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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: Category: Sports
Nov 18, 2019

Episode 405

Jake Locker is a former NFL quarterback. He was selected 8th overall by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He would go on to play four seasons with the Titans before abruptly retiring from the NFL at the age of 26 in March, 2015. 

In college, Jake was a standout quarterback at the University of Washington. He was also a top prospect in baseball, being selected by the Angels in the 40th round of the 2006 MLB Draft.

On this episode of the podcast, we hear Jake's story of faith, how that faith became the most important thing in his life and led him to walking away from his NFL career. We also talk to Jake about his journey through the NFL, the impact his teammate Matt Hasselbeck had on him and the pressures that came with becoming a millionaire, first round pick in 2011. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 15, 2019

Episode 404

Carly Thibault-DuDonis is the assistant women's basketball coach at the University of Minnesota. She came to Minnesota in April of 2018. Prior to that, she was two seasons with Mississippi State from 2016-18, where she was a part of two teams that made it all the way to the NCAA Women's National Championship game in 2017 and 2018. 

Her father Mike is the head coach of the WNBA champion Washington Mystics and her brother Eric is an assistant with the club. 

Carly played her college basketball at Monmouth University, graduating in 2013. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Carly about celebrating a WNBA title with her family, how tragedy led to her walk with Christ, growing deeper in her faith with her husband and the toughest part of being a basketball coach. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 14, 2019

BONUS EPISODE

Derrick Brown is a senior defensive tackle for the University of Auburn. Projected by many to be a first round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Derrick came to Auburn as a top recruit from Buford, Georgia where he was a dominant high school player and the MaxPreps national player of the year in 2015.

In a September win over Texas A&M, Derrick had two sacks, a forced fumble, and three tackles for loss. At 6'5 and 318 pounds, Brown has consistently been in the top 10 list of prospects on Mel Kiper's ESPN Big Board.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Derrick about returning for his senior season, the influence his Dad has had on his life,    his journey to Jesus and going on a missions trip to the Dominican Republic and the impact that trip had on his faith.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 13, 2019

Episode 403

Rennie Curran is an author, speaker, podcast host and the CEO of Game Changer Coaching, whose mission is to help business professionals and elite athletes reach their fullest potential through personal development workshops and one-on-one coaching in order to improve leadership and career performance.

Prior to his business career, Rennie was an All-American linebacker with the Georgia Bulldogs from 2007-09. He was selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Drafty by the Titans (97th overall) and played two seasons with Tennessee before moving to the CFL where he played three more seasons before retiring.

His book "The Perspectives of a Young African American Athlete" was released when Rennie was just 23 years old in 2012.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Rennie about his football journey, his struggles with identity, his first meeting with coach Mark Richt, dealing with disappointment and having a personal board of directors.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 12, 2019

Episode 402

Brooks Webb is currently the Director of Operations for the Vanderbilt University baseball team. Prior to his role with Vanderbilt, he was a General Manager with Team USA Baseball from 2013-2016. A former pitcher with Birmingham-Southern college, Brooks helped the Panthers to there conference titles.

In 2019, Brooks was a part of a Vanderbilt team that went 59-12, won the SEC title and then the College World Series title to become NCAA Division One champions.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Brooks about being a part of a national championship team, leaving a legacy for Christ, how a Christmas Eve service in 2008 changed his life and how he lives out his faith in his job each day.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 11, 2019

Episode 401

Mark Batterson is the lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. He is the author of numerous books including the New York Times Bestseller "The Circle Maker" and "Chase the Lion." His latest book is called "Double Blessing" and released October 15, 2019. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Pastor Mark about why he wrote his new book "Double Blessing," his love for sports, getting connected with Ravens coach John Harbaugh, chasing worldly success, and the athletes responsibility on social media. 

You can learn more about Mark's books including "Double Blessing" by going to his website MarkBatterson.com.

Nov 8, 2019

Episode 400

Demario Davis is a Man of God. He's also a starting linebacker for the New Orleans Saints, a place he's been since signing with the team in March of 2018. 

He was selected in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, where he played 5 seasons from 2012-2015 and again in 2017. During the 2016 season, he played with the Cleveland Browns.

Demario was fined for wearing a "Man of God" headband early in the 2019 NFL season and after the NFL rescinded the fine, he was able to make these headbands available and raise money for St. Dominic Hospital in his home state of Mississippi.

In October of 2019, he became a published author, releasing his first book "The Unsuccessful Champion: Finding True Victory in the Midst of Adversity."

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Demario about his "Man of God" headband, turning a wrong into a right, why he decided to write a book, his pregame pep talks and his thoughts on the new Kanye West album. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 7, 2019

Episode 399

Alterraun Verner played eight seasons in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins. He selected in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft (104th overall) by the Titans and played four seasons in Nashville before departing as a free agent in 2014 to play with Tampa. 

The 2013 Pro Bowler announced his retirement from the NFL on March 18, 2019 and signed a one day contract to retire as a Titan on April 16, 2019. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Alterraun about the decision to retire at the age of 30, his story of coming to faith watching a Kirk Cameron movie, his NFL Draft Day memory, lessons from his father and the unique direction he's moving in post-NFL. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

 

Nov 6, 2019

Episode 398

Jimmy Dykes is a college basketball analyst for ESPN. A 1985 graduate of the University of Arkansas, Jimmy played college basketball under head coach Eddie Sutton before joining the coaching ranks as an assistant at places like Kentucky and Oklahoma State. 

After scouting in the NBA for a few years, Jimmy joined the broadcasting ranks and began his career with ESPN in 1995 where he would remain for 19 years. From 2014 to 2017, Jimmy served as the women's head basketball coach at his alma mater of Arkansas. Upon his departure from coaching, he would return to the broadcasting ranks at ESPN.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jimmy about the upcoming college basketball season, his journey to faith in Christ, using his platform to encourage others, what coaching college basketball taught him, dealing with challenging trials, and seeking God in making life decisions. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 5, 2019

Episode 397

Randy Rich is a former NFL player and current Vice President of the Dare to Dream program for K-LOVE/Air1 Radio. 

He played his college football at New Mexico and would go on to play three seasons in the NFL with the Lions, Broncos, Raiders and Browns. In 1977, he was a member of the AFC champion Denver Broncos team and would go and play in Super Bowl XII against Dallas. 

Randy is the also the author of "Nothing Wasted: Learning to Believe You Are Enough in a World of Labels."

On this episode of the podcast, we hear Randy's incredible story of playing in the NFL, working in ministry and his powerful testimony of coming to faith in Christ. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Nov 4, 2019

Episode 396

Rapolas Ivanuaskas plays college basketball for Colgate University. Last year, he was named the 2018-19 Patriot League Player of the Year and helped his team to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 23 years. 

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Rapolas speaks five languages including English, French, Spanish and Russian. Prior to arriving at Colgate, Rapolas spent two seasons at the Big Ten's Northwestern. In high school, he was ranked No. 89 on Rivals.com's Class of 2016 ranking. 

In high school, he was named the Mid-Suburban West Conference Player of the Year at Barrington (Ill.) High School and led the Broncos to the tea's first league title since 1977. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Rapolas about the upcoming 2019-2020, living up to expectations, coming to faith in Christ in 2017 at Northwestern, why he leaned on his faith during a difficult NCAA Tournament experience, and how he now wants to use his platform to love God and love others. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 31, 2019

Episode 395

Garrett Gross is an MMA fighter who's nickname is "Glory to God." He has participated in 20 fights, with eleven victories and was featured in the UFC Contender Series in 2018 as well as fighting with Bellator. 

On this episode of the podcast, we explore the journey of an MMA fighter who loves Jesus and the battle the Garrett faces each day in leading his family and pursuing a career of fighting. We also hear how a life of drinking and drugs led Garrett to a place with no hope, until one day, Jesus Christ came in and saved him. This is Garrett's story.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 31, 2019

Today we circle back to a conversation with CBS Sports Radio Host Amy Lawrence from Episode 52 back in November of 2017. 

Amy came to CBS Sports in 2013 after a nine year stint working with ESPN Radio as their only regular female talk show host. 

On this throwback edition, we hear Amy's testimony of faith in Christ as well as how she lives that faith out in the workplace both at ESPN and now at CBS Sports. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Amy from Episode 52 here

Oct 30, 2019

Episode 394

Tad Glibert's story is one that needs to be heard. Tad is a former assistant director of operations for the Northwestern University men's basketball program. Tad attended Indiana Wesleyan, where he played soccer and also served as an intern in the athletic department at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. 

In 2018, Tad went on a missions trip to Africa with his wife Karly as part of Circle of Hope International, which has partnered with the Grace Alliance Church in the African country of Malawi to build the Grace Center — a boys and girls orphanage, church, school, feeding program, and soon to be medical clinic and maternal center. During this trip, Tad experienced danger like many of us will never see and witnessed an armed robbery from 15-20 men while staying in Malawi. This experience changed Tad's life forever. 

On this episode of the podcast, we hear the incredible story of Tad Glibert, why he went on a missions trip to Malawi, being robbed, how God was present in the midst of that moment, and why he is now making a life-altering move with his wife to live as missionaries in Africa. 

For more, log on to http://SportSpectrum.com 

Oct 29, 2019

Episode 393

Tony Stockman is the men's basketball coach at Columbia International University in Columbia, South Carolina. CIU is an NAIA school and a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association. 

In high school, Tony was named Mr. Basketball for the state of Ohio in 2000. He would sign with Clemson and play basketball there for two seasons before transferring to Ohio State, where he would finish his collegiate playing career under coach Thad Matta. 

After going undrafted in the NBA, Tony took his talents overseas and played pro ball for the next seven years in 7 different countries. 

He would enter the coaching world at Ohio Christian University and led his club to back-to-back NCCAA d2 National Championships in 2013 and 2014. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Tony about coaching at CIU, the motto that his team plays for, how his faith became real to him through his son Tayden being born, why he went into coaching and how he has grown in his relationship with God by watching Tayden fight each day. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 28, 2019

Episode 392

Clark Kellogg is one of the most respected voices covering college basketball today. The CBS Sports analyst was once a top college basketball player at Ohio State University, where he earned All-Big-Ten Conferene honors and won Big-Ten Most Valuable Player in 1982.

He was selected 8th overall in the first round of the 1982 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers and named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 1983 after averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds. 

His NBA career was cut short after just four seasons due to knee injuries and he was forced to retire in 1986 at the age of 25.

Clark began his broadcasting journey with ESPN in 1990 and in 1993, he moved to CBS Sports, where he has worked since.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Clark about the upcoming season, his NBA playing days, how he came to faith in Christ, what the state of faith is in college basketball and how his walk with God has given him new purpose in his role as a broadcaster. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 25, 2019

Episode 391

Jessica Kern is the head women's basketball coach at Tennessee State University. Prior to her arrival at Tennessee State in 2016, she was the former head coach at Mississippi Valley State and had coaching stints at Furman University and Lincoln (Pa) University. 

She was a four-year letter winner at Penn State University and a three-time All Big Ten selection and team captain for the Track and Field team. 

Her journey took her overseas to play pro basketball in Australia, Germany, Switzerland, Romania and Poland. She is the proud momma of her son Bobby Lee Collins Jr. (B.J.)

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jessica about her basketball coaching journey, the 3-to-5 rule, the power of social media, growing up bi-racial and what it means to keep going on the ugly days. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

 

Oct 24, 2019

Today we bring to you a conversation with Matthew Slater of the New England Patriots from March of 2018. He is a 7-time Pro Bowl special teams ace who has won three Super Bowls during his 12-year career with the New England Patriots.

Slater was selected in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft and is now in his 12th NFL season, all with the Patriots. 

On this throwback edition of the podcast, Matthew talks about discipleship, platform and why he's not on social media. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Matthew Slater from Episode 88 right here

Oct 23, 2019

Episode 390

Barry Zito pitched for 15 seasons in the Major Leagues from 2000-2006 with the Oakland A's, 2007-2013 with the San Francisco Giants and again in 2015 with the Oakland A's. 

He was selected in the first round of the 1999 MLB Draft by Oakland (6th overall) and made his MLB debut a year later in July of 2000.

In 2002, he won 23 games and earned the American League Cy Young Award. In 2007, he would sign a $100 million dollar contract with the San Francisco Giants and would go on to be a part of two World Series championship teams in 2010 and 2012. 

The three-time All-Star won 165 career games and retired following the 2015 season.

He is now a musician, releasing his first EP in 2017 (NO SECRETS) and in September of 2019, he released his first book, "CURVEBALL."

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Barry about his MLB career, how baseball became his God, seeing his parents both come to faith before their death and how God turned his life around and gave him true fulfillment. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 22, 2019

Episode 389

Robby Rowland is a professional baseball player. He was selected in the third round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks (88th overall).

Since being drafted, Robby has spent his entire 9 year career in the minor leagues playing for 13 different teams. His story is ongoing as he suffered a torn lat arm injury in July of 2018 and is currently rehabbing with the hopes of someday reaching his dream of pitching in the Major Leagues.

Putting his analyst hat on, Robby has shared his baseball insights on social media and the podcast that he hosts called "The Robby Row Show."

On this episode of the podcast, Robby shares his powerful story of coming to faith in 2015, working through arm injuries, the reason he continues to chase his dream of pitching in the Majors, and why he's growing an epic beard.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 21, 2019

Episode 388

Jermon Bushrod played 12 years in the NFL with the Saints, Bears and Dolphins. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Saints out of Towson University. 

He would spend his first 6 seasons in New Orleans, making two Pro Bowls in 2011 and 2012 as well as helping his team to a Super Bowl championship in 2009. 

In 2013, Jermon would sign a new deal with the Bears and play three seasons in Chicago from 2013-2015. In 2016 and 2017, he played with the Miami Dolphins before returning to the Saints for one final season in 2018.

In August of 2019, he officially announced his retirement from the NFL.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jermon about his decision to retire, losing the NFC Championship in his final NFL game, where his faith took shape, playing through pain, and how he has moved forward after the loss of his infant daughter in 2018.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 18, 2019

Episode 387

Nate Oats is the head coach of the University of Alabama men's basketball program. He came to Tuscaloosa in March after five successful years as the head coach at the University of Buffalo.

While in Buffalo, Oats led his club to three NCAA tournament appearances including advancing to the second round in both 2018 and 2019. He is a 2-time MAC Coach of the Year and a winner of 3 MAC Tournament Championships in 2016, 2018 and 2019. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Coach Oats about his decision to come to Alabama, not having to deal with the cold and snow of Buffalo anymore, going from coaching high school basketball to Alabama in just 6 years, how his faith guides him and shapes the way he coaches and why reading through the Bible in a year was important to him. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 17, 2019

Darryl Strawberry is an 8-time All-Star and 4-time World Series champion who played 17 MLB seasons with the Mets, Dodgers, Giants and Yankees.

He joined us back in January of 2018, Episode 68 of the podcast to talk about his baseball success, his fall from grace, and the redemption that took place after submitting his life to Christ. 

On this throwback edition of the interview, Darryl shares why he is traveling the world and living as an evangelist working for the Lord. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Darryl Strawberry by clicking here or by listening everywhere podcasts are found including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart Radio. 

Oct 16, 2019

Episode 386

Rachael Denhollander’s voice was heard around the world when she spoke out to end the most shocking scandal in US gymnastics history. The first victim to publicly accuse Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor who abused hundreds of young athletes, Rachael now reveals her full story for the first time. How did Nassar get away with it for so long? How did Rachael and the other survivors finally stop him and bring him to justice? And how can we protect the vulnerable in our own families, churches, and communities?

In September of 2019, Rachael released her book "What Is a Girl Worth?" It is the inspiring true story of Rachael’s journey from an idealistic young gymnast to a strong and determined woman who found the courage to raise her voice against evil, even when she thought the world might not listen. This deeply personal and compelling narrative shines a spotlight on the physical and emotional impact of abuse, why so many survivors are reluctant to speak out, what it means to be believed, the extraordinary power of faith and forgiveness, and how we can learn to do what is right in the moments that matter most.

On this episode of the podcast, we hear Rachael share about the power of forgiveness, why she came forward she did, dealing with the aftermath of going public and the advice she has for others in supporting sexual abuse survivors.

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Oct 15, 2019

Episode 385

Joe Dipenta is a former NHL player. He was selected 61st overall by the Florida Panthers in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. 

Growing up in Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia (the same hometown as Penguins legend Sidney Crosby), Joe's dream was to play professional hockey and in 2002-2003, he made his NHL debut with the Atlanta Thrashers. 

In 2005, Joe became a member of the Anaheim Ducks and just two years later, became a Stanley Cup champion. 

Joe also holds the unique distinction of being one of just a handful of players to win a Stanley Cup title and a Calder Cup championship (AHL) as well. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Joe about coming to faith in Christ during his NHL career, his desire to play hockey, how he spent his day with the Stanley Cup and why he walked away from hockey at age 32. 

For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

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