Andrew East is a former professional football player. Shawn Johnson East is a former Olympic Gold Medalist. Together, they are now creating content on their YouTube channel "The East Family" with over 1 million subscribers. They also host their own podcast "Couple Things with Shawn and Andrew." They were married in April 2016 and their daughter Drew was born in October 2019. Their second child is expected this summer.
Shawn's Olympic success saw her come away with a Gold and three Silver Medals in the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics. Since then, she's competed on Dancing with the Stars and written three books.
Andrew played college football at Vanderbilt as a long snapper and had stints in the NFL with the Chiefs, Seahawks, Raiders, Rams, Jaguars and Washington.
Today on the podcast, we talk with Andrew and Shawn about their engagement at Wrigley Field, the importance of faith in their life, preparing for baby number two, Andrew's NFL debut and stewarding their large platforms well.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Andrew and Shawn, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Dave and Ann Wilson - Vertical Marriage
- Dan Orlovsky, ESPN NFL Analyst
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Bob Richey is the men's head basketball coach with Furman University. In 2020-21, he led the Paladins to a 16-9 record after a 25-7 record the year before in a season that ended with the global pandemic.
In high school, Richey led Florence Christian school to a 28-2 record, a state championship his senior year and was named the 3A State Player of the Year. After playing his college ball at North Greenville, he began his coaching career with Charleston Southern as an assistant coach. After spending 6 years with Furman as an assistant, he was named their head coach in 2017.
Today on the podcast, coach Richey talks about coaching in a pandemic, eliminating distractions, trusting in Jesus, being a great leader and the importance of prayer and quiet time in his life.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Bob, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Jimmy Dykes - ESPN College Basketball Analyst
- Clark Kellogg - CBS Sports College Basketball Analyst
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Jack Nicklaus II is the first of five children born to Jack and Barbara Nicklaus. His father is a golfing legend, having won 73 PGA Tour pro events including 18 victories in Major championships. Jack II carved out his own golfing journey, attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and was a member of the UNC golf team.
After a brief career as a professional golfer, Nicklaus II turned his passion to the golf course and since designing his first golf course in 1991, he has become a leading force in Nicklaus Design, serving as president of the firm and working as both a solo designer and as a collaborator with his father.
In 2000, Jack II was named to Golfweek's "40 Under 40," a list of 40 individuals under the age of 40 from the golf industry that the magazine felt would "most likely shape the game--and the business of the game--for the next 10 or 20 or 30 years."
His new book "Best Seat in the House: 18 Golden Lessons from a Father to His Son" released May 18.
On today's podcast, Jack Nicklaus II shares on his earliest memories growing up the son of a golfing legend, being at UNC with Lawrence Taylor and Michael Jordan, meeting presidents and how faith plays an important role in the Nicklaus household.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Jack Nicklaus II, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Matt Doherty - Former UNC Men's Basketball Player and head coach
– Bernhard Langer - Two-time Masters Champion
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Former MLB player Xavier Scruggs joins us today to share about his journey from 19th round draft pick to Korean baseball star and now retired from the game and finding purpose as a dad, husband and media professional.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Xavier, we know you'll love these conversations as well.
- Xavier Scruggs on life in Korea (from 2018)
- Dansby Swanson, Atlanta Braves Shortstop
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Marc Davidson is the boys high school basketball coach at Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian in Indiana. He is a two-time state champion winning the title in 2019 and 2021. Before coaching, he played basketball in high school under the coaching of his father Don, a member of the Illinois Basketball Association Hall of Fame.
He would go on to play college basketball at Illinois under coach Lou Henson and then transfer to Trinity International (Illinois). He would play professional basketball overseas in France for over a decade before retiring in 2006.
In October 2020, Davidson was preparing for the upcoming basketball season when doctors discovered a large tumor on his right kidney. Five days later, the tumor, the kidney and 13 lymph nodes in his stomach were removed. A rare cancer was discovered of which there currently is no treatment. He would return to coaching and lead his team to the Indiana 2021 Class 2A state title.
Today on the podcast we talk to Marc Davidson about the success he's had as a basketball coach, trusting in God in the midst of a cancer diagnosis and why his purpose is greater than just winning basketball games.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with coach Marc, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Mitch Mason - UNC Football Chaplain
- Lauren Sisler - ESPN College Football Reporter
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Dean Inserra is the founding lead pastor of City Church in Tallahassee, Florida. He is also an author of two books, his 2019 release “The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel” and his latest “Getting over Yourself : Trading Believe-In-Yourself Religion for Christ-Centered Christianity.”
Today on the podcast, we talk to Dean about his love for sports. Jason and Dean debate their top-5 QBs of all-time and then we discuss Dean’s new book and why Christians need to get back to living a Christ-centered life and not get caught up in the ‘new prosperity gospel’ message.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Matthew Slater – New England Patriots All-Pro Special Teams Ace
– Earl Smith, Warriors and 49ers Team Chaplain
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Lucas Black is a film and television actor who has starred in multiple movies including 42 (Jackie Robinson film), Sling Blade, Fast and the Furious Tokyo Drift among many others. He is most known for his role as Christopher LaSalle on CBS' NCIS: New Orleans where he appeared from 2014-2019.
Born and raised in Alabama, Lucas enjoys the outdoors and has a YouTube channel called "Real Life Lucas Black" where he shares videos of him hunting and fishing. He will make a cameo in the upcoming film Fast and Furious 9 (F9) releasing June 25, 2021.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Lucas about living his faith out in Hollywood, how he became an actor, his love for sports and preparing to play former Brooklyn Dodgers baseball star Pee Wee Reece in the 2013 film 42.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Lucas Black, you'll love these conversations as well:
- T.C. Stallings - Actor, Author
- Stephen Kendrick – Movie Producer (Courageous, Overcomer)
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Today on the podcast, our Sports Spectrum Managing Editor Jon Ackerman joins our host Jason Romano to preview the 2021 Summer edition of the Sports Spectrum Magazine.
If you order a 1 or 2 year magazine subscription by Father's Day, June 19, you'll get a free Sports Spectrum "Increase" t-shirt. Use the code Dad2021 when you order here.
Brian Dawkins is a former NFL safety who played 16 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos from 1996-2011. His career saw him named to nine Pro Bowls and culminated in 2018 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
His foundation, “The Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation,” provides inspiration, education and resources to youth, families and communities in need.
Today on the podcast, Jade McCarthy talks with Brian Dawkins about mental health, when to move, when to stay still and how God directed his steps to start his Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Jade and Brian, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Brian Dawkins Podcast from 2020
– Nick Foles, Super Bowl LI MVP
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Marcus McMaryion is our guest today on the Sports Spectrum podcast. He's currently a quarterback in the Canadian Football League with the Calgary Stampeders. In college, he was voted a team captain and started 25 games in two seasons with Fresno State, where he led the team to two bowl wins and the best record in school history.
In high school at Dinuba High in Fresno, CA, he threw for 6,136 yards and 71 touchdowns over his final two seasons and led Dinuba to the Division III Valley Conference title as a senior.
In 2020, Marcus received his Master's Degree in Kinesiology and sports administration and also became a dad for the first time as he and his wife welcomed their son Malachi.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Marcus about how his perspective on God as Father has changed since he became a dad, why he has a Galatians 6:14 tattoo, what servant leadership means at the QB position and the encouragement he has for young people looking to achieve success in sports and stay grounded in their faith.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Marcus, we know you'll enjoy these conversations as well:
– Trent Dilfer - Super Bowl Winning QB
– Colt McCoy - NFL Quarterback
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Christine Caine is a bestselling author and sought-after international speaker who has a heart for reaching the lost, strengthening leadership and championing the cause of justice. She and her husband Nick founded the anti-human trafficking organization "The A21 Campaign," which was honored with the "Mother Theresa Memorial Award" for their work combating human trafficking among refugees.
Nick and Christine have also founded Propel Women, an organization designed to celebrate every woman’s passion, purpose, and potential. Christine and Nick make their home in Southern California with their daughters, Catherine and Sophia.
The author of multiple books, Christine's latest release "How Did I Get Here?" is on sale June 8 and available now everywhere books are sold.
Today on the podcast, Christine shares her "hidden" sports talent including her desire to dominate in table tennis, being a sports parent to her daughters, connecting with NFL players and their wives in ministry, the one sporting event that she attended that surprised her and why she wrote her new book "How Did I Get Here?" to help others in their relationship with God.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Christine, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Nick Foles - Super Bowl MVP QB
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Mickey Weston is the Executive Director of Unlimited Potential Incorporated, a ministry that serves the professional baseball community. He was originally selected in the 12th round of the 1982 MLB Amateur Draft by the New York Mets and played professionally for fifteen seasons in MILB and parts of five seasons in MLB with the Orioles, Blue Jays, Phillies and Mets.
Upon retirement in 1996 from baseball, Mickey joined UPI to serve in ministry. He is also in his 18th season serving players in Chicago as the team chaplain for the White Sox.
On today's podcast, we talk to Mickey about being drafted by the Mets, playing minor league baseball with Dwight Gooden, his MLB debut in June 1989, where he began to think about going into ministry and how his experience as a baseball player has helped build trust with the current players he serves in Chicago.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Mickey, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
– Chris Davis – Baltimore Orioles 1B
– Nick Ahmed – Arizona Diamondbacks Shortstop
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Jehyve Floyd is a professional basketball player currently playing in the Israeli Premier League. He is the author of the new book "Godfidence" and is a former Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (2018/2019) during his time with Holy Cross.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Jehyve about playing basketball overseas in Israel, what basketball is like overseas during a pandemic, growing up as a pastor's kid, balancing family and faith and why he decided to write a book at 23 years old.
If you enjoyed this podcast with Jehyve, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Jordan Hulls - Former Indiana Basketball Player
- Greg Hendricks - Campus Pastor "The Rock Church"
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Jimmy Mellado is the president and CEO of Compassion International, which is a partner of Sports Spectrum as we help them release children from poverty.
Mellado is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where he was a member of the Division 1 track and field championship team in 1983. He competed in the 1987 Pan American Games and the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, as a decathlete. Representing his birth nation of El Salvador, he set national records for the best performance in the decathlon, men’s high jump, 100-meter high hurdles and pole vault.
In 2013, Mellado was named CEO and President of Compassion. He has dedicated his life to helping children around the world who are living in poverty and providing them with hope and a way out.
On this episode of the podcast, Jimmy shares his experience participating at the 1988 Summer Olympics and his defining moment participating on sports' biggest stage. We then hear about how the pandemic has affected the work that Compassion does and the amazing pivot that Jimmy and his team made to help stand in the gap for children and their families affected by Covid.
To donate and be a part of Compassion's Fill the Stadium campaign, check out FilltheStadium.com.
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Bryan Koch is a former pro baseball player who was selected in the 26th round of the 1982 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. A promising career was cut short just a few years later when Koch was blinded in his left eye by a 90 mile per hour fastball.
Koch's baseball injury led him into ministry and for 33 years, he was the pastor of GT Church in Reading, PA. For many years, Bryan served God faithfully but living that faith out was tested in June of 2015 when a severe motorcycle accident took the life of his wife of 28 years, Lynn. Bryan survived but was in a coma, endured 19 surgeries, 36 blood transfusions and had his left leg amputated.
This pain turned Bryan's story into one of triumph and purpose. His new book "I'm All Right: A Journey of Tragedy and Triumph" is available now. Y0u can learn more about Bryan at his website BryanKoch.net.
Today on the podcast, Bryan shares his incredibly powerful story of playing pro baseball, pastoring a church, losing his wife, finding forgiveness and going from bitter to better.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Bryan, we know you'll love these stories as well:
- The Incredible Story of Katie Lentz
- Jon Ackerman - Sports Spectrum Managing Editor
- Chris Norton – The Seven Longest Yards
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Mitch Mason is the football chaplain for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Before arriving with UNC, he was the Associate Pastor of FreeWay Church in Clemson, SC and served as a mentor with the Clemson Football TigerHood program.
A former college football player, Mitch was a four year starter at cornerback for Missouri Western State University where he became a two-time All-American and played professionally in the Arena Football League. In 2014, itch was inducted into the Missouri Western State University Hall of Fame.
In February 2020, Mason noticed some discomfort in his back and wouldn't go away. After seeking treatment over the course of the year, he was diagnosed with Idiopathic Small Fiber Neuropathy, a nerve disorder for which there is no known cure. He's been dealing with migraines, seizures, difficulty walking and using his hands, occasional fainting and memory loss.
Today's podcast features Mitch's powerful story of trusting in God during an incredibly difficult season of life as he battles a nerve disorder with no known cure.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Mitch, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- George Gregory - Chargers Team Chaplain
- Shane Williamson - FCA President and CEO
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Mike Hamilton directs Learfield IMG College's university and conference business. Prior to his time with Learfield, Mike served nearly 19 years with the University of Tennessee, in addition to stints with Wake Forest and alma mater Clemson. During his time with the Volunteers, he served as Athletic Director from 2003-2011.
Today on the podcast, Mike shares his powerful story of adoption, his passion for student athletics and why he wants to bring awareness to others on the crisis of adoption.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Mark Richt, Former College Football Coach
- Bob Sturm, Dallas Sports Radio Host
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Scott Linebrink pitched for 12 seasons in the Major League with the Giants, Astros, Padres, Brewers, White Sox and Braves. He was selected in the 2nd round of the 1997 MLB Draft by the Giants out of Texas State University.
He made his MLB debut on April 15, 2000 and in 2004 and 2005, he was the setup pitcher for Trevor Hoffman in San Diego, where had a combined record of 15-4 and an E.R.A. of 2.14 in 2004 and 1.83 in 2005.
Today, he serves as the Parnerships Director with Water Mission, a Christian engineering company that provides access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene solutions in developing countries and disaster areas. You can learn more and donate to Water Mission's cause at their website: WaterMission.org.
Scott shares why he wanted to host a podcast, his passion to serve and give back, living out his faith through his work with Water Mission and how we can all get in the game and serve and give back to those in need.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Scott, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Albert Pujols on Sports Spectrum's Get in the Game Podcast
- Scott Linebrink and Lance Berkman on the Great Commission
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Colt McCoy is entering his 12th year in the NFL as a quarterback. He's currently with the Arizona Cardinals where he will be the backup to Kyler Murray. He was originally selected in the third round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns.
In college, Colt was a decorated quarterback at the University of Texas where he led the Longhorns to the 2010 National Championship game and won dozens of awards including the Maxwell Award, the Davey O'Brien Award, the Manning Award and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. His No. 12 was retired by Texas in 2012.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Colt about his journey football, signing with the Cardinals, how his faith in Jesus directs him and how his definition of leadership has involved in his 12-year NFL career.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Colt, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Greg Davis - Former Texas Longhorns Offensive Coordinator
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Kyle Mangas just finished his college basketball career after playing four seasons with Indiana Wesleyan University. His career saw numerous awards including back-to-back NAIA National Player of the Year honors in 2020 and 2021, as well as winning the Bevo Francis Award in 2020, recognizing the top small college basketball player in the United States for a given season.
The four-time NAIA All-American was a member of the 2018 Indiana Wesleyan squad that won the NAIA Division II championship. This past season, he led IWU to a 30-3 record and averaged an NAIA best 29.5 ppg.
On today's podcast, we talk to Kyle about his incredible college basketball career, what it means to be "third," how his faith in Christ has helped guide him and how he has grown into a leader during his time at IWU.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Kyle, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Greg Tonagel - Indiana Wesleyan Head Basketball Coach
- Jonathan Isaac - Orlando Magic Forward
For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Vad Lee is the Director of Campus Ministry with Young Life at the University of Maryland. The former James Madison All-American QB joins us to talk about his desire to be a pastor and a football player, the lessons learned through adversity and how being injured opened a door from God for him to become a chaplain.
You can order Vad's books "Purpose over Position" and "That's my Friend" here.
---
For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Rhett Lashlee leads the offense for the Miami Hurricanes. In 2020, the Hurricanes finished 8-3 and ranked in the top-25 and played in the 2020 Cheez-It Bowl. His previous coaching stops include Samford University, Arkansas State, Auburn, UCONN and SMU.
In high school, Lashlee was a standout quarterback who won two state championships and broke many Arkansas high school passing records including passing yards, TD passes.
Coach Lashlee shares on the podcast today how he trusts in God with his coaching moves, wins the first 5 minutes at home each day and how his faith helped him to forgive his father for leaving his family when he was 13.
---
If you enjoyed this podcast with Rhett Lashlee, we know you'll love these conversations as well:
- Mark Richt - Former College Football Coach
- Jamey Chadwell - Coastal Carolina Head Football Coach
For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Brooke Wycoff has been a big part of the Florida State women's basketball program for over two decades. She is currently the Associate Head Coach for the Seminoles and coming off a season where she served as the Interim Head Cocah while regular head coach Sue Semrau took a leave of absence to care for her mother.
Brooke is an FSU All-American who played her college hoops from 1997-2001. She began coaching with the Seminoles in 2011 after finishing a decade-long career as a professional player in the WNBA and overseas in Spain.
In 2014, Brooke co-founded an organization called Moms in Coaching, a support group for mothers who coach basketball.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Brooke about balancing motherhood and coaching, seizing the 2020-21 opportunity of being an interim head coach, how her faith in Christ guides her and why her purpose in coaching is bigger than basketball.
---
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Duke Preston is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Director of Player Engagement. He joined Tampa prior to the 2015 season and his role focuses on the personal and professional growth of players through guidance and support. He also serves as the team chaplain of the team.
Prior to working with Tampa, Preston was with the University of Notre Dame in a variety of roles in including player and spiritual development. The former NFL offensive lineman played five seasons with the Bills, Packers and Cowboys and retired in 2010 at the age of 28. He earned his Master's Degree in Christian Education from the Dallas Theological Seminary.
On today's podcast, Duke Preston shares about his role with the Buccaneers, the importance of Christ in his life, the journey of 2020 and winning a Super Bowl, and what discipleship looked like this season.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Duke, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Clyde Christensen, Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Coach
- Casey Phillips, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Reporter
For more stories on sports and faith, check out our website, SportsSpectrum.com
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
On this Mother's Day weekend, former NFL tight end Benjamin Watson shares on the impact his mother made in his life and how he's supported his wife Kirsten in their journey as parents of seven kids.
---
If you enjoyed this conversation with Benjamin, we know you'll love these podcasts as well:
- Benjamin Watson, Eric Boles and Jon Kitna on Reconciliation
- Emmanuel Acho – Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man
Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.