On this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Tim Estes—founder of AngelQ and a pioneer in artificial intelligence—to tackle the real dangers facing kids in the digital age. Tim brings decades of experience fighting online exploitation and shares how that battle became personal once he became a father. For anyone who cares about family and the real impact of technology, this episode brings essential perspective on how parents can take an active role, make wise choices, and keep their kids safe online.

Key highlights
• Tim Estes recounts his 20-year journey confronting the darkest parts of the internet with AI—working with groups like Thorn and facing the reality of child exploitation before and after having kids of his own.
• The story that changed everything for Tim: the heartbreaking loss of a child to algorithm-driven danger, and the conviction that led to creating AngelQ to keep kids safe as they explore and learn online.
• The AngelQ approach: “AI that cares” with a mission “to improve and protect a child’s wellness... partner with parents to make sure their child is protected and enriched... never sell or exploit that knowledge.”
• A clear warning about today’s mainstream apps—how attention-based business models and “dark patterns” like autoplay and endless scroll drive kids deeper into addiction, especially impacting neurodiverse children.
• What makes AngelQ different. No advertising. No sharing or exploiting what your child learns or asks. Parents get real transparency and understanding through Angel Insights so they can guide, support, and connect in meaningful moments.
• Honest stories from the front lines—how AngelQ is giving families an edge in both safety and connection, and a challenge to parents to stand strong and put children’s well-being first, despite cultural trends pushing in the opposite direction.

References
• AngelQ: https://www.angelq.ai/
• Thorn: https://www.thorn.org/
• The Social Dilemma: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

On this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Thaddeus Bullard—best known to fans as WWE’s Titus O’Neil. Thaddeus lays his story bare, tracing his journey from being labeled “a bad kid” and facing impossible odds to finding hope through the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, believing mentors, and the relentless love of family. He speaks frankly about surviving childhood pain, his unshakable faith, and how his commitment to lifting up others reshaped not only his path but the lives of those around him. Thaddeus opens up about adopting his daughter Leah, holding to uncompromising family standards, and building a legacy that goes far beyond the ring. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at “Queen’s Court,” his new reality series premiering July 13 on Bravo and streaming on Peacock, and delivers a timely message on why believing you’re “enough” can change everything.

Key highlights
• Real faith, real talk: Thaddeus challenges the difference between simply believing and actually living by faith—and how faith shapes every move as a father, athlete, and leader.
• Breaking generational curses: Honest accounts of growing up as the son of a 12-year-old mother, surviving abuse, and the word of one mentor that started a brand-new legacy.
• Leah’s story: The pivotal conversation and radical acceptance behind adopting his daughter Leah—and how his only non-negotiable is that his kids become great human beings, first and always.
• Lasting change over “feel-good” acts: Why Thaddeus rejects transactional charity and insists on transformation—from rebuilding schools, to guiding kids from the toughest backgrounds, to helping turn hope into something real and sustainable.
• The journey to WWE and “Queen’s Court”: How a chance encounter and encouragement from Dave Bautista led to wrestling stardom—and how Thaddeus approaches his new chapter on reality TV.
• “You are enough”: Thaddeus delivers a clear message at the heart of the episode, calling out the lies that limit us and describing the battle to safeguard your family’s future and legacy.
• Family standards and wisdom: Thaddeus breaks down the rules guiding his household—loving and respecting everyone, refusing to use the word “can’t,” and giving your best every day.

References
• Queen’s Court featuring Thaddeus Bullard, Tyson Beckford, and Carlos Boozer—hosted by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete (debuts July 13 on Bravo and streaming on Peacock): https://www.bravotv.com/queens-court
• WWE Hall of Fame – Warrior Award: https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame
• Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches: https://www.youthranches.org/

What does it mean to win—really win—and not lose yourself along the way? In this episode, Clif Marshall and I sit down with Jeff Friday, a man who’s spent more than three decades coaching the best of the best, including 21 seasons in the NFL and a Super Bowl as head strength coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Jeff brings a level of wisdom you can only get by actually being in the room. He takes us inside his book, “Built for Winning,” and breaks down the four blocks that outlast highlights and hardware: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. We go deeper than the weight room—tracing the path from the grind of professional football to a purpose that reaches far beyond stats and rings. Whether you’re chasing a dream in sports, business, or the daily grind, this conversation shows you how to build a foundation that endures.

Key highlights
• Jeff’s journey from NFL head strength coach to leading Athletes in Action, and why ministry reshaped how he measures success.
• The four “blocks” of holistic growth—physical, mental, social, and spiritual—with roots in Luke 2:52 and lived out in the locker room and beyond.
• The power of encouragement: how small, consistent belief from others can bring a message—and a book—to life.
• Stories from the margins: how Vincent Rey, undrafted and overlooked, used these blocks to forge a nine-year NFL career and lead as team captain.
• Simple, actionable ways to get 1% better—especially in your faith—by intentionally setting aside just 14 minutes and 24 seconds each day.
• Tales from the weight room: Ray Lewis’s leadership, routines, and the real habits that separate legends from the rest.
• The truth about fulfillment: why championship rings point to something deeper, the real cost of letting wounds go unaddressed, and why healing and honest relationships matter most.

References
• “Built 4 Winning” by Jeff Friday: https://www.jefffriday.com/my-book
• “Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes” by Sam Acho: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Athletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Clif Marshall and Sam sit down with Jalen Hood-Schifino—Fino—a pro athlete whose story cuts through the noise. From his roots in a family where both football and basketball were stitched into daily life, to the weight of adversity and the sharp edges of success, Fino opens up about the realities behind the highlight reels. He shares what it means to move cities, face setbacks, choose purpose over attention, and stay anchored in faith and family when the world is quick to judge and slow to understand. You’ll hear the honest emotion behind draft night tears and NBA rookie challenges—and why for Jalen, lasting peace comes through gratitude, consistency, and the courage to be real even when the lights are brightest. This is what it looks like to gain the world and keep your soul.

Key highlights
• Family, sacrifice, and origins: Fino shares how a football and basketball family shaped his earliest dreams—and why his mom and sister remain his foundational support.
• Letting go to go further: The decision in eighth grade to set aside football and lock in on basketball, with his family moving states for new opportunity.
• The cost of growth: The Montverde years—leaving home at sixteen, battling loneliness, embracing development over spotlight, and learning how adversity forges character.
• Indiana and “peace”: An inside look at navigating college pressure, finding his footing, and choosing “peace” as his anchor through highs and lows.
• Draft night—the world’s applause and the soul’s reality: Sam and Fino pull back the curtain on the anxiety, waiting games, and flood of emotion when the phone finally rings.
• The business of the NBA: Jalen reveals the switch from college camaraderie to the high-stakes, transactional world of professional basketball—and how he keeps faith at the center.
• Faith, authenticity, and “failure is no option”: The origin story behind Fino’s brand and the perspective that fuels his commitment to resilient, purpose-driven living, no matter what comes next.

Quotes
• "After my seventh grade year, I kind of told my mom for my eighth grade year, I really want to take this time to just lock in on basketball and get ready for high school. Because I feel like, I told her, I feel like I'm going to end up making it." — Jalen Hood-Schifino
• "If you can have that internal peace and stay even-keeled, you'll be able to maximize and get what you want out of the situation and try to reach towards that positive outcome." — Jalen Hood-Schifino
• "It's not that you're never going to fail. It's like you're just never going to give up." — Jalen Hood-Schifino

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, we sit down with Bayleigh Wheat, an expert in athlete recovery and regeneration. As the Regeneration Coordinator at Sports Academy in Dallas, Texas, Bayleigh shares her journey from studying kinesiology to working with some of the best athletes in the world, including NFL first-round picks. More than just her role in athlete recovery, Bayleigh dives into her unique background in roller derby, offering a glimpse into what makes her a respected figure both on and off the rink. This episode unravels the wisdom of living with a servant's heart, whether working with highly paid NFL stars or a 69-year-old like Nancy, to help them achieve their optimal physical capacity.

Key Highlights:

• Bayleigh Wheat’s journey from roller derby to working with elite NFL athletes at the Sports Academy in Dallas.
• The importance of recovery and proper body mechanics in athlete training and performance.
• Insights into her role in preparing athletes for the NFL Combine and her personal experiences in achievement and injury.
• Bayleigh’s reflections on being a servant leader and the influences that drive her passion in sports.
• A personal dive into the world of roller derby and how it shaped her professional and personal life.

Quotes:

• "The only thing in life that you can control is your attitude." – Bayleigh Wheat
• "How do we approach every person that we make contact with the exact same way and ultimately help make them better." – Bayleigh Wheat

Connect with us and find more at samacho.com!

In this episode of The Sam Acho Show Podcast featuring Clif Marshall, we welcome former NFL player David Pollack to discuss the intersection of faith, family, football, and resilience. David shares insights from his storied career and personal challenges, including his neck injury and his wife's battle with brain cancer. This heartfelt conversation is packed with wisdom on navigating life's adversities while keeping joy and hope alive.

Key Highlights:
• David shares stories from his transition from college football to the NFL, highlighting his switch from defensive end to linebacker.
• The importance of strong marital foundations during life's trials and how David and his wife have supported each other.
• Insight into David’s personal and family challenges, including his wife’s recent diagnosis and how they're leaning on faith.
• Discussion on the importance of surrounding oneself with strong, Godly men for accountability and support.
• How David uses his experiences to inspire and coach the next generation.

Quotes:
• "There are very few times you're going to take the elevator to the penthouse; most times, you're going to have to take the stairs." – David Pollack
• "God doesn't cause pain, but he can use pain for his purpose." – Clif Marshall
• "When you obey God, you never lose." – David Pollack
• "Finding joy by putting Jesus first, others second, and you third." – David Pollack

In this episode of the Sam Acho podcast featuring Clif Marshall, we explore the intersection of basketball and life through the inspiring journey of NBA player Cody Zeller. Cody shares his experiences growing up with his basketball-playing brothers, his challenges in the NBA, and his life off the court—including his spiritual journey and marriage to Christian music artist Leanna Crawford. Tune in for captivating insights into resilient mindsets, the importance of community, and playing through adversity.

Key Highlights:
• Cody Zeller reflects on his competitive upbringing with two basketball-playing brothers.
• Insights into dealing with pressure and navigating a career filled with injuries.
• Cody's profound experiences of transitioning from college to NBA life.
• Discussion about the role of faith in overcoming life's challenges.
• Cody shares his marriage journey and the impact of having a supportive partner.
• Exploration of NIL dynamics and the evolving landscape of college football.

Quotes:
• "I pray that people see me as something more than a basketball player... a man of faith." – Cody Zeller
• "A successful marriage doesn't take two; it takes three: the husband, the wife, and God." – Clif Marshall
• "Life is pretty good when you've got the Lord on your side." – Cody Zeller
• "How do you win without losing it all?" – Sam Acho

In this episode of the Sam Acho Podcast featuring Clif Marshall, we sit down with Devin McCourty, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots. Devin shares his journey from his early days at Rutgers to his distinguished 13-year NFL career, emphasizing the importance of identity over accolades. The conversation explores Devin’s faith, the significance of relationships over material success, and how he's transitioning from a career in football to focusing on family and community impact. Whether you’re an aspiring athlete or someone seeking purpose beyond professional success, this episode offers profound insights to inspire growth and legacy.

Key Highlights:

• Devin McCourty discusses the pivotal role of faith and Bible study during his formative years.
• Insights into the importance of consistency and humility in achieving long-term success.
• The influence of Devin's brother on his journey and the power of sibling support.
• Transitioning from the NFL to media and the challenges that come with redefining personal identity.
• Building strong relationships and investing time in valued friendships as key to fulfillment.

Quotes:

• "Success is about being your absolute best in anything you do." – Devin McCourty
• "Relationships are eternal; that's what truly lasts beyond the field." – Clif Marshall
• "Don’t be the smartest guy in the room—surround yourself with the smartest people." – Devin McCourty

For more head over to samacho.com.