Shooting It Straight!

About Shooting It Straight!

Shooting It Straight! is a podcast where life lessons and motivation come together. Originally hosted by the late coaching legend Jim Clayton and educator/tech specialist Randy Black, the show now features Elizabeth Clayton stepping in to continue Jim’s legacy. Each episode offers practical insights and inspiring stories—helping you Believe, Achieve, and Motivate. From personal growth to overcoming challenges, Randy and Elizabeth share authentic experiences, expert guests, and encouragement to keep you moving forward.

Publisher

Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton

Category

education · education · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

1 Jun 2025

Latest episode

12 Jan 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Jan 2026

   Resilience After Loss: Walking Through Grief Together

   In this episode of Shooting It Straight!, Randy Black and Elizabeth Clayton step into an honest and deeply personal conversation about resilience in the face of loss. Drawing from their own recent experiences with grief, they explore what it looks like to keep moving forward when life changes in ways you never expected. Rather than offering easy answers or tidy conclusions, this episode creates space for real reflection on what grief actually feels like and how it reshapes our understanding of strength. Randy shares his perspective on losing Jim Clayton—not only a close friend, but a co-host who helped build the foundation of the show—as well as the loss of his father-in-law shortly thereafter. Elizabeth speaks from the heart about navigating life after the loss of her father, and the unique challenges of grieving both privately and publicly. Together, they discuss how resilience looks different when it’s lived rather than taught, and how grief often requires patience, honesty, and grace. This episode also offers encouragement for listeners who may be walking through their own season of loss. Practical reflections, shared insights, and a reminder that grief has no timeline help reinforce one central message: you don’t have to carry loss alone. A curated list of grief support resources is included in the show notes for anyone seeking additional help, along with a Wisdom of the Week reflection centered on choosing hope even when it’s hard to see. Grief Resources: National Organizations & Support Lines GriefShare Grief recovery support groups across the U.S. Website:https://www.griefshare.org (https://www.griefshare.org) The Compassionate Friends Support for families grieving the death of a child (any age). Website:https://www.compassionatefriends.org (https://www.compassionatefriends.org) Phone: (630) 990-0010 Crisis Text Line Immediate text-based emotional support. Text HOME to 741741 Website:https://www.crisistextline.org (https://www.crisistextline.org) Faith-Based Resources GriefShare Daily Emails (“A Season of Grief”) 365 short daily messages of encouragement. Website:https://www.griefshare.org/dailyemails (https://www.griefshare.org/dailyemails) “Through a Season of Grief” Devotional Book Daily devotions for processing grief from a Christian perspective. Publisher link: https://www.griefshare.org/books (https://www.griefshare.org/books) Books on Grief “A Grief Observed” by C.S. Lewis A raw personal reflection on grief. Publisher page: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-grief-observed-c-s-lewis (https://www.harpercollins.com/products/a-grief-observed-c-s-lewis) “It’s OK That You’re Not OK” by Megan Devine Honest guidance for living through deep loss. Author website: https://refugeingrief.com/book (https://refugeingrief.com/book) “Bearing the Unbearable” by Joanne Cacciatore A highly respected guide for those experiencing intense grief. Publisher page: https://wisdomexperience.org/product/bearing-unbearable/ (https://wisdomexperience.org/product/bearing-unbearable/) Online Grief Resources What’s Your Grief Articles, guides, courses, and coping tools. Website:https://whatsyourgrief.com (https://whatsyourgrief.com) Refuge in Grief (Megan Devine) Grief support, writing prompts, and online community. Website:https://refugeingrief.com (https://refugeingrief.com) The Grief Coach Podcast Practical discussion about managing grief. Website: https://grief.coach/podcast (https://grief.coach/podcast)(or search via podcast apps) Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support (https://shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support/).

2. 

   5 Jan 2026

   What’s Next for Shooting It Straight!?

   Episode 16 is an emotional and heartfelt turning point for Shooting It Straight!—the first full episode recorded after the passing of Coach Jim Clayton. Randy opens the episode by honoring his friend, mentor, and co-host, reflecting on the wisdom, humor, and heart that shaped every moment of the show. This episode marks a new chapter as Jim’s daughter, Elizabeth Clayton, joins as the new co-host. Together, Randy and Elizabeth revisit stories about Jim, share memories from his final weeks, and highlight the legacy he built through decades of coaching, mentoring, and inspiring others. They reflect on his handwritten notes, his “Jimmy-isms,” his relentless desire to help people become better, and the impact he had on everyone around him. The episode also looks ahead. Randy and Elizabeth openly discuss the future of the podcast—how it will evolve, how they will honor Jim’s foundational vision, and how they plan to carry his mission forward: sharing encouragement, motivation, and practical wisdom to help others grow. With Elizabeth’s perspective and Randy’s continued commitment, Shooting It Straight! begins its next season with purpose, gratitude, and the same drive Jim lived out every day: show up, do the work, and make someone better. Support the Show Shooting It Straight has always been about honest, down-to-earth conversations that challenge, encourage, and inspire. With Elizabeth joining me in this new season of the show, we’re excited to keep growing and reaching more people—and we’d love your help in making that happen. We’ve set up a few ways you can support the show each month, starting at just a couple of dollars. Whether you’re a Listener, a Friend of the Show, a Partner, a Champion, or one of our Legacy supporters, every level comes with its own set of perks—from bonus episodes and shoutouts to exclusive hangouts with Elizabeth and me. And right now, for a limited time, new supporters will get 50% off for an entire year—no matter which level you choose. It’s our way of saying thanks for helping us relaunch and continue what Jim and I started. You can learn more and sign up today at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support (https://shootingitstraightpodcast.com/support/).

3. 

   13 Dec 2025

   Shooting It Straight! is Coming Back on January 5, 2026

   Shooting It Straight! returns on January 5, 2026, marking a new season shaped by reflection, loss, and renewed purpose. In this brief announcement, Randy shares updates following the passing of original co-host Coach Jim Clayton and the loss of his father-in-law, while also introducing Elizabeth Clayton—Jim’s daughter—as the show’s new co-host. Together, this next chapter honors the past while looking forward to continued honest, meaningful conversations. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and find follow links at shootingitstraight.com/follow (https://shootingitstraightpodcast.com/follow/) so they don’t miss the first episode of the new season.

Reach and audience

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

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Contact Shooting It Straight!

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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