What happens when the game ends — but your purpose is just beginning? In this powerful episode of The Intangible Podcast, former Tennessee defensive back Derrick Furlow Jr. joins host Chris Spencer to talk about the real work that begins after the final whistle. Derrick opens up about growing up in southwest Atlanta, finding football as his escape, and how a devastating ACL injury forced him to face a bigger question: Who am I outside the game? Now an author, speaker, and entrepreneur,...

Katy Sullivan is proof that limits are meant to be redefined. Born without the lower halves of her legs, Katy grew up in Alabama in a family that never saw her disability as something to fix — only something to face head-on. That foundation shaped her into one of the most inspiring performers and athletes in the world. In this powerful episode, Katy joins Chris Spencer to talk about the resilience that carried her from the track to the stage — from representing Team USA at the Paralympic Gam...

From walk-on to Pro Bowler — Marc Mariani’s story is pure grit. In this episode of The Intangible Podcast hosted by former NFL center Chris Spencer, Marc opens up about growing up in small-town Montana, walking on at the University of Montana, and earning his way to the NFL as a seventh-round pick of the Tennessee Titans. Marc shares how his underdog mentality, love for the process, and relentless competitive fire took him from being 5’5”, 95 pounds in high school to becoming a Pro Bowl retu...

Former NFL guard Andy Levitre joins Chris Spencer on The Intangible Podcast for a real, down-to-earth conversation about hard work, discipline, and what it takes to build a career that lasts. From weighing 340 pounds in high school to becoming a second-round NFL draft pick, Andy’s story is all about the grind — transforming his body, outworking the odds, and learning from teammates like Matt Ryan and Ryan Fitzpatrick along the way. He opens up about his journey from Oregon State to the Super ...

In this episode of The Intangible Podcast, Chris Spencer sits down with Kate Pettersen — a two-sport athlete turned broadcaster who’s covered the Edmonton Oilers, Nashville Predators, and now the Vancouver Canucks. From growing up in Toronto with a pro football dad and a mom who modeled resilience, to her breakout moment at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, Kate’s story is about passion, preparation, and finding her voice in the world of sports media. Kate opens up about the grind behind the broa...

In this episode we're joined by former NFL offensive lineman Jamil Douglas for an honest and inspiring conversation about the grind of football and the lessons it leaves behind. Jamil opens up about growing up in Compton and Cypress, his first love for basketball, and how the influence of his late brother gave him a deeper sense of purpose that carried him onto the football field. He reflects on the challenges of learning the offensive line at Arizona State, the pressure of Draft Day, and the...

What does it take to become Vanderbilt’s first true freshman All-American while also running a sustainable fashion brand and studying environmental sociology? In this episode of the Intangible Podcast, we sit down with Allyria McBride—track star, entrepreneur, and advocate for change. Allyria shares how her mom became both her coach and biggest inspiration, the lessons she learned from long, all-day meets as a kid, and the grit it takes to chase records in the SEC. She opens up about performa...

We chop it up with NFL cornerback Amani Oruwariye about the journey that’s taken him from Tampa, Florida, to Penn State, and eventually to Sundays in the league. Amani shares what it was like growing up with a Navy mom who ran a tight ship, how he flipped his recruiting story from Vanderbilt to Penn State, and what it really felt like hearing his name called on draft day. He opens up about learning from vets like Darius Slay, the grind of earning respect as a fifth-round pick, and why short-...

We sat down with former NFL lineman Brandon Frye to unpack the journey behind his career — from growing up in Myrtle Beach with a single mom, to earning a scholarship at Virginia Tech, to making the leap into the NFL with the Houston Texans and Seattle Seahawks. Brandon shares the lessons that carried him through every level of the game: discipline, patience, and an unshakable work ethic. We talk about the turning point in high school that changed his future, what it was like switching positi...

From the soccer fields of Scotland to the music stages of Nashville, Sean Collin Kennedy’s story is one of resilience, heartbreak, and unexpected discovery. After a rare knee injury cut short his dream of playing professional soccer, Sean found himself battling depression and questioning his identity. What felt like the end turned into the beginning of something greater when he uncovered his true voice as a musician. Now known for blending pop, rock, soul, and R&B, Sean has built a career...

Abi Brighton shares how a kid obsessed with touches turned the grind into a pro shot in Serie A Femminile. Host Chris Spencer digs into her Vanderbilt years (captain vibes, big lessons), the Tormenta FC roots that built her techy toolkit, and the DM from a Juventus scout that changed everything. Abi keeps it real on moving to Italy—new culture, new language, same hunger—while fighting for minutes in those black-and-white stripes. Hit play for mindset, habits, and a blueprint for getting notic...

From Chicago sandlots to the bright lights of the Major Leagues, former Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Garrett Jones joins us for an unfiltered look at what it really takes to make it in professional baseball. Garrett shares how he went from a multi-sport kid in Chicago to being drafted by the Atlanta Braves, grinding through years in the minors, and finally breaking into the MLB. He opens up about the mental battles of the game, the pressure of staying in the big leagues, and the unforgettable m...

This episode of Intangible Podcast features Vanderbilt vice chancellor and athletics director Candice Lee. She recalls growing up an “Army brat,” being born early and having eye surgery as an infant, discovering basketball later than most and instantly falling in love with Vanderbilt during an elite camp. Lee discusses turning repeated ACL tears and knee surgeries into lessons in perseverance and leadership, and explains how mentors like David Williams and trailblazer Perry Wallace shaped her...

Parkinson’s at 27? Most would’ve tapped out — Jimmy Choi laced up and ran marathons (literally). Jimmy opens up about growing up in Chicago, being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s, and turning that life-altering moment into a mission of movement, meaning, and motivation. Jimmy shares how burpees, family, TikTok antics, and Guinness World Records became his medicine. It’s a story of grit, humor, humility — and a whole lot of heart. If you’ve ever faced a challenge and wondered “Why me?” ...

From Big Plays to Bigger Purpose: Jordan Babineaux’s Journey Beyond the NFL. Former Seahawks standout Jordan Babineaux joins longtime teammate Chris Spencer for an honest, powerful conversation about resilience, reinvention, and leadership after football. Known as "Big Play Babs" for his clutch moments on the field, Jordan opens up about his journey from growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, to carving out a nine-year NFL career as an undrafted free agent—and the tough emotional transition that f...

We sit down with former Chicago Bears wide receiver Earl Bennett for a real conversation about his journey from Birmingham, Alabama to the SEC, the NFL, and now college athletics leadership. Earl opens up about being raised in the projects, how Vanderbilt University became the perfect fit over Kentucky and Notre Dame, and what it really took to succeed both on the field and in life after football. It’s a conversation about figuring things out, betting on yourself, and staying grounded no matt...

We sit with former NFL fullback and media personality Michael Robinson for an unfiltered conversation about purpose, resilience, and the power of community. From growing up in Richmond, Virginia, to winning Big Ten Player of the Year and becoming a Pro Bowler, Mike opens up about the real challenges behind the glory — single-parent upbringing, evolving through adversity, and navigating identity shifts after football. We dive into what it means to be more than an athlete, the power of mentorsh...

Branding strategist and mentor Lauren Walsh joins the pod for a powerful conversation on identity, authenticity, and building a purpose-driven career. From her early days as a competitive gymnast on Chicago’s South Side to working with elite athletes and entertainers in the NFL, MLB, and music industry, Lauren shares her personal evolution—how burnout and motherhood led her to redefine success and rediscover her “why.” We dive into the realities of NIL, the misconceptions around personal bran...

Former NFL Pro Bowl guard Evan Mathis sits with us for a raw and insightful conversation about the journey behind the stats. He talks candidly about the personal battles that came with being a journeyman in the league, his struggles with emotional control and composure early in his career, and how self-awareness and exposure to new ideas changed the way he lived and competed. We also dive into the lesser-known challenges pro athletes face, including health issues like low testosterone, and ho...

Chip Paucek Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Pro Athlete Community (PAC) delves into the journey of personal and professional growth. We talk about how awareness and foundational knowledge can serve as a springboard for future success, particularly highlighting the invaluable impact of community and collaboration in reaching the next level. We discuss how supportive networks and shared experiences within a community can truly propel individuals forward.