#27 Life Through Basketball: The Story of the MBA with Guest Mike Meyers

In this inspiring episode of the Wholistic Productivity Podcast, Chris LeBrun sits down with Mike Meyers — U.S. Army veteran and co-founder and Commissioner of the Military Basketball Association (MBA).

Mike shares his journey from 23 years of active duty service, including his deployment to Iraq, to building a nationwide league that now includes a thousand active duty service members and veterans. The MBA isn’t just about competition — it’s about life through basketball: creating community, strengthening resilience, and addressing the mental health crisis among military personnel.

From national championships and CBS Sports coverage to life-changing partnerships with organizations like the VA, Wounded Warrior Project, and Amazon, Mike reveals how passion, vision, and persistence turned a grassroots effort into a movement saving lives.

This conversation is a reminder that no dream is too big — and that purpose-driven leadership can make a lasting global impact.

🔗 Show Links

• Connect with Mike on LinkedIn https://wholprod.link/mikemeyers
• The Military Basketball Association website https://wholprod.link/MBA
• Follow the Military Basketball Association on Instagram https://wholprod.link/MBAIG
• Watch Life Through Basketball on Prime Video https://wholprod.link/MBAprime
• Visit the Veterans Crisis Line 988 https://wholprod.link/Veterans988

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
03:14 Mike's Military Service and Personal Journey
07:44 Service Goes Beyond Military Members
11:38 The Birth of the Military Basketball Association
15:35 Other Military Leagues
16:26 The Growth of the MBA
18:34 Life Through Basketball
21:40 The Impact of the MBA
25:38 The Epidemic of Military Suicides
27:40 Understanding Mental Health Support for Veterans
28:08 How Civilians Can Support Veterans 
31:52 Building Partnerships for Veteran Support
35:59 Future Goals for the Military Basketball Association
37:55 The Method Behind the Madness: Creating the MBA
43:06 Personal Insights and Reflections

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