Deron McBee: Malibu's Redemption - Gladiators Gauntlet, Family, and Resilience | The Shadows Podcast
Deron McBee, renowned as the original "Malibu" from the 1990s American Gladiators television series and recently featured in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, The American Gladiators, takes the spotlight in the Shadows Podcast for an exciting five-episode series called the Gladiator Gauntlet.
Deron delves into his poignant childhood experience when his father left the family at a young age, leaving him with an unquenchable desire for his father's approval that would shape his entire life. He reflects on his time as a Deputy Sheriff in California and what led him to pursue physical fitness, professional racquetball, and eventually audition for American Gladiators.
The Human Cannon Ball incident stands as a pivotal moment in American Gladiators' history, extensively covered in both the ESPN 30 for 30 and the Netflix docuseries, "Muscles & Mayhem." Deron endured a brutal blow from a swinging Gladiator competitor, resulting in severe injury. This event became a powerful metaphor in his life, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity as he continually rose after being knocked down.
Deron also opens up about the personal hardships he has faced, including the unexpected loss of his wife due to surgery complications, the passing of his mother three years later, and the challenges of raising two daughters on his own. He candidly discusses his past use of steroids and his struggles with addiction to oxycodone.
In a touching conclusion, Deron shares the emotional story of reconciling with his father just one year before his father's passing.
Listen On
New to the Shadows Podcast?
Here are some inspiring episodes to start with.
Lockdown Legacy: Sidney Moncrief's Hall of Fame Journey
🎙️ As we start filling out our brackets for the 2024 NCAA Tournament, get ready for an electrifying episode of the Shadows Podcast: Rebound Series! 🎉 We’re thrilled to welcome the legendary Sidney Moncrief to our annual Rebou...
Mark Price: A Rebound Series Finale – A Legend's Journey from Oklahom…
Dive deep into the illustrious basketball journey of the legendary Mark Price as the Shadows Podcast concludes Season 3 with the thrilling finale of the Rebound series! Embarking on his basketball odyssey at Georgia Tech, Mark earned accolades such as …
Super Bowl Legend Tyree: From 'Helmet Catch' to Life After Football
Get ready for an exciting episode as the Shadows Podcast Bowl II features Super Bowl legend David Tyree, the former New York Giants wide receiver famous for his iconic 'Helmet Catch' in Super Bowl XLII. Tyree takes us on a …
Brandi Benson's Courage Unveiled: A Soldier's Battle with Cancer | Th…
Join us in this compelling episode of the Shadows Podcast as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Brandi Benson—a military veteran, cancer survivor, entrepreneur, and the author of "The Enemy Inside Me: A Young Soldier’s Unexpected Battle With Cancer." …
Episode 59: The Chronicles of Jaime Andrews
The Chronicles of Jaime Andrews is now available! Jaime is an award-winning actress, producer, business director, and playwright. She’s also appeared in many commercials, movies, and television shows to include TruTV’s World’...
From Airman to Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force: Kaleth Wright'…
In this episode, we dive into the remarkable journey of Kaleth Wright, retired Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and current CEO of the Air Force Aid Society. Kaleth reflects on his upbringing, sharing the profound impact of his …
Emotional Knots with Noble Gibbens | Rise From The Shadows Podcast
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Noble Gibbens, a former emotionally clueless West Point Army Ranger turned emotional intelligence practitioner and corporate coach. Join us on a journey of emotional discovery as Noble shares the catalysts that sparked …
From Competing to Motherhood: Nerissa's Fitness Odyssey | The Shadows…
Step into the vibrant world of Nerissa Figueroa in this empowering episode of the Shadows Podcast. A proud mother of three and a seasoned veteran with over two decades in the fitness industry, Nerissa wears the crowns of Miss Fitness …
Legacy of Valor: Cory Etchberger on His Father's Medal of Honor | The…
In this deeply moving episode, Cory Etchberger shares poignant memories from his childhood, reflecting on the heroic legacy of his father, Chief Master Sergeant Richard Etchberger—a Medal of Honor recipient. Uncover the classified mission to Laos on March 11, 1968, …