Mike McCartney is the Director of Football Operations for Priority Sports. For the past 25 years, he has been involved in college and pro football as a scout, coach and personal executive for more than 25 years.
In his current role, Mike was one of the first top-level front-office executives in the NFL to leave the league, during the salary cap era, for a major football representation firm.
On today's podcast, we talk to Mike about the importance of having great relationships with his players, his journey from the front office personnel executive to becoming a player agent and how he stays connected to the Lord in a tough environment as an agent.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Mike, you'll love these conversations as well:
- Kelli Masters - NFL Player Agent
- Molly McManimie - NFL Player Agent
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For more stories on sports and faith, visit our website: SportsSpectrum.com
Brenda Schultz-McCarthy is a former professional tennis player, who made her pro debut in September 1986 at the age of 15. In her 20 year pro career, Brenda had sixteen WTA titles including wins over Venus Williams, Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles. She is known for her fast serve and in July of 2006, claimed her place as the fastest server in WTA history, recording a 130 mph serve in the first round of the Western & Southern Financial Group Women's Open qualifying tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Her career saw her reach the Finals of the French Open in 1988 and the US Open in 1995 in the Grand Slam Doubles competition. Her highest ranking was No. 9 overall in May of 1996.
Brenda's currently involved with her non-profit TedsFoundation, who's mission is to teach people how to holistically approach their health and way of living.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Brenda about growing up in Holland, her journey as a professional tennis player, the major health scare she had in 2011 giving birth to her son Damian and the role faith in the Lord plays in her life.
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Brenda, we know you'll love these podcast as well:
- Mary Pierce - Former French Open Tennis Champion
- Chris Young - Oklahoma State Women’s Tennis Coach
For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website SportsSpectrum.com
Mo Isom Aiken is the New York Times bestselling author of three books including "Wreck My Life" and "Sex, Jesus, and the Conversations the Church Forgot."
During her college years at LSU, Mo was an All-American soccer goalie with the Lady Tigers team and holds the LSU all-time school record in women's soccer with 35 victories and 25 shutouts. During his college years, Mo also suffered tragedy as her father committed suicide in January of 2009, and in that same year, she was involved in a car accident that nearly took her life.
Today, Mo is married to Jeremiah, has three children with a fourth on the way, and is a sought after speaker. She also works with BOLDLIFE INITIATIVE, a ministry that exists to challenge, encourage, and equip Christ followers to pursue holy and bold lives.
Today on the podcast, Mo returns to the show to share about her new book "Fully Known," what it means to have true intimacy with God, what the last year has been like for her family, parenting young kids to pursue sports in a healthy way and the difference between working in ministry and having an intimate relationship with Christ.
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Mo, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
Matt Doherty is a former North Carolina college basketball player and head coach. He was a member of the 1982 Tar Heels national championship team that featured future Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and James Worthy and future NBA superstar Sam Perkins.
After his playing career, Matt went into coaching and was the head basketball coach at Notre Dame, North Carolina, FAU and SMU. In his first year as head coach with his alma mater, he was the 2001 AP Coach of the Year.
On the podcast today, we talk to Matt about his Final Four memories, winning a national championship, playing with Michael Jordan, his favorite MJ stories, how his faith guides him as a leader and the lessons he learned from his former coach Dean Smith.
Matt's new book: REBOUND: FROM PAIN TO PASSION - LEADERSHIP LESSONS LEARNED is available everywhere books are found.
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Jon Acuff is a speaker, entrepreneur, podcast host and New York Times best selling author. His books "DO OVER" and "START" were New York Times bestsellers and Jon is an Inc. Magazine Top 100 Leadership Speaker.
His latest book, "SOUNDTRACKS: The Surprising Solution to Overthinking" releases April 6, 2021.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jon about his new book, why he on the topic of overthinking, his Michael Jordan celebrity encounter during Jon's childhood and why hockey players are the best athletes.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Jon Acuff, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Jon Gordon - The Power of Positive Leadership
– Bill Curry – Super Bowl Champion, Former College Football Coach
For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at SportsSpectrum.com.
Jamey Chadwell is the head coach of the Coastal Carolina football team. In 2020, he led his club to an 11-1 record (8-0 in the Sun Belt Conference) and a berth in the 2020 CURE Bowl. This past season saw Coach Chadwell win multiple coaching awards including the Associated Press College Football Coach of the Year, the Walter Camp College Coach of the Year, and the Home Depot Coach of the Year.
Chadwell was previously the head coach at Charleston Southern, where he led them to the FCS Playoff Quarterfinals in 2015 and another playoff berth in 2016. Other stops included Delta State, North Greenville University and East Tennessee State.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Coach Chadwell about the 2020 season, how he would define success, his testimony of faith and his desire to see his players come to know who Jesus Christ is.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Coach Chadwell, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Mark Richt - Former College Football Coach
– Jeff Scott - South Florida Head Football Coach
For more stories on sports and faith, visit our website http://SportsSpectrum.com
Jason Brown is a former NFL offensive lineman. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens after playing his college football at North Carolina. He played four seasons with the Ravens from 2005-2008, and then signed a $37.5 million contract with the Rams in 2009. At the time, he was the highest-paid center in the NFL.
In 2011, Brown chose to walk away from the NFL and millions of dollars to follow God's call on his life to become a farmer in North Carolina. Today, he, his wife and eight children help lead, own and manage First Fruits Farm. In February 2021, Jason released his first book, "Centered: Trading Your Plans for a Life That Matters."
On the podcast today, Brown shares his incredible story of football, faith, family and farming. He details the story of losing his brother in college, finding his identity in the NFL, and following the call that God placed on his life to walk away from a lucrative NFL career and pursue a life of farming.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Jason Brown, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Ryan Young - Former NFL Offensive Lineman
– Bill Curry - Super Bowl Champion, Former College Football Coach
For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com
Today on the podcast, we talk to N.Y. Times Bestselling Author and Washington D.C. based pastor Mark Batterson about what it means to Win the Day. He shares awesome stories on Hall of Fame running back Emmitt Smith, Texas A&M basketball coach Buzz Williams and his favorite baseball team, the Washington Nationals.
Order Mark's new book "WIN THE DAY: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More here.
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Lt. Col Dan Rooney is a former collegiate golfer at the University of Kansas who commissioned as an officer in the Air Force where he is now the only-ever fighter pilot/PGA professional. He is a Class A member of the PGA of America and also is an F-16 fighter pilot. He was honored with the Spirit of Attack award as a top graduate of F-16 training and is a two-time recipient of the Top Gun award. He completed three combat tours of duty in Iraq and is a decorated aviator.
He is also the founder and CEO of Folds of Honor, a foundation providing educational scholarships for the families of fallen military members. In 13 years, Folds of Honor has awarded over 29,000 scholarships worth over $130 million.
Rooney released his new book "Fly Into the Wind: How to Harness Faith and Fearlessness on Your Ascent to Greatness" in November 2020. His first book "A Patriot's Calling: My Life as an F-16 Fighter Pilot " released in February of 2020.
Today on the podcast, Lt. Col Dan Rooney shares his incredible story of being a fighter pilot and a PGA tour pro, why his purpose is to glorify God in all that he does, his best moment on the golf course and the craziest thing he's ver experienced as a fighter pilot.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Lt. Col Dan Rooney, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Chad Hennings, 3-time Super Bowl Champion
– Bill Curry, Super Bowl Champion, Former College Football Coach
For more stories on sports and faith, visit our website: SportsSpectrum.com
Pablo Viruega serves as an analyst for ESPN International and ESPN Deportes’ weekly NFL studio show NFL Esta Noche and appears as a regular commentator on Cronómetro and Noche De Combates. In addition, Viruega serves as a football and basketball analyst and has covered the Olympic Games, Pan American Games, Central American Games, several World Cups, the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Pablo about his broadcasting journey, calling events for an international audience in America, his journey of faith, and his experience recently calling Super Bowl LV in Tampa.
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If you enjoyed this conversation with Pablo, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Bill Curry, Super Bowl Champion, Former College Football Coach
Today on the podcast, our Sports Spectrum Managing Editor Jon Ackerman joins host and Director of Media Jason Romano to preview the 2021 Spring edition of the Sports Spectrum Magazine.
We're offering a 15% discount to all new subscribers right now by using the code: SS15OFF
Subscribe to our magazine today at SportsSpectrum.com.
Jeremy Hefner is in his second season as the pitching coach for the New York Mets. Prior to that, he was a coach with the Minnesota Twins.
Hefner is a former MLB pitcher, who pitched professionally with the Mets, Padres and Cardinals. He made his MLB debut with the Mets in April of 2012 but after two Tommy John surgeries, his playing career was over at the end of 2016.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jeremy about his deep faith in Jesus, living with purpose, coaching Jacob deGrom, coaching in 2020 and preparing for the 2021 season.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Jeremy, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
Introducing the Get in the Game Podcast with former MLB pitcher Scott Linebrink
Today, we bring to you the very first episode of Get in the Game as Scott talks to Los Angeles Dodgers Manager Dave Roberts on faith, serving, culture, leadership and becoming a Red Sox cult hero.
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For more stories of sports and faith, visit our website: SportsSpectrum.com
Kelly Gramlich is a former Clemson basketball player who is currently a college basketball analyst with the ACC Network. She is also a radio host with 105.5 The Roar in South Carolina and co-hosts the "Gramlich and Mac Lain Talk ACC Sports" podcast.
During her time in college, Kelly broke multiple team records including the single-game record for most three-pointers made. She was a three-time member of the ACC All-Academic team and graduated with her Bachelors and Masters degree from Clemson in 2014 and 2016.
Today on the podcast, Kelly shares her story of basketball, faith, leadership and her experience with Covid-19 in late January.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Eric Mac Lain - Former Clemson Offensive Lineman
- Chelsea Newton - Georgia Assistant Women's College Basketball Coach
Daniel Ponce de Leon is a pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. His new book "ONE LINE DRIVE" depicts his story of being struck in the head by a line drive while pitching in AAA with Memphis in May of 2017. And after emergency brain surgery and multiple weeks in the hospital, he was able to make it back on the mound to pitch.
In July of 2018, he made his MLB debut and pitched 7 innings of no-hit ball against the Reds.
Today on the podcast, Daniel talks about writing his first book, why Jesus is the most important thing in his life and why he wants others to experience that as well, preparing for the 2021 season, becoming a dad for the 3rd time and the importance of his family and friends to support him during the most difficult time in his life.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Daniel, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Adam Wainwright and Francis Chan from 2017
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BRAND NEW PODCAST "Get in the Game with Scott Linebrink."
Rashad Jennings is a former pro running back who played eight seasons in the NFL with the Jaguars, Giants and Raiders. He was originally selected in the 7th round of the 2009 NFL Draft by Jacksonville and played four seasons there before coming to the Raiders in 2013 and then spending his final three NFL seasons with the New York Giants. He announced his retirement in December of 2017.
Away from the field, Jennings was the winner of Season 24 of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" in the spring of 2017 and wrote his first book "The IF in Life" in 2018, which became a New York Times Bestseller.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Rashad about his reading challenge for kids in the month of March, how the last 12 months have shaped him in the midst of a pandemic and the loss of his dad, and the importance of breaking down his hypocrisies.
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Shay Knighten is a former college softball player with the Oklahoma Sooners. Known as "Big Play Shay" during her time at OU, Knighten won two WCWS National Championships and was the 2017 Big 12 Player of the Year and the 2017 WCWS Most Outstanding Player. In her four seasons with the Sooners, Knighten hit .360 with 42 home runs and was a four-time All-Big 12 honoree.
She is currently an assistant softball coach with the University of San Diego and is continuing her pro softball career with the USSSA Pride in the National Pro Fastpitch League.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Shay about her journey to Jesus, the difference between Shay the softball player and Shay the person, why community has been so integral for her after recovering from two knee surgeries, and her memories after hitting clutch home runs of the 2017 and 2019 WCWS.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Shay, you'll love these conversations as well:
– Patty Gasso, Oklahoma Head Softball Coach
– Janie Reed, USA Softball Player/VP of Church on the Dirt
– Sydney Romero, Oklahoma Sooner All-American Softball Player
Mallory Weggemann is a record-setting, two-time Paralympic swimmer for Team USA. She has set fifteen world records and thirty-four American records, and is also the recipient of an ESPY Award, a 15-time World Champion and a Paralympic gold and bronze medalist.
Her new book "LIMITLESS" released March 2, 2021 and is available everywhere books are sold.
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If you enjoyed Mallory's incredible story, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
Greg Hendricks is the campus pastor at The Rock Church in San Diego, California. He was a former standout basketball player at Morehead State University and played overseas professional basketball for 8 years. He also served as a volunteer coach in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics.
In his role as campus pastor, Greg is a mentor and speaker, teaching the word of God. He has taught and spoken at churches, athletic camps, worships and clinics both domestically and globally. He has delivered team chapel services to various pro sports teams.
Today on the podcast, Greg shares his incredible story of coming to faith in Christ, growing up without a Dad, and his recent trip to the Super Bowl in Tampa.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Pastor Greg, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Miles McPherson, Pastor/Author
- Dr. Tony Evans – Pastor, Speaker, Dallas Mavericks Team Chaplain
Liberty Men's Basketball is back in the Big Dance, earning a trip to the 2021 NCAA Tournament for the third straight year and head coach Ritchie McKay joins us to talk about what this season has been like, the difficult year that 2020 presented, the importance of cultivating a culture of vulnerability and the lessons that God has taught him and his program this year.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Coach McKay, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Tony Bennett, Virginia Men's Basketball Coach
- Inky Johnson, former Tennessee defensive back, motivational speaker
Jordan Hulls is a former Indiana University basketball player, currently playing pro basketball overseas in Germany. Jordan was born and raised in the backyard of Indiana Hoosiers basketball in Bloomington, Indiana. In high school, he was the 2008-09 Gatorade Player of the Year and led Bloomington High School South to a perfect 26-0 record and a Class 4A IHSAA State Championship.
In college at Indiana, he led his club to back-to-back Sweet Sixteen appearances under head coach Tom Crean and played with future NBA players Victor Oladipo, Cody Zeller and Yogi Ferrell.
After his college career, Jordan began a pro basketball journey that has seen him play overseas in Poland, Kosovo, Belgian and now Germany. In 2019, he was the FIBA Europe Cup Fan Vote MVP.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jordan about his crazy basketball journey, playing at Indiana University after growing up in Bloomington, what Indiana basketball is really about and the importance of Jesus Christ in his life.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with Jordan, you'll love these conversations as well:
Kevin Burrell is the Area Scouting Supervisor with the Chicago White Sox. He has worked in pro baseball as both a player and MLB scout for the past 40 years. He was originally selected in the first round of the 1981 free agent amateur draft (25th overall) and played 10 years of professional baseball with four different organizations. He reached as high as AAA before finishing his playing career in 1992.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Kevin Burrell about his desire to use baseball as a mission field to share the Gospel. He also shares some fun stories of his 40 years in pro baseball and what it was like to be at Spring Training as a player with the New York Mets in 1986.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
Dalton Risner was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, and has started all 32 games of his NFL career. During his time in college, he turned in an All-American career at Kansas State, and also created the Risner Up Foundation, which is designed to help those in need.
Today, Risner talks about the 2020 NFL season, why he’s rooting for Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl, how football isn’t where he finds his identity, and his favorite story of growing up on a ranch.
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Nick Ahmed is a shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 2011, he was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the second round of the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft, and he was traded after the 2012 season to Arizona in a seven-player deal. He made his MLB debut on June 29, 2014.
The University of Connecticut alum became the regular shortstop for the Diamondbacks in 2015, and is a two-time Gold Glove winner in 2018 and 2019.
Today on the podcast, we travel to Nick's home in Massachusetts to talk with him about his offseason training, playing the 2020 season during a pandemic, the picture he drew as a young boy that sits in his workout gym, what it means to tame the tongue as a Christian in professional baseball and why he's a part of Compassion International's Fill the Stadium Initiative.
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If you enjoyed this podcast, you'll love these conversations as well:
- Nick Ahmed and Darryl Strawberry on Biblical Manhood from 2020
James McCann is a catcher for the New York Mets. He signed a 4-year deal to come to New York in December, 2020 after spending the previous two seasons with the Chicago White Sox, including a berth in the All-Star game in 2019.
Originally selected in the 2011 MLB Amateur Draft by the Tigers, McCann made his MLB debut on September 1, 2014 and played five seasons with Detroit before signing with Chicago in 2018.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to James McCann about signing with the Mets, the importance of prayer in making the decision to come to New York, his 2019 All-Star appearance, what he learned during the 2020 pandemic, and how God gave peace to James during the premature birth of his twin boys back in December 2017.
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If you enjoyed this podcast with James, we know you'll love these conversations as well: