Courtside Forever

Should LeBron James Be Criticized for Helping His Son? | Episode 19

LeBron James recently had a heated exchange with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, telling him to “keep my son out of this.” The moment quickly went viral, sparking renewed debate about whether Bronny James deserved to be drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers or if he is simply benefiting from his father’s influence. But this conversation goes beyond basketball—it’s about nepotism, parental support, and what it really means to help the next generation succeed.

In this episode of Courtside Forever, we break down the controversy and ask the tough questions. If you had the power to open doors for your child, would you? Where is the line between providing support and giving unfair advantages? Why does nepotism seem to be accepted in industries like Hollywood, politics, and business but scrutinized in professional sports?

What you can expect in this episode:

• A deep dive into the differences between nepotism and legitimate opportunity and why people react differently depending on the industry.
• An honest look at Bronny James' journey to the NBA—has he truly earned his spot, or is he riding his father’s legacy?
• The impact of generational success, from family businesses to sports dynasties, and why mentorship and exposure often lead to better outcomes.
• A conversation about fatherhood, legacy, and the responsibilities of parents who have the power to shape their children’s futures.

Some critics believe Bronny James is only in the NBA because of his last name. Others see it as a historic moment—an all-time great paving the way for his son. No matter which side you’re on, this is a discussion worth having.

Join me in this conversation and decide for yourself.

Read my article titled "You Call It Nepotism. I Call It Fatherhood."

With Love, Ryan | Episode 18

On this episode of Courtside Forever, we’re talking about joy—the kind of joy that shouldn’t be controversial but somehow still is.

I recently watched With Love, Meghan, the new Netflix show featuring Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, as she hosts friends, cooks, and gardens in Montecito. It’s the kind of peaceful, feel-good lifestyle show we’ve seen for years with Martha Stewart, Rachael Ray, and Joanna Gaines. And yet, the backlash Meghan has received? It’s different. It’s louder. And let’s be honest—it’s rooted in something deeper.

This episode dives into why the internet seems to hate joy, how Black women—especially Black moms—are scrutinized for simply existing in peace, and why we struggle to let people enjoy life without attaching some grander meaning to it.

We’ll talk about the viral tweet from a woman who dared to enjoy morning coffee with her husband in their garden—and the absurd backlash that followed. We’ll explore the internet’s pattern of building people up just to tear them down, from everyday folks like Daisey and Michael the Librarian to someone as high-profile as Meghan Markle. And we’ll ask the real question: Why do people love wealth and celebrity culture until the person enjoying it is a Black woman?

But most importantly, this episode is about reclaiming joy. Whether it's making ice cream, watching a cozy cooking show, or tending to an arugula garden, we all deserve simple pleasures—without the internet ruining them.

So, what’s something small and joyful in your life that you refuse to let the internet take from you? Let’s talk about it.

Jerica Williams of HER: Power Productions | Episode 17

Basketball has always been bigger than the game, and few people embody that more than Jerica Williams. From a stellar career in high school with multiple championships to earning a full ride at UCLA, her story is already the stuff of legends. But she didn’t stop there. Last season, Jerica made history as the only active female coach in Division I Men’s College Basketball, proving once again that she’s built different.

Beyond the court, she’s a mentor, a leader, and a powerhouse in storytelling. She’s the founder of HER: Power Productions, a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of young women, and trust me—her work is next level. If you haven’t checked out her videos yet, do yourself a favor. The storytelling? Top-tier. The production quality? Insane.

In this episode, we get into it all—her love for the game, what makes a great coach, and why positive coaching matters now more than ever. We also talk about motherhood and ambition, including the moment she walked across the stage at San Diego State with her newborn son in her arms. And of course, I had to ask about the advice she has for parents navigating their kids' athletic goals.

Jerica’s journey is all about breaking barriers, leading with authenticity, and unlocking greatness—not just in herself, but in everyone around her. Whether you’re a parent, a coach, or just love a good hoop story, you don’t want to miss this one.

Listen now and let’s get Courtside Forever—because as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

Visit https://www.herpower.life to learn about Jerica's work.

https://www.courtsideforever.com

Dads, Please Keep Your Personal Pursuits | Episode 16

"Say goodbye to the next 18 years of your life!"

That was one of the first things someone said to me when I told them my wife and I were expecting our first child. And while I laughed it off, the more I thought about it, the more I realized how messed up that mindset is.

Because here’s the truth—becoming a dad will absolutely change your life. But it won’t ruin it. If anything, it’ll make your life more meaningful, more exciting, and more fulfilling than you ever thought possible.

I’ve always been someone with passions. I love basketball, I love writing, I love creating. And when my first daughter was born, I started hearing all the warnings:

"You won’t have time for that anymore."
"Your hobbies are gonna take a backseat."
"You better get your fun in now before the baby comes."

But here I am, years later, still doing the things I love—just differently. I learned how to adapt my hobbies instead of abandoning them, how to communicate better with my wife, and how to reject the idea that being a dad means losing myself.

And that’s what we’re talking about in today’s episode of Courtside Forever.

Here’s what I’m diving into:
✔️ The "Negative Ned" mentality and why so many men think fatherhood is the end of their personal freedom
✔️ How I found ways to keep my passions alive while being an engaged, present dad
✔️ The power of communication and planning (aka, how not to be an idiot)
✔️ Why resentment happens when dads don’t carve out time for themselves—and how to avoid it
✔️ Actionable steps you can take to balance fatherhood and self-care

Fatherhood isn’t about giving up who you are—it’s about evolving into the best version of yourself. Yeah, my life looks different now. I don’t have endless free time. I don’t spend entire weekends on the couch playing 2K. But you know what? I wouldn’t trade what I have now for anything.

So if you’re a new dad, an expecting dad, or even just a guy wondering if he’ll ever get to do the things he loves again—this episode is for you.

Let’s talk about it—because as parents, we’ve got the best seats in the house - let's enjoy them.

www.courtsideforever.com

www.ryanrucker.com

Lindsey Konchar aka Your Favorite Financial Therapist | Episode 15

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lindsey Konchar, a licensed mental health professional, certified financial coach, and author of I Got 99 Coping Skills and Being a B**** Ain’t One. Lindsey specializes in financial therapy and helps her clients navigate their money challenges without shame. As a mom of two and host of the Financial Self Care podcast, she brings a wealth of experience—both personal and professional—to our conversation.

We dive into some really important topics like the link between mental health and finances, why so many parents struggle with shame when it comes to getting their financial lives back on track, and how emotional intelligence can play a big role in financial success.

Lindsey shares some valuable advice on how parents can teach their kids about money, while also being more present in their lives, even when the daily grind can feel overwhelming.

I also ask Lindsey about her own journey, including her battle with postpartum mental illness and the steps she took to prioritize her well-being. Plus, we talk about how couples can avoid fighting over money and—just for fun—how Lindsey would advise Joey Tribbiani from Friends on his disastrous financial decisions.

If you’re looking for actionable tips to improve both your financial and emotional well-being, this episode is for you!

Visit Lindsey at https://financialselfcareblog.com/

https://www.courtsideforever.com

 

Title IX and What We Can Do to Support Our Girls | Episode 14

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I take you through the monumental impact of Title IX, the groundbreaking 1972 law that fundamentally transformed the landscape of education and athletics in the United States. This episode explores how Title IX not only leveled the playing field for women in sports but also revolutionized access to higher education and professional opportunities for countless women.

Key Highlights:

• Title IX’s Legacy in Academia: Delve into the dramatic shift that Title IX catalyzed in the academic world, from increased female enrollment to more diverse faculty representation in colleges and universities. We'll look at how these changes have fostered a culture of equality and excellence in education that continues to evolve today.
• Protecting Students: Understand the critical role Title IX has played in protecting students from sexual harassment and assault. I discuss significant legal battles that have strengthened these protections and the ongoing efforts needed to maintain safe educational environments for all students.
• Empowering Female Athletes: Celebrate the significant victories for women’s sports post-Title IX, detailing the rise in female participation from high school to professional leagues. We'll acknowledge the heroes and milestones that have marked the journey of women in sports and the barriers they continue to break.

As a girls' basketball coach and a dad, I share personal stories and reflections on how Title IX has influenced the sports community and why it remains essential in promoting gender equity. This episode not only honors the legacy of Title IX but also emphasizes the collective responsibility we hold to support and advance the gains made for women’s education and athletics.

We’ll also discuss the potential threats to Title IX in the current political climate and what that could mean for future generations. It’s crucial that we understand the implications of any changes and how they could affect our daughters' rights and opportunities.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Courtside Forever, where as parents, we've got the best seats in the house. Let’s celebrate these moments and continue to fight for the rights and opportunities our girls deserve, ensuring that the legacy of Title IX endures for generations to come.

www.courtsideforever.com

Let's talk about Augustus Jackson - The Father of Ice Cream | Episode 13

In this episode of Courtside Forever, I dive deep into the delicious world of ice cream—a journey that's deeply personal and steeped in history. I start by sharing how my own path as an ice cream maker was ignited by family bonds and the local flavors of upstate New York, highlighting the personal connections and community spirit that inspire my craft.

The star of this episode is Augustus Jackson, an extraordinary figure known as "The Father of Ice Cream." Jackson's pioneering work in the 19th century didn't just revolutionize how ice cream was made but also reshaped its cultural footprint across Philadelphia and beyond. Born during a time when the scars of slavery were still fresh, Jackson's legacy extends far beyond his culinary innovations, weaving into the very fabric of community and entrepreneurship.

I explore Jackson's formative years in the White House kitchens, his impactful return to Philadelphia, and his groundbreaking introduction of eggless recipes that helped forge a new business model supporting other Black entrepreneurs. Despite his profound influence, Jackson's narrative remains largely hidden in the shadows of history—a story I'm passionate about bringing to light and celebrating.

This episode isn't just about tracing the origins of a beloved dessert; it's a recognition and appreciation of the broader contributions of Black Americans throughout history. Join me as I uncover why stories like Jackson's are crucial for both understanding our past and inspiring future generations.

Tune in to see how every scoop of ice cream is filled with stories of innovation, resilience, and community—lessons as enduring and rich as the flavors themselves. Remember, as parents and community members, we've got the best seats in the house. Let's make the most of them, one scoop at a time.

Parenting in Unprecedented Times | Episode 12

Our kids are waiting for us to build them a better world. Can we? This is a question I asked on July 17, 2024, following the assassination attempt on then-candidate and current President Trump. As millennial parents, we are raising kids during one unprecedented event after another. I don't know about you, but I am tired, and after the past week, I'm even more tired. 

This isn't a political podcast, though I am a political person, so while there is no apology coming, this is a heads up, and if you choose to listen, you'll likely find that I'm pretty measured in my feelings. I want Courtside Forever to be for all parents, but as a dad who preaches empathy, honesty, authenticity, and community, the foundation of my work is in stark contrast to the bullying behavior that's become more and more prevalent in the current administration. My philosophy is that everyone is welcome, but not everything is tolerated. 

On today's podcast, I read my July 17, 2024, piece titled Parenting in Unprecedented Times. It was originally published in the A Parent Is Born publication on Medium. In it, I make my case as to why parents need to lean into being fully present for our families like never before. 

The pace of current events is designed to be fast and confusing and leave the general public feeling so overwhelmed that we have nothing but apathy to give. But as I held my baby girls for the first time, I promised to do my best to build a world they could be proud of, and as long as I’ve got breath in my body, I’m going to try.

www.courtsideforever.com

Anthony Franzese of the Successful Working Parents Podcast | Episode 11

On this episode of Courtside Forever, I am thrilled to feature Anthony Franzese, a multifaceted businessman and father, who also hosts the Successful Working Parents podcast. Today, Anthony shares the journey and inspiration behind his podcast, which has resonated with many parents by addressing the complexities of juggling parenthood and professional life.

During our conversation, Anthony dives into themes common among his guests, such as work-life balance and overcoming challenges like self-doubt and unemployment. He reveals valuable advice he’s received and implemented himself, helping our understanding of what it takes to succeed as a working parent.

We also explore Anthony’s insights on mental health from his tenure at Headspace and his current role at WellRight, where he contributes to enhancing corporate wellness programs. Plus, Anthony discusses his love for movies, sharing his picks for underrated films and his favorite fictional movie dads. 

Subscribe to Successful Working Parents.

www.courtsideforever.com

 

Resiliency to Rise | In Honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Bonus Episode)

Welcome to a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode of Courtside Forever. Today, I'm giving a speech at a Martin Luther King Jr. Day event, and I wanted to bring my speech to the podcast. 

This bonus episode is inspired by my personal visits to significant sites in Atlanta—Dr. King's birthplace, his home church at Ebenezer Baptist, and the King Center, which deeply moved me and connected me to the reality of his life and mission.

I’ll also dive into the symbolism captured in my children's book, where a father and daughter enjoy ice cream at the Lincoln Memorial, the site of Dr. King’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech. This image is a reminder of the everyday moments that can hold profound historical reflections.

In this episode, I reflect on Dr. King not just as a leader of civil rights but as a man who was a son, a husband, a father, and a voice of justice whose teachings are still relevant. As I look at the steps we've taken towards equality and the steps we still need to take, I’m reminded of the power of hope and the importance of continuing the work he started.

Join me as we explore how Dr. King’s message of love, justice, and unity challenges us all to live better and dream bigger. Let’s honor his memory by committing to be part of the ongoing journey towards a more equitable world.

www.courtsideforever.com