Inside The Play Call With Orange Arrow

In this episode, host Shawn Robinson chats with Sam Novelli, who first joined Orange Arrow as a middle schooler through the OA12 program. Now a college student, Sam reflects on his journey, sharing his "superpowers," fondest OA memories, and his passion for music and education. This heartfelt episode offers a glimpse into their relationship over the years and highlights the lasting impact Orange Arrow has had on Sam's life and growth.

Join Shawn for a full circle moment with Barry Frierson, our first grade school participant turned OA coach. Tune in as he recounts his journey from being a young student-athlete to now coaching at his elementary alma mater in Pittsburgh. He also delves into his entrepreneurial pursuits and his commitment to mentoring, ensuring every OA participant receives the same invaluable experiences he did.

RJ Thompson is the driving force behind Orange Arrow’s “cool factor.” By day, he serves as the Manager of Digital Strategy in the Health Sciences at Pitt and teaches at Pitt, the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC), Point Park University, and West Virginia University. A longtime supporter, RJ is the creative mind behind the evolution of the OA brand and various OA projects, including launching this podcast. Tune in to hear how Captain America inspired his career in graphic design, and stay to discover how he listens to stories to capture the spirit of OA in his designs.

Join us for Episode 121, where Shawn dives into the behind-the-scenes journey of securing the opening keynote speaker for the Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports (OASIS). Don’t miss this inside look at bringing the vision of OASIS to life!

Hank Poteat is the cornerbacks coach for the Iowa State Cyclones. In this role, he not only coaches but also mentors and develops his players to be more than just an athlete. Tune in to hear about his 10-year NFL career, which included a Super Bowl win, and the unique opportunity he had to play in the final game at two iconic Pittsburgh stadiums.

Alix Sweigert is a former OA intern and program manager. A native of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Alix discusses her love for sports, especially hockey, and how she always knew that she wanted to be involved in the sports world. Tune in to hear more about how she pushes her limits to learn and grow through remembering to speak up, being confident, and accepting that it’s ok to make mistakes.

Julian Dickenson is a Vice President at Pacific Lake Partners. Tune in as he discusses how his early years were shaped by his mother’s desire for him to see the world outside of his city and a back injury at age 15 that shifted his focus to academics before sports. After studying actuarial mathematics and playing soccer at Pitt, he ventured into the world of healthcare before pursuing his passion for entrepreneurship and investing at Stanford. Along the way, he learned the importance of balance and resilience, fueled by his mother's emphasis on academics.

In Episode 120, host Shawn Robinson sits down with Justin “Moody” Johns, a former Pitt student-athlete from Philadelphia. Moody shares his journey, from discovering his love for basketball to having a standout teammate help shine the spotlight on his football talents. He opens up about the medical challenges that cut his football career short, leading to one of the lowest points in his life, and how his support system — along with Orange Arrow — helped him find purpose. Now, Moody works with youth in Philadelphia, guiding them to navigate life and achieve their own version of success.

In Episode 119, Shawn sits down with Chris Curd, a Youngstown native, former Pitt student-athlete, and president of the Pittsburgh Flag Football League. They dive into a lively debate of *Off the Wall* vs. *Thriller*, discuss the impact of NIL in college sports, and explore the growing presence of girls in flag football. Chris also shares personal insights on the vital role his spouse plays in his entrepreneurial journey. This episode is packed with engaging stories and reflections on sports, music, and life!

In this episode, Shawn sits down with Kevin Acklin, President of Business Operations for the Pittsburgh Penguins. Acklin shares his journey from growing up in South Oakland to leading one of the NHL’s most iconic franchises, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and trust on and off the ice. He also discusses the Penguins’ efforts to build trust with their community, the value of consistently showing up, and the leadership qualities that unite people in sports and beyond.

Let’s talk OASIS! We're excited to announce the return of OASIS in 2025, happening June 22-24. In this episode, we'll share key insights and lessons we learned from this year's event, as we gear up for round two!

We're back! In this special episode, Shawn sits down with Dillon Javid, a high school senior, student-athlete, and OA alum. As the editor-in-chief of his school newspaper and a dedicated rower, Dillon has been making waves both on and off the water. He reflects on his journey with Orange Arrow, from the Summer Academy to unforgettable moments like meeting the legendary Franco Harris and networking at OASIS. In a podcast first, host Shawn lets Dillon take the reins, asking questions that reveal his vision for Orange Arrow’s future and his most memorable football moments. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that blends leadership, sports, and community!

Thanks for sticking with us through another 15 episodes! We're taking our usual pause, but we'll be back soon. Take Aim! Sign up to stay connected through our newsletter: bit.ly/3qSbqsx Follow us on social media: @OrangeArrowPA

Tune in as Shawn talks to Ryan Jacoby, a graduate student and offensive lineman at Pitt! An Ohio native, Jacoby grew up as a football fan, but didn’t start playing until middle school. Tune in to hear his mixed feelings about Lebron James and how OA has positively impacted both him and the young student-athletes he coached this summer.

Join Shawn and this week’s guest, Keye Thompson, a graduate student and linebacker at Pitt! After a recent transfer from Ohio University, Thompson delves into how he became involved with Orange Arrow and shares some of his favorite memories. They also discuss the impact of relationships, both among family and professionally.

It's OASIS week! Get a final behind-the-scenes look at the planning of the event, and be sure to join us on Pitt's campus on Tuesday! Learn more and get your All Access Pass: Orangearrow.org/oasis

Today, we're talking OASIS: Orange Arrow Symposium in Sports. Tune in for a preview of what is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience. But don't just take it from us — hear more from one of our advisors and a leader in this space, Ron Idoko, from Pitt's Center on Race and Social Problems. Learn more and reserve your pass: OrangeArrow.org/OASIS

As we gear up for our third summer of programming with the DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation, listen to Monica and Des talk about their experience leading previous sessions in McKeesport, PA! Get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into OA programs as they share what the prep looks like, how they prioritize their time, and some of the skills they gain from leading OA sessions.

Listen in as Shawn recaps a previous speaking engagement at Tuskegee University, part of their career readiness program, College Transition: Student-Athlete Edition. Shawn and other OA team members speak with current student-athletes about the importance of utilizing your time because the time to plan for your future is today.

Tune in as Shawn highlights the dynamic speakers featured at OASIS, from university presidents to renowned authors. They come from diverse backgrounds but all share a common goal: helping others. Join us at OASIS, July 9-11 at the University of Pittsburgh, and be part of this inspiring event! Learn more: Orangearrow.org/oasis