Mr. Irrelevant Videocast

Alan T. Brown, Director of New Partner Development at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and a 2026 ESPY nominee, joins Mr. Irrelevant for an honest conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding opportunity after life takes an unexpected turn. Brown and Josh discuss the spinal cord injury that left him quadriplegic at 20 and how that experience inspired a lifelong commitment to advocating for people living with paralysis.
From navigating life's biggest challenges to creating lasting impact for others, Alan's story is a reminder that resilience isn't just about overcoming adversity — it's about using your experiences to help others move forward.

Brothers and co-directors Derek and Brandon Smith sit down with Mr. Irrelevant host Josh Lewin to discuss the making of their feature documentary No Place for Football — the story of soccer in one of the most unexpected places in the world: Greenland, home to the shortest football season and one of the most remote communities on earth.From difficulty traveling to Nuuk and production setbacks to filming on a shoestring budget, what began as a documentary about underdogs became an underdog story in itself.

Courtney Runyon, a TEDx speaker, international bestselling author, and resilience coach, joins Mr. Irrelevant for a candid conversation about resilience, identity, and rebuilding when life changes overnight. She shares her experience being diagnosed with CIDP, a rare autoimmune disorder that left her paralyzed from the neck down at 33, while simultaneously navigating a breakup, a cross-country move, and returning home to be cared for by her parents. Courtney and Josh discuss staying positive through uncertainty, finding strength in small victories, and the support systems that carried her through her darkest moments.  

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with lawyer, entrepreneur, and football club owner Rob Couhig about his unlikely journey from American minor league baseball to English football. Couhig shares how a business-first mindset helped transform Wycombe Wanderers during one of the most successful stretches in club history and why he took on the challenge of rescuing Reading FC. He reflects on leadership, innovation, and the realities of building sustainable success in a sport driven by passion and tradition. A conversation about vision, problem-solving, and turning overlooked opportunities into lasting impact.

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with director Jeff Fisher about carving out a career through rejection, reinvention, and persistence. From sweeping floors in craft service to working alongside Robert De Niro on Cape Fear, Fisher reflects on the unconventional path that led him from reality TV hits like Big Brother and Keeping Up With the Kardashians to directing feature films. He shares lessons learned from setbacks, finding opportunity in unexpected places, and why success often comes from simply staying in the game. A conversation about perseverance, adaptability, and chasing the next “yes.”

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with former minor leaguer Bruce Dostal about his winding journey through professional baseball and his unforgettable brush with the big leagues. Drafted by the Dodgers out of Division III William Paterson, Dostal reflects on fighting through crowded farm systems, earning a call-up to the Orioles at Fenway Park, and never getting the chance to step into a game. He opens up about perseverance, identity, and why he ultimately looks back on his career with “No At-Bats, No Regrets.” A conversation about chasing the dream, embracing the journey, and finding meaning beyond the stat sheet.

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Fox Sports and Los Angeles Dodgers broadcaster Joe Davis about his journey from small-town Michigan to calling the World Series and succeeding Vin Scully. Davis reflects on the grind of breaking into broadcasting through unpaid internships and minor league jobs, learning to trust his own voice, and overcoming imposter syndrome that came with stepping into one of sports’ most iconic roles. A conversation about preparation, authenticity, and betting on yourself.

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Emmy Award-winning editor Jill Calhoun about her path from aspiring filmmaker to shaping stories behind the scenes. Calhoun shares how an early experience in sound design sparked her passion, how music and performance influence her sense of rhythm, and why collaboration matters more than credit. She opens up about navigating self-doubt, building authentic relationships in a competitive industry, and redefining success on her own terms. A conversation about creativity, persistence, and finding your place behind the lens.
 

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with former NFL offensive lineman and NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger about his journey from undrafted long shot to a 143-game NFL career. Baldinger shares how he earned a roster spot with the Cowboys against the odds, the mindset it took to succeed as an overlooked lineman, and how preparation became his edge both on the field and in broadcasting. He reflects on lessons from legendary coach Ernie Stautner, working alongside Pat Summerall, and his unforgettable tackle-eligible touchdown moment. A conversation about preparation, perseverance, and making yourself impossible to ignore.

On this episode of the Mr. Irrelevant podcast, host Josh Lewin chats with Rudy Ruettiger about his journey from overlooked underdog to Notre Dame legend. Growing up as one of 14 kids while facing dyslexia and constant doubt, Rudy shares how he pushed past criticism, served in the Navy, and took an unconventional path to earn his place at Notre Dame. He breaks down his “four C’s”—courage, character, commitment, and contribution—while revisiting his iconic 1975 sack, clarifying what the movie got wrong, and reflecting on support from Coach Dan Devine and reactions from teammates like Joe Montana. A conversation about belief, determination, and proving the doubters wrong.