In this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Melissa sit down with former professional basketball player Lazarus Sims for an honest, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the court.

Lazarus shares his journey growing up on Syracuse’s South Side, becoming a McDonald’s All-American, starring at Syracuse University, and playing professionally overseas, in the CBA, and with the Harlem Globetrotters. But what makes this episode special isn’t just his résumé — it’s the perspective he’s gained along the way.

Together, they dive into what it really takes to succeed at every level of sports, the mental discipline required to grow as an athlete, and why basketball is ultimately about preparing for life. Lazarus opens up about coaching youth athletes, working with parents, teaching leadership, and helping kids become comfortable being uncomfortable. He also shares thoughtful insights on NIL deals, why athletes should be paid — but responsibly — and how chasing money too early can distract from purpose.

The conversation continues with real talk on parenting, youth sports today, resilience, failure, motivation, and the lessons kids learn just by showing up. From intense drills and mental toughness to family, growth, and giving back to the community, this episode captures what Crazy Real is all about — authentic conversations, meaningful lessons, and the realities of life behind the highlights.

Whether you’re a parent, coach, athlete, or just someone navigating life’s challenges, this episode delivers inspiration, honesty, and perspective you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Allie, the Syracuse mom behind Cuse Moms' Club, to talk honestly about motherhood, community, and finding yourself again after baby.

Allie shares her story of growing up in Central New York, traveling the world, and eventually choosing to plant roots back in Syracuse to raise her son. She opens up about how unexpectedly hard postpartum was for her, what it felt like to feel isolated, and how that struggle led her to create Cuse Moms' Club as a support system for new moms who feel the same way.

Together they dive into:

• How Cuse Moms' Club started with simple postpartum circles and turned into a powerful local community
• The hidden gems of Syracuse for moms and littles, from library programs to sensory play and mom friendly events
• Balancing being a stay at home mom, a community leader, and a former teacher who still misses the classroom
• The pressure moms feel around “doing it right,” from sleep to breastfeeding to going back to work
• The reality of mom guilt, burnout, and why having other moms to lean on matters so much

If you are a CNY mom looking for things to do with your kiddos, craving real talk about motherhood, or just needing a reminder that you are not the only one figuring it out as you go, this conversation will feel like a warm hug and a deep breath.

In the very first episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jen Bugge and Marissa Zogg finally hit record on the kinds of conversations that usually stay in the school pickup line, at youth sports, or over late-night texts. With a little help from Click Stream Studios producer Mike Brindisi, they introduce who they are, how they reconnected after years apart, and why two busy moms decided now was the time to start a podcast.

Jen shares how a fitness journey and a love of comedy podcasts sparked the idea, while Marissa talks about life as a former elementary teacher and sports mom. From there, they dive into some of the topics they’ll be tackling this season:

• Youth sports and whether parents are ruining the fun
• ADHD, electronics, and what today’s kids are really dealing with
• The magic (or madness) of Disney vacations and why they totally disagree
• The chaos and comfort of big Italian family holidays, food, and traditions

It’s funny, honest, a little chaotic, and definitely “crazy real.”

Have a topic you want them to unpack on a future episode? Email: crazyrealbuggezogg@gmail.com.

Hit follow, subscribe, and come hang out with Bugge & Zogg as they figure it all out in real time—just like the rest of us.