Inside The Play Call With Orange Arrow

Join Shawn and this week’s guest, Emmy Award winner Kris Wilson, as they discuss Wilson’s experiences with the learning curve of fatherhood, specifically as a Girl Dad, which forced him to grow and understand a different perspective. They also explain the brotherhood of sports, outlining his time in the NFL and his transition to life after sports through attending law school at UCLA. They finish by discussing his love of creative writing and storytelling, and how he can express himself through his film projects.

Shawn kicks off Season 3 with Mr. Pittsburgh himself, Bill Hillgrove! A lover of jazz and arguably the most notable broadcaster in Pittsburgh sports, Hillgrove discusses how he got his start in broadcasting and the importance of being good to your voice. He also explains the importance of being passionate and community-minded, and always remembering that “In the big game of life, you only get one shot.”

Tune in for the final episode of Season 2 as Shawn sits down with his former Pitt teammate, Brandon Williams. The two reminisce about their time as teammates and some of the adventures they had as college roommates. They also discuss the importance of studying and focusing on your future throughout college, especially by choosing classes and a major that will set you up for post-graduate success. They finish by talking about Williams’ current career in finance as he discusses the importance of managing your finances and gives his personal advice for setting yourself up for financial security.

Sit down with Shawn and Donnie Bedney as they recap everything from his early interest in sports to his current consulting work and support of Orange Arrow. The two also discuss how Bedney took the opportunity to pursue interests outside of sports in college and how he prepared for life in the professional world. They finish by pondering how the pandemic will affect the future of individuals and businesses, and the importance of “only dream[ing] big.”

Jump Inside the Play Call with Shawn and today’s guest, Eric Thatcher, as they recap his football career, from early beginnings to his current recruiting position at Penn State. The two discuss the importance of being “a student of the game” and taking your responsibilities as both a student and an athlete seriously, no matter what level of play. Thatcher also gives a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a college coach. They finish by discussing the mission and importance of OA and the effectiveness of its multi-generational approach.

Go Inside the Play Call with Shawn and today’s guest, Terry Murphy, a former Pitt football player and current police officer in Culver City, California. They begin by discussing Murphy’s athletic background and how he used sports to position himself to be able to buckle down academically and obtain his degree. They also delve into our current social climate and Murphy’s unique position to see both sides, and how he uses this position to effect change.

Tune in as Shawn sits down with golf enthusiast and current NBA referee, Courtney Kirkland. The two discuss Kirkland's fast track to refereeing in the pros, from deciding to pursue refereeing on a dare to quickly working his way up to the NBA. They also talk about what it takes to be a referee and how those same skills translate to success off of the field. They finish with Kirkland advising young student-athletes to find their niche and be the best talent, whether it be in the sports world or off of the field, and go all in to achieve success.

Sit down with Shawn and former Pitt volleyball standout Kamalani Akeo as they discuss how she worked her way up to playing professionally in the Czech Republic this year. The two delve into some of the challenges associated with moving to a different country and navigating a language barrier and a new culture. They also discuss her fondest memories from her time as an OA coach, and the integral role she played in launching OA programming for female student-athletes.

Tune in as Shawn sits down with Sam Franklin, a former college student-athlete, founder of Sam Kent Strategy, and one of the creative forces behind the OA Evolution. The two discuss the unifying power of sports and its ability to build relationships and foster a sense of community. They also delve into how they first connected through Pittsburgh Public Schools and Franklin’s unique ties to Orange Arrow’s work within the school system.

Go Inside the Play Call with today’s guest, Gerald Hayes, as he discusses his decision to play football at Pitt after experiencing the energy of Forbes Avenue and feeling at home in the bustling city environment. He also walks Shawn through his time as a linebacker for the Arizona Cardinals and discusses the difficulty of transitioning from college to the NFL, a place where you sometimes feel as if you are treated more like a machine than a human. They finish by discussing his new business venture and the importance of applying the team mentality of sports to your everyday life.

Join Shawn as he catches up with his former coach and longtime Orange Arrow supporter, Coach Walt Harris! They recap his coaching career, delving into the difficulty of always being ready to move and adapt to new locations and team environments. The two also discuss their time at Pitt, and Coach's fondest memories from his time turning the team around as Head Coach. They finish by discussing his competitive nature and how he continues to find ways to "love the process," no matter the opponent.

Today, Shawn talks with fellow Ohio native, current Pitt student-athlete, and longtime OA Coach, Aysha Muhammad. They begin with a lighthearted discussion about hip-hop before moving on to discuss the importance of feeling welcomed and important during college recruitment, and how a personal touch can make all the difference for a student-athlete during their decision-making process. They also discuss her role as part of the Orange Arrow team and some of her most memorable moments as an OA Coach.

Shawn virtually chats with Kevion Latham, a former football player and early Orange Arrow key supporter who currently serves as the founder and managing director of GreenRose Wealth Management. The two discuss Latham’s early hatred of football and how he grew to appreciate it, earning 30 offers to play in college before ultimately deciding on Penn State. They also talk about starting from humble beginnings and growing to own his own business, an achievement that he credits to God and his ability to focus on academics just as much as athletics in college, easing the transition to life after sports and setting him up for off-the-field success.

Coming to you from South Florida, Shawn sits down - virtually - with Greg Lee, a former Pitt football player and current medical sales professional, as they begin with a lighthearted discussion of the "bald man lifestyle" and a tough game of "This or That?" before rewinding to Lee's high school and college days. They dive into the culture shock of attending college in a different state and the adjustment period that comes with being a freshman, especially as a student-athlete. They also discuss the harsh reality of Draft Day and how to move forward when you are one of the many athletes that doesn't receive the call.

Tune in for our first virtual podcast with your host, Shawn Robinson, and special guest, Dr. Lailah Issac. Dr. Issac is a Pittsburgh native currently working as a team physician and medical school professor at Nova Southeastern University in South Florida. The two delve into Dr. Issac's background as a student-athlete and her experience transitioning from a high school soccer star to backup goalie during her time at Pitt. She discusses the reality of managing expectations and making the best of your situation, whether through giving it your all or letting your experience define you. She also discusses what she's up to now and how sports continue to play a key role in her life, both personally and professionally.

Coming to you from Pittsburgh, we’re back with your host, Shawn Robinson, and his longtime friend and former 49er, Kevan Barlow. The two play a tough game of “This or That?” and reflect on their glory days, back when Barlow scored the last touchdown ever at Pitt Stadium and put up 275 yards against West Virginia during his last game at Pitt. They delve into the culture shock of going from college to professional sports and the “wear and tear” on athletes, especially in a league that is often “Not For Long.” For Barlow, transitioning into the real world after a successful but physically damaging career meant letting God into his life, finding new passions, and supporting kids to be the best versions of themselves.

Check it out! Today, we’re back with special guest, retired NFL athlete Hannibal “Bull” Navies. Shawn and Hannibal talk about his football career, from high school to college to playing professionally. They also discuss the hard truths of being an athlete, such as dealing with a career-long injury, balancing school and football, and managing to stay well-rounded. On and off the field, life has thrown him unexpected challenges, but they don’t call him Bull for no reason.

Inside the Play Call is back like we never left for season 2! Join our host, Shawn Robinson, as he sits down with Pitt football players and former Orange Arrow Players Association interns, Alex Kessman and Therran Coleman, to discuss everything from college recruitment to video games and finding balance as a student-athlete. These leaders also talk about learning how to deal with past failures both on and off the field, and how to turn criticism into motivation for success.

Join the Orange Arrow movement as we highlight previous Summer Academy events, discuss the lasting impact of Roberto Clemente, and share details about this year’s Academy. Stay tuned until the end for a special crew of guest hosts who discuss their favorite parts of last year’s Summer Academy!

Coming to you from the Sunshine State, our first group of South Florida interns discusses throw pillows, 5:00 AM alarms, and what it’s like to live the life of a student-athlete at the University of Miami. Plus Drake, hometown pride, and planning for life after sports and graduation help fill in the gaps.