Strong Inside: The story of the 1st Black SEC MBB Player, told by Andrew Maraniss

21/12/2025 59 min

Listen "Strong Inside: The story of the 1st Black SEC MBB Player, told by Andrew Maraniss"

Episode Synopsis

SummaryIn this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages with author Andrew Maraniss, exploring themes of sports, storytelling, and social justice. They discuss Andrew's literary influences, the impact of his father's Pulitzer Prize-winning career, and the importance of empathy in writing. The conversation delves into Andrew's work on Perry Wallace, the first black basketball player in the SEC, highlighting the challenges of pioneering in sports and the significance of understanding different perspectives. They also touch on parenting strategies for raising well-rounded children and the dynamics of college athletics.TakeawaysBowl games have lost some appeal but are still important.Family traditions play a significant role in holiday celebrations.Literary influences shape an author's writing style.Pressure from a famous parent can impact an author's journey.Writing about underrepresented voices is crucial for empathy.Sports can serve as a platform for discussing social issues.Pioneering in any field comes with challenges and loneliness.Understanding different perspectives is essential in today's society.Raising children with diverse experiences fosters empathy.Authors must balance their craft with marketing efforts.TitlesExploring the Intersection of Sports and Social JusticeThe Power of Storytelling in SportsSound bites"I love bowl games.""I spent eight years working on it.""You have to use your voice."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Andrew Maraniss01:41 Family Traditions and Holiday Celebrations02:51 Literary Influences and Favorite Books08:00 Andrew's Background and Career09:57 Growing Up with a Pulitzer Prize-Winning Father11:45 Pressure of Following in Father's Footsteps14:14 Themes of Social Justice in Andrew's Writing22:14 Understanding Race and Identity28:59 Perry Wallace and His Impact29:04 The Legacy of Perry Wallace32:17 Pioneering in a Segregated Society36:30 The Courage to Stand Alone39:27 The Long Road to Recognition46:08 Understanding Different Perspectives50:04 Raising Open-Minded Children59:49 Advice for Authors and Publishers

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