In this special memorial episode of Shooting It Straight!, We honor our friend and co-host, Coach Jim Clayton, by sharing a series of heartfelt voicemail tributes from players, parents, coaches, and lifelong friends whose lives he transformed. You’ll hear stories of Jim’s relentless positivity, his gift for building confidence, and the way he blended discipline[...]

In this special remembrance episode of Shooting It Straight, We revisit a 2018 conversation recorded with Randy and Coach Clayton—mentor, educator, motivator, and the heart behind “BAM, son.” We talk about the origins and meaning of BAM (Believe, Achieve, Motivate), why failure is feedback, and how fear, process, and paying the price shape real success.[...]

In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I honor my dear friend, colleague, and cohost, Coach Jim Clayton, who passed away on 09/18/2025. I reflect on meeting Jim when I was a teenager, learning from him as a young educator, and growing alongside him as a colleague, coach, and friend. From school hallways to Sports[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," host Randy Black dives into the pervasive myth of multitasking and its impact on productivity. With co-host Jim Clayton absent due to a medical situation, Randy takes the reins to explore why multitasking is more about task switching than true efficiency. Drawing on cognitive science research, he explains[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton dive into the critical difference between tools and habits, emphasizing that while tools can aid productivity, it's the habits that truly drive success. Jim shares insights from his coaching experience, highlighting how habits form the foundation of personal growth and achievement.[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight!," hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton delve into the core of productivity, emphasizing the importance of mindset over mere tools and strategies. They explore the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets, highlighting how a growth mindset can transform failures into learning opportunities. The discussion extends to the pitfalls[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the crucial difference between being busy and being productive. They explore how activity often masquerades as achievement, leading many to confuse motion with progress. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, they emphasize the importance of setting clear goals, prioritizing[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the concept of resilience, exploring how faith and perseverance play crucial roles in overcoming life's challenges. Broadcasting live from the Sports City Studio in Hurricane, West Virginia, they emphasize that resilience is not about never failing but about always[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the essence of resilience and perseverance. Broadcasting live from Sports City U studio in Hurricane, West Virginia, they continue their exploration of resilience through powerful quotes from various sources. The discussion kicks off with a Japanese proverb, "Fall seven[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the theme of resilience, exploring how life lessons from the court translate into real-world success. They discuss the importance of showing up when life gets tough and pushing through adversity. The episode features a deep dive into resilience through[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton dive into the theme of resilience with special guest Dr. Brad Miller, host of the "Cancer and Comedy" podcast. Brad shares his inspiring journey of overcoming prostate cancer through humor, faith, and his ACTS plan—Action, Connect, Think, and Serve. The conversation explores[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into a powerful story of resilience and determination. Jim shares his personal journey from a life-threatening accident at the age of 12, where he broke multiple vertebrae and faced the possibility of never walking again, to overcoming the odds and[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton dive deep into the concept of resilience, exploring how it can be taught and developed intentionally. They discuss the common misconceptions about resilience, emphasizing that it's not an innate trait but a skill that can be cultivated through experience and intentional practice.[...]

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton delve into the concept of resilience, exploring the "bounce back mentality" that is crucial in both sports and life. Jim shares his personal journey with stage four colon cancer, illustrating how he applied his coaching mindset to tackle the disease head-on. Through[...]

Welcome to the debut episode of "Shooting It Straight," where hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton embark on a journey to translate life lessons from the basketball court into real-world success. Jim, a seasoned coach and mentor, shares his extensive background in education and coaching, emphasizing the importance of learning from failure and the power[...]

Shooting It Straight! is a podcast where sports wisdom meets real-life motivation. Hosted by basketball coaching legend Jim Clayton and educator/tech specialist Randy Black, each episode draws practical life lessons from the court and beyond—helping you Believe, Achieve, and Motivate. Whether you’re chasing goals, overcoming obstacles, or just need a straight shot of encouragement, Jim and Randy bring authentic[...]