Episode 536
Sherman Smith is a former NFL player and coach that has been a part of two Super Bowl teams.
He was selected in the 2nd round of the 1976 NFL Drafty by the Seahawks. He played six seasons in Seattle as a running back and retired after the 1983 season. He began his coaching career in 1985 in high school and after spending 10 years coaching high school and college, he would return to the NFL as the running backs coach with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans.
His NFL coaching journey took him from Houston to Tennessee to Washington D.C. and back to Seattle. From 2010-2017, he was the Seahawks running backs coach and helped his team to a Super Bowl championship in 2013 and an NFC championship in 2014.
This podcast will share with you Sherman's journey to the NFL as a player and coach. But the story of Sherman Smith and his son Deland McCullough is one of the craziest you'll ever hear and shows you how God can move in the tiny details when you least expect it.
This is one powerful story.
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One of the most decorated Paralympic swimmers in history, Jessica Long is a 13-time Gold Medal winning Paralympic swimmer. Born in Siberia and adopted by an American family at 13 months old, Jessica had both of her legs amputated at 18 months old.
In 2004 at the age of 12, Jessica became the youngest Paralympian to ever win a Gold Medal. Two years later, at the age of 14, she was named the U.S. Olympic Committee Paralympian of the Year. In 2007, 2012, and 2013, she was the recipient of the ESPN Best Female Athlete with a Disability ESPY Award.
Jessica documented her story in the 2018 book "Unsinkable: From Russian Orphan to Paralympic Swimming World Champion." She was also featured in an "I AM SECOND" video where she told her powerful story.
On today's podcast, Jessica shares how she's adjusted to training for the 2021 Paralympics during the pandemic, when swimming became a passion of hers, how her faith in Jesus came to be, and the incredible story of meeting her birth parents in Siberia.
Follow Jessica on Instagram: @Jessicatatianalong
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Episode 535
Scott Sauls is the Senior Pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee. Previously, he was a lead and preaching pastor for Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, where he worked alongside Dr. Timothy Keller. He has also planted and pastored churches in Kansas City and St. Louis, and is a frequent speaker at conferences, leadership retreats, and to university students.
Sauls is also a successful writer and a powerful voice in the faith space. His books include "Jesus Outside the Lines" "Befriend" and his latest release "A Gentle Answer."
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about his new release, how important it is to have a gentle response in the climate of our country right now, his desire to play college basketball and his love for the North Carolina Tar Heels.
Follow Scott on Twitter: @ScottSauls
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Episode 534
Freddie Coleman is a sports commentator and host for ESPN's radio network. He is currently the co-host of the weeknight ESPN Radio show Freddie and Fitzsimmons, alongside Ian Fitzsimmons. Prior to that, he hosted the Freddie Coleman Show, weeknights from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. ET and Sundays from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m. Coleman joined ESPN Radio in June 2004, as a co-host of the then-nightly, prime-time program GameNight.
Prior to joining ESPN Radio, Coleman was a weekday afternoon co-host on FoxSportsRadio 980-AM in Albany, N.Y. as well as a sportscaster for the local news in Wappingers Falls, NY and an analyst for Marist Basketball.
Coleman is a 1987 graduate of Mansfield University of Pennsylvania with a bachelor of arts degree in mass communication.
On this episode of the podcast, Freddie Coleman and Jason Romano share ESPN memories, what it has been like doing live radio during Covid-19, signing a new contract extension, Stuart Scott memories, and how returning to church in Poughkeepsie, NY helped him on his journey with Christ.
Follow Freddie on Twitter: @ColemanESPN
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Episode 533
Todd Durkin, MA, CSCS, is an internationally recognized strength, speed and conditioning coach, personal trainer, body worker, motivational speaker, and author who motivates, educates, and inspires people worldwide. He is the founder of Fitness Quest 10 in San Diego, CA, a world-class facility that provides personal training, strength and conditioning, therapeutic massage and bodywork, Pilates, yoga, nutrition, chiropractic and physical therapy programs.
Todd works with a high-profile clientele of elite professional athletes including NFL MVPs, Super Bowl Champions and MVPs, Heisman Trophy Winner, Olympic and X-Game Gold Medalists, and many other champion athletes. He is a 2 Time Personal Trainer of the Year (IDEA & ACE) and has received numerous industry accolades. Greatist has named Todd one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in Health & Fitness for the past four years. His latest book "Get Your Mind Right" released June 2, 2020.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Todd about his role in training high-profile athletes, coming to faith in Christ, how his faith guides him as a trainer and how he's adjusted to this new normal during the pandemic.
Follow Todd on Instagram: @ToddDurkin
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BONUS EPISODE
(parental discretion is advised)
Stephen Arterburn is the founder and chairman of New Life Ministries and host of the syndicated Christian counseling talk show 'New Life Live!,' heard and watched by over 2 million people each week on nearly 200 radio stations nationwide, on XM and Sirius Satellite radio and on NRB Network.
He is most known for authoring the book "Every Man's Battle" in 2000 with Fred Stoeker and this year, they've re-released the 20th anniversary of the book with a special study guide.
On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Stephen about why he wrote "Every Man's Battle," the war on pornography, why men struggle, and Stephen shares his own personal struggle that helped turn his life around.
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Episode 532
Bryce Johnson is the founder and president of "UNPACKIN it" ministries, which lives to glorify God by serving sports fans who love Jesus. His broadcasting experience began at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina where he earned a degree in Communication/Electronic Media Broadcasting and created a nationally-recognized radio show called SPORTS YAPP®.
With a passion to see sports fans everywhere following Jesus, Bryce officially started UNPACKIN’ it Ministries in 2014. Through media, resources, and events, Bryce challenges, inspires and encourages sports fans to follow Jesus and become more like Him.
Bryce is also the author of The Fantasy Football Fellowship Playbook and hosts the UNPACKIN it podcast.
On this episode of the podcast, Bryce shares how he left the secular radio world to start a sports ministry and why he has it made it his life calling to reach sports fans for Jesus.
Follow Bryce on Instagram: @Unpackinit
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Episode 531
Bart Millard is the lead singer of the legendary Christian rock band MercyMe. The band, founded in 1994, has released eight studio albums and had 13 consecutive top five singles on the Billboard Christian Songs chart.
Millard's life was depicted in the movie "I Can Only Imagine," where actor Dennis Quaid starred as his father who struggled with addiction and violence before coming to faith before his death from cancer.
On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Bart about pressing pause on touring during the pandemic, having his life depicted in a movie, his love for sports, having athletes be fans of his music and cherishing time with his family during Covid-19.
Follow Bart on Instagram: @BartMillard
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Episode 530
Sam Collier is a pastor, speaker, writer, and host of the A Greater Story with Sam Collier TV show and radio podcast that currently airs in 100 Million Homes.
He also communicates nationally and internationally as a speaker and contributor regularly at North Point Ministries (Founded by Andy Stanley), the ReThink Group (Founded by Reggie Joiner), Orange Network, Orange Tour, Alpha International Leadership Conference, Global Leadership Summit, and more.
He has also been interviewed on numerous TV shows, podcasts, and radio programs. His new book "A Greater Story" released August 4th .
On today's episode of the podcast, we talk to Sam about being born into poverty, his love for basketball, why he wrote his book, appearing on the Steve Harvey show and why when your story connects to God's story it becomes a greater story.
Follow Sam on Instagram: @SamCollier
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Sarah Jackson is the founder and executive director of Casa de Paz, a hospitality home in Denver, Colorado. Casa’s family of more than 2,000 volunteers ministers to immigrants and families separated by detention with visits, meals, shelter and transportation and emotional support through the arduous process of reunification. Sarah’s mission is to help end the isolating experience of immigrant detention one simple act of love at a time.
On the podcast today, we talk to Sarah about her journey in serving others, why she wrote her new book "The House that Love Built" and how volleyball has helped her find her true purpose.
Learn more about Sarah's work at casadepazcolorado.org
Episode 529
Roy Helu Jr is a former NFL running back. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by Washington and played four seasons in D.C.
In college, Helu was a standout running back with Nebraska rushing for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns in his junior and senior seasons. By the time he graduated in 2011, he was fourth on the Huskers all-time rushing list, and broke Nebraska's single-game rushing record by rushing for 307 yards and scoring three touchdowns vs. Missouri on October 30, 2010.
After coming to the NFL, Helu was named to the Pro Football Weekly/Pro Football Writers of America all-rookie team, rushing for 640 yards, along with 49 receptions for another 379 yards and three total touchdowns.
Upon retirement in 2016, Roy is now in seminary to become a pastor and helped plant a church in Nebraska.
On today's podcast, we talk to Roy about what led him to planting a church, his testimony of coming to faith in college, working through depression and anxiety and what that transition was life after the NFL.
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Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
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Episode 528
Drew Boe is the founder and president of Managers on a Mission (MOAM). Drew has spent time in sports management both in the college and pro levels, working for the University of Minnesota, Virginia Tech, the Arizona Cardinals and the San Diego Chargers.
MOAM's desire is is to walk alongside every future leader of sport in order to properly prepare and equip these individuals for the unique challenges, pressures and temptations of the sports industry. Their ultimate goal is to challenge young people to pursue a life of true significance and purpose through an improved understanding of their salvation through Jesus Christ.
On today's podcast, Drew shares his heart behind MOAM, why he started it, and how a mission trip to Rwanda opened his eyes to what God's true calling on his life was.
Follow Managers on a Mission on Instagram: @managers_on_a_mission
Follow us on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum
Episode 527
Thomas Morstead is entering his 12th season as the punter for the New Orleans Saints. He is a Super Bowl champion and a Pro Bowler.
He is the author of the new book "The Middle School Rules of Thomas Morstead" that he wrote with Sean Jensen.
On today's podcast, we talk to Thomas about why he wanted to write his new book, his maturity during his college years at SMU, going from being the young guy to the veteran teacher in the NFL and why it has been on his heart to give back to sick children through his "What Will Give Will Grow" foundation.
Follow Thomas on Instagram: @ThomasMorstead
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Episode 526
Dylan Thompson is entering his third season with the Detroit Lions as the team's character coach. In his current role, Thompson is responsible for a variety of programs within team development, where he assists athletes with their transition into the NFL, as well as providing off-the-field support both during and following their careers.
Thompson played college football at the University of South Carolina under coach Steve Spurrier. In his senior season, he threw for 3,564 yards with 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in leading the Gamecocks to an Independence Bowl victory over the Miami Hurricanes.
On this podcast, we talk to Dylan about faith, football, his role with the Lions, playing for Steve Spurrier in college and the importance of mentors in our lives.
Follow Dylan on Twitter: @DylanPThompson
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Episode 525
Dean Inserra is the founding and lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida, where he leads the vision and preaching. Dean was called to start a church in his hometown of Tallahassee when he was the Student Body President at Leon High School.
Dean graduated from Liberty University and attended Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. He holds a MA in Theological Studies from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and is pursuing a D.Min from Southern Seminary.
Dean is an advisory member of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission's Leadership Council with the Southern Baptist Convention. He is also a member of Baptist 21.
His latest book, The Unsaved Christian, released in March of 2019 and explores those who say they are Christian but don't have a relationship with Christ.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Dean about what an "Unsaved Christian" is, his journey to planting and starting his own church, and his passion for sports including a love affair with the New England Patriots and Tom Brady.
Follow Dean on Twitter - @DeanInserra
Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter - @Sports_Spectrum
BONUS
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger appeared recently on our sister podcast "Table Forty" with former MLB World Series champion Matt Holliday and his wife Leslee to talk about Ben's faith journey, regrets he has from earlier in his career and the importance of being a good teammate.
Table Forty is part of the new Sports Spectrum Podcast Network. You can subscribe to Table Forty right now.
APPLE:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/table-forty/id1505637930
SPOTIFY:
https://open.spotify.com/show/5CX8kSHxkgvS3EFfKzrXqq?si=inBIz6wtSY6Xw1qgx_rWYQ
Episode 524
Karen Kingsbury and her husband Don are our guests today on the podcast. Karen is a #1 New York Times bestselling novelist with more than twenty-five million copies of her award-winning books in print. Her last dozen titles have topped bestseller lists and many of her novels are under development with Hallmark Films and as major motion pictures. Her Baxter Family books are being developed into a TV series slated for major network viewing sometime in the next year.
In her former life, Karen was a sports writer for the Los Angeles Times in the 1980's and covered stars like Magic Johnson and Wayne Gretzky. Her husband Don is a longtime basketball coach who most recently served as an assistant coach with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
On today's podcast, we talk to Karen and Don about their journey of marriage, Karen's success as a writer, how sports has played a role in their life and how Covid-19 presented Karen a unique opportunity with the release of her new book.
Follow Karen on twitter: @KarenKingsbury
Follow Sports Spectrum on twitter: @Sports_Spectrum
BONUS EPISODE
Austin Davis is a pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies. He was selected in the 12th round of the 2014 MLB Draft by Philadelphia and four years later, in June of 2018, he made his MLB Debut for the Phillies against the Cardinals.
Davis spent time in 2019 with the Phillies and their AAA club, Lehigh Valley and was rewarded for his pitching by being named as an International League All-Star in AAA.
On this episode of the podcast, Austin shares what he's been learning during the pandemic, being selected by the Phillies, his favorite stories from his minor league journey and what that day was like when he made his MLB debut.
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/sports_spectrum.
Episode 523
Ryan Young played five seasons in the NFL from 1999-2003. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He would play three seasons with the Jets before being selected second overall in the 2002 NFL Expansion Draft to the Houston Texans. After injuries in Houston, he would sign with the Dallas Cowboys and his former coach Bill Parcells.
In college, Young was a two-time All-Big 12 selection at Kansas State under coach Bill Snyder. He played in three bowl games during his career with the Wildcats including Cotton Bowl and Fiesta Bowl.
Today, Ryan holds the title of "Pastor and Minister of Evangelism" at The Hills Church in Ft. Worth, Texas.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Ryan about his journey from football to ministry, his favorite Bill Parcells story, his battle with depression and suicide as well as the racial unrest in our country amidst a global pandemic.
Follow Ryan on twitter: @ryanicoach
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Follow Jason Romano on twitter: @JasonRomano
BONUS EPISODE
Devin McCourty is a 3-time Super Bowl champion and 2-time Pro Bowl safety with the New England Patriots.
He was selected by New England in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with the Patriots.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Devin about the 2020 offseason, Tom Brady, Cam Newton, and how God has been his steady guide for him and his wife Michelle during a very difficult time that saw the loss of their stillborn baby girl Mia.
Episode 522
Chris Ferguson plays quarterback at Liberty University. He transferred to the program after spending the previous three seasons at the University of Maine.
The 6’3″, 235 quarterback won the starting job at Maine as a redshirt-freshman and as a sophomore led Maine to a 10-4 record and a spot in the national semifinals. He suffered a season-ending foot injury in the sixth game of the 2019 season.
On today's podcast. we talk to Chris about his decision to transfer to Liberty, how he's been staying working out during the pandemic, growing up in a family with nine sisters and how he has coped with the highs and lows in life.
Follow Chris on Instagram: http://instagram.com/cferg17/
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Episode 521
Sal Giardina is currently a professional baseball player in the Atlanta Braves organization. He was selected in the 31st round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the Braves out of Lynn University in Florida.
Since becoming a pro baseball player, Sal has grinded it out through his minor league journey with stops in Rome, NY, Pearl, Mississippi and Gwinnett County, Georgia. Last year, he suffered a tear of his UCL in a spot pitching appearance and had Tommy John surgery in June of 2019.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Sal Giardina about love for fishing, continuing to chase his MLB dream, how the pandemic has brought him closer to his the Lord and his crazy pro baseball journey that takes him from playing, coaching, the phantom DL, injuries and even a bus crash.
Follow Sal on Instagram: @SGiardina21
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Episode 520
LaMorris Crawford is the team chaplain of the Cincinnati Bengals. Born on the south side of Chicago, Crawford was brought into a life of poverty, gangs, drugs and violence. His mother gave birth to him at the age of 16 and was shot to death at the age of 17. LaMorris’ Dad was nowhere to be found and to this day, he’s never met his own father.
Amazingly, LaMorris escaped his tough upbringing and was able to become the first person in his family to graduate from college.
Today, Crawford, along with his wife Megan have four beautiful children, and they serve as the team chaplains for the Cincinnati Bengals. He has a passion for preaching, communicating clearly and effectively God’s word by sharing with others how the Lord can also do an incredible work in their lives.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to LaMorris about trusting in God after being diagnosed with Covid-19, how he's ministering to his players during this pandemic and what he wants everyone to know about the healing power of Christ.
Follow LaMorris on Instagram: @LaMorris_Crawford
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BONUS EPISODE
Chris Broussard is currently the co-host of "The Odd Couple" on FOX Sports Radio and is a commentator of various FOX Sports and FS1 telecasts.
For almost more than a decade, Chris worked as an NBA insider with ESPN and ESPN the Magazine.
Chris is also the founder of K.I.N.G. Movement, a national Christian men's organization that seeks to strengthen men in their Christian faith by providing support, accountability, teaching, fellowship and brotherhood.
On today's show Chris joins us to look back at the 10 year anniversary of LeBron James' decision on ESPN, reporting on that story, remembering Stuart Scott, broadcasting amidst Covid-19 and the importance for him to filter his thoughts and responses to the current racial climate through the lens of his faith in Christ.
Follow Chris on Instagram: @ChrisBroussard
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Episode 519
Art Warren is a pitcher with the Seattle Mariners. He was selected in the 23rd round of the 2015 MLB Draft by Seattle after playing his college ball at the University of Cincinnati and Ashland University.
His pro baseball career began in 2015 but a year earlier, he had Tommy John surgery and was told he may never be able to pitch again.
After five years of minor league baseball that saw him go through cities like Bakersfield, Modesto, Peoria and Little Rock, Warren would make his MLB debut on September 12, 2019 against the Cincinnati Reds. In September, he pitched six games total and allowed zero runs, 2 hits, 2 walks and struck out five in 5.1 innings. He also notched his first MLB win on September 27, 2019 against Oakland.
On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Art about his journey of baseball and faith. Art walks us through how he’s staying ready during the pandemic, the awesome story of making his MLB debut last September, how switching a walk-out song helped him find purpose and why he believes he’s pitching on borrowed time.
Follow Art on Twitter: @Arthur_Warren
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