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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: May, 2021
May 31, 2021

Mickey Weston is the Executive Director of Unlimited Potential Incorporated, a ministry that serves the professional baseball community. He was originally selected in the 12th round of the 1982 MLB Amateur Draft by the New York Mets and played professionally for fifteen seasons in MILB and parts of five seasons in MLB with the Orioles, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets. 

Upon retirement in 1996 from baseball, Mickey joined UPI to serve in ministry. He is also in his 18th season serving players in Chicago as the team chaplain for the White Sox.  

On today's podcast, we talk to Mickey about being drafted by the Mets, playing minor league baseball with Dwight Gooden, his MLB debut in June 1989, where he began to think about going into ministry and how his experience as a baseball player has helped build trust with the current players he serves in Chicago. 

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

Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles 1B

Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 29, 2021

Jehyve Floyd is a professional basketball player currently playing in the Israeli Premier League. He is the author of the new book "Godfidence" and is a former Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (2018/2019) during his time with Holy Cross. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Jehyve about playing basketball overseas in Israel, what basketball is like overseas during a pandemic, growing up as a pastor's kid, balancing family and faith and why he decided to write a book at 23 years old. 

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

- Jordan Hulls - Former Indiana Basketball Player

- Greg Hendricks - Campus Pastor "The Rock Church" 

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 28, 2021

Jimmy Mellado is the president and CEO of Compassion International, which is a partner of Sports Spectrum as we help them release children from poverty.

Mellado is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the Division 1 track and field championship team in 1983. He competed in the 1987 Pan American Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, as a decathlete. Representing his birth nation of El Salvador, he set national records for the best performance in the decathlon, men’s high jump, 100-meter high hurdles and pole vault.

In 2013, Mellado was named CEO and President of Compassion. He has dedicated his life to helping children around the world who are living in poverty and providing them with hope and a way out.

On this episode of the podcast, Jimmy shares his experience participating at the 1988 Summer Olympics and his defining moment participating on sports' biggest stage. We then hear about how the pandemic has affected the work that Compassion does and the amazing pivot that Jimmy and his team made to help stand in the gap for children and their families affected by Covid. 

To donate and be a part of Compassion's Fill the Stadium campaign, check out FilltheStadium.com

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 26, 2021

Bryan Koch is a former pro baseball player who was selected in the 26th round of the 1982 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. A promising career was cut short just a few years later when Koch was blinded in his left eye by a 90 mile per hour fastball.

Koch's baseball injury led him into ministry and for 33 years, he was the pastor of GT Church in Reading, PA. For many years, Bryan served God faithfully but living that faith out was tested in June of 2015 when a severe motorcycle accident took the life of his wife of 28 years, Lynn. Bryan survived but was in a coma, endured 19 surgeries, 36 blood transfusions and had his left leg amputated.

This pain turned Bryan's story into one of triumph and purpose. His new book "I'm All Right: A Journey of Tragedy and Triumph" is available now. Y0u can learn more about Bryan at his website BryanKoch.net.

Today on the podcast, Bryan shares his incredibly powerful story of playing pro baseball, pastoring a church, losing his wife, finding forgiveness and going from bitter to better.

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

- The Incredible Story of Katie Lentz

- Jon Ackerman - Sports Spectrum Managing Editor 

- Chris Norton – The Seven Longest Yards

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 24, 2021

Mitch Mason is the football chaplain for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Before arriving with UNC, he was the Associate Pastor of FreeWay Church in Clemson, SC and served as a mentor with the Clemson Football TigerHood program. 

A former college football player, Mitch was a four year starter at cornerback for Missouri Western State University where he became a two-time All-American and played professionally in the Arena Football League. In 2014, itch was inducted into the Missouri Western State University Hall of Fame. 

In February 2020, Mason noticed some discomfort in his back and wouldn't go away. After seeking treatment over the course of the year, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy, a nerve disorder for which there is no known cure. He's been dealing with migraines, seizures, difficulty walking and using his hands, occasional fainting and memory loss. 

Today's podcast features Mitch's powerful story of trusting in God during an incredibly difficult season of life as he battles a nerve disorder with no known cure. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Mitch, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- George Gregory - Chargers Team Chaplain

- Shane Williamson - FCA President and CEO

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.

May 22, 2021

Mike Hamilton directs Learfield IMG College's university and conference business. Prior to his time with Learfield, Mike served nearly 19 years with the University of Tennessee, in addition to stints with Wake Forest and alma mater Clemson. During his time with the Volunteers, he served as Athletic Director from 2003-2011. 

Today on the podcast, Mike shares his powerful story of adoption, his passion for student athletics and why he wants to bring awareness to others on the crisis of adoption. 

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

- Mark Richt, Former College Football Coach

- Bob Sturm, Dallas Sports Radio Host

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 21, 2021

Scott Linebrink pitched for 12 seasons in the Major League with the Giants, Astros, Padres, Brewers, White Sox and Braves. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 1997 MLB Draft by the Giants out of Texas State University.

He made his MLB debut on April 15, 2000 and in 2004 and 2005, he was the setup pitcher for Trevor Hoffman in San Diego, where had a combined record of 15-4 and an E.R.A. of 2.14 in 2004 and 1.83 in 2005. 

Today, he serves as the Parnerships Director with Water Mission, a Christian engineering company that provides access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions in developing countries and disaster areas. You can learn more and donate to Water Mission's cause at their website: WaterMission.org

Scott shares why he wanted to host a podcast, his passion to serve and give back, living out his faith through his work with Water Mission and how we can all get in the game and serve and give back to those in need.  

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Scott, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Albert Pujols on Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game Podcast

- Scott Linebrink and Lance Berkman on the Great Commission

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

 

May 19, 2021

Colt McCoy is entering his 12th year in the NFL as a quarterback. He's currently with the Arizona Cardinals where he will be the backup to Kyler Murray. He was originally selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. 

In college, Colt was a decorated quarterback at the University of Texas where he led the Longhorns to the 2010 National Championship game and won dozens of awards including the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. His No. 12 was retired by Texas in 2012. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Colt about his journey football, signing with the Cardinals, how his faith in Jesus directs him and how his definition of leadership has involved in his 12-year NFL career. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Colt, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Sam and Emmanuel Acho

- Greg Davis - Former Texas Longhorns Offensive Coordinator

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 17, 2021

Kyle Mangas just finished his college basketball career after playing four seasons with Indiana Wesleyan University. His career saw numerous awards including back-to-back NAIA National Player of the Year honors in 2020 and 2021, as well as winning the Bevo Francis Award in 2020, recognizing the top small college basketball player in the United States for a given season.

The four-time NAIA All-American was a member of the 2018 Indiana Wesleyan squad that won the NAIA Division II championship. This past season, he led IWU to a 30-3 record and averaged an NAIA best 29.5 ppg.

On today's podcast, we talk to Kyle about his incredible college basketball career, what it means to be "third," how his faith in Christ has helped guide him and how he has grown into a leader during his time at IWU.

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Kyle, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Greg Tonagel - Indiana Wesleyan Head Basketball Coach

- Jonathan Isaac - Orlando Magic Forward

For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 15, 2021

Vad Lee is the Director of Campus Ministry with Young Life at the University of Maryland. The former James Madison All-American QB joins us to talk about his desire to be a pastor and a football player, the lessons learned through adversity and how being injured opened a door from God for him to become a chaplain. 

You can order Vad's books "Purpose over Position" and "That's my Friend" here

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For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 14, 2021

Rhett Lashlee leads the offense for the Miami Hurricanes. In 2020, the Hurricanes finished 8-3 and ranked in the top-25 and played in the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl. His previous coaching stops include Samford University, Arkansas State, Auburn, UCONN and SMU. 

In high school, Lashlee was a standout quarterback who won two state championships and broke many Arkansas high school passing records including passing yards, TD passes. 

Coach Lashlee shares on the podcast today how he trusts in God with his coaching moves, wins the first 5 minutes at home each day and how his faith helped him to forgive his father for leaving his family when he was 13. 

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

- Mark Richt - Former College Football Coach

- Jamey Chadwell - Coastal Carolina Head Football Coach 

For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 12, 2021

Brooke Wycoff has been a big part of the Florida State women's basketball program for over two decades. She is currently the Associate Head Coach for the Seminoles and coming off a season where she served as the Interim Head Cocah while regular head coach Sue Semrau took a leave of absence to care for her mother. 

Brooke is an FSU All-American who played her college hoops from 1997-2001. She began coaching with the Seminoles in 2011 after finishing a decade-long career as a professional player in the WNBA and overseas in Spain. 

In 2014, Brooke co-founded an organization called Moms in Coaching, a support group for mothers who coach basketball.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Brooke about balancing motherhood and coaching, seizing the 2020-21 opportunity of being an interim head coach, how her faith in Christ guides her and why her purpose in coaching is bigger than basketball. 

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Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 10, 2021

Duke Preston is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Director of Player Engagement. He joined Tampa prior to the 2015 season and his role focuses on the personal and professional growth of players through guidance and support. He also serves as the team chaplain of the team. 

Prior to working with Tampa, Preston was with the University of Notre Dame in a variety of roles in including player and spiritual development. The former NFL offensive lineman played five seasons with the Bills, Packers and Cowboys and retired in 2010 at the age of 28. He earned his Master's Degree in Christian Education from the Dallas Theological Seminary. 

On today's podcast, Duke Preston shares about his role with the Buccaneers, the importance of Christ in his life, the journey of 2020 and winning a Super Bowl, and what discipleship looked like this season. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Duke, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Clyde Christensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Coach
- Casey Phillips, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Reporter

For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 9, 2021

On this Mother's Day weekend, former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson shares on the impact his mother made in his life and how he's supported his wife Kirsten in their journey as parents of seven kids. 

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If you enjoyed this conversation with Benjamin, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:

- Benjamin Watson, Eric Boles and Jon Kitna on Reconciliation

- Emmanuel Acho – Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 7, 2021

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 Live,” “Sunday NFL Countdown,” “Monday Night Countdown,” “SportsCenter” 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.

Honored by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) in 2016 with the prestigious Dick McCann Award for his long and distinguished contribution to pro football, Mortensen 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 4 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.

Today on the podcast, Jade McCarthy talks with Mort about covering the 2021 NFL Draft and shares incredible stories from those he's covered in the NFL the past 30 years who have lived lives of faith in Jesus. You'll hear Mort's recollections in covering people like Joe Gibbs, Reggie White, Deion Sanders, Tony Dungy, Jim Kelly and others. 

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

- Chris Mortensen's journey of faith from 2019

- Sam Ponder, ESPN NFL Host

Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here

May 6, 2021

Bradley Pinion is a Super Bowl champion and the punter for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Today on the podcast, we talk to Bradley about how his life has changed since winning a Super Bowl, the coolest thing he experienced after winning the big game and why God guided him to be a part of the great work Convoy of Hope is doing.

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Learn more about Convoy of Hope by going to ConvoyNation.com.

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Listen to Bradley's previous conversation where he shares his incredible story of faith on Sports Spectrum here

May 5, 2021

A.J. Ellis is a former MLB catcher with the Dodgers, Phillies, Marlins and Padres. He was selected in the 18th round of the 2003 MLB Amateur Draft by Los Angeles. He played his college baseball at Austin Peay, where he became the all-time leader in hits. 

Ellis made his MLB debut on September 15, 2008 with the Dodgers and played 9 seasons in LA before being traded to the Phillies. He would play two more seasons with the Marlins (2017) and Padres (2018), before retiring and joining San Diego's front office as a Special Assistant to the General Manager

Today on the podcast, A.J. Ellis shares amazing stories from his time as an MLB catcher working with players like Clayton Kershaw and Greg Maddux and playing for managers Joe Torre and Don Mattingly. Ellis also discusses what it was like to be on the cover of Sports Spectrum's 2015 Summer Magazine. 

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

- James McCann, Mets Catcher
- Erik Kratz, Former MLB Catcher

For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website SportsSpectrum.com 

May 3, 2021

Shane Williamson is the President and CEO for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A native of Loris, S.C., Williamson became a Christ follower while attending an FCA Camp in Black Mountain, N.C., in 1986. Following that life-changing experience, his high school head football coach, Tim Renfrow, discipled him and became his encourager, mentor and role model. This enduring impact of a coach influenced Williamson to make his own commitment to the power of transformational coaching in the world of sports.

Williamson attended Wofford College (S.C.) earning a B.S. in Biology while playing football for coach Mike Ayers. He remained active in the FCA Huddle throughout his years including serving as an officer. He then attended Converse College (S.C.) earning a Master’s degree in Secondary Education.

Bringing understanding and experience as a coach and athlete, Williamson joined the FCA movement as a staff member in 2002 as the Upstate South Carolina Director. He then became the Multi-Area Director for Metro Atlanta FCA from 2005-2011. His roles in FCA continued to expand as he went on to serve as the Vice President of Field Ministry for the Carolinas from 2012-2014, and followed by leading all of FCA’s U.S. Field Ministry as the Executive Director from 2014-2016.

Today on the podcast, we talk to Shane about his journey to Christ, the role FCA has played in his life since he was a kid, the keys to being a great leader, and why sports is such a great space to share the Gospel.

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

- Sarah Roberts - FCA Area Director

Kent Chevalier, Steelers Chaplain

For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website SportsSpectrum.com.

May 1, 2021

The legendary Albert Pujols of the Los Angeles Angels shares his story of baseball, Jesus and serving others on today's episode. 

This interview originally aired on Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game Podcast with Scott Linebrink. You can sign up and listen to the podcast here.

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

- Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager

- Adam Wainwright and Francis Chan

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