The Higher Valleys Podcast

In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer returns from a family trip to Jamaica with stories of island detours, resort culture, and an unforgettable quest for the world’s best KFC, while Jelani reflects on the gratitude and collaboration that shine through in Jamaican life.

As fall settles in, the hosts celebrate “hoodie season,” trading laughs about crunchy-leaf ASMR and sharing how small joys become fuel for big goals. They dive ...

In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani get real about what it means to be fathers in transition. From navigating personal anxiety and moments of dysregulation, to apologizing to their kids and showing up with honesty, the conversation goes deep into vulnerability, legacy, and resilience.

They share stories of parenting through tough mornings, moving homes, and managing sickness in the family — while still finding humo...

In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani kick off with moving day madness, the meaning of Labor Day, and how this season can be a time to either ramp up or recalibrate.

From late school pick-ups to their kids’ first karate classes, the hosts share the hilarious, humbling, and powerful lessons that come with parenting. Spencer reveals his unlikely “weapon of choice” and why the element of surprise might be the best defen...

In this week’s episode, Jelani and Spencer explore the unspoken rules of parenting, cultural identity, and community responsibility - all through the lens of real-life fatherhood moments. From a deep dive into Indigenous and Black American histories to the hilarity of raising left-handed kids in a right-handed world, this episode is packed with laugh-out-loud stories, social commentary, and heart-centered gems.

🧠 What We Talk ...

In this episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani open up about the magic of returning to Los Angeles, the lessons that come with buying a new home, and the deeper meaning of what it takes to hold space for your family’s dreams.

From spontaneous moments with friends to the joy of seeing their kids light up in familiar places, Jelani reflects on how being back in LA rekindled inspiration and reminded him of the city’s unique ener...

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode of Higher Valleys, Spencer and Jelani cover everything from back-to-school energy and concert season to the deeper layers of freedom, preparation, and legacy.

The guys kick things off with some laughs about kids returning to school, big playground upgrades, and the underrated power of fresh merch. Jelani shares his powerful experience seeing Clipse live in Virginia, while Spencer breaks down the...

In this episode, Jelani and Spencer talk about what happens when your environment—and your body—start sending messages you can’t ignore. It starts with a yellow jacket nest in the yard, but quickly turns into a deeper convo about maintenance—physical, emotional, and generational.

Spencer shares a spiritual moment in Joshua Tree that made him reevaluate how he treats his body, while Jelani reflects on food sensitivity, recovery, and ...

In this deeply moving and expansive episode of Higher Valleys, Jelani and Spencer hold space for one of the most important and often avoided conversations—legacy planning and death.

What begins as a casual catch-up turns into a profound dialogue on life insurance, wills, family trusts, and the emotional weight of preparing for the inevitable. With raw honesty and personal stories, they reflect on the financial tools that can protect...

In this episode, Jelani and Spencer peel back the layers on fatherhood, time, and the creative process. From summer chaos to smoothie meltdowns, they wrestle with the beautiful tension of being providers, protectors, and creators—all at once.

What starts as a vent session about school start dates and nap-time escapes turns into a reflection on how our childhoods show up in our parenting today. They talk energy management, post-COVID...

In this episode, Jelani and Spencer are joined by global activist, father of three, and former pro athlete Lumumba—a man who lives at the intersection of truth, freedom, and fatherhood. What begins with lighthearted reflections on potty training setbacks and “Major Payne” parenting moments unfolds into a deeply layered conversation on identity, trauma, and generational healing.

Lumumba opens up about the spiritual and political jour...

In this episode, Jelani and Spencer reflect on the meaning of Independence Day—from the literal fireworks in Inglewood to the symbolic ones lighting up in the culture, politics, and fatherhood. What starts as playful banter about neighborhood geography, backyard fireworks, and Beyoncé concerts evolves into a powerful conversation about legacy, displacement, and redefining what it means to be free.

Spencer opens up about the emotiona...

It’s the first guest episode of Higher Valleys, and we had to kick things off with family—literally. Journalist, author, ESPN personality, and proud dad Justin Tinsley joins us to talk fatherhood, legacy, and what it means to try to figure it all out while building something bigger than yourself.

From vasectomy stories to navigating dad guilt, from the legacy of icons like Biggie, Nipsey, and Kobe to the little moments that actually...

We covered everything this week on Higher Valleys — from flag football to fallout shelters.

In this episode, Spencer & Jelani unpack what it means to raise confident, self-led kids while navigating the pressures of youth sports, legacy, and a world that feels more chaotic by the day.

From first football practices and childhood goggles to NIL deals, $8 million transfer offers, and the realities of a world on the brink of global co...

Welcome to Higher Valleys — a podcast where fatherhood meets ambition, legacy meets curiosity, and two dads lean all the way into the mess and the magic of raising kids while chasing dreams.

In this debut episode, Spencer Paysinger and Jelani Jenkins—former NFL athletes, creative leaders, and present-day dads—pull back the curtain on why this podcast had to exist. Born out of backyard conversations, journal entries to their kids, an...