Foyle's Forum

On this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal sits down with acclaimed chef, entrepreneur, and culinary leader Chef Terry Braggs.From serving as Executive Chef at Stanford University to building his own culinary company Bragging Ryt’s Chefs, Terry has dedicated his career to elevating food, culture, and opportunity.In this conversation, Terry shares his journey from the kitchen to entrepreneurship, the importance of knowing where your food comes from, and why food is deeply connected to health, community, and identity.They also discuss:• Cooking for elite athletes and high-profile clients• The power of mentorship and representation in the culinary world• Why food sourcing matters more than ever• Building a legacy through culture and communityChef Terry’s story is about more than cooking — it’s about purpose, resilience, and feeding people in every sense of the word.Watch the full conversation and hear how food can transform lives.

In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Shomari Smith — photographer, multimedia artist, cultural historian, and one of Oakland’s most influential creative voices.Shomari’s work lives at the intersection of art, activism, sports, and community. From powerful portraiture and large-scale public art to historic monuments like Oakland’s 10 Points to Liberation honoring the Black Panther Party, his creations don’t just document history — they preserve memory and spark dialogue.In this wide-ranging conversation, Shomari shares:His origin story and early connection to art and photographyHow sports and creative discipline shaped his artistic approachWhat it means to see his work displayed in public and civic spacesThe process behind creating monuments and murals rooted in social justiceHis creative workflow, philosophy, and sources of inspirationThoughts on legacy, mentorship, and the responsibility of artists todayThis episode is a deep exploration of how art can honor the past, shape the present, and influence the future — especially within communities whose stories deserve to be seen, remembered, and celebrated.

In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with sports journalist, publicist, and first-time author Chris Navalta to talk about his new children’s book, Basketball Stars: Stories and Skills from the NBA’s and WNBA’s Best Players.Chris shares his journey through sports media, public relations, and storytelling—and how those experiences shaped his approach to writing a book for young readers. Together, they explore the inspiration behind Basketball Stars, the lessons young athletes (and parents, coaches, and fans) can take from NBA and WNBA players, and why perseverance, curiosity, and character matter just as much as talent.The conversation also dives into:Why Chris chose a children’s book for his debutThe mix of NBA and WNBA athletes featured in the bookHow kids can apply lessons from basketball even if they never play professionallyBay Area sports culture, iconic moments, and favorite local spotsNIL, social media, and advice for young athletes todayFun rapid-fire questions and behind-the-scenes stories from Chris’s careerThis episode is about more than basketball—it’s about storytelling, growth, and using sports as a way to inspire the next generation.

In this powerful episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with professional boxer and celebrity trainer Kentrell Everett for a raw and unfiltered conversation about the life experiences that shaped him—and nearly broke him.Kentrell opens up about his upbringing, the impact of his relationship with his mother, time spent living in group homes, and the choices that led to incarceration for robbery—ending what could have been a promising NFL career. Rather than letting his past define him, Kentrell found a new path forward through boxing.This is a story about accountability, discipline, second chances, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life from the ground up. From prison to the ring, Kentrell’s journey is a testament to what’s possible when pain is transformed into purpose.This episode isn’t just about boxing.It’s about resilience.It’s about growth.And it’s about becoming more than your past.

In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Bea Rudney for a rare and deeply human conversation about resilience, kindness, gratitude, and what it truly means to live a life that matters.Born in 1923 in New Haven, Connecticut, the daughter of Russian immigrants, Bea has lived through the Great Depression, World War II, the polio epidemic, the civil rights movement, and more than a century of social and technological change. She went on to become one of the early nurses at Kaiser in Oakland, dedicating 35 years to patient care, advocacy, and community service, while raising a family and opening her home—and heart—to generations of neighbors Now at 102 years old, Bea continues to engage with the world with curiosity, warmth, and joy. In this conversation, she reflects on the lessons shaped by history and lived experience: navigating fear during pandemics, choosing kindness in moments of division, standing up to injustice in segregated hospitals, sustaining a 70-year marriage, and embracing change with grace rather than resistance.Drawing from her book The Neighbor Who Always Waves: How Bea Rudney Became Everyone’s Mom, Bea reminds us that gratitude is a daily practice, curiosity keeps us alive, and community begins with something as simple—and powerful—as acknowledging one another.This episode is not just a look back at history, but a masterclass in humanity—offering wisdom that feels urgently relevant today.

In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with Charles Dudley, a key member of the legendary Golden State Warriors team that captured the 1975 NBA Championship.Dudley takes us back to a season no one saw coming. Before the year began, expectations were so low that many believed the Warriors wouldn’t even win 20 games. Instead, they defied the odds, built unshakable belief, and shocked the basketball world with one of the most unexpected championship runs in NBA history.The conversation explores what it was really like to play in that era — from gritty travel and physical play to the unforgettable reality of calling the Cow Palace home after the Oakland Coliseum was booked for the Ice Capades. Dudley shares firsthand stories about the culture of the team, the camaraderie, and the resilience that carried them through a season defined by doubt.This episode is a powerful reminder that greatness often comes from the margins — when belief, chemistry, and timing align against all expectations.

In this deeply personal episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with someone who isn’t just a guest — he’s family.Joey Hamilton and Adonal have been friends for over 30 years. Their bond stretches from college years and late-night conversations to fatherhood, leadership, creativity, and building purpose-driven work together today. Their kids call each other “uncle,” and their shared journey has included joy, heartbreak, growth, and healing.In this conversation, Joey opens up about:Growing up mixed-race and adopted, and how identity shaped his leadership and parentingCompeting and coaching at elite international levels and the mindset elite sport demandsStudying leadership through traditional wayfinding in New ZealandBuilding brands, movements, and stories rooted in meaning — not egoHis “Masons of Love” speech during the 2020 movement and the courage it requiredPhotography as a way of seeing, feeling, and expressing what words cannotFriendship, partnership, and the future of the work he and Adonal are building togetherThis episode is about identity, adversity, creativity, leadership, and friendship — and how becoming whole is not a destination, but a lifelong practice.

In this episode of Foyle’s Forum, Adonal Foyle sits down with longtime friend and mental performance coach Graham Betchart for a wide-ranging conversation on mindset, growth, and what it really takes to perform—on and off the court.Graham is one of the pioneers of modern mental skills training, working with NBA players, elite athletes, and everyday people to help them strengthen focus, confidence, and resilience. Together, Adonal and Graham explore the mental challenges athletes face at every level, how the conversation around mental health in professional sports has evolved, and why mindset training is just as essential as physical preparation.The discussion goes beyond sports, offering practical tools anyone can use—whether you’re an athlete, parent, creative, or leader—along with reflections on identity, transition after sports, legacy, and living with intention. With humor, honesty, and deep respect, this episode feels like sitting in on one of their off-mic conversations: thoughtful, grounded, and real.If you’re interested in performance, mental health, leadership, or becoming more fully yourself in high-pressure environments, this conversation is for you.0:00 Introduction3:29 Working with young athletes6:41 Parenting young athletes8:53 The pressure on young athletes10:50 Mental Coaching in professional sports16:02 Being present17:44 Basic Mental Skills21:45 Transition 24:43 Success vs Failure28:42 Flow State30:33 Teacher Shout Out32:29 Quick Questions36:50 Caribbean camps