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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: 2021
Dec 31, 2021

Hendon Hooker is the starting QB for the Tennessee Volunteers. In the 2021 TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Purdue on December 30, 2021, Hooker passed for 378 yards and 5 touchdown passes. 

His new comic book "The ABC's of Scripture for Athletes" is available now. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Hendon Hooker about his decision to return to Tennessee in 2022 and why he felt the Lord led him to create this new comic book.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 29, 2021

Caleb Joseph is a professional baseball player who was selected in the 7th round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. He made his MLB debut in May of 2014. He played five seasons with the Baltimore Orioles from 2014-2018 and spent one season in 2019 with the Diamondbacks and one with the Blue Jays in 2020. In 2021, he spent time with the Mets and the Mariners. 

On the show today, Caleb Joseph shares transparent stories of living on a very low income as a minor league baseball player and how he stewarded his money after becoming a big league player. Connor Lowery from Ronald Blue Trust also joins the conversation to share encouragement for all of us in how to handle our finances well. 

Today’s podcast is presented by Ronald Blue Trust — Ronald Blue Trust advisors apply biblical wisdom and technical expertise to help clients make wise financial decisions to experience clarity and confidence and leave a lasting legacy. With nearly $11.5 billion of assets under advisement and a nationwide network of 16 offices, they offer comprehensive financial services and objective advice to over 10,000 clients across the wealth spectrum in all 50 states.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 27, 2021

Tim Elko is a member of the Ole Miss baseball team and the SEC’s reigning Scholar-Athlete of the Year. In 2021, he was a preseason All-American and team captain, but suffered a torn ACL in April. Incredibly, he returned a month later and was a pivotal member of the Ole Miss baseball team’s postseason run.

In last season’s NCAA Oxford Regional, Elko hit a grand slam in the opening game against Southeast Missouri, then had two home runs and led his team to a victory in the finale against Southern Mississippi a few days later. Ole Miss was eliminated by Arizona in the Super Regionals.

Today on the podcast, Elko shares about the highs and lows of 2021, suffering a torn ACL, returning to play, and why his desire is to be a light for Jesus Christ to a hurting world through the game of baseball.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 26, 2021

Luke Norsworthy is the senior minister of Westover Hills Church and the author of "God over Good" and "Befriending Your Monsters." He also hosts a weekly podcast called "Norsworthy," discussing faith in the modern world. 

Today, Cole Claybourn speaks to pastor Luke about being a collegiate athlete, the lessons that sports teaches us about faith and life, using sports illustrations in his sermons and how an NFL quarterback's family helped him move forward after the loss of his mother. 

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 24, 2021

Mark Schlereth is an NFL analyst with FOX Sports and a 3-time Super Bowl champion from his 12-year career as an offensive lineman in the NFL with Washington and Denver. 

Today, Jade McCarthy talks to Mark about the 2021 NFL season, loving the process, being part of a team, his morning devotionals and what Christmas means to him.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 22, 2021

Steve Stenstrom is a former NFL quarterback who played six seasons with the Bears, 49ers, Lions and Broncos. In college, Steve was a standout quarterback for Stanford under coaches Denny Green and Bill Walsh. He holds numerous passing records including total passing yards and completions.

After his playing career ended in 2001, Steve went into sports ministry and is currently the President of Pro Athletes Outreach and Sports Spectrum.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Steve about his journey to Jesus, his NFL Draft experience, grieving the loss of his brother, turning 50 years old, leading a pro athlete ministry and what it was like to play with Jerry Rice and Terrell Owens.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 20, 2021

Andre Wadsworth was selected third overall in the 1998 NFL Draft after a stellar college career at Florida State. During his college career with the Seminoles, Wadsworth was named to the First or Second-Team All ACC all four years. In 1997, he finished his season with 16 sacks and was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.

Regarded as the top prospect in the 1998 NFL Draft, Wadsworth was selected third to the Arizona Cardinals behind Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. His rookie year, he helped the Cardinals reach the second round of the playoffs. Injuries would take a toll on Wadsworth, who has had multiple knee surgeries that ultimately would end his career in 2007.

Currently, he is the Senior Executive Pastor and founder of IMPACT CHURCH in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Andre about his current role as a pastor, his desire to disciple and help people grow in their faith, the lessons he learned from playing for Florida State legendary coach Bobby Bowden, and why he continues to trust in God during a difficult season of life.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 19, 2021

Jordan Raynor is a bestselling author and serial entrepreneur who has helped millions of Christians connect the gospel to their work. 

His latest Book “REDEEMING YOUR TIME: 7 Biblical Principles for Being Purposeful, Present and Wildly Productive” released October 19, 2021

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 17, 2021

Former NFL Quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Kurt Warner joins us today to talk about the new film "American Underdog" being released and what it was like to have a movie made about your life. 

American Underdog is in theaters on Christmas Day. You can order your tickets here

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 16, 2021

Dalton Risner is the starting left guard for the Denver Broncos. He joins Jade McCarthy today to talk about his amazing tattoos, starting his Risner Up Foundation, leaving a lasting legacy, honoring the late Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas in last week’s win over Detroit, and previewing the matchup against Cincinnati this coming Sunday.

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

 

Dec 15, 2021

Samantha Ricketts is the head softball coach at Mississippi State. She was named to her current position in July 2019 after coaching stops at Wichita State and as an assistant at Mississippi State. In her first season, she became the fastest head coach in program history to reach 20 wins, doing so in 23 games and is the only coach in program history to have her team nationally ranked at some point during her first year.

Prior to coaching, she played softball at Oklahoma University under head coach Patty Gasso. During her time with the Sooners, she was a two time All-American and team captain.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Samantha Ricketts about leadership, serving others, lessons learned at Oklahoma from Patty Gasso, living a faith-filled life, and the importance of Philippians 4:6.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 13, 2021

Anita Howard is the head coach of Georgia Southern's Women's basketball team. She is the first African American female head coach at Georgia Southern and was named to her current position back in April of 2019. Prior to that, she spent three years at Columbus State University where she led her squad to the Elite Eight and two NCAA Division II championship appearances.

In college, Howard was a standout basketball player with Fort Valley State, earning SIAC Defensive Player of the Year honors all three seasons. She transferred to Armstrong State for the 2002-03 season and led the club to their first ever NCAA championship appearance.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Anita Howard about her role with Georgia Southern, what leading with Christ in front looks like as a coach, being married to a fellow coach, making the faith that she grew up with her own, and balancing being a wife, mother and coach.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 12, 2021

Johnny Agar is an inspiration to so many. He's gained international attention when he walked a mile in his church’s annual 5K. That sounds like an odd reason for fame, except for the reality of Johnny’s severe cerebral palsy. Even with a lifetime of physical therapy before this race, the longest distance he’d ever previously walked was twenty-three steps.

Johnny Agar and his mom Becky join the podcast today to share their amazing story and how God has guided them through it all. 

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Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Dec 10, 2021

Today on this "Football Friday" edition of Sports Spectrum podcast, Jade McCarthy talks to former Eagles head coach Doug Pederson about his Super Bowl winning season, the doors that God has opened and closed, living his faith in Jesus out as a head coach and his desire to hopefully coach again in the NFL.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 9, 2021

Jared Butler is a rookie with the Utah Jazz and a 2021 national champion with the Baylor Bears. He was named the Final Four's Most Outstanding Player and then selected by Utah in the second round of the 2021 NBA Draft. 

Jared is also raising awareness on hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a complex type of heart disease. You can learn more at CoultItBeHCM.com

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 8, 2021

Trenten Merrill is a member of Team USA's Paralympic team who won Bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games and also represented the U.S. at the 2016 Summer Paralympics as well. In March of 2005, Trenten had his right foot amputated after a dirt bike accident with a friend. 

Trenten is currently a public speaker who uses his Paralympic experience to help inspire others to pursue their dreams and goals. In 2021, the Azusa Pacific University grad also started modeling with SLU Agency. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Trenten Merrill about the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, what the name of Jesus means to him, how his faith was tested after having his foot amputated and why he wants to use his platform to inspire others to follow Christ. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 6, 2021

Travis Hearn is the senior pastor at Impact Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also the team pastor for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, and has served as a chaplain for Major and Minor League Baseball for over a decade. In addition to serving pro athletes in ministry, he has also coached girl’s high school basketball  for Scottsdale Christian Academy.  

Today on the podcast, we talk to Travis about pastoring the Phoenix Suns, his role at Transformation Church, his amazing testimony of coming to faith in Christ after being arrested and his desire now to equip athletes and others to being Jesus followers. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 5, 2021

Drew Maddux is a basketball coaching legend, having coached high school basketball at Christ Presbyterian Academy for 15 years. His resume has 2 state championships and 10 district titles including an NBA First Round pick. 

He played college basketball at Vanderbilt where he was named First-Team All-SEC Academic team and All-SEC Freshman team. 

His story was featured on "I AM SECOND."  In 2020, Drew released “Elevated” — a book on being the best version of you.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 3, 2021

Today on this Football Friday we welcome back Molly McManimie to the podcast. The NFL Player Agent shares how she's grown in her faith in 2021 and why pleasing God is more important than anything else in her vocation. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Dec 1, 2021

Rachel-Ruth Lotz Wright is an author, speaker, daughter of Anne Graham Lotz and granddaughter of Billy Graham. Her husband Steven is a high school football coach. She teaches a weekly women's Bible Study for University of North Carolina athletes and has shared God's word at numerous events around the country. 

Her passion for leading children to Jesus and getting them into God’s Word compelled her to lead monthly missions’ chapels at her children’s school and teach middle school children at the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Coaches Camp. Her latest book, "Jesus Followers," co-written with her mother Anne, released in October 2021 and is available now. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Rachel-Ruth about growing up the granddaughter of Billy Graham, her life as a coach's wife, her desire to teach God's word to athletes, and the legacy she hopes to pass on to the next generation. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." 

Nov 29, 2021

Dallas Jenkins is a filmmaker and the creator and producer of the hit streaming series The Chosen, the first multi-season series about the life of Christ, and the most successful media crowd-fund of all time.

Jenkins began his film career in his early 20's and started his own production company at the age of 25. His feature-length directorial debut came in 2006 with a film called Midnight Clear starring Stephen Baldwin. Since then, he has directed numerous other films including The Resurrection of Gavin Stone, starring D.B. Sweeney and wrestling legend Shawn Michaels.

In 2018, Jenkins created The Chosen and since it's release has reached over 300,000,000 views on their app. On December 1, 2021, The Chosen will be seen in theaters for the first time with a holiday event called CHRISTMAS WITH THE CHOSEN: THE MESSENGERS.

Today on the podcast, Dallas Jenkins shares about The Chosen, why he doesn't pay attention to the numbers, the excitement of having it in theaters, his love for Chicago sports, and his favorite athlete encounters.

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Nov 27, 2021

Today on the podcast, our Sports Spectrum Managing Editor Jon Ackerman joins host Jason Romano to preview the 2021 Winter edition of the Sports Spectrum Magazine. 

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SIGN UP for Sports Spectrum Magazine (1 year $18 or 2 year $30) here

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

Nov 26, 2021

Today on the podcast, we talk to 3-time Super Bowl Champion Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots.

Jade McCarthy talks to Matthew about his 200th career NFL game, gratitude for his time with the Patriots, sharing his faith and his work with Compassion International's FILL THE STADIUM initiative.

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BLACK FRIDAY DEAL!! 

For three days only, Nov. 26-28, if you order a Sports Spectrum magazine subscription (1 yr or 2 yr), you will get a copy of our Increase 52-Week Devotional for FREE. Act now as the deal ends Sunday Nov. 28 at 11:59 p.m.

ORDER YOUR SUBSCRIPTION HERE

Nov 24, 2021

Walker Zimmerman is a professional soccer player for the MLS with Nashville FC. He was originally selected in the first round (7th overall) in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas and played five seasons there before landing in Los Angeles for two season and coming to Nashville in its inaugural campaign of 2020.

In February of 2020, he scored the first goal in Nashville FC history and was named as the 2020 MLS Defender of the Year.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Walker Zimmerman about his current role with Nashville FC, playing for an audience of one, growing up the son of a pastor, becoming a new dad and what it means to represent his country on the United States National Team. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."

 

Nov 22, 2021

Danny Gokey is a singer/songwriter who finished in third place on the eighth season of American Idol in May 2009. Since then, he has released eight albums including his latest "Jesus People." 

Gokey is a 2019 K-LOVE Fan Award winner for "Male Artist of the Year" and GMA Dove Award winner in 2016 for Christmas Album of the Year. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Danny Gokey about his American Idol experience, his love for the Green Bay Packers, the heart behind his new album, recording in a pandemic, handling celebrity and why the heart of all his music is found in his relationship with Christ. 

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Looking for a holiday gift idea? Our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports." is out now and makes a perfect gift. 

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