DeJay Lester

Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester

Society EN ↓ 5 episodes

Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester is a podcast that explores the stories people don’t see - the struggles, the setbacks, and the moments that shape who we become. Hosted by DeJay Lester, this show dives into real, unfiltered conversations with athletes, coaches, mentors, and everyday individuals who have faced adversity and found a way to grow through it. From foster care to championships… from pain to purpose… this podcast uncovers what it really takes to overcome life’s challenges and build something meaningful. Through powerful storytelling and honest dialogue, Beneath the Surface creat...

Author

DeJay Lester

Episodes

EP. 09 - The First Championship | Eddie Thompson on Brotherhood, Adversity & Belief 03.07.2026 1:17:45

Championships aren't built overnight-they're built through years of commitment, sacrifice and perseverance. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I reconnect with my longtime friend and Coach, Eddie Thompson, to reflect on the unforgettable journey that led Layton Christian Academy to its first state championship. We discuss the obstacles we faced, the culture Coach Porter built, the i...

EP. 08 - The People Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Six 22.06.2026 34:20

Long before the podcast, football, coaching, and the opportunities that would come later, there were people who took the time to see beyond the struggles. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I sit down with Mrs. Six, a longtime member of the Layton Christian Academy community who witnessed many of the challenges, growth, and defining moments throughout my journey. Together, they reflect on edu...

EP. 07 - The Teacher Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Elmy 08.06.2026 40:03

Everyone remembers a teacher who changed their life. For me, Mrs. Elmy was one of those people. Long before the podcast, long before football, and long before many of the opportunities that would come later, she took the time to see beyond the behavior, the frustration, and the challenges I was facing as a young student. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, we reflect on those years at Layton C...

EP. 06 - From $20 to the Arena: The Story Before Iowa 08.05.2026 1:03:33

What do you do when all you have is a dream and $20 in your pocket? In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester , DeJay shares the story behind one of the biggest turning points of his life and football journey. Back in 2015, DeJay flew to Iowa for a two-day arena football workout with nothing but a football bag, a backpack, and his last $20. After landing in Des Moines, he used the l...

EP. 05 -The Teacher Who Saw Me First | Teresa Flenniken Interview 17.04.2026 39:48

In this episode, I sit down with Mrs. Flenniken - my third grade teacher and one of the first people who truly saw me during a difficult time in my life. While I was bouncing between schools, dealing with anger, confusion, and the challenges of foster care, many people labeled me as a problem. But she took a different approach. Through the CARES program, she took the time to understand what I was...