🎙️ Born to the Game — Mariah Woodson

Turning Pain Into Purpose | The Story Behind the Show

Before Born to the Game became a platform… it was pain.

In this deeply personal episode, Mariah Woodson steps out from behind the mic and onto the couch to share the story that started it all.

The daughter of NBA player and coach Mike Woodson, Mariah opens up about growing up around the game—but not always inside it—and the moment everything changed.

From watching her father face public criticism, hate, and pressure… to navigating her own battles with identity, health, grief, and mental health—this is the unfiltered story behind the creation of Born to the Game.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• The phone call that sparked Born to the Game
• Dealing with public criticism, online hate, and protecting family
• Growing up as the child of an NBA coach—and what people don’t see
• Moving from a sheltered life in Texas to the realities of public scrutiny
• Experiencing bullying tied to her father’s career
• A life-altering health scare at 13 years old
• Losing her best friend—and how grief reshaped her perspective
• Navigating depression, anger, and healing
• The difference between perception vs. reality in legacy families
• Turning pain into purpose—and building a platform for others

💭 This Episode Is About…

• Identity vs. expectation
• Pain vs. purpose
• Strength, resilience, and growth
• Finding your voice when the world thinks it already knows your story

🎧 About Mariah Woodson

Mariah Woodson is a creator, storyteller, and co-host of Born to the Game. Raised around professional basketball, she brings a unique perspective on legacy, identity, and what it truly means to grow up connected to greatness.

Her mission: to create a space where the next generation can tell their own stories—on their own terms.

Follow Born to the Game:

INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE https://borntothegamepodcast.com/

New episodes weekly.
Where legacy meets identity—and the next generation tells their story.

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We talked about The Oscars + gave our Dookie Butts of the Week.

YouTube link: https://youtube.com/live/O2lsaTjD2j8?feature=share

Podcast : Apple Podcast

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The WNBA Finals are here, and the 3 on 3 crew—Chris Williamson, Terrika Foster-Brasby, and Sharí Nycole—stayed up late on the East Coast to react to the Minnesota Lynx eliminating the Connecticut Sun in Game 4 of the semifinals. Terrika might’ve shed a tear as her Sun saw their season end.

Sharí didn't hold back on Aces’ star Jackie Young, questioning her disappearance when her team needed her most against the Liberty. Chris wasn’t having it though, jumping in to defend Jackie and the Aces’ season. Terrika played mediator by pointing out how the Aces’ back-to-back titles put a target on their back all year.

Then Chris and Sharí are standing 10 toes down on their Finals prediction, backing one team all the way. Tune in to find out who they’re riding with!

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