As part of the company’s steadfast commitment to mental health, LG set out to create a platform for real dialogue to help break down the stigma around mental health for next-generation consumers in ways that felt visible, human, and lasting.
Just as its name suggests, Transparent Conversations goes well beyond the typical subject matter and dives into the often-challenging topics that affect the mental wellness of Gen Z college students. This includes offering a glimpse into the trials and tribulations that prominent student athletes may face and far too often steer clear of discussing.
The 18-episode series, currently hosted by sports journalist Taylor Rooks, addresses the unique mental health challenges that student athletes face due to the demanding nature of their dual roles in the classroom and on the field. Each episode tackles the delicate balance between academics, athletics, personal life, and overall well-being, shedding light on the multifaceted pressures student athletes may confront.
GOALS:
The show covers compelling topics ranging from the intersection of identity and athletics, to juggling NIL opportunities, to overcoming setbacks and injuries, and speaks to the importance of mental health for all. Grounded in a combination of clinical expertise and everyday experience, an engaging panel format provides listeners with real, actionable advice—delivered through candid conversations with mental health professionals and seasoned college and professional athletes. Notable guests have included Jerry Stackhouse (Head Coach of Men's Basketball at Vanderbilt University and Former Two-Time NBA All-Star), Kenny Anderson (Head Coach of Men's Basketball at Fisk University Former NBA All-Star), Ryan Murphy (USA Olympic Swimmer 4x Olympic Gold Medalist), Bobby Hurley (Arizona State University Head Basketball Coach) and Victoria Garrick Brown (Hidden Opponent).
As a long-standing official NCAA® Corporate Partner, LG strategically focuses on supporting student-athletes both on and off the field. Their commitment to holistically support student-athletes has taken shape in initiatives such as the Life's Good Coaches Award, an award recognizing coaches that prioritize the mental health of student athletes along with performance on the field. Beyond elevating coaches as unsung heroes, LG has partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), the nation's largest grassroots mental health organization. LG's support of NAMI enhances NAMI On Campus clubs at the host schools for NCAA® Men's and Women's Final Four® events and supports the creation of the NAMI Mental Health College Guide for Educators, which provides critical information on how to practice self-care and prevent burnout.
LG Transparent Conversations was designed as a content platform and traveling activation that merged live dialogue with scalable storytelling. At the center of the program: a custom-built mobile podcast studio — a transparent, red-wrapped truck that became both a stage and a symbol. Through the tour, LG brought the live-to-tape podcast series “Transparent Conversations” to student-athletes and their supporters across the country – to power important dialogues about mental health and wellness within athletics and academia. The truck was engineered to function as a professional-grade, mobile recording studio while doubling as a bold visual spectacle. The exterior allowed audiences to see the panel discussions unfold inside, reinforcing the podcast's promise of openness and visibility.
At each stop, the vehicle became a magnet for students, athletes, and staff. The day-of experience included:
• Live-to-Tape Podcast Recordings: Hosted by Taylor Rooks (Amazon’s Thursday Night Football, Turner Sports, Bleacher Report), whose credibility and cultural authority made the dialogue resonate deeply.
• Meaningful Partnerships: Four-person panels featured a mix of current and former athletes, Olympians, administrators, clinicians, and advocates. Notable voices included Olympic Gold Medalist Lee Kiefer, Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree Victoria Garrick Browne, and Ohio State’s James Houle.
• Student Participation: Audience members submitted live questions on branded notecards, ensuring conversations reflected the issues students cared most about.
• On-Site Product Interactions: While listening, live attendees engaged directly with LG technology—tying the brand’s innovation to moments of community and wellness.
All tour stops were on college campuses and/or at major NCAA contests and Championships. Not only did this help us authentically engage Gen Z and student-athlete audiences for the content, but it further cemented LG’s partnership with the NCAA – adding more relevance to the existing relationship, and exemplifying the connection between the brand and college athletics.
The podcast studio wasn’t only functional on-site; it was a content engine on wheels. Each recording produced material for:
• 18 Podcast Episodes distributed on Apple, Spotify, YouTube and LG Channels
• Landing Page Hub (lg.com/us/transparent-conversations) centralizing tour details, CSR messaging, and episode audio.
• Social + Paid Media: Cutdowns of key moments amplified across LG’s owned channels and partner media.
• Panelist/Creator Content: Each contributor received custom sizzles and assets, extending the reach through their own networks.
• #LGTransparentConversations: A branded hashtag aggregated content from audiences, panelists, and creators.
Amplified Buzz: Between tour stops, athletes and creators across the internet shared personal mental health stories, continuing the dialogue and generating fresh engagement.
With more than half a million podcast listens, the podcast served as proof of concept and demonstrated the rising interest in the topic of student athletes and mental health. As a result, Transparent Conversations is now available on the LG Channels Home App via the guide button on your remote or the LG Channels icon on the launcher bar. The series will be curated in the LG Channels Sports Hub, along with a significant selection of sports content, including channels such as LG's exclusive, NCAA® Championships Channel. With over 50 NCAA® Fall, Winter, and Spring championships transforming living rooms into front-row seats, fans can cheer on their favorite teams and student athletes from anywhere. LG Originals like The Rivalries, also on the NCAA® Championships Channel, further showcase LG's commitment to creating visibility for more student athletes across all divisions and complement its ongoing partnership with the NCAA®. To learn more about the LG x NCAA® partnership, visit lg.com/us/ncaa, or to learn more about Transparent Conversations Powered By LG, visit www.lg.com/us/transparent-conversations.