Jeanie Buss: Rising in a Male Driven Industry | Forward Progress

Recognized as one of the most powerful women in the NBA, Jeanie Buss shares times she has encountered sexism in the workplace. Jeanie recalls facing condescension and bullying during a business negotiation, as well as sexual harassment at a conference. She attributes her resilience and strength to the empowerment she received from her father and the guidance she got from strong women such as Billie Jean King and Jane Fonda.

Graham Bensinger travels to Baltimore to meet with Kevin Plank, the former collegiate football player and founder of the multi-billion dollar sportswear company Under Armour. They discuss the tragic loss of Plank’s father at 19, address challenges surrounding the company, and explore his ongoing efforts to make a positive impact in the city of Baltimore.

Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet shares how he and fiancée Lindsay first met through social media and how his work with his charity "Big Slick" strengthened their bond. They discuss knowing they’d found "their person" during the pandemic and how Eric’s playful nature complements Lindsay’s grounded personality. The couple plans to host a combined wedding and housewarming party at their Kansas property, humorously noting that "Sofia Vergara is only coming once."

Killer Mike addresses his lifestyle changes that resulted in him losing more than 100 pounds. He stresses the importance of his ‘power hour’ - the first hour of the day when he meditates, exercises and prioritizes his well being. Saying he started to see too many of his friends die, he realized his need to get his diet under control to be around for a long time for his children.

Graham Bensinger travels to Pewaukee, Wisconsin, to spend a day with NFL star T.J. Watt. The perennial all-pro reflects on his unorthodox childhood, growing up in the shadow of his brothers J.J. and Derek. Watt gets candid about his feelings of abandonment and resentment during high school, his battles with injuries and the mindset that later fueled his rise. Plus, he shares the powerful story of his daughter’s birth.

Football legend Steve Young looks back on his time in the USFL and on the 49ers. He details his $40 million deal with the USFL’s LA Express and joining the San Francisco 49ers as a backup quarterback to Joe Montana. He also remembers the “interesting” way he handled his checks in his early 49ers days.

Actor and author Matthew McConaughey shares premarital conversations between him and his now-wife Camila Alves McConaughey, including how they want to approach their partnership differently than their parents. Later, he offers up a few of the motivational mantras both he and Camila work to instill in their children, including how they don’t subscribe to words like “can’t” and “hate,” and the long-term benefits of dealing with discomfort immediately.

Legendary Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson invites Graham Bensinger to his home in Detroit, where he discusses their previous rift with the Lions’ ownership, a budding cannabis business and family life raising three boys. The first-ballot hall of famer also opens up about his decision to retire earlier than many expected.

Two-time Emmy award-winning actor Eric Stonestret, a passionate fan of both the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs, reveals how a single phone call turned him into part owner of the Royals and how he will never miss a home game at Arrowhead Stadium. He fondly remembers getting season tickets with his dad and the enjoyment he found playing the “Randy Reed” character. The Modern Family star also talks about his friendship with NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, and, of course, Graham makes sure to get his thoughts on the relationship between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. 

14-time NBA All-Star Dirk Nowitzki is surprised when asked to dip way back into childhood stories, including a propensity for chewing gum and an initial distaste for the sport that made him famous on a global level. Plus, Dirk talks fondly of his long-time mentor Holger Geschwindner, including how Holger would broaden his horizons with introductions to novels, the saxophone and fencing.