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.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel sits down with NBA Hall of Famer Alex English to discuss his journey from the playgrounds of Columbia, South Carolina to a legendary pro career and his ongoing impact off the court. Alex shares the story behind founding the Let’s Share Foundation, which began with delivering Thanksgiving baskets and has grown into a nonprofit supporting families facing homelessness, funding after-school STEM programs, and creating opportunities for underserved youth. He also previews his annual celebrity golf tournament and offers his vision for advancing women’s basketball and strengthening the WNBA.

Join us on the Sports Philanthropy Podcast as host Roy Kessel speaks with Jonathan Gamez-Panameno, the Founder of ClassOne Athletics. In this episode, Roy and Jonathan discuss his inspiration for creating opportunities for underserved youth, the growth of ClassOne Athletics under Puentexas, and how his efforts are expanding access to sports through equipment donations, scholarships, and international outreach.