The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams

05/22/2025

How far can belief take you—even when the plan was never the spotlight?

I interviewed Brevin Knight on the latest episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams—and it’s a masterclass in mindset, leadership, and trusting your own path.

Brevin Knight didn’t grow up chasing NBA dreams.

A Jersey kid who wanted a great education—and a shot to keep playing the game he loved.

Nobody handed him a spotlight.

But he kept showing up—head down, fire lit—with something to prove to the only person that mattered: himself.

That relentless self-belief? It changed everything.

That quiet confidence took him from under-recruited to Stanford graduate… and all the way to the 1st round of the 1997 NBA Draft and a 12-year NBA career.

Now, as the color analyst of the Memphis Grizzlies and host of the Knight Court podcast, he’s telling a different kind of story.

Episode Highlights:

✅ Why he never dreamed of the NBA—and what he was really after
✅ How Stanford found him totally by chance
✅ The mindset that carried him through doubt, critics, and the grind
✅ His take on leadership—on and off the court
✅ What keeps him grounded and still evolving after the game
✅ And why he now calls Memphis home

🎧 Listen in here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/episodes/17206036

📺 Tune in here: https://youtu.be/VYWRBQ6xUtg?si=ayNneDh5HpOOMDpi

Remember to subscribe!
Host: Sandy Adams Creative Group
Show website: 5thqrtpodcast.com

05/07/2025

You’ve heard his voice echo through the Liberty Bowl and FedExForum… but now you’ll hear his story.

This week on The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with Geoff Mack, the public address announcer for Memphis Tigers Football & Men’s Basketball.

We talk legacy, family, and what it was like hearing his own kids on the mic for the first time.

Inside the episode:
• Why he followed his older brother’s lead
• What he dreamed of as a kid
• How he got to Memphis
• Will there be a next generation of announcers
• The one name that tripped him up on the mic
• What the mic means to him now

If you love sports, family stories, or just a killer game day voice — this one’s for you.

🎧 Listen: https://the5thquarterpodcastwithsandyadams.buzzsprout.com
📺 Watch: https://www.youtube.com//videos

�📲 Screenshot your favorite episode and tag us on Instagram stories (at)5thqrtpodcast

04/19/2025

On this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline, I sat down with Jeff Brightwell—a veteran broadcaster, University of Memphis grad, and voice behind nearly 30 years of college and pro sports across Memphis Tigers, ESPN, CBS Sports Network, and more.

But this conversation went way beyond sports.

We dive deep into:
✔️ What it takes to build a lasting career in media
✔️ How the industry has shifted—and how he’s adapted
✔️ Jeff’s personal health journey and discovering CrossFit
✔️ How he preps for his broadcasts
✔️ The mindset that helps him stay ready for what’s next

Jeff's story is full of career lessons—about preparation, longevity, reinvention, and how sometimes new opportunities come from unexpected places.

🎧 Tune in here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2385568/episodes
📺 Watch full episode https://youtu.be/EA7augJ27z0


Host: Sandy Adams Creative Group

04/02/2025

How do you turn experience into impact?

Leadership isn’t just about climbing the ladder—it’s about lifting others along the way.

In my latest episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams, I sit down with Nate Brown to talk about his journey from student-athlete at University of Louisiana Monroe to football coach to athletic administrator at Memphis Tigers

His journey is a masterclass in resilience, growth, pivoting with purpose and empowering the next generation of leaders.

Key Takeaways from Our Conversation:

✅ From Player to Leader – How his time as a student-athlete shaped his leadership style.
✅ Lessons from the Sidelines – The hardest transition from playing to coaching.
✅ Empowering Others – How he helps young athletes develop leadership skills.
✅ Building a Career Beyond Sports – Navigating career shifts and embracing new roles.
✅ The Power of Relationships – Why success is built on trust, not just talent.
✅ Being a "connector" – No matter the role he’s in, Nate sees himself as someone who builds bridges, connects people, and creates opportunities for collaboration and growth.
✅ And, of course… Food! – Nate’s love for good eats, the transition from North Texas flavors to Louisiana cuisine, and his ever-growing list of must-visit food spots across the country.

This conversation is a great reminder that leadership—and life—is all about connection, adaptation, and staying hungry for growth (in more ways than one!).

🎧 Tune in now: https://youtu.be/q2wt7RLrUyA

Nate... Appreciate you sharing your story and insights!

03/19/2025

What happens when you hit a major milestone… and suddenly, the next step isn’t clear?

For Grace Cave that moment came after a record-breaking college basketball career. Now, she’s stepping into a new chapter—one that requires just as much resilience, adaptability, and leadership as the game itself.

Every career—whether in sports, business, or life—starts with a single step.

For Grace, that first step was picking up a basketball in Weeping Water, Nebraska. From there, she put in the work, faced the challenges, and became a standout D1 athlete at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Omaha Women's Basketball

But success isn’t just about talent. It’s about perseverance, mindset, and learning to lead—especially when the path isn’t clear.

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Grace shares:
✔️The moment she knew basketball was her path
✔️ How she navigated setbacks, doubt, and the pressure of D1 sports
✔️ What breaking records taught her about leadership and resilience
✔️ What’s next—and how she’s preparing for life beyond the game

Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles…

It’s about showing up, doing the work, and believing in yourself, even before others do.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about career journeys, stepping up, and embracing the unknown.

🎙️Guest: Grace Cave
🎙️Host: Sandy Adams Creative Group

📺 Watch: https://bit.ly/4ikFSoq

🎧 Listen: https://bit.ly/4faXcen

Learn more: 5thquarterpodcast.com
Want to be a guest? DM Sandy

02/24/2025

What does it take to turn adversity into impact? To shift from being an athlete to a leader, guiding the next generation?

On the latest episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sat down with Gwendolyn Sanders Woods the new CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis

From her days as a track & field athlete at the University of Memphis to becoming the first female CEO of BGCM, Gwendolyn’s journey is one of resilience, purpose, and passion.

Key takeaways from our conversation:

✅ The power of mentorship in shaping young lives
✅ Navigating career transitions with confidence
✅ Leadership lessons from sports to the boardroom
✅ Her bold vision for empowering Memphis youth

Gwendolyn’s story is a testament to what’s possible when perseverance meets opportunity.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone striving to make an impact.

🎧 Tune in https://bit.ly/4faXcen
📺 Watch https://lnkd.in/eWs3tfUD

Learn how you can get involved here in Memphis at bgcm.org

01/22/2025

What if the twists and turns in your journey are exactly what you need to reach your dream?

In the latest episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Branch, a coach whose career journey was anything but conventional. Brandon’s story proves that success isn’t about following the traditional route—it’s about creating your own path and owning it.

Highlights:
➡️ How starting out unconventionally shaped his work philosophy
➡️ The lessons he learned transitioning from player to mentor
➡️ The impact of building programs that empower young athletes both on and off the court
➡️ The mindset that helped him turn challenges into opportunities.

Brandon’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and the impact of mentorship.

🎧 Curious how he turned challenges into opportunities and built a career making a difference?

Tune in to the full episode here: https://bit.ly/4faXcen

01/08/2025

In this episode, I sit down with sports executive and agent Travis King to explore how faith, hard work, and a little Memphis grit can turn dreams into reality.

Travis shares his inspiring journey from his Memphis roots to success in the sports industry, offering powerful lessons on mindset, perseverance, and the importance of authentic relationships.

His insights remind us that true success is about more than just titles—it's about staying grounded, building genuine connections, and pushing through challenges with integrity.

Key Highlights:
➡️Faith as a Foundation – How staying grounded shaped his career decisions
➡️The Power of Relationships – Why building authentic connections is key
➡️Mindset Shifts – Overcoming self-doubt and focusing on long-term goals
➡️Resilience in Action – Real stories of pushing through challenges with grit
➡️Success Beyond the Spotlight – Balancing career growth with personal values.

If you're working toward big goals and need a reminder to stay focused and inspired, this episode is for you.

🎧 Tune in to catch full episode https://bit.ly/4faXcen

12/25/2024

What does it take to pioneer something entirely new while staying true to your values?

In this special holiday edition of the 5th Quarter Podcast, I had the honor of speaking with Head Coach Regina Smith, the groundbreaking leader of Morgan State University's Acrobatics and Tumbling program—the first HBCU Division I team in the sport.

As we reflect on gratitude and purpose this season, Regina’s story of faith, resilience, and leadership is the perfect reminder of how staying grounded in your values can lead to incredible achievements.

From stepping away from college cheerleading to building a legacy as a coach, she shares how her journey has been guided by her beliefs and a commitment to uplifting others.

💡 What you’ll take away from this inspiring conversation:

➡️ How faith provides clarity and direction during life’s biggest transitions.
➡️ The power of building something from scratch that inspires future generations.
➡️ Why mentorship and leadership are critical in creating a lasting impact.
➡️ How to navigate challenges when pioneering in uncharted territory.

Take a moment this holiday season to be inspired by a story of purpose, perseverance, and faith. This episode is one you don’t want to miss!

💬 What values have guided you through life’s transitions? Let’s share in the comments!

🔗 Tune in to hear the full episode https://bit.ly/4faXcen

12/11/2024

Ever wondered how to turn the end of one career into the start of something even bigger?

This week on The 5th Quarter Podcast, I’m joined by Jason Staub, a former college pitcher turned assistant baseball coach, to talk about resilience, purpose, and leading through transitions.

▶️ Key Highlights:

→ Overcoming a torn labrum and redefining his passion for the game.
→ Helping lead Pomona-Pitzer to its most successful season ever in 2024, including their first College World Series appearance.
→ Combining his strength and conditioning expertise with coaching to mentor athletes on and off the field.
→ Navigating the challenging transition from athlete to coach and finding purpose beyond the game.

Jason’s story is all about finding new ways to make an impact.

Whether you’re an athlete or just navigating your own career pivot, this episode is packed with inspiration.

🎧 Tune in now https://bit.ly/3VzAm7I

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, we explore the inspiring journey of Jason Staub, former Eastern Connecticut State University pitcher and the curr...

11/27/2024

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, host Sandy Adams sits down with former MLB pitcher Drew Hayes to explore his inspiring journey from small-town Tennessee to life in professional baseball and beyond.

Drew shares insights into the MLB draft process, the mental toughness required for life in the minors, and the pressure of pitching on the biggest stage.

He reflects on navigating setbacks, learning to move past performance highs and lows, and realizing his worth beyond the game.

From winning a state championship to playing on the biggest stage in baseball, Drew’s story highlights the grit, adaptability, and resilience it takes to succeed in sports and life.

Key Highlights:
* MLB Draft Experience: What it’s like to be drafted three times, why Drew didn’t sign initially, and how perseverance led him to the Cincinnati Reds.
* Life in Minor League Baseball: The challenges of grueling schedules, managing performance pressure, and staying motivated during six years in the minors.
* Transition to the MLB: Drew’s emotional and mental preparation for the big leagues and the lessons he learned during his time with the Reds.
* Post-Baseball Life: How Drew rebuilt his identity after retiring from professional sports, finding purpose in coaching, and overcoming the struggles of transitioning to life beyond the field.
* Resilience and Self-Worth: Moving past performance highs and lows and realizing your value isn’t tied to outcomes, a lesson that applies far beyond sports.

This episode is filled with actionable insights on mental toughness, overcoming setbacks, and redefining success, making it a must-listen for sports fans and anyone facing life transitions.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will motivate you to embrace resilience, adapt to challenges, and find purpose beyond the game!

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, former MLB pitcher, Drew Hayes, takes us through his incredible journey from small-town Tennessee to the big leag...

11/22/2024

Next up Nov 27 on The 5th Quarter Podcast is Drew Hayes, former MLB pitcher, sharing his journey from the pitcher's mound to life beyond baseball.

Get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, transitions, and finding new passions.

🗓️ Episode drops: Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12 PM CT
📲 Subscribe now: https://bit.ly/3CyUBfd

You don’t want to miss this one!