Explore every episode of the podcast The Giving Game

In this powerful and often hilarious episode of The Giving Game, host Sophia Whitesell sits down with Nate Boyer—a former Green Beret, Seattle Seahawks long snapper, filmmaker, and founder of Merging Vets and Players (MVP).What starts with a mix-up about his identity quickly turns into a deep conversation about life after elite environments—whether that’s the military or professional sports. Nate shares how both veterans and athletes struggle with identity and purpose once the “uniform” comes off.He explains how MVP creates a community where former athletes and veterans come together, train, and open up through peer-led “huddles,” helping each other navigate mental health, transition, and purpose.The conversation also explores:The realities of military life vs. civilian lifeThe importance of mental health for veteransNIL money and young athletesNate’s journey into filmmaking, including his movie MVP (now on Netflix)And a mission-driven fundraiser to support veterans and athletesThis episode blends humor, honesty, and impact—while ultimately challenging listeners to give back and support a meaningful cause.Donation link: http://Donorbox.org/wegotyourback

What happens when you take sports away from athletes?

You find out who they really are.

Hosted by Sophie, The Giving Game is a one-of-a-kind podcast where athletes step out of the game and into something bigger. No stats. No scores. No surface-level interviews.

Each episode is tied to a real, 7-day fundraising challenge—supporting causes that matter to the guests and giving listeners a chance to be part of something meaningful.

You’ll hear raw conversations, unexpected stories, and a side of athletes the world rarely sees.

This isn’t about sports.

It’s about impact.

And the real question is… do you want to play?

Former MLB pitcher Tyson Ross joins The Giving Game to talk about why youth sports are becoming inaccessible for everyday families — and what he’s doing to change that. Tyson opens up about growing up in Oakland, the life-changing impact of community baseball, and how his nonprofit, Loyal to My Soil, is working to bring free camps, equipment, and coaching resources back to underserved communities.

The conversation goes far beyond baseball. Tyson and Sophia talk parenting in the age of screens, raising grounded kids while living around professional sports, balancing competition with fun, and how modern youth sports culture puts pressure on families financially and emotionally.

Tyson also shares hilarious stories from his childhood, college life at Berkeley, his first car, staying on the family phone plan, and the realities of parenting as a former professional athlete. Most importantly, he explains why community matters more than trophies — and how even a simple social media share can help grow the mission.

Loyal to My Soil

Loyal to My Soil provides:

• Free youth baseball camps
• Equipment donations
• Coaching clinics
• Community outreach programs
• Opportunities for underserved kids to access sports

DONATE HERE

GUEST SOCIAL

• Instagram: @tysonross_38

In this episode, Sophie Whitesell interviews Isaac Sekulima, a Ugandan golf influencer turning his difficult childhood into a movement of hope and impact. Isaac shares his journey from selling pancakes on the streets to becoming recognized by the PGA, all driven by a mission to empower African youth through golf and faith.

Main topics:

• Isaac’s childhood and early entrepreneurship in Uganda

• The transformative power of gratitude and humility

• Building a social impact foundation for African children

• Overcoming hardship and faith in life’s purpose

• The role of love and forgiveness in personal growth

• Cultural differences in dating and marriage expectations

• The importance of community and mentorship in life and sport

• Isaac’s aspirations to inspire worldwide and connect with global golf events

• How generosity and intentionality can change destinies

#InspireChange

#GolfForGood

#ResilienceJourney

#PurposeDriven

#LoveAndImpact

#FaithInAction

#EmpowerYouth

#GratitudeGoals

#CommunityStrength

#TransformLives