Jim Powell sits down with John Hollins, CEO of Atlanta Metro RBI, and his son Jordan Hollins the Director of Operations, to discuss their impactful baseball mentorship program. They explore the origins, mission, and successes of Atlanta Metro RBI, their commitment to balancing sports excellence with life preparation, and the various challenges and achievements along the way. A key theme is how baseball, as a "game of failure," teaches resilience. Jordan explains that handling setbacks on the field builds mental toughness—a skill essential in life. Highlighting their upcoming event, the Local Black Legends of Baseball, on November 10th, they stress the importance of community support and involvement. This heartfelt conversation underscores the power of baseball as a vehicle for mentorship and youth development.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:38] Special Guests: John and Jordan Hollins
• [01:52] The Mission of Atlanta Metro RBI
• [03:26] Success Stories and Partnerships
• [04:39] Challenges and Future Goals
• [08:35] Jordan Hollins' Coaching Journey
• [12:09] Balancing Baseball and Mentorship
• [13:21] Presidential awards for community service recognition
• [14:41] Why Failure in Baseball is a Great Thing
• [17:21] Developing players through challenging competition
• [20:34] Upcoming Event: Local Black Legends of Baseball
• [26:01] How You Can Help
• [27:44] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Founded in honor of John’s father, the organization aims to mentor Atlanta’s youth through baseball, emphasizing discipline, academics, and community.
• Academic support is as vital as athletic training, with the program achieving an average GPA of 3.5 for senior athletes.
• The Local Black Legends of Baseball event honors trailblazers in the community, reminding young players of the legacy they uphold.
• Both John and Jordan stress that mentoring is more than coaching; it’s a way of life that prepares kids for challenges beyond sports.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John Hollins

John Hollins is the CEO and founder of Atlanta Metro RBI, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring Atlanta’s youth through baseball and life skills development. Inspired by his father’s legacy of service, John created the program to offer structured athletic and academic support to young people, helping over 350 students reach college. Recognized with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, John’s impact extends beyond the field, instilling values of discipline, education, and resilience in every player he mentors.

Jordan Hollins

Jordan Hollins is the Director of Operations, dedicated coach and mentor with Atlanta Metro RBI, where he follows in his father John’s footsteps to inspire young athletes in Atlanta. A former player whose career was cut short by injury, Jordan chose to stay in the game by teaching baseball fundamentals and life lessons to the next generation. His coaching achievements include winning several prestigious tournaments, and he remains committed to helping young athletes navigate both sports and life challenges with the same passion and discipline.

RESOURCE LINKS

Atlanta Metro RBI: https://www.atlmetrorbi.org/

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website:

Host Jim Powell engages in a lively conversation with legendary sportscaster Wayne Larrivee, the iconic voice of the Green Bay Packers. They explore Larrivee's illustrious broadcasting career and dissect key NFL season dynamics: standout player performances, strategic shifts towards running games, and the impact of recent rule changes like dynamic kickoffs. The episode discusses midseason team evaluations, including the Green Bay Packers, NFC East and West standings, and the challenges faced by teams like the Cowboys and 49ers. Additionally, Larrivee credits Kansas City's defensive prowess plus discusses the rise of young rookie quarterbacks such as Bo Nix, Caleb Williams, and Jaden Daniels. Larrivee shares invaluable broadcasting career advice, reflecting on inspirations like Marv Albert. The episode also covers the ongoing debate on transgender athletes in women's sports, exemplifying the show's blend of sports, expertise, and provocative discussions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:41] Interview with Wayne Larrivee, 46-year NFL radio broadcaster
• [03:32] NFL Evolution and Rule Changes
• [08:59] NFC Teams Mid-Season Review
• [16:35] Impact of Super Bowl Losses on Teams
• [17:39] AFC East: Buffalo's Strong Start and Miami's Struggles
• [17:54] Jets' Controversies and Offensive Line Issues
• [19:01] Pittsburgh Steelers Leading the North
• [19:47] Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals Update
• [20:07] Cleveland Browns' Struggles and Deshaun Watson's Contract
• [20:57] AFC South: Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts
• [21:23] Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans
• [22:09] Kansas City Chiefs' Dominance in the West
• [23:22] Chargers and Broncos: Coaching and Quarterback Dynamics
• [25:04] Wayne Larrivee Broadcasting Journey
• [30:49] Get Off My Lawn: Controversy in Women's Sports

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The structure of NFL teams is in constant flux due to free agency and changing regulations, which significantly impact team performances over the regular season.
• Despite the NFL's evolution toward the passing game, teams that reach the Super Bowl can often run the ball and stop the run effectively.
• The experience and college preparation of young quarterbacks like Caleb Williams can predict their success, but the NFL ruins more quarterbacks than it makes.
• Losing a Super Bowl, especially in dramatic fashion, can have lasting psychological impacts on a team, which may affect future performances and raises questions about the 49ers’ ability to rebound from their slow start in ‘24.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Wayne Larrivee is an American sportscaster. Larrivee is currently the radio play-by-play voice of the Green Bay Packers on the Packers Radio Network alongside color commentator Larry McCarren and calls college football and basketball for the Big Ten Network on television.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: http://fansfirstpodcast.com/

Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell and co-host Tyler Flowers, a former Major League catcher, break down the complexities and excitement of the MLB playoff season. They honor Pete Rose's legacy and debate his Hall of Fame eligibility. Tyler shares insights on playoff matchups, including Cleveland's potential and top teams like the Dodgers and Braves. He also reflects on the changing culture of baseball and the role of fantasy football among MLB players. Packed with expert analysis and playoff insights, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the game.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:55] Jim and Tyler's tribute to Pete Rose after his passing at age 83.
• [02:26] Debate on Pete Rose’s eligibility for the Hall of Fame.
• [04:32] Breakdown of MLB playoff matchups and controversial moments.
• [09:52] Tyler Flowers on the changing respect for the game among current players.
• [11:12] Tyler identifies Cleveland as an underrated team in the playoffs.
• [14:58] Discussion on the key factors for playoff success: hot pitchers, batters, and relievers.
• [16:55] Impact of adrenaline and the unique energy of postseason baseball.
• [21:15] Tyler’s prediction on the Braves' chances and X-factors for their playoff success.
• [22:26] Flip the Switch- Fantasy Football in the culture of major league baseball players.
• [26:24] Final thoughts on MLB playoff excitement and the role of fantasy football in players' lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The question of whether Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame continues to stir debate, especially given the current integration of gambling into major sports.
• Tyler emphasizes the importance of two hot starters, three relievers, and three batters for any team to make a significant playoff run.
• Tyler believes Cleveland is the most overlooked team in the playoff picture, citing their team chemistry and leadership.
• Tyler reflects on the electrifying atmosphere of playoff baseball and how adrenaline pushes players to perform their best, overcoming the fatigue of a long season.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Cole Tyler Flowers (born January 24, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. Flowers was drafted by the Braves in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox from 2009, when he made his MLB debut, to 2015 and for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: http://fansfirstpodcast.com/

Tyler Flowers Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tflowers25/?hl=en