The Monarchists Podcast

Jeff Jones delivers a powerful message to Hampton Roads: this isn’t his event, Russell Turner’s event, or ODU’s event. It’s our event. Support the 2026 Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala, join the fight against cancer, and help make a difference for patients and families across our community. Learn more, purchase a table, sponsor, or donate: hamptonroads.acsgala.org #ODU #CoachesVsCancer #MonarchNation #HamptonRoads #CancerResearch

Basketball legends. An unforgettable night. One fight much bigger than the game. Former Old Dominion men’s basketball coach Jeff Jones and Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala Executive Committee member Russell Turner join Mike and Aaron to preview the 2026 Hampton Roads Coaches vs. Cancer Legends Gala. After raising more than $414,000 during its record-setting inaugural event, the gala returns to Chartway Arena on Friday, September 18 with an even bigger goal. This year’s featured guests include: • Geno Auriemma • Ryan Odom • Dave Odom • Seth Greenberg • Phil Martelli • Ralph Sampson • Debbie Ryan • Dave Twardzik • Tony Brothers • Michael Cuddyer • And more to be announced Jeff discusses how his own cancer diagnosis transformed this mission into something deeply personal. Russell shares the heartbreaking story behind his “why” and explains how the American Cancer Society assists patients and families through research, transportation, lodging, treatment support, and other critical services. They also take us behind the scenes of last year’s gala, including an emotional paddle raise that generated approximately $195,000 in only 10 minutes. The 2026 event will feature basketball legends, a VIP reception, outstanding food, open bars, auctions, powerful stories, and an opportunity for Hampton Roads to come together for a cause that touches nearly every family. Tables seat eight guests and are $5,000. Sponsorships, monetary donations, auction contributions, vacation properties, experiences, services, and other in-kind donations are also welcomed. LEARN MORE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/ PURCHASE A TABLE OR DONATE: https://hamptonroads.acsgala.org/tables-donations/ INTERESTED IN BEING A SPONSOR: Please contact Laura Fien, American Cancer Society Staff Partner, at laura.fien@cancer.org Even when you cannot purchase a table or make a donation, you can help by sharing this episode and spreading the word. This is not Jeff’s event. This is not Russell’s event. This is not ODU’s event. This is our event. One team. One fight. Subscribe to The Monarchists for independent coverage of Old Dominion athletics. #ODU #OldDominion #CoachesVsCancer #CancerResearch #MonarchNation YOUTUBE CHAPTERS 00:00 – Welcome to The Monarchists 01:15 – Last year’s record-setting $414,000 gala 01:45 – Jeff Jones gives his elevator pitch 04:00 – Geno Auriemma, Ryan Odom and this year’s legends 07:00 – Russell Turner asks Hampton Roads to find its “why” 09:00 – How to purchase a table or support the event 10:30 – Why Jeff Jones made his cancer journey public 12:00 – Building the Legends Gala after retirement 15:15 – Russell Turner shares his deeply personal “why” 17:00 – How the American Cancer Society helps patients 19:00 – Lessons learned from the inaugural gala 22:00 – The search for a presenting sponsor 23:00 – What guests will experience at the gala 25:00 – Making year two even better 27:00 – The $195,000 paddle raise 30:00 – Tables, sponsorships and ways to donate 31:15 – Jeff Jones’ recruiting pitch to Hampton Roads 32:00 – One team. One fight. 33:00 – Final message to Monarch Nation

ODU Baseball Coach Chris Finwood talks rule changes with the guys from Hudson Homers

CB, Gary and Coach Finny chat about upcoming rule changes, non-conference opponents, Monarchs in pro ball and a stadium construction update. Beau Cowan checks in to say hello and the guys breakdown the new additions to the 2027 roster.

Brandon Carr helped build Old Dominion Football from the ground up. Now the former Monarch offensive lineman is building football players, leaders and young men as the head coach at Indian River High School. Coach Carr joins Aaron and Mike to pull back the curtain on ODU Football’s original era, including the brutal offseason workouts that established the program’s standard, the moment the Monarchs realized they belonged, the comeback from 21 points down at JMU and what made ODU’s explosive 2011 offense so difficult to stop. Brandon also explains how an aspiring baseball player and future FBI agent discovered his calling as a football coach. He breaks down his relationship-driven coaching philosophy, the importance of consistency and accountability, and how Indian River has created a culture in which players fall in love with the work. The offensive line talk gets deep, too. Brandon discusses how he evaluates young linemen, why fundamentals and athleticism create a true mean streak, the meaning behind “Doing Simple Great” and why he partnered with former UVA and NFL linebacker Eli Harold to develop the next generation of big men in the 757. Plus: • The lessons Brandon learned at Fork Union • Why he chose ODU and believed in Bobby Wilder’s vision • What happened inside the locker room during the JMU comeback • The brotherhood that makes offensive line rooms different • Why relationships still matter in the NIL era • His most important advice for recruits: “Love who loves you” • A preview of Indian River’s experienced 2026 team • His DMX pregame soundtrack • The former Monarch he would add to Indian River’s roster • Why ODU Football’s best days are still ahead This episode is brought to you by the Old Dominion Athletic Foundation. Because of you, we create winners in the classroom, in athletic competition and in life. Become an ODAF member today. Like the episode, subscribe to The Monarchists and tell us your favorite memory from the original era of ODU Football. Go Monarchs! #ODUFootball #MonarchNation #757Football 00:00 ODAF Intro 00:17 Meet Brandon Carr 00:48 From Baseball Dreams to Football 03:31 Fork Union and Relentless Determination 05:19 Building ODU Football From the Ground Up 08:10 Delaware, Belief and the Explosive 2011 Offense 10:28 Wing-T Roots and Becoming ODU’s Center 12:05 Why Brandon Chose Old Dominion 14:20 From FBI Plans to a Coaching Calling 17:05 Inside ODU’s Comeback at JMU 19:35 Brandon Carr’s Coaching Philosophy 22:35 Becoming Indian River’s Head Coach 24:50 Creating Buy-In Through Consistency 27:45 Falling in Love With the Work 28:40 How Brandon Develops Offensive Linemen 30:10 Building the 757’s Big Men With Eli Harold 31:30 What “Doing Simple Great” Really Means 32:32 Technique, Athleticism and the Mean Streak 35:06 How Offensive Line Play Has Evolved 36:40 Teaching Football Without Overcomplicating It 38:25 Recruiting Advice: “Love Who Loves You” 40:20 Brandon’s Advice to His Younger Self 42:03 Previewing Indian River’s 2026 Team 43:25 The Game Everyone Circles 44:00 Rapid Fire: O-Line Life, DMX and Nick Mayers 47:05 The Most Rewarding Part of Coaching 48:05 Brandon’s Message to Monarch Nation