Champions Among Us

On this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, Jimmy Clark sits down with Chris Alexander to talk about the lessons football taught him through years of competition, injury, and perseverance. From playing the sport since childhood through college, Chris reflects on the emotional highs and lows of athletics, including battling injuries that changed the course of his football career. H...

On this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, Braden Jenkins sits down with Lauren Strange to talk about her journey from growing up in Memphis to building a career in Nashville’s music scene. Lauren shares stories about teaching herself guitar, being inspired by artists like Elton John, and performing alongside artists across multiple genres. From recording her first song at nine y...

On this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, athlete-host Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with Alaina Morris to talk about her journey into sports media and what it’s like covering Vanderbilt University women’s basketball. From starting as a student at Lipscomb University to reporting for Vandy 24/7 Sports, Alaina shares how saying “yes” to opportunities helped open doors in broadcast...

On this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Braden Jenkins sits down with Max Herz, radio broadcaster for the Nashville Predators, to talk about his journey into sports media, life in Nashville, and some of his favorite moments covering Vanderbilt and professional sports. From announcing video games as a kid to calling games across nearly every N...

From not playing football until his senior year of high school to becoming a starting linebacker in the SEC, Nick Rinaldi has one of the most unconventional stories in college football. On this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, Nick joins Nashville athlete Jimmy Clark to talk about betting on himself, earning a scholarship, and helping reshape the culture of Vanderbilt Universit...

Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, continues with a powerful conversation between Braden Jenkins and Nashville-based artist Alexandra King. Together, they explore the connection between music and sport: confidence, preparation, and performing under pressure. Alexandra reflects on her early start in music, overcoming nerves, and building a career in Nashville, while also sharing her connectio...

In this episode of Champions Among Us , presented by Amazon, Special Olympics athlete and Vanderbilt University Next Steps graduate Matthew Gang sits down with former Nashville SC defender Taylor Washington for an authentic and inspiring conversation about life, soccer, and purpose beyond the game. Washington reflects on his journey from growing up in New York to an eight-year professional career...

In this episode of Champions Among Us, presented by Amazon, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Ollie Kujda-Neeley sits down with radio host Jim Chandler of Totally Hits 93.3 for a conversation centered on sports, storytelling, and the power of practice. Jim shares how his journey into broadcasting began at a young age and evolved through years of repetition, curiosity, and a passion for connecting...

In this episode of Champions Among Us , host Jimmy Clark sits down with Chris Morant of Wellpoint Tennessee to explore the intersection of health, fitness, and inclusion within the Special Olympics Tennessee community. From personal fitness journeys and the discipline of CrossFit to the broader impact of corporate partnerships, Clark and Morant discuss expanding access to health resources for indi...

In the inaugural episode of Champions Among Us, Special Olympics Tennessee athlete Braden Jenkins sits down with Johnny Hekker of the Tennessee Titans — a passionate advocate for the Special Olympics community. From unforgettable fake punts to the highs and lows of winning and losing in the NFL, the two share an engaging conversation about football, resilience, and the power of community. Recorded...