On August 25th, 2025, The Pull Up Podcast Show with Coach Tony Thompson closes the book on its third season with a fan favorite: The Fan Appreciation Show. Appropriately titled Game Recognizes Game, this finale brings together familiar voices and new energy—returning guests Coach Justin Allen, James Ward, Jay Smith, and Keanna Briscoe, alongside newcomers like “The Shot Doctor” Fred Hodson and youth producer Lil Tone, Coach Tony’s own son.
It’s a fitting capstone for a season that’s been all about celebrating voices in sports who are shaping the game—on the court, in the media, and behind the scenes. Fans pulling up live in the chat will get a chance to celebrate alongside Coach Tony and the crew, revisiting the season’s highlights and engaging in real-time discussion as another chapter comes to a close.
A Season That Opened With Faith and Focus
Season Three launched back in March with Episode 301, spotlighting Jamal Richardson, a renowned basketball development coach out of Nashville. Jamal’s deep faith and practical coaching insights set the tone for the season—reminding athletes and fans alike that character is as important as skill when shaping the next generation of talent. His perspective on what professional leagues are really looking for in young athletes gave listeners an inside track on how development at the grassroots level translates to professional opportunity.
Women Leading the Way
One of the season’s strongest themes was the celebration of women shaping the future of sports.
Chicago’s own Shajaunna Jordan, owner of Ladies 1st Sports Agency, shared her powerful journey of helping women find their voices and thrive in the male-dominated world of sports business. Coach Tony relished highlighting her story, emphasizing the way women are opening doors for other young women across athletic spaces.
That conversation echoed through other standout episodes, including the night Coach Dodie Dunson joined the show. As Lewis University’s newly appointed women’s basketball head coach, Dunson brought both passion and authenticity to her interview, connecting deeply with Val “The Voice” Johnson as they reflected on their shared experiences as authors. Together, they underscored the importance of representation at collegiate and professional levels.
And who could forget Coach Diane Richardson from Temple University? Named Coach of the Year, she led Temple Women’s Basketball to a 20-11 season and a 13-5 AAC record—making program history as one of just two coaches to earn two 20-win seasons in her first three years. Coach Tony and Val kept Richardson up past her bedtime, but it was worth every nugget she dropped about leadership, resilience, and balancing the demands of coaching at the highest level.
Voices of Leadership in Media and Beyond
The season also leaned into the power of sports media and athletic leadership. Scottie Rodgers, a veteran presence whose career includes shaping narratives at the Cotton Bowl, offered unmatched insights into how media frames sports—and why representation in leadership matters now more than ever. His impact in athletic leadership underscored a core truth: the voices telling the story can be as influential as the players themselves.
Another highlight came from Ryan Reed, known as The Hope Dealer, who joined the show from Detroit. Reed’s work as an athletic director showed the ripple effect of leadership—how empowering athletes at the high school and college levels can inspire whole communities.
Big Names and Big Moments
Of course, The Pull Up wouldn’t be The Pull Up without marquee names and electric conversations. One of the season’s most talked-about nights featured LaVar Ball, CEO of Big Baller Brand, alongside BBB business consultant Tony Cole and returning guest Coach Travis McAvene. LaVar’s energy, paired with Coach Tony’s steady hand, made for a combustible, insightful conversation about family, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to guide young athletes into professional sports. Fans in the live chat kept the conversation buzzing, proving just how magnetic those moments can be.
The season also brought us Fred Hodson, better known as The Shot Doctor, who broke down the mechanics of elite shooting and why fundamentals matter at every level of the game. His mix of science, biomechanics, and passion for player development was a perfect fit for the show’s mix of fun and education.
A Season Defined by Connection
Looking back at all 20 episodes, what stands out most is the mix of expertise, authenticity, and connection. Whether it was rising coaches, seasoned executives, or outspoken entrepreneurs, Season Three gave fans an all-access pass to the people shaping sports from every angle.
And through it all, the live audience stayed engaged—pulling up in the chat, asking tough questions, and adding their voices to the dialogue. The Pull Up Podcast Show has always been about community, and this season proved once again that fans are at the heart of everything.
What’s Next: Season Four and Beyond
As we wrap Season Three, we’re also looking forward. Beginning in September, The Pull Up Podcast Show will be available on Spotify and Apple Music, expanding from its YouTube roots back to audio platforms where it all began in 2024. Fans can relive the conversations, share episodes more easily, and stay connected wherever they listen.
And Season Four? It kicks off Monday, September 15th, 2025, with fresh guests, hot topics, and the same high-energy conversations you’ve come to expect. Coach Tony and producer Val “The Voice” Johnson are already booking new talent, so if you know an athlete, coach, or sports professional with a story worth telling, now’s the time to reach out.
Gearing Up For the Next Phases
🚨 Book for Season Four: Do you know an athlete, coach, or sports leader ready to share their voice? Connect with Coach Tony and Val The Voice Johnson to get on the lineup for Season Four.
💡 Tap Into NIL Opportunities: Athletes looking to maximize their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities—solo or as part of a team—can connect directly with Coach Tony’s company, RIZE NIL. With partnerships and deals secured every month, RIZE NIL is helping athletes “unleash their potential” and step into their full value. Visit https://therizenil.com for more information.
📺 Watch the Finale: Don’t miss tonight’s Fan Appreciation Show—Game Recognizes Game. Join Coach Tony, Val The Voice, and a lineup of guests as we celebrate the close of Season Three. Pull up live in the chat, share your voice, and help us end the season with gratitude and energy.
Season Three has been one for the books—but trust us, the best is yet to come.