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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: June, 2020
Jun 30, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

 

Keith Smith is a fullback with the Atlanta Falcons. 2020 will be his 7th NFL season. He was originally undrafted in 2014 after playing his college ball at San Jose State. 

 

The Dallas Cowboys signed Keith in 2014 and he was converted from linebacker to fullback. In 2016, he helped Ezekiel Elliott win the NFL rushing title and contributed to a Cowboys team that tied a team record with 13 regular season wins. 

 

After his stint with the Cowboys ended in 2017, he came to the Raiders for one season in 2018 and then signed with Atlanta. In 2020, he signed a 3-year contract extension to remain with the Falcons. 

 

Follow Keith Smith on Instagram: @beef31

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Jun 29, 2020

Episode 513

Patrick Fraher has been an NBA referee since 2001. He has officiated over 1,100 regular season games and over 50 playoff games in his 19 NBA seasons. In 2015, he officiated the NBA All-Star Game in New York City. 

 

Prior to joining the NBA, Fraher officiated for seven years in the CBA where he worked the Finals and All-Star Game and also spent four years in the WNBA.

 

He attended the University of Minnesota, where he was awarded the Evans Scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Patrick about being scheduled to referee the Utah vs Oklahoma City game in March that was suspended and led to the postponement of the NBA season. We also hear how he became an NBA referee, his favorite Michael Jordan story, and his incredible story of coming to faith in Christ at age 43. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

 

Follow us on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Jun 27, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

 

John O'Leary is a walking miracle. In 1987, John O’Leary was a die-hard St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He was also a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body.

 

He was given a 1% chance to live.

 

And live he did.

 

With the help of a St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame broadcaster, and his love for baseball, John was able to survive and even more than that thrive in life.

 

John is now a motivational speaker and author, sharing his incredible story. His new book, “ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life” was an instant #1 National Bestseller selling 30,000 copies in the first 3 weeks. In May of 2020, John released his second book "In Awe: Rediscovering Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy." 

 

On today's podcast, we talk to John about his new book, why that childlike wonder is something we all should look to rediscover, his love for baseball and how he's found joy amidst the global pandemic. 

 

Follow John on Instagram: @JohnOLeary.Inspires

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

 

Jun 26, 2020

Episode 512

 

Christian Taylor is a U.S. track and field athlete. He is the two-time reigning Olympic champion in the triple jump, winning gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and the 2016 Rio Olympics. He is also the current world champion in the event, taking gold at the 2019 World Championships in Doha, Qatar.

 

At the age of 17, Taylor became the triple jump champion and long jump bronze medalist at the 2007 World Youth Championships, and then established himself as a top-level triple jumper at the University of Florida. He won back-to-back NCAA indoor titles and consecutive NCAA outdoor championships in 2010 and 2011.

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Taylor about the 2020 Summer Olympics being postponed, what training looks like during a pandemic, and why it was important for him to walk the walk and not just talk the talk when it came to being a follower of Christ.

 

Follow Christian on Instagram: @Taylored2Jump

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Jun 25, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

 

Jon Gordon is an author and speaker who has written more than 20 books including "The Energy Bus," "The Power of Positive Leadership" and "The Carpenter."

 

His latest book is called "The Garden: A Spiritual Fable About Ways to Overcome Fear, Anxiety, and Stress and releases everywhere June 30, 2020.

 

Gordon and his leadership principles have been featured on the Today Show, CNN, CNBC, the Golf Channel, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Falcons, L.A. Clippers, Miami Heat, Pittsburgh Pirates, Los Angeles Rams and Clemson football program.

 

On this episode of the podcast we talk to Jon about his faith fueling him to write his new book "The Garden," the 5 D's that can sabotage us, the audibles Jon has had to call during this pandemic and why it's important for us to not take the "bait of hate."

 

Follow Jon on Instagram: @JonGordon11
Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Jun 24, 2020

Episode 511

 

Paula Faris is a longtime journalist and current television correspondent for ABC News. She's also the host of the ABC podcast Journeys of Faith. From 2014 to 2018, Faris was co-anchor of Good Morning America Weekend. She also was co-host of The View for seasons 19-21. 

 

Her new book "Called Out" released in April of 2020 and tells the story of Paula climbing the fast track of journalists and working all the way up to anchor on Good Morning America until she decided she needed to pursue her true calling and walk away from her dream jobs. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Paula about why she left two dream jobs, what it means to pursue her true calling, her incredible love for Michigan football, the unique bond she had with her father over sports and how she lives out her faith at a large corporation like ABC News.

 

Follow Paula on Twitter: @PaulaFaris

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Jun 22, 2020

Episode 510

Avery Johnson is an NBA champion who played 16 years in the NBA from 1988-2004. In college, he was a two-time SWAC player of the Year at Southern but would go undrafted in 1988. He would make his NBA debut in 1988 with Seattle but truly made his mark as a player when he came to San Antonio in 1995 where he would average a career-high 13.4 points per game and help the Spurs to playoff berths in 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001. 

 

In 1999, he helped the Spurs to an NBA championship and in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Johnson hit the game-winning shot in giving San Antonio a 78-77 win and the franchise's first world title.

 

After retiring following the 2003-04 season, Avery would become an assistant coach with Dallas and a year later, he was named the head coach of the Mavericks. In his first year as an NBA coach, he led his club to the Western Conference championship and a trip to the NBA Finals against the Miami Heat. That yea he was named 2006 NBA Coach of the Year. One season later, he led the Mavericks to a club record 67 regular season victories. 

 

Avery would have two other coaching stops with the Nets in the NBA from 2011-2013 and in college at the University of Alabama from 2015-2019. His number 6 is retired by the Spurs and in February of 2009, he was inducted into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Avery about his journey of faith in Christ, how he lived out that faith as an NBA player, his favorite Michael Jordan story, the teachable moments from ESPN's Chicago Bulls documentary "The Last Dance," and how he's been coping with life during the pandemic. 

 

Follow Avery on Twitter @CoachAvery6

 

For more stories, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 19, 2020

Episode 509

 

Ricardo Allen is a defensive back for the Atlanta Falcons. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2014 NFL Draft (pick 147) by Atlanta in 2014 out of Purdue. He quickly became a starter and helped the Falcons to the NFC Championship and a berth in the Super Bowl in 2016. 

 

In August of 2018, Allen signed a three-year contract extension with Atlanta and after suffering an achilles injury in 2018, he returned in 2019 to have a productive season and was named as the Falcons' 2019 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. 

 

In April of 2015, Ricardo and his wife Grace were married and together, they have three children and host their own podcast - "All in with the Allens."

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Ricardo and Grace about their journey of faith, their NFL draft experience, how a difficult loss in Super LI actually helped shape Ricardo in a positive way, and the importance in investing in their marriage.

 

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:

Ricardo Allen

Grace Allen

Sports Spectrum 

Jason Romano

Jun 17, 2020

Episode 508

 

Todd Gongwer is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and former college coach who is passionate about helping others discover their purpose in leadership and life. He is the author of the best-selling book "Lead ... for God's Sake!"

 

His expertise in the area of leadership and team dynamics come from over twenty-five years of a wide range of experiences spanning the world of business and athletics. He’s held senior positions in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-up to public entity while also serving as an assistant college basketball coach for one of the winningest small College programs in the country during the 1990’s.

 

Todd's message has been featured in numerous publications such as ESPN the Magazine, ESPN.com, YahooSports, and Grantland. In addition, his powerful messages are impacting leaders from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, major universities, professional sports teams, school districts, and churches throughout the country.

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Todd about leadership, lessons on turning 50, pivoting during a pandemic, why we should all strive to be Joe the Janitor, and the importance of aligning our pursuits with God. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 17, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

On June 17, 2015, nine people were murdered in a race motivated mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Sharonda Coleman Singleton was one of those people who were killed.

Her son, Chris Singleton joins us today to remember that horrific day, the conversations he was having on race 5 years ago and why they continue to be important conversations to have today. Chris shares why his faith in Christ has helped fuel him to continue sharing his mother's memory and why forgiveness has truly given him freedom to not hold on to bitterness and anger. 

Jun 16, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

 

Matt Holliday played 15 MLB seasons with the Rockies, A's, Cardinals and Yankees. The 7-time All-Star won a World Series with St. Louis in 2011 and won two National League pennants in 2007 with the Rockies and 2013 with the Cardinals. 

 

The 2007 NLCS MVP last played with the Rockies in 2018 and is now coaching baseball at Oklahoma State. 

 

Matt and his wife Leslee join us today to talk about their marriage, starting a new podcast together, adjusting to life after baseball and why Matt says he doesn't like the word "retire."

 

The new podcast "Table Forty" by Matt and Leslee is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network and available to download and listen to for free everywhere podcasts are found. 

Jun 15, 2020

Episode 507

 

Jim Schlossnagle is the baseball coach for Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas He arrived at TCU in 2004 and has compiled an impressive resume that includes 770 career victories and five NCAA Super Regional Appearances and four straight College World Series  appearances. 

 

In 2015 he was named Big 12 Coach of the Year and Baseball America's National Coach of the Year in 2016. His 2020 club was 11-4 until Covid-19 cancelled the rest of their season.

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jim Schlossnagle about his journey of faith, how he's handling the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA baseball season, what he's learned from his children as they battle a retinal disease, how Micah Ahern has impacted his life and the importance of relationships. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 12, 2020

Episode 506

 

Jim Morris is a former MLB player, who's life was portrayed in the Disney movie "The Rookie" back in 2002. His rise to professional baseball's pinnacle was one of the most improbable stories you'll ever see. 

 

Originally selected fourth overall in the 1983 amateur draft (January Secondary) by the Milwaukee Brewers, Jim would suffer arm injuries during his brief four year minor league career that saw him only reach the Single A level. 

 

Morris would retire, move to Big Lake, Texas and become a teacher and high school baseball coach. In the spring of 1999, Morris made a promise to his high school team that he would try out for an MLB team if his club won the District Championship. His team would win and Morris kept his promise to attend a Tampa Bay Devil Rays tryout. That tryout turned into an incredible story that saw Jim make his MLB debut at the age of 35 on September 18, 1999 against the Texas Rangers in his hometown state. 

 

Jim would retire after pitching two seasons in the Majors and write his autobiography "The Oldest Rookie." That book would turn into a Disney movie and Jim Morris' life would be portrayed on the big screen by actor Dennis Quaid. In June 2020, Jim would release his new book "Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to be the Best" and continues to speak and share his story with audiences across the country. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jim Morris about his new book, being portrayed in the movie "The Rookie," what he learned about forgiveness in the relationship with his father, overcoming health issues and using his story to bring glory to God.

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 10, 2020

BONUS EPISODE

 

Mary Pierce is one of the most decorated female tennis players of the past 30 years. She made her tennis debut in March of 1989 at the age of 14 and would go on to a storied career that saw her win two Grand Slam singles championships, 1995 Australian Open, the 2000 French Open and two Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2000 French Open (Doubles) and 2005 Wimbledon (Mixed Doubles).

 

In 2019, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame after a career that saw her high ranking reach as high as No. 3 in the world after defeating Conchita Martinez to win the French Open on June 10, 2000. She is the first Frenchwoman in the Open era and the first French player since Yannick Noah in 1983 to win the French Open title. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Mary Pierce about the 20th anniversary of her winning the French Open, forgiving her father after strained relationship for many years, the journey to faith in Christ, and her desire to give back and serve in today's generation. 

 

Follow Mary on Twitter - @_MaryPierce

 

Check out http://SportsSpectrum.com for more stories of sports and faith. 

Jun 10, 2020

Episode 505

 

Known as one of today’s most gifted comedians, Michael Jr. brings laughter and understanding to audiences all over the world. He has spent a significant portion of his career making laughter commonplace in uncommon places such as homeless shelters and prisons, in addition to empowering his audiences with an appearance in Sony Pictures' feature film War Room as well as a starring role in his latest film Selfie Dad, which is available June 19 on Premium Video on Demand. 

 

Michael has performed on some of the biggest media platforms including The Tonight Show, "The Late, Late Show, Oprah, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, BET, CNN and many others. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Michael Jr. about his new movie Selfie Dad, becoming a comedian, why he desired to keep his content clean and for all ages, his powerful testimony of coming to faith in Christ and his love for Detroit sports. 

 

For more stories on sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 9, 2020

BONUS

 

Tony Boselli is a former Jaguars offensive lineman who played seven seasons in Jacksonville. He was selected in the first round (2nd overall) in the 1995 NFL Draft out of USC and was the first ever draft pick by the Jaguars.

 

Although his playing career was cut short due to injury, Boselli was named to five Pro Bowls in his seven seasons and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.

 

Today, Boselli is a broadcaster, calling games for the Jaguars and doing national broadcasts for Westwood One.

 

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Tony Boselli's journey of faith and the impact teammates like Mark Brunell had on him. He also shares his incredible story of overcoming Covid-19 and what the Lord showed him during his time in the hospital.

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 8, 2020

Episode 504

Cody Hollister is currently playing wide receiver in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. He played his college ball at Arkansas, where he would play in 29 games with 12 starts. As a senior (2016), Cody shared the team's Special Teams MVP award with punter Toby Baker after tallying eight tackles on the punt and kickoff teams.

 

Hollister would go undrafted in 2017 and later sign with the New England Patriots.  

 

He would spend the 2017 season on the practice squad and in 2018, he suffered a back injury that kept him on New England's non-football injury list. He was a member of the Pats 2018 Super Bowl winning team that defeated Los Angeles 13-3.  

 

In 2019, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and he was promoted to the active roster on November 10, 2019 in a game against Kansas City. In week 13, he caught had his first two NFL receptions in a win against Indianapolis. 

 

His twin brother Jacob is also in the NFL, currently playing tight end with the Seattle Seahawks. 

 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Cody about his powerful journey to Jesus, the bond he has with his twin brother Jacob, his struggle with depression and anxiety in college at Arkansas, how he remains content in an uncertain football career. Jacob is also a musician and plays an original song "May the Lord" at the end of our conversation. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 5, 2020

Episode 503

Kyle Korver is a forward with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was selected in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft and made his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. He would go on to play 17 NBA seasons including an All-Star berth in 2015 during his time with the Atlanta Hawks. Kyle holds the NBA record for highest three-point shooting percentage in a regular season game with 53.6% back in 2010 with Utah.

Wesley Woodyard went undrafted coming out of college at Kentucky in 2008 but signed with the Denver Broncos and just finished his 12th NFL season in 2019 as a member of the Tennessee Titans. 

On this episode of the podcast, Wesley Woodyard joins Jason Romano as a co-host to talk with Kyle Korver about all that has taken place in our country since the death of George Floyd. We have a very real and raw conversation about race, faith and reconciliation. 


For more stories of sports and faith, visit http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 4, 2020

BONUS

 

Dave Aranda was named head coach of Baylor Football on January 16, 2020. Last season, he was the Defensive Coordinator and Assistant Head Coach at LSU, where helped the Tigers to an undefeated 15-0 season and a national championship. 

 

On the podcast today, we talk to Coach Aranda about his new role at Baylor, what he's been learning during Covid-19, his long and winding road to faith in Christ and how that faith guides him as a coach. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Jun 3, 2020

Episode 502

Darryl Stinson is a pastor at Life Church in Duluth, Georgia and the founder of SecondChanceAthletes.com, a place to encourage and inspire athletes who are struggling with the transition away from the athletic life.

 

Stinson played college football at Central Michigan from 2008-2011. 

 

As a dynamic TEDx speaker, hip-hop artist, and certified John Maxwell coach, he shares  with audiences his life experience of overcoming addiction, mental illness, and multiple suicide attempts to produce success in his life with current and former athletes across the globe.

 

On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Darryl as he shares his powerful story of addiction, mental illness, suicide and how God helped restore his life while he was in the psych ward. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

 

You can learn more about Darryl's ministry by going to http://SecondChanceAthletes.com 

Jun 2, 2020

Episode 501

Bryan Loritts is a pastor, speaker and award-winning author of seven books. Bryan co-founded Fellowship Memphis in 2003 and later founded The Kainos Movement. In addition to his duties as a pastor, he travels extensively throughout the world preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ as conferences and events. 

 

His latest book "The Dad Difference: The Four Most Important Gifts You Can Give To Your Kids" released June 2, 2020. Bryan is passionate about parenting and shares in his new book how we can be empowered to become dads who makes a difference in the lives of our children.

 

On this episode of the podcast, Bryan shares why he wanted to write about parenting, what he's most encouraged with during this pandemic, why its important to be proactive as fathers with our children, the encouragement he has for believers in sharing their faith, and the biggest spiritual battle that athletes of faith are struggling with. 

 

For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

 

You can learn more about Bryan by going to his website - http://BryanLoritts.com

Jun 1, 2020

Dr. Bryan Loritts is a pastor and author of many books including "The Dad Difference" which releases June 2, 2020. Bryan is the Editor and collaborated on the book "Letters to a Birmingham Jail: A Response to the Words and Dreams of Martin Luther King Jr."

 

Bryan joins us for an important discussion today on race, faith, healing and reconciliation in light of the events that took place this past week in Minneapolis and other areas of the United States with the murder of George Floyd. 

 

This interview was recorded Saturday May 30, 2020

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