His whole adult life, Shea Serrano’s worked hard. Not just at one thing, but at everything he’s done, from chronic pool-playing and highly-calculated games of Texas hold ’em in college, to teaching middle school for eight years at an underserved school in Houston. Here, he talks to Sam about all of this, as well as how the work he did to pay the bills ultimately led him to writing. Shea has written for Grantland and The Ringer, and has authored three multimedia books, including a New York Times bestseller. With a no-bullshit attitude and plenty of motivating stories to share, Shea walks Sam through his major life events so far, including the first time he realized he was at a disadvantage (7:07), the complications he and his wife faced with the birth their twins (35:30), and the moment he finally figured out what makes a good dad (46:00).
Show notes:
- Check out Shea’s work at The Ringer, where he writes both critically and humorously about basketball, rap artists, movies, and more.
- Here’s that Drake article Sam referenced.
- Follow Shea on Twitter here to see what he’s up to and for updates on book signings and events.
- You can buy Shea’s books, The Rap Year Book, Basketball (And Other Things), and The Rap Coloring and Activity Book here. Read an interview Shea did with the New York Times about his new book here.
Music for the show is by Dylan Peck: www.dylanpeck.com
Original illustrations by Krishna Shenoi: www.krishnabalashenoi.com