Prepared & Proven: Shifting The Game W/ Taylor Rooks | The Underground Lounge S2 E.24

The Underground Lounge

From southern roots and Big Ten beginnings to becoming a leading voice at Amazon’s Thursday Night Football and NBA broadcasts, Taylor opens up about her unconventional path, her calculated career risks, and the importance of saying yes to uncomfortable growth. She talks about walking away from comfort zones, mastering her craft as an interviewer, and carving out a space that’s defined by preparation, not perception.

The crew tackles everything from the myth of “pretty privilege” to the silent battle between NBA and NFL players, the power of storytelling in sports, and the toxic trends in how today’s athletes are covered. Taylor challenges the culture of comparison, clout-chasing commentary, and narratives that never seem to die, even when they’ve long stopped being true.

Taylor doesn’t shy away from tough questions, about legacy, about criticism, and about being a Black woman constantly under the microscope. She also drops gems about what it means to be seen, respected, and understood on your own terms. Between the serious moments and the signature Underground Lounge laughs (including a run through the hilarious “F*** It Bucket”), this episode delivers insight, depth, and real energy.

If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to shift culture, not just survive it—Taylor Rooks shows exactly how it’s done.