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In this compelling episode of Be a Baller, Coach Tim Brown sits down with Dr. Donja Thomas—educator, curriculum pioneer, and TEDx speaker of Blackness Is a Superpower—to explore how truth-telling in schools awakens identity, restores dignity, and unlocks possibility for every student.

From her days as a Junior Olympics runner to redesigning English core classes around Black literature, Dr. Donja Thomas shares how discipline, faith, and community shaped a clear and courageous mission: to build brave spaces where students speak freely, think critically, and lead boldly.

The conversation traces the quiet moments that transformed a substitute teaching role into a calling—and the bold decisions that brought African American Voice and African Heritage Literature into the core curriculum. Dr. Thomas explains why Black studies in K–12 education is essential, not optional—because accurate history liberates all learners, strengthens critical consciousness, and helps heal communities.

Along the way, she reflects on the foundations that shaped her leadership: a mother’s bookshelf, a tight-knit neighborhood, and Sundays in the Black church. You’ll also hear the powerful origin story of Diaspora: Truth From the Youth—a student-led platform that grew into an eleven-year tradition and is now expanding citywide. It’s a blueprint for youth leadership, collaboration, and public scholarship that turns classrooms into launchpads.

Dr. Donja Thomas’s north star is both simple and seismic: plant seeds of lifelong learning, affirm that students come from greatness, and trust that faith carries the work far beyond any single lesson or school year.

If you care about education, culture, and building a legacy that lasts, this conversation will challenge and charge you. Subscribe, share with an educator or parent, and leave a review to help more people find the show.

What seed will you plant today?

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Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

Obie Stillwell, Former OSU Buckeye walk-on, Buckeye Fever television co-host and real estate professional serving hundreds of residents in affordable housing. Obie Stillwell has lived enough lives for three people—and in this episode, Coach Tim Brown dives into the through-line behind all of them: faith-driven leadership and relentless perseverance.

From Mansfield roots to Big Ten locker rooms, Obie shares how a walk-on mindset—humble, gritty, and resilient—continues to shape how he leads family, work, and community today. The conversation spans the Breakfast Club he co-founded that regularly brings together more than 700 people across race, industry, and age, the realities of overseeing 248 units for elderly and disabled residents, and the art of running a mission with a business backbone.

Obie pulls back the curtain on why hard coaching is often the truest sign of belief, how to accept critique as investment, and why endurance—quiet, steady, uncompromising endurance—is the hidden currency of sustainable leadership.

Things turn deeply personal when Obie opens up about his son’s multi-year court battle and his own cancer fight—and the faith, scripture, and village of mentors that carried him to the other side.

You’ll leave with actionable lessons and a mandate:

• build rooms where difference strengthens community
• give people chances to fail, learn, and come back stronger
• lead in ways that are measurable and humane
• bridge generations so wisdom and energy align

If you’re building something that lasts—family, business, ministry, or neighborhood—this story will sharpen your mindset and expand your mission.

If this episode fuels you, share it with a leader in your circle, leave a review, and subscribe for more conversations that inspire excellence, service, and purpose.

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Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

What. A. Year.
Coach Tim Brown kicks off this special Be A Baller Podcast episode by reflecting on the unforgettable journey of 2025 — a year overflowing with stories, student leadership, and community impact.

From powerful conversations to life-changing lessons, this season was shaped by YOU — the listeners, partners, and friends who support the mission of helping young people lead with purpose and faith.

And now the momentum continues.

Season 7 launches Tuesday, January 20th.
Get ready for new voices, fresh conversations, and more inspiration to step up and Be. A. Baller.

Stay subscribed, spread the word, and get ready to make 2026 the most impactful year yet!

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