In this episode, we sit down with Vaughn McKoy — former Assistant U.S. Attorney, author, entrepreneur, and community leader. Vaughn takes us through his inspiring journey from growing up in the inner city of Paterson, New Jersey, to becoming a Division I football player at Rutgers University , accomplished attorney, and successful entrepreneur.

P-Town 

McKoy reflects on how playing sports in the streets and parks of Paterson — often against older, tougher competition — helped shape his resilience and drive. He also shares the influence of his time at Eastside High School and the legendary principal Joe Clark, who inspired the 1989 film Lean on Me.

Playing up 

We dive into the themes of his memoir, Playing Up, discussing how mentorship, discipline, and opportunity helped propel him beyond his circumstances and into a life of service and leadership.

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