.

The LA Lakers' sale is raising some eyebrows as questions arise on the standards for selling a professional team. Plus, Jayden Daniels has been making headlines regarding LSU using his image and likeness. Do the modern NIL deals limit his options here? Finally, the conversation moves to professional athletes mentality and the differences between rookies and seasoned veterans. Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy. 

Two-time MLB All-Star, two-time Silver Slugger, and three-time NL Manager of the Year Dusty Baker spends an evening with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Producer Matt Murphy talking about his 50+ years playing and coaching in the Majors. From winning the World Series in 1981 with the Dodgers, to catching another in 2022 as the Astros' skipper, Baker talks philosophy, racial tones, coaching All-Star sluggers, and more. Let's Talk! with Major League great Dusty Baker! 

Old school vs. New School - Where does safety fall in today's football game? Plus, little WNBA bets between players. Is it a non-issue or is there a bigger systemic problem at hand? Join Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy for Let's Talk! 

The conversation starts on Notre Dame's Memorandum of Understanding between it and the NCAA regarding the college football playoff seeding. Things turn to a deeper discussion on the career effects of player substance abuse, before heading to Philadelphia, now the basketball home of Lebron James. Is he just doing it for a ring? Will he even fit in? Let's Talk! with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy. 

Carl Lee and Lisa Otey welcome boxing legend Christy Martin back to Let's Talk for a wide-ranging conversation that spans her career, her philanthropy, and her personal journey. Martin reflects on being the only female boxer ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated — doing so twice, including a 2025 return shoot with Sydney Sweeney wearing the same trunks from 1996 — and draws a parallel between Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA and her own pioneering role in women's boxing. She discusses what drove her intensity in the ring, the anger she carried from years of domestic abuse, and the deal she made with God from her hospital bed. Martin also details Christy's Champs, her nonprofit that provides computers, starting-over bins, and gas cards to domestic violence survivors, including an upcoming partnership with AWAY in Raleigh County and a pet-focused fundraiser addressing why 50 percent of victims stay in abusive situations because they cannot bring their pets to shelters.

The discussion gets spirited as the crew dissects ESPN's 2026 Top 10 Quarterbacks list. Then, it's on to more drama in the WNBA. Who deserves respect? Who does not? Where will things go in the future? Also, how does the rising popularity of women's sports affect young women in their pursuit of youth sports? Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, and Producer Matt Murphy. 

Carl Lee and Hollis Lewis open with a candid conversation on the World Cup and soccer's growing appeal among fans who grew up with football, basketball, and baseball — breaking down the athleticism, footwork, and tactical sophistication they've come to appreciate. The show shifts to the NBA's explosive offseason, covering major trades involving Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brown, LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George, and whether LeBron James should pursue one final championship run or step away on top. The final and most substantive segment takes on brain trauma in football — prompted by Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis — with Carl and Hollis debating CTE prevalence, the NFL's delayed response to player safety, the case for eliminating or delaying youth tackle football, and whether annual cognitive testing should become standard at every level of the sport from little league to the pros.

Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey welcome professional basketball player Stephen Verplanken, a Dominican Republic native raised in Belgium who played at Taze Valley Christian School in West Virginia before moving through Glenville State, Southern Illinois, and Weber State on his way to a pro career in Iceland, Spain, and France. Verplanken shares his journey navigating performance anxiety, adapting to Europe's team-oriented playing style, and his recent transition to a graduate assistant coaching role at the University of Louisville. The panel then debates the NBA draft case of Auburn's Naseya Nongoy, who was selected by the LA Clippers under a draft-and-stash agreement before choosing to return to college — sparking a wide discussion on player freedom, the future of the draft, and whether athletes should have more control over their destinations. The show closes on a somber note as Carl reflects on Chris Johnson's public ALS diagnosis, connecting it to broader conversations about athlete health and West Virginia's recent ALS legislation.

South Charleston High School standout Malcolm Brown stops by the studio for a little bit of hype talk as he discusses his college atheletic plans. Plus, the conversation turns back to Brendan Sorsby, embattled college athlete dealing with the fallout of illegal sportsbetting. Plus, a bit of FIFA World Cup talk with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis! Let's Talk! 

Charleston, WV mayor Amy Shuler-Goodwin stops by to talk about the US Pro Road Cycling Championships, gearing up this week in the Capitol City. Then, an ESPN debate goes front and center on Let's Talk. Is there an expectation to shake hands after a game or series in professional sports? There are VERY differing opinions between the group, as Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis discuss on Let's Talk! 

The cost for tickets to the NBA Finals has skyrocketed this year for the Knicks-Spurs matchup. How much would you pay to go? Carl, Lisa, and Hollis dig into it, plus the series history and Wembanyama's role. The discussion also turns to more WVSSAC transfer rule updates, and to the magic in Morgantown as the WVU Mountaineer baseball team is headed to the College World Series! Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis. 

WVSU Head Coach Sean Lloyd stops by for a chat about his time as an Assistant Coach and now Head Coach of the Yellowjackets Baseball team. A native of Sutton, WV, Lloyd talks about his coaching philosophy and strategies, getting kids back into the game, and the differences between baseball and softball, including the continued rise of softball at all levels of the game. Join hosts Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis with Coach Sean Lloyd. Let's Talk! 

Carl Lee welcomes retired South Charleston and Nitro High School coach Bryce Casto — a multi-sport Hall of Famer inducted into the West Virginia Sports Legends Hall of Fame, the Mid-Ohio Valley Sports Hall of Fame, West Virginia State University's Athletic Hall of Fame, and both the football and baseball Halls at Ripley High School. Casto reflects on his coaching philosophy of quiet authority and selfless team-building, drawing on stories from South Charleston's 1994 Class AAA football state championship, including linebacker Damon Booker's position switch to free safety that proved decisive. The conversation covers Casto's subsequent rebuild tenure at Nitro, the rising academic eligibility standards for collegiate athletes under the NCAA clearinghouse, the erosion of loyalty through the transfer portal at both the high school and college levels, and West Virginia's incoming SSAC transfer rule that limits movement to the freshman and sophomore years. Guest co-host Lisa Odie joins the discussion throughout.

DC Native and Salem College (now University) basketball legend Archie Talley stops by to talk about life, from growing up on the playgrounds of Washington D.C., playing basketball at Salem, and eventually playing professional basketball. Now, a motivational speaker, Talley shares stories of his life and talks about the things that matter most in life, whether it's through sports or academia. Talley joins Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis for this episode of Let's Talk. 

Long-time coach Willie Shaw stops by for a conversation with Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey. Shaw coached at all levels, from high school, college (Including Stanford), and the NFL (including the Vikings). Shaw shares stories and anecdotes from his decades on the sidelines. Let's Talk! 

Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis have a conversation with Anthony Bass, former Minnesota Viking and current Pastor of Endurance Church in Brooklyn Park, MN. Bass talks about his time growing up in WV, playing football at South Charleston High School during the era of Jason Williams, Randy Moss, and Eric Moss. Bass went to college at Bethune-Cookman University, a prominant HBCU, and played a couple of seasons for the Vikings. The conversation talks about motivating young athletes, and dissecting the percieved disadvantages of growing up in WV. Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis.

The 2026 NFL Drafter happened during the last weekend of April in Pittsburgh, bringing over 800k people, plus all of the media fanfare. The group has plenty of opinions on the draft... to put it lightly. Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis.

Former West Virginia University QB Major Harris (1987-1989) stops by to talk about his time at WVU, as well as his professional career through various leagues including the NFL, CFL, and Arena Football League. Let's Talk with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis! 

West Virginia Native and PGA Rules Official Ken Tackett drops by to talk about The Masters at Augusta National golf tournament. From technology to how rules are enforced, Ken gives us an inside look into what goes on to officiate and broadcast the PGA's biggest tournament! Plus, Carl still has things to say about the G.O.A.T. talks within the NBA. Let's Talk with Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, Lisa Otey! 

In the opening segment, hosts Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey discuss the latest WVSSAC transfer rules as they pertain to the WV Legislature. Plus, a Trump executive action may affect NCAA transfer rules! Also, March Madness carries on to April! Marshall women win the WNIT, and the WVU men win the CBC Crown! In the second segment, sports psychologist Dr. Brian Monteleone drops by to talk about the many facets of sports psychology including how to overcome the adversity in sports at all levels - from little league to the pros - as well as the tough mental health challenges that come after a professional career comes to an end.Let's Talk! With Carl Lee!  

The discussion opens up with the latest Tiger Woods DUI Crash. Is it ego or is it Substance Abuse Disorder? Better yet, why doesn't he hire a private driver? Is it the privilege of fame that he keeps getting out of these situations?Then, on to football, the UFL is implementing new rules for testing purposes. Could this league or similar act as a minor league to the NFL, or is college football already filling that role? Some rule changes seem gimicky, and it's not likely that owners and managers are willing to fit the bill! Finally, the 1983 first round draftee and former Carl Lee teammate on the Minnesota Vikings defensive squad Joey Browner has passed away at the age of 65. The peaceful giant played in 138 games over several seasons with the Vikings.

March Madness is in full effect, and the discussion is heavy into hoops on this episode of Let's Talk! First, George Washington's head coach Rick Greene jumps on for a quick interview talking about this year's AAAA state championship team. Then, guest Justin Phillips, Sr., a writer for Black By God: The West Virginian, joins the crew to continue the talk on hoops. WV high school hoops? Looking good. College hoops? Looking good, but maybe with some caveats? The NBA? Just might be the biggest flop in professional sports... How do you fix it?Let's Talk! With hosts Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis. 

March Madness is upon us! WVU women are IN the fight, plus is there a disconnect between secondary schools athletics and higher ed? Plus, the G.O.A.T. discussion... It keeps coming up... LaBron keeps flopping... How do you even define the Greatest of all Time?? Let's Talk, with Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Producer Matt Murphy. 

Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and guest Woody Woods examine the controversy surrounding Capitol High’s basketball seeding in the regional tournament after a 17–4 team was voted sixth by opposing coaches. The discussion expands into broader issues in West Virginia high school sports, including the role of coaches in rankings, transfer rules, NIL implications, and the impact of youth sports culture on player development. The panel also reflects on community loyalty, competition, and how sports shape character and opportunity for young athletes.

There's LOTS to talk about in this week's episode of Let's Talk with Carl Lee. Joined by Lisa Otey and Hollis Lewis, the discussion opens up with West Virginia House of Delegates Member Shawn Fluharty to talk about how we got to where with are with regard to online sports betting and iGaming. Del. Fluharty explains some of the safety rails that are in place with this type of betting, and how it specifically relates to West Virginia. Then after the break, Capital High School Principal John Anderson joins the show to discuss regional seeding for the Capital High School boys basketball team. Playing in the top or second spot among all AAA this season, some of the coaches who had a vote in seed placement ranked the Cougars in last place in their region due to a schedule that was already set prior to WVSSAC classification changes. Should the WVSSAC have stepped in? Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, Hollis Lewis, with guests Shawn Fluharty and John Anderson.

This episode begins with a brief moment talking about the legacies left behind by two Kanawha Valley football coaches who recently passed away, Roger Jefferson and Scott Tinsley. The conversation then shifts to the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games, where the US earned 33 medals including 12 gold. Both men's and women's hockey reached gold in dramatic fashion. Plus, the conversation dives into curling, Chinese-American freeskiier Eileen Gu, curling, baseball, and so much more. With Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey, Let's Talk! 

The conversation begins between Carl and Lisa on former professional athletes and their recognition and involvement in sports today throughout West Virginia. From Randy Moss to Jason Williams, Carl Lee to Curt Warner, to name a few, West Virginia has produced some outstanding athletes throughout the years. Are we engaging with them enough? Is their experience being used as a motivator for current student athletes to pursue their dreams? Producer Matt Murphy joins the discussion, and NFL Hall of Fame WR Sterling Sharpe calls in, too. Let's Talk! 

Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey recap Super Bowl LX. Plus, the discussion moves to a potentially shifting role for NFL quarterbacks in the coming years. As for the NFL Hall of Fame, who gets to decide who goes in and who has to wait? Better yet, who SHOULD have gone as a first ballot, and who should not? Do players have more of a right to enter the hall than coaches? This and more on Let's Talk! 

Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey talk about the upcoming Super Bowl from the ticket prices to the halftime show, and of course, the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Plus, Hollis gets fired up about the recently announced NFL Hall of Fame nominees! Let's Talk! 

On this episode of Let’s Talk, Carl Lee and Lisa Otey dive into a spirited discussion sparked by Shadour Sanders’ Pro Bowl selection, questioning whether the honor still carries the weight it once did in the era of flag football and player opt-outs. The conversation expands into a deeper, thoughtful examination of youth sports burnout, early specialization, travel ball, and the growing inequity that keeps many kids from participating. Drawing on Carl’s NFL experience and coaching background, the episode focuses on restoring joy in sports, multi-sport development, and the role parents and coaches play in shaping long-term athletic and personal growth.

The NFL Coaching Carousel is spinning full speed right now as the NFL playoffs are heading on to the Championship round. Ten coaches have been fired this year, and Lisa, Hollis, and Carl have some opinions about it! Plus, the College Football Championship this year features two teams who aren't Alabama, Clemson, Georgia, or LSU for once. Let's Talk! 

Super Bowl–winning quarterback Jim McMahon joins Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis for a candid, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation that goes far beyond football highlights. McMahon reflects on the unmatched physicality and chemistry of the Chicago Bears dynasty, brutal practices under Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan, and why that locker room forged lifelong bonds. He shares never-before-told stories behind his iconic sunglasses and headbands, including how he outsmarted the NFL rulebook to promote charities on the game’s biggest stage. The discussion spans his multi-sport roots at BYU, legendary teammates like Walter Payton, misconceptions about swagger vs. leadership, and why today’s quarterbacks—and teams—are built differently. An unforgettable hour with one of football’s true originals.

Carl Lee and Hollis Lewis host the Kanawha Valley's most winningest coach and long-time head coach of the George Washington Patriots football team, Steve Edwards, Jr. Coach Edwards talks about what's changed in coaching over the years, what's stayed the same, and how to put together a program that is steeped in success and tradition. From hiring the right assistant coaches, to knowing the right time to let young players shine, and even knowing how to admit your own mistakes, Edwards explains what it takes to be a winning coach as he pulls from his decades of experience as both a former player and as a coach. A few important connections of note: Coach Edwards and Coach Lee have long been friends, but on the field, they've been rivals as both young players and more recently as head coaches. As for Hollis Lewis, Edwards coached Lewis at GWHS before graduating and moving on to play for West Virginia State University under none other than head coach Carl Lee.Let's Talk with Head Coach Steve Edwards, Jr.! 

Carl, Lisa, and Hollis look back on 2025 and the amazing guests that were on the show. From Christy Martin to Sterling Sharpe, Alexis Hornbuckle to Dante Culpepper, Curt Warner to John Pennington, and so many others! A major thanks to YOU, the listeners, for tuning in and listening to the conversation. Best to all in 2026! 

On this episode of Let’s Talk, Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey dive into a wide-ranging, candid discussion on the changing landscape of sports at every level. The show opens with a deep look at the high school coaching crisis, including why compensation, parent pressure, open enrollment, and player mobility are driving coaches out faster than ever. The conversation expands into NIL realities, whether coaches should become full-time employees, and how community engagement now matters as much as X’s and O’s. The second half turns national, breaking down Jake Paul’s latest boxing spectacle, the state of modern boxing promotion, college football playoff fairness, and a heated debate on fan behavior after a Steelers sideline incident — questioning when fans should be held as accountable as players. A passionate, honest episode that blends local insight with national sports issues.

Chiefs are OUT. Quarterbacks are a mess. Looking at the NFL picture ahead of the playoffs on Let's Talk! 

On this episode of Let’s Talk, Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis sit down with Coach Mark Snyder — former Marshall head coach, longtime Jim Tressel assistant, defensive coordinator at Ohio State, and UFL veteran — for one of the most insightful football conversations the show has hosted. Snyder breaks down how NIL and the transfer portal have transformed coaching into an NFL-style grind, why athlete development is slipping, and why multi-sport kids still make the best players. He shares rare behind-the-scenes stories about We Are Marshall, including working with Matthew McConaughey, his personal ties to Red Dawson, and memories of the program’s rebuild. The group dives into playoff controversies, SEC bias, high-school NIL, locker-room chemistry, recruiting red flags, and the future of bowl games — a wide-ranging, thoughtful conversation about where college football is headed and what still makes it special.

Lane Kiffin leavse Ole Miss to become the head coach of the LSU Tigers. Is the grass greener in Baton Rouge? Carl, Lisa, and Hollis, with guest Attorney Paul Saluja talk through it, and more! 

On this week’s Let’s Talk, Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis welcome WOWK-TV morning meteorologist Brian Hughes for one of the liveliest episodes of the season. Brian shares how he accidentally moved to the wrong Charleston, the wild path that led him to becoming Texas Tech’s Raider Red mascot, and why he once sprinted from a TV weather hit directly into a mascot suit. The crew dives into officiating culture, college football loyalty, NIL chaos, transfer-portal problems, coaching uncertainty, and the mounting pressure on today’s programs. They wrap with a hilarious Thanksgiving throwback involving Brian’s infamous stovetop stuffing pants, proving no story is too big—or too bizarre—for this show.

The conversation starts on the upcoming NFL start for Shedeur Sanders - The Browns will be the Browns, but will Sanders be any good? Plus, the conversation continues on sports betting and finding some way to seperate the players away from it. Can it be done?Let's Talk! With Carl Lee, Lisa Otey, and Hollis Lewis.

On this week’s Let’s Talk with Carl Lee, co-hosts Lisa Otey and Hollis Lewis sit down with South Charleston High head coach Donnie Mays and standout senior Malcolm “LB” Brown for an in-depth conversation on leadership, loyalty, and the evolving world of high school football. Mays reflects on rebuilding the Black Eagles program through culture and accountability, while Brown shares why he stayed loyal to his teammates amid tough seasons — earning multiple Division I offers in the process. The discussion dives into transfer rules, player development, playoff structure, and the mental health challenges facing student-athletes across West Virginia.

On this week’s Let’s Talk, Carl Lee and Lisa Odie revisit their earlier interview with West Virginia boxing legend Christy Martin as her new biopic, Christy, hits theaters. The hosts discuss her legacy as a trailblazer in women’s boxing, her harrowing story of survival from domestic violence, and the significance of her choosing to premiere the film in Beckley. The conversation expands into themes of resilience, representation, and how Martin’s courage continues to inspire new generations of athletes from her home state

The conversation continues with guest Attorney Brandon Lawhead discussing the implications of sports gambling, player/coach guest appearances, fantasty leagues, and more. Is money ruining sports? Let's Talk! With hosts Carl Lee and Hollis Lewis. 

Carl, Lisa, and Producer Matt discuss the big gambling bust this week that is rattling the NBA, and the way gambling has become so intertwined with professional sports all across the board. Then, he discussion turns to Vikings former players and the bigger issue of the long-term medical needs of former players as the league was literally built on the play of such people. Plus, Lisa heads to the Iron City to see the Packers take on the Steelers. Let's Talk! 

Carl, Hollis, and Lisa dive into some of the proposed changes in NCAA sports including the elimination of the Red Shirt rule in favor of five years of eligibility. How does this pertain to the transfer portal and team recruitment? This discussion and more on Let's Talk! With hosts Carl Lee, Hollis Lewis, and Lisa Otey.

Darryl Talley, former WVU Mountaineer (1979-1982) and NFL All-Pro (Buffalo Bills 1983-1994, Atlanta Falcons 1995, Minnesota Vikings 1996) stops by to talk about his time as a linebacker with the West Virginia Mountaineers, and his career in the National Football League, including 4 Super Bowl appearances with the Buffalo Bills. From game-changing interceptions to wild nicknames, the conversation with "The Duke of Awesome" covers a little bit of everything with one of the greatest defenders to ever suit up in the blue and gold! Let's Talk, with Carl Lee and Lisa Otey!

Carl, Lisa, and Hollis talk about the continuing season struggles for West Virginia University and Marshall University football, discussing what the rest of their years may look like. Plus, the discussion shifts to the college playoff and money games. Let's Talk!