The Jimmy Rex Show

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with one of college basketball’s true legends — Coach Jim Harrick, the mastermind behind UCLA’s 1995 national championship team. With a career spanning over two decades, Harrick reflects on his incredible journey through high school gyms, Pepperdine, UCLA, and beyond, sharing insights into leadership, recruiting, and the timeless lessons he learned from his mentor, the great John Wooden.Coach Harrick opens up about the values that guided his teams — teamwork, discipline, and faith — and why the “John Wooden system” remains one of the most brilliant frameworks in sports. From stories about the O’Bannon brothers and Tyus Edney’s famous full-court game-winner to his thoughts on the NIL era and the collapse of the Pac-12, this conversation is a masterclass in coaching wisdom and integrity. Whether you’re a basketball fan, leader, or student of greatness, this episode will leave you inspired by one of the game’s most respected minds.00:00 Introduction01:20 Jimmy’s dad, faith, and UCLA memories02:45 Coaching path: Morningside → Pepperdine → UCLA → NBA05:30 Building the L.A. recruiting pipeline & keeping local talent07:05 John Wooden’s system: teaching, defense & “share the sugar”10:20 Motivation, discipline, and practice planning13:55 Recruiting stories (Lamar Odom), camps & networking17:10 Modern game: NIL, transfer portal & Pac-12 thoughts22:50 Life after coaching: family, faith & grandkids30:50 Tyus Edney’s 4.8-second play, legacy34:35 Outro

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with one of basketball’s all-time greats — Ralph Sampson, four-time NBA All-Star, No. 1 overall pick, and one of only two players in history to win three consecutive National College Player of the Year awards. From his dominant years at Virginia to forming the iconic “Twin Towers” duo with Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston, Ralph opens up about the discipline, focus, and love for the game that defined his remarkable journey.Ralph reflects on what it took to maintain motivation at the top, the evolution of the NBA, and how today’s game has shifted from the fundamentals that built its foundation. He also shares stories about playing through adversity, the legendary 1982 Chaminade upset, and his thoughts on the new era of NIL deals and college basketball’s changing landscape.This is a powerful conversation about legacy, hard work, and perspective — from a man whose career helped shape modern basketball.00:00 Introduction00:45 Ralph Sampson joins the show01:48 Winning three consecutive College Player of the Year awards03:05 Motivation, discipline, and legacy in basketball04:55 Traveling in the NBA and building the league’s foundation06:20 The Houston years and forming the Twin Towers with Hakeem Olajuwon09:00 The evolution of the NBA and positionless basketball12:40 How analytics and the three-pointer changed the game15:00 The history and impact of earlier generations on today’s players16:40 The legendary Chaminade upset and the birth of the Maui Invitational18:50 Thoughts on NIL, the transfer portal, and the future of college basketball23:00 Legacy, lessons from Virginia, and final reflections27:03 Outro

With the NBA season just getting started, Jimmy sits down with Utah Jazz legend Thurl “Big T” Bailey for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation. Thurl looks back on being the No. 7 pick in 1983, falling in love with Utah and its fans, and the lessons his mom taught him about letting basketball open doors to serve the community. He also relives NC State’s iconic 1983 title run with Jimmy V—manifesting by “practicing” cutting down the nets, the game plan against Phi Slama Jama, and why leadership, belief, and defense still win.The conversation turns deeply personal as Thurl shares his journey of faith and conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, meeting his wife, and how their love endured family pushback before ultimately bringing everyone together. They wrap with candid Jazz talk—young core optimism, what it takes for small-market contenders today, ideas to spice up the NBA (U.S. vs. World All-Star), and why Ryan Smith’s vision across Utah sports has Thurl genuinely excited.00:00 Introduction01:30 Thurl Bailey on joining the Utah Jazz and embracing Utah06:30 The legendary NC State championship run with Jim Valvano13:00 Thurl’s faith journey and conversion to the LDS Church17:00 Love, family challenges, and lessons in forgiveness22:00 Finding purpose beyond basketball and serving others23:00 The future of the Utah Jazz and today’s NBA31:49 Outro

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with his good friend Dallas Offill, founder of Happy Roofing and host of The Happy Hour Podcast. Dallas shares his inspiring journey of building a thriving business at a young age — from humble beginnings and early struggles to becoming a leader in his industry and community.The two dive deep into topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling a company, personal growth, and the power of mentorship. Dallas opens up about the challenges of hiring, building systems, and maintaining integrity while growing fast. The conversation also explores how being part of We Are The They (WATT) has helped him strengthen his mindset, deepen his relationships, and continue to evolve as a man and a leader.Jimmy and Dallas end by reflecting on the importance of gratitude, connection, and authenticity — how being open and real with others can transform both your business and your life. 00:00 Introduction01:11 Is it harder to get ahead today? Tools, mindset & opportunity07:00 Networking at scale: social reach, info age, and starting a podcast13:24 Machu Picchu trek: grit, gratitude, and “enjoy the journey”20:30 Presence over pace: slowing down in a hyper-speed world31:00 Risk, variety & Tony Robbins’ six human needs34:52 Scaling Happy Roofing: hires, mistakes, systems & training41:30 Tough calls: firing, lessons learned & Ed Mylett’s hiring tip44:46 Daily gratitude practice & mindset reps47:52 Finding We Are The They & paying it forward51:41 Outro

NBA veteran and human-rights activist Olden Polynice sits down with Jimmy to talk about the “old school” Jazz culture under Jerry Sloan, what he learned from playing alongside legends, and how today’s NBA compares to the 80s/90s. Olden opens up about the realities of fame before social media, wild road stories, the explosion of player salaries, and why he thinks the league’s effort has dipped—and what he’d do as commissioner to fix it.He also shares his improbable start in basketball (he didn’t pick up the game until 16), the professor-level value of listening, and life after the cheering stops: divorce, identity, and why therapy has been a pillar for him since college. We dive into his hunger strike for Haitian refugees, visiting detention centers with TV cameras rolling, and his belief that speaking up—athletes and citizens alike—changes the world one person at a time.00:00 Introduction01:20 Life in the Old School NBA with the Utah Jazz06:30 Comparing Eras: 80s–90s vs. Today’s NBA10:10 Lessons from MJ, Stockton, and Malone13:15 From Player to Coach: Growth, Mistakes, and Apologies16:30 Life After Basketball: Identity, Divorce, and Therapy20:10 Activism and the Hunger Strike for Haitian Refugees26:00 Speaking Out on Injustice: Courage and Responsibility33:10 How to Fix the NBA & Restore Effort39:20 Outro

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with his close friend Taylor Palmer, founder of Rope Swing Moab—the crew behind the massive canyon rope swings that have become a rite of passage for We Are The They. Taylor shares how a desert hobby among buddies turned into a fully permitted operation, why Moab’s arches and canyons make these swings possible, and how rigorous safety (redundant systems, load cells, and 10x margins) transforms a terrifying idea into a life-changing experience.Beyond the adrenaline, Taylor explains the deeper side of the jump: intention, breakthrough, and brotherhood. From the hard lessons of earning permits with the BLM, to stories of people leaving addictions and grief on the cliff, to his own journey from welding grind to dream job—and even a quick surf trip with his daughter—this conversation is about courage, community, and building a life that actually fits. 00:00 Introduction01:45 From Desert Hobby to Epic Canyon Swings04:00 Safety, Rigging, and the Road to Becoming Permitted10:00 Facing Fear and Finding Deeper Meaning in the Jump18:00 We Are The They Moments & Personal Breakthroughs26:00 Brotherhood, Feedback, and Growth33:00 Balancing Ambition, Family, and Fulfillment41:00 From Welding Work to Purpose and Freedom49:00 Reflections on Courage, Purpose & Next Adventures50:28 Outro

Baseball legend Dusty Baker sits down with Jimmy for a candid, story-packed conversation spanning his life in the game—All-Star outfielder, World Series champion, and three-time Manager of the Year. Dusty relives the Barry Bonds era from a front-row seat, breaks down how elite hitters actually “know” what’s coming, and shares the mindset he learned from Hank Aaron about trusting your eyes, handling failure, and staying ready. He also opens up about representation in the dugout, what it’s really like to get rehired in MLB, and how age and experience still matter in a sport obsessed with numbers.From the heartbreaks—’02 World Series, the Bartman game, Halladay’s no-no—to redemption with the 2022 Astros, Dusty explains managing under pressure, restoring dignity after the scandal, and navigating the COVID season and hostile road crowds. He reflects on winter ball’s intensity, the economics behind the decline of Black American players, and a deeply personal moment when his young son stepped onto the World Series stage while Dusty was battling cancer. Plus: why he said yes to managing Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.00:00 Introduction01:32 Barry Bonds up close; lessons from Hank Aaron09:31 Rehiring, respect, and minority managers11:54 How the Astros job happened & the 2022 run15:34 COVID season, boos, and rebuilding trust22:04 Prior/Wood, pitch counts, and the injury era27:52 ’89 quake Series & toughest losses (Bartman, ’02)32:37 Fatherhood, cancer, and a World Series moment41:06 Outro

In this powerful episode, Jimmy Rex sits down with Steve Mann, author of Stories That Shape Us: Unlock the Secret to Passing Down Your Greatest Lessons Through the Power of Story. Together, they explore how storytelling is one of humanity’s oldest and most essential skills — a way to preserve wisdom, build legacy, and connect generations.Steve shares personal stories about working for three U.S. Presidents, living in Africa during the AIDS crisis, and learning to communicate timeless values through simple, emotional storytelling. He explains how anyone can start sharing their life lessons, the importance of passing down stories to children and grandchildren, and how storytelling helps build both identity and national pride.This conversation dives deep into legacy, family connection, freedom, and personal growth, offering timeless lessons for anyone who wants to leave a meaningful mark on the world.00:00 Introduction01:12 Why storytelling matters + Steve’s introduction05:02 Legacy & ancestors: why stories make us remember08:02 How to start telling your own stories12:00 Teaching values through stories (grandson example)14:46 What legacy really means & why it matters20:39 Africa: moving the family, AIDS education & lessons learned27:10 Freedom, beliefs, and closing thoughts + where to find the book31:49 Outro

Dwight “Doc” Gooden sits down with Jimmy to open up about life on and off the mound—rising from teenage phenom to Cy Young & Triple Crown winner, the wild ride of the ’86 Mets, and the redemption arc that followed years of addiction. Doc shares why missing the 1986 World Series parade became a turning point, how therapy (starting in 2019) helped him finally forgive himself, and the daily practices that keep him sober today.They trade stories from the Yankees–Red Sox 2004 ALCS, debate Gary Sheffield’s Hall of Fame case, and compare Doc’s instant impact to today’s fireballers like Paul Skenes. Doc relives his 1996 Yankees no-hitter—pitched the day before his father’s surgery—and reflects on loyalty to both Mets and Yankees, his love for speaking to young people, and being present for his kids and grandkids. If you love baseball, resilience, and real talk about growth, this one’s special. 00:00 Introduction02:00 Yankees–Red Sox memories & Gary Sheffield’s legacy06:00 The ’86 Mets and life in the spotlight10:30 Addiction, missing the parade, and hitting rock bottom16:00 Choosing sobriety and healing through therapy25:00 The rise: Rookie years, Cy Young, and peak dominance27:00 Throwing a no-hitter for his dad in 199633:00 Life after baseball & lessons in redemption38:00 Outro

On this episode of the Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with Karalynne Call—founder & CEO of Just Ingredients and host of a top-20 health podcast. Karalynne opens up about her battle with depression, the rock-bottom moment that changed everything, and the step-by-step healing journey (labs, nutrition, lifestyle) that led her to build a real-food company from the ground up—without debt or outside investors.They dive into her “one ingredient at a time” philosophy, why she avoids “natural flavors,” the truth about bitter blockers in energy drinks, and how she turned a small Instagram account into a mission-driven brand trusted by families. Karalynne breaks down product development (protein, cans, creatine), shares her family-first leadership pillars, and gives practical tips to reduce inflammation, stabilize energy, and feel genuinely better—one simple swap at a time. 00:00 Introduction01:23 From teacher to founder: Karalynne’s backstory02:56 Depression, rock bottom, and healing through nutrition07:15 Launching Just Ingredients & the first products16:15 Energy drinks, hidden ingredients & real food philosophy22:24 Business growth: listening to customers & new product lines27:04 Building culture, family-first values & transparency34:14 Teaching, legacy, and simplifying health education37:00 Reducing inflammation & practical steps to feel better40:40 Outro