In this episode of Spilled Ink, I welcome former Stanwood High School and University of Washington basketball standout Ryan Appleby. Known for his deadly three-point shot and fearless play, Appleby shares his basketball journey.

In this episode of Spilled Ink, I sit down with Eastlake boys basketball coach Nick Crossan, whose story goes far beyond the basketball court. From navigating a childhood split between two worlds, to chasing college dreams through the grind of JUCO ball in Bakersfield, to confronting the harsh realities of hip dysplasia, all while balancing family, personal growth, and the unbreakable bond with his mother, who battled cancer. It’s a conversation about resilience, identity, and the lessons learned when the game you love is both your escape and your greatest teacher.

On this episode of Spilled Ink, I sit down with Eastside Catholic’s Jeremiah Burroughs, a standout running back with an entrepreneurial spirit and a deep-rooted faith. We talk about his football journey, the heartbreak of the state semifinals, and his vision for growing his Christian streetwear brand, Unrevealed. Burroughs shares his dreams of playing college football, studying fashion, and using his faith as his guide. Tune in to hear how he’s balancing it all and where he hopes to go next.

In this episode, I discuss the critical topic of mental health in youth athletics with Sam Brown, the Assistant Director of Coaching Initiatives at the University of Washington's Center for Leadership in Athletics. We dive into the issues facing young athletes and ways we, as coaches, parents, teachers, etc., better support young athletes both on and off the field.

The business of storytelling has changed dramatically over the past decade, and few people have a better insight into that world that Sports Illustrated's Greg Bishop. From newspapers and magazines to books and scripts, Greg has written it all. Put the two of us together and we dive into the past, present and future of storytelling.

It's never too early to start looking ahead to high school football season. Brandon Huffman, 247's National Recruiting Editor, joins the podcast to talk about some players to watch in 2025.

Talking ball with Jason Rimkus, Bothell's defensive coordinator about navigating new challenges while staying rooted in the game he loves.

From ESPN to coaching at Northwest Yeshiva, Steve Bunin's journey has experienced its share of twists and turns. He talks about the experiences that have shaped him as a professional and a coach in this episode of Spilled Ink.