Faith, Legacy & Choosing Your Own Path | The Winans Family Story

What does it mean to come from one of the most influential families in gospel history—and still carve your own identity?

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, Deborah Joy Winans—actress (Greenleaf), storyteller, and daughter of gospel legend Carvin Winans—opens up about growing up inside the iconic Winans dynasty and the pressure, purpose, and responsibility that comes with legacy.

From being raised in a family rooted in faith and music, to boldly choosing acting over tradition, Deborah Joy shares how she found her voice, navigated expectations, and stepped into her own calling—without losing the foundation that shaped her.

This is a deeply moving conversation about faith, identity, purpose, and the courage it takes to honor legacy while becoming your own person.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Growing up in the legendary Winans family and gospel music dynasty
• The pressure and responsibility of carrying a powerful legacy
• Choosing acting over music—and breaking family expectations
• The role of faith in navigating uncertainty and rejection
• Behind the scenes of landing Greenleaf and working with Oprah
• Balancing personal identity with family legacy
• What it truly means to “choose joy” in life’s hardest moments

💬 Key Takeaway:
Legacy isn’t just something you inherit—it’s something you define. And sometimes, honoring where you come from means having the courage to go your own way.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when raw talent meets authenticity, presence, and purpose?

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, Mariah Woodson and Temara Payton reflect on their unforgettable conversation with Kylee Evans—an emerging creative force whose storytelling, energy, and vision left a lasting impression.

From her natural charisma and multidimensional creativity to her deep sense of presence and connection, Kylee embodies what it means to step into your own lane while honoring legacy. The hosts unpack the moments that stood out most—from hilarious impressions and pop culture stories to powerful insights on vulnerability, confidence, and chasing your dreams.

More than just a recap, this episode is a celebration of a young Black woman rising in the entertainment industry—and a reminder that greatness often reveals itself early.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why Kylee Evans feels like an “old soul” with next-gen talent
• The power of storytelling and authentic self-expression
• Lessons on presence, connection, and being fully in the moment
• Funny, unfiltered moments that made this episode unforgettable
• Why Kylee is “up next” in film and television
• Inspiration for women pursuing careers in entertainment

✨ Whether you’re an aspiring creative, storyteller, or simply someone navigating identity and purpose—this conversation will leave you inspired to show up fully and have fun along the way.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pressure, Identity & Finding Purpose Beyond the Game

In this powerful episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Larry Drew II.—former NBA Player, McDonald’s All-American, NCAA Basketball National Champion, and son of longtime NBA coach Larry Drew Sr.—to unpack what it really means to grow up in the game.

From courtside childhood memories with legends like Kobe Bryant to navigating the expectations that come with a name, Larry shares a deeply honest story about identity, pressure, and redefining success on his own terms.

We talk about:

• Growing up in the NBA and realizing your life isn’t “normal”
• The pressure of carrying a legacy—and having the same name as your father
• Being a top recruit and the reality behind college basketball politics
• Winning a national championship… and not feeling fulfilled
• Injuries, mental health, and the hidden struggles athletes face
• Using creativity, music, and wellness as outlets for self-expression
• Transitioning out of basketball and building a new purpose as an entrepreneur

Larry opens up about the moment he realized basketball wouldn’t define his entire life—and how he began rebuilding his identity through self-awareness, creativity, and connection.

This episode is about more than sports—it’s about evolving when your dream changes, finding peace in that transition, and learning how to create a new vision for your life.

💡 Key takeaway: Know your game. Know your people. And don’t be afraid to dream a new dream.

🎧 Tap in for one of our most honest and introspective conversations yet.

Subscribe, share, and join the journey. New episodes drop every Tuesday.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Storytelling, Presence & What It Means to Be “Up Next”

In this recap episode of Born to the Game, we reflect on our powerful and joy-filled conversation with KyLee Evans—a rising creative force with a voice, vision, and presence far beyond her years.

From the moment KyLee sat down with us, it felt like reconnecting with an old friend. Her energy is magnetic, her storytelling is effortless, and her perspective is both grounded and inspiring. In this episode, we break down what made her conversation so special—from laugh-out-loud moments to deeper reflections on purpose, creativity, and what it means to truly be present.

We talk about:

• KyLee’s natural gift for storytelling and creative expression
• The importance of staying present and finding joy in everyday moments
• Her journey as a young Black woman stepping into the film and television industry
• Why we believe she’s next up as a director and creative leader
• The impact of representation and inspiring the next generation

We also revisit some unforgettable highlights—from hilarious impressions to iconic pop culture moments—and reflect on the deeper lessons KyLee left us with: have fun, stay grounded, and don’t be afraid to take up space.

KyLee Evans is more than talented—she’s multidimensional. And if this episode is any indication, her future is limitless.

🎧 If you haven’t already, make sure to check out KyLee’s full episode to hear her story firsthand

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Creating Your Own Lane | Legacy, Creativity & Confidence

What does it really mean to grow up around greatness—and still choose your own path?

In this episode of Born to the Game, KyLee Evans—writer, creator, and daughter of legendary television showrunner Bentley Evans—shares her journey from growing up inside iconic Hollywood storytelling to building a career on her own terms.

From early creative influences and discovering her passion for writing, to working on The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder and stepping into writers’ rooms at a young age, KyLee opens up about navigating expectations, finding confidence, and developing her own voice in entertainment.

This is a powerful conversation about identity, legacy, creativity, and what it takes to carve your own lane.

🔑 In This Episode:

Growing up as the daughter of TV creator Bentley Evans
Discovering her passion for writing and storytelling
Working in television and inside the writers’ room
Writing for The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder
Building confidence and finding your voice in creative spaces
Navigating pressure, expectations, and perfectionism
Transitioning into stand-up comedy and live performance
Developing original projects and stepping into her own career

💭 This Episode Explores:

Legacy vs. individuality
Confidence and creative identity
The realities of working in Hollywood
Turning passion into purpose

🎧 About KyLee Evans

KyLee Evans is a television writer, creator, and emerging voice in entertainment. Having worked on major projects including The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder, she is now developing her own original content across film, television, and comedy.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

New episodes every Tuesday. 

Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joy, Vulnerability & Legacy | Reflecting on Our First Episodes

In this week’s recap, we take a moment to reflect on the powerful conversations that launched Born to the Game — from Mariah’s deeply personal and vulnerable debut episode to our inspiring sit-down with Mason Dean.

This episode is all about what stayed with us.

We talk about the courage it takes to share your story, the unexpected joy that came out of these conversations, and the deeper purpose behind the show. Mariah opens up about stepping into the spotlight and embracing vulnerability, while we reflect on the emotional weight—and meaning—behind telling stories that shape who we are.

We also revisit our conversation with Mason Dean, whose grounded perspective on fatherhood, family, and legacy left a lasting impression. As the grandson of Whoopi Goldberg, Mason brings a powerful reminder that legacy isn’t just inherited—it’s lived through your values, actions, and character.

More than anything, this recap highlights what Born to the Game is really about:
connection, authenticity, and breaking stereotypes.

This isn’t about headlines or hype—it’s about real people, real stories, and the moments that shape us.

If you’ve been listening, this is your chance to go deeper.
If you’re new, this is the perfect place to start.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turning Pain Into Purpose | The Story Behind the Show

Before Born to the Game became a platform… it was pain.

In this deeply personal episode, Mariah Woodson steps out from behind the mic and onto the couch to share the story that started it all.

The daughter of NBA player and coach Mike Woodson, Mariah opens up about growing up around the game—but not always inside it—and the moment everything changed.

From watching her father face public criticism, hate, and pressure… to navigating her own battles with identity, health, grief, and mental health—this is the unfiltered story behind the creation of Born to the Game.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The phone call that sparked Born to the Game
• Dealing with public criticism, online hate, and protecting family
• Growing up as the child of an NBA coach—and what people don’t see
• Moving from a sheltered life in Texas to the realities of public scrutiny
• Experiencing bullying tied to her father’s career
• A life-altering health scare at 13 years old
• Losing her best friend—and how grief reshaped her perspective
• Navigating depression, anger, and healing
• The difference between perception vs. reality in legacy families
• Turning pain into purpose—and building a platform for others

💭 This Episode Is About…

• Identity vs. expectation
• Pain vs. purpose
• Strength, resilience, and growth
• Finding your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story

🎧 About Mariah Woodson

Mariah Woodson is a creator, storyteller, and co-host of Born to the Game. Raised around professional basketball, she brings a unique perspective on legacy, identity, and what it truly means to grow up connected to greatness.

Her mission: to create a space where the next generation can tell their own stories—on their own terms.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

New episodes weekly.
Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Legacy, Identity & Finding Your Own Voice

What does it really mean to grow up in the shadow of greatness and still become your own person?

In this episode of Born to the Game, we sit down with Mason Dean, grandson of the legendary Whoopi Goldberg, for an honest, funny, and deeply reflective conversation about legacy, pressure, and self-discovery.

From realizing his grandmother was Whoopi Goldberg at just seven years old on the streets of Santa Monica… to navigating expectations, identity, and the weight of a name the world already knows—Mason shares what it’s like to live close to greatness without losing yourself in it.

But this story isn’t just about legacy—it’s about building your own.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The moment Mason realized his grandma wasn’t just “grandma”—she was an icon
• Growing up around fame, cameras, and cultural impact
• The difference between legacy given vs. identity earned
• Lessons from Whoopi Goldberg that shaped his mindset
• The pressure of expectations—and how Mason learned to break free from them
• Music as therapy, storytelling, and self-expression
• Becoming a father and redefining purpose
• Why staying off social media helped him stay grounded
• Choosing authenticity over image—even in an industry built on perception

🎧 About Mason Dean

Mason Dean is an artist, creative, and storyteller carving his own lane through music and film. Blending cinematic soundscapes with personal storytelling, his work reflects a deeper purpose: to create from truth, not expectation.

Inspired by a lifetime around creativity—but driven by his own journey—Mason is building something entirely his own.

💭 A Conversation About…

Legacy isn’t just what you inherit—it’s what you choose to carry forward.

This episode is about:

• Identity vs. expectation
• Pressure vs. purpose
• And the courage it takes to be yourself when the world already thinks it knows who you are

🔔 Follow Born to the Game

INSTAGRAM             YOUTUBE                 https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

New episodes weekly.
Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.