Marc's daughter had to tell him he was interviewing a major TV star.

Sometimes the best interviews happen when you least expect them. Marc thought he was sitting down with a regular basketball fan, until his daughter pointed out he was about to interview Dr. Richard Webber himself, James Pickens Jr., star of Grey's Anatomy for an incredible 22 seasons.

Pickens shares the legendary casting story behind Grey's Anatomy, including the executive producer's famous question: "What are you doing for the next 5 years?" — which turned into over two decades and nearly 500 episodes. As one of only two remaining original cast members from the show's initial nine, Pickens offers rare insight into what makes a television phenomenon work.

Key topics: Grey's Anatomy casting story, Hollywood longevity, Cleveland Cavaliers loyalty, surviving 22 seasons on television, basketball fandom in Lakers territory

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You've seen Obba Babatunde on screen, but wait until you hear about his other life as a horse whisperer and professional rodeo competitor.

The acclaimed actor and entertainer reveals his fascinating dual career with the all-Black Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, sharing wisdom that applies far beyond the arena. From explaining how Bill Pickett invented "bulldogging" by literally biting steers, to his core philosophy that "investment of time and consistency of behavior earns trust," Babatunde delivers insights about communication, respect, and building relationships.

Key topics covered: • The hidden history of Black cowboys in America • Predator vs. prey psychology in horse behavior • Why most horse problems are actually human problems • Japanese business communication philosophy • The art of earning trust through consistency

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.

Glynn Turman has stories that will blow your mind — like attending Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's UCLA acceptance party in 1965 when it was so packed they ended up celebrating in the hallway of a Harlem project.

At 79, this legendary actor just got his Hollywood Walk of Fame star and describes LeBron James like poetry, calling him "built like a centaur but graceful as a gazelle." Glynn shares incredible stories from his New York roots, his 66-year entertainment career from Broadway's "A Raisin in the Sun" to Disney's current hit "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," and his evolving friendship with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Key topics covered: • Kareem's 1965 UCLA acceptance party in Harlem • Growing up playing street games in Greenwich Village • 66-year entertainment career highlights • Current friendship with Kareem over shared interests in Black history and jazz • Lakers fandom and favorite players across eras • Current starring role in Disney's "Percy Jackson"

Thanks for listening to Courtside.
If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review — it helps more fans find the show.

New episodes drop weekly, bringing you conversations from inside the NBA and the people who live the game every day.