In Part 2 of this multi-part series, the BKR founders, Walt Pegues, Diamond Jones-El, Ishaaq Muhammad, and Justin Weldon, reflect on their college years at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. They share the good and the bad, the lessons they learned, and how those experiences shaped their purpose and laid the foundation for the men they are today.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to transform their potential into lifelong excellence.

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This special episode is hosted by Walt Pegues and features his close friends, former teammates, and business partners: Diamond Jones-El, Ishaaq Muhammad, and Justin Weldon. Together, they are the co-founders of Belief Knowledge Reward (BKR), a community-driven organization using creative, athletic, and educational tools to empower youth through wellness, exploration, and connection.In Part 1 of this multi-part series, the BKR founders reflect on their earliest sports memories, how their identities formed as student-athletes, and what they learned about themselves along the way. The episode closes with stories from their shared freshman year of college—where their journeys first aligned.This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to transform their potential into lifelong excellence.Follow, rate, review, and share!

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In this episode of Athlete Alchemy, we dive into the inspiring journey of Charles Del Valle, a former college football player who turned a season-ending injury into a six-figure sports footwear brand and a mission to empower athletes. What started as a side hustle selling custom football cleats out of his New Jersey apartment became FB Cleat Heat—a business so successful his apartment couldn’t hold all the inventory.

After finding faith and purpose beyond the game, Charles spent eight years leading college ministry, helping young athletes grow in their identity as sons and daughters of God. Now, through The Athletes Department, he coaches current and former athletes to transform their mindset, hustle, and faith into profitable, purpose-driven businesses.

Tune in to hear how Charles scaled his cleat empire, why faith became his foundation, and his playbook for helping athletes build businesses that create income and impact. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or seeking purpose, Charles’ story proves that adversity can spark a legacy.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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In this episode, we sit down with Jamal Cooley, Senior Digital Designer for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles, to unpack his incredible journey — one that started as a walk-on football player and track & field at East Stroudsburg University and evolved into a thriving career in sports creative design.

Despite dealing wit a number by injuries in high school, Jamal earned his way onto the ESU football roster and became a starter as a freshman. Off the field, a passion for graphic design began to emerge as he created visual content for his coaches, teammates and the athletic department. After an injury and the COVID-19 pandemic ended his athletic career, Jamal fully embraced his creative path.

From an internship at Major League Lacrosse, to graphic design roles at Jacksonville State and UTSA, to a life-changing connection made at the NFL Combine—Jamal’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and hustle. Now, he's designing for one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises.

Whether you're a student-athlete, a creative, or just someone navigating your passion, Jamal’s story is a reminder: the path may not be straight, but purpose will always find its way.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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Kyle Jordan is a former college football player who began his journey as a walk-on at Howard University.

Despite only playing one year of high school football in Philly, Kyle’s determination earned him a spot on the team at Howard. Eventually, he transferred back home to Temple University to focus on his academics and personal growth.

Back in Philly, Kyle discovered a passion for science, filmmaking, and storytelling. He now uses his creativity to uplift his community and spread positivity. Kyle has written a coming-of-age sci-fi novel, a children’s book, and a comic book. He’s also written, directed, and starred in both live-action and animated short films.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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Helaun “Lonnie” Mulligan is a former D1 women’s soccer player who competed in the SEC at Ole Miss and finished her career at Southern University, an HBCU, as a graduate transfer. Her journey overcoming a major injury while at Ole Miss, and the strength she drew from her Mississippi roots and support system shaped her resilience and values—not only as an athlete but as a person and professional.

In this episode, Lonnie shares how those experiences led to a deep passion for holistic wellness, fitness, youth, athlete development, and community engagement. Now working in student-athlete development at the University of Maryland and teaching fitness classes across the DMV, she continues to uplift others while staying grounded in her commitment to community and personal growth.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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Vad Lee is a former professional football player and All-American college quarterback turned thought-provoking speaker, author, and leader. With over a decade of experience in coaching, mentorship, and public speaking, Vad is a dynamic force who inspires diverse audiences through his message of purpose, resilience, and transformation.

In this episode, we explore Vad’s journey from winning state titles in Durham, North Carolina, to setting records as a D1 quarterback, to facing a career-altering injury during his senior year. That moment shifted everything. It led him to write a book, launch the nonprofit Purpose Over Position, and dedicate himself to supporting athletes navigating career transitions and trauma recovery.

We also dive into his life as a professional athlete, his experiences overcoming adversity, and the legacy he’s building beyond the game, rooted in faith, family, and impact.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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Terrell Bush, aka T Bush, is a former sprint football athlete at Chestnut Hill College who has carved out an impressive career in sports, media, and public relations.

In this episode of Athlete Alchemy, we dive into his journey as he grows up in New York City, competes as a college athlete, juggles four jobs at once, and eventually finds his footing in the world of sports, media, and PR. T Bush shares how he broke into working with the NFL, built experience in PR with the Brooklyn Nets and Madison Square Garden, and launched his own sports media platform. We explore the legacy he’s working to build and the key lessons he’s learned in pursuit of his purpose.

This is Athlete Alchemy, where we empower athletes to turn their potential into lifelong excellence.

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