No Chill with Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas is one of the most dynamic characters the NBA has ever seen. Agent Zero holds nothing back, puts all cards on the table and of course, has zero chill. Along with co-host Josiah Johnson, the No Chill Podcast is a healthy dose of all things Gilbert, his stories, his ideas and his unique perspective, while joined by athletes, actors and comedians.

Sports
Basketball
126
Episode 82 - The Value of a Playmaker with Amar...
On this episode, we have one of the most publicized, physically gifted and dynamically skilled players in his class, Amari Bailey. For a kid that started out in Chicago and ended up in California at Sierra Canyon, Amari’s early progression has been unreal. As a sophomore he showed out and showed why he has pro makeup with two years left to go in high school! For Gil, it’s Amari’s ability to adapt and bring high level versatility that sets him apart from the field. His explosiveness and bounce make him highlight material, but look closer and his vision and ability to play make have him on another level. Also, for you Iverson fans, we have the ultimate A.I. salute...No Chill edition. Presented by: Hawthorne and Manscaped THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe
90 min
127
Episode 81 - Fathers and Sons with Alijah Arenas
On this episode, it’s another first, as we have the first father/son podcast installment. Alijah Arenas is a beast in the making, of course he’s got the DNA but he’s been working on every aspect from foundation to skill building, to strength and straight up competition. All under the watchful eye of his pops. For Alijah, he’s ahead of the curve with all the necessary tools to be a one-of-a-kind player. For Gil, there are no shortcuts and by no means is he sugarcoating it. While Alijah didn’t immediately connect with the game of basketball, he’s arrived and Gil fully committed to making him a force of nature. Yes, Alijah has a very high bar to set for him, but given the path he’s on, he’s up for the challenge. Presented by Lumin and MyBookie THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe
86 min
128
Episode 80 - The Value of Mentorship with Travi...
On this episode, we salute a part of the No Chill family. Travis Nichols, creator of T.N.T. Training and founder of the Southern California Academy, has a vision, is making the sacrifices and working tirelessly to make them happen. His approach to skill development is built around relationships. Trav digs in on the mentorship approach and works from the inside out to make not just better players, but better people. As Gil sees it, that’s no easy feat. What you have to give up and turn down along the way can turn off a lot of people. For Agent Zero, a guy who is used to the self made approach, he acknowledges the support players have on the way up is the ultimate weapon. For Trav, he’s brought that east coast grind to the west coast’s rich talent tree. And it couldn’t come from a better guy. Presented by: Mybookie and Hawthorne THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe Graphic Design: Michael Farhat
58 min
129
Episode 79 - Real Is Rare with Jason Mckinney
On this episode, we have a story that you need to hear. It’s the story of tremendous talent, incredible obstacles, tragedy, triumph and human spirit. It’s the story of Jason Mckinney aka “Jmack”, a basketball prodigy who emerged on the scene in LA, rose to fast stardom, but setbacks in the way of injury, guidance, even a shooting, left him with a journey unfulfilled. Still, Jmack persevered and stayed true to the game. He even found a friend with another teenage star, a young Kobe Bryant, that would tie the two for years to come. Gil can be counted among those enthralled by the young phenom. Fast forward some 20+ years later and Gil re-connected with Jmack on the youth circuit. Basketball is their common bond, and Jmack’s “Real Is Rare” approach has enabled him to fulfill his basketball story, showing respect to those that were a part of the path along the way. And his next chapter is just getting started... Presented by: Mybookie, Mint Mobile and Lumin Skin THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe Graphic Design: Michael Farhat
82 min
130
Episode 78 - Straight From the Mud with Dylan A...
On this episode, we get it straight outta the mud! For Dylan Andrews, the sensationally talented guard out of LA, Mud City is a place he’s familiar with and a place we can all associate with. Along with Kijani Wright, Dylan’s counterpart at Windward in LA, they’ve built a basketball powerhouse in a place that’s otherwise overlooked. What you need to know about Dylan is he’s positioning himself as one of the best all-around players off his class and he’s working towards a big time leap onto the basketball radar. Besides sensational athleticism, Gil sees a mainstay for Dylan as a big shot maker. And really that’s just in your DNA. The guys that run towards the pressure and instinctively know how to slow the game down in clutch situations. Presented by: Hawthorne THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe Graphic Design: Michael Farhat
65 min
131
Episode 77 - Pioneering AAU Basketball with Dan...
On this episode, we take it back with the two guys who started it all for some of the most legendary hoopers. David and Dana Pump, were pioneers of the AAU scene in LA in the late 80’s/early 90’s. With what began as a scouting service, the Pump brothers recognized a need to establish organized basketball and a pipeline to put west coast players on the national stage. With the Pump-N-Run, they did exactly that. From James Harden and Paul George, to Klay Thompson and of course a prodigy from the valley...Gilbert Arenas. Gil gives big props to the Pumps for what they did for him and a long line of LA players. We get into how they built it, where they knew it would go and the system as it is today. The guys also share a great perspective on Gil’s journey from LA to Arizona and his stardom in DC. They want to see him back in the picture with the Wizards -- and so do a lot of people! Presented by: Theragun & Lumin THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Production EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe Graphic Design: Michael Farhat
49 min
132
Episode 76 - Trial By Fire with Kyree Walker
On this, we have a guy you may have dropped off your radar, but make no mistake about it, he hasn’t gone anywhere. The last time you saw Kyree Walker he was doing damage on Dream Vision, following a standout junior season at Hillcrest Prep, earning him five-star recruit rankings. Instead of playing as a senior, Kyree opted to save it for the next level, and instead of the unpredictable route for a teenager overseas, he’s going underground before popping up on NBA draft boards. Kyree has crossed paths with Frank Matrisciano aka “Hell’s Trainer”, the same guy who put Gil through black ops training following the 2006 playoffs. Frank’s program at Chameleon BX resolves around putting Kyree through extreme mental and physical punishment to make him both an ultra conditioned athlete and an elite level competitor. Think Christian Bale when he went into the mountains to become Batman. It won’t be an easy road, but we’re all in to see how Kyree comes out on the other side.
86 min
133
Episode 75 - Changing the Game with Juju Watkins
On this episode, one of the most dynamically skilled players of her age group...number one ranked to be specific, Juju Watkins comes through. Juju had a sensational freshman season at Windward High School in LA. In addition to her top ranking, Juju was named LA Times Player of the Year -- as a freshman! She was also invited to the Team USA trials for 2020 and was first team All-CIF in California. Decorated to say the least, and building on her resume, along with her skillset...as we speak! For Gil, he sees her as a leader for era, and the up-and-coming dominant female hooper to re-establish LA on the basketball map. Beyond that, he thinks she can change the game by pushing the expectations for a women’s player professionally as well as financiallyl. You can say Juju is built for it! Presented by: Theragun & Hawthorne THE NO CHILL PODCAST A No Chill Productions EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Tim Livingston, Gilbert Arenas, Mike Botticello HOSTED BY: GILBERT ARENAS and MIKE BOTTICELLO Videography/Editor: Steven Rhys Foster Director: Steven Rhys Foster Sound: Alfonso Cano Talent Coordinator: Thomas Scott Production Coordinator: Calvin Renfroe Graphic Design: Michael Farhat
76 min
134
Episode 74 - Blending Old School and the Next W...
On this episode, we have a true one-of-a-kind talent. She even coined her own nickname. Destiny Lunan, aka “Ky-She” as the skill and bop as influenced by her NBA namesake, Kyrie Irving himself. Thanks to the influence of current players, blended with golden era 90’s playground creativity and new school skill work, she is way ahead of schedule. To double down, she also subscribes to Gil’s school of thought, playing levels up to make herself even better. If that’s not enough, Gil found her on Instagram and without knowing her background, she passed his eyeball test with flying colors. Now as she’s realizing where her ability can take her, Gil is encouraging her to push limits and lock in on what she wants to accomplish. For everyone out there, it’s a basketball story you want to hear and take away from for yourself.
57 min
135
Episode 73 - Raising Expectations with Ben Shto...
On this episode, we have the very motivational story of Ben Schtolzberg. As Gil would naturally take a shine to, Ben is a valley kid that has worked his way up the ranks with very little hype or attention. A starting point guard as a freshman at Notre Dame High School, he went from running an offense on an upperclassmen heavy team, to taking over the squad the next season. Now, heading into his junior year, he’s putting up numbers that get him visits to UNC, Davidson and programs across the country. Still, what makes Ben interesting is his ability to remain humble, while shouldering a great deal of responsibility, all with big time expectations. He wants to be pushed, is never satisfied and is absolutely locked in on getting to the league. Throw in legit talent and Agent Zero is crafting another SoCal scoring guard that can do it all. Gil has been watching him for a few years now, seen the work Ben puts in with his trainer Dash Lovell, and the proof is in the results on the court year-to-year.
79 min
136
Episode 72 - Let Me Be Great with Josh Christopher
On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most sensationally talented players of his era. Josh Christopher is a top-ranked, dynamically skilled, incoming freshman headed to Arizona State. Only isn’t planning on staying there long. Josh has all of the tools and ability to go to the league early and make an impact. For the kid that goes by "Jaygup", he’s not looking to make it, he’s working to be great. As Gil sees it, wanting to be an all-time great, means you’re already on your way there. At this point building on a solid foundation over the next year will get Josh primed for the jump. Also, as a Cali kid, Josh is made to shine when he gets there. If you haven’t seen Josh, get familiar, and get ready to watch a few more Arizona State games next year.
75 min
137
Episode 71 - Understanding the Dog Mentality wi...
On this episode, we’re calling all dogs! It’s one thing to talk a good game, but we’re coming at the players that bring it every night! Those gritty, grimy, hungry dudes with no back down and no quit. To do that, we have Etiwanda High School standout and incoming UCLA recruit, Jaylen Clark. Jaylen attacks his opponent on the defensive side of the ball and scores it at a high clip. For Gil, he knows all about the dog mentality. What it takes to truly earn the label and what it means when you see one coming at you in a defensive stance. Make no mistake about it, for Agent Zero, it’s no small task, so if you consider yourself a dog, you better be ready to prove it at all times.
74 min
138
Episode 70 - Ready To Shake Up the WNBA World w...
On this episode, we’re talking about changing the game. To do that we have Mackenly Randolph, incoming freshman to the Sierra Canyon girls basketball team and daughter of the one and only Zach Randolph. It’s one thing to grow up with a pops like Z-Bo, but Mackenly moved to California and played for the late, great Kobe Bryant’s AAU team, the Mambas. So now she’s working with Agent Zero himself and Gil wants Mackenly to start thinking bigger. Why not challenge women’s hoops and go straight to the WNBA from high school? And in case you were wondering she has the game...with plenty of her dad’s game in there. Think about it, Z-Bo’s skill set in women’s hoops. That’s tough!
20 min
139
Episode 69 - Ready To Stand Out At the Next Lev...
On this episode, we have the incredibly decorated and projected high draft pick, Onyeka Okongwu. If you’re not current on Onyeka’s pedigree, we’ll get you familiar before the SoCal product’s NBA landing. The Big O was a crucial part of the highly publicized Chino Hills High School team before a big time freshman season at USC. Gil cooked up a new handle for him, and with his athleticism, motor and versatility, “Double O” has a nice ring to it. For Gil, he wants Onyeka to push his limits and forget about whatever labels are on him right now. To make a splash, Onyeka has to examine how he can make his mark right away and force the game to change as a result. How will it happen? We can’t wait to see...
52 min
140
Episode 68 - How the AAU World Works with the C...
On this episode, we dive into the world of AAU. To do that, we got the man himself, Etop Udo-Ema. For those of you who know who Etop is, you know why he’s labeled as the lynchpin of AAU basketball. For those that are not familiar, get ready for some next level insight from Etop, who built and runs the AAU power house, the Compton Magic. As Gil is getting back into the AAU universe as a coach and parent, he’s realizing just how different things are now compared to the era he came up in. We break down how the system works, how players should utilize the exposure and why brand building matters more than ever. For the next wave, the AAU machine can catapult their careers and no one knows how to make it happen better than the mastermind, Etop Udo-Ema.
68 min
141
Episode 67 - Find Your Why with Skyy Clark aka ...
On this episode, we’re back with a whole new energy. We’re joined by one of the most dynamically talented future stars in basketball, fresh off his sensational sophomore season, Skyy Clark. Since we last caught up with him, he climbed even higher atop all boards for the class of 2022. Skyy got all-state and all-CIF honors as a sophomore and was named to the Team USA Junior National team.  Agent Zero was watching the whole time. Now, we have Skyy on the couch to talk about his move from California to Tennessee, studying Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker and what should be driving him at this point in his basketball journey.
63 min
142
Episode 66 - Working On Your Game Even On Lockdown
On this episode, we check in from the lockdown of 2020 with the idea that when you take something away, you appreciate it that much more. Taking away the game of basketball -- the competition, the comradery, the fun -- it really hurts. Comparing it to what an athlete goes through with a major injury, you can use the time away from the game to view the things from a different perspective. For Agent Zero, he sees it as an opportunity. A chance to get better. By using the down time to focus on what you should work on, you can discover new ways to be more complete. Instead of putting in hours in the gym, study the game. Watch film for strategy and detail, you’ll come out the other side that much better. Also, there’s now time to work on the things that you may otherwise put off when you’re in go mode to just workout, play and repeat. Now that he’s a coach, Gil is seeing the additional value in that as well. You’re down but you’re not out!
64 min
143
Episode 65 - Kobe Bryant's Messaging That Prope...
On this episode, we come back after a long lay off with a lot to talk about. Agent Zero makes it official, and talks about his move to get into the coach ranks at the youth level. For Gil, he’s spent plenty of time on the sidelines as a parent of young players, but recent events have pushed him to become more involved. It’s something he’s been contemplating for some time, but he finally settled on his reasons to commit. Meanwhile, the tragic loss of Kobe Bryant has rattled the basketball community and the world. For Gil, he has a special connection to Kobe, and until now, hasn’t fully detailed it. As you’ll hear, they’ve had a lifetime of connection through the game. From Gil’s infatuation with a young Laker star, to the origins of a rivalry and the ultimate compliment only reserved for top tier competitors...it is a truly special relationship. Gil also defines the Mamba Mentality in his words, along with Kobe’s messaging that drove Agent Zero to use his intellect and personality to coach.
124 min
144
Episode 64 - How James Harden and All-Time Grea...
On this episode, we stop all of the chatter and examine what makes a great scorer so damn good. Meaning, we put what James Harden is doing, and has been doing year-over-year in Houston. He cracks the code and figures out how to become the most unstoppable scorer of his era. Sure there are critics and haters, but what he’s doing is truly remarkable when you examine the layers for though and preparation. He puts the pressure on any and all defenders, and doing what the all-time great scorers do. And for young players following his blueprint, they have the model. We update and get into basketball in depth, and having something for Knicks fans…who need to start looking in the mirror.
99 min
145
Episode 63 - Be Great and Be the Show with Gazm...
On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most decorated guests ever to come through the show. Gazmine Meadows, who goes by GG and “Got Game” is a 3-time Olympic gold medalist, an All-American and the first African American female bowler at the University of Nebraska. GG, came to the NCP all from Providence, RI, to encounter another bowler with world class dreams. Before he was the Hibachi or Agent Zero, Gilbert Arenas went as Boy Wonder, El Jeffe, the Hurricane and eventually the Legend -- don’t Google these because you’ll find no trace anywhere on the internet so we’ll take our guy at his word. GG educates us on what it takes to be a high level professional bowler, how she transitioned from playing for fun to playing for keeps and how to train to be dominant. Meanwhile, the Legend himself has some ideas for GG to take her game and her swag to the next level on the PWBA tour.
52 min
146
Episode 62 - Adjusting Your Game with Caron Butler
On this episode, we bring together two Washington Wizards greats, as "Tuff Juice" himself, Caron Butler re-unites with "No Chill" Gil. We break out how individuals from different backgrounds come together to form a team. A roster is put together on paper, but it's how the personalities mesh and the assembly of talent fits together to win game. Beyond that, there’s the role of ownership, the style of coach and, of course, the fan base. At this point, both Gilbert and Caron can speak from experience that there are adjustments to be made, that aren’t always possible when you’re young. We also take a look at young LeBron vs now and a classic Kobe story that will only add to the Mamba legend.
68 min
147
Episode 61 - The Cool Factor with Tracey Mills ...
On this episode, we come to you from Complexcon. The yearly event of sneaker heads, hype best and culture connoisseurs, we had an invite to do a show in front of the Long Beach audience at the event. We go in on the theme of coolness and culture as it applies to a basketball team. To get us to that point, we brought on long time hoop guru, coach and fashion head, Tracey Mills. Brother of NBA vet Chris Mills, Tracey came up on the LA hoop scene and goes way back with the young NBA phenom that was Gilbert Arenas. We pick things up in the wake of KD’s comments about opting for the Nets over the Knicks, and that for young players, the Knicks simply aren’t cool. Of course there’s context to every comment, but we examine what makes a team cool, how you build a culture when there isn’t one and what it really all comes down to vision. Also, there’s the thing about ownership, because we all know money matters.
49 min
148
Episode 60 - How the Lakers and Clippers Can Op...
On this episode, we’re back and just in time as the NBA season gets underway. Fresh off the opening game of two of the best teams in the league, Gil reports back from taking in the Lakers versus Clippers. Aside for Kawhi and LeBron, Agent Zero looks to how the coaches should manage the personnel on these rosters if they want to run the table. As he sees it, while they need to figure out rotations at this point in the season, they better establish their identity before their opponents make them pay. Gil also sets up what the season should bring for emerging stars Donovan Mitchell, Trae Young, Buddy Hield and RJ Barrett. As for this year’s top pick, he sees a way back for Zion from injury issues early his rookie campaign. 
110 min
149
Episode 59 - Agent Zero's Notebook
On this episode, we’ve told you to break out your notebook from time-to-time on the No Chill Podcast. Now, we’re giving you the cheat sheet. Agent Zero is at his best when he’s breaking down the game. How to beat defenses. How to find a way to score when most would say you can’t. And looking at the court as only he can.  After our first season, we’re putting it all together. Often, Gil wanted to get on the court to get his point across. That’s way better than sitting in a chair and talking game. Right?
47 min
150
Episode 58 - The Best of Season 1 with Nick You...
On this episode, we round up our favorite moments with some of basketball's best personalities. From Lou Williams' outlook to Kevin Durant's perspective we learned more about what makes these guys tick. Dwight Howard offered up his point of view and how it evolved over the years. And of course Nick Young kept it wild. Enjoy these highlights from season one of the No Chill Podcast, and stay tuned for more...
103 min