Former NBA center Michael Ruffin stops by the Sports Will Save Us All studio to chat with host Sasha Graham about the weird life of a pro athlete, and what happens after the buzzer sounds—navigating early retirement, finding new purpose, and staying mentally strong in the face of big transitions. They discuss the evolving nature of sports fandom and the importance of mental resilience in and out of sports.

Ruffin shares insights from his journey as a player, parent, coach, and now as the basketball program director at Scottsdale's brand new basketball facility, Swysh Den, emphasizing the significance of fostering community through basketball and building a love for the game among youth. The conversation also touches on the revival of pickup games, the role of coaches in youth development, and the joy of competition.

Sports Fam, you can find Swysh Den online at www.SwyshDen.com, and on IG @SwyshDenBasketball.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Scottsdale, Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall

Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

This week on Sports Will Save Us All, host Sasha Graham dives into the wild, rebellious world of women’s sports—on and off the screen. Sparked by her love for the 2009 roller derby cult classic Whip It, Sasha explores what it truly means to find your identity through sport, especially as a woman navigating grit, growth, and expectations.

Joining her in the studio is the remarkable Dr. Devoney Looser—Regents Professor of English at Arizona State University, Jane Austen expert, and yes... roller derby powerhouse known as Stone Cold Jane Austen. Together, they unpack the empowering intersections of sports, literature, feminism, and community. From Devoney’s unexpected journey into roller derby, and the enduring power of Austen, this episode is a vibrant ride through the ways sports can shape who we are.

Find Devoney’s latest book Wild for Austen: A Rebellious, Subversive, and Untamed Jane wherever books are sold. Follow her at www.devoneylooser.com, and check out the ASU Derby Devils on Instagram @derbydevilsasu.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall

Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

In this solo episode of Sports Will Save Us All, host Sasha Graham takes a moment to reflect on a whirlwind summer and the ever-evolving journey of podcasting. From celebrating recognition by the Women Who Podcast Awards to sharing personal lessons on vulnerability and growth, Sasha opens up about what’s been happening behind the mic.

She dives into surprising research about cold plunges (are they actually holding back your gains?), shares a story about a moment of pure "sporty joy," and yes—she even weighs in on the mystery surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ wife.

With thoughtful insights, a few laughs, and a whole lot of heart, this episode is a reminder of the joy that connection through sports can bring. Sasha also invites listeners to join the conversation—because your voice matters here.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall

Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

What do you get when you combine a lifelong love of sports, razor-sharp analytics, and a deep appreciation for human connection? This week’s guest, Kirk McCarley! With over 30 years at ESPN, Kirk has witnessed the evolution of sports statistics from raw data to real-time storytelling. In this energizing conversation, Kirk shares his journey from behind-the-scenes stat supplier to a key interpreter of the game, offering a fascinating look at how sports broadcasting has changed—and where it’s headed.

From the impact of rule changes and the power of networking to balancing analytical rigor with emotional intelligence, Kirk dives deep into what it really takes to thrive in the high-stakes world of sports media. Plus, he drops some seriously wise (and wonderfully unexpected) advice on creativity, productivity, and the simple power of movement.

If you've ever wondered how numbers can bring sports to life, this episode is for you.

Sports Fam, you can find Kirk online at TheSeedSowerCoach.com and his book, "Thoughts for My Kids...and Other People's Kids” is available in ebook and paperback in all the typical places, including our own personal favorite, Bookshop.org

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or Via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall

Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

In 2023, elite cyclist Jeff Seckendorf came on the show to share his quest to break the national velodrome hour record in the 70-74 age group. His goal was set, his training dialed, his eye was on the prize. But as so often happens in sports, and in life, deep into training he came to a staggering realization that lead to a massive pivot that you have to hear to believe.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jeff’s original goal, listen to his first visit to the show in an episode that was re-released on August 10, 2025.

Jeff completed his ride in support of Parkinson’s Association of San Diego. If you would like to learn more or make a donation in his honor, visit Parkinson's Association of San Diego.

You can find Jeff online at jeffreyseckendorf.com and Coach Me Strong

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

Today's episode originally dropped in December of 2023 and we are releasing it again now for a very exciting reason. When Jeff Seckendorf and Sasha orignally spoke, he was training for an attempt at breaking the national velodrome hour record in the 70-74 age group. At the time, Jeff promised to come back after his attempt to share how it went, and he did! We will release our follow-up episode with Jeff tomorrow, but wanted to give you the chance to revisit the original episode before Jeff's triumphant return to the show tomorrow. Enjoy!

Jeff Seckendorf doesn’t seem to have met a lot of sports where he didn’t excel. His experiences range from land (ice climbing) to sea (scuba diving) to air (aerobatic flying) and have culminated in his current passion, the velodrome, where he rides his fixed gear, brake-less bike really, really fast. Jeff currently holds the hour record at the San Diego Velodrome and is now training for an attempt at breaking the national hour record in the 70-74 age group in 2025. In this episode he explains the appeal of this brutal race, how he stays motivated day in and day out, and how to find the fun in the every day.

If you’re interested in learning more about Jeff you can find him online at jeffreyseckendorf.com and his Institute of Purpose is at InstituteOfPurpose.org.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

In this week’s episode of Sports Will Save Us All, host Sasha Graham sits down with legendary strength coach Clance Laylor — the man behind elite athletes like hockey phenom P.K. Subban and national weightlifting champ Maya Laylor. But this isn’t just about PRs and podiums. It’s about resilience, routine, and raising the bar — in sport and in life.

Coach Clance opens up about his journey from Olympic hopeful to world-class coach after a career-ending injury changed everything. He shares hard-earned wisdom from over 30 years in the trenches: why young athletes are falling behind in basic preparation, how to navigate the noise of online training advice, and the non-negotiable habits that build greatness.

Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or just someone trying to understand what real mentorship looks like, this conversation is a masterclass in discipline, purpose, and human potential.

Sports Fam, you can find Coach Clance at lpsathletic.com and on Instagram

@lpsathletic and his book, DOMINATE: They Can't Ignore You - Remapping The Athletes’ Body to Develop Elite Level Strength, Speed, Power, and Durability wherever you buy books.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com

A decade after Thomas Brown, author of 2012: A Bicycle Odyssey, lost his older brother, Marc, to suicide, he set out on a 7,000-mile bicycle odyssey across the United States—a six-month journey of healing, reflection, and purpose. In this deeply personal episode, host Sasha Graham talks with Thomas about what drove him to take on such an ambitious quest, how the ride reshaped his understanding of grief, and how sports—especially endurance sports—can help us process trauma and connect more deeply with ourselves and others.

Sports Fam, you can find 2012: A Bicycle Odyssey wherever you buy books, and if you visit Thomas’s website, RisePhoenix.org you will find all sorts of cool things like photos of the tour, along with a link to purchase. You can also see gorgeous current photos that Thomas has taken on his on instagram account @Tao_Of_Rant.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 for free and confidential support, 24/7.

ABOUT

Sports Will Save Us All is the wildly popular human interest Sports Podcast based in Arizona and hosted by Sasha Graham. Welcome to the Sports Fam.

To be a guest: Contact us on Podmatch or via email at SportsWillSaveUsAll@gmail.com

Instagram: @sportswillsaveusall Website: www.SportsWillSaveUsAll.com