off the record

Artemis II recently made history, sending humans around the Moon and bringing them safely back home -- for the first time in 50 years. So Off the Record brings on Steven Smith -- from Space Center Houston (affiliated with NASA) to break down what this means for us and why it's such an important mission. Steven is the Leadership Programs Facilitation Specialist at Space Center Houston’s Human Performance Accelerator Lab. A 12-year U.S. Navy and Air Force veteran, former educator, and NASA alumnus, Steven brings more than three decades of experience in leadership, human performance, and education. During his tenure at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, he helped inspire up to 150,000 educators and students annually through innovative, mission-driven programs. He holds degrees in paralegal studies, neuropsychology, art, education, infrastructure planning and management, and is completing his doctorate in public health education and organizational leadership. A health and fitness trainer with multiple certifications across a spectrum of human performance, Steven blends NASA’s principles of teamwork, resilience, and adaptability to help leaders achieve peak performance here on Earth. In this episode, we bridge the gap between NASA and the public by breaking down this massive mission to a human level. But this episode isn’t just about space. It’s about the kind of story you don’t expect to hear from someone working this close to NASA. Today’s guest went from living out of his car… to working alongside one of the biggest space programs in the world. He’s battled loss, tough lessons and even cancer—and somehow turned all of it into purpose. And he shares some amazing inside stories about the astronauts from Artemis II.

You've seen him on the Netflix hit series Love on the Spectrum. In Part 2 of this special conversation, Bella sits down one-on-one with Adan Correa for a deeper, more personal look at him beyond the screen.Adan opens up about the role his faith plays in his life, the challenges that have shaped him and the defining moments that tested his strength—including a powerful story about overcoming bullying and finding his voice.He also shares new insight into his past relationship with Dani, offering a thoughtful and honest perspective on their connection, what he learned from it and how he’s grown since—touching on parts of his experience that haven’t been widely discussed before—including how the break-up scene went down.This episode goes beyond what viewers saw on screen, diving into resilience, self-worth and what it truly means to stay grounded in who you are.

You've seen them on the hit Netflix series Love on the Spectrum, now what's next? In Part 1 of this special two-part conversation, Bella sits down with Adan Correa and Caroline Corry from Love on the Spectrum, alongside Marlene Sharp and Rob Kutner, the team behind Laughs on the Spectrum—a one-of-a-kind comedy show featured in the Netflix Is A Joke Fest, taking place at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood on May 4 at 5:30 PM.Together, they dive into the heart behind the event, the importance of creating space for neurodivergent voices in entertainment and what makes this show so special. Adan and Caroline also share their experiences on Love on the Spectrum, how their lives have evolved since the show, and their passion for acting, performing and making people laugh.This episode is equal parts fun, meaningful, and inspiring—highlighting the power of representation, storytelling and community.Be sure to tune in to Part 2 for a deeper, one-on-one conversation with Adan, where he opens up even more about his journey, relationships and what's ahead for him.

Jordan Ross is an actor known for his work on the globally acclaimed series The Chosen, where he brings depth and authenticity to every role he steps into. Coming from a family with deep roots in storytelling—his grandfather being beloved actor Barry Corbin, known to many as Coach Whitey on One Tree Hill—Jordan has carved out a path that is uniquely his own.Born with a physical condition that has shaped both his perspective and his resilience, Jordan brings a powerful sense of purpose to his craft. His journey into acting is marked not only by talent, but by a commitment to telling meaningful stories that resonate on a human level.In this episode, Jordan opens up about his path into the industry, the challenges and growth that have defined him -- including near-death moments -- and how those experiences have influenced the kinds of stories he feels called to tell today. From spilling some some crazy embarrassing moments to opening up about how he's branching out in the creative realm, you'll love this episode!

Noah James is an actor best known for his role as “Andrew” in The Chosen TV Series on Amazon Prime, a globally impactful series that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. A graduate of NYU's Tisch School of Arts, Noah's also appeared in Shameless, Gameshakers and Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, S.W.A.T. and iCarly. With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to his craft, he has built a career marked by authenticity, emotional depth and a willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles.Most recently, Noah completed an extended run in a stage production in Los Angeles, further showcasing his range and dedication to live performance. In this episode, Noah opens up about his journey as an actor, the lessons he’s learned along the way and what it means to grow both personally and professionally in an ever-evolving industry. We also dive into how he feels heading into filming the final season of The Chosen. Noah also opens up about some of the craziest moments of his life that you've never heard before, wildest fan interactions, his go-to beauty products, weirdest habits and so much more.

Michael Iskander is an actor who stars in House of David, an Amazon original series that continues to captivate audiences to tell the powerful story of a shepherd’s rise to a warrior and king.Beyond acting, Michael is also a passionate musician, bringing the same level of heart and authenticity to his music as he does to his on-screen work.In this episode, Michael opens up about his journey from Egypt to the United States, the lessons he’s learned along the way and what it’s been like stepping into a role of such depth and significance. From navigating growth in his career to sharing personal insights and plenty of laughs along the way, this conversation offers a genuine look at the person behind the performance.

Nadia Colón is a defender for the Dominican Republic Women’s National Team, where she has earned multiple international caps and competed in CONCACAF tournaments against top regional competition. In this episode, Bella catches up with Nadia ahead of a high stakes match coming up against Haiti -- the match will act as a qualifier for the 2027 Women's World Cup and the 2028 LA Summer Olympics. Nadia opens up about how she feels ahead of the match. A former Division I player at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Colón has transitioned to the international stage as a consistent presence along the back line, known for her defensive discipline and reliability. As part of a growing Dominican Republic program, she represents a new generation of players contributing to the team’s development and increasing presence in women’s international soccer.

I sit down with filmmaker Andrew Erwin, known for bringing powerful faith-based stories to the screen, including the global hit I Can Only Imagine and the new sequel film I Can Only Imagine 2 now in theatres!Andrew takes us behind the scenes of creating the highly anticipated sequel and shares the story that convinced him it was a film that needed to be made. We talk about the emotional moment on set that shaped one of the movie’s most powerful scenes, the real-life struggles actors sometimes bring into their performances, and why authenticity matters so deeply in storytelling.Andrew also opens up about the challenges he’s faced throughout his career—including navigating moments of anxiety and uncertainty—and how those experiences have shaped his perspective as a filmmaker.Plus, we discuss the casting of Michael Iskander in the series House of David, and the bold creative decisions that go into bringing biblical stories to life on screen.It’s a thoughtful conversation about faith, creativity, resilience, and the power of stories that move the soul. I absolutely loved diving deep into Andy's life and journey. Enjoy!

Actor Aalok Mehta’s journey into the industry didn’t begin with years of formal training — it began with music.At 23 years old, with no acting background, Aalok landed his first role. What started as a surprise opportunity became the start of a career filled with breakthrough moments, hard lessons and unexpected turns.In this episode, Aalok opens up about filming two pilots that never aired — including one alongside Alicia Silverstone — and the emotional toll of watching opportunities disappear. He shares what it felt like to stand on the edge of walking away from acting entirely, just before landing his role as the beloved Barnaby on The Chosen.We also dive into life off-camera — marriage, fatherhood, building a household where creativity runs deep, and how an entire family of actors balances ambition with real life.From rejection to resilience, from music to movies (including working with Pete Dinklage), this conversation explores calling, perseverance, faith and what it means to stay when everything in you wants to leave.

Andy Clark is the Sports Business Program Director at DePaul University, where he has spent years shaping the next generation of leaders in sports media, marketing and management. Known for his deep understanding of how money, branding, and strategy move behind the scenes of the sports world, Andy combines academic expertise with real-world industry insight. His work focuses on the evolution of athlete branding, NIL, fan engagement and the rapidly shifting economics of modern sports. A respected educator and mentor, Andy has guided hundreds of students into careers across professional teams, agencies and sports media.

Manon Rhéaume made history as the first woman to suit up in an NHL game, becoming one of the most influential pioneers in hockey.Beyond the headline, her journey is one of perseverance, reinvention, and quiet strength. In this episode, Manon opens up about the realities of being a trailblazer, navigating scrutiny from men as often being the only woman in the room and what it truly means to leave the door open for others.

Kendall Gill is an NBA veteran, broadcaster and analyst whose career spans multiple eras of professional basketball. Over more than a decade in the league, Kendall competed at the highest level, guarding elite talent and adapting to the constant evolution of the game.Since stepping away from the court, he’s continued to make an impact as an on-camera television analyst, offering thoughtful, honest insight that goes far beyond the box score. Known for his clarity and perspective, Kendall brings a deep understanding of both the physical and mental demands of professional sports.In this episode, Kendall opens up about identity beyond the jersey, the unseen grind of the NBA, life after basketball and the lessons that stay with you long after the final buzzer. We also talk about today's game and players he likes to watch, as well as some things today's players do that irks him. He also shares a fun moment where he talks back to Michael Jordan on the court. This is a reflective, behind-the-scenes conversation about longevity, identity and finding fulfillment beyond the game.

Actress Elizabeth Tabish joins the podcast for a candid, reflective conversation that goes far beyond the screen. Best known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in The Chosen, Tabish opens up about navigating an industry that often demands constant access and how she protects her inner life while remaining fully present in her work.In this episode, she discusses the roles that have found her—and how she has shaped them with intention—along with the emotional and physical toll of filming Season 6 of The Chosen in Italy. Tabish reflects on what years of embodying Mary Magdalene have taught her about resilience, faith, and womanhood, and what she hopes women take away from her portrayal. We also talk about other projects she’s been working on and what you can expect to see soon.She also offers thoughtful advice to young women on honoring their individuality, setting boundaries, and striving to become the healthiest version of themselves in a world full of expectations. The result is a grounded, honest conversation about purpose, self-knowledge, and staying rooted amid success.

This special behind-the-scenes episode was recorded inside a UFC gym -- coffee in hand, sitting in recovery chairs and hydrogen therapy on.UFC veteran and my good friend Beneil Dariush opens up about life lately, pressure and staying grounded in the quiet moments between fights. We talk faith and relationship advice, as well as how Beneil has evolved through the years. Beneil also shares what's next -- something he hasn't spoken about publicly yet. A different kind of conversation, Off the Record.

Professional boxer and former world champion Brandon “The Heartbreaker” Figueroa — goes Off The Record for his first-ever podcast interview.Brandon opens up about training in Los Angeles ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Nick Ball in Liverpool, what it’s like preparing to compete on foreign turf and how he mentally approaches one of the biggest challenges of his career. Beyond the ring, he shares a side of himself fans don’t often get to see — how he prioritizes mental health in a sport built on toughness, pressure and resilience --and how he works to stay grounded amid the demands of boxing.The conversation also takes some unexpected (and hilarious) turns, including an unforgettable and very embarrassing moment involving his mom, along with thoughtful insight into the charitable foundation he’s currently building and his desire to give back beyond boxing.Honest, funny, vulnerable, and inspiring — this episode shows why Brandon Figueroa is more than just a fighter.

Judith McCray is a multiple Emmy-award winning broadcast journalist, documentary filmmaker and media activist with over 30 years in television and media. Her experience includes working both full time and as an independent producer for public broadcasting stations WNET/New York, WTTW/Chicago, WBEZ/Chicago, WYCC/Chicago and more. She’s written, directed and produced independent documentaries for PBS primetime and national public television. She has long embraced using social media as a vehicle to examine social justice issues and advocate social change. Her work has taken her all the way to Sudan, Egypt, Kenya, Switzerland, Brazil and across the U.S. to uncover hidden truths. Judith was born and raised on a family farm in Eastern Iowa, on land her grandfather purchased after fleeing Jim Crow racism in Mississippi. She has always fought for social justice with the media as her primary tool. Judith holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism and a master’s degree from Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics. Judith also launched a nonprofit "Reparations Media" in 2021 and discusses its impact in this episode.

Ben Zobrist is a two-time World Series champion, three-time MLB All-Star and the 2016 World Series MVP — but his impact reaches far beyond the baseball diamond. Known as one of the most versatile and clutch players of his generation, Ben played a pivotal role in the Chicago Cubs’ historic championship run and built a career defined by consistency, humility and leadership.In this episode of Off the Record, Ben opens up about life after baseball, identity beyond the game and how anxiety and depression can sometimes surface unexpectedly — even at the height of success. With honesty and reflection, he shares how navigating those challenges reshaped his perspective, priorities and purpose.We talk legacy, faith, mental health, giving back and what it really means to reinvent yourself when the spotlight fades. This is a thoughtful, vulnerable and powerful conversation you won’t want to miss.

Alex Kurdecha is a world-reknowned professional arm wrestler from Poland. Standing at 6'7" and over 330 pounds -- his combination of size, strength, and athletic versatility makes him one of the most compelling heavyweights in the sport. Born and raised in Ukraine, Alex was an all-around athlete growing up — competing in track & field, swimming, and even dabbling in American football before finding his true calling at the arm-wrestling table. He began arm wrestling informally in school and moved into competition while studying aerospace engineering, discovering a natural knack for the sport that eventually led him into national championships. After a multi-sport youth, Alex transitioned back into competitive arm wrestling in 2017 and has since competed internationally in high-level events like East vs West and Global Elite Armwrestling, facing some of the biggest names in the supersport category. Off the table, Alex also works professionally as a branch manager at Sport World Entertainment and has built a loyal audience online through match footage and behind-the-scenes content.

In this very special New Year's episode, I look back at an unforgettable inaugural year of the podcast. Joined by my fiance Giavani Cairo, I brought back a few of the incredible guests I've had on to reflect some of the biggest moments of the year for them, as well as what they hope for in 2026. I personally reflect on the highs, the health challenges and the lessons of 2025. My fiance Giavani and I share the inside scoop of our engagement story in Rome back in June. We reflect on a year of growth, challenges and favorite shows/movies of the year (including Stranger Things!).Joined by Jalein Abania, Demetrios Troy, Ben Golliver, Eric Woodyard, and Zachary James, this episode features stories that inspire and move: from Eric reuniting with his grandfather after 52 years, to Zachary performing in London’s Hunchback of Notre Dame, to Demetrios prioritizing family time in Greece, to Ben’s unforgettable NBA Finals memory, and Jalein learning the power of stillness and presence. Tune in for stories that will make you laugh, cry and reflect as we step into 2026 together!

If you've wondered what really makes a great journalist, this episode is for you. Rick Brown is a former network field producer and legendary DePaul professor who sent out hundreds of reporters and anchors into newsrooms across the country. Rick's tough love, sharp eye and unmatched storytelling instincts shaped a generation of broadcast journalists. In this heartfelt conversation during his first year of retirement, Rick opens up about the industry he loves, moments that defined him, the joy and chaos of working with students and what it means to leave a legacy behind. Rick also shares the skills every journalist needs and how the industry has changed. If you love stories of passion, purpose and people who guide us, you'll love this one.

Pavlo Derbedyenyev is a super-heavy weight, world-class arm wrestler from Ukraine. At 6-foot-1 265 pounds, Pavlo is one of the strongest, most technical arm wrestlers out there. He's faced many of the sports best like Devon Larratt and John Brzenk. In this episode, Pavlo and I talk about how he moved his way up the ranks in arm wrestling, the biggest moments of his career and who he's hoping to take on next. We also talk about his view on arm wrestling's place in global sports and what the most common misconceptions are about the sport. Pavlo shares some good advice for those who may be looking to dabble in some arm wrestling and how they can take the first steps.

My fiance Giavani Cairo is back for another episode! We've been back home in the Midwest, so we catch you up on how our life has been lately during our wedding planning season. From our Dancing With the Stars opinions to Giavani's behind the scenes experiences filming season 6 of The Chosen TV series and the movies we've loved this year, we let you in on our lives a little bit right now. We also answer some of the listeners' questions, you know-- just us going off the record again. Enjoy!

George Xanthis is an Australian actor and producer. Many of you may know him most for his role as "John the Apostle" in The Chosen TV Series. George is also known for his roles as "George Stephanopolous" in Impeachment: American Crime Story, "John Travolta" in Olivia Newton-John: Hopelessly Devoted to You miniseries, "Frank Capone" in The Making of the Mob: Chicago, and more. George is a huge Liverpool fan, so we kick this episode off with the most recent experience George had watching Liverpool at Anfield for his birthday. We also dive deep into how George got his start into acting and how he went from staying on people's couches in LA for almost two years before landing his big role on The Chosen. George also reveals how he approaches his character work for "John" and how The Chosen portrays the pivotal and important role of women in a time where the focus was primarily on men. We also talk about how the dad life is going for him with his first-born son, and uncover some fun topics. Take a listen!

Rock Middleton is a professional basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters. A street-baller who plays hoops at a world-class level, Rock owns 13 Guinness World Record Titles and earned Top Rookie Player during his debut season with the team. He's now been with the Globetrotters for eight years. If you've went to a Harlem Globetrotters game, you've seen his amazing handles and deep four-point shots. He's coming up on one of his biggest tours yet, as the Harlem Globetrotters prepare to celebrate their 100th year anniversary. They kick off their world tour in December. Rock and I talk about what new things you can expect to see this year, and we uncover his personal journey that led him to become a successful basketball player.

Jonathan Togo is an actor most known for his role as Ryan Wolfe on CBS' CSI: Miami for 8 seasons. It was named the world's most popular show in 2006. Prior to his role on the hit CBS show, he made his feature film debut in Clint Eastwood's Oscar-nominated film "Mystic River" with Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. A graduate of Vassar College, Jonathan has appeared in many independent films and guest spots on every network. He lives in Los Angeles with his beautiful wife and two children. I really enjoyed our conversation and learned so much from him. What stands out most to me about Togo is how genuine and fun he is. He offers some valuable life and career advice, and also shares how he's worked through his own struggles. We talk about his personal journey working in Hollywood for over 20 years -- and dive deep into some really fun and embarrassing moments of his as well. You will love this one, enjoy!

Jalein Abania is The Chosen TV series insider. If you're a fan of the show, you know her. Jalein brings you all the fun content through social media. You may also know her for her "Bible tea" videos on Tik Tok and Instagram, where she provides fun insights into the scripture. In this episode, Jalein and I discuss how she became an insider for The Chosen, and what she was doing in her life beforehand. We also discuss some difficult moments she's overcome and how her faith plays a pivotal role in her life. Jalein also shares some advice for people who want to get closer to their faith, but don't know where to start. Take a listen!

Andrew Gonzalez is an actor who works quite consistently in the industry. Andrew is best known for his roles in “Law and Order SVU,” “Promised Land”, “It’s always sunny in philadelphia,” “general hospital” and “Power Book 2 Ghost”He’s a meisner trained actor, is fluent in Spanish and also teaches the craft. If you love learning more about the film world and acting, then you're going to love this episode! Enjoy!

Sophia Blum is an actor, director, producer and educator. She’s best known for her role as Martha in The Chosen. In addition to recently completing filming for season 6 of The Chosen, she is currently in post-production for a short film she wrote, produced, co-directed and starred in called MIA. She is also currently teaching acting and directing a production of Pride and Prejudice at The University of Rhode Island.Sophie is such a fun person to be around and she’s super real which I love, so I had to have her come onto the pod so you can get to know her beyond what you see on screen. In this episode, we dive into her character development as Martha in the chosen and filming season 6, we talk about her start in the acting world, as well as some personal struggles she’s had to overcome… and of course we covered some fun topics as well. now at the very end of the episode, you’ll get to hear Sophie’s incredible hidden talent so make sure to listen til the absolute end! sit back and enjoy getting to know Sophie!

Eric Woodyard is the Detroit Lions beat reporter for ESPN. He’s an award-winning journalist from Flint, Michigan. Eric has also authored a few books, we talk about that and his personal journey growing up in flint and making it to where he is today, and the most touching story he's covered so far in his career. With the Lions playing some Monday Night Football tonight, we talk about what you can expect going into game 3 of the season, players you should keep an eye out for and more.

Nicholas Moreano is a Chicago Bears beat reporter and digital media coordinator for the Marquee Sports Network in Chicago. Nick is also a fellow DePaul grad and has been covering the Bears professionally for four years now. This week we bring you another bonus episode because of the time sensitive topics Nick and I discuss regarding the Bears week 3 preview, what you can expect and why this game against the Dallas Cowboys is important to avoid an 0-3 start. Nick breaks it all down for us and tells us what he's been seeing at practice as far as Ben Johnson and the players go. I really loved catching up with Nick, and you football fans are going to love this episode. Enjoy!

Pat Ragazzo is a Mets reporter on SI which is part of sports illustrated. He also does recurring guest spots on TV for NBC and local news PIX11...as well as radio for ESPN New York and WFAN. I sat down with Pat and dove deep into Mets news and their chances of taking a wild card spot as the MLB postseason approaches. We talked about tonight’s series against the padres and its playoff implications, the mets terrible pitching this season, how Pat envisioned Juan Soto’s performance with the mets after coming over from the Yankees and more.You’ll also get to learn more about Pat and how he turned a moment of failure into success & the craziest moments of his career covering the MLB and more.

Demetrios Troy is an actor. You may recognize him most from his role as "Lazarus" in The Chosen TV series. He's also been on shows like Chicago Fire and Chicago PD. Demetrios also has many theatre credits, having performed in the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Demetrios is a fellow Chicagoan, we talk about his roots and how he began his acting career. We also talk about his faith, being a husband and father -- and some fun topics like some very embarrassing moments, the secret behind his curls and an irrational fear he had as a child. Enjoy this episode!

Diane Pathieu is a traffic anchor and reporter for ABC7 Chicago. Diane is Assyrian, her parents are immigrants from Syria and Lebanon. In this episode, we discuss touching topics like the recent passing of her husband Nick Adamski, who was battling brain cancer. Diane talks about dealing with grief and how she's been seeing a grief therapist. We also dive deep into her personal journey in the TV news world and how she landed her role at ABC7 Chicago. We also dive deep into her Assyrian roots and have some girl talk like skin care rituals and advice. Enjoy this episode!

Fred Mitchell is an award-winning sports journalist who formerly worked for the Chicago Tribune from 1974 to 2015 – where he became the beat writer covering the Chicago Bulls, Cubs and Bears.He was hired as the Chicago Tribune’s first African-American sportswriter.He’s the author of 12 books, that he's authored with NFL Hall of Famers Gale Sayers and MLB Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, as well as Tiger Woods' Dad.In 2023 – he was inducted to the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame and Indiana Football hall of fame. Enjoy this episode!

Jay Cohen is a sports writer and editor for the Associated Press. He spends half his time covering sports in Chicago and the other half on the AP’s national desk, editing stories from all over the world. He’s done the last four summer olympics for the AP, and he teaches a sports business journalism class at DePaul. Enjoy this episode!

Reza Diako is an English-Persian actor from Austria. You may know him as “Phillip” from The Chosen, he’s also been in movies like “The Covenant” – “The Diplomat” and Emmy-award winning Apple TV drama “Tehran." You’ll also be seeing him in an upcoming film “The Astronaut," which releases on September 18th.Reza is multilingual, has a passion for psychology and mental health – hoping to open up a therapy center for young people. In this episode, we discuss topics like mental health, acting, overcoming life's challenges and the different roles Reza has played throughout his career thus far. Enjoy!

Laurence Holmes is an iconic on-air radio host for Chicago’s 670 the score, he was previously a sports anchor at NBC Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago. Laurence is an adjunct professor -- or "scholar practitioner" as he likes to call it -- at DePaul University. He also writes comic books. We discuss his journey into the sports media world and how he pays it forward to young budding journalists. Laurence is a huge icon and mentor in the Chicago sports media scene. Enjoy this episode!

Zachary James is a grammy-award-winning music artist and actor. He took home a grammy in 2022 for best opera recording in the production Akhnaten. Now, Zachary is spending his days rehearsing for “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the Hollywood Bowl. He’ll be playing Caiaphas. He also just announced he'll be playing Claude Frollo in Disney's "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" in London. I had to bring Zach onto the pod to talk about his awesome artistic journey on and off stage. We discuss difficult moments, embarrassing moments, how to reverse anxiety, and his message to LGBTQ+ youth. Enjoy!

Adam Rittenberg is a national college football reporter for ESPN. He joined ESPN in 2008 and also worked as a sports writer for the Daily Herald prior to that. Adam is one of my closest mentors, he was my professor at DePaul University. In this episode, we discuss his journey into the sports journalism world, some of the toughest stories he's covered, how NIL has changed the college football landscape, his Jewish roots and more.

Alaa Safi is a French actor, director and producer. You may know him as Simon Z from The Chosen, or from his recent roles in Indiana Jones and Doctor Strange. He was also a world champion in Tae Kwon Do at 18 years old. He also partnered with Jackie Chan in Chinese Zodiac. We discuss many behind the scenes moments in his career, as well as insecurities, embarrassing moments, and more. Alaa is such a sweet person and I'm blessed to call him a good friend of mine. Enjoy getting to know him more in this episode!

Ben Golliver is the National NBA Writer for the Washington Post and author of "Bubble Ball," a book about his 93-day stay inside the NBA's Disney World Bubble during the 2019-2020 pandemic season. Ben is one of my dear friends, we covered NBA All-Star together, we dive into the fun stories and moments we've had together through the years. Ben also reveals some of his most difficult moments of being a busy sports journalist, an NBA athlete who gave him a hard time during a project and we uncover a more personal side of Ben this episode.

I sit down with my fellow Assyrian brother, Beneil, after his unanimous win over Renato Moicano in the UFC 317 main card. We discuss how it felt being back in the octagon for the first time since 2023, his faith and how he's a coffee connoisseur. We also talk about his youngest-born daughter and how he plans to have like 10 kids.

Inaugural episode with my fiancé Giavani Cairo. We talk about how he feels about returning to film season 6 of The Chosen, what his insecurities and struggles have been and we also have some fun banter regarding our division rival sports teams.