Ryan Smyth played 19 NHL seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, New York Islanders, Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings. He was originally selected 6th overall in the 1994 NHL Draft by Edmonton.
Smyth retired after the 2013-14 season and finished his career with 386 career goals and 842 points. In 2023, Smyth was named to the inaugural Edmonton Oilers Hall of Fame class along with legends Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier and others.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Ryan Smyth about retirement, being inducted into the inaugural Oilers Hall of Fame class, growing up in a Christian home and his struggle in making hockey his god.
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Kerry Carpenter is an outfielder and designated hitter with the Detroit Tigers. He was selected in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Amateur Draft by Detroit and made his MLB debut on August 10, 2022.
In 98 minor league games in 2022, he hit .313 with 30 home runs and was named Eastern League (AA) Player of the Month in May. A few months later he was recalled to the big league club and in 31 games with the Tigers, he hit .252 with 6 home runs.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Kerry Carpenter about his 2022 season, getting called up to the big leagues, giving his life to Christ after his dad's death and finding a true identity in Jesus.
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Today on the podcast, our Sports Spectrum Managing Editor, Jon Ackerman joins host Jason Romano to preview the 2023 Spring edition of the Sports Spectrum magazine with Oklahoma softball players Grace Lyons, Jordy Bahl, Alyssa Brito and Rylie Boone on the cover.
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Shawn and Carrie Purdy are the parents of San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Shawn and Carrie about the last 12 months, watching their son Brock get drafted and having success on the field and staying faithful to God.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more.
Jerry Colangelo is the former owner of the Phoenix Suns in the NBA and the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball. In 1998, he brought MLB to Phoenix and served as Chairman and CEO of the 2001 World Series champions.
Colangelo began his professional basketball career in 1966 with the Chicago Bulls working as a scout and marketing director before becoming the youngest General Manager in the NBA in 1968 when he took a role with the Suns. Throughout his time in Phoenix, he won four different NBA Executive of the Year honors in 1977, 1982, 1990 and 1994.
Currently, Jerry is the chairman of the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jerry Colangelo about trusting in Jesus, being bold in sharing his faith, starting chapel services at NBA games and the legacy he wants to leave.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. - http://TheIncrease.com
Jeremy Hefner is the pitching coach for the New York Mets. He joined the Mets in his current role prior to the 2020 season after spending one season in the 2019 as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Twins.
As a player, Hefner was selected in the fifth round in the 2007 MLB Draft by the Padres but after being traded to the Mets, made his MLB debut as a player in April with New York. After injuries took their toll, he retired in 2017 and went into coaching.
Today on the podcast, Jeremy Hefner returns to discuss the lessons he learned from 2022, finding purpose in his job and staying rooted in his faith during a long MLB season.
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Charlotte Smith is a North Carolina basketball legend and the head basketball coach for Elon University. She played her college basketball with the University of North Carolina was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 1994 Final Four and in the national championship game, she hit the game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to give her team a 60-59 win over Louisiana Tech.
Smith would go on to play professional basketball in the WNBA from 1999-2006 and then went into coaching. She was named head coach at Elon in June 2011 and led the Phoenix to their first ever NCAA Tournament bid in 2017.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Charlotte Smith about her March Madness moment, hitting a game-winning three to win the national championship in 1994, the platform that God has given her after that shot and her desire as a coach and author to see players and coaches spend time in prayer.
Charlotte's new book "When Athletes Pray" is available here - https://www.whenathletespray.org/
Yan Gomes is a catcher with the Chicago Cubs. He was selected in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft by the Blue Jays and three years later, he made his MLB debut in May of 2012 with Toronto. His baseball journey has taken him from Toronto to Cleveland, Washington, Oakland and Chicago.
In 2018, Gomes was named to the American League All-Star Game and in 2019, he was a member of the Washington Nationals World Series championship team where he caught the final out to secure a Game 7 victory.
Today on the podcast, Jade McCarthy talk to Yan Gomes about the evolution of his faith, helping other teammates in their journey, being baptized and going from fan to follower of Jesus.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. - http://TheIncrease.com
Miles Burris played 3 seasons in the NFL with the Raiders after being selected in the 4th round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In 2017, after his career was cut short due to injury, Miles went into acting and has appeared in many projects seen on Netflix, Disney+ and NBC.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Miles about his journey to the NFL, pivoting to acting and living as a believer in Hollywood.
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Grace Lyons is a shortstop with the Oklahoma Sooners softball program. She was a member of the 2021 and 2022 WCWS national championship teams. She was a NFCA First Team All-American in 2022 and in 2021 and 2022 was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.
Rylie Boone is an outfielder with the Oklahoma Sooners softball program and also a member of the 2021 and 2022 WCWS national championship teams. She was named to the 2022 Women’s College World Series All-Tournament Team and voted a two-time Academic All-Big 12 First Team in 2021 and 2022.
Today on the podcast, Jon Ackerman talks to Grace Lyons about being the spiritual leader of the Oklahoma Sooners softball program and her desire to disciple and mentor those who can carry the torch after she finishes up her playing career. We also talk to Rylie Boone about growing in her faith and when Jesus became real to her.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. - http://TheIncrease.com
Jordy Bahl is a pitcher with the Oklahoma softball program. In her first season of 2022, she dominated her freshman campaign going 22-1 with a 1.09 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 33 appearances. She was a 2022 NFCA First Team All-American and named the 2022 NFCA Division 1 Freshman of the Year.
JT Gasso is an assistant coach with the Oklahoma Sooners softball program under his mother Patty Gasso. His primary responsibilities include the Sooner offense as well as working with OU's outfielders. Gasso is in his eighth season with Oklahoma.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jordy Bahl about her dominant freshman season and growing in her faith as a college softball player. In our second conversation we talk to JT Gasso about his journey at OU as a coach and the lessons learned from his Hall of Fame coaching mother.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. - http://TheIncrease.com
Patty Gasso is the head softball coach at Oklahoma University in Norman. She joined the program in 1995 and has led her program to six College World Series championships.
Over the past two seasons, Oklahoma has won two consecutive WCWS championships and their record in that time frame is an unbelievable 105-7. Gasso is a four-time NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year and a 14-time Big 12 Coach of the Year and in 2012, was named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Today on the podcast, we begin a series of interviews with members of Oklahoma's softball program as we traveled to Norman and sit down first with the coaching legend about her journey at Oklahoma, trusting in her faith to guide her as a coach and how she sees her team staying grounded amidst all of the success they've had.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. --- http://TheIncrease.com
Beth Moore is an author, speaker and Bible teacher. She is the founder of Living Proof Ministies. Her new book "ALL MY KNOTTED LIFE" is out now.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Jacob and Cody Hollister are twin brothers currently playing in the NFL. Jacob is a tight end with the Las Vegas Raiders, while Cody is a wide receiver with the Tennessee Titans.
Both brothers entered the league in 2017 with the New England Patriots and played two seasons together, winning a Super Bowl in 2018 when the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 to win Super Bowl LIII.
Today on the podcast, we talked with Cody and Jacob Hollister about their unique relationship as twin brothers playing in the NFL, the support that they have for each other, how Jesus guides both of their lives and the trip they went on in 2022 to the Holy Land in Israel.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. -- http://TheIncrease.com
Courtney Delks is a former women's college basketball player at Purdue University where finished eighth on Purdue’s all-time scoring list (1,674). She also finished as the all-time leader in three-pointers made (240) and free-throw percentage (90.6%), and fourth in three-point percentage (39.7%). For her efforts, Courtney was named First Team All-Big Ten and played in four straight NCAA National Tournaments.
As a player at Oak Hill High School, Courtney led the Golden Eagles to a four-year record of 97-9, including two state championship appearances.She was named 2010 Indiana High School Miss Basketball and Indiana Gatorade Player of the Year.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Courtney about her love for Jesus, using the sport of basketball to point people to the Gospel, being a spiritual leader as a college basketball player and why she started the Compete Training Academy.
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. -- http://TheIncrease.com
Dionne Miller is a sports anchor and reporter with ABC 7 Eyewitness News in Chicago. Since her arrival in October 2014, she has high profile events including the Chicago Cubs 2016 World Series run as well as reporting from the White House when the team met President Obama in 2017.
Prior to her arrival in Chicago, she served as host for Fox Sports Ohio, primarily covering pre and post- game shows for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2010-12. In addition, she served as college football sideline reporter for the Big Ten Network and had stints in Columbus, Ohio, Billings, Montana and Burlington, Vermont.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Dionne about her journey in broadcasting, trusting in God to guide her steps, covering the Cubs 2016 World Series run and why surrendering to Jesus is her ultimate priority.
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Aaron Tredway is the lead pastor of Fellowship City Church in Cleveland, Ohio. The former MLS draft pick played professional soccer for many years all around the world. He is the author of the new book "Don't Miss Your Life."
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Brian Hanni is in his seventh season as the "Voice of the Jayhawks" calling football, men's basketball and baseball in Lawrence, Hanni has long had a passion for inspiring youth and serves many youth-based charities including his own pediatric cancer organization.
Hanni is also an author and his book "Game Maker – A Creative Kid Becomes the Father of Basketball" is his first children’s book and was inspired by time he spent with Dr. Naismith’s grandson, Jim Naismith.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Brian Hanni about living out his dream job as the broadcast voice of his alma mater. Brian also shares how his faith in Jesus has grown over the years and why his desire to help and serve others stems from his desire to honor God.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Pastor Bill Orris is a high school official, pastor, father and husband. He is currently an associate pastor at Hillcrest Covenant Church in Illinois. He has a B.A. in Bible & Theology from Wheaton College and a Masters of Divinity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and has been in full-time pastoral ministry since 1988.
Besides his role as a pastor, Orris is also a high school basketball and football referee and a high school baseball umpire for the Illinois High School Association. He’s worked three IHSA State Baseball Championships and four State Football Championships.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Pastor Bill about his unique role in ministry and sports and how being a high school referee can be a great place to live out your faith. Orris then discusses the tragedy of losing his son Billy to a tragic motorcycle accident in 2015 and how God has worked and moved in his life ever since.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Sam Acho has played nine seasons in the NFL with the Buccaneers, Bears, Cardinals and Bills. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals after a successful college football career at the University of Texas.
He is now an author and his second book, "Change Starts with You" releases March 7, 2023.
On today’s podcast, we talk to Acho about the importance of change, his growing platform, being grateful and the love he has for broadcasting and speaking.
Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Jason Vanderground is president of HAVEN CREATIVE HUB and leading the "He Gets Us" campaign. Learn more at http://HeGetsUs.com
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Looking for faith/sports gift ideas? Check out our new Increase store with Sports Spectrum apparel, gifts, devotionals and more. http://TheIncrease.com
Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy joined us from Super Bowl LVII in Phoenix.
Coach Dungy is the first African American head coach to ever win a Super Bowl. He also won a Super Bowl as a player in 1978 as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy is our guest today on the podcast to talk about his incredible rookie season in 2022 and how he was able to find joy in the midst of a difficult end to the season in the NFC Championship game.
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Steve Largent played 14 seasons in the NFL as a wide reciever with the Seattle Seahawks from 1976-1989. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 and his number 80 is retired by the Seahawks.
Steve joins us today to talk about his walk with Jesus, his journey as an NFL player and why he's excited about the new "HE GETS US" Jesus commercials.
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Sports Spectrum is LIVE from Phoenix, Arizona covering Super Bowl LVII between the Chiefs and Eagles.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnoulo, tight end Noah Gray, defensive lineman Brandon Williams, kicker Harrison Butker and linebacker Nick Bolton.
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