In this week’s episode of Athletes to Entrepreneurship: Alumni Journey, Rob Finkelstein sits down with NBA Champion, broadcaster, and Chosen Family Wines founder Channing Frye — a player who spent 14 years in the league, reinvented himself multiple times, and now uses his platform to help others navigate life after the game.
Channing opens up about the emotional, mental, and spiritual shift that happens when the final buzzer sounds on a pro career. From seeking therapy… to rediscovering hobbies… to redefining identity as a husband, father, and entrepreneur — Channing brings raw honesty and real guidance to every athlete facing transition.
This conversation hits the heart of what so many retiring athletes feel but rarely talk about:
identity, reinvention, self-care, and the courage to start over.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
🧠 Why Every Retired Athlete Needs a Therapist: The transition out of sports is emotional, and professional support can be a game-changer.
🔄 The Art of Reinventing Yourself: How Channing approached redefining who he was beyond basketball.
🎨 Exploring New Interests: Why discovering hobbies and passions outside sports is essential to building a fulfilling next chapter.
🧘 Protecting Your Personal Time: How giving yourself space prevents resentment and fuels healthier relationships.
👨👩👧👦 Balancing Family & Self-Care: The honest realities of shifting from a structured athletic life to the rhythms of home.
🎁 Seeing Retirement as a Gift: How the post-career season can open possibilities you never considered.
🔍 Identity After the Jersey: Why understanding who you are now is the foundation for every next step.
About Channing Frye
A former NBA forward and 2016 NBA Champion, Channing Frye played 14 seasons with teams including the Knicks, Trail Blazers, Suns, Magic, Cavaliers, and Lakers. After retiring, he transitioned into broadcasting, entrepreneurship, and winemaking — founding Chosen Family Wines, now one of the most respected athlete-led wine brands.
Today, Channing is an advocate for athlete mental health, reinvention, and living fully in the next chapter of life.
🔗 Connect with Channing:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/channing-frye/
Special Invitation from Alumni Direct
At Alumni Direct, we’re committed to helping former athletes build meaningful community long after the cheering stops. If you’re navigating transition, looking for peers who “get it,” or ready to build your next chapter with support — you’re home.
👉 Join the platform built for athletes, creators, and leaders:
https://www.alumnidirect.com/
Because no one should walk the post-career journey alone.