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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, 2021
Feb 27, 2021

Shaun Nepstad and his wife Dianna founded Fellowship Church in Antioch, California in 2002. In nine years, the church has grown from 350 to over 5,000 people each week attending services.  In 2018, Fellowship Antioch was named of the 100 fastest growing churches in America. 

Shaun's new book "Don't Quit In the Dip: Stay Focused on God's Promises for you" released in August of 2020. 

Today on the podcast, we talk about what it means to not quit in the dip, Shaun's love for the Golden State Warriors, his amazing experience with Alabama football and Nick Saban, and trusting God while he was battling ulcerative colitis. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast, you'll love these conversations as well:

Scott Sauls - A Gentle Answer

Karen Kingsbury – NY Bestselling Author 

 

Feb 26, 2021

Barrett Jones is a former Alabama offensive lineman who was a member of three national championship teams under head coach Nick Saban. He was named first-team All-American in 2011 and 2012 and was awarded the Outland Trophy (best lineman in college football) in 2011. 

He ended his Alabama career winning three BCS national championships and played a different position in each of those seasons, as an All-American guard, an All-American right tackle, and an All-American center. 

Following his college career, Barrett was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. Due to injuries, his career only lasted three years and by 2017, his pro football career was over at age 26. 

Recently, he's been working as a color analyst on college football broadcasts with ESPN Radio. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Barrett about winning championships at Alabama, what makes coach Nick Saban special, what it means to commit to the process, the identity crisis he went through and the difference between justification and sanctification. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Barrett, you'll love these conversations as well:

- Rich Wingo - Former Alabama Linebacker

- Mac Powell, Singer/Songwriter – Third Day

Feb 25, 2021

Murray Garvin has been leading the South Carolina State Men's basketball program since taking over as head coach in 2012. The 2016 MEAC Coach of the Year joins us today to talk about the difficulties he's faced during this Covid 2020-2021 college basketball season and why he came up with the idea to hold a National Day of Prayer for college basketball coaches on March 1. 

If you are a coach or basketball administrator and you'd like to be a part of the National Day of Prayer, please email jason@sportsspectrum.com and we will get you the info. 

Feb 24, 2021

Chelsea Newton is an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Georgia's women's basketball program. She has coached an impressive list of 14 WNBA players and 17 All-Conference selections in just 12 seasons of college basketball coaching.

Prior to coaching, Chelsea was a standout player with the University of Rutgers under legendary coach C. Vivian Stringer. After college, she was a second round selection in 2005 WNBA Draft to the Sacramento Monarchs, where she helped her team to a WNBA World Championship that same season. After her pro career as a player, she moved to coaching and returned to Rutgers as an assistant coach before coming to Georgia in 2015. 

Today on the podcast, Chelsea shares the pivot she's had to make in recruiting during the pandemic, the importance of counseling, how her faith guides her, playing and learning from coach C. Vivian Stringer and the traits that make a great coach.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Chelsea, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Cori Close - UCLA Women's College Basketball Coach

Carly Thibault-DuDonis – Minnesota Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach

Feb 22, 2021

The story of Sam Marsonek is incredible. He made his MLB debut July 11, 2004 with the Yankees. He faced the Tampa Bay Rays that day and gave up zero runs in 1.1 innings. That appearance would be Sam's one and only time he'd pitch in a Major League Baseball game. 

Today on the podcast, we hear Sam's journey to the Big Leagues and what took place that ended his baseball career but gave him renewed purpose to live life for something bigger than himself. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Sam, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Eric Kratz, MLB Catcher

- Darryl Strawberry, Nick Ahmed, Rod Hairston on Manhood

Feb 21, 2021

Allen Arnold is an author, speaker and the Executive Producer of content for Wild at Heart ministries. 

His new book "Chaos Can't: Overcome What Comes Against You in this Shaken World" was released in October 2020. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Allen about parenting, pivots in a pandemic, why living a chaos filled life is a lie, and his struggle with chaos as a middle school basketball coach. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Allen, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Dave Buehring - Author/Pastor

- Louie Giglio, Pastor/Author

Feb 19, 2021

William Gates is a former college basketball player who was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Hoop Dreams" back in October 1994.

Gates was a member of St. Josephs High School in Chicago, where he played on the varsity team all four years under legendary coach Gene Pingatore. After being highly recruited by many of the top colleges in the country, Gates chose to play for Marquette and appeared in 80 games during his college basketball career with the Golden Eagles.

A few years later, Gates would enter Moody Bible Institute and train to become a pastor. Today, he's started a clothing line

On today's podcast, William Gates shares about his experience being on Hoop Dreams, what it's like to have your high school career documented on camera, the loss of his brother, playing basketball against Michael Jordan, his journey to Moody Bible Institute and living a life as a follower of Christ.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with William, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Tony Bennett – Virginia Men’s Basketball Coach

- Michael Porter Sr - Coach and NBA Father

Feb 18, 2021

NASCAR driver Michael McDowell joins us fresh off of winning the 2021 Daytona 500.

Today on the podcast, Michael shares how the last few days have gone since winning the Great American Race, being patient in waiting 358 races to get his first career win, the quiet time he spent with God the morning of the Daytona 500 and preparing for another race just days removed from winning NASCAR's biggest race.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Michael, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Michael McDowell from 2019

- Donnie Floyd, NASCAR chaplain

Feb 17, 2021

Jed Morris is a minor league hitting instructor with the San Diego Padres. He was selected in the 36th round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft by the Oakland A's. His minor league baseball journey took him to as high as AAA in 2005, with stops in Midland, Modesto, Sacramento, Vancouver, Stockton, and Lancaster, PA.

During his college baseball career at the University of Nebraska, Jed was the 2002 Big 12 Player of the Year and played in back to back College World Series. He would also serve as a college baseball coach, leading Eastern University's baseball club from 2013-2018.

In 2006, his baseball career was placed on pause as Jed was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy.

Today on the podcast, we hear Jed's incredible story of overcoming cancer, clinging to his faith during difficult moments, the transition from playing to coaching, his amazing experience in a AAA game and how his purpose in baseball has changed.

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If you enjoyed this episode with Jed, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Sal Giardina - Pro Baseball Player

- Tony Beasley - Texas Rangers Coach

Feb 15, 2021

Luke McCown played quarterback in the NFL from 2004-2016. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. His 12-year career was spent with the Browns, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Saints and Falcons. 

In 2017, he was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame. His brother Josh is a longtime NFL quarterback and his brother Randy played QB at Texas A&M. 

Today on the podcast, Luke shares incredible stories of playing with Drew Brees, his first ever NFL start against Tom Brady, baptizing teammates in New Orleans and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of his life. 

Check out Katy McCown's new book "She Smiles Without Fear."

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Luke, we know you'll listening to these conversations as well:

-Thomas Morestead, Saints Punter from July 2020

-Demario Davis – New Orleans Saints Linebacker from March 2020

Feb 13, 2021

Daniel Fusco is the lead pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR. 

His new book "Crazy Happy: 9 Surprising Ways to Live the Truly Beautiful Life" releases Feb. 16, 2021. His radio program, Jesus is Real Radio, is broadcast across the country, and his TV show, Real with Daniel Fusco, is aired weekly on the Hillsong Channel. 

You can keep tabs on Daniel at his website: DanielFusco.com

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Daniel, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Tim Johnson - Super Bowl Champion Pastor

- Scott Sauls - Pastor/Author

Feb 12, 2021

Aric Almirola is a race car driver on the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 10 car with Stewart-Haas Racing. Aric began racing nationally at the age of 14 and made his NASCAR debut in the NASCAR Sun Belt Weekly Racing Division in 2002 and finished second in Rookie of the Year standings that year. 

Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Sam Rodriguez, who was a dirt sprint car driver, Aric has driven in NASCAR's Truck Series, Xfinity Series and currently with the Sprint Cup Series. His first career win came in 2014 at the Coke Zero 400 in the Sprint Cup Series. In 2018, he had his best finish in the Cup Series placing 5th overall. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Aric about his journey of racing, his testimony of faith in Jesus, living that faith out as a NASCAR driver and what its like to drive in the Daytona 500. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Michael McDowell - NASCAR Driver

Mike Metcalf - NASCAR Pit-Crew Coach

Feb 10, 2021

Grant Olson is North Dakota State's linebackers coach. His wife Amy is a professional golfer on the LPGA tour. Both attended college at North Dakota State where Amy was the Summit League Golfer of the Year and won an NCAA record 20 collegiate events. Grant was a three-time FCS national champion for the Bison during his playing career from 2010-2013. He made a single-game record 29 tackles in a 2012 playoff victory over Wofford College and was an Associated Press All-American in 2013. 

In December, Amy finished tied for second at the U.S. Women's Open at 2-under-par, just one stroke behind winner A Lim Kim. It marked Olson's second runner-up finish at a major tournament. 

Today on the podcast, Grant and Amy share their story of faith, football, golf and marriage. The Olson's also share how they met, the importance of faith in their marriage, and how they were able to grieve and move forward after Grant's father passed suddenly of a heart attack in December 2020.

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If you enjoyed this episode with Grant and Amy, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Molly McManamie - NFL Player Agent

'TABLE FORTY' PODCAST: Rickie and Allison Fowler 

Feb 8, 2021

Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, Jon Kitna is a former NFL quarterback and Eric Boles is a former NFL wide receiver. 

Today on the podcast, Benjamin Watson interviews Jon and Eric on racial justice, reconciliation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Benjamin, Jon and Eric, you'll love these conversations as well. 

Emmanuel Acho - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

Anquan Boldin - Former NFL Wide Receiver

Feb 7, 2021

Gerald McCoy has played 11 years in the NFL. Selected as the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Buccaneers, McCoy would play nine seasons in Tampa, being named to six Pro Bowls and earning First-Team All-Pro honors three times.

In 2019, he played with the Carolina Panthers and in 2020, was a member of the Dallas Cowboys before an injury he suffered in training camp ended his season before it started.

Today on the show, we talk to Gerald McCoy about watching his former team in the Super Bowl, not staying bitter, trusting in God during setbacks and why what we say and how we say it matters in building others up.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Gerald, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Darren Woodson, 3-time Super Bowl Champion

- David Tyree, N.Y. Giants Super Bowl Hero 

Feb 6, 2021

Jordy Nelson played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Packers and Raiders. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 2008 NFL Draft by Green Bay and played 10 seasons with the Packers from 2008-2017. He finished his career in 2018 with the Raiders and retired in March of 2019.

10 years ago, Jordy caught 9 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown to help Green Bay beat Pittsburgh 31-25 to win Super Bowl XLV. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Jordy about his Super Bowl experience 10 years ago, shining on the biggest stage, his thoughts on this year's Super Bowl, how he lives out his faith each day and his work with Compassion International's Fill the Stadium initiative. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Jordy, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

-Bill Curry from December 2019

-Inky Johnson from May 2018

Feb 5, 2021

Pro Football Hall of Fame QB Kurt Warner is our guest today to talk about his experience winning Super Bowl XXXIV MVP and the memorable experience of playing in three Super Bowls with the Rams and Cardinals. 

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If you enjoyed this episode with Nick we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Kevin Nickerson, Rams Team Chaplain

Isaac Bruce, Former Rams Wide Receiver

Feb 5, 2021

Marcellus Casey is the team chaplain of the Kansas City Chiefs. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Marcellus about the chapel services lessons he's taught to members of the Chiefs during the 2020 season and why prayer has become a vital part of the team chapel gatherings once again during the 2020 playoff run to the Super Bowl. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Marcellus, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Anthony Sherman - Kansas City Chiefs Fullback

- Stefen Wisniewski - Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Lineman

Feb 4, 2021

Nick Foles is our guest today to talk about his Super Bowl LII experience in winning the MVP and leading the Eagles to their first ever Super Bowl title beating the Patriots 41-33 on February 4, 2018. 

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If you enjoyed this episode with Nick we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Randy Alcorn, New York Times Bestselling Author 

Andy Mineo and Trey Burton 

Feb 4, 2021

Ryan Succop is the kicker for the NFC Champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected as Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the 2009 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. On Sunday, he'll face his former team in Super Bowl LV. 

Today on the podcast, Ryan shares what it's like getting ready to play in a home Super Bowl, kicking clutch field goals at Lambeau Field, the prayer he says before each kick, how God guided his steps in signing with Tampa back in September and how his wife Paige is the real MVP. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Ryan, you'll love these conversations too:

- Ryan Succop from May 2019

- Nick Foles – Super Bowl MVP from July 2018

 

Feb 3, 2021

Matthew Slater is a 9-time Pro Bowl Special Teams ace with the New England Patriots. He's played in five Super Bowls, winning three in his 13 NFL seasons. 

The five-time First-Team All-Pro shares his Super Bowl memories with us here on the show. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Matthew, we know you'll love these conversations as well. 

Devin and Jason McCourty, Patriots Super Bowl Champions

Jon Gordon, Power of a Positive Team

 

Feb 3, 2021

Preparing for his third Super Bowl in four years, Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski joins us to talk about preparing to start in another Super Bowl, the crazy road that has brought him to this moment in 2021, spending time with God during the NFL season, and the prayer he hopes to pray before walking out of the tunnel at Super Bowl LV. 

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Stefen, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

- Anthony Sherman - Kansas City Chiefs Fullback

- David Tyree, N.Y. Giants Super Bowl Hero 

Feb 2, 2021

FOX Sports NFL Analyst Mark Schlereth is a three-time Super Bowl champion with Washington and Denver and he joins us today to talk about his Super Bowl experiences from the 1991, 1997 and 1998 seasons. 

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If you enjoyed this episode with Nick we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Mark Schlereth 2018 Interview 

Daniel and Bree Schlereth (Baseball and Faith)

 

Feb 2, 2021

Clyde Christensen is the quarterbacks coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In coaching Tom Brady in 2020, he helped Tampa to the NFC Championship and a trip to Super Bowl LV. This will be Clyde's third Super Bowl appearance as a coach, having helped the Indianapolis Colts and Peyton Manning to Super Bowl XLI in 2006 and Super Bowl XLIV in 2009.

On today's podcast, we talk to Clyde Christensen about his relationship with Tom Brady, winning the NFC Championship, headed to his third Super Bowl, going through the Bible with his fellow coaches this year, and how God is moving in his life right now.

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If you enjoyed this podcast with Clyde, we know you'll love these conversations as well:

-Clyde Christensen from 2018

-Tony Dungy from 2019

Feb 1, 2021

Matthew Hasselbeck played 15 seasons in the NFL with the Packers, Seahawks, Titans and Colts. The 3-time Pro Bowler led Seattle to their first ever Super Bowl berth in 2005 against the Pittsburgh Steeelers. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Matthew Hasselbeck about his Super Bowl XL experience. 

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If you enjoyed this episode with Matthew we know you'll love these conversations as well:

Episode 336 - Matt Forte and Justin Forsett

Episode 280 - Nate and Lexi Solder

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