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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: February, 2019
Feb 28, 2019

On this THROWBACK THURSDAY edition of the podcast, we revisit our conversation from Episode 69 with former lead singer of the band Third Day, Mac Powell. 

When Mac was a sophomore in high school, he moved to Atlanta, GA where his passion for music and faith found an outlet in the band THIRD DAY. Over the past 25 years THIRD DAY helped transform Christian music and built a devoted fan base while traveling the world many times over, selling nearly 10 million albums, earning 4 Grammy awards, 1 American Music Award, 24 Dove Awards, and by being inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.

In 2018, THIRD DAY ended their time together as Mac and others pursued other passions and projects. Mac has also put together two collections of independent original country music (Mac Powell in 2012 and Southpaw in 2014), which include collaborations with songwriters such as Darius Rucker, Christian Bush (Sugarland), Chris Stapleton, and Travis Tritt.

You can listen to the entire interview with Mac from Episode 69 in January of 2018 here

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

 

Feb 27, 2019

Episode 256

Xavier Scruggs played professional baseball in 2017 and 2018 in Korea. He was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 19th round of the 2008 MLB Draft.

He made his MLB debut with St. Louis on September 4, 2014 and played 2 seasons with the Cardinals before moving to the Marlins in 2016.

In December 2016, he made the decision to sign with the NC Dinos in in Korea where he hit .300 with 35 home runs in 2017. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Xavier about baseball in Korea, the decision to go play overseas after 3 seasons of Major League Baseball, what God taught him in Korea and how he stayed grounded in his faith playing baseball with the Dinos. 

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

Feb 26, 2019

Episode 255

Chris Draft played 12 years in the NFL with the Bears, 49ers, Falcons, Panthers, Rams, Bills and Redskins. He was selected in the 1998 NFL Draft in the 6th round (157 overall).

He was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter at inside linebacker for Stanford in college where he was a two-time Second-team All-Pacific-10 Conference selection. 

Draft is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Chris Draft Family Foundation (CDFF) whose mission has been to empower families to lead healthy lifestyles. He is also the Co-Founder of Team Draft, leading the creation of a national campaign that is changing the face of lung cancer. He is an internationally recognized speaker, community leader, and family and character advocate who serves as an NFL Ambassador and a national spokesperson on many health-related issues, including the care and treatment of asthma, from which he suffers, and lung cancer.

In 2006, while with the Carolina Panthers, he met Keasha Rutledge. In November 2010, after Chris had announced his retirement from the NFL, Keasha was the vision of health and a non-smoker, doing P90X and preparing to run in a 10K race. A shortness of breath led her to see her primary care physician who ordered X-rays and discovered a mass in her chest. Additional tests and confirmed Stage IV Lung Cancer. On November 27, 2011, standing side-by-side, Chris and Keasha launched Team Draft at their wedding with the expressed goal to fight lung cancer. Just one month later, Keasha lost her courageous fight and died at the age of 38.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Chris about manhood, faith, health challenges, and overcoming adversity. 

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

Feb 25, 2019

Episode 254

LaChina Robinson calls games for a myriad of companies including ESPN, Fox Sports, Raycom’s ACC women’s basketball, the Atlanta Dream, and works at ESPNW, where she hosts the “Around The Rim” podcast.

After her tenure as a star basketball player for Wake Forest University ended, Robinson developed a winning transition offense: she went on to work as an administrator for the Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball Program for several years- and she never missed a game. She then leveraged her experience on the court and her passion for collaboration into the career of her dreams: broadcasting. Her broadcasting career began when she was asked to cover the WBNA’s Atlanta Dream in 2008, both on radio and television for Fox Sports South: 2015 marked her eighth season as the basketball analyst for WNBA’s The Atlanta Dream.  ESPN asked Robinson to join the team in 2009.

Over the course of her broadcasting career, Robinson has celebrated many triumphs. During the 2014- 15 season, Robinson was an analyst on ESPN2’s women’s college basketball Sunday telecasts, and she made her sixth consecutive appearance as a game analyst during ESPN’s coverage of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship first and second rounds. The 2015 national tournament marked Robinson’s third year as a reporter in the regional round: since 2012 she has served as a reporter covering the Women’s Final Four for espnW and NCAA.com. In 2013, Robinson made her debut as the primary analyst for Fox Sports 1’s Big East Women’s Basketball package. Robinson has covered the WNBA Draft for ESPN and espnW, as well  as serving as a reporter for ESPN during the WNBA Playoffs. In 2010, NBA TV selected Robinson to serve as its primary WNBA analyst in studio: she went on to serve as a reporter for the networks at the WNBA All-Star game as well as the WNBA Finals.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to LaChina about her crazy basketball broadcasting schedule, what she's learned from failure, her powerful testimony of coming to Christ and her thoughts on Maya Moore's decision to pursue Christ and step away from the WNBA.

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

Feb 22, 2019

Episode 253

Chris Dowling is a writer, producer and director known for his work on such films as WHERE HOPE GROWS and PRICELESS and the television series Repo Games. Chris earned his radio/television/film degree from the University of Texas and moved to Los Angeles in 2009, when he wrote and directed his debut film ROCK SLYDE featuring Patrick Warburton.

As the director and co-writer of the new film RUN THE RACE, Chris joins Tim Tebow and his brother Robby to help bring a story of hope told through the story of football. In theaters today, February 22nd, RUN THE RACE shows what's possible when you run to-instead of from-the overwhelming love of God. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Chris about the new movie, how he became a part of it, having Tim Tebow as an executive producer, faith in Hollywood, his powerful story of coming to Christ and his love for the Dallas Cowboys. 

For more on the movie, check out RunTheRaceMovie.com

Feb 21, 2019

Episode 252

Case Keenum has been a quarterback in the NFL since 2012. At the University of Houston, Case set several NCAA passing records and was a 2-time Conference USA Player of the Year and 2-time winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy for the nation's top collegiate passer. 

Case's NFL journey has taken him to Houston, St. Louis, back to Houston, back to St. Louis, then Los Angeles (Rams), Minnesota in 2017 and Denver in 2018.

He and his wife Kimberly join us on the podcast to discuss the news of the Broncos trading for Joe Flacco, how uncertainty hasn't kept them from trusting in God's plan, the use of social media in their lives and why they want to tell the story of their struggles in the midst of them. 

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

Feb 20, 2019

Episode 251

Shaun Alexander played 9 seasons in the NFL from 2000-2008 with the Seahawks and Redskins. The 3-time Pro Bowler helped Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, a season where he also rushed for a then NFL record 28 touchdowns in winning the NFL MVP. 

Chris Broussard is well known sports commentator who spent many years with ESPN as an NBA reporter. He's now with Fox Sports where he hosts a radio show and podcast and makes regular television appearances. Chris is the founder of K.I.N.G ministries equipping men across the country in growing as followers of Jesus. 

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke to Shaun and Chris at an event in Atlanta on biblical manhood, the struggles that men have in becoming disciples of Jesus, athletes living for Jesus, and unity within the church. 

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

Feb 19, 2019

Episode 250

Jason Adam is a pitcher with the Kansas City Royals. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Royals but his ride to the majors was anything but smooth. Injuries played a huge factor. Throw in a trade and being released multiple times and baseball life was anything but smooth for Adam.

But after 6 seasons in the minor leagues, Jason's dream became a reality in May of 2018 when he was recalled by Kansas City.

He would finish the year pitching in 31 MLB games, striking out 37 batters in 32.1 innings pitched. In December 2018, Jason re-signed with the Royals on a 1-year deal. 

Jason and his wife Kelsey were married in 2014 and in 2018, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Kinsley. 

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Jason's crazy journey to the big leagues, going to seminary with his wife, becoming a new dad and the day he got called up to the Royals. 

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

Feb 18, 2019

Episode 249

Chris Mortensen is an award-winning journalist and one of the most respected and accomplished reporters covering the National Football League today. A senior NFL Insider, Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991. He regularly appears on NFL Insiders, NFL Live, Sunday NFL CountdownMonday Night CountdownSportsCenter and other programs. Mortensen also contributes to ESPN’s annual Super Bowl week and NFL Draft coverage, and his work regularly appears on ESPN.com.

Mortensen, who was honored by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) with the prestigious Dick McCann Award for his long and distinguished contribution to pro football in 2016, has covered every Super Bowl since 1985 with the exception of Super Bowl 50 when he was forced to take a leave of absence after being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, Mortensen broke one of the biggest news stories of the NFL offseason when his report in March 2016 confirmed that future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning would retire after 18 NFL seasons.

Mort, as so many call him, is also a follower of Christ and on this episode of the podcast, he shares with us an update on his ongoing battle with cancer, his journey to faith in the Lord, how he navigates sharing his faith as a public figure, and the reason he has Matthew 18:6 on his Twitter page.

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

Feb 15, 2019

Episode 248

After spending six seasons working under Tony Bennett as associate head coach at Virginia, McKay returned to Liberty as the men's basketball head coach on April 1, 2015. McKay previously served as the program's head coach during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

Despite being predicted to finish 11th in the 2015-16 Big South Preseason Poll, McKay guided the Flames to a top five seed and a first round bye in the 2016 Big South Championship, finishing 10-8 in conference play. The Flames' finish in the standings prompted McKay to receive Big South Coach of the Year honors.

Before returning to Liberty, McKay helped the Cavaliers post a 136-64 record, including back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15.

Prior to his days in Charlottesville, McKay served two seasons as Liberty's men's basketball coach, posting a 39-28 overall record and a 19-13 mark in Big South play. He was named the seventh head coach in program history on March 26, 2007.

Coming into the 2018-19 season, McKay has compiled a 204-186 career coaching record in 13 seasons as a head coach and has the  winningest career coaching record in program history with a .582 winning percentage.  Prior to his first stint as head coach at Liberty, McKay served as head coach at Portland State (1996-98), Colorado State (1998-00), Oregon State (2000-02) and New Mexico (2002-07).

This season, Liberty is having a terrific season, already winning 20 games (through Feb. 11) and is the favorite to make the NCAA Tournament out of the Big South Conference. On December 29, 2018, Liberty defeated a Pac-12 opponent for the first time in its school's history, as they went into historic Pauley Pavilion and beat UCLA, 73-58.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to coach McKay about how this season has been going, his faith journey, the differences coaching for a place like Virginia compared to coaching at Liberty and the incredible story of his Dad coming to faith in Christ on his death bed. 

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

Feb 14, 2019

Ted DiBiase is a former WWE wrestler, who was inducted into their hall of fame in 2010.

Known as “The Million Dollar Man,” DiBiase was regarded as one of the greatest villains in pro wrestling history.

In his 25 year career in the wrestling industry, Ted wrestled in some of the biggest venues in the world: Madison Square Garden, The Superdome, The Skydive, The Tokyo Dome and Wembley Stadium.

Today, Ted is a full-time evangelist and motivational speaker. Officially ordained into the ministry, he speaks to churches, youth groups, men’s meetings, businesses and in public schools and universities all over the world. Ted is also a spokesman for THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill and handicapped children

Ted is married to his wife Melanie and has three sons, Michael, Ted Jr, and Brett.

On this Throwback Thursday edition of the podcast, Ted shares his testimony of coming to faith in Christ.

You can listen to the entire interview, Episode 50 of the podcast, here

 

Feb 13, 2019

Episode 247

Rocco Grimaldi plays professional hockey with the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He was selected in the second round (33rd overall) by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL Draft after playing his college hockey at the University of North Dakota.

He made his NHL debut on November 1, 2014 with Florida and even had the unique honor of playing in 2 professional hockey games, with 2 different teams, in the same day. 

He was traded from Florida to Colorado on June 23, 2016 and then signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators in July of 2018. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Rocco about the grind of playing in the NHL, how he lives his faith out as a hockey player, being patient in the midst of adversity, and how he came to play 2 pro hockey games with 2 different teams in the same day.

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

Feb 12, 2019

Episode 246

Janie Reed is a member of Team USA softball's 2019 Women's National Team. She played her college softball at the University of Oregon, where she was an NFCA All-American 3 straight years as well as First Team All-Pac-12.

In 2018, she represented Team USA in the WBSC Women's World Championship, where she won a Gold Medal, hitting .360 (9-for-25) with 1 HR, 6 RBI and 7 runs scored, helping  America qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

Janie also was part of a group of people who started a ministry called "Church on the Dirt,"where as Vice President, she helps merge the worlds of faith and athletics nationally, by sharing the love and presence of Christ to coaches, families, and athletes when they are unable to attend church.

On this episode of the podcast, Janie Reed shares her vision for Church on the Dirt, why she wanted to bring Jesus to the field, her experience as a chaplain in Oklahoma, playing for Team USA in Japan and being a part of a team that was able to clinch a spot in the 2020 Summer Olympics. 

Married to professional baseball player Jake Reed, Janie appeared with her husband on Episode 91 of the podcast, which you can listen to here.

Feb 11, 2019

Episode 245

Danny Kanell is currently a sports commentator for Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports Radio and CBS Sports. He played his college football as a quarterback at Florida State under hall of fame coach Bobby Bowden where he would later be inducted into the Florida State Athletic Hall of Fame. He also played baseball with the Seminoles and would be drafted in the 25th round of the 1993 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees.

Upon returning to football, he would set his eyes on the NFL and in 1996, he was selected in the 4th round by the New York Giants. His NFL career saw him play 9 seasons with the Giants, Falcons and Broncos.

After his football career was over, Danny went into broadcasting, where he worked with ESPN as an analyst and radio host for over a decade before being laid off in April of 2017.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny about the impact Bobby Bowden had on his life, where his faith journey took shape, being let go by ESPN, the regret he has for not sharing his faith with others and why Romans 8:28 has been a verse he's clinged to. 

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

Feb 8, 2019

Episode 244

Scott Smith is a co-host of the "Scott and Kelli" everyday from 11am - 4pm ET on the KLOVE radio network. Scott grew up in southern Minnesota where his passion for sports was fueled by watching his dad coach high school football, track and basketball. As a boy, Scott dreamed of being a professional football player for his beloved Minnesota Vikings.

At the age of 15, Scott got his first job in broadcasting, as a radio DJ on KKOJ in Jackson, MN. For 24 years, Scott has worked in Christian radio, with the past 11 being with KLOVE.

Scott has been married to Missy for the past 25 years and has 3 children, Nathan, Austin and Charin. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about his job with KLOVE, which famous athlete listens to his show, his powerful story of coming to faith, facing temptations as a young broadcaster and how Christians can do a better job of not putting famous Christian athletes on pedestals. 

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

Feb 7, 2019

Francis Chan is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Community Church and author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and Erasing Hell. He travels throughout the world challenging Christians to a higher commitment to Christ. He’s also the founder of Eternity Bible College and has been pastoring churches and discipling people for over 25 years. He currently lives with his family in the Bay Area where he oversees We Are Church, a network of house churches.

On this Throwback Thursday edition of the podcast, Francis shares his thoughts on discipleship and the state of the local church. 

The original interview featured Francis and Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright at a conference in San Antonio, TX discussing their unique friendship, what Adam is learning from Francis’ teaching, why it’s important to use your platform to share the Gospel, and what is breaking Francis’ heart in the church. You can listen to the entire interview HERE

Feb 6, 2019

Episode 243

Jonathan Byrd made his professional golf debut in 2000 after a successful college career at Clemson University where he was the first four-time First Team All-ACC player in the school's history.

In 2002, Jonathan was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year ands gone on to a golf career that has seen him finish with 5 PGA Tour wins and 2 Web.com wins. 

In 2003, he finished tied for 8th at the Masters and tied for 15th at the U.S. Open. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jonathan about his beloved Clemson Tigers, how to "struggle well," playing the Masters, and living a life of faith on the pro tour. 

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

Feb 5, 2019

Episode 242

Chase Anderson is a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was selected in the 9th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and made his MLB debut 5 years later, May 11, 2014. 

He was traded to the Brewers on January 30, 2016 and has been a part of their starting rotation ever since.

In 2017, he went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts. Last season, he went 9-8 in 30 starts and helped the Brewers win 96 games and the National League Central division. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Chase about his love for the Dallas Cowboys, what his offseason preparation looks like, dealing with setbacks and adversity, the impact his Dad had on his life and how his faith in Christ sustains him during a long MLB season. 

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

Feb 4, 2019

Episode 241

What is Football Sunday? It’s a free resource for churches to provide their people with an inside look at faith in the NFL in a way that’s relatable to all. The main feature is an in-church sermon-replacement video starring prominent NFL players, but shorter portions of that 30-minute video are also made available, along with other tools geared to reach communities.

This year’s presentation features the stories and testimonies of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum and New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis. It is hosted by Saints tight end Benjamin Watson.

Also included are interviews with Christ-followers on the teams set to play in Super Bowl LIII, the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. The video closes with a Gospel presentation.

Enjoy Football Sunday 2019!

For more information, go to http://SportsSpectrum.com

 

Feb 1, 2019

Episode 240

Live from Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, we were able to catch up with Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard to talk about his experience as a broadcaster this week, what he learned from his team beating the Patriots this year, and how he's living out his faith both as a football player, but even more, this week, as a media personality.

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

Feb 1, 2019

Episode 239

As we ready for Super Bowl LIII, Sports Spectrum was able to travel down to the site of the big game in Atlanta and talk to various members of the New England Patriots, the AFC Champions.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

- Sony Michel, Running Back

- Steven Gostkowski, Kicker

- Rex Burkhead, Running Back

- Philip Dorsett, Wide Receiver

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

Feb 1, 2019

Episode 238

As we ready for Super Bowl LIII, Sports Spectrum was able to travel down to the site of the big game in Atlanta, and talk to various members of the Los Angeles Rams, the NFC Champions.

GUESTS INCLUDE:

- Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver

- Rodger Saffold, Offensive Lineman

- Johnny Hekker, Punter

- Michael Brockers, Defensive Lineman

- Robert Woods, Wide Receiver

- Justin Lawler, Defensive Lineman 

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

 

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