The Long Game Novacast

From N.W.A. to Hollywood to changing the game of professional sports, Ice Cube has spent decades doing what he does best: breaking barriers, challenging the status quo and building his own lane. Rapper, actor, writer, producer, director, entrepreneur, activist, husband, father and co-founder of the BIG3 , Cube's impact reaches far beyond music. His evolution from one of hip-hop's most revolutionary voices into a cultural and business powerhouse is a masterclass in vision, ownership and longevity.On this episode of The Long Game NovaCast, Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman sits down with the icon himself for a powerful conversation about the journey behind the man ; the risks, the reinvention, the family, the legacy and the relentless drive to keep building. And the timing couldn't be better: the conversation comes on the eve of the **BIG3 Season 9 Championship**, where Nancy and her Dallas Power prepare to battle fellow Hall of Famer Gary Payton and the Boston Ball Hogs for the title.Music. Movies. Business. Basketball. Family. Legacy. This is Ice Cube like you don't always get to hear him — reflecting on the road he's traveled, what continues to fuel him, and what he's still determined to build. You don't want to miss this one.

In this episode of The Long Game NovaCast, Nancy Lieberman sits down with her player, Elijah Stewart, for a conversation about perseverance, growth and what it means to keep getting better with time. A standout at USC, Stewart built his reputation as an elite shooter before beginning a professional journey that took him from the NBA G League to leagues around the world, including stops in Finland, Poland, Romania, Italy and Israel. His path is a reminder that success in basketball isn’t always defined by how quickly you arrive, but by how committed you are to continuing the work.Now making his mark in the BIG3, Stewart opens up with Nancy about the experiences that shaped him, the lessons learned from competing internationally and the mindset required to build a career on your own terms. From college basketball to navigating the professional game overseas and ultimately finding another stage back home, Elijah’s story embodies what The Long Game is all about: resilience, patience, evolution and trusting the journey—even when the road looks different than you imagined.

Before the Emmy Awards. Before ABC 7 Chicago. Before the cameras and headlines, there was a young woman shaped by family, faith, championship tennis, unimaginable loss, and an unwavering commitment to purpose. In this deeply personal conversation, award-winning ABC 7 Chicago reporter Jasmine Minor opens up about the defining moments that built her long before she became one of Chicago's most respected journalists. A Chicago native, former NCAA Division I tennis player, Emmy Award-winning reporter, and Northwestern University Medill graduate, Jasmine has dedicated her career to telling stories that matter—from race and culture to investigative reporting that gives a voice to overlooked communities.But this episode goes far beyond journalism. Jasmine reflects on the passing of her father, Kevin Minor, whose legacy inspired the creation of the Kevin Minor Legacy Fund, helping young girls pursue their dreams through tennis scholarships. She shares how grief transformed into purpose, why legacy is measured by the lives we impact, and how success means little without serving others. This is an honest conversation about resilience, identity, family, and building something that will outlive us all. If you've ever wondered how extraordinary people navigate heartbreak while continuing to lead with grace, this episode is for you.

The night before they become rivals, they share one conversation.In this episode of The Long Game Novacast, Hall of Famer and Dallas Power head coach Nancy Lieberman sits down with Greg "Moose" Monroe of the undefeated Dallas Power and Michael Beasley of the Miami 305 just hours before they face each other in one of the BIG3's biggest matchups of the season.Together, they go beyond basketball, discussing the pressure of expectations, life after the NBA, identity, growth, and the lessons that only experience can teach. But once the conversation ends, friendship takes a back seat. The next day, Dallas puts its undefeated record on the line, and only one team will walk away with the win.Did this conversation change anything once the game began? Or does competition always take over? Watch the interview, then let us know in the comments who you think wins when respect meets rivalry.

Before the BIG3, before the recognition, and before the spotlight, Ray Nixon spent nearly two decades chasing a dream across the world. From Germany to Finland to Japan, his journey is a testament to perseverance, sacrifice, and refusing to give up when the path isn't clear.In one of the most vulnerable conversations we've had on The Long Game Novacast, Ray shares the emotional weight of always feeling the need to be strong, how laughter often became a mask for pain, and the victories that were born from some of life's hardest moments. This isn't just a conversation about basketball. It's about resilience, healing, and finding the strength to keep going when no one sees the battle.One quote from this episode says it all: "Sometimes we smile because it's easier than letting people see us cry."

In this episode of The Long Game Novacast, Nancy Lieberman sits down with ESPN's Jay Harris for one of his most personal conversations yet. Jay opens up about his prostate cancer diagnosis, the emotions that came with it, and how faith, family, and resilience helped him navigate one of the most challenging seasons of his life.More than a story about cancer, this is a conversation about hope, perspective, and the strength to keep moving forward. Tune in as Jay shares the lessons he learned and why his journey is one that could inspire and impact countless others.

🎷 The music made him legendary. The man behind it is even more remarkable.In this special episode of The Long Game NovaCast, hosts Nancy Lieberman and Jay Harris travel to New Orleans to spend time with one of the greatest musicians of our generation, Branford Marsalis.More than an interview, this is a journey through the city that shaped him. From visiting his childhood home to reflecting on his family's incredible legacy, Branford shares the life experiences that molded him into the man, father, artist, and cultural icon the world knows today.He opens up about working alongside Spike Lee, building an extraordinary career in music, the discipline behind greatness, and the lessons he's learned throughout a lifetime of excellence.

Welcome to a special edition of The Long Game NovaCast, hosted by Eddie McGee, featuring motivational speaker, entrepreneur, bestselling author, and cultural leader Wallo267, alongside Michael D. Thompson.In this powerful conversation, Wallo shares the inspiration behind his new book, Yes to You, No to Them, a guide to protecting your peace, setting healthy boundaries, and choosing personal growth without guilt. Through raw stories, hard-earned wisdom, and honest reflections, Wallo reminds us that success begins when you stop living for everyone else and start investing in yourself.While this conversation reaches far beyond sports, the lessons are universal for athletes, entrepreneurs, coaches, leaders, and anyone chasing greatness. From overcoming adversity and building discipline to protecting your energy and embracing purpose, this special edition explores what it truly takes to win in life, on and off the field.