Coach Torey Noel joins the show to share his experience as a first-year head coach of the Midwest City Bombers. He discusses his journey from getting the job to implementing his own offensive and defensive schemes. Noel gives credit to the coaches he's had throughout his career, acknowledging their influence on his path to this point. He reflects on the emotions of winning the state championship in his first year, especially considering the program had only six wins the previous season. Noel explains how he got the team to buy in and how the bench played a crucial role in the playoffs. He also talks about the pride of bringing a championship back to the same neighborhood he grew up in, the Panic Zone. Can he go back-to-back with the latest changes to transfer rules? Check out the full interview here.

Episode 252 features Steph Simon, a rapper, educator and friend of the show. This is his 5thappearance on the podcast. He gives an in-depth exploration of his forthcoming album, "The Tulsa King: Everything the Light Touches," slated for release on April 1st. Tulsa King is sure to showcase his expansion as an artist, his impeccable wordplay, and his unwavering delivery, all of which contribute to his unique style.. Steph provides a detailed breakdown of the album's three-part structure, drawing inspiration from Tulsa's distinctive sound and his artistic evolution following his impactful contribution to the "Fire in Little Africa" project. In addition to his musical endeavors, Steph shares insights from his role as a teacher at McClain High School, where he guides students through the intricacies of album creation, music video production, and navigating the music industry. Reflecting on his journey, Steph discusses the significance of maintaining respect in both the streets and the industry, recounting his recent appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Network as a testament to his growing recognition. He offers a poignant exploration of the meaning behind "The Tulsa King," highlighting its embodiment of his contributions to hip hop culture and the city of Tulsa at large. Steph underscores his personal ethos of growth and faith-driven purpose, stressing the importance of striving for personal excellence rather than engaging in competition. This engaging dialogue with Steph Simon provides a profound insight into the intersection of music, education, and community empowerment, making it a must-listen for fans and enthusiasts alike. Tune in for an enriching conversation with one of hip hop's most innovative voices. Be sure to stream Tulsa King, available on all streaming platforms April 1st.

Music Featured in this Episode:

0:00 He Who Remains

31:55 Everything the Light Touches