This week on Blacklight On Sports, civil rights leader Nekima Levy Armstrong joins the conversation on athletes, activism, race, and what justice looks like on and off the field.
Blacklight On Sports
Go beyond the headlines with Blacklight On Sports as award-winning columnists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald interview key figures in Twin Cities sports.
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Performance, Pressure & the Mental GameFeaturing Dr. Kirbi Kidd, Psy.D.
Sport psychologist Dr. Kirbi Kidd joins Blacklight On Sports to explore the mental challenges that athletes face. From building resilience to culturally competent care, she offers insight from both research and experience.
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Brianna Edwards on Trusting the Process: From Athlete to Coach
Brianna Edwards joins Blacklight On Sports to talk about her journey from pro athlete to head coach and consultant—building athletes into leaders for life.
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Crystal Flint: Champion for Girls’ Basketball and Community Empowerment
Crystal Flint, Minnesota basketball legend and community leader, reflects on her playing, coaching, and mentoring journey—from NCAA success to empowering youth in the Twin Cities.
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From the Court to the Kitchen: Sam Willis Keeps Giving Back
Former baller Sam Willis joins Blacklight on Sports to reflect on his basketball past, mentorship work, and his South Minneapolis restaurant, Just Turkey.
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Angel Robinson on Basketball, Coaching, and Giving Back
Angel Robinson, a Minnesota basketball standout and Hall of Famer, joins Blacklight On Sports to talk about her journey from championship player to mentor and coach.
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Robert Finney on Hoops, History & Leading Beyond the Court
In this episode of Blacklight On Sports, Robert Finney shares his journey from standout athlete and pioneering coach to a corporate leader, blending basketball wisdom with life leadership.
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Blacklight On Sports: Kenneth Lowe brings defensive expertise to St. Thomas sidelines
In the latest episode of Blacklight On Sports, co-hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, PhE., sit down with Kenneth Lowe, assistant coach for the University of St. Thomas (UST) men’s basketball team. Together, they explore his coaching journey, defensive philosophy, and life after professional basketball. From college standout to coaching strategist Lowe joined […]
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Willie Burton on the power of purpose after pro ball
Minnesota basketball legend Willie Burton joins Blacklight On Sports to share how his journey from NBA courts to classrooms has become a mission rooted in purpose, mentorship, and real-world impact.
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From the court to the culture: Anthony Tucker brings elite mindset to Minnesota basketball
In the latest episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomed Anthony Tucker, founder of Hoop Habits, to discuss the evolution of Minnesota basketball, athlete development, and the mindset needed to thrive beyond the stats. Tucker, a standout at Minnetonka High School and the University of Iowa, brings more […]
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Brian Sandifer discusses the impact of Grassroots Basketball
Brian Sandifer, founder of Grassroots Basketball, joins Blacklight On Sports to discuss how his elite AAU program has helped over 400 student-athletes earn scholarships, including NBA talents like Jalen Suggs and Chet Holmgren.
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Coach CC James talks basketball and leadership
The latest episode of Blacklight on Sports features Coach CC James, a former St. Paul Central basketball standout and a trailblazer in Minnesota basketball. Hosted by veteran sports journalists Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, the podcast explores James’ journey from athlete to coach and mentor. From St. Paul Central to coaching James, a […]
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Breaking Barriers: Donald “Donnie” Brooks on Leading Macalester College Athletics
In this powerful episode of Blacklight On Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, Ed.D., sit down with Donald “Donnie” Brooks, the Director of Athletics at Macalester College. With a career rooted in leadership and passion for sports, Brooks shares his journey from growing up in Houston, Texas, to becoming a transformative figure […]
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Courtney Brown: A Legacy of Leadership On and Off the Court
Courtney Brown’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and leadership. From starring in basketball at St. Paul Highland Park to playing professionally worldwide and joining the Harlem Globetrotters, his journey didn’t stop there. Now an educator, Brown is shaping young minds as a Physical Education and Health teacher at Gordon Parks High School, proving that true impact extends far beyond the game.
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Blacklight on Sports Podcast: Coach Ronnie Smith on Basketball, Community, and a Legacy of Service
The Blacklight on Sports Podcast, hosted by Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald, featured an inspiring guest: Coach Ronnie Smith. A dedicated basketball coach and retired social worker, Ronnie Smith shared his journey from Springfield, Ohio, to making a lasting impact on the Twin Cities community. A Lifelong Commitment to Basketball and Youth Development […]
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Blacklight On Sports – Charles Hallman & Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald with Brett Buckner
This week, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Brett Buckner, a proud third-generation North Minneapolis resident and 1990 graduate of North High. 🏀 From his days as a student-athlete to his impactful work in community and economic development, Brett has never stopped championing equity and progress. As the Managing Director […]
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Blacklight On Sports: Maya Aflakpi Shares Her Journey in Sports Media
The latest episode of Blacklight On Sports with Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald shines a spotlight on an inspiring figure in sports media: Maya Aflakpi. A versatile journalist, sports broadcaster, and content creator, Maya brings a dynamic voice to the sports world, connecting audiences with impactful stories and expert insights. A University of […]
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A Conversation with Deane Brown, Educator and Coach Who Shaped Generations
In this week’s episode of Blacklight on Sports, hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald sit down with Deane Brown, a longtime educator and coach whose commitment to youth development has left an indelible mark on the Twin Cities community. For over two decades, Deane Brown has devoted his career to shaping the lives […]
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‘Blacklight On Sports’ featuring Dr. John Baker
Join hosts Charles Hallman and Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald as they welcome Dr. John Baker to this week’s episode of Blacklight on Sports! Dr. Baker, a Minneapolis North High School alumnus and former basketball standout, has dedicated 26 years to North Minneapolis Public Schools, serving as an educator and community leader. With a doctorate in […]
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‘Blacklight on Sports’ featuring Tracy Byrd MN Teacher of the Year
In this week’s episode of Blacklight on Sports, we sit down with Tracy Byrd, an inspiring educator and track and field coach at Minneapolis Washburn High School. Recently named the 2024 Minnesota Teacher of the Year, Byrd shares his unique journey—from leaving a career in finance to pursuing his true passion for teaching and coaching. […]