In this episode of the Sports Philanthropy Podcast, host Roy Kessel sits down with Sae Tautu, former BYU and New Orleans Saints linebacker and founder of The Pursuit Foundation. Sae opens up about his journey from growing up around football and rugby in Utah and Hawaii to turning the challenges of a career-ending injury into a mission to empower the next generation of athletes. Through The Pursuit Foundation’s partnership with OrthoAthlete, he helps injured youth access world-class, data-driven medical care and rehabilitation — regardless of financial barriers. Sae’s story is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion as he continues to expand his foundation’s reach to ensure that no athlete is left behind.

Rob Ohno, President & CEO of the ANNIKA Foundation, joins host Roy Kessel to share how golf develops life skills and how the foundation empowers girls and women at every stage — from junior clinics and collegiate events to the ANNIKA Women’s All Pro Tour and a new Inspiration Award. Rob reflects on his multi-sport upbringing, Harvard hockey days, 24 years at the PGA TOUR, and the strategy to scale impact without Annika Sörenstam at every event — while keeping the focus on personal growth over results.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as Roy Kessel sits down with Rob Mutert, founder of Warp Corps. Rob shares his journey from a blue-collar childhood in Chicago and service in the Marine Corps to running a family business and ultimately launching Warp Corps, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth through skateboarding, fitness, and mentorship. He discusses how physical activity and community engagement can combat the opioid epidemic, improve mental health, and create positive pathways for the next generation in Woodstock, Illinois.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with Jonathan Reisman, founder of Rebuild:LA. From his background in design and real estate to launching the innovative platform Modwell, Jonathan shares how his vision led to Rebuild:LA, a project helping Los Angeles recover from wildfires through technology, partnerships, and community engagement. He also highlights his mission to use XR, AI, and design thinking to build stronger, more connected neighborhoods for the future.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with Leslie Robinson, founder of Trance4mation Games. From a sports-filled childhood to a four-decade career in social work and psychoanalysis, Leslie shares how her “games for healing and connection” — from Keep It Real to Prison Reentry, Warrior Spirit, Streets, and more — are building bridges across families and communities. She also previews new projects like Call It Out, an anti-bullying game, and a campus connection tool, showing how deeper conversations can combat isolation and spark lasting change.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with Adam Nemer, founder of Simple Mental Health. Adam shares his powerful journey from a multisport, ski-loving childhood and senior leadership at Kaiser Permanente to confronting personal loss and undiagnosed struggles with depression and anxiety. He reflects on the pivotal five-minute conversation that changed his path, inspiring him to launch Simple Mental Health. This episode highlights how the organization empowers leaders to recognize signs of struggle, engage with empathy, and connect colleagues to vital resources like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — showing that every conversation can make a life-changing difference.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Antomius Wise, former NFL player and founder of Wise Protective Service and More, Inc. In this episode, Roy and Antomius discuss his journey from chasing his NFL dream to building a nonprofit that supports domestic violence survivors, empowers youth, and promotes financial literacy education.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with Rob Weissman of the Boston Renegades and the Association of Blind Citizens. Rob shares the remarkable story of building one of the nation’s longest-running adaptive sports programs, from early days in wheelchair hockey to more than 25 years of beep baseball. He reflects on the challenges of leading a volunteer-driven nonprofit, the importance of community support, and the excitement of milestones such as partnering with the Boston Red Sox. This inspiring episode highlights resilience, inclusion, and the joy of competition that adaptive sports bring to athletes and fans alike.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Neil Schwartz (SBRNet) and Yussuf Khan (First and Pen). In this episode, Roy, Neil, and Yussuf dive into the Get in the Game Conference, exploring their journeys in the sports business, the importance of diversity and inclusion, and how the event prepares students of color for careers in sports. From building career pipelines to amplifying overlooked voices, the conversation highlights how data, storytelling, and mentorship are shaping the future of the sports industry.