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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: October, 2019
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 

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 

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