Whe're They At podcast wheretheyat

The 44th edition of Whe're They At features 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist, 5-time Olympian and National Track and Field Hall of Famer, Gail Devers. Gail started running at age 15 at Sweetwater High School in San Diego (CA), as their stadium is now named after her. She went on to star as a sprinter at UCLA. After being diagnosed with Graves Disease, Gail persevered to become the most decorated American female track and field athlete of the 1990's. She is the last American woman to win the Olympic Gold Medal in the 100 meters (1992 and 1996) and she won her 3rd Olympic Gold medal in the 4x100 relay in 1996. She has competed in FIVE (5) Olympic Games (1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004) and was an 8-time medalist in the World Championships (spanning eight years). Gail was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2011. She also released an inspirational book entitled, 'Gail Devers My Life In Story: Stronger' in 2014. Now, she is coaching athletes and is spokeswoman for a couple of companies. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Gail on a plethora of topics including: 
02:40-Where is Gail Devers at now? What is she up to?                                
08:10-If she was competing now, how would she have dealt with the year postponement of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo?                          
12:28-Her thoughts on Simone Biles deciding not to fully compete in the Olympics Games in Tokyo.                         
 
18:32-Gail reflects on her physical and mental health obstacles early in her track and field career, battling Graves Disease.                 
 
25:33-She's confident that American sprinters will excel vs. Jamaican sprinters sooner than later.                      
 
26:33-On how her parents instilled a foundation for faith and excellence.                  
 
28:57-Her brother's influence on her athletic pursuits.                   
 
30:22-When did she realize that she wanted to pursue track and field?                 
 
32:03-Reflects on UCLA experiences under the tutelage of legendary coach Bob Kersee as well as being teammates with the iconic Jackie Joyner-Kersee.                       
 
35:26-On recently running a half-marathon.                        
 
37:04-The significance of winning the Silver medal in the 100 meter hurdles at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, coming back from Graves Disease.                      
 
38:56-Her perspective on not winning the 100 meter hurdles in the 1992 Summer Games (Barcelona, Spain) after leading most of the race.
 
44:15-The memories of winning two Gold medals at the 1996 Summer Games on U.S. soil in Atlanta, Georgia.                    
 
47:19-On how she was able to compete in FIVE Olympic Games, spanning 16 years.                    
 
51:31-Gail's thoughts on Sha'carri Richardson's suspension and her future.                   
 
55:02-Impressed by Allyson Felix's performance in her FIFTH Olympic Games.                  
 
56:48-Track and Field performances that stood out to her during the Tokyo Games.                   
 
1:00:25-SPRINT DASH segment of random questions for Gail.                           
1:10:40-Does she think that Tiffany Haddish will excel in her upcoming role as the late, great sprinter Florence Griffith-Joyner?                      
Follow Whe're They At on www.twitter.com/whe_retheyat, www.instagram.com/whe.retheyat  and www.facebook.com/whe.retheyatpodcast/           


    
Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/

 

The 43rd edition of Whe're They At features Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the National Basketball Association and 2-time NBA All-Star, Kiki VanDeWeghe. He was a second generation NBA player as his father, Ernie had a 6-year career. Kiki starred within the rich tradition of UCLA Basketball as he led the Bruins to the 1980 NCAA Title game. He became a 2-time NBA All-Star, while being one of the most potent offensive players of the 1980's. He played 13 seasons in the league, 12 of those seasons, he was major contributor to playoff teams. Kiki proceeded to lead the front offices of the Denver Nuggets and New Jersey Nets. His vast career led him to where he's at now, overseeing the basketball operations for the National Basketball Association. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Kiki on a multitude of topics including:                 
02:36-On building a foundation for excellence.                         

05:37-Do the current NBA players know how good of a player he was?                      
 
06:42-Remembers his fellow UCLA alum and NBA All-Star, the late Mark Eaton.                          
12:51-Discusses NBA arenas starting the process of occupying all of their seats.                   
14:54-On the continuous growth of the NBA, led by the next generation of superstars.                         
17:48-On how the return of fans have inspired the players and their play.                        
 
19:07-How will the NBA look to help protect the players from unruly fans?                       
 
21:51-Will the NBA release their 75 All-Time Players List to commemorate the imminent 75th Anniversary of the league?                      
 
24:16-On his experiences being the son to two parents in the public eye, former NBA player Ernie VanDeWedge and 1952 Miss America Connie Kay Hutchins.                        
 
30:01-Reflects on the early greatness and leadership of Hall of Fame coach Larry Brown while making the NCAA Championship Game in 1980 with UCLA.                    
 
32:41-Did he see the revolutionary, fast-paced offense of his Denver Nuggets in the 1980's influence the league four decades later?                    
 
34:40-On how he was able to excel as part of that offense?                      
 
37:50-On his step back jumper and the players using it in their arsenal today.                    
 
39:27-What factors have made the game evolve at a rapid rate?                       
 
43:16-On the plethora of All-Time Great forwards during his playing days in the 1980's.                        
46:27-Discusses the impeccable leadership of current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.                        
48:41-On how former NBA Commissioner David Stern, Adam Silver and Rod Thorn mentored him as he eventually became Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations for the NBA.                       
 
53:35-Does he foresee a majority of the top high school prospects forgoing college to enter the NBA's developmental G-League within the next decade?                      
 
56:47-Will the Play-in Round continue for seasons to come?                        
 
59:16-Which team does he see emerging as the next dominating team after the Golden State Warriors of the late-2010's?                          
 

Follow Whe're They At on www.twitter.com/whe_retheyat, www.instagram.com/whe.retheyat  and www.facebook.com/whe.retheyatpodcast/           
    
Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/


 

The 42nd edition (Part 2 of 2) of Whe're They At features Oscar-winning film director and producer, Taylor Hackford. He is one of the prolific filmmakers over the past four decades. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, he started his career as a journalist and documentarian. Taylor won an Academy Award in 1978 for Best Live Action Short for his film, 'Teenage Father'. He proceeded to direct a myriad of memorable films like 'An Officer and a Gentleman', 'Against All Odds', 'Everybody's All-American', 'Dolores Claiborne', 'The Devil's Advocate', as well as the biopic about the musical and business genius Ray Charles called 'Ray', in which Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Also, he spearheaded documentaries on the legendary musician Chuck Berry ('Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll') & iconic boxer and activist Muhammad Ali ('When We Were Kings'). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Taylor on a more engaging topics including: 
01:26-Reflects on his collaboration with Jamie Foxx in making the biopic about the iconic Ray Charles, 'Ray' a memorable film.                             
 
10:27-On the emotional theme expressed through his film about a retired football player called 'Everybody's All-American'.                 
 
14:14-Names the documentary that has really appealed to him recently.                        
 
17:36-Remembers the powerful legacy of columnist, author and friend, Jack Newfield.                  
 
19:09-On the tragic life of the exciting prizefighter, Bobby Chacon.                      
 
24:30-Reflects on attending the conversational Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon fight and meeting with promoter Don King about participating in his film, 'The Devil's Advocate'.                      
 
28:53-Discusses the memorable boxing viewing parties, hosted by Jack Newfield.                    
 
32:46-On working with his wife, Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren and dealing with production obstacles with the film, 'Love Ranch'.                    
 
39:49-FAST MOTION segment of random questions for Taylor. 
 
54:44-Which projects does he have on the horizon?                    
 

Follow Whe're They At on www.twitter.com/whe_retheyat, www.instagram.com/whe.retheyat  and www.facebook.com/whe.retheyatpodcast/           
    
Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/

The 42nd edition (Part 1 of 2) of Whe're They At features Oscar-winning film director and producer, Taylor Hackford. He is one of the prolific filmmakers over the past four decades. Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, he started his career as a journalist and documentarian. Taylor won an Academy Award in 1978 for Best Live Action Short for his film, 'Teenage Father'. He proceeded to direct a myriad of memorable films like 'An Officer and a Gentleman', 'Against All Odds', 'Everybody's All-American', 'Dolores Claiborne', 'The Devil's Advocate', as well as the biopic about the musical and business genius Ray Charles called 'Ray', in which Taylor received an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Also, he spearheaded documentaries on the legendary musician Chuck Berry ('Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll') & iconic boxer and activist Muhammad Ali ('When We Were Kings'). Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Taylor on a plethora of topics including: 
 
03:09-How did he and his wife, Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren deal with the pandemic personally and professionally?                   
 
05:53-What has the film industry learned from the pandemic? How can they move forward?                       
 
11:19-On the Academy Award nominated films in 2020 that appealed to him.                     
 
15:20-Provides his candid take on the Academy Awards changing the order of the award announcement, making the Best Actor category last.                 
 
21:02-Growing up in Santa Barbara (California) and being involved in many activities within sports and the arts.                      
 
23:30-The film that influenced him to be a filmmaker.                      
 
25:12-The public figures who influenced him as a filmmaker.                    
 
28:25-Reflects on how the Oscar-winning documentary about Muhammad Ali, 'When We Were Kings' was the film that he spearheaded.                    
 
38:15-On how being a documentarian helped cultivate his style as a filmmaker for narrative films.                    
 
42:39-His method in being able to gain the trust from elite actors like Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and Jamie Foxx.                    
 
47:16-The obstacles he experienced, especially from the studio executives while directing 'An Officer and A Gentleman' and 'The Devil's Advocate'.                  
 
54:26-Reflects on directing lead female actresses, Kathy Bates and Jennifer Jason Leigh) in the riveting and underrated film, 'Dolores Claiborne'.                
 
58:56-On music inspiring his film directing.                  
 

Follow Whe're They At on www.twitter.com/whe_retheyat, www.instagram.com/whe.retheyat  and www.facebook.com/whe.retheyatpodcast/           
    
Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com as well as https://nsiuniversal.bandcamp.com/

The 41st edition of Whe're They At features Pro Football Hall of Famer, Marshall Faulk. Born and raised in New Orleans (LA), he had a distinguished high school career in football and track. Marshall starred at San Diego State University as a 3-time All-American Running Back. He was the #2 overall pick in the 1994 National Football League (NFL) Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, winning the Offensive Rookie of the Year and becoming a star in the NFL. After 5 seasons with the Colts, he joined the St. Louis Rams and was one of the lead performers on 'The Greatest Show on Turf', winning Super Bowl (XXXIV) as well as the 2000 NFL Most Valuable Player and 3 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Awards. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Currently, he is 5th in NFL History in career yards per scrimmage and 12th in rushing yards. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017. Now, Marshall is now a major part of Virtuity Financial Partners, helping many people with financial planning and literacy. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Marshall on a cornucopia of topics including:
02:35-Discusses his impactful work with Virtuity.                     
 
07:06-Reflects on his mentor as a youngster, Coach Wayne Reese, Sr.                         
 
08:34-On his experiences growing up in the cultural city of New Orleans, Louisiana.                          
10:04-The inspiration and work ethic that his parents and older brothers instilled in him.                     
 
12:29-On how he gained a passion for football and the running back position.                                  
16:26-The reason for going to San Diego State University.                         
 
18:36-On how he took advantage of his opportunity to start as a freshman at SDSU.                      
20:37-Shooting up the draft board to eventually become the #2 overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft.                         
 
21:43-Reflects on another SDSU legend: the late Baseball Hall of Famer, Tony Gwynn.               
22:28-Discusses other esteemed SDSU alumni, Stephen Strasburg and Kawhi Leonard.                  
25:50-On his first game back in the Superdome (New Orleans), where he sold popcorn while he was in high school.                      
 
28:00-On the mentorship of Running Backs coach Gene Huey during Marshall's early years with the Indianapolis Colts.                   
 
29:08-The disappointment of missing the AFC Championship Game in 1995 (due to injury) and what it made him realize.                        
 
30:31-Is he surprised with his former Colts teammate, Jim Harbaugh becoming a polarizing coaching figure?                     
 
31:07-On him and fellow Pro Football Hall of Famer as well as New Orleans native, Peyton Manning playing only one season together.                     
 
32:24-Reflects on another Hall of Famer from that elite Colts offense, Marvin Harrison.                     
33:13-His initial impression on his St. Louis Rams teammate and fellow Hall of Famer, Kurt Warner and did expect his astronomical rise into an NFL star?                    
 
35:47-On the genius of Rams' Offensive Coordinator and eventual head coach, Mike Martz.                   
 
37:55-His thoughts on why running backs are not valued anymore in today's game.                       
40:19-On the generational differences in approach to competition and aspiring to be great.                  
 
41:31-Marshall names current NFL running backs that impress him.                    
 
44:18-On how he dealt with retirement after 12 excellent years in the NFL.                             
46:13-His take on future Hall of Famer Tom Brady when he led the Patri

The 40th edition of Whe're They At features Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and pioneer, Spencer Haywood. He was born and raised in poverty in Silver City, Mississippi and moved to Detroit, Michigan during his teenage years to become a star prep player. He won the Olympic gold medal in 1968 as part of the USA Men's Basketball team, while breaking US individual records in Points, Rebounds and Blocks. He became an All-American starring at the University of Detroit and dominating the American Basketball Association (ABA) becoming the Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in 1970. He won a landmark Supreme Court case in 1971, allowing him to play in the National Basketball Association (NBA) without having to wait four years after high school. The 'Spencer Haywood Rule' has helped many young basketball prospects pursue early entry into the NBA. He was a 4-time NBA All-Star, 4-time All-NBA team member and NBA champion (w/1979-80 Los Angeles Lakers). Spencer was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015. Now, he has done remarkable work through his Spencer Haywood Foundation and with the National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA). A Jazz music aficionado, he is an on-air host on SiriusXM Real Jazz. Here is his website: https://spencerhaywoodrule.com/. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Spencer on a myriad of topics including:                 
03:19-Discusses contracting Covid-19 recently.                      
 
05:44-On the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) helping the National Basketball Retired Players Association obtain elite health insurance (NBRPA).                        
 
08:05-Reflects on how therapy transformed his life.                 
 
09:19-Reminisces on growing up picking cotton in Silver City, Mississippi.                      
 
13:02-On how he was able to gain his basketball skillset through picking cotton.               
 
18:27-Tells a funny story of an experience involving fellow future NBA player, Sam Lacey during high school.                
 
20:47-On why he needed to leave the racist environment of Silver City, moving up north to Detroit, Michigan.                  
 
24:43-Excelling at basketball in Detroit while acquiring a love for Jazz music.                
 
27:55-Spencer almost became the first Black player in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).                   
30:20-On receiving the opportunity to participate in the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and being around the historic boycotts surrounding the games.                    
 
37:45-Reflects on the iconic protest by Dr. John Carlos (guest on Episode #33 of Whe're They At) and Dr. Tommie Smith on the medal stand.                    
 
39:37-Remembers George Foreman's (guest on Episode #8 of Whe're They At) memorable accomplishment winning the Gold medal.                      
 
41:20-On him setting individual records and winning the Gold Medal with USA Basketball.                                     
45:28-His career flourished becoming an All-American representing the University of Detroit and dominating the American Basketball Association (ABA) in his rookie year AT AGE 20.                    
48:06-On experiencing a rude awakening with his ABA team, Denver Rockets.                  
 
49:33-Reflects on his landmark Supreme Court case to join the NBA as an upperclassmen, not having to wait four years after high school.                   
 
56:35-On why it is important for the NBA and NBPA to change the early entry ruling to the 'Spencer Haywood Rule'.                 
 
58:30-Which current players have acknowledged him for his historic Supreme Court victory?                 
1:02:53-Reflects on how his representation ruined an opportunity for him to have a