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The Voice of Consistency: Jeff Brightwell on Longevity, Preparation, and Evolving in Broadcasting

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline, host Sandy Adams interviews Jeff Brightwell, a veteran play-by-play broadcaster and proud University of Memphis alum.

With a career spanning nearly 30 years across radio, TV, and digital platforms like ESPN and CBS Sports Network, Jeff brings a wealth of insight not just into sports—but into the power of showing up, evolving, and staying ready.

What makes Jeff’s journey even more powerful is the personal transformation he experienced in mid-career. After committing to his health and discovering CrossFit, Jeff found himself in a new chapter—this time calling events at the CrossFit Games, proving that growth doesn't stop, even after decades in your profession.

This conversation dives into:

• Jeff’s early sports experiences—from youth league soccer to college club hockey
• His start in broadcasting and lessons from nearly three decades behind the mic
• The evolution of media and how staying curious keeps you in the game
• How a personal health journey led to new opportunities in a completely different space
• Why showing up consistently still matters—whether you're on the field or behind the scenes

Whether you're in sports media or navigating a pivot in your own career, this episode will leave you inspired to lean into your strengths, stay open to change, and keep building your voice.

🎧 Listen now and subscribe to hear more stories of resilience, reinvention, and career journeys.

Connect with Jeff online:

Instagram @JeffABrightwell | X: @JeffABrightwell

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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- In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with Nate Brown—former college athlete, longtime coach, and now a leader in athletic administration. From the field to the front office, Nate’s career has been built on leadership, resilience, and helping the next generation of athletes grow into their potential.

In this conversation, we dive deep into:

✅ The transition from player to leader – How his experiences as a student-athlete shaped his leadership approach.

✅ Navigating career shifts – Moving from coaching to administration and the lessons learned along the way

✅ Building leadership in others – How he empowers athletes to develop confidence and take ownership of their growth.

✅ Relationships & trust – Why success is about people, not just performance.

✅ Food & culture! – Nate’s love for great food, how he adjusted from Texas flavors to Louisiana cuisine, and his ever-growing restaurant bucket list across the country.

Nate’s journey is proof that leadership is built through trust, adaptability, and creating opportunities for others. And sometimes, the best conversations happen over a great meal.

🎧 Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

Listen to related episodes: Ep 3 with Andre Turner

🔗 Follow & Connect

📧 Join my Newsletter for a weekly cocktail of career and branding strategy, personal reflections, and the journey of being a thought leader: https://sandy-adams.com/newsletter 📧

For full show notes, visit https://5thquarterpodcast.com/episodes/

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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- In this episode, we sit down with Grace Cave, a standout D1 athlete from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, as she reflects on her record-breaking college career.

From growing up in Weeping Water, Nebraska, to winning a state championship, to navigating college basketball during COVID, Grace shares the highs, the struggles, and what’s next.

She also dives into the state of women’s sports, the challenges female athletes still face, and what she’d tell young girls chasing the same dream.

✅ Small-town beginnings and finding her love for the game
✅ Winning a state title and stepping up to D1 basketball
✅ College recruitment during COVID and choosing Omaha
✅ Mental and physical challenges along the way
✅ The future of women’s basketball and what still needs to change
✅ What’s next for her and advice for the next generation

Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about showing up, doing the work, and believing in yourself, even before others do.

🎧 Listen in for an inspiring conversation about career journeys, stepping up, and embracing the unknown.

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

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Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

In this episode, Sandy sits down with Gwendolyn Sanders Woods, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis.

Gwendolyn shares her incredible journey from growing up in Memphis, navigating childhood adversity, and discovering her passion for track & field through the mentorship of a middle school coach.

Episode Highlights:

• Overcoming childhood adversity in Memphis.
• Finding track & field through mentorship.
• Competing at the University of Memphis.
• Transitioning from athletics to her career.
• Pursuing higher education and leadership growth.
• Becoming the first female CEO of BGCM.
• Her vision for empowering Memphis youth.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about perseverance, purpose, and leading with heart!

Find out more information about Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis on their website: bgcm.org

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

- In this special episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, host Sandy Adams honors National Girls & Women in Sports Day by exploring the history, achievements, and future of women in athletics.

From Title IX’s impact to the record-breaking success of female athletes in 2024, this episode is all about celebrating progress—and recognizing the challenges still ahead.

Episode Highlights:

• The Evolution of Women in Sports
• Major Wins in 2024
• A Few of the Pro Athletes Transitioning to New Careers:
• Shoutout to Past Female Guests
• The Future of Women in Sports
• How You Can Support Women’s Sports

To tune in to all of our female guest episodes here https://bit.ly/3WNEGks

🎙️ Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the power of women in sports—past, present, and future!

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

- In this episode I talk to Brandon Branch about his unconventional journey to becoming a successful basketball coach. Starting with non-traditional high school and college basketball experiences, Brandon’s path is a powerful example of turning passion and perseverance into impact.

Highlights from the episode:

• Unconventional Start: Brandon didn’t play traditional high school basketball and only played one year of college ball.
• Transition to Coaching: He became a student manager at the University of Memphis under Coach Josh Pastner, where he developed leadership and mentorship skills.
• Founder of Branching Out Athletics: In 2015, Brandon launched a program blending basketball training with life skills development to help young athletes on and off the court.
• Success at Memphis Day Academy: As head coach, he led the team to a 51-15 record.
• Awards and Recognition: Brandon earned a Spark Award in 2016 for his impact on youth and community through coaching.
• Role at Kansas State: He served as a graduate assistant during a historic season and completed his master’s degree in 2024.
• Current Role: Brandon is now an assistant coach and player development coordinator at Three Rivers Community College.

Brandon shares how his unique journey has shaped his approach to coaching, mentorship, and building programs that inspire success.

🎧 Tune in for an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and lessons for anyone looking to carve their own path.

Episodes mentioned:
Ep 3 Andre Turner
Ep 4 Justin Wimmer

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

- In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast – On the Sideline series, I sit down with sports executive and agent Travis King to explore how faith, hard work, and a little Memphis grit can turn dreams into reality.

Travis opens up about his journey from Memphis roots to sports industry success, sharing powerful insights on mindset, perseverance, and purpose.

Key Highlights:

• Faith as a Foundation – How staying grounded in faith shaped Travis's career decisions.
• The Power of Relationships – Why building authentic connections is crucial in the sports industry.
• Mindset Shifts – Overcoming self-doubt and staying focused on long-term goals.
• Resilience in Action – Real stories of pushing through challenges with grit and determination.
• Success Beyond the Spotlight – Balancing professional growth with personal integrity.

If you're chasing big dreams, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice to keep you pushing forward.

🎧 Tune in now and subscribe for more stories of resilience and success!

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Send us a text.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of The 5th Quarter, Sandy Adams sits down with Coach Regina Smith, Morgan State’s inaugural Head Acrobatics and Tumbling Head Coach, to explore her incredible journey from competitive athlete to pioneering leader.

As the head coach of the first and only HBCU Division I acrobatics and tumbling program, Regina shares how her faith has been a cornerstone of her life, guiding her decisions and providing strength throughout her career.

Key Highlights

• Early Lessons: How sports and faith shaped Regina’s confidence and resilience.
• Pivotal Moments: Her decision to step away from college cheerleading and the clarity it brought.
• Coaching Journey: Finding purpose in mentoring athletes and building new programs.
• Making History: Leading Morgan State’s groundbreaking acrobatics and tumbling program.
• Faith and Leadership: How her beliefs anchor her philosophy and inspire her legacy.

This episode is a powerful exploration of resilience, leadership, and the role of faith in building a meaningful career. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone striving to lead with purpose, Coach Smith’s story will inspire and uplift you.

Learn more about Morgan State University Acrobatics & Tumbling Program >>HERE<<

To send us a message, just scroll to the top of the show notes and click the link "send us a text" to text the show directly!

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

The 5th Quarter Podcast is changing from a weekly schedule to an every-other-week schedule.

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: 5thquarterpodcast.com | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website