Written by Sophie Henriquez
After another eventful week here at Amazing 102.5, we want to recap the interviews held here for those of you who may have missed them. We hope to educate and circulate ideas to the Houston community through every guest we have. This week, we discussed various thought-provoking topics with our guests, sharing their stories and outlooks; locals came onto the station to give you all this:
Sidelines: NFL Playoffs
This interview features a lively discussion with Jobe White, a baseball player who gained recognition during the Little League World Series. He talks about his experience with intense workouts, including waking up early and practicing in cold weather. Jobe shares how proud he feels about his team's performance and their strong bond, especially with some of his basketball teammates.
The conversation shifts to his baseball influences, particularly his admiration for the Houston Astros and a memorable moment when the team was mentioned in a shout-out after an exciting game.
The hosts also transitioned to sports talk, touching on the Houston Texans’ playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Jobe predicts a close, high-stakes game, mentioning the challenges posed by key Chargers players like Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. The conversation also includes a discussion on CJ Stroud's performance, the Texans' offensive line, and the overall chances for the Texans to succeed.
They briefly dive into other NFL matchups, with some playful banter about teams like the Eagles and Ravens, and give props to players like Jahmyr Gibbs from the Detroit Lions, who impressed during a recent game.
The episode ends with a nod to upcoming betting opportunities and a humorous segment about "throwing people under the bus" before wrapping up.
Sidelines: New Year's Resolutions
The interview features a lively discussion between the hosts and guest Jobe, who shares his expertise on sports betting, giving a two-pick parlay involving the Baltimore Ravens and Ohio State to kick off the weekend. The conversation then shifts to a popular segment where the hosts throw people "under the bus" for annoying or questionable actions. Jobe criticizes sports commentators for jinxing players by prematurely praising them before free throws or kicks, leading to missed opportunities. They also discuss some NFL team moves, like the Cowboys benching Cooper Rush to avoid triggering a bonus and the Buccaneers risking a game to help Mike Evans secure a bonus.
The group continues with a humorous rant about the Tennessee Titans' use of Oilers jerseys, which some feel should have remained in Houston, and they argue about team ownership and franchise decisions. As the conversation turns to New Year's resolutions, each guest shares their hopes for the future of sports, including improvements in the Lakers' roster, continued growth in women's sports, and a Super Bowl win for Lamar Jackson. The segment ends on a light-hearted note with shoutouts to the show's crew and an emphasis on the importance of relationships in life.
C.H.A.M.P: Richard Young/”Camp Logan”: They Play
In this episode of "Champ Veteran Community Chat," co-hosts Kayla and Sam Alex kick off the new year with a warm welcome and updates for their listeners. They discuss the freezing temperatures in Houston and the availability of warming centers for the unhoused, especially veterans, emphasizing the importance of reaching out to those in need. They also highlight the ongoing church-wide prayer call based on the book Reset, which offers evidence-based tools from a Christian perspective to help individuals reset their lives in the new year. The hosts express gratitude to their supporters, including Pastor Tiffany, the St. John's community, and Reggie, their super producer. The show also features a special shout-out to Marine vet Rich Young, who joins to discuss his work with the local NAACP and their efforts to bring justice to soldiers involved in the 1917 Houston Riot. They share details about an upcoming play based on this historical event and provide insights into their ongoing advocacy for veterans.
C.H.A.M.P: Roger Boykins/Army Veteran
In this interview, hosts Kayla and Sam welcome Roger Boyin, a retired Army major, community activist, and advocate for veterans. They describe him as dynamic, humble, and dedicated to supporting others, often behind the scenes. The conversation revolves around the importance of community support for veterans, particularly those who may be struggling but show no outward signs of distress. Roger emphasizes the significance of showing genuine care, building relationships, and offering support, suggesting that sometimes small acts, like just talking and spending time with veterans, can make a big difference. He also discusses his experience as a social worker and the challenges of trying to "save the world," acknowledging that impactful change often starts with one person or a small group at a time. The hosts applaud Roger's efforts to create a ripple effect in his community, highlighting his commitment to raising awareness and providing support for those who may otherwise fall through the cracks. They conclude by noting the importance of kindness, compassion, and community collaboration to prevent veterans from experiencing crises.
Sidelines: Coach Courtney Interview
In this episode of Sidelines, the hosts, including Laquita Thompson, are joined by Coach Courtney, a renowned figure in Texas high school basketball. The conversation kicks off with a reflection on the good vibes in the city following the Houston Texans' victory and the ongoing excitement of the football playoffs. The interview dives into Coach Courtney's distinguished career, highlighting his success in coaching some of the state's most talented athletes, including TJ Ford, Carl Crawford, and Kenny Taylor. Courtney discusses his philosophy of coaching, emphasizing the importance of discipline and using basketball as a tool to teach life lessons. He believes that success in coaching comes not from yelling but from preparation and trust in his athletes' ability to execute what they've learned. Coach Courtney shares his approach to building a winning culture, stressing that it’s rooted in mutual buy-in from both coaches and players, with non-negotiable standards in place. He also speaks to the challenges of coaching public school teams, where players often deal with significant personal hardships, and contrasts this with his experience in private schools. He views the public school setting as more challenging but rewarding due to the diversity of players' backgrounds and the depth of commitment needed to bring them together. The segment ends with a teaser about upcoming discussions on the current team's roster, including standout players like Kevin Sergeant and Jadden Jones.
Sidelines: Can Houston Overcome The Chiefs?/ What’s Hot in the H
In this interview, Coach Courtney and the hosts discuss a variety of Houston sports topics. The conversation kicks off with the Houston Texans' upcoming playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting the team's historic challenge against Kansas City and the tough conditions they'll face playing in Arrowhead Stadium. Coach Courtney acknowledges the difficulty of the matchup but expresses hope, emphasizing the importance of a strong defense and the need for the offense to step up. They also touch on the Houston Women's Basketball team’s recent victory over a ranked Oklahoma State team, crediting standout performances and the team's hunger to compete. The discussion shifts to the Houston Rockets, with praise for their surprising success this season, especially the performances of Jalen Green and the Thompson twins. Coach Courtney lauds the team's growth, calling out head coach Ime Udoka's no-nonsense approach, which is helping the players mature and buy into the system. The interview wraps up with a lighthearted mention of throwing someone "under the bus," leaving room for future banter.
C.H.A.M.P: Veteran’s Update
In this interview, Kayla Alix and her co-host Sam Alix introduce the Champ Veteran Community chat, discussing various relief efforts for people affected by natural disasters in Houston and California. They highlight community initiatives, including support groups for men and women transitioning out of incarceration, and also emphasize the importance of supporting each other in times of crisis. They share updates on upcoming events, such as the "Camp Logan" play sponsored by the NAACP, and invite the audience to learn about a pivotal piece of local history. They also honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday, reflecting on his philosophy of perseverance, unity, and solving issues at their root cause. The hosts encourage listeners to engage in positive community actions and to listen to impactful works like Dr. King's "Letter from Birmingham Jail." The interview ends with a preview of an upcoming segment featuring Dr. Leandra Jones, a veteran advocate with valuable resources for the audience.
C.H.A.M.P: Dr. LeShondra Jones/Veteran Advocate
In this interview, Kayla Alix and her co-host Sam Alix discuss several initiatives aimed at supporting the veteran community. They start by promoting the Mission Continues Day of Service on January 25th in Houston, inviting volunteers to gather at Cloudbreak Houston from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. They also acknowledge the upcoming Founders Day of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. and highlight Dr. Leandra Jones, a Marine veteran and tireless advocate for female veterans, who is a regular guest on the show. Dr. Jones shares details about local efforts to collect warm clothing for veterans in need, especially with an Arctic freeze approaching. They announce multiple drop-off locations across Houston and encourage people to contribute items like clothing, blankets, and socks. Dr. Jones also discusses the broader initiative to help California veterans affected by natural disasters, specifically the ongoing fires and storms, and expresses gratitude for the support coming from across the nation, including Houston's first responders. The conversation underscores the importance of community solidarity, particularly among veterans, to support those in need, regardless of geographic location.
Amazing Interview: Lil Flip & Je’Caryous Johnson
In this interview, Amanda Sapp of Amazing 102.5 FM hosts two prominent figures from Houston's entertainment scene: Jakarius Johnson and Lil Flip. Johnson, an award-winning director, producer, and philanthropist, is known for his impactful work in theater and film, as well as his efforts to empower the community through his I’m Ready Foundation. The foundation, which has provided over $2.3 million in scholarships, trains young people in the performing arts and business behind the scenes. Johnson's upcoming project, the One Time for the City concert, aims to celebrate Houston's music legends while raising funds for scholarships for local students. He emphasizes the importance of giving back, particularly to students from underprivileged backgrounds who may not have the financial means to pursue higher education.
Lil Flip, a multi-platinum rapper and influential figure in Houston's hip-hop scene, joins Johnson in the studio. Flip speaks about his own efforts to mentor youth through his Art for Drugs movement, which helps kids develop skills in art, music, and other creative fields. Both men stress the significance of helping the next generation, ensuring they have the tools and education needed to succeed and create generational wealth. They discuss the importance of accountability, hard work, and investing in one's craft. Flip shares that, despite achieving success in his career, he continues to hustle as if he were a new artist, emphasizing the need for persistence and self-investment.
The conversation also touches on the hardships both men have faced in their careers. Johnson reflects on a major setback in his early career when he lost half a million dollars on a failed project in Chicago, but he was able to bounce back with the support of his family. Flip, meanwhile, shares a story of perseverance, citing how his mother and grandmother encouraged him to keep pursuing his music even after personal struggles. Both men emphasize the importance of resilience, mentorship, and staying true to one's passion, regardless of the challenges faced along the way.
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