1 00:00:00,160 --> 00:00:02,560 Speaker 1: My next days. She's one of my favorite people in 2 00:00:02,560 --> 00:00:05,680 Speaker 1: the world of sports personalities. Say I'm would say that 3 00:00:05,800 --> 00:00:09,479 Speaker 1: Sam saying, have y'all ever heard me say that? Okay, 4 00:00:09,320 --> 00:00:12,920 Speaker 1: I think so. She in her seventh season as an analyst, 5 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:18,560 Speaker 1: host and reporter for ESPN. She juggles ESPN College game 6 00:00:18,640 --> 00:00:21,919 Speaker 1: day duties, sideline reporting though college game days, and nights 7 00:00:21,920 --> 00:00:24,720 Speaker 1: where I host an NBA countdown. Please welcome to money 8 00:00:24,760 --> 00:00:29,800 Speaker 1: making conversations. But girl, Maria Taylor, thanks so much for 9 00:00:29,840 --> 00:00:31,440 Speaker 1: having me on our son. It's good to be talking 10 00:00:31,440 --> 00:00:33,440 Speaker 1: to you again. Well, you know, it's it's You're always 11 00:00:33,479 --> 00:00:35,960 Speaker 1: amazing that. You know, it's the beauty of the last 12 00:00:36,000 --> 00:00:38,000 Speaker 1: time we talked you was you was there, was the 13 00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:41,080 Speaker 1: doing the finally was doing the championship hered for the 14 00:00:41,640 --> 00:00:45,519 Speaker 1: women's Uh. I remember talking to you and I was 15 00:00:45,560 --> 00:00:47,440 Speaker 1: literally in a tunnel. I must have been at a 16 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:51,080 Speaker 1: men's basketball get maybe the act I think I was, 17 00:00:52,520 --> 00:00:54,000 Speaker 1: And I literally was talking to you, and it's like 18 00:00:54,080 --> 00:00:58,840 Speaker 1: Coach k Is going by, that goes Roy Williams, and 19 00:00:58,880 --> 00:01:02,279 Speaker 1: I'm like hiding behind where the characters get dressed or 20 00:01:02,320 --> 00:01:07,480 Speaker 1: all the mascots get dressed. Well, you're not what you 21 00:01:07,640 --> 00:01:10,959 Speaker 1: may hide but people know who you are nowadays is 22 00:01:11,560 --> 00:01:13,640 Speaker 1: let's let's talk about that. You know you you you 23 00:01:13,680 --> 00:01:17,399 Speaker 1: went to the University of Georgia. You as an athlete, Um, 24 00:01:17,520 --> 00:01:22,959 Speaker 1: you volleyball player, basketball player, correct and uh so so 25 00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:27,720 Speaker 1: much as she was All SEC volleyball player, uh with 26 00:01:27,840 --> 00:01:33,000 Speaker 1: three times she was All SEC. Remember number of things. 27 00:01:33,040 --> 00:01:36,080 Speaker 1: My girl here and so so I mean that you 28 00:01:36,080 --> 00:01:38,360 Speaker 1: you So that's that's a drive. I think the reason 29 00:01:38,400 --> 00:01:41,240 Speaker 1: I bring it up that that that as an athlete, 30 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:43,319 Speaker 1: that that means that you have to push yourself and 31 00:01:43,319 --> 00:01:45,680 Speaker 1: you have to be challenged and you had to especially 32 00:01:45,720 --> 00:01:48,000 Speaker 1: you you were performing at a high level to an 33 00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:55,080 Speaker 1: All SEC UH volleyball candidate. So how does that play 34 00:01:55,160 --> 00:01:57,600 Speaker 1: that that that that that athletic side of you play 35 00:01:57,680 --> 00:02:00,880 Speaker 1: into your in this competitive world of being on sport's personality, 36 00:02:00,920 --> 00:02:05,520 Speaker 1: because really the world sports has exploded and there is 37 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:08,079 Speaker 1: a path out there and it keeps growing every day 38 00:02:08,080 --> 00:02:11,280 Speaker 1: and you are right in the middle of it. Yeah. 39 00:02:11,360 --> 00:02:14,280 Speaker 1: It's funny. When I was in school, um, I told 40 00:02:14,320 --> 00:02:16,440 Speaker 1: my professors, Hey, I want to work in sports broadcast 41 00:02:16,480 --> 00:02:18,160 Speaker 1: and they're like, great, you'll never make any money and 42 00:02:18,160 --> 00:02:20,280 Speaker 1: you'll never get a job. It's like, doesn't exist and 43 00:02:20,320 --> 00:02:23,880 Speaker 1: now the University of Georgia has a sports journalism certificate program. 44 00:02:23,880 --> 00:02:26,400 Speaker 1: It will probably become a degree, and it's just changed 45 00:02:26,440 --> 00:02:28,960 Speaker 1: so much. But for me, that's how I learned to 46 00:02:29,040 --> 00:02:32,920 Speaker 1: compete was on a court, Like you're always competing against yourself, 47 00:02:33,000 --> 00:02:35,200 Speaker 1: Like it wasn't even always about the person that you're 48 00:02:35,240 --> 00:02:37,680 Speaker 1: going up against. It's like, how can I get better 49 00:02:38,120 --> 00:02:41,240 Speaker 1: every single day? And I've really been a perfectionist, but 50 00:02:41,639 --> 00:02:44,040 Speaker 1: I think that evolved definitely on the court because I 51 00:02:44,040 --> 00:02:46,520 Speaker 1: always wanted to put my best performance forward and you know, 52 00:02:46,560 --> 00:02:49,160 Speaker 1: you've got your team relying on you, um, you want 53 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:51,600 Speaker 1: to do well for your family. But ultimately, for me, 54 00:02:51,720 --> 00:02:53,560 Speaker 1: like I wouldn't be able to sleep at night if 55 00:02:53,560 --> 00:02:55,200 Speaker 1: I felt like I didn't play my best, or I 56 00:02:55,200 --> 00:02:57,320 Speaker 1: would want to go back to the court and practice again, 57 00:02:57,440 --> 00:02:59,520 Speaker 1: or I wanted to talk to my coach and figure out, Okay, 58 00:02:59,520 --> 00:03:01,360 Speaker 1: how do we x whatever I think is wrong with 59 00:03:01,400 --> 00:03:04,440 Speaker 1: my volleyball sling or my shot if I was playing basketball. 60 00:03:04,560 --> 00:03:07,280 Speaker 1: So that's something that kind of drove me in and 61 00:03:07,400 --> 00:03:09,080 Speaker 1: I don't I think it's kind of imparted that in 62 00:03:09,120 --> 00:03:12,600 Speaker 1: my personality now where I'm satisfied with my last performance 63 00:03:12,680 --> 00:03:14,280 Speaker 1: or I'm always picking a part of the things. I'd 64 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:16,520 Speaker 1: be wrong to the point where my mom is like, 65 00:03:16,639 --> 00:03:21,000 Speaker 1: you don't even watch yourself. Like she she's like, you 66 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:22,800 Speaker 1: can be mad for twenty four hours, but that's it, 67 00:03:22,960 --> 00:03:25,480 Speaker 1: Like you're moving on. You didn't like whatever you said. 68 00:03:25,480 --> 00:03:27,079 Speaker 1: And she's like, and by the way, I didn't notice. 69 00:03:27,080 --> 00:03:29,480 Speaker 1: No one notices ever. There you go. I love your 70 00:03:29,520 --> 00:03:31,720 Speaker 1: mom really because I have a daughter and I had 71 00:03:31,720 --> 00:03:34,760 Speaker 1: to tell her that, you know, And because she was competitive, 72 00:03:34,880 --> 00:03:36,720 Speaker 1: she was a she's a tennis prodigy, and then she 73 00:03:36,760 --> 00:03:38,600 Speaker 1: blew out of and now she's doing well in college. 74 00:03:38,600 --> 00:03:40,920 Speaker 1: And I'm happy for her. And it's when you let 75 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:43,120 Speaker 1: let me, let me point out some things about her recently, 76 00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:46,080 Speaker 1: when I said her, I mean Maria Taylor. Seventeen, Taylor 77 00:03:46,120 --> 00:03:48,720 Speaker 1: became the first black female to co host College Game 78 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:51,560 Speaker 1: Day built by the Home Depot, which is huge, by 79 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:54,600 Speaker 1: the way. Taylor was also dubbed as a sideline reporter 80 00:03:54,640 --> 00:03:58,360 Speaker 1: for ABC Saturday Night Football and Patrol the Sidelines for 81 00:03:59,160 --> 00:04:03,119 Speaker 1: college football off the National Championship Game Mirror. Taylor's named 82 00:04:03,200 --> 00:04:07,120 Speaker 1: host of NBA Countdown, ESPN and ABC's long standing NBA 83 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:11,760 Speaker 1: pregame show October of this year. She also have a 84 00:04:11,800 --> 00:04:15,040 Speaker 1: significant role host in NBA playoff editions of NBA Countdown 85 00:04:15,120 --> 00:04:19,520 Speaker 1: across ESPN networks. We're gonna, We're gonna. I want to 86 00:04:19,560 --> 00:04:25,800 Speaker 1: get that out because she is uniquely just I know. 87 00:04:25,960 --> 00:04:28,440 Speaker 1: I when I when I look at Maria, I'm for 88 00:04:28,480 --> 00:04:31,279 Speaker 1: some reason. People always I just gather information. My staff 89 00:04:31,320 --> 00:04:33,640 Speaker 1: always going, well, just you just gather information, just stays 90 00:04:33,680 --> 00:04:36,480 Speaker 1: in your head. I just started watching her when she 91 00:04:36,560 --> 00:04:40,680 Speaker 1: used to do late night pack ten games, so if 92 00:04:40,720 --> 00:04:43,120 Speaker 1: you weren't up, you didn't see her. And I just 93 00:04:43,160 --> 00:04:46,360 Speaker 1: always see just a little just like that. I would 94 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:48,520 Speaker 1: say the words of the skinny young of the young 95 00:04:48,640 --> 00:04:51,240 Speaker 1: lady won't the screen, but she was just stood out. 96 00:04:51,400 --> 00:04:54,440 Speaker 1: She's just so gifted. And I went and I remember 97 00:04:54,480 --> 00:04:56,520 Speaker 1: I told my wife that girl right there, it's gonna 98 00:04:56,520 --> 00:04:58,320 Speaker 1: be a star. She's gonna, said, I just know she's 99 00:04:58,360 --> 00:05:00,640 Speaker 1: going to be a star. But you have you have, 100 00:05:00,839 --> 00:05:04,479 Speaker 1: you have an ability. We are that a lot of 101 00:05:04,520 --> 00:05:06,920 Speaker 1: people can say that people out there that look good 102 00:05:06,920 --> 00:05:08,600 Speaker 1: at people like they're tall, they are people out there 103 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:12,400 Speaker 1: played the sport. But you're naturally gifted and translating the 104 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:16,760 Speaker 1: story on the spot, whether it's at the NBA Draft 105 00:05:16,800 --> 00:05:19,719 Speaker 1: when you when you I've watched you interview those players 106 00:05:19,760 --> 00:05:22,200 Speaker 1: who were drafted in the first round, how you pull 107 00:05:22,320 --> 00:05:25,920 Speaker 1: their stories from each one. It was it was just amazing. 108 00:05:26,120 --> 00:05:28,840 Speaker 1: Tell us about that. Can you explain that gift? Though you? 109 00:05:28,880 --> 00:05:31,680 Speaker 1: Can you talk about that talent? Did you naturally have? 110 00:05:33,200 --> 00:05:35,800 Speaker 1: It's so interesting because I mean I hear that, but 111 00:05:36,040 --> 00:05:37,880 Speaker 1: I don't know that I recognize it or see it. 112 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:40,119 Speaker 1: Like to me, it is in a lot of ways 113 00:05:40,160 --> 00:05:43,359 Speaker 1: second nature. It's like it's just wanting if there's a 114 00:05:43,360 --> 00:05:47,599 Speaker 1: curiosity there. I think I remember um hearing people talked 115 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:49,560 Speaker 1: about and Robin Roberts says it all the time. It's like, 116 00:05:49,560 --> 00:05:52,480 Speaker 1: if you're a naturally curious person, then you're going to 117 00:05:52,600 --> 00:05:55,719 Speaker 1: constantly be asking people about their selves, wanting to know more, 118 00:05:55,800 --> 00:05:58,120 Speaker 1: wanting to know why. And I think that's how I've 119 00:05:58,160 --> 00:06:00,680 Speaker 1: always been. I mean growing up, like literally my dad 120 00:06:00,680 --> 00:06:02,280 Speaker 1: would have to be like we're playing the quiet game now, 121 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:05,679 Speaker 1: nor more questions, you know, like strangers and I'm gonna 122 00:06:05,720 --> 00:06:07,880 Speaker 1: go in asking all these questions all what they're doing. 123 00:06:08,440 --> 00:06:10,080 Speaker 1: And if you sit down in order to talk to me, 124 00:06:10,120 --> 00:06:11,640 Speaker 1: if I ran into a stranger on the street, like 125 00:06:11,680 --> 00:06:13,440 Speaker 1: I'm going to ask them a thousand questions until I 126 00:06:13,440 --> 00:06:15,719 Speaker 1: know where they grew up and why they moved here, 127 00:06:15,720 --> 00:06:17,360 Speaker 1: and what are you doing there and how many kids 128 00:06:17,400 --> 00:06:19,600 Speaker 1: do you have? Like that's just kind of how I've been. 129 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:23,360 Speaker 1: I love people, I'm energized by people, and so I've 130 00:06:23,400 --> 00:06:25,720 Speaker 1: always said that my favorite thing to do is something 131 00:06:25,760 --> 00:06:27,880 Speaker 1: like the draft, or I can have been with the 132 00:06:27,920 --> 00:06:30,440 Speaker 1: player for you know, the last year or two years. 133 00:06:30,520 --> 00:06:32,440 Speaker 1: I've got to know their families and then be there 134 00:06:32,440 --> 00:06:35,520 Speaker 1: in that moment when their dream is essentially coming true, 135 00:06:35,640 --> 00:06:37,640 Speaker 1: like they've been dreaming about that since they were seven 136 00:06:37,720 --> 00:06:41,159 Speaker 1: years old, and to just be that almost the vessel 137 00:06:41,200 --> 00:06:42,960 Speaker 1: that allows them to tell that story or get that 138 00:06:43,000 --> 00:06:45,839 Speaker 1: emotion out. Like, those are my favorite moments in sports 139 00:06:45,880 --> 00:06:47,840 Speaker 1: that I get to be a part of. So that's 140 00:06:47,880 --> 00:06:50,120 Speaker 1: something that I am very proud of. Those moments. You 141 00:06:50,160 --> 00:06:52,200 Speaker 1: should be in the shows. And I think the fact 142 00:06:52,279 --> 00:06:55,360 Speaker 1: that you all are a high level athlete. You know, 143 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:59,240 Speaker 1: the stress, the physical stress and the mental stress getting 144 00:06:59,279 --> 00:07:01,680 Speaker 1: up and they grind that you have to accomplish, as 145 00:07:01,680 --> 00:07:05,560 Speaker 1: well as maintaining academic standards to stay in school. Those 146 00:07:05,600 --> 00:07:08,039 Speaker 1: are all important in the process. But this is just 147 00:07:08,080 --> 00:07:10,520 Speaker 1: a gift that you have and it's still out so much. 148 00:07:10,880 --> 00:07:13,000 Speaker 1: You know, I was looking at you know, I don't 149 00:07:13,040 --> 00:07:16,240 Speaker 1: care about the draft. Listen, you get there. Let me 150 00:07:16,280 --> 00:07:18,600 Speaker 1: just use you in there. I was just watching each 151 00:07:18,640 --> 00:07:21,360 Speaker 1: interview is unique. You know what I'm saying. Each interview 152 00:07:21,400 --> 00:07:24,600 Speaker 1: was very unique and it stood out, and uh, this 153 00:07:24,680 --> 00:07:28,120 Speaker 1: is uh. I don't want to be overly complimentarybody, but 154 00:07:28,160 --> 00:07:30,600 Speaker 1: I gotta just tell you the truth. You're able to 155 00:07:30,640 --> 00:07:35,239 Speaker 1: pull stories out of individuals naturally, and that is something 156 00:07:35,280 --> 00:07:36,840 Speaker 1: that is going to carry you a long way in 157 00:07:36,880 --> 00:07:39,760 Speaker 1: this business, a long witness business. Of course. You know 158 00:07:39,840 --> 00:07:42,240 Speaker 1: the only thing that she's she's changing her career that 159 00:07:42,400 --> 00:07:46,400 Speaker 1: she knew when she hosted the SEC Countdown with Tim 160 00:07:46,480 --> 00:07:52,560 Speaker 1: t Bow, Marcut Spears, Paul fine Ball, and Maria Taylor. 161 00:07:52,960 --> 00:07:58,080 Speaker 1: That was the greatest show on Saturday. I love that show. 162 00:07:58,120 --> 00:08:01,200 Speaker 1: I love that story. College Game Day was just way 163 00:08:01,200 --> 00:08:04,119 Speaker 1: bigger without respect. But that was that. That was something 164 00:08:04,160 --> 00:08:06,280 Speaker 1: that you That was your show. That was your show. 165 00:08:06,320 --> 00:08:08,880 Speaker 1: That was another that was that was another level of 166 00:08:09,480 --> 00:08:11,840 Speaker 1: being able to hang out with the boys Club and 167 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:14,360 Speaker 1: being able to feel natural in that. And we come 168 00:08:14,360 --> 00:08:16,040 Speaker 1: back from the break, we're gonna talk about that because 169 00:08:16,480 --> 00:08:19,680 Speaker 1: you are in a sport where a female is being 170 00:08:19,720 --> 00:08:23,120 Speaker 1: put in position to be able to look natural, talk natural, 171 00:08:23,240 --> 00:08:26,840 Speaker 1: be able to communicate with men and in these different 172 00:08:26,920 --> 00:08:28,720 Speaker 1: levels and being able to be able to pull it 173 00:08:28,800 --> 00:08:31,200 Speaker 1: off on a on an ongoing to the high profile, 174 00:08:31,280 --> 00:08:34,080 Speaker 1: successful level, and you're doing them real. Be right back 175 00:08:34,080 --> 00:08:41,160 Speaker 1: with more. Mural Taylor on money making conversations. Hi, this 176 00:08:41,360 --> 00:08:44,439 Speaker 1: Sean McDonald. You're listening to money making conversations. As I 177 00:08:44,679 --> 00:08:47,960 Speaker 1: stated earlier, she juggles ESPN College Game. They duty sidelide 178 00:08:48,000 --> 00:08:51,280 Speaker 1: reporting the college game days and nights while hosting m 179 00:08:51,400 --> 00:08:56,520 Speaker 1: p A countdown. Where's back. NBA's bigger, better players are 180 00:08:56,520 --> 00:09:02,160 Speaker 1: all over the league. I really real the NBA has 181 00:09:02,240 --> 00:09:05,760 Speaker 1: to be No. I'm I'm a fan of the NBA. 182 00:09:06,080 --> 00:09:10,000 Speaker 1: I'm way back when Magic was tossing, when when Burry 183 00:09:10,120 --> 00:09:13,120 Speaker 1: was hit three partners, you know, the Cooper Loop. I'm 184 00:09:13,160 --> 00:09:16,199 Speaker 1: way back there. But the NBA today it's a different league. 185 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:19,800 Speaker 1: It's a lot of energy. The players can pick where 186 00:09:19,800 --> 00:09:21,559 Speaker 1: they want to go, they can tell other players to 187 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:24,480 Speaker 1: follow me. But for some reason, I feel that this 188 00:09:24,760 --> 00:09:29,800 Speaker 1: this year, other than Kevin Durant being injured, it's incredible. 189 00:09:29,800 --> 00:09:32,520 Speaker 1: I'm excited about it. I'm also excited that the Golden 190 00:09:32,559 --> 00:09:38,000 Speaker 1: State struggling too. It's a new blood in there. Yeah, 191 00:09:39,240 --> 00:09:40,760 Speaker 1: you know what's the good. The best thing about the 192 00:09:40,880 --> 00:09:43,720 Speaker 1: NBA right now is that the players have the power 193 00:09:43,880 --> 00:09:46,360 Speaker 1: to create their own dynasties and their own legacies, and 194 00:09:46,440 --> 00:09:49,360 Speaker 1: we're watching it happen, Like we're watching these guys write 195 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:52,199 Speaker 1: their own stories. And so it's so cool that a 196 00:09:52,320 --> 00:09:54,640 Speaker 1: year ago people would have just like scoffed at you 197 00:09:54,760 --> 00:09:57,640 Speaker 1: if you talked about the Clippers winning the title, and 198 00:09:57,720 --> 00:10:00,360 Speaker 1: now it's like, oh, that's like a foregone conclude, Like 199 00:10:00,480 --> 00:10:02,760 Speaker 1: that's exactly what's gonna happen if you believe that Paul 200 00:10:02,800 --> 00:10:04,920 Speaker 1: George comes back and it's healthy enough and him and Uiet, 201 00:10:04,960 --> 00:10:07,000 Speaker 1: that's what's gonna happen. And oh, by the way, it 202 00:10:07,000 --> 00:10:10,160 Speaker 1: will happen in the same arena that Lebron James plays 203 00:10:10,200 --> 00:10:12,319 Speaker 1: in for his home games. Like these are storylines that 204 00:10:12,360 --> 00:10:14,160 Speaker 1: you can't make up that ends up being thirty for 205 00:10:14,240 --> 00:10:16,040 Speaker 1: thirties down the road, and it's so cool to be 206 00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:18,199 Speaker 1: in the midst of it, in the middle of it. 207 00:10:18,840 --> 00:10:21,400 Speaker 1: And I love the way that every night in NYA, 208 00:10:21,520 --> 00:10:24,040 Speaker 1: I literally keep getting the lead pass alert and I'm like, oh, 209 00:10:24,280 --> 00:10:26,720 Speaker 1: the Bucks are down to who or the Sixers are 210 00:10:26,720 --> 00:10:29,880 Speaker 1: about to beat what? Because every single game it's kind 211 00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:32,240 Speaker 1: of been it's been a toss up. The Heat have 212 00:10:32,280 --> 00:10:34,560 Speaker 1: been playing really good. The Phoenix Suns out of nowhere 213 00:10:34,760 --> 00:10:37,280 Speaker 1: like a team that matter. You know, obviously the Warriors 214 00:10:37,320 --> 00:10:40,240 Speaker 1: aren't playing very well. But there's so many different storylines 215 00:10:40,280 --> 00:10:42,360 Speaker 1: to follow if you're keeping up with the NBA this year, 216 00:10:42,360 --> 00:10:44,679 Speaker 1: And it's been fun to like Delvin and be a 217 00:10:44,760 --> 00:10:46,280 Speaker 1: part of it for the first time this year on 218 00:10:46,400 --> 00:10:49,439 Speaker 1: NBA Countdown, I mean, I loved the new role. Who 219 00:10:50,240 --> 00:10:54,200 Speaker 1: is the NBA Countdown this year? So he's got myself 220 00:10:54,480 --> 00:10:57,000 Speaker 1: Jalen Rose, who has kind of been like he's the veteran. 221 00:10:57,120 --> 00:10:59,199 Speaker 1: We always say he's the one who's been there for 222 00:10:59,280 --> 00:11:02,520 Speaker 1: like the last of into ten years. Um Jay Will, 223 00:11:02,679 --> 00:11:05,400 Speaker 1: we've taken him from college basketball. Used to see him 224 00:11:05,440 --> 00:11:08,360 Speaker 1: on college game day. He's in the studio with us 225 00:11:08,400 --> 00:11:12,000 Speaker 1: in New York. Adrian Warganowski, he's our senior insider and 226 00:11:12,040 --> 00:11:14,280 Speaker 1: untill be there every Friday with us. And then we 227 00:11:14,360 --> 00:11:18,080 Speaker 1: have a rotating chair. So one week we had Richard Jefferson, UM, 228 00:11:18,200 --> 00:11:19,960 Speaker 1: one week we had Paul Pierce and that Will kind 229 00:11:19,960 --> 00:11:21,920 Speaker 1: of continue to rotate. If we have players that are 230 00:11:21,960 --> 00:11:23,520 Speaker 1: in town in New York that wanted to come and 231 00:11:23,559 --> 00:11:25,520 Speaker 1: sit in on the show, we'll use that chair for 232 00:11:25,600 --> 00:11:28,240 Speaker 1: that as well, right right, would would you get you 233 00:11:28,320 --> 00:11:31,520 Speaker 1: know that chair getting more populated is they don't make 234 00:11:31,559 --> 00:11:35,160 Speaker 1: the playoffs? Yeah, you know, we get more and more, Yes, 235 00:11:35,520 --> 00:11:37,760 Speaker 1: more and more and more agents reach out once they're 236 00:11:37,760 --> 00:11:40,520 Speaker 1: guys on TV. We're all for it. Come on, let's 237 00:11:40,600 --> 00:11:43,720 Speaker 1: let's talk about that. You know, you mentioned all guys 238 00:11:44,240 --> 00:11:48,079 Speaker 1: all maidens. Here you are and you gotta hold job. 239 00:11:48,280 --> 00:11:50,920 Speaker 1: You gotta you gotta be able to uh, you know, 240 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:53,760 Speaker 1: not just be the pretty face on the screen. Talk 241 00:11:53,800 --> 00:11:57,880 Speaker 1: to us about that experiences, share the professionalism that you 242 00:11:58,559 --> 00:12:01,720 Speaker 1: that you not saying. It's question, please don't get there wrong, 243 00:12:01,800 --> 00:12:03,400 Speaker 1: but you know the amount of work that you have 244 00:12:03,480 --> 00:12:05,240 Speaker 1: to put in to be able to be able to 245 00:12:05,320 --> 00:12:08,080 Speaker 1: say this is I belong here, this is I'm here 246 00:12:08,200 --> 00:12:11,400 Speaker 1: for my my talents, my ability to tell a story. 247 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:14,880 Speaker 1: I know the sport and and and that that's why 248 00:12:14,920 --> 00:12:16,960 Speaker 1: I brought up the fact that you played college basketball. 249 00:12:17,200 --> 00:12:18,800 Speaker 1: Let's go and go back. This is something. This is 250 00:12:18,880 --> 00:12:21,040 Speaker 1: the basketball is not because a lot of people out there, 251 00:12:21,320 --> 00:12:22,600 Speaker 1: this is why I said, this is why I always 252 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:24,600 Speaker 1: talking about Maria differently when she comes on my show, 253 00:12:24,760 --> 00:12:27,640 Speaker 1: because there's a lot of people are getting hired um 254 00:12:28,320 --> 00:12:30,880 Speaker 1: and don't have a background of it. And then I said, 255 00:12:30,880 --> 00:12:33,640 Speaker 1: you gotta have a background as an athlete. But it 256 00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:37,319 Speaker 1: does help, and it does help when you when you 257 00:12:37,440 --> 00:12:39,400 Speaker 1: were when you're sitting on and when you're sitting and 258 00:12:39,600 --> 00:12:44,400 Speaker 1: talking to a college coach and a major game and 259 00:12:44,600 --> 00:12:47,160 Speaker 1: stopping them and they're looking you in the eyes and 260 00:12:47,280 --> 00:12:52,719 Speaker 1: they they say your name professionally, that's you know, when 261 00:12:52,920 --> 00:12:54,840 Speaker 1: when I see you talk to whether whether his whether 262 00:12:54,880 --> 00:12:57,480 Speaker 1: his whether his uh, you know, with a Georgia coach 263 00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:59,839 Speaker 1: or Alabama coach or l s U coach or that 264 00:13:00,040 --> 00:13:07,720 Speaker 1: less you came outstanding, my man. You know as you coach, 265 00:13:10,240 --> 00:13:12,920 Speaker 1: you know you you them. You are in the midst 266 00:13:13,000 --> 00:13:18,840 Speaker 1: of great, great programming, Maria and now yourn NBA account 267 00:13:18,880 --> 00:13:22,240 Speaker 1: that explain how you bring it all together as the 268 00:13:22,320 --> 00:13:26,280 Speaker 1: host of NBA accountdown. Well, I think the most important 269 00:13:26,320 --> 00:13:28,400 Speaker 1: thing for me is number one. You have to understand 270 00:13:28,440 --> 00:13:30,400 Speaker 1: as a woman in this role that you have to 271 00:13:30,480 --> 00:13:32,360 Speaker 1: be better. It's the same thing as being black in 272 00:13:32,440 --> 00:13:35,599 Speaker 1: this world, Like you just have to be better, Like 273 00:13:35,880 --> 00:13:38,760 Speaker 1: it's everyone else is going to be able to show up, 274 00:13:38,960 --> 00:13:41,240 Speaker 1: and everyone's gonna believe that they belong there. You have 275 00:13:41,360 --> 00:13:43,439 Speaker 1: to prove that you belong there. And I do come 276 00:13:43,480 --> 00:13:45,439 Speaker 1: from that space no matter what, Like I don't care 277 00:13:45,600 --> 00:13:47,920 Speaker 1: you that my mentality will never change in that way, 278 00:13:48,000 --> 00:13:50,600 Speaker 1: Like I don't care how what show I end up 279 00:13:50,640 --> 00:13:52,640 Speaker 1: on or how many times I've done the same thing 280 00:13:52,720 --> 00:13:54,319 Speaker 1: every single time I want to set or a red 281 00:13:54,440 --> 00:13:56,800 Speaker 1: light comes on, I recognize that, Like I'm still having 282 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:59,040 Speaker 1: to prove myself. There's gonna be someone that turned ontov 283 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:01,240 Speaker 1: for the first time, and I himself, why is this 284 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:04,760 Speaker 1: woman on the show hosting? That's just the way it is. 285 00:14:05,280 --> 00:14:07,880 Speaker 1: And so you have to be informed. And when it 286 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:10,240 Speaker 1: comes to hosting, I have to know what everyone else 287 00:14:10,280 --> 00:14:12,240 Speaker 1: in my set wants to talk about or get to. 288 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:15,520 Speaker 1: So whether that's being on conference calls where the guys 289 00:14:15,559 --> 00:14:17,400 Speaker 1: are breaking down what they love in a game or 290 00:14:17,480 --> 00:14:21,160 Speaker 1: what's been most interesting to them. Um, that's something that 291 00:14:21,240 --> 00:14:22,880 Speaker 1: I have to be aware of. And then I have 292 00:14:23,040 --> 00:14:25,320 Speaker 1: to bring the context to it. So they might want 293 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:27,960 Speaker 1: to talk about, Okay, this is what the Warriors look 294 00:14:28,040 --> 00:14:31,960 Speaker 1: like without staff. I have to bring into context Okay, Historically, 295 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:34,440 Speaker 1: we've never seen a season where a team was in 296 00:14:34,520 --> 00:14:37,320 Speaker 1: the finals last year and has lost this many players 297 00:14:37,360 --> 00:14:39,520 Speaker 1: and it is this horrible now this season just to 298 00:14:39,600 --> 00:14:41,680 Speaker 1: bring it together for the viewer. So those are some 299 00:14:41,760 --> 00:14:44,160 Speaker 1: of the things that you're constantly thinking about as a host. 300 00:14:44,320 --> 00:14:46,280 Speaker 1: And then I think when I'm on the road and 301 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:48,880 Speaker 1: I'm interacting with coaches and players, like you're you're trying 302 00:14:48,960 --> 00:14:51,640 Speaker 1: so hard to make sure you're maintaining like this level 303 00:14:51,720 --> 00:14:54,160 Speaker 1: of dignity, you're getting the respect that you deserve, but 304 00:14:54,280 --> 00:14:57,880 Speaker 1: still developing these friendships. You know, me having the phone 305 00:14:58,000 --> 00:15:01,320 Speaker 1: number of you know, a Georgia coach might sound different 306 00:15:01,360 --> 00:15:03,680 Speaker 1: than Kirk curb Street or someone else because I am 307 00:15:03,760 --> 00:15:05,680 Speaker 1: a woman, and so you always are trying to tell 308 00:15:05,760 --> 00:15:07,880 Speaker 1: these lines and make sure that things aren't getting learned 309 00:15:07,920 --> 00:15:10,480 Speaker 1: and keeping things business. And but this, this is what 310 00:15:10,560 --> 00:15:12,480 Speaker 1: I asked for, and this is what I want, you 311 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:13,920 Speaker 1: know what I mean, Just because there might be an 312 00:15:13,960 --> 00:15:16,800 Speaker 1: extra hurdle or another discrepancy that I have to deal 313 00:15:16,880 --> 00:15:20,160 Speaker 1: with doesn't mean I'm going to slow down. Yeah, and 314 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:23,120 Speaker 1: and and it shows and being able to and it's true, 315 00:15:23,200 --> 00:15:27,200 Speaker 1: you know, from a person of color gender, you really 316 00:15:27,280 --> 00:15:29,800 Speaker 1: have to put a stronger footfall and do all these 317 00:15:29,840 --> 00:15:33,440 Speaker 1: different things that we were we've we've touched on when 318 00:15:33,440 --> 00:15:36,560 Speaker 1: you come to show your your Your Winning Age Leadership 319 00:15:36,600 --> 00:15:39,520 Speaker 1: Academy is a nonprofit organization that you have developed to 320 00:15:39,600 --> 00:15:43,080 Speaker 1: help student athletes with programs event there through a winning 321 00:15:43,160 --> 00:15:47,640 Speaker 1: age uh thought process. Talk to us about that, Yeah, 322 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:52,040 Speaker 1: Winning Agge Leadership Academy and we've developed it. Um Infen 323 00:15:52,080 --> 00:15:55,360 Speaker 1: was our first year having a full c. Say uh, 324 00:15:55,560 --> 00:15:57,280 Speaker 1: but I know you're not doing it by yourself when 325 00:15:57,320 --> 00:16:00,480 Speaker 1: you say we who is who are we saying weak? Uh? 326 00:16:00,840 --> 00:16:04,560 Speaker 1: Myself and Karane Million, she's a co founder. We both 327 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:06,400 Speaker 1: worked at ESPN at the time, so she's working at 328 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,760 Speaker 1: ESPN events and I was working with SEC Network in 329 00:16:08,840 --> 00:16:10,600 Speaker 1: Charlotte and we just kind of kept looking around the 330 00:16:10,720 --> 00:16:13,680 Speaker 1: room and we were like, we are the only minorities 331 00:16:13,760 --> 00:16:16,400 Speaker 1: that we don't want people of color, women. How do 332 00:16:16,480 --> 00:16:20,600 Speaker 1: we get more of minorities into the door working in sports? 333 00:16:20,640 --> 00:16:22,800 Speaker 1: And so we started this academy where we helped women 334 00:16:23,240 --> 00:16:27,240 Speaker 1: and ethnic minorities And basically it's a mentoring program where 335 00:16:27,360 --> 00:16:30,360 Speaker 1: we're not only partnering you with the mentor, but we 336 00:16:30,440 --> 00:16:33,280 Speaker 1: have retreats like the last two years, we've had them 337 00:16:33,280 --> 00:16:36,400 Speaker 1: in Miami and Atlanta where student athletes can come because 338 00:16:36,400 --> 00:16:38,640 Speaker 1: they don't have much time to go do internships and 339 00:16:38,680 --> 00:16:41,280 Speaker 1: stuff like that, so we have a four day experience 340 00:16:41,360 --> 00:16:43,960 Speaker 1: for them mentor they're there. We took them to Turner, 341 00:16:44,160 --> 00:16:46,120 Speaker 1: we took him to the Braves, we took them to 342 00:16:46,200 --> 00:16:49,160 Speaker 1: Jackson Spalding. When we were in Miami, we had Donna Shalela, 343 00:16:49,240 --> 00:16:51,960 Speaker 1: the former Miami president who's probably going to be bringing 344 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:54,840 Speaker 1: Secretary of State again or something. You know, they're they're 345 00:16:54,880 --> 00:16:57,800 Speaker 1: interacting with people that they wouldn't normally find themselves around, 346 00:16:57,800 --> 00:16:59,440 Speaker 1: and we're teaching them how to be comfortable in that 347 00:16:59,560 --> 00:17:03,800 Speaker 1: space and network and ultimately Karine and I have all 348 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:06,520 Speaker 1: of the opportunities that we talk to people. We know 349 00:17:06,560 --> 00:17:08,240 Speaker 1: what the opportunities are. We know when there's a job 350 00:17:08,240 --> 00:17:10,439 Speaker 1: available at Michigan State are over here in the NFL, 351 00:17:10,800 --> 00:17:13,680 Speaker 1: and we also know the young minorities and women that 352 00:17:13,800 --> 00:17:15,919 Speaker 1: wants those jobs. So we're just trying to build the bridge. 353 00:17:16,400 --> 00:17:19,240 Speaker 1: So we're working with kids constantly on helping to job 354 00:17:19,320 --> 00:17:22,280 Speaker 1: for job placement, internships, and just talking them through once 355 00:17:22,320 --> 00:17:25,240 Speaker 1: you're there, getting retained, you know, dealing with being the 356 00:17:25,320 --> 00:17:26,800 Speaker 1: only one in the room. Some of the things and 357 00:17:26,840 --> 00:17:28,560 Speaker 1: the hurdles that they're going to have to cross once 358 00:17:28,600 --> 00:17:32,160 Speaker 1: they get into the sports indiship, how does one how 359 00:17:32,200 --> 00:17:34,680 Speaker 1: big is that the class size? When you do it, 360 00:17:34,760 --> 00:17:37,480 Speaker 1: I mean I mean student how do they find out about? 361 00:17:38,359 --> 00:17:40,639 Speaker 1: When we do the retreats, we have sixteen and we 362 00:17:40,880 --> 00:17:44,320 Speaker 1: have specifically done student athletes because it's the summer and 363 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:46,280 Speaker 1: UM we also did a sum in l A and 364 00:17:46,359 --> 00:17:48,280 Speaker 1: that was the same thing. We had sixteen. But we 365 00:17:48,400 --> 00:17:51,520 Speaker 1: also work with kids just as they kind of reach out. 366 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:54,440 Speaker 1: So if we talk to a kid, we feel strongly 367 00:17:54,440 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 1: about their potential or they've shown us you know, okay, 368 00:17:57,280 --> 00:17:59,840 Speaker 1: this kid is really striving for success. They seem really determined. 369 00:18:00,040 --> 00:18:04,320 Speaker 1: Will help those kids too. So overall, we've probably influenced 370 00:18:04,440 --> 00:18:08,639 Speaker 1: a hundred and fifty students across the country and UM 371 00:18:08,800 --> 00:18:11,840 Speaker 1: with our actual retreats and all of our programming, we've 372 00:18:11,880 --> 00:18:15,840 Speaker 1: probably had fifty students come through and spend extended periods 373 00:18:15,840 --> 00:18:18,560 Speaker 1: of time with us. And there's the four days mm 374 00:18:18,680 --> 00:18:21,200 Speaker 1: hmm that's awesome. Now, how can I can I have 375 00:18:21,320 --> 00:18:23,880 Speaker 1: promote that for you? Can I have putting out those 376 00:18:23,920 --> 00:18:26,240 Speaker 1: social media? So when is the next when the next 377 00:18:26,280 --> 00:18:27,879 Speaker 1: one coming up? When is the next one coming up? 378 00:18:27,920 --> 00:18:29,920 Speaker 1: So the next retreat we'll have, we usually do it 379 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:33,960 Speaker 1: the week after um the NBA Draft. That's the week 380 00:18:34,000 --> 00:18:38,040 Speaker 1: of June twenty. We will start sending out basically like 381 00:18:38,200 --> 00:18:40,800 Speaker 1: emails or you'll see on my social media I'll be 382 00:18:40,920 --> 00:18:44,040 Speaker 1: promoting it that we're going to start taking application. So 383 00:18:44,440 --> 00:18:47,159 Speaker 1: January February is when we start doing that. But you 384 00:18:47,240 --> 00:18:50,320 Speaker 1: can log on to the Winning Edge Leadership dot org 385 00:18:51,440 --> 00:18:55,119 Speaker 1: and that's a great way to follow up about the 386 00:18:55,160 --> 00:19:00,480 Speaker 1: and about the coming What is the future of Taylor. 387 00:19:03,040 --> 00:19:08,399 Speaker 1: I wish you're gonna be busy, young lady running for 388 00:19:08,520 --> 00:19:11,480 Speaker 1: governor or something. Well, you're gonna get a vote for 389 00:19:11,600 --> 00:19:13,879 Speaker 1: very college coach and the SEC. I can tell you 390 00:19:14,000 --> 00:19:17,320 Speaker 1: that for Shore, they're gonna vote for you, and they're 391 00:19:17,320 --> 00:19:20,200 Speaker 1: gonna push push you over the top. You know, I 392 00:19:20,240 --> 00:19:23,200 Speaker 1: wouldn't push politics from being a part of Europe. I 393 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:26,320 Speaker 1: feel that that you, you know, you are a game 394 00:19:26,440 --> 00:19:29,240 Speaker 1: change in Maria from a standpoint of you understand who 395 00:19:29,280 --> 00:19:31,720 Speaker 1: you are, you understand the role that you have to play. 396 00:19:31,880 --> 00:19:35,040 Speaker 1: You get back and that's and then that's that's really important. 397 00:19:35,240 --> 00:19:38,639 Speaker 1: And when you talk about trying to be successful and 398 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:42,160 Speaker 1: trying to understand that I am a minority, not only 399 00:19:42,760 --> 00:19:46,000 Speaker 1: from a person of a color gender as well. But 400 00:19:46,119 --> 00:19:50,240 Speaker 1: you don't let that stop you. Why because I know 401 00:19:50,320 --> 00:19:52,600 Speaker 1: that there's some kids out there watching me that needs 402 00:19:52,640 --> 00:19:55,840 Speaker 1: to see it that if I get stopped, and that's 403 00:19:55,840 --> 00:19:58,240 Speaker 1: gonna make them believe that they can't make it. So 404 00:19:58,320 --> 00:20:01,080 Speaker 1: if every time every Saturday kid can turn on their TV, 405 00:20:01,200 --> 00:20:03,080 Speaker 1: a young woman or a young man and say, you 406 00:20:03,160 --> 00:20:06,040 Speaker 1: know what Maria's out there doing and she looks comfortable 407 00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:09,680 Speaker 1: and um people are enjoying being around her, then I 408 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:11,840 Speaker 1: can do whatever is in front of me tomorrow. Like 409 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:14,159 Speaker 1: that's really my hope that there's a kid somewhere that 410 00:20:14,200 --> 00:20:16,640 Speaker 1: turns on the TV. It sparked a dream or something 411 00:20:16,720 --> 00:20:18,680 Speaker 1: in them and makes them believe that really they can't 412 00:20:18,720 --> 00:20:22,560 Speaker 1: be slowed down by anything but themselves. Okay, Well, when 413 00:20:22,560 --> 00:20:24,480 Speaker 1: you do the retrieve, you do another one. In Atlanta. 414 00:20:24,880 --> 00:20:27,120 Speaker 1: Last time you came by my house, my wife wasn't there, 415 00:20:27,840 --> 00:20:30,320 Speaker 1: and I will you can you can put me down 416 00:20:30,400 --> 00:20:34,720 Speaker 1: as a dessert stop. Okay, done a dessert stop? Okay, 417 00:20:34,800 --> 00:20:37,400 Speaker 1: because because you came by, you know, you can see 418 00:20:37,440 --> 00:20:40,040 Speaker 1: the back and you could fish, you know, it could 419 00:20:40,040 --> 00:20:41,680 Speaker 1: be a lot of fun. They can sit and relaxed, 420 00:20:41,720 --> 00:20:44,159 Speaker 1: and I got a tennis corterback. They all have like 421 00:20:44,240 --> 00:20:49,000 Speaker 1: our opening meal. Ruse absolutely, absolutely absolutely. I'll just let 422 00:20:49,040 --> 00:20:51,800 Speaker 1: you know, put Rochan down because I believe in you. 423 00:20:52,000 --> 00:20:55,440 Speaker 1: I would support you. Your values are outstanding and and 424 00:20:55,720 --> 00:20:59,040 Speaker 1: keep winning because you are winning, Maria Taylor, And I 425 00:20:59,119 --> 00:21:04,960 Speaker 1: don't say that to every body either. Okay, I'm telling okay, 426 00:21:07,560 --> 00:21:09,760 Speaker 1: if you stroll, we talked soon, Okay from but it's 427 00:21:09,760 --> 00:21:12,840 Speaker 1: serious to put me down for that opening dinner, Okay, Okay, 428 00:21:13,480 --> 00:21:14,080 Speaker 1: thank you so much,