Issa Kickback

Epi. 90 First Season in We Hoopin Winter Registration is Open now til October 21, 2026, register at www.goodvibesmi.com/league as a team or free agent! We’re Kickin’ It with one of the newest players to join the We Hoopin Basketball League. After completing his first summer season, we kick'd it with Max to hear what the league looks like from a player's perspective, from first impressions and comp...

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and we're having a conversation that can be difficult, but necessary. In this episode of Issa Kickback, James and Marcellus have an open conversation about suicide awareness, personal experiences, mental health, recognizing when someone may be struggling, and how we can do a better job of looking out for the people around us. We discuss what it...

In this episode, we talk about the story behind Fruit Fusion, why Preston entered the cold-pressed juice business, entrepreneurship, changing our relationship with food, and some of the challenges that come with building a wellness-focused business in your community. We also get into the difference between being reactive and proactive about our health, the importance of understanding what we put i...

Kickin' It w Cal, Leaving Home, Finding Purpose & Staying Connected || Issa Kickback Epi. 87 Originally from Macomb, Illinois, Cal left his small-town Midwest roots for Florida, where his experiences as an educator, coach and mentor have given him a completely different perspective on culture, connection and life. We talk about moving away from home, working with students from different background...

What if one different decision completely changed your life? In this episode of Issa Kickback, we explore our real-life “flashpoints” pivotal moments where one choice, opportunity, relationship, move, or decision altered the direction of our lives and potentially the lives of everyone connected to us. Inspired by the idea of changing a timeline, we reflect on life-changing decisions, alternate pat...

Chris Turner, youth advocate in Quincy, reminds us that serving the youth is more than a duty. It's an investment in both present and future. In Quincy, the journey of pouring into the youth has been years in the making, supported by local networks and a profound sense of responsibility to uplift the next generation. If you’re a parent, educator, or community member, remember: you are a mirror. Mo...

Black History Insights & Cultural Reflections || Issa Kickback Epi. 84Conversations about race, history, and aspiration can be heavy, but that is no excuse to avoid them. Instead, the seriousness is the reason to keep the dialogue going, to learn, and to teach. The hosts closed with an exhortation to share what you learn, to ask questions, and to push against whatever cages—in society or in on...

In this powerful episode of Issa Kickback, we dive into the realities of parenthood, co-parenting, and the difference between simply being a “baby mama” or “baby daddy” versus being an active, present parent. We unpack the roles mothers and fathers play in their children’s lives, the emotional responsibilities that come with raising kids, and how accountability, consistency, and intentional parent...

Healing Autoimmune Diseases Naturally w/ Vanessa, Owner of Rooted Wellness || Issa Kickback Epi. #82 Vanessa’s odyssey from near-fatal illness to vibrant health is an inspiration for anyone feeling trapped by their body’s betrayals, medical gaslighting, or emotional overwhelm. Her story teaches a fundamental lesson: healing begins when we refuse to remain trapped, when we choose to become, not wha...

The Blueprint for achievement || Issa Kickback Epi. 81 The journey ahead is one of challenge and opportunity. By training the mind, refining emotional control, prioritizing health, reaching out to community, and committing to consistency, progress is all but assured. The secret, as always, lies not just in dreaming big, but in breaking those dreams down into actionable steps, persisting through di...

Every entrepreneur's story starts somewhere. For Ray, owner of Divine Shine in Quincy, the path from a car-crazy kid to a beloved business owner and community role model wasn’t straightforward. From early passion to painful setbacks, Ray’s journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the unspoken responsibility of entrepreneurship. Ray’s story is not just about manual labor or entreprene...

Raised In Chaos || Issa Kicckback Epi.79We dive deep into what it’s like growing up in a toxic household and the long-term effects of being raised in a single-parent environment. We explore how childhood instability shapes emotional responses, relationships, self-worth, and adulthood. From survival mode to breaking generational cycles, this is a real conversation about healing, identity, and choos...

We Hoopin Winter is Heating up! A deep dive into the vision, culture, and behind-the-scenes work that built the We Hoopin Winter Session in Quincy, Illinois. We sit down with the committee to talk about community impact, player development, co-ed competition, and the future of the league. From scheduling struggles to standout moments, this episode highlights what really goes into running one of th...

Spookfest 2025, Quincy DIY Mini Fest w/ Dizzy Wright & MoreUnlock the behind-the-scenes magic of Spookfest 2025 in Quincy, IL, featuring a dope performance of headliner Dizzy Wright. Discover how this Midwest music festival grew into a major cultural event, the process of bringing in international talent, and what makes the fan experience one-of-a-kind. Subscribe to Issa Kickback for more excl...

Friendship is not just about having people to hang out with, it’s about building a circle that supports, challenges, and uplifts you. It’s about choosing quality over quantity, setting boundaries to protect your energy, and being willing to have the tough conversations that lead to growth. Whether you’re nurturing lifelong friendships or seeking to form new ones, remember that the most important q...

In a world that often rewards conformity and surface-level achievement, Devonte stands as a model of what it means to be real to embrace one's unique path, to honor the influences that shape us, and to remain open to the mysteries of existence. Whether on stage, in conversation, or in the quiet moments of reflection, his example invites us all to do the same. *Available on all Streaming Platforms...

Hemp, Healing & Hustle Kickin' It with Matt, SunMed || Issa Kickback Epi. 74 Matt Anderson, is emblematic of the broader evolution of the hemp and cannabis industry. It’s a story of gratitude, resilience, education, and community—a reminder that behind every product on the shelf is a commitment to improving lives. As the industry continues to grow and change, the values of transparency, qu...

Community Impact, Kickin' It with GAYBO/PDL Committee Members || Issa Kickback Epi 73. The story of GABBO PDL and the Quincy 3-on-3 basketball tournament is about much more than sports. It’s about reclaiming public spaces, building bridges across divides, and investing in the next generation. It’s about confronting difficult truths, learning from the past, and daring to dream of a better future. T...

Treacher Collins Syndrome || Issa Kickback Epi. 72 In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Marcellus and James provide a comprehensive look into living with Treacher Collins Syndrome. Through their candid discussions, they emphasize the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and education in overcoming the challenges posed by TCS. Marcellus' story is one of strength, love, and unwav...

Keep It Hemp! Kickin' It with Cole of North Adams Hemp || Issa Kickback Epi #71 In the ever-evolving landscape of hemp and cannabis, understanding the nuances between different compounds can be quite a challenge. As more states legalize various forms of cannabis for medical and recreational use, the market is flooded with terms like THCA, CBD, and Delta-8, each promising unique benefits. This guid...

We Hoopin Basketball League || Issa Kickback Epi 70 James and Marcellus sit down with member of the We Hoopin Board, Kj Bowen. The board also includes Devin Rogers, Cole Abbey, James Calmese Jr.. we kick it in this session and discuss the goal for the league, the reason behind bringing structure competitive hoops for adults, and break down some of the concerns expressed to us. Learn more about for...

Motion & Milestones || Issa Kickback Epi 69 James and Marcelus express their gratitude for reaching 5,000 plays on various platforms after years of hard work. They acknowledge the challenges they faced in the early days of the podcast, from technical issues to personal growth. Despite the obstacles, they persevered and continued to improve, which has led to their current success. With plans to exp...

Class Is In Session, Kickin' It w/ Kristin T || Issa Kickback Epi. 68 Homeschooling and homesteading are both challenging and rewarding. Kristin’s story highlights the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and a strong support system. For those considering this path, Kristin's experience offers invaluable insights: the importance of legal research, resourcefulness in creating curriculums, and t...

Modern Day Dating & Relationships || Issa Kickback Epi 67Explore the challenges of modern dating and relationships, focusing on honesty, accountability, and the choice to love. Discover the importance of self-awareness and communication in building meaningful connections. Relationships in the modern age are undoubtedly complicated and require an evolved understanding of commitment, love, and t...

Navigating the Fire, Kickin' It w/ Mike Dade Epi. 66 Mike Dade's journey encapsulates the essence of dedication, resilience, and the importance of following one’s calling. Being a firefighter is not just a job but a commitment to service, learning, and personal growth. For those interested in pursuing a career in firefighting, Mike’s advice is clear: seek the knowledge, ask questions, and take the...