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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
Oct 14, 2019

Episode 384

King McClure is a former college basketball player with the Baylor Bears. Coming out of high school, King was ranked the 36th player overall on ESPN's 100 high school list in 2015 but his basketball career almost didn't happen because of a heart ailment.

In late September, King signed a deal to become a basketball analyst for ESPN

On this episode of the podcast, we learn the basketball journey of King McClure, making the decision to play at Baylor, how his faith helped him through the news of his heart ailment, being told he couldn't play in the NBA, and trusting God through it all. 

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

Oct 11, 2019

Episode 383

Melanie Newman is a broadcasting pioneer. She is one of only five women in the nation to call play-by-play for a professional affiliated baseball team. 

The versatile talent is the lead broadcaster for the Salem Red Sox (Boston's High A affiliate) and serves as the sideline reporter for Liberty University football games for ESPN plus. 

She is a former play-by-play broadcaster for Texas Rangers AA affiliate in Frisco, host for WKSY-TV, Media Communications Coordinator for the Arizona Fall League, announcer, host and correspondent for the Mobile BayBears (ARI-AA), Atlantic Sun Conference and Sun Belt Conference.

A Troy University graduate, Melanie majored in Broadcast Journalism and earned a double minor in Leadership Studies and Sports Information.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Melanie about her crazy broadcasting grind, her viral reporting moment at Liberty Football's home opener, being a baseball broadcasting pioneer, encouraging young media professionals and why living for Christ is her greatest goal. 

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

Oct 10, 2019

David Johnson is an NFL running back with the Arizona Cardinals. He was selected in the third round (86th overall) by Arizona in the 2015 NFL Draft. 

Today we throw it back to October 2017 and our interview with David on Episode 45 of the podcast where we ask him how his faith grew coming into the league as a rookie. 

You can listen to the entire interview with David here, or by searching his name and Sports Spectrum on Apple podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio or everywhere podcasts are found. 

Oct 9, 2019

Episode 382

Danny Graves is a former Major League Baseball pitcher. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1994 MLB Amateur Draft by Cleveland and made his MLB debut two years later with the Indians in July of 1996.

He would go on to pitch for ten more years for three different teams, accumulating 182 career saves and two appearances in the MLB All-Star Game (2000, 2004). 

Danny is the only Vietnam-born player in the history of Major League Baseball and is currently a broadcasting analyst with the Cincinnati Reds Radio Network. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny about being born in Vietnam in 1973, pitching in the steroids era, how his faith helped save him during a difficult time of depression and drugs and his favorite All-Star game memories. 

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

You can watch Danny's appearance on HBO's Real Sports by clicking here

Oct 8, 2019

Episode 381

Collin Radack just finished up his second season as the hitting coach for the Richmond Spiders. 

An All-American outfielder, Radack was drafted in the 20th Round of the 2014 MLB Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. He played in 203 games during his minor league career before retiring to begin coaching. Over his three-year playing career, Radack advanced as high as Double A, playing with the Springfield Cardinals in the Texas League. He finished his professional career with a .279 average with 33 extra-base hits including five home runs. 
 
While a player at Hendrix, Radack ended his career with school records in games played, starts, at bats, runs, hits, triples, intentional walks, stolen bases and fielding percentage. He is also tied for first in total bases, second in doubles and hit by pitch, third in average, fourth in on base percentage and stolen base percentage and fifth in RBI.
 
In 2017, Radack walked away from pro baseball at the age of 25 and is now devoted to using the game of baseball as a ministry to make disciples and share God's love. 

On this episode of the podcast we talk to Collin about his role with Richmond, why the offseason is vital in developing as an athlete, his journey to pro baseball, walking away at age 25 and his desire to make disciples. 

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

Oct 7, 2019

Episode 380

Jonathan Isaac is a forward for the Orlando Magic in the NBA. Selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 2017 NBA Draft by the Magic, Jonathan is beginning his third pro season.

In his rookie year of 2017-18, Isaac struggled on the court with injuries, but grew personally and spiritually, beginning his walk with Jesus. In 2018-19, he was able to remain healthy and was a key contributor on a team that reached the playoffs averaging 9.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and starting 64 of the 75 games he appeared in. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jonathan about his second NBA season, how his faith has grown, traveling overseas in the offseason, the state of faith in the NBA and how Jonathan continues to be outspoken about Jesus with his platform increasing. 

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

Oct 4, 2019

On this bonus episode of the podcast, we talk to author and evangelist Ravi Zacharias. 

Ravi is the president and founder of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries and the author of numerous books including "Can Man Live Without God" and "The Grand Weaver."

Ravi is one of the most respected voices on the Christian faith and speaks to audiences across the world about the saving grace of Jesus.

On Friday, October 4, 2019 at 730pm, Ravi will team up with Tim Tebow for an event titled "Face to Face," where they will demonstrate the value of in-person conversation through a night of honest discussion about challenges faced, lessons learned and insight into living intentionally in today's culture.

You can watch Ravi and Tim's "Face to Face" event here.  

On the podcast, Ravi shares his testimony of coming to faith and how he almost ended his life as a teenager until Christ transformed and changed everything. We also talk to Ravi about how sports can be such a great outlet to share the Gospel and what living intentionally in a world of distraction and technology looks like. 

Oct 4, 2019

Episode 379

Taurus Montgomery is a pastor at Pioneer Memorial Church Harbor of Hope in Michigan and is the author of the book "Set On Fire: How Life's Devastations Can Lead You To Your Destiny."

From age 12 to 19, Taurus was trapped in a lifestyle of crime, fast money, and drug abuse. His bad decisions led to poor academic performance and wasted athletic opportunities.

His life took a turn when one night of devastation changed his destination. He has since traveled the world sharing his inspiring story in places such as Zambia, Indian, Ethiopia, Sri Lanka and Mexico. 

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Taurus Montgomery, his incredible story of perseverance and forgiveness and how God brought him out of a life of crime and drugs to a life of purpose and meaning. 

You can learn more about Taurus at his website, TaurusMontgomery.com 

Oct 3, 2019

Jeremy Affeldt pitched 14 seasons in Major League Baseball from 2002-2015 and is the recipient of three World Series championships with the San Francisco Giants in 2010, 2012, and 2014.

Today we look back to May of 2018, Episode 111 of the podcast and our conversation with Jeremy where he shares an awesome story of pitching in the clinching game of the 2012 World Series and how God really worked in his life at that time. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Jeremy Affeldt by clicking here, or by searching his name on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio or anywhere podcasts are listened to.

Oct 2, 2019

Episode 378

Kent Bottenfield is the head baseball coach for Palm Beach Atlantic University. The former MLB pitcher was selected in the fourth round of the 1986 draft by the Montreal Expos. He made his MLB debut on July 6, 1992, for Montreal and went on to play 10 MLB seasons with the Expos, Rockies, Giants, Cubs, Cardinals, Angels, Phillies and Astros.

In 1999, Bottenfield was named to the National League All-Star team in a year that saw him go 18-7 with St. Louis.

In February 2012, he replaced Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter as the new head coach for Palm Beach Atlantic.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Bottenfield about his MLB career, pitching in the steroid era, the McGwire/Sosa home run chase in 1998, how former teammate Gary Carter influenced his faith, and the unfortunate circumstances that led him to becoming the coach at Palm Beach Atlantic.

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

Sep 30, 2019

Episode 377

Sarah Roberts is the area director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Atlanta. As a wife of a coach and the daughter of a coach, as well as a mom to athletes, Sarah has followed her calling to connect women in sports to Jesus Christ. 

In 2003, she began working for FCA and has served female coaches, female athletes, and coaches wives through Bible studies, chapels, speaking, writing and building relationships.  Sarah has also served with Oklahoma Football as the chaplain to the Sooner coaches wives as well as in the NBA as the OKC Thunder wives chaplain. 

Sarah is the author of three books: "Just Ask" for the female athlete, "Just Ask" for the coaches wife and her latest, "Just Like," a group study for female athletes and coaches. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Sarah about her heart for ministry, how FCA played a huge role in her coming to faith, her families powerful connection with Christian Osterhout, winning an NFL contest and the divine appointments that God sets before us. 

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

Sep 29, 2019

Episode 376

Jeremiah Trotter is a former linebacker who played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Eagles, Redskins and Buccaneers. He was selected in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft (72nd overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles out of Stephen F. Austin. 

Upon arriving in the NFL, Trotter was a staple at linebacker for the Eagles for eight of his eleven seasons. He's a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro who helped lead Philadelphia to a Super Bowl berth in 2004. 

In 2016, he was elected as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame. Known as the Axe-Man, Trotter remains a fan favorite with Eagles fans to this day.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jeremiah Trotter about his NFL journey, knowing when to retire, how his faith played a huge part in his football career, moving forward after the death of his father, and the Bible verse that sums up his life. 

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

Sep 27, 2019

Episode 375

Barnabas Piper is the author of three books including his latest, "The Curious Christian."  He is an avid sports fan with allegiances to the Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins. His father John Piper, is an influential pastor who leads Desiring God ministries. 

On this episode of the podcast, Barnabas shares about growing up as the son of John Piper, his love/hate/love relationship with his sports teams, taking sports fandom too seriously, his love for books and his top 3 sports books. 

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

Sep 26, 2019

Today we look back to December of 2017, Episode 60 of the podcast with 4-time NBA All-Star and basketball coach Mark Price. 

Price played 12 years in the NBA from 1986-1998. He’s a 4-time NBA All Star and was named to the All-NBA First Team in 1993.

Known as one of the best shooters in basketball, Price won the 1993 and 1994 NBA Three-Point Shootout.

His number 25 is retired by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In 2015, Price became the head basketball coach at the University of North Carolina Charlotte and in 2018-19, he served as an assistant coach with the Denver Nuggets. 

Mark shares on this THROWBACK edition of the podcast about his faith journey and staying connected to God during his NBA career. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Mark Price by clicking here or by searching his name on iTunes/Apple podcasts, Spotify, the iHeart Radio app or anywhere podcasts are listened to. 

Sep 25, 2019

Episode 374

Mikey Ambrose is a defender for the Atlanta United in MLS. He played his college soccer at Maryland, and in January 2015 left college early to sign a professional contract with the Austin Aztex in the United Soccer League. He made his professional debut in March 2015 in a 2–0 victory over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

In August 2016, Ambrose joined Orlando City SC, and made his MLS debut against the Colorado Rapids later that month. In December 2016, he was selected in the MLS Expansion Draft by Atlanta United FC, where he remains today. Atlanta is the defending MLS champion.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Ambrose about his love for the Dallas Cowboys, playing soccer in Atlanta, what faith looks like in the MLS, and overcoming injuries.

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

Sep 24, 2019

Episode 373

Darrin Patrick is the author of the book "The Dude's Guide to Marriage and the founding pastor of "The Journey Church" in 2002. He was the former team chaplain of the St. Louis Cardinals and the former Vice President of the Acts 29 Church Planting Network. 

In 2016, Darrin was removed from his church after a "historical pattern of sin" and spent time away restoring his marriage and his family. Recently, he's returned to ministry as the teaching pastor at Seacoast Church and is co-hosting a podcast called "The Pastor's Collective." 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Darrin Patrick about sin, failure, shame, repentance, forgiveness, empathy and restoration. This is a powerful story of God's redeeming work in the life of a pastor who had it all and almost lost it. 

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

Sep 23, 2019

Episode 372

Herbie Kuhn is a team chaplain and public address announcer for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He's also the team chaplain for the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.

He joined the Raptors in 1995 as their arena voice and soon thereafter, came to faith in Christ. A few years later, Herbie was asked to serve as a co-chaplain with Steve Kerns. 

On this episode of the podcast, Herbie Kuhn tells his awesome story of getting to be the voice everyone hears when they attend a Toronto Raptors home game. Kuhn shares what it was like to have his team win the NBA championship, how he came to faith in 1996 and how that new walk with the Lord changed the way he went about doing his job. 

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

Sep 20, 2019

Episode 371

Aubrey Bledsoe is a professional soccer goalkeeper in the National Women's Soccer League with the Washington Spirit.

A 2-time high school state champion in soccer at St. Ursula Academy in Cincinnati, Bledsoe would play her college soccer at Wake Forest and then venture on a pro soccer career that has taken her to Norway, New Jersey, Denmark, Orlando, Australia and now Washington D.C. with the Spirit. 

In week 4 of the 2019 NWSL season, Bledsoe won both NWSL player and save of the week.

On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Aubrey's life as a pro soccer player with the Spirit, her journey of faith in Christ, being a believer in the pro soccer world, and growing as a woman of God in a difficult season of life in pro soccer. 

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

Sep 19, 2019

Today we look back to January of 2019, Episode 233 of the podcast with Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and NBC Sports NFL analyst Tony Dungy.

Dungy is a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author whose books include “Quiet Strength,” “Uncommon,” “The Mentor Leader” and “Uncommon Marriage.” He led the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl victory on Feb. 4, 2007, the first such win for an African-American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs 10 consecutive years.

Dungy joined the Colts in 2002 after serving as the most successful head coach in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history. He has also held assistant coaching positions with the University of Minnesota, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and Minnesota Vikings. Before becoming a coach, he played three seasons in the NFL. Dungy was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016.

Dungy has been involved in a wide variety of charitable organizations, including All Pro Dad, Abe Brown Ministries, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Athletes in Action, Mentors for Life, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys & Girls Clubs. He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America.” He and his wife, Lauren, are the parents of 10 children.

His latest book, “The Soul of a Team,” is out now and tells the story of a fictional football team that goes on to win the Super Bowl after some very difficult trials. The book lays out four essential principles practiced by truly effective teams and shares how it can help us all in our places of influence.

Coach Dungy shares on this THROWBACK edition of the podcast about standing up for his faith and using the platform of winning the Super Bowl to share his love for the Lord. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Tony Dungy by clicking here, or by searching his name on iTunes/Apple podcasts, Spotify, the iHeart Radio app or anywhere podcasts are listened to. 

Sep 18, 2019

Episode 370

Steve Burdick is the Executive Director of College Golf Fellowship, a ministry that shares and equips college and pro golfers to be fully devoted followers of Christ.

Prior to joining College Golf Fellowship in 2001, Steve was an All-American golfer at the University of Stanford from 1991-95. During his time in college, Steve won a national championship in 1994 and was teammates with PGA Tour players Casey Martin, Notah Begay and Tiger Woods. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Steve about being teammates with Tiger Woods, winning a national championship at Stanford, living out his faith during a difficult moment in college in 1995, why he decided to walk away from golf and how the death of his Dad helped shape his faith. 

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

Sep 17, 2019

Episode 369

In 2019, Lyndsey Oates will begin her 15th year as the head volleyball coach at the University of Northern Colorado. She's a three-time Big Sky Conference Coach of the Year in 2009, 2011, and 2014. 

Lyndsey was a standout volleyball player in high school, where she won a state championship in 1997 with Easton High in Colorado. She would go on to play volleyball in college at LSU before beginning her coaching career in 2002 as an assistant with Samford University.

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Lyndsey Oates about her role as head coach, the unique lessons volleyball teaches, how her faith was shaped in college at LSU and seeing her faith in God tested after losing her Dad in a car accident.

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

Sep 16, 2019

Episode 368

Monty Williams is the head coach of the NBA's Phoenix Suns. He was named to his current role in May 2019 after serving as an assistant coach with the Philadelphia 76ers last season. 

Selected in the first round of the 1994 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks, Monty played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Knicks, Spurs, Nuggets, Magic and 76ers. 

After his playing career finished, Monty went into coaching, serving as as assistant with the Portland Trail Blazers for 5 seasons before being named the head coach of the then New Orleans Hornets, now Pelicans franchise. 

On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Monty Williams about his new role with the Suns, coming to faith in Christ, the state of faith in the NBA today, and how he's processed grief and forgiveness since the loss of his wife 3 years ago in a tragic car crash.

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

Sep 12, 2019

Episode 367

Mike Fisher played 19 seasons in the NHL with the Ottawa Senators and Nashville Predators from 1999-2018. He retired after the 2018 season. He's married to country singer Carrie Underwood and has 2 children. 

Matt Hasselbeck played 17 seasons in the NFL with the Packers, Seahawks, Titans and Colts from 1999-2015. He retired after the 2015 season. He's currently an analyst with ESPN and is married to Sarah and has 3 children. 

On this episode of the podcast, Matt Hasselbeck interviews Mike Fisher about their friendship, faith in sports, social media, retirement, role models, and daily spiritual disciplines. 

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

Sep 12, 2019

Today we look back to July of 2018, Episode 132 of the podcast with ESPN announcer Maria Taylor. 

Maria is becoming a household name on sports broadcasts. She has been an ESPN host and reporter covering college football’s National Championship game, college basketball, the NFL Draft, the NBA Combine, the NBA Draft, the ESPYs and College Gameday. 

A graduate of the University of Georgia in 2009, Taylor played basketball as well as making All-SEC honors in volleyball for the Lady Bulldogs.

Her passion to serve the Lord and give back culminated in 2014 with her co-founding the Winning Edge Leadership Academy. The Academy provides a place where college student and young professionals, particularly women and minority leaders, can get professional development to prepare them for the sports business world.

Maria shares on this THROWBACK edition of the podcast about her walk with the Lord and where that began. 

You can listen to the entire interview with Maria Taylor by clicking here or by searching her name on iTunes/Apple podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio App or anywhere podcasts are listened to. 

Sep 11, 2019

Episode 366

Tammi Carr is the co-founder of the Chad Tough Foundation. She and her husband Jason met in college at the University of Michigan and have been together ever since. Jason played quarterback for the Wolverines football team. Tammi's father Tom Curtis, played football at Michigan and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Tammi's father in-law is Lloyd Carr, the legendary Michigan football coach from 1995-2007.

In 2015, Chad Carr, Tammi and Jason's son, died at the age of 5 years old. He lived 14 months after being diagnosed with an inoperable, malignant brain tumor: diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma. It is a cancerous tumor located within the brain stem, which overwhelmingly targets children, and there are zero long-term survivors. 

After his death, the Chad Tough Foundationwas formed in 2015. Tammi is on the board of directors of the foundation and her husband is president of the part-time staff and they have raised close to $10 million dollars for DIPG research. 

On this episode of the podcast, we remember Chad Carr through the words of his mom Tammi, trusting in God as they walked with their son in his fight, starting the Chad Tough foundation, how Chad's death has brought others to come to faith in Christ and finding purpose in the pain. 

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

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