In this special remembrance episode of Shooting It Straight, We revisit a 2018 conversation recorded with Randy and Coach Clayton—mentor, educator, motivator, and the heart behind “BAM, son.” We talk about the origins and meaning of BAM (Believe, Achieve, Motivate), why failure is feedback, and how fear, process, and paying the price shape real success. Jim shares timeless lessons from 35 years in education and decades in coaching: building relationships, setting high expectations, learning students’ names, and making every learner feel seen and capable. He opens up about turning passion into profession, trailblazing individualized basketball training, and the second chance that reshaped his life after a devastating childhood injury.

We also dig into what makes great teachers and teams—consistency, intentionality, humility, and being “mission over position.” Jim reflects on influences who believed in him, the power of positive culture, and the simple, daily practice of adding value to others. He closes with what he wanted to be remembered for: passion, positivity, and giving 100% every day. BAM, son.

If you have any memories of Coach Clayton to share with his family and the podcast, please call us at (304) 691-0075 and leave a voicemail message of remembrance.

In this deeply personal and heartfelt episode, I honor my dear friend, colleague, and cohost, Coach Jim Clayton, who passed away on 09/18/2025. I reflect on meeting Jim when I was a teenager, learning from him as a young educator, and growing alongside him as a colleague, coach, and friend. From school hallways to Sports City U, and finally to the 11 episodes we recorded together, Jim’s wisdom, humility, and relentless encouragement shaped my life and the lives of countless students, athletes, and listeners. His legacy—rooted in faith, kindness, integrity, and service—continues to resonate in every story, lesson, and laugh we shared.

I share the memory of our final recording night, a moment marked by his embrace and the words “I love you,” and offer love and comfort to his cherished family: his wife Anne, his children Elizabeth and Wes (and Kayla), his granddaughters Vera and Heidi, and his loyal companion, Alfie. Jim fought the good fight, kept the faith, and lived a life that called us all to believe bigger, achieve louder, and motivate stronger. May we honor him by carrying forward the values he lived by and the lives he inspired.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," host Randy Black dives into the pervasive myth of multitasking and its impact on productivity. With co-host Jim Clayton absent due to a medical situation, Randy takes the reins to explore why multitasking is more about task switching than true efficiency. Drawing on cognitive science research, he explains how our brains are not wired to handle multiple high-level tasks simultaneously, leading to decreased effectiveness and increased mistakes. Randy offers practical strategies such as single-tasking, time blocking, and the Pomodoro technique to help listeners regain focus and productivity.

Randy emphasizes the importance of creating distraction-free environments and setting boundaries to protect focus. He discusses the balance between being responsive and maintaining deep work, suggesting methods like setting office hours and managing digital notifications. The episode also features "Jimmy's Wisdom of the Week," where Randy shares an insightful quote from Jim Clayton about the necessity of change for progress. Listeners are encouraged to implement one focus strategy and share their experiences on the podcast's website. The episode concludes with a teaser for the next topic on the hidden costs of constant partial attention.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton dive into the critical difference between tools and habits, emphasizing that while tools can aid productivity, it's the habits that truly drive success. Jim shares insights from his coaching experience, highlighting how habits form the foundation of personal growth and achievement. The discussion covers the importance of consistency, the pitfalls of relying too heavily on tools, and the need for a strong system of habits to support any tool's effectiveness. They also explore how habits shape identity and provide motivation, using examples from sports and personal anecdotes.

Randy and Jim further illustrate their points by discussing real-life examples of successful individuals like Tim Ferriss, Warren Buffett, Serena Williams, and Jeff Bezos, who have achieved great success through disciplined habits rather than relying solely on tools. The episode concludes with actionable advice on building consistent habits and a reminder that while tools can enhance productivity, it's the habits that lay the groundwork for lasting success. Join the conversation to learn how to harness the power of habits and keep "shooting it straight."

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight!," hosts Randy Black and Jim Clayton delve into the core of productivity, emphasizing the importance of mindset over mere tools and strategies. They explore the concept of fixed versus growth mindsets, highlighting how a growth mindset can transform failures into learning opportunities. The discussion extends to the pitfalls of education systems that often promote a fixed mindset, and how real-world success requires thinking outside the box and embracing one's unique strengths.

The conversation shifts to procrastination, debunking the myth that it's a sign of laziness. Instead, they explain it as a stress-coping mechanism, offering insights on how to break the cycle by starting small and focusing on manageable tasks. The episode concludes with a comparison between working hard and working smart, advocating for strategic effort and the power of small, consistent habits to drive long-term success. Join Randy and Jim as they provide practical advice on building a productive mindset and overcoming common productivity challenges.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the crucial difference between being busy and being productive. They explore how activity often masquerades as achievement, leading many to confuse motion with progress. Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, they emphasize the importance of setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks that deliver results, and eliminating distractions to truly achieve productivity. Coach Clayton shares his wisdom on how to focus on outcomes rather than just filling time, using sports analogies to illustrate how practice and preparation can lead to real success both on and off the court.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their daily routines and consider whether their actions are truly moving them forward or simply keeping them busy. The hosts discuss practical steps to shift from activity to productivity, including setting clear goals, tracking results, and taking necessary breaks to maintain focus. They also highlight the importance of having faith in future outcomes and letting go of past failures. Join the conversation and learn how to make your time count, ensuring that every action is a step towards achieving your goals.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the concept of resilience, exploring how faith and perseverance play crucial roles in overcoming life's challenges. Broadcasting live from the Sports City Studio in Hurricane, West Virginia, they emphasize that resilience is not about never failing but about always getting back up. Through discussions on various scriptures, they highlight the importance of trusting in God's strength and hope to endure hardships, drawing connections to previous episodes where faith was identified as a foundational element of resilience.

Randy and Jim also share personal anecdotes and insights, illustrating how resilience is a journey shaped by faith, perseverance, and a trusting relationship with God. They discuss how trials and adversities are opportunities for growth, leading to spiritual maturity and hope. The episode concludes with Jim's "Wisdom of the Week," encouraging listeners to find happiness in what they have rather than what they lack. Join them next week as they shift focus to the topic of productivity and explore the difference between being busy and being truly productive.

Join the Shooting It Straight Community on Discord! We’ve created a space for listeners to connect, ask questions, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast. Join now at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/discord.

In this episode of "Shooting It Straight," hosts Randy Black and Coach Jim Clayton delve into the essence of resilience and perseverance. Broadcasting live from Sports City U studio in Hurricane, West Virginia, they continue their exploration of resilience through powerful quotes from various sources. The discussion kicks off with a Japanese proverb, "Fall seven times, stand up eight," emphasizing the importance of persistence and emotional endurance. The hosts explore how perseverance is a habit developed over time, not just a momentary response. They stress the significance of small victories and the compounding effect of habits that lead to success.

The conversation transitions to the idea of inner strength and self-reliance, drawing from quotes by Viktor Frankl and Ralph Waldo Emerson. The hosts discuss the necessity of being tested to build inner strength and the importance of changing oneself when circumstances can't be altered. They highlight the role of mindset in overcoming adversity and the power of intentionality in achieving success. The episode concludes with a reflection on the quote "Tough times never last, but tough people do," encouraging listeners to embrace vulnerability as a part of resilience and to keep pushing forward despite challenges.

Join the Shooting It Straight Community on Discord! We’ve created a space for listeners to connect, ask questions, share insights, and keep the conversation going beyond the podcast. Join now at shootingitstraightpodcast.com/discord.