Ben's college buddy Cody Zeller — and his wife, Grammy-nominated artist Leanna Crawford — sit down for a conversation about faith, identity, and what comes after the spotlight fades.
Cody spent a decade in the NBA before retiring at 31. Leanna's career is just taking off — a #1 radio single, a sophomore album, and a schedule that keeps her on the road. Together they talk about how they've kept their identity rooted in something bigger than their careers, and how they're preparing to become parents this November.
In this episode:
- How Cody and Leanna met (and why she made him wait)
- 10 surgeries, retirement at 31, and finding purpose after the game
- Writing songs from journal entries — and why not every song resolves
- The friends and family who keep them humble
- What they hope to pass on from the parents who raised them
A real conversation between old friends about marriage, calling, and trusting God's timing.
Follow the show and let us know what stood out to you.
Timestamps:
01:39 Welcome & intro
02:07 Cody's IU recruiting visit
06:18 How Leanna & Cody met
09:33 The proposal at Crowder's Mountain
11:47 Staying grounded through fame
15:46 Prayers answered, prayers waiting
19:41 Identity beyond career
26:05 Life after basketball
31:12 Writing from the journal
36:43 Helping listeners feel less alone
40:33 Lessons from their parents
43:50 Becoming parents

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