Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester is a podcast that explores the stories people don’t see - the struggles, the setbacks, and the moments that shape who we become.
Hosted by DeJay Lester, this show dives into real, unfiltered conversations with athletes, coaches, mentors, and everyday individuals who have faced adversity and found a way to grow through it.
From foster care to championships…
from pain to purpose…
this podcast uncovers what it really takes to overcome life’s challenges and build something meaningful.
Through powerful storytelling and honest dialogue, Beneath the Surface creates space for truth, reflection, and growth.
This isn’t the highlight reel.
This is what it took to get there.
Bad Boys for Life | The Friendship That Started at LCA - BJ Porter
Bad Boys for Life. Some friendships start with a simple introduction. Others grow through years of competition, laughter, adversity, sports, and life. In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester, I sit down with my longtime friend and brother, BJ Porter. Our story goes all the way back to True Vine and our days at LCA. We lifted together, played basketball together, spent countless hours in Miss Elmy's classroom, competed together, laughed together, and eventually became insepara...
28 Aug 2026
More Than a Coach's Wife: How Dorathy Law Helped Me Find Belonging
Sometimes the people who change our lives don't do it with a big speech. Sometimes, they simply keep showing up. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I sit down with Dorothy Law, someone who became an important part of my life during some of my most difficult years. When I arrived at Layton Christian Academy as a rough seventh grader, I was carrying a lot that people couldn't see. I was struggling to adjust, struggling to trust people, and trying to figure out where I belonged. Dorathy saw...
7 Aug 2026
Coach Maughan: More Than Football, Mentorship & Finding Purpose
Football was the connection, but mentorship was the lasting impact. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I sit down with Coach Maughan to reflect on our time together at Snow College and the lessons that continue to influence my life today. We discuss leadership, building relationships, overcoming adversity, and what it truly means to invest in people beyond the game. This conversation is about more than football - it's about purpose, growth, and the mentors who help shape the people we be...
31 Jul 2026
More Than a Bus Driver: Miss Ruthie on Family, Service & Building a Championship Culture
Some of the most influential people in our lives never stand in the spotlight. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I reconnect with Ruthie Six, whose years of service at Layton Christian Academy helped create a family atmosphere for countless students and athletes. From driving buses and supporting athletic teams to working long hours behind the scenes, Ruthie shares what it meant to invest in young people and watch a generation grow together. This conversation is about service, sacrifice...
3 Jul 2026
EP. 09 - The First Championship | Eddie Thompson on Brotherhood, Adversity & Belief
Championships aren't built overnight-they're built through years of commitment, sacrifice and perseverance. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I reconnect with my longtime friend and Coach, Eddie Thompson, to reflect on the unforgettable journey that led Layton Christian Academy to its first state championship. We discuss the obstacles we faced, the culture Coach Porter built, the importance of brotherhood, learning through adversity, and the life lessons that continue to guide us long a...
22 Jun 2026
EP. 08 - The People Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Six
Long before the podcast, football, coaching, and the opportunities that would come later, there were people who took the time to see beyond the struggles. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, I sit down with Mrs. Six, a longtime member of the Layton Christian Academy community who witnessed many of the challenges, growth, and defining moments throughout my journey. Together, they reflect on education, mentorship, resilience, and the importance of having people who believe in you when life ...
8 Jun 2026
EP. 07 - The Teacher Who Saw Me | A Conversation with Mrs. Elmy
Everyone remembers a teacher who changed their life. For me, Mrs. Elmy was one of those people. Long before the podcast, long before football, and long before many of the opportunities that would come later, she took the time to see beyond the behavior, the frustration, and the challenges I was facing as a young student. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, we reflect on those years at Layton Christian Academy, the lessons learned inside and outside the classroom, the challenges I faced gr...
8 May 2026
EP. 06 - From $20 to the Arena: The Story Before Iowa
What do you do when all you have is a dream and $20 in your pocket? In this episode of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester, DeJay shares the story behind one of the biggest turning points of his life and football journey. Back in 2015, DeJay flew to Iowa for a two-day arena football workout with nothing but a football bag, a backpack, and his last $20. After landing in Des Moines, he used the last money he had on a taxi ride to a hotel near Wells Fargo Arena — only to realize he couldn’t af...
17 Apr 2026
EP. 05 -The Teacher Who Saw Me First | Teresa Flenniken Interview
In this episode, I sit down with Mrs. Flenniken - my third grade teacher and one of the first people who truly saw me during a difficult time in my life. While I was bouncing between schools, dealing with anger, confusion, and the challenges of foster care, many people labeled me as a problem. But she took a different approach. Through the CARES program, she took the time to understand what I was going through, helping me slow down, process my emotions, and begin to see myself differently. Th...
13 Apr 2026
Series 3: Lost & Fighting - Foster Care, Bullying & Survival
At 10 years old, everything changed. In this episode, I share what it was like being placed into foster care - navigating shelters, being moved from home to home, and trying to survive in a system I didn’t understand. I talk about being labeled and misunderstood in school, feeling isolated, and constantly trying to find where I belonged while everything around me kept changing. But even in the middle of that chaos, there were moments that mattered - people who saw something more in me, and sm...
10 Apr 2026
EP. 03 - The Renaissance Standard | Coach Bobby Porter Interview
What does it mean to become more than just an athlete? In this episode, I sit down with Coach Bobby Porter - a mentor who played a major role in shaping my mindset, discipline, and identity during some of the most important years of my life. We talk about building a program from the ground up, the journey to winning a state championship in 2007, and the philosophy behind becoming a “Renaissance Man.” This conversation goes beyond sports - it’s about growth, leadership, and becoming the best v...
6 Apr 2026
Series 2: Before the Surface - Where It All Began
At 10 years old, everything changed. In this episode of Beneath the Surface, DeJay Lester shares the next chapter of his story - leaving Nigeria and coming to America, where life looked better on the outside… but felt completely different on the inside. From culture shock and identity struggles to feeling lost in school and misunderstood, this episode captures the emotional reality of starting over in a new country at a young age. This isn’t just about moving locations - it’s about losing a s...
3 Apr 2026
EP. 02 - Building Something From Nothing | Coach Russell
What does it take to build something from nothing? In this episode, I sit down with Coach Russell to talk about the early days of building a football program, the challenges that came with it, and the mindset required to lead through adversity. This conversation goes beyond sports - it’s about leadership, resilience, and creating something meaningful without resources or recognition. A foundational conversation that connects to a bigger story. Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface. If ...
30 Mar 2026
Series 1: Before the Surface - Where It All Began
Before the success… there was a beginning. In this episode, I start sharing my story - from growing up between Nigeria and the United States, to navigating uncertainty, identity, and the early challenges that shaped my life. This isn’t the full story. This is where it begins. If you’ve ever had to find your way without a clear path, this episode is for you. Thanks for listening to Beneath the Surface. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow and share it with someone who needs...
27 Mar 2026
EP. 01 - Welcome to Beneath the Surface (Introduction)
Welcome to Beneath the Surface. This isn’t a perfect, polished podcast. No scripts. No filters. No fake conversations. Just real life - the struggles, the setbacks, the growth, and everything people don’t usually talk about. In this intro episode, I break down why this podcast exists, what you can expect, and the deeper purpose behind these conversations. If you’ve ever had to figure life out the hard way… this is for you. This is just the beginning. 🎙️ New episodes dropping soon. Thanks for ...
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Contact Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Beneath the Surface with DeJay Lester?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
