The Front Seat Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Martelly-McLean — entrepreneur, community builder, and Co-Founder of Honey's Soul Food and The Hive. Jason's story isn't just about food. It's about purpose, resilience, and building something that serves people far beyond what's on the plate. From launching Honey's Soul Food to creating The Hive, Jason has built businesses rooted in...

In this episode, we sit down with Carl Davis — former Iowa Hawkeye, NFL defensive lineman, and now a builder operating far beyond the game. Carl made a living doing the unseen work in the trenches — discipline, physicality, consistency. That same mindset now shows up in how he approaches business, ownership, and long-term vision. We get into what it actually looks like when the structure of footba...

In this episode, we sit down with Shai Ross — content creator, former pro football player, father, and entrepreneur. From competing at a high level to building his brand off the field, Shai represents what it looks like to evolve when the game changes. He breaks down the realities of transitioning out of sports, stepping into fatherhood, and building something that lasts beyond football. This conv...

Jelani Jenkins — From the Gridiron to Growth: Finding Higher Valleys In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Jelani Jenkins — former NFL linebacker, speaker, and wellness consultant who’s redefining what it means to win after football. After years in the league, Jelani’s journey didn’t stop when the lights dimmed. It evolved. Through his work with Postseason and Higher Valleys Podcast , he’s helpin...

Conor McDermott — The Gentle Giant with a Grit Mindset In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Conor McDermott — veteran offensive lineman, leader in the locker room, and one of the most respected teammates in the NFL. Standing tall in year 9 of his professional career, Conor isn’t just a giant on the field — he’s a man of character, humility, and consistency off it. From battling through the trenc...

In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Bert Zevzavadjian — LinkedIn OG, sales leader, and founder of Do Work — a movement built to help people Dream Big, Do Work, and Get Paid. From being one of LinkedIn’s original salespeople to helping athletes and professionals master LinkedIn to grow their careers and brands, Bert’s story is all about purpose, discipline, and turning experience into impact. 💥...

In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Shon Hart — former Michigan State football player turned motivational speaker, author, and founder of Inspire Legacy, a movement dedicated to helping fathers build stronger relationships with their children. From being coached by some of the best in the business to now leading rooms full of men seeking purpose and connection, Shon’s journey is about transform...

In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Will Sweet — NFL offensive lineman turned entrepreneur, real estate investor, and founder of Sweet Ventures. From the grind of bouncing between NFL teams to building a fleet of 30+ vehicles in the car-sharing space, Will’s journey is all about resilience, vision, and creating opportunities beyond the game. Will opens up about the reality of the NFL — the unce...

In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Teal Henderson — commercial real estate powerhouse, investor, and leader of Bones Investment Group. With over 18 years of experience and more than $2B in closed transactions, Teal has helped hundreds of investors and over 1,000 athletes turn their money into long-term, passive wealth. From educating athletes across every team and position, Teal is on a missio...

In this episode, Tevaun sits down with Jaleel Johnson — former Iowa Hawkeye star, NFL defensive tackle, and longtime college roommate. From the grind of Big Ten football to the intensity of Sundays in the NFL, Jaleel shares what it really takes to perform at the highest level — and the lessons that stick long after the final whistle. As college roommates, Tevaun and Jaleel swap stories you won’t h...

In this episode, we sit down with Vince Biegel — former NFL linebacker, PAC liaison, and advocate for athletes navigating the biggest transition of their lives. From lining up on Sundays in the NFL to building a new purpose off the field, Vince has faced both the excitement of professional sports and the challenge of redefining who you are when the game ends. Now, he’s dedicating his platform to h...

In this episode, we sit down with Jason McCourty — 13-year NFL veteran, Super Bowl champion, broadcaster, and leader off the field. From making his mark as a defensive back in the league to transitioning into life after football, Jason has seen both the highs of success and the challenges of starting over. He also touches on family and growing up with a twin brother. Now, he’s using his platform t...

In this episode, we sit down with SOUL COLE — former NFL wide receiver turned entrepreneur, speaker, and mental health advocate. After years of chasing success on the field, he was forced to face the struggles that came after football: identity, purpose, and mental health. That journey led him to rebrand himself and build a business dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health. SOUL COLE...

The Front Seat Podcast launches August 27! 🚨 Everyone has a story worth telling. From athletes to entrepreneurs to leaders, The Front Seat takes you inside the journeys that inspire, challenge, and connect us all. 🎥 Hosted by Tevaun Smith, former pro athlete turned entrepreneur, this podcast goes beyond the headlines to reveal the lessons, struggles, and wins behind real success. 📅 First episod...