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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: September, 2020
Sep 30, 2020

Adam Weber is the pastor of the founder and pastor of Embrace Church in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. 

He is the author of two books "Talkng with God" and his most recent release, "Love Has A Name." 

Adam is also the biggest Cincinnati Bengals fan in South Dakota, and maybe west of the Mississippi. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Adam about his new book "Love Has a Name," his love for music, the excitement for Joe Burrow, why he loves meeting the strangest of strangers and the importance of caring for your own soul. 

 

Follow Adam on Twitter: @AdamWeber

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 29, 2020

Episode 545

Steve Palazzolo is a former pro baseball pitcher who is currently a senior analyst with Pro Football Focus. Steve played his college baseball at UMass-Lowell but went undrafted and signed to play Independent baseball with the Florence Freedom in Kentucky. He was able to turn that opportunity into an eight-year pro baseball career that saw him reach as high as AAA with the Brewers, Giants and Mariners organizations. 

After his baseball career came to an end in 2011, he pursued his passion to work in pro football, joining Cris Collinsworth and the team from Pro Football Focus. Steve currently lives in Cincinnati with his wife and four children and serves in the local church and with a local addiction program called "Heritage House." 

On today's podcast, we talk to Steve about his pro baseball career, his unique job with Pro Football Focus, coming to faith on a baseball road trip in Nashville and his desire to serve those who are stuck in addiction. 

Follow Steve on Twitter: @PFF_Steve

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 27, 2020

Episode 544

Benjamin Watson played 16 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots, Browns, Saints and Ravens. He retired after the 2019 season as a Super Bowl champion with 547 career receptions. 

In retirement, one of Benjamin's first projects in retirement is serving with his wife Kirsten as Executive Producers on a new documentary called "Divided Hearts of America" released September 17, 2020. 

On today's podcast, we talk to Benjamin about retirement, watching Drew Brees and Tom Brady play QB, his new documentary and why it is important for him to cultivate conversations on difficult topics like race and abortion. 

Follow Benjamin on Twitter: @BenjaminSWatson

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 25, 2020

Episode 543

Nik Wallenda is the King of the High Wire. He is the holder of seven Guinness World Records and is the first person ever to tightrope directly over Niagara Falls. 

The seventh-generation member of the legendary Wallenda family, Nik walked 1,800 feet on a steel cable over a volcano in Nicaragua back in March of 2020. He's also walked across the Grand Canyon and in June of 2019, he walked across Times Squae in New York City.

Nik is also an author and has written two books "Balance" released in June of 2013, and his latest book "Facing Fear: Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What's Holding You Back." releasing September 15, 2020. 

On today's podcast, we talk to Nik about the incredible career he's had as King of the High Wire. He also shares about overcoming fear and why he wrote a new book on the topic. Nik's goal is to point people to Jesus through the death defying acrobats and stunts that he performs. 

Follow Nik on Instagram: @NikWallenda

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 24, 2020

Jason Wright is president of the Washington Football Team. His responsibilities include leading the organization's business divisions, including operations, finance, sales, and marketing.

He is the first Black team president in the history of the NFL and currently is the youngest team president in the League. He is the fourth former NFL player to become president of a team.

On today's podcast, we talk to Jason about his new role, the importance of the golden rule in his job, why integrity is important, how his faith strengthened during a poignant time in college and how being an NFL running back has helped him in his new role with Washington.

Follow Jason on Twitter: @WhoisJWright

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 22, 2020

Episode 542

T.C. Stallings is an author and actor who has appeared in movies such as "Courageous" and "War Room," which reached number one at the box office upon its release in 2015. 

A former college football star at Louisville, Stallings played professional football in Canada and in the Arena League before pursuing an acting career. 

His new documentary "24 Counter: The Story BEHIND the Run" is available now to stream on Amazon Prime. 

On today's podcast, we talk to T.C. Stallings about his job as an actor during the pandemic, losing his mom to Covid-19, the new documentary 24 Counter, and trusting in God during the 2020 social justice movement.

Follow T.C. Stallings on Twitter: @TCStallings

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 20, 2020

Episode 541

Tony Beasley is currently the third base coach for the Texas Rangers. Originally selected in the 19th round of the 1989 MLB Draft as a player, Tony would play ten seasons playing minor league ball from 1989-1998, making two Carolina League All-Star teams but never made it to the major leagues as a player. 

After retiring from playing, Tony went into coaching and would achieve his MLB dream by becoming a coach with the Washington Nationals under manager Frank Robinson. After spending four seasons in Washington, Tony moved to the Pirates organization and in 2015, he was named to his current role with the Rangers. 

In February of 2016, Beasley was diagnosed with rectal cancer, forcing him to miss the start of the 2016 season. He was declared cancer-free in December 2016.

On today's podcast, we talk to Tony Beasley about the abbreviated 2020 MLB season, his journey from playing to coaching baseball, how baseball led him to Christ, his love for singing and how his faith sustained him during his battle with cancer. 

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 18, 2020

Episode 542

Chris Canty played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Cowboys, Giants and Ravens. He is currently the co-host of DiPietro, Canty & Rothenberg on 98.7 FM ESPN Radio in New York City.

He was a member of the 2011 New York Giants championship team that beat New England 21-17 in Super Bowl XLVI.

On today's podcast, we talk to Chris about winning a Super Bowl in New York City, being a radio host during a pandemic, growing up the son of a preacher and how his faith was tested as he overcame the odds to become an NFL player. 

Follow Chris on Instagram: @ChrisCanty99

Follow Sports_Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 17, 2020

Daniel Darling is the author of the new book "A Way with Words: Using our Online Conversations for Good." 

He is the Senior Vice President of Communications at the National Religious Broadcasters and is a speaker and shares around the country. He has been featured on MSNBC, CNN and FOX as well as Christianity Today and In Touch Magazine. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Daniel about his crazy love for the Chicago Cubs, his thoughts on The Last Dance Chicago Bulls documentary, and the importance of using social media for good. 

 

Follow Daniel on Twitter: @DanDarling

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

 

 

Sep 15, 2020

Episode 539

Lecrae is a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling artist and a New York Times bestselling author, as well as an entrepreneur, speaker and co-owner/president of Reach Records.

He has sold more than 3 million copies and has been nominated for five Grammy Awards, including a win for Best Gospel Album. From his 2017 album, "All Things Work Together," his single "I'll Find You" (featuring Tori Kelly) is now certified as "Platinum" by the Recording Industry Association of America (meaning it has sold 2 million units).

On October 13, Lecrae is releasing his new book, "I Am Restored,"  and that coincides with a new album, "Restoration," released in August, as well as a forthcoming documentary.

You can download a free sample chapter of the book if you pre-order at lecrae.com/restored and get a free single (not on his latest album) called "I Am Restored."

On today's podcast, Lecrae shares about his love of the NBA, meeting Michael Jordan, what it means to be restored, how he came to faith in Christ, and why he feels it is important to bring awareness to social justice issues.

Follow Lecrae on Instagram: @Lecrae

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 14, 2020

Episode 538

David Nurse is an NBA life and optimization coach, author and worldwide motivational speaker. As a former professional basketball player (both international and domestic) and a coach for the Brooklyn Nets, David has personally helped over 150 NBA players with their personal and professional development both on and off the court. He has been invited to speak in over 50 different countries on the topics of overall personal development, confidence building, leadership, and motivational growth.

His new book, Pivot & Go is a compelling, hands-on blueprint to changing course and leading the life you want to live—today. In this guide, David outlines a clear 29-day plan; not to living the life, but to living your absolute best life.

Today on the podcast, David Nurse shares what an NBA life optimization coach entails, the return of the NBA in the bubble, being the nephew to Raptors head coach Nick Nurse, the pivot he made from playing basketball to coaching and the importance of prayer and discipline in his spiritual journey. 

Follow David on Instagram: @DavidNurseNBA

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 11, 2020

Episode 537

Herm Edwards is the head coach of the Arizona State football team. The former NFL defensive back came to Arizona State in December of 2017 after eight years as an ESPN NFL analyst. He led the Sun Devils to an 8-5 record in 2019 and a victory in the 2019 Sun Bowl over Florida State.

In 1977, after going undrafted, Herm signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and would spend the next nine seasons playing defensive back in Philly. During his Eagles career, he never missed a game, playing in 135 consecutive games until he was released in 1986.

After his retirement, Herm went into coaching and was an assistant for Marty Schottenheimer in Kansas City and Tony Dungy in Tampa before being named the head coach of the New York Jets in 2001. He would spend five seasons with the Jets and then move on to Kansas City, where he was the Chiefs head coach from 2006-2008. In 2009, he signed with ESPN and would spend eight years as a television analyst before signing with Arizona State.

On today's podcast, we talk to Coach Herm Edwards about the 2020 Pac-12 season being postponed, the challenges he's faced during the pandemic, the lessons he learned as an ESPN analyst, being a voice of reason and how his faith has played an important role in his life.

 

Follow Herm on Twitter: @HermEdwards

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 10, 2020

Chad Veach is the founder and lead pastor of ZOE Church in Los Angeles. He is an international speaker and the author of two best-selling books. Veach also hosts the "Leadership Lean In" podcast. 

His new book "HELP, I WORK WITH PEOPLE" released August 18, 2020. 

Today on the show we talk to Chad about his love for sports, how Kobe Bryant's death impacted him, his definition of a leader and what it has been like to lead during the current climate of 2020.

 

Follow Chad on Instagram: @ChadVeach

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 9, 2020

Episode 536

Darren Woodson played 13 seasons as a safety in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys from 1992-2004. In 1992 he was selected in the second round by the Cowboys after a successful college career at Arizona State. Woodson was a member of three Super Bowl teams in 1992, 1993, and 1995, was a four-time first-team All-Pro, was selected to five Pro Bowls and in 2015, was elected to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor. 

After retiring in 2004, Woodson would move on to a successful career in broadcasting, where he was an NFL analyst with ESPN for over a decade. In 2005, he was inducted into the Arizona State University Hall of Fame and in April 2009, Woodson was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame.

In 2020, he launched a new podcast called "The Darren Woodson Show." 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Darren Woodson about starting his new podcast, his decision to leave ESPN, overcoming a Covid-19 diagnosis, how his faith in Jesus has guided him and what it was like to win Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys. 

Follow Darren on Instagram: @DarrenWoodson28

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 7, 2020

Episode 541

Danny Wuerffel is one of the most decorated college football players of all-time. He was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and won the Heisman Trophy in 1996, when he helped lead Florida to college football's national championship.

He was selected in the fourth round of the 1997 NFL Draft by the Saints, and went on to play six seasons in the NFL from 1997-2002 with New Orleans, Green Bay, Chicago and Washington. In 2013, he was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame.

Wuerffel is currently the executive director for Desire Street Ministries, helping under-resourced areas across the Southeast by partnering with leaders to create thriving and sustainable neighborhoods.

On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny Wuerffel about navigating 2020, overcoming an autoimmune disorder, being sanctified and how he began to appreciate the forgiveness in God during college at Florida.

 

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 4, 2020

Episode 541

Marcus Spears is an NFL analyst for ESPN who appears daily on NFL Live. The former NFL defensive end initially joined ESPN as a college football analyst for the SEC Network in April 2014.

He was selected in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft (20th overall) by the Dallas Cowboys after a successful college career at LSU. Spears would go on to play defensive end for nine NFL seasons with the Cowboys and Ravens before retiring in 2014.

In college at LSU, he played tight end, fullback and defensive end under Nick Saban from 2001-04. During his sophomore year he became a full-time defensive player and his contributions to the team helped lead the Tigers to two SEC Championships titles (2001, 2003) and the 2004 BCS National Championship.

On today's podcast, we talk to Marcus about his television celebrity on ESPN, when he first realized broadcasting would be his post-NFL career, playing for Nick Saban and Bill Parcells, how his faith has guided him during his life and why 2020 has given him a chance for self-reflection. 

Follow Marcus on Instagram: @MSpear96

Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Sep 3, 2020

Morgan Snyder is a speaker, teacher and author of "Becoming a King: The Path to Restoring the Heart of a Man."

On today's podcast, Morgan shares what it means to become a king, the challenges of being a sports parent, men mishandling power and what it means to be a student of our own heart. 

You can learn more about Morgan and his ministry at BecomeGoodSoil.com

Sep 1, 2020

Episode 540

Scott Hanson is the voice you hear and see every Sunday during the football season hosting the NFL's Red Zone Channel. Hanson joined NFL Media in 2006 as a national reporter covering all 32 teams. He transitioned into studio hosting in 2008, and was named the host of NFL RedZone during its inaugural season in 2009. Produced by NFL Network, NFL RedZone whips around every NFL game on Sunday afternoons delivering the touchdowns and most exciting moments live and in high definition. NFL RedZone and Hanson are widely praised by the fans and media.

On today's podcast, we welcome Scott back to the show as he shares about gearing up for the 2020 NFL season, preparing for each Sunday's Red Zone broadcast, how God has brought him through the death of his father in 2020 and what God is teaching him through the various books and podcasts he's been listening to. 

The book Scott referenced in the interview today is called "Hidden in Plain View" by Lydia McGrew

Follow Scott on Twitter: @ScottHanson

Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

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