The Jimmy Rex Show

In today’s episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with Jay Paterno, former Penn State assistant coach, current member of the Penn State Board of Trustees, and son of the all-time winningest coach in NCAA football history, Joe Paterno. Jay has spent his entire life inside college football and just released his new book, Blitz, which pulls back the curtain on the pressures, politics, and realities shaping the sport today.Jimmy and Jay start with the one thing everyone in Utah has been talking about this week — Penn State’s pursuit of BYU head coach Kalani Sitake. Jay shares what he was hearing behind the scenes, how seriously Penn State considered Kalani, and why it now looks like he is staying at BYU. From there, they dive into the changing landscape of college football: NIL, the transfer portal, player mental health, the explosion of sports gambling, and the lack of leadership at the top of the NCAA.Jay also opens up about growing up as Joe Paterno’s son, what leadership looked like in his home, and how he has navigated criticism and controversy while trying to honor his father’s legacy. If you care about college football, coaching, leadership, or how the game adapts in the next decade, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to the show01:05 – Who Jay Paterno is and his new book “Blitz”03:40 – The Kalani Sitake situation and what Jay was hearing07:25 – How Penn State viewed Kalani as a candidate10:15 – Inside Penn State’s coaching search13:00 – NIL, the transfer portal, and the new era of CFB16:45 – What Joe Paterno would think about today’s game19:40 – Where the NCAA has failed22:30 – Mental health pressures on modern players25:20 – Gambling, prop bets, and what’s coming28:40 – Fixing the calendar: signing day and transfers32:10 – How universities are risking their financial future35:55 – Growing up as Joe Paterno’s son38:20 – Legacy, criticism, and honoring his father41:15 – What Jay hopes the future of the game looks like44:30 – Where to find Jay’s book46:20 – Final thoughts and wrap-upJimmy’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrjimmyrexJimmy’s TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@mrjimmyrexJimmy’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/@mrjimmyrexSubscribe for more conversations with leaders in sports, business, and life.

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with Julie Theis, reality TV star from Netflix’s The Trust and a fast-rising voice in psychology and human behavior. Julie has built a loyal audience by breaking down celebrity relationships, trauma patterns, and mental health dynamics in a way that is simple, sharp, and easy to see in your own life.Julie opens up about growing up in poverty with addicted parents, experiencing homelessness and foster care, and how those early wounds pushed her into psychology. She and Jimmy dive into modern dating, the male loneliness problem, why so many women are exhausted doing the emotional labor in relationships, and how victimhood and self-sabotage keep people stuck.They also walk through Julie’s process of using pop culture as a mirror to teach about abuse, codependency, and self-worth. Whether you’ve seen Julie on Netflix, follow her breakdowns online, or just want a clearer framework for your own patterns in love and life, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:10 Who Julie is and how they met04:15 Growing up in poverty, addiction, and instability09:05 Getting cast on Netflix’s The Trust and sharing her story14:20 Why she chose psychology and human behavior19:30 Using celebrities to teach about trauma and relationships25:40 Victim mentality, self-worth, and psychological addiction32:10 Male loneliness, emotional labor, and modern dating40:05 Hyper-independence, masculinity, and femininity47:10 Healing your wounds before dating again51:30 Where to follow Julie and closing thoughtsLinks:Jimmy’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrjimmyrexJimmy’s website: https://mrjimmyrex.comJulie’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/JulieTheisOfficialJulie’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieTheisJulie’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@JulieTheis

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with local legend and breakout reality-TV personality Chase McWhorter, one of the most talked-about husbands on Hulu’s hit series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Fresh off Season 3, Chase opens up about being edited as the “villain,” relives the infamous Halloween party, and breaks down the moments viewers only see in fragments on screen.From public backlash to being labeled “America’s fuck-boy” while trying to show up as a dad, Chase shares the unfiltered version of his story—what he owns, what he regrets, and what people get wrong about him off-camera. Jimmy and Chase dive into accountability, consent, and how exaggerated accusations hurt real victims. They talk about infidelity, “yellow-light” behaviors that lead to cheating, and why radical honesty is the only path to rebuilding trust—in marriage, friendship, and co-parenting. Chase discusses his Mormon upbringing, stepping away from the LDS Church, and working to maintain a healthy relationship with his ex-wife Miranda, while Jimmy connects it all back to men’s work, healing modalities, and becoming a man capable of real connection.If you’re fascinated by Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, interested in modern relationships under scrutiny, or just want to hear two guys talk honestly about the messiness of growth—this episode delivers.Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction01:25 – Chase on Season 3 and instant backlash04:10 – Being painted as the “villain”07:00 – The Halloween party chaos & what really happened10:45 – The “assault” claim & why context matters14:30 – How serious accusations hurt real victims18:20 – Marriage, separation, and accountability22:15 – “Yellow lights” that lead to cheating26:00 – Jimmy on owning your mistakes30:40 – Chase on stepping away from the LDS Church33:55 – Co-parenting with Miranda & public perception38:10 – Dakota, Taylor, and the show’s most complicated relationship42:05 – Men’s work, breathwork, and healing45:50 – Jimmy on relationships vs singleness50:00 – Chase on fame, labels, and being misunderstood54:20 – Why Secret Lives resonates nationally59:10 – What’s next for ChaseRelated Episodes:Layla Taylor – Secret Lives of Mormon Wiveshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/559-layla-taylor-star-of-hulus-new-1-show-the/id1315033271?i=1000669280139Taylor Frankie Paul – The MomTok / Swinging Scandalhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/421-taylor-frankie-paul-the-mormon-momtok-swinging/id1315033271?i=1000613581753Follow Jimmy:Jimmy’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/mrjimmyrexJimmy’s Website: https://mrjimmyrex.com

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with one of college basketball’s true legends — Coach Jim Harrick, the mastermind behind UCLA’s 1995 national championship team. With a career spanning over two decades, Harrick reflects on his incredible journey through high school gyms, Pepperdine, UCLA, and beyond, sharing insights into leadership, recruiting, and the timeless lessons he learned from his mentor, the great John Wooden.Coach Harrick opens up about the values that guided his teams — teamwork, discipline, and faith — and why the “John Wooden system” remains one of the most brilliant frameworks in sports. From stories about the O’Bannon brothers and Tyus Edney’s famous full-court game-winner to his thoughts on the NIL era and the collapse of the Pac-12, this conversation is a masterclass in coaching wisdom and integrity. Whether you’re a basketball fan, leader, or student of greatness, this episode will leave you inspired by one of the game’s most respected minds.00:00 Introduction01:20 Jimmy’s dad, faith, and UCLA memories02:45 Coaching path: Morningside → Pepperdine → UCLA → NBA05:30 Building the L.A. recruiting pipeline & keeping local talent07:05 John Wooden’s system: teaching, defense & “share the sugar”10:20 Motivation, discipline, and practice planning13:55 Recruiting stories (Lamar Odom), camps & networking17:10 Modern game: NIL, transfer portal & Pac-12 thoughts22:50 Life after coaching: family, faith & grandkids30:50 Tyus Edney’s 4.8-second play, legacy34:35 Outro

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with one of basketball’s all-time greats — Ralph Sampson, four-time NBA All-Star, No. 1 overall pick, and one of only two players in history to win three consecutive National College Player of the Year awards. From his dominant years at Virginia to forming the iconic “Twin Towers” duo with Hakeem Olajuwon in Houston, Ralph opens up about the discipline, focus, and love for the game that defined his remarkable journey.Ralph reflects on what it took to maintain motivation at the top, the evolution of the NBA, and how today’s game has shifted from the fundamentals that built its foundation. He also shares stories about playing through adversity, the legendary 1982 Chaminade upset, and his thoughts on the new era of NIL deals and college basketball’s changing landscape.This is a powerful conversation about legacy, hard work, and perspective — from a man whose career helped shape modern basketball.00:00 Introduction00:45 Ralph Sampson joins the show01:48 Winning three consecutive College Player of the Year awards03:05 Motivation, discipline, and legacy in basketball04:55 Traveling in the NBA and building the league’s foundation06:20 The Houston years and forming the Twin Towers with Hakeem Olajuwon09:00 The evolution of the NBA and positionless basketball12:40 How analytics and the three-pointer changed the game15:00 The history and impact of earlier generations on today’s players16:40 The legendary Chaminade upset and the birth of the Maui Invitational18:50 Thoughts on NIL, the transfer portal, and the future of college basketball23:00 Legacy, lessons from Virginia, and final reflections27:03 Outro

With the NBA season just getting started, Jimmy sits down with Utah Jazz legend Thurl “Big T” Bailey for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation. Thurl looks back on being the No. 7 pick in 1983, falling in love with Utah and its fans, and the lessons his mom taught him about letting basketball open doors to serve the community. He also relives NC State’s iconic 1983 title run with Jimmy V—manifesting by “practicing” cutting down the nets, the game plan against Phi Slama Jama, and why leadership, belief, and defense still win.The conversation turns deeply personal as Thurl shares his journey of faith and conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, meeting his wife, and how their love endured family pushback before ultimately bringing everyone together. They wrap with candid Jazz talk—young core optimism, what it takes for small-market contenders today, ideas to spice up the NBA (U.S. vs. World All-Star), and why Ryan Smith’s vision across Utah sports has Thurl genuinely excited.00:00 Introduction01:30 Thurl Bailey on joining the Utah Jazz and embracing Utah06:30 The legendary NC State championship run with Jim Valvano13:00 Thurl’s faith journey and conversion to the LDS Church17:00 Love, family challenges, and lessons in forgiveness22:00 Finding purpose beyond basketball and serving others23:00 The future of the Utah Jazz and today’s NBA31:49 Outro

In this episode of The Jimmy Rex Show, Jimmy sits down with his good friend Dallas Offill, founder of Happy Roofing and host of The Happy Hour Podcast. Dallas shares his inspiring journey of building a thriving business at a young age — from humble beginnings and early struggles to becoming a leader in his industry and community.The two dive deep into topics like entrepreneurship, leadership, scaling a company, personal growth, and the power of mentorship. Dallas opens up about the challenges of hiring, building systems, and maintaining integrity while growing fast. The conversation also explores how being part of We Are The They (WATT) has helped him strengthen his mindset, deepen his relationships, and continue to evolve as a man and a leader.Jimmy and Dallas end by reflecting on the importance of gratitude, connection, and authenticity — how being open and real with others can transform both your business and your life. 00:00 Introduction01:11 Is it harder to get ahead today? Tools, mindset & opportunity07:00 Networking at scale: social reach, info age, and starting a podcast13:24 Machu Picchu trek: grit, gratitude, and “enjoy the journey”20:30 Presence over pace: slowing down in a hyper-speed world31:00 Risk, variety & Tony Robbins’ six human needs34:52 Scaling Happy Roofing: hires, mistakes, systems & training41:30 Tough calls: firing, lessons learned & Ed Mylett’s hiring tip44:46 Daily gratitude practice & mindset reps47:52 Finding We Are The They & paying it forward51:41 Outro

NBA veteran and human-rights activist Olden Polynice sits down with Jimmy to talk about the “old school” Jazz culture under Jerry Sloan, what he learned from playing alongside legends, and how today’s NBA compares to the 80s/90s. Olden opens up about the realities of fame before social media, wild road stories, the explosion of player salaries, and why he thinks the league’s effort has dipped—and what he’d do as commissioner to fix it.He also shares his improbable start in basketball (he didn’t pick up the game until 16), the professor-level value of listening, and life after the cheering stops: divorce, identity, and why therapy has been a pillar for him since college. We dive into his hunger strike for Haitian refugees, visiting detention centers with TV cameras rolling, and his belief that speaking up—athletes and citizens alike—changes the world one person at a time.00:00 Introduction01:20 Life in the Old School NBA with the Utah Jazz06:30 Comparing Eras: 80s–90s vs. Today’s NBA10:10 Lessons from MJ, Stockton, and Malone13:15 From Player to Coach: Growth, Mistakes, and Apologies16:30 Life After Basketball: Identity, Divorce, and Therapy20:10 Activism and the Hunger Strike for Haitian Refugees26:00 Speaking Out on Injustice: Courage and Responsibility33:10 How to Fix the NBA & Restore Effort39:20 Outro

In this episode, Jimmy sits down with his close friend Taylor Palmer, founder of Rope Swing Moab—the crew behind the massive canyon rope swings that have become a rite of passage for We Are The They. Taylor shares how a desert hobby among buddies turned into a fully permitted operation, why Moab’s arches and canyons make these swings possible, and how rigorous safety (redundant systems, load cells, and 10x margins) transforms a terrifying idea into a life-changing experience.Beyond the adrenaline, Taylor explains the deeper side of the jump: intention, breakthrough, and brotherhood. From the hard lessons of earning permits with the BLM, to stories of people leaving addictions and grief on the cliff, to his own journey from welding grind to dream job—and even a quick surf trip with his daughter—this conversation is about courage, community, and building a life that actually fits. 00:00 Introduction01:45 From Desert Hobby to Epic Canyon Swings04:00 Safety, Rigging, and the Road to Becoming Permitted10:00 Facing Fear and Finding Deeper Meaning in the Jump18:00 We Are The They Moments & Personal Breakthroughs26:00 Brotherhood, Feedback, and Growth33:00 Balancing Ambition, Family, and Fulfillment41:00 From Welding Work to Purpose and Freedom49:00 Reflections on Courage, Purpose & Next Adventures50:28 Outro

Baseball legend Dusty Baker sits down with Jimmy for a candid, story-packed conversation spanning his life in the game—All-Star outfielder, World Series champion, and three-time Manager of the Year. Dusty relives the Barry Bonds era from a front-row seat, breaks down how elite hitters actually “know” what’s coming, and shares the mindset he learned from Hank Aaron about trusting your eyes, handling failure, and staying ready. He also opens up about representation in the dugout, what it’s really like to get rehired in MLB, and how age and experience still matter in a sport obsessed with numbers.From the heartbreaks—’02 World Series, the Bartman game, Halladay’s no-no—to redemption with the 2022 Astros, Dusty explains managing under pressure, restoring dignity after the scandal, and navigating the COVID season and hostile road crowds. He reflects on winter ball’s intensity, the economics behind the decline of Black American players, and a deeply personal moment when his young son stepped onto the World Series stage while Dusty was battling cancer. Plus: why he said yes to managing Nicaragua in the World Baseball Classic.00:00 Introduction01:32 Barry Bonds up close; lessons from Hank Aaron09:31 Rehiring, respect, and minority managers11:54 How the Astros job happened & the 2022 run15:34 COVID season, boos, and rebuilding trust22:04 Prior/Wood, pitch counts, and the injury era27:52 ’89 quake Series & toughest losses (Bartman, ’02)32:37 Fatherhood, cancer, and a World Series moment41:06 Outro