In this episode of The Counted Me Out Podcast, we sit down with Courtside Les from the 'Talk Les' show and she shares her powerful and unfiltered story of growing up as a Russian immigrant and navigating life as an outsider in America.

From not relating to White American privilege to embracing her own identity, Les opens up about what it really felt like to be misunderstood, judged, and counted out. She speaks on her personal experiences, dating preferences, and why she’s always connected more deeply with Black culture and Black athletes.

After moving to Atlanta, Les had to rebuild, find her place, and create her own lane in a city where she initially felt like she didn’t belong. Through it all, she found strength in being different and turned that into confidence, connection, and influence.

We also dive into her perspective on the similarities between Russian and Black culture, sparking a real and honest conversation that challenges norms and encourages deeper understanding.

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t fit in, been overlooked, or had to figure life out on their own.

If you’ve ever been counted out, this one is for you.

Topics Covered:

• Russian immigrant experience in America
• Feeling like an outsider growing up
• Identity, culture, and belonging
• Life in Atlanta as a newcomer
• Dating preferences and cultural connection
• Overcoming judgment and stereotypes
• Russian vs Black culture similarities
• Building confidence and finding your lane

Keywords (SEO): immigrant story, Russian immigrant, feeling like an outsider, identity and culture, Black culture conversation, moving to Atlanta, Atlanta lifestyle, athlete culture, dating preferences discussion, self identity journey, overcoming adversity, motivational podcast, entrepreneur mindset, influencer story, real life struggles, personal growth story, counted out podcast

About Counted Me Out: A platform where athletes, entrepreneurs, influencers and creators, share their real stories about being doubted, overlooked, and counted out—yet still finding a way to win.

Follow & Stay Connected:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/countedmeoutpodcast/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@countedmeoutpodcast

Guest Court Les: https://www.instagram.com/courtsideles/

#countedmeoutpodcast #toprankboxing #MikeSeals #atlantapodcast

What happens when the internet labels you one way… but your real story is something completely different?

We sit down with professional boxer and viral content creator Mike Seals, also known as “Cannonhandz.” While many people first discovered him through his viral social media content, what they didn’t realize is that he’s been putting in real work inside the ring as a professional fighter. Mike opens up about: His early love for boxing and how it all started His journey fighting under Top Rank The moment he posted his first viral video (and how people initially reacted) Being misunderstood online and turning “cringe” into content gold Balancing entertainment with a serious athletic career And yes… his love for his celebrity crush, Erykah Badu 👀

This episode is about identity, perception, and proving people wrong when they try to put you in a box. If you’ve ever been counted out, misunderstood, or underestimated... this one is for you.

Podcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots.

Follow our social media pages: Mike 'Cannonhandz' Seals @cannonhandz https://www.instagram.com/cannonhandz/

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast https://www.instagram.com/countedmeou...

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr https://www.instagram.com/jqsportspr/...

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 https://www.instagram.com/spooooooon1...

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019 https://www.instagram.com/fftvmagazin...

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions https://www.instagram.com/285producti...

Location IG @ATLANTUCKY https://www.instagram.com/atlantucky/...

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0CpH...

Video producer and Founder of HBUC (Historical Black University of Creatives), Travis Cochran, stops by to discuss the future of HBUC and his mission to create a real community for creatives. He also shares the exciting news of reopening his Atlanta space and expanding with new production hubs in cities across the country.

Other topics include:

• Toxic women
• Georgia high school/college basketball
• Favorite top 5 NBA players

Podcast 'fire question/wing' segment sponsored by Atlantucky, owned by Nappy Roots.

Follow our social media pages:

Travis Cochran @donthatetrav

HBUC @thehbuc

Counted Me Out Podcast IG @countedmeoutpodcast

Co-host JQ IG @jqsportspr

Co-host Spoon IG @spooooooon11 BTS

Camera Man Fonz IG @fftvmagazine2019

Social Media Content Producer Megan IG @285productions

#AtlantaCreators #HBUC #CountedMeOutPodcast #AtlantaFilm #AtlantaProduction #Atlantucky