Black in Sports Podcast

About Black in Sports Podcast

Unfiltered, NO BS perspective on black culture & impact of #sports hosted by Las Vegas #sportsbiz professionals EJ Cutliff (@ejcutliff ) & MH (@hayesbhayes4) Looking to give you a business perspective and how we learned lesson in sports then apply them in our life success. Giving a platform for the culture were we will not shut up and dribble, power to the people we are Black in Sports! Follow us on Twitter @blackinsports Follow us on Instagram @blackinsports Follow us on Facebook @blackinsports Don’t forget to subscribe to this YouTube channel. Leave any feedback! Thank you

Publisher

Black In Sports

Category

news · society & culture · sports

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

8 Jan 2020

Latest episode

5 Nov 2026

Latest episodes

325 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   5 Nov 2026

   Franklin "Paco" Whatley Jr | Author & Owner | "Pac From the Barber Shop" | S7 Ep 324

   🏈✂️ WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE DREAM YOUR FATHER HAS FOR YOU ISN’T THE DREAM YOU’RE MEANT TO LIVE? His father envisioned a college quarterback. He chose barber school. What looked like a change in direction became a journey rooted in family legacy, purpose, and entrepreneurship. We sit down with Cleveland native and Portland barbershop owner Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation that goes far beyond sports and haircuts. From growing up in a family of barbers to building his own business in Portland, Paco shares the decision that changed his path and why he believes it was all part of God's plan. 🏈 THE DECISION: FOOTBALL DREAMS OR THE BARBER CHAIR? Before the clippers, the customers, and the business ownership, there was football. Paco's father had a dream of seeing him continue his quarterback journey at the college level. What goes into making a decision that doesn't follow the path your family imagined? How do you find the courage to choose your own future while honoring the people who helped shape you? We get into the real decision, the expectations, and how a different kind of calling led Paco toward a career that was already part of his family history. ✂️ A FAMILY LEGACY: FROM CLEVELAND TO PORTLAND Coming from a family with a deep history in barbering and barbershop ownership, he grew up around the craft and the culture. His journey took him from Cleveland, Ohio, to Portland, Oregon, where he continued building his career, eventually founding Classic Men Barbershop in 2016 with help and connection to former NBA player Terrell Brandon, and shared his knowledge as an instructor at Beau Monde Academy. 🔥 THE BLACK BARBERSHOP: MORE THAN JUST A HAIRCUT This might be the most important conversation of the episode. The Black barbershop has historically been a gathering place, a community center, a cultural institution, and a space where conversations happen that don't always happen anywhere else. It's where sports gets debated, politics gets discussed, relationships are talked through, business ideas are shared, and generations connect. It's where the neighborhood gets its news, young men find mentorship, and community bonds are built. But what happens when those spaces begin to disappear? We discuss: Why the Black barbershop has always been bigger than the barber chair. The role barbershops play in Black culture and community. How barbers become trusted voices, mentors, and entrepreneurs. The changing landscape of Black-owned barbershops. Why preserving these community spaces matters for the next generation. 🏀 CLEVELAND, LEBRON, MJ & THE SPORTS DEBATE You can't have a conversation with a Cleveland native without getting into basketball! Paco loves LeBron James, but when it comes to the greatest of all time, he's standing with Michael Jordan. We get into the GOAT debate and the conversations that bring sports fans together—even when they don't agree. 🎙️ THIS IS BIGGER THAN BARBERING It's also a conversation about Black entrepreneurship, community leadership, sports culture, and the importance of preserving spaces that have helped shape generations. 🎧 Tune in as EJ and MH connect with Franklin “Paco” Whatley for a conversation about football, family, faith, business, sports, and the cultural importance of the Black barbershop. 👇🏾 WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! And let's settle the other debate: Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Who's your GOAT? Drop your thoughts in the comments! 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this conversation with a sports fan, entrepreneur, barber, or someone who understands that a barbershop is about much more than a haircut. More with Paco: Personal IG- @Pacfromthebarbershop IG: @classmenpdx Website- https://classicmenpdx.com/ LinkedIn- Franklin Whatley Book: The Art Of Clipper Cutting: A Guide To...

2. 

   29 Oct 2026

   End of Inside the NBA " Farewell EJ " | The Locker Room - S7 EP323

   Some shows cover sports. The great ones become part of sports history. For decades, Inside the NBA has given fans unforgettable basketball debates, hilarious moments, and a legendary crew that feels like family. But with Ernie Johnson announcing that the 2026–27 season will be his last as host, one BIG question remains: Can Inside the NBA ever be the same without EJ? On this episode of Black in Sports Podcast, EJ and MH pay tribute to Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal while debating the future of one of the most iconic shows in sports television. 🎙️ ERNIE JOHNSON: THE GLUE THAT HOLDS THE CREW TOGETHER Ernie has been more than the host sitting between Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny. He’s been the moderator, the steady voice, and the coach of a crew full of big personalities. From managing heated debates to setting up hilarious moments, Ernie has helped make the show’s chemistry feel effortless. But can you replace someone who knows exactly when to let the joke ride, when to bring the conversation back, and how to keep the entire crew clicking? 😂 SHAQ, CHUCK & KENNY: CAN YOU RECREATE THIS KIND OF CHEMISTRY? Charles Barkley’s unfiltered opinions. Shaq’s larger-than-life personality. Kenny Smith’s basketball knowledge and competitive energy. And Ernie somehow keeping everything on track. The magic of Inside the NBA has never been just about highlights, statistics, or game predictions. It’s the personalities, the friendships, the jokes, and the unscripted moments that keep fans watching—even when their favorite team isn’t playing. Can a new host capture that same energy, or is this chemistry something that can only come from decades of working together? 🏆 MORE THAN A SHOW: A LEGACY IN SPORTS MEDIA Inside the NBA helped redefine what a basketball studio show could be, blending expert analysis with entertainment and authentic personalities. Its impact goes beyond basketball, proving that the right chemistry can turn sports coverage into must-watch television. We’re talking legacy, sports media, NBA culture, and what happens when a show becomes bigger than the games it covers. 🔥 THE BIG DEBATE: REPLACE ERNIE OR END THE SHOW? If Ernie steps away, what should happen next? Should the network bring in a new host and allow Shaq, Chuck, and Kenny to continue? Or should the crew walk away together and let Inside the NBA end on its own terms? And if the show continues, WHO could possibly fill Ernie Johnson’s chair? Is there someone who can bring the right personality, credibility, and chemistry—or would replacing him change the show forever? 🎧 Join EJ and MH on Black in Sports Podcast as we celebrate Ernie Johnson’s legacy, reflect on the unforgettable Inside the NBA crew, and debate the future of a sports television institution. 👇🏾 NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! Should Inside the NBA continue without Ernie Johnson, or should the crew end this legendary run together? If the show continues, who gets your vote to replace EJ? Drop your take in the comments! 👍🏾 Like, subscribe, and share this episode with an NBA fan who has spent years laughing, debating, and watching along with Ernie, Chuck, Kenny, and Shaq. 👍🏾Because replacing a host is one thing. Replacing chemistry, history, and a legacy? That’s a whole different ballgame. 🏀🔥 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you! #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast...

3. 

   22 Oct 2026

   Want to Work in Sports? "Hard Jobs " | The Locker Room - S7 EP322

   Would you rather coach under championship-or-bust pressure or manage the business side of a major franchise? Which sports job deserves more recognition? And what's one job in sports you would NEVER want to do? Whether you're pursuing a career in sports, working in sports business, or simply love the game, this conversation will give you a different perspective on what it takes to make sports happen. Because loving sports and working in sports are two completely different things! 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode, LIKE the video, SUBSCRIBE to Black in Sports Podcast, and SHARE it with a fellow sports fan or industry professional. 👇🏾 DROP YOUR ANSWER: What's the HARDEST or most stressful job in sports—and WHY? Let's hear your take! 🎙️ EJ and MH share theirs.... Now it's your turn. 👍🏾 Like the episode, subscribe to Black in Sports Podcast, and share this with your sports debate partner. Because in sports, winning is one thing. Making your opponent FEEL it? That's another. 🎧 For more Black in Sports additional content on our podcast see below: linktree: https://linktr.ee/blackinsports | Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/blackinsports | YouTube - @blackinsports | Instagram - @blackinsports | Twitter/X - @blackinsports | TicTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blacksinsports | Website - https://www.blackinsports.com/ | Thank you & we appreciate you! #ThreeTimeAwardwinningpodcast #bestsportspodcast #blackpodwinner #bestsportsbusineespodcast #sportspodcastawards #fortheculture #blackinsports #sportsbusiness #podcast #tellingblackstories #blackowner #Blackeffect #sportsbiz #BlackPlayersForChange #nfl #nba #wnba #ncaa #nil #collegefootball #sportsnews #blackowned #blackmedia #HBCU #blackpodcastmatter #raiders #vegasgoldenknights #lvaces #athletics #blackmen #blackeffect #bestdamnsportshow #3xawardwinningpodcast #media #mediadeals #EJcutliff #myleshayes #mediamoney #workinsports #perfectseason  #ticketsales #season7 #SportsCareers #work #sportsprof

Who has been a guest on Black in Sports Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Kiona "Ki'LoLo" Westerlund
• Nate Thompson
• Carrie Moore
• Dr Joshua K Wright

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

61,860

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

18 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 75 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

98

Social presence

0

YouTube

76

Engagement

51

Contact Black in Sports Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Black in Sports Podcast