Best Rauf Podcasts (2024)

1
Howard Head Coach Kenny Blakeney Talks March Madness, Back to Back Winning Seasons, Jordan Brand 46:43

1+ y ago46:43

46:43

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BasketballNews.com

1
#86 - Season Finale: Reflecting On This Season’s Beasts 9:44

1+ y ago9:44

9:44

Welcome to the season 3 finale of Rebuilding the Beast! On this episode I reflect on all the guests we’ve had this season and the things I learned from them. We also dive deep into where my life is headed and the future I imagine for the podcast. Your guy’s support means the world to me and I’m so glad to have you all on this journey. But I need yo…

1
#85 - Storytime with Fes - Farmer With Two Buckets 6:07

1+ y ago6:07

6:07

Hello my fellow beasts! As our season starts winding down, I wanted to share this quick story called the Farmer With Two Buckets. It’s a great reminder that even though we may feel broken or have flaws, we can still inspire those around us in a positive way. I created this podcast for you to get inspired and have tips as we all journey through our …

1
#84 - Alexa Towersey: Sobriety, Fitness, and Mental Health 1:12:48

2y ago1:12:48

1:12:48

Trigger Warning: Suicide Our next guest is joining us all the way from Australia, today we have Alexa Towersey! Alexa, also known as “Action Alexa,” is a celebrity trainer, nutritionist, writer, sports model, and mental health advocate. This woman is a literal BEAST! After being bullied for being too skinny, the gym became her safe place as she dev…

1
Athlete Activist Dr. Harry Edwards On LeBron's Greatness On & Off The Court, Ali, Kareem, MJ, More 57:55

2y ago57:55

57:55

On the latest episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by the esteemed Dr. Harry Edwards. They have a great discussion about the role athletes play in society as role models and the weight they bare for social change. They also discuss the origin of The Olympic Project for Human Rights, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

1
#83 - Xeana Kamalani Dung: Discovering Your ‘Why’ 55:43

2y ago55:43

55:43

Let’s say Aloha to our next guest Xeana Kamalani - aka, Kama! Kama is a model, actress, Philanthropist, founder of Kama Training, and is the first pro league pitcher in softball that’s from Hawaii. And being only 25 years old, she has accomplished so much. Today we cover, · What growing up in Hawaii is really like and how her hometown, Makaha, woul…

1
Bishop Talbert Swan Discusses LeBron James’ Activism, Kyrie Irving Backlash, Media Bias, More 1:01:38

2y ago1:01:38

1:01:38

On the latest episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by the esteemed Bishop Talbert Swan. They discuss a myriad of topics, from LeBron James greatness on and off the court. The media backlash that Kyrie Irving has received, the role the media plays in all of this and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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#82 - Tara Mackey: Addiction, Natural Medicine, and Motherhood 1:02:26

2y ago1:02:26

1:02:26

Trigger Warning: Suicide Our next guest has been a long time coming… today we have my good friend Tara Mackey on the podcast! Tara is the CEO of “The Organic Life,” founder of “Genetix,” Author of Cured By Nature and Wild Habits, a musician, a scientist, and then her most important job – a solo mother. She’s on the journey of always pursing her int…

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#81- Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf: “Stand” ft. Joslyn Rose Lyons 1:14:09

2y ago1:14:09

1:14:09

You guys, I am so excited about our next guest. Today on the podcast we the legendary Mahmoud Abdul Rauf! Mahmoud is a former NBA player who has played for the Denver Nuggets, the Sacrament Kings, and Vancouver Grizzles. He is one of the greatest players in the game, even while living with a form of Tourettes. We have seen his name in headlines oft…

1
#80 - Karly Ashworth: Big Brother, Hypnotherapy, and Finding Purpose 53:58

2y ago53:58

53:58

We have a beautiful, inspiring episode this week my fellow beasts! My friend Karly Ashworth is our next guest. She is also our first ever reality tv star that we’ve had on the podcast. After her time on the UK’s Big Brother, Karly decided to leave the world of fame and climb the ladder of the corporate world. After finding success there, feeling bu…

1
#79 - Lana Shay: Erotic Dancing, Sexuality, and Psychedelics 54:44

2y ago54:44

54:44

This week on Rebuilding the Beast we are breaking down the stigma of the sex industry and the use of psychedelics. I ask that you come in with an open mind and heart and be ready to learn something, because I for sure did! With that being said, our guest today is Lana Shay! Lana is a conscious sex worker, the co-founder of Psychedelic Times, and au…

1
#78 - Caity Lotz: Acting, Directing, and Getting Married 1:08:20

2y ago1:08:20

1:08:20

We’ve got a special episode this week, my good friend Caity Lotz is our next guest! Caity is an actress, dancer, director, and stunt woman. You may have even seen her on shows like Mad Men, Arrow, and Legends. Recently, Caity got engaged, so get ready to hear a loved-up episode! Today we talk about · How she met her fiancé Kyle and how she finally …

1
#77 - Advice You’d Give Your Younger Self Part 2 22:14

2y ago22:14

22:14

Happy New Year! To kick off the new year we have compiled all the answers this season to my favorite question, “If you could talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them?” I love looking back on the answers to these questions because they perfectly encapsulate that person’s journey of rebuilding. Please enjoy as we reflect on these 10…

1
Last Chance U Head Coach John Mosley on JUCO Basketball, Season 2, How They Film The Show 1:45:41

2y ago1:45:41

1:45:41

On the latest episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by the star of Last Chance U, head coach of the East Los Angeles College Men's basketball team, John Mosley detailing his 2nd season on the Netflix hit show, the challenges of coaching at the junior college level and using basketball to mentor young men. Learn more about your ad choices. V…

1
#76 - Box Full of Kisses 5:13

2y ago5:13

5:13

Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanza, and a Happy New Year! This week we’re taking it easy as we get ready to enter the New Year. Today you’ll hear the story, Box Full of Kisses. It’s a beautiful reminder that love is the most precious gift in the world, so hold onto your loved ones tight and check in with them. Now, before you read this n…

1
Devlin Carter Talks His Desire to Partner With Kyrie Irving, Owning His Own Brand, Fashion, More 58:38

2y ago58:38

58:38

On the latest episode of The Rematch, hosted by Etan Thomas, Etan sits down with one of the brightest minds in urban entrepreneurship and the founder of the SIA brand, Devlin Carter. They discuss his beginnings with the company, why he thinks Kyrie Irving would be the perfect partner for SIA, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph…

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#75 - Thomas Vu: Finding A Rose Among the Thorns 57:50

2y ago57:50

57:50

This episode was a long time coming because my good friend Thomas Vu is finally our guest here on the podcast. If you remember from season 2 of Rebuilding the Beast, I went to the Joe Dispenza retreat. Well, the person who introduced that retreat to me, was none other than Thomas! Thomas is a master meditator and so I fully trusted him in attending…

1
#74 - Marcellus Wiley: From Compton to an Ivy League to the NFL 1:35:30

2y ago1:35:30

1:35:30

Buckle up because this week we have Marcellus Wiley on the podcast! After growing up in Compton and South Central Los Angeles, Marcellus didn’t let where he grew up define how his life was going to pan out. He would soon go to Columbia University to further his education as well as play football. Then after being a second-round pick in the 1997 NFL…

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#73 - Kevin Olusola: Pentatonix, Faith, and Managing Time 1:30:11

2y ago1:30:11

1:30:11

Next up on our holiday special is my Nigerian brother Kevin Olusola! You may know him from the Grammy award winning acapella group “Pentatonix” or his own podcast that he cohosts called “Imagine Faith Talk.” Kevin has a beautiful soul and we got deep on this episode today. We talk about, · Growing up and what it means to be an immigrant as well as …

1
#72 - Chloe Arnold: Dancing Through Life 55:51

2y ago55:51

55:51

We’re kickstarting this holiday season with my good friend Chloe Arnold! Chloe is a multi-talented dancer, an Emmy nominated choreographer, a featured dancer in the Syncopated Ladies, and so much more! She has also gone viral on YouTube with 100 million views for the Syncopated Ladies “Viral Tap Band” to Beyoncé. Her love of tap dancing has brought…

1
#71 - Crystal Adesanya: Immigrant from Nigeria to CEO 57:49

2y ago57:49

57:49

Buckle up because we’ve got my Nigerian sister Crystal Ola Adesanya! Crystal is an entrepreneur, on the Forbes 30 under 30, and CEO of Kiira Health. Crystal’s hard work, determination, and confidence have gotten her so far in life, something that she thanks her Nigerian upbringing and 5 older brothers for. And I have full confidence that after list…

1
Former NBA Players Craig Hodges And Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf Discuss The Kyrie Irving Backlash, More 1:45:44

2y ago1:45:44

1:45:44

Former NBA sharpshooters and social activists Craig Hodges and Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf join Etan Thomas to discuss the Kyrie Irving saga, and where they see things playing out from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BasketballNews.com

1
Rabbi Harry Rozenberg on Antisemitism, Kyrie Irving’s Suspension, Nets’ 6 Steps to Return, ADL, More 1:40:31

2y ago1:40:31

1:40:31

On this episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by Rabbi Harry Rozenberg to discuss the hottest topic in the NBA right now, Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving and his suspension. Conversations like this one need to be had to gain perspective and grow from the situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#70 - Corey Phelps: Weight Loss, Homelessness, and Being Queer 56:18

2y ago56:18

56:18

Welcome back everyone! Today on the show we have Corey Phelps. I stumbled across Corey’s Instagram a few months ago and instantly knew I wanted to have him on the podcast. Corey is a “bad bitch” (as he would say), but also a leader in body positivity, owning his queerness, and an advocate for mental health and homelessness. You may have watched him…

1
#69 - Alexa Mansour: Hollywood and Knowing Your Worth 54:02

2y ago54:02

54:02

TW: Eating Disorder Welcome back! This week we have the very talented Alexa Mansour! Alexa is an actress who you’ve probably seen on The Walking Dead and soon, Avalon. After struggling with an eating disorder that caused her to end up in the ICU, Alexa decided it was time to regain control over her life and start putting herself first. Today, you’l…

1
Etan Thomas and Dave Zirin Discuss Kyrie Irving's Anti Semitic Backlash 1:14:32

2y ago1:14:32

1:14:32

This week on The Rematch, one of the most respected sports journalists in the country, the Nation’s Dave Zirin, joins Etan to discuss one of the most talked about athletes in the world, Kyrie Irving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BasketballNews.com

1
Legendary Olympian/Activist Tommie Smith Discusses His New Book Victory Stand, Athlete Empowerment 39:18

2y ago39:18

39:18

On this episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by former US Olympian and activist Tommie Smith as they discuss the backlash he received for his iconic protest in the 1968 Olympics held in Mexico City, today's athletes, and the role they play in social justice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
#68 - India Shawn: Singing, Vulnerability, and Pushing Through 1:00:17

2y ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Welcome back to Rebuilding the Beast! Today we have India Shawn. India is a singer, songwriter, and my good friend! After growing up singing in the church, singing backup for artists like Anderson Paak, Chris Brown, and Harry Styles, India began to pursue her own career. And just recently, she released her debut album, “Before We Go Deeper.” We tal…

1
#67 - Wesley Hamilton: Disabled But Not Really 1:16:00

2y ago1:16:00

1:16:00

Welcome back to Rebuilding the Beast! Today we have Wesley Hamilton. You’ve potentially could’ve seen him on the hit Netflix show Queer Eye, or his feature in Men’s Health, or have even seen one of the countless speeches he has done. But now, he’s graced us with his presence on our show! Wesley grew up on the east side of Kansas City, where many yo…

1
#66 - Jimmer Fredette: Basketball, Mormonism, and Persevering 1:08:35

2y ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Welcome back to Rebuilding the Beast! Today, we have my friend Jimmer Fredette. Jimmer is a basketball player, entrepreneur, husband, father, and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. There’s so much we talk about, so let’s get into it! ● Growing up in a small town and having to hear people doubt him about wanting to be a baske…

1
#65 - Festuz Ezeli & Nicole Fox: Burning Man 1:02:23

2y ago1:02:23

1:02:23

Rebuilding the beast is back, baby!!! For our season 3 premiere, I’m sitting down with my good friend Nicole who is helping me guide you through the amazing, transformative summer I had. When we last spoke, the Golden State Warriors just became NBA champions, again! And now, I have the opportunity to go back to the Bay area for my second year as an…

1
NBA Shooting Coach Chris Matthews AKA Lethal Shooter Talks NBA Clients, Motivational Speaking, More 27:54

2y ago27:54

27:54

On this episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by social media sensation -- and one of the most sought-after shooting gurus in the world of basketball -- Chris Lethal Shooter Matthews as they discuss his college career, becoming a trainer for high-level NBA as WNBA players, and being a motivational speaker. Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
Tim “Headache” Gittens Talks AND1’s Global Influence, Inaccuracies in Netflix Doc, Being Underpaid 1:15:20

2y ago1:15:20

1:15:20

On the latest episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas welcomes NYC street ball legend and former And1 Mixtape Star Tim "Headache" Gittens. They discuss his basketball career, how he gained notoriety in the playgrounds of New York City, and became a star as part of the ESPN And1 television show. He also breaks down the mismanagement and lack of transpar…

1
Season 2 Finale: A Box Full of Kisses 3:57

2+ y ago3:57

3:57

Surprise! I’m back! And another surprise, I’m taking another break. I know, I’m sorry. This episode is our season 2 finale, and first let me say how exciting it is to have two seasons of Rebuilding the Beast! Thank you all for coming on this journey with me. It’s been amazing and I’ve learned so much from our guests, and I hope you have too. As I s…

1
University of Maryland Legend and Former #1 Overall Pick Joe Smith Talks Terps, NBA Rookie Scale 37:01

2+ y ago37:01

37:01

On the latest episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by fellow big man Joe Smith. They breakdown his All-American career at The University of Maryland, battling in the ACC, and being the #1 overall draft pick in the 1995 NBA Draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Brandon Scoop B Robinson Joins Etan to Talk, Kyrie Irving Rumors The Medias Coverage of NBA Stars 1:04:45

2+ y ago1:04:45

1:04:45

n the latest episode of The Rematch, NBA Journalist Brandon Scoop B Robinson breaks down the latest NBA rumblings, the media's coverage of the league's stars, Stephen A Smith and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy BasketballNews.com

1
#64 - Jessica Ping-Wild: Succeeding With Disabilities 43:30

2+ y ago43:30

43:30

Welcome back! This week we have Jessica Ping-Wild. Jessica is out here changing the game by bringing awareness for people with disabilities. In Jessica’s formative years, she was diagnosed with CHILD syndrome. A syndrome that affects the left side of her body. After going through years of bullying and struggling to find her place, Jessica is now us…

1
#63 - Tori Hope Petersen: From Foster Care, To Mrs. Universe, to Author 1:04:14

2+ y ago1:04:14

1:04:14

We have an amazing episode for you all today! Tori Petersen is our guest here on Rebuilding the Beast. She’s a best-selling author, Mrs. Universe, a mother, a wife, and a child of the foster care system. Growing up, Tori was placed into foster care after men busted down her doors and took her and her sister. As she got older, she found out that it …

1
#62 - Kiera Newsome: 20 Years of Wrongful Incarceration and the Continued Fight 1:15:36

2+ y ago1:15:36

1:15:36

Our next guest’s story will make your jaw drop to the floor. In June of 2001, Kiera was incarcerated for a crime she did not commit. When did she get released? Not until almost 20 years later in April of 2020. She was only 16 years old and had her life planned out of how she wanted to break away from the mold she grew up with and create her own jou…

1
Old Media vs New Media, David Aldridge and Marc J Spears join Etan Thomas 47:04

2+ y ago47:04

47:04

On the latest episode of The Rematch Etan Thomas welcomes two NBA media stalwarts and long time veterans David Aldridge from The Athletic and Marc J Spears from ESPN/Andscape. They discuss the evolution of sports media and player led content, and how that impacts the traditional coverage of atheltes and sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

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#61 - Jorge Sanchez: Amputee’s Journey to Olympic Gold 51:04

2+ y ago51:04

51:04

It’s crazy witnessing the universe align when it’s pushing you to meet someone. A few friends had sent me Jorge Sanchez’s profile saying I needed to have him on the podcast. Then a week later at a Warriors game, I got to meet him and understood why he needed to be on the show. Jorge is a professional wheelchair basketball player and a part of the D…

1
Baron Davis On Steph Curry's Greatness, We Believe Warriors, How the Media Unfairly Attacks Players 39:36

2+ y ago39:36

39:36

On this episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas welcomes, one of LA's finest, former NBA All-Star Baron Davis. Baron and Etan touch on Steph Curry and The Golden State Warriors winning their 4th NBA Championship in 8 years. They also discuss Klay's incredible mental endurance to battle back from multiple injuries, to reach the mountain top again! They …

1
#60 - Festus Ezel: Reflecting on the Warriors Victory 27:33

2+ y ago27:33

27:33

The journey of becoming a sports commentator for the Golden State Warriors was something I never imagined was in store for me. Basketball is my life, and even after my injury, I knew I still needed to be a part of it somehow. So, on this episode, I thought I could reflect on how I got to where I am today. You’ll hear How I didn’t ever plan on becom…

1
#59 - Festus Ezeli: The Green Sea Turtle 7:13

2+ y ago7:13

7:13

It’s story time here on Rebuilding the Beast! This week we’re reading from the book The Why Café by author John P. Strelecky. The book is centered around finding your purpose with some short stories filling the pages. One of those stories is, The Green Sea Turtle, and that’s what you’ll be hearing today. This podcast is all about sharing different …

1
#58 - Kelsi Sheren: Veterans, PTSD & Psychedelics 1:31:09

2+ y ago1:31:09

1:31:09

Kelsi Sheren is a powerhouse! At the age of 18, Kesli joined the military in Canada and was quickly deployed to Afghanistan after that. She is a fellow podcast host and is the owner of Brass and Unity, a jewelry company that gives 20% of their proceeds to organizations that help veterans. One of her main goals is to help bring awareness to mental h…

1
Quincy Isaiah Talks Playing The Role of NBA Legend Magic Johnson, Winning Time, More 46:14

2+ y ago46:14

46:14

On this episode of The Rematch, Etan Thomas is joined by Quincy Isaiah, who plays Magic Johnson in HBO Max's thrilling series Winning Time. In this great conversation, they discuss him getting the role of Magic, the criticism some Lakers fans have had for the show, and how excited he is for season 2! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphon…

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#57: Chloe Hakim-Moore - How to Enjoy Life While Leading Change 56:30

2+ y ago56:30

56:30

Where to begin on Chloe Hakim-Moore… We recorded this the day after the shooting in Uvalde, Texas and we both had a heavy heart. Talking with Chloe though, hearing all the work she’s doing, especially for kids, inspired me. Chloe is a Social Designer, mental health advocate, a first-generation American born citizen, a business woman, and so much mo…

1
Moment of Silence 8:37

2+ y ago8:37

8:37

On May 24th, 2022, 19 children and 2 teachers were killed after a gunman went to Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Young children’s lives were lost, parents are grieving, and change needs to happen. It’s okay to send out your thoughts and prayers to the lives lost but remember, faith without works, is dead. If you’re wanting change there are…

1
Hall of Famer Spencer Haywood Discusses “Winning Time,” NBA Career, More 1:28:14

2+ y ago1:28:14

1:28:14

On this episode of The Rematch Etan Thomas welcomes NBA legend Spencer Haywood as they discuss his groundbreaking career and his portrayal in the HBO series Winning Time and more. This episode is brought to you by TicketSmarter. Looking to go to the hottest concerts, sports, theater & family shows near you? Get 100% guaranteed tickets to more than …

1
#56: Sarah Taylor - Staying the Course: Life After Trauma 1:02:37

2+ y ago1:02:37

1:02:37

Trigger Warning: Abduction and Human Trafficking When we talk about how one person’s story can be someone else’s survival guide, this episode is what we mean! Sarah Taylor is a sports psychologist who a few years ago was a victim in an attempted human trafficking abduction. After moving to San Diego to start a new job as a reporter, Sarah was on he…

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