Raised by a Jazz Legend | 20-Year Timeout Ep. 5
What happens when you reconnect with someone from your past and discover their life has been shaped by a musical icon? That’s exactly what happened in Episode 5 of 20-Year Timeout, where I sat down with Anthony Fuller — a classmate I hadn’t seen in decades — only to find out his father was a jazz legend who once played with John Coltrane.
A Friendship Revisited… and a Legacy Revealed
Growing up in Worcester, MA, Anthony was one of those people you remembered — always grounded, always interesting. We hadn’t connected since high school, but when we sat down to film this episode, the conversation flowed like no time had passed.
Then came the surprise.
Anthony casually mentioned that his father was not just a jazz musician, but someone who played alongside Coltrane, and was deeply respected in the jazz world. That revelation opened the door to an amazing story about family, music, and growing up surrounded by rhythm, discipline, and soul.
What We Talked About
This episode wasn’t just about music — it was about everything that’s happened since we last spoke:
🎵 Growing up in a musical household
🏈 Balancing sports and creativity
👨👦 Fatherhood and honoring family legacies
📈 How banking, psychology, and coaching all intersect in his adult life
🧠 Mental health, memory, and personal growth over 20 years
📺 Pop culture throwbacks and navigating the AI age
Anthony also shared how he blends his passion for psychology and coaching today, using what he’s learned to help others grow. Whether through conversation, mentorship, or just showing up — he’s a living example of what it means to evolve without forgetting where you came from.
Why This Episode Mattered
I started 20-Year Timeout because I was curious about the people who shaped my past. But I never expected these stories to be so rich. Anthony’s story reminded me that beneath the everyday moments we shared as kids, entire worlds were forming — shaped by music, by family, by dreams we never talked about.
This was one of my favorite episodes to film so far. The stories were personal, the insights were deep, and the vibe was everything I hope this podcast can be: nostalgic, reflective, and real.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to the channel @richmarksthespot — I’m tracking down one guest at a time, and you never know who’s next.
