Live.Learn.Sports.

[AUDIO ONLY EPISODE] In this episode of Live Learn Sports, Coach Tobin sits down with award-winning sports journalist and author Harvey Araton for a wide-ranging conversation on basketball, journalism, youth sports, and the changing landscape of athletics. Harvey shares stories from growing up in Staten Island, his early days at the Staten Island Advance, his years covering sports for The New York...

In this episode of the Live Learn Sports Podcast, John sits down with Prescott Valley Chief of Police Robert Ticer for a wide-ranging conversation about growing up in Prescott, playing basketball, serving in law enforcement, and coming home to lead the community that helped shape him. Chief Ticer shares stories from his days at Prescott High School, the coaches and mentors who influenced him, his...

In this episode, John sits down with local entrepreneur and Backburner Family Restaurant owner, Nick Calia, to hear the story behind one of Prescott Valley’s favorite gathering places. From growing up in Arizona and pursuing a career in firefighting to buying a small restaurant with his brother and navigating economic downturns, COVID, and nearly two decades of business ownership, Nick shares the...

John sits down with longtime friend George Hayes for a conversation packed with Staten Island basketball memories, old-school CYO rivalries, St. Peter’s stories, undefeated teams, legendary coaches, and the kind of friendship that can only come from decades of shared history. George also shares about his life after basketball, from building a career in IT to raising athletic kids, retiring into fu...

In this episode, John sits down with Kevin Tucker for a meaningful conversation about basketball, Staten Island, second chances, and the people who shape a life. Kevin reflects on growing up on Staten Island, getting cut from early teams, finding his way through basketball, playing at Curtis, Staten Island Community College, and Stetson, and eventually building a long career in education. Along th...

In this episode, Coach Tobin sits down with longtime coach, player, mentor, and basketball lifer Ralph Menar for a wide-ranging conversation full of unforgettable stories from the New York basketball world. From St. Peter’s High School memories and legendary coaches like Mo Hicks, to Puerto Rico, youth basketball, player development, nutrition, and some of the most talented names to come through N...

This episode is an inspiring and deeply personal conversation with Billy Gazzonis, former Hartwick College soccer legend and winner of the Hermann Trophy, the highest individual honor in U.S. college soccer. Alongside his former classmate, John, Billy recounts his incredible journey from a heavily-injured high school player to the nation's best collegiate athlete. His path was defined by a moment...

What happens when adventure collides with friendship — and both are pushed to their breaking point? In this episode, author and journalist Sandy Moss shares the true story behind her award-winning book, Terrible Loyalty , the gripping account of two men who set out to sail across the Pacific and found themselves fighting not just the ocean, but each other. Sandy takes us behind the pages to explor...

What started as a summer basketball camp became the turning point of Coach John Moore’s life — both personally and professionally. In this episode, the longtime Westmont coach and current University of San Diego assistant shares how a chance connection through Steve Lavin led to meeting his wife, Rachel, at the legendary Lavin Basketball Camp — what he calls Steve’s “greatest assist.” From coachin...

In this episode, we’re joined by Drew Martin—former St. Peter’s standout, Cornell basketball player, and international professional. Drew shares his incredible journey from a unique Amish-Irish upbringing to the Ivy League, and later to playing and coaching basketball in Ireland. He opens up about the values that kept him grounded amid peer pressure, how basketball became a vehicle for life lesson...