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Shawn Harper shares his journey from the south side of Columbus to seven seasons in the NFL carries powerful lessons about purpose, perseverance, and spiritual transformation. With remarkable vulnerability, he shares the exact moment his perspective shifted from external validation to internal purpose: "Sometimes, when we lack identity, we tend to want to develop an image. But God didn't call your image, God called your identity." What separates an image from an identity? Former NFL offensive lineman Shawn Harper reveals the transformative wisdom that changed his life after a devastating career injury threatened everything he'd built.

For young people especially, Shawn offers transformative advice about the relationship between present moments and future momentum: "Focus on the moment, and the moment will generate the momentum." This wisdom helps prevent the common regret of sacrificing meaningful present experiences while blindly pursuing future goals.

As owner of American Services and Protection since 2004 and an international motivational speaker, Shawn has mastered the art of turning adversity into opportunity. His refreshing take on failure—viewing it as "tuition" rather than defeat—challenges conventional thinking. "The greatest teacher is life, and sometimes your greatest friend is failure," he explains, noting that even the most successful entrepreneurs typically face multiple bankruptcies before achieving lasting success.

Shawn introduces listeners to the concept of being a "Winologist"—someone who studies the distinctive mindset and habits of winners. Winners, he explains, learn early to be comfortable standing apart from systems designed for conformity: "I am built to change the system. I'm not built for the system."

What legacy will you leave? Shawn answer is refreshingly simple yet profound: "Live, give, and forgive." Join us for this inspiring conversation that will challenge you to build a legacy that transcends your lifetime and impacts generations to come.

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Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

Shelbi Toone, Community Activist, takes us on a remarkable journey through her evolution as an artist, community organizer, and cultural preservationist in Columbus, Ohio. What began with watching her grandparents honor their elders has blossomed into a multifaceted career dedicated to ensuring Black history and community stories aren't lost to time.

Today, as project lead for the Poindexter Village Museum (soon to be Ohio's 59th historical site), Shelbi is creating her most enduring legacy yet – a space that will preserve African American history in Central Ohio for generations to come. Through her inspiring story, we discover that true legacy isn't just about the art created but the platforms built and stories preserved that might otherwise be lost.

Growing up as what she calls an "art jock," Shelbi brought unique strengths to her creative pursuits – the teamwork, discipline, and practice ethic from basketball and track meshed perfectly with her artistic talents. While many know her vibrant murals around Columbus, fewer understand the deeper purpose driving her work: creating space for underrepresented artists while preserving cultural narratives.

After graduating with her master's degree in 2010 amid economic uncertainty, Shelbi took a leap of faith by starting her own creative services business rather than pursuing traditional employment that didn't align with her passion. This bold move not only launched her career but sparked her commitment to building platforms where other artists could thrive. From founding All People Arts gallery on Columbus' South Side to establishing the Walt Neal Mural League, she's consistently created opportunities specifically for Black artists who historically lacked access to public art commissions.

Perhaps most fascinating is the story behind her signature "new peace symbol" and the evolution of her artist name "Peace Shelbi." What began as a personal journey to find peace transformed into a powerful artistic statement that "peace begins with you" – a philosophy she's integrated into virtually every artwork for over a decade.

Want to support Shelbi's work? Visit shel10.com to learn about Columbus' Black history and explore poindextervillagemuseum.org to follow the museum's development.

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Send us a comment about the Be a Baller Podcast Episode. Thanks for support.

Coach Stan Jackson, who has a wealth of experience both playing for Ohio State and now coaching at Westerville North HS, emphasizes that the values learned in sports—that accountability, hard work, and competition—carry over into every aspect of life. Coach Stan Jackson shares his journey through sports, weaving in practical wisdom that every athlete and parent should hear. He openly discusses the pitfalls of "Daddy Ball" and highlights how crucial it is for young athletes to earn their positions through genuine competition.

He draws on poignant experiences as a player and a father, reflecting on how he juggles responsibilities as a coach while ensuring his children are held to the same standards he expects from his players. Jackson encourages listeners to foster a culture where children understand the significance of hard work and commitment, rather than relying on favoritism. As youth athletes navigate the changing landscape of sports, especially in today’s competitive environment of scholarships and recruitment, he stresses proactive approaches parents should take.

Tune in for insightful stories and advice that provide a blueprint for building character and competence in young athletes. With Coach Jackson's commitment to mentoring, he inspires future generations to become warriors in life and sport. Join us, and if you find value in what you hear, share your thoughts, subscribe and leave a review!

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