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Sports Spectrum Podcast

Launched in 2017 and now with over 5 million downloads, Sports Spectrum's podcast features stories on the intersection of sports and faith. Hosted by former ESPN Senior Producer Jason Romano, new conversations drop multiple times each week.
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Now displaying: October, 2018
Oct 31, 2018

Episode 180

Tony Bennett has been the men's basketball coach at the University of Virginia since 2009. He's led the Cavaliers to 3 ACC regular season titles, and 2 ACC conference titles. In 2018, Virginia was the number one overall seed in the NCAA Tournament after finishing with a 31-3 record. For his accomplishments, Bennett was named the NABC Coach of the Year, the Naismith Coach of the Year and the AP National Coach of the Year. 

After playing his college basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay under his father Dick Bennett, Tony was selected in the second round of the 1992 NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets. He would go on to a 4-year NBA stint from 1992-95 before a foot injury would end his career. 

Prior to Virginia, Bennett was the head coach at Washington State, where he brought that program to the national spotlight by winning 26 game in back-to-back seasons in 2006-07 and 2007-08. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Coach Bennett about becoming the first No. 1 seed to lose to a No. 16 seed in the NCAA Tournament, how he was able to face that adversity with humility and grace, where his faith journey in Christ began, why beginning his day in the Lord is a discipline that he instilled into his life and how he lives his faith out everyday as a prominent coach, and the Bible verse that he is clinging to right now. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 30, 2018

Episode 179

Christa Dietzen is a 2-time Olympic Volleyball player with Team USA. She was the co-captain of the 2012 London team that captured the Silver Medal and the 2016 team that won Bronze.

She was selected to join the U.S. National team roster in May of 2009. Prior to that, she  led Penn State University to 2 back-to-back NCAA championships.

The 2007 Big-10 player of the year retired from volleyball following the 2016 Olympics and is now a public speaker, encouraging and sharing her testimony and story to others.

In part 2 of our two-part podcast, Christa shares the emotional journey of her first Olympic experience in London at the 2012 games, returning to the 2016 games in Rio, retiring at the age of 29 and how her platform has led her to sharing and speaking about her faith testimony to others. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 29, 2018

Episode 178

Christa Dietzen is a 2-time Olympic Volleyball player with Team USA. She was the co-captain of the 2012 London team that captured the Silver Medal and the 2016 team that won Bronze.

She was selected to join the U.S. National team roster in May of 2009. Prior to that, she  led Penn State University to 2 back-to-back NCAA championships.

The 2007 Big-10 player of the year retired from volleyball following the 2016 Olympics and is now a public speaker, encouraging and sharing her testimony and story to others.

In part one of our 2-part podcast, Christa shares how she came to love volleyball, her time at Penn State and how her drive toward becoming an Olympian actually led her to faith in Christ.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 26, 2018

Episode 177

George Schroeder is in his 7th season covering college football for USA Today. Previously, he worked in Arkansas and Oregon before taking the job with USA Today in 2012. 

The University of Oklahoma grad is married to Elizabeth and has 3 children, Elizabeth, 18, George, 17 and Christopher, 8. 

On this episode of the podcast, we hear about George's work covering college football and where George's passion for the sport began. But the majority of this interview is spent telling the story of George's son Christopher and how God was able to do a miracle in his young son's life. This is a story of faith, trust, hope and love through a difficult season of life for George Schroeder and his family. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 24, 2018

Episode 176

Charlie Ward played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Spurs and Rockets. He was selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by New York (26th overall) after a stellar college career that saw him shine as a football player.

In 1993, Charlie won the Heisman Trophy as college football's most outstanding player. He would lead the Seminoles to the National Championship and 13 years later, would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

Ward is the only Heisman Trophy winner to ever play in the NBA and he was a member of the Knicks team in 1999 that made it all the way to the NBA Finals before losing to San Antonio.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Charlie Ward about the 25th anniversary of that 1993 college football season, deciding to play pro basketball instead of football, what Florida State coach Bobby Bowden taught him about faith, how he lived his life in the NBA as an outspoken follower of Christ and why he decided to start the Charlie Ward Family Foundation. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 23, 2018

Episode 175

Kyle Gibson is a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins. In 2018, he set career-highs in ERA (3.62), innings pitcher (196.2), and strikeouts (179). His 10 wins placed second for a club that finished the year with 11 wins in their final 14 games. 

Selected in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft, Gibson has been a part of the Twins organization his entire pro career. 

He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2013 going 6 inning and getting the win against the Kansas City Royals. 

On this episode of the podcast, Kyle helps us preview the 2018 World Series, shares what its like to pitch at Fenway Park, seeing his former teammate Brian Dozier get traded and now playing in the World Series, and what he learned from the Lord this year that was different from other seasons as an MLB player. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 22, 2018

Episode 174

Rich Donnelly coached and played professional baseball for 48 seasons. He was signed as a catcher by the Minnesota Twins in 1967 and played for the late, great baseball legend, Ted Williams.

He has spent 25 years as a MLB coach with the Rangers, Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, Brewers, Dodgers and Mariners.

In 2018, he spent time as a coach with the New York Mets minor league affiliate in Brooklyn.

Rich was a member of the 1997 Florida Marlins team that won the World Series. A book on the life of Rich titled "The Chicken Runs at Midnight"released on October 2, 2018 with Zondervan Publishers.

In part 2 of our two-part podcast, Rich Donnelly shares takes the story of "The Chicken Runs at Midnight" and shares why his daughter Amy's death helped him as more difficult times entered into his life. Overcoming cancer, the loss of another son and watching two daughters get caught in a mass shooting. Through it all, Rich has remained positive and faithful to God's promises. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 22, 2018

Episode 173

Rich Donnelly coached and played professional baseball for 48 seasons. He was signed as a catcher by the Minnesota Twins in 1967 and played for the late, great baseball legend, Ted Williams.

He has spent 25 years as a MLB coach with the Rangers, Pirates, Marlins, Rockies, Brewers, Dodgers and Mariners.

In 2018, he spent time as a coach with the New York Mets minor league affiliate in Brooklyn.

Rich was a member of the 1997 Florida Marlins team that won the World Series. A book on the life of Rich titled "The Chicken Runs at Midnight"released on October 2, 2018 with Zondervan Publishers.

In part 1 of our two-part podcast, Rich Donnelly shares where his baseball journey began, how the story of his daughter Amy and her battle with cancer birthed the phrase "The Chicken Runs at Midnight," and why his faith was incredibly impacted by the circumstances surrounding his daughter's death.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 19, 2018

Episode 172

At the age of 15, high school freshman and basketball player avid David Cooks experienced a spinal aneurism, leaving him a T-6 paraplegic. Refusing to let the wheelchair determine the man, he made the decision to persevere from the very beginning - and he never let go of his passion for the game of basketball. 

On this episode of the podcast, author and speaker David Cooks shares shares his inspiring story of becoming a paraplegic, trusting God in the difficult times, overcoming and persevering, meeting legendary hall of fame coach Mike Krzyzewski from Duke and why he decided to tell his story in his new book "Getting Undressed: From Paralysis to Purpose."

For more, log on to https://sportsspectrum.com/category/sports-spectrum-podcast/ 

Oct 17, 2018

Episode 171

Matt Forte played 10 seasons with the Bears and Jets from 2008-2017 and was selected to 2 Pro Bowls. He rushed for 1,000 yards 5 times in his career and is second on Chicago's list of all-time leading rushers behind the great Walter Payton. 

In March of 2017, Forte announced his retirement from football with Sports Spectrum. He's currently working as an NFL analyst covering the Bears for NBC Sports Chicago and spending more time with his wife Danielle and his children.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Matt about life after football, transitioning to the next phase of life, thoughts on Vontae Davis' abrupt halftime retirement, why it's important to be ready to preach God's word wherever you go, and the importance of making time for your wife in sustaining a healthy marriage. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 16, 2018

Episode 170

Will Startup was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. He played his college ball at the University of Georgia where he pitched in the 2004 College World Series.

He was a minor league pitcher for 10 season from 2005-2014 with the Braves, Padres, Orioles and Tigers organizations. In 2006, Startup quickly moved through the minor league system and made it all the way to Triple A in Richmond. He did pitch in a Major League spring training, but never made it to the big leagues and finished his pro career in 2014, pitching in one game for Triple-A Toledo (Detroit Tigers organization).

In part 2 of this two-part episode of the podcast, Will continues to share the emotional and powerful story of his son Copeland. He also takes us to the moment in 2018 when he was finally able to make his Major League Baseball debut, but not in the way you think.

 For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 15, 2018

Episode 169

Will Startup was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 5th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft. He played his college ball at the University of Georgia where he pitched in the 2004 College World Series.

He was a minor league pitcher for 10 season from 2005-2014 with the Braves, Padres, Orioles and Tigers organizations. In 2006, Startup quickly moved through the minor league system and made it all the way to Triple A in Richmond. He did pitch in a Major League spring training, but never made it to the big leagues and finished his pro career in 2014, pitching in one game for Triple-A Toledo (Detroit Tigers organization).

But the trials Startup faced on the field paled in comparison to the adversity he and his wife, Lauren, went through off the field with their son, Copeland.

In part 1 of this two-part episode of the podcast, Will shares his roller coaster baseball journey, being selected by the Braves, why being traded devastated him, how he lived out his faith as a pro pitcher, and the day that his world changed forever while he was walking around a Houston mall in 2012.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 12, 2018

Episode 168

Chris Guccione is an umpire for Major League Baseball. He made his MLB debut on April 25, 2000 and has been a full-time umpire in the Big Leagues since 2009. 

He has umpired many postseason series including the Division Series 6 times, the LCS twice and his first World Series in 2016 (Cubs/Indians). He was also a part of the crew that umpired the 2011 MLB All-Star game. 

On this episode of the podcast, we hear Chris' incredible journey to Christ, why he finally made the decision to walk with the Lord, what its like to be a part of the umpiring crew at the World Series, and the difference between umpiring a regular season game as opposed to the postseason. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 11, 2018

Beginning today, we will be featuring a Throwback Thursday segment from a previous podcast.

Today, we throw it back to Episode 2 of the podcast and feature the testimony of Pastor Matt Chandler of the Village Church. 

You can listen to the entire interview of the podcast here

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 10, 2018

Episode 167

Giyasi Zardes plays soccer in the MLS for the Columbus Crew and is also a member of the United States National team. 

He began his pro soccer career signing with the Los Angeles Galaxy as a homegrown player in 2012. He made his MLS debut on April 15, 2013. 

After a breakout 2014 season in which he scored 16 goals to go with a pair of assists, Zardes has experienced tough times in the production department thanks in part to injury (2016) and the worst Galaxy season ever (2017). In January 2018, the former MLS All-Star was traded to the Columbus Crew and did not disappoint scoring 16 goals through 30 games and is currently 4th in the league in scoring. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Gyasi about his resurgent 2018 season, transitioning to life in Columbus, Ohio, preparing for Team USA matches against Columbia and Peru, what faith looks like in the MLS and how sharing a hashtag on his Instagram page has helped him be more intentional about his faith in Christ. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 9, 2018

Episode 166

London Fletcher played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Rams, Bills and Redskins from 1998-2013. He is a 4-time Pro Bowler who was a member of the 1999 Rams team that won Super Bowl XXXIV.

He played his college football at Division III John Carroll where he was an All-American. He was undrafted in 1998 and signed with the Rams as a free agent. He would make the team out of training camp and never miss a game in his entire 16 year career. He’s one of only 5 players in the history of the NFL to play in over 250 consecutive games. (256)

London is currently working at CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and just recently was named a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019.

In part 2 of our two-part podcast, we talk with London about making it to the NFL after playing Division III college football, playing in 256 consecutive games and if there was ever a time that he almost missed a game due to an injury. We also hear his testimony of coming to faith in Jesus Christ during his time in the NFL with the Bills.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 8, 2018

Episode 165

London Fletcher played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Rams, Bills and Redskins from 1998-2013. He is a 4-time Pro Bowler who was a member of the 1999 Rams team that won Super Bowl XXXIV.

He played his college football at Division III John Carroll where he was an All-American. He was undrafted in 1998 and signed with the Rams as a free agent. He would make the team out of training camp and never miss a game in his entire 16 year career. He's one of only 5 players in the history of the NFL to play in over 250 consecutive games. (256)

London is currently working at CBS Sports as an NFL analyst and just recently was named a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019.

In part 1 of a two-part podcast, we talk with London about being nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, growing up in a very tough environment in Cleveland, Ohio, how he overcame family tragedy to pursue a football career. 

Oct 5, 2018

Episode 164

Demario Davis is a linebacker with the New Orleans Saints. He was selected in the third round of the 2012 by the New York Jets where he played 4 seasons before signing a deal with the Browns. In 2017, he was dealt back to the Jets where he had a career year with 135 combined tackles and 5 sacks in starting all 16 games.

In March of 2018, Davis became an unrestricted free agent and signed a 4-year deal to come to Louisiana and play with the Saints. In Week 4 of the season against the Giants, Demario's 11 tackles and 2 sacks helped the Saints to a 33-18 win over New York. For his efforts, he was named NFC Defensive Player of the Week. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Demario about his transition to New Orleans, faith in the Saints locker room, social justice and why he's a part of the Players Coalition.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 3, 2018

Episode 163

Ryan Carpenter is a hockey player with the Vegas Golden Knights in the NHL. He played his college hockey at Bowling Green University in Ohio where he won the BGSU Rookie of the Year in 2012.

In March of 2014, he was signed as an undrafted free agent by the San Jose Sharks and joined their minor league club in Worcester, MA.

He made his NHL debut in December 12, 2015 with San Jose and would remain on the roster in the postseason as the Sharks made the Stanley Cup Finals.

In 2016-17, he played in 11 games for the Sharks and signed a 2-year deal in June of 2017. A few months later, in December of 2017, he was placed on waivers by San Jose and picked up the next day by the Vegas Golden Knights where he would thrive and help lead the expansion club to an improbable Stanley Cup Finals run.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Ryan about his hockey journey, being a part of a Stanley Cup Finals run with Vegas, what trusting in God looked like to him during uncertain times, how he came to faith in Christ and his favorite NHL moment.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 2, 2018

Episode 162

Samantha Ponder is the host of Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN during the football season. She began her career at ESPN with their Longhorn Network in 2011. Prior to her current role on Sunday Countdown, she had been a staple as a reporter on ESPN's College Gameday and college football broadcasts.

In 2012, she married former NFL QB Christian Ponder is since then, has given birth to three children, two girls and a boy.

In part 2 of a two-part conversation, Sam shares the amazingly crazy story of how she met her husband Christian, whether she likes social media, what the Lord is teaching her and the Bible verse that has stayed with her through the years. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 1, 2018

Episode 161

Samantha Ponder is the host of Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN during the football season. She began her career at ESPN with their Longhorn Network in 2011. Prior to her current role on Sunday Countdown, she had been a staple as a reporter on ESPN's College Gameday and college football broadcasts.

In 2012, she married former NFL QB Christian Ponder is since then, has given birth to three children, two girls and a boy.

On part 1 of a two-part conversation, we talk to Sam about balancing motherhood with her broadcasting career, making the transition from College Gameday to Sunday NFL Countdown, growing up with parents who are missionaries, and speaking out on issues as her platform has evolved over the years

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

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