TTalk: Beyond the Field - TTalk with Bernard Robertson

TTalk with Bernard Robertson

04/24/24 • 87 min

When a New Orleans East kid dreams of athletic stardom, the road isn't always paved in gold. Bernard Robertson, III knows this all too well, and he takes us through the side streets and sharp turns from swimming pools and tennis courts to the roar of NFL stadiums. Our conversation threads through Bernard's formative years, where family influence and mentorship played critical roles in shaping not just an athlete, but a man of resilience. His story a rich tapestry of triumphs, transitions, and the kind of life lessons you can't find in playbooks—resonates with anyone who's ever faced a hurdle and wondered how to leap.

But what happens when the game is over, the crowd disperses, and the lights dim? For Bernard Robertson, the play simply changed fields—from the gridiron to the world of wealth management. His tale of transition illuminates the many ways athletes can redirect their passion and skills into new arenas. And as we peel back the curtain on Bernard's post-football success, we uncover a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and the never-ending quest for personal growth. Join us as we honor not only Bernard's athletic prowess but also his commitment to guiding the next generation, ensuring that when the stadium lights eventually dim, they're ready to shine elsewhere.

(00:00) Athletic Journey of Bernard Robertson
(13:16) Navigating Police Interactions With Black Youth
(24:34) Recruitment Visit to Tulane Football
(38:55) Tommy Bowden and Tulane Football
(45:04) Turning Around Tulane's Football Program
(59:34) Career Transition and Personal Growth
(01:09:44) Transition From Football to Financial Advisor
(01:14:58) Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal
(01:21:10) Transfer Rules and Athletic Legacy
(01:25:20) Praising a Good Leader and Friend

Previous Episode

TTalk with Britney Hurst Temple

We talk with Britney Hurst Temple, a volleyball titan whose illustrious career has vaulted her into the Tulane University Hall of Fame. Britney shares a candid retrospective of her sports career, reflecting on pivotal moments from her early days as a high-energy athlete under her mother's guidance, to her transformation into a volleyball prodigy. Throughout the episode, she reveals the nuanced challenges she faced, including embracing her heritage, combating stereotypes, and advocating for diversity within volleyball.

Britney's post-graduation life includes her overseas volleyball career, the creation of a modeling agency and a thriving financial firm. We explore the significant role family legacy plays in her life, including the athletic and educational trailblazing by her mother and in-laws. Britney imparts her wisdom on embracing new passions like tennis and the importance of finding fulfilling activities that keep the competitive spirit alive. This episode is not just about sports, but about life, identity, and the drive to craft a legacy worth remembering.

Next Episode

TTalk with Barbara Farris

Barbara Farris has had an exceptional basketball career as a player, coach, and champion on various levels, despite starting late at age thirteen. Her experiences playing and coaching basketball globally demonstrate its role in her personal growth, as well as the profound impact she has had on her players and the community, exemplifying the importance of being more than just an athlete, but a beacon of inspiration for others. The conversation with Barbara celebrates the joys and challenges of basketball, while also spotlighting the long-term influence of supporting women's sports and the growth of individuals involved.

(0:00:00) - Barbara Farris and Growing Up

(0:13:49) - Teaching Discipline and Expectations in Public

(0:18:09) - High School Athletics and Influential Coaches

(0:27:28) - Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports

(0:38:45) - College Recruiting Visits and Decisions

(0:43:44) - Tulane Women's Basketball Program Memories

(0:56:10) - Overcoming Challenges for Success

(1:03:11) - Life Lessons Learned Through Basketball

(1:11:39) - Embracing Basketball and Self-Confidence

(1:18:53) - Athlete Transition to Playing Abroad

(1:27:24) - Success in Coaching Basketball

(1:39:27) - College Athletics and Transfer Portal

(1:44:12) - College Basketball Rule Changes and Opportunities

(1:49:40) - Support and Investment in Women's Basketball

(1:55:02) - Favorite Things and Guilty Pleasures

(2:05:55) - Planning Diverse Sports Network Expansion

During her Tulane career, Barbara started in 114 games and scored 1,729 points, making 408 out of 684 free throw attempts, which is second on the record-charts; she also had Tulane’s second-highest career totals of rebounds (939), offensive rebounds (351), defensive rebounds (588), free throws made (408) and free throws attempted (684). She averaged 16.7 points and 6.8 rebounds in her career, becoming the only player in school history to achieve all-conference honors all four years. She still holds the school’s career field-goal percentage record (63.7 percent). For all of these reasons, and for her outstanding leadership skills, she was inducted into the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.