Sports Spectrum Podcast

Episode 560 Andre Levrone Jr is a former high school, college and pro football player. He was a standout wide receiver in high school, helping Our Lady of Good Counsel High School win four straight Maryland state championships.  In college, he attended University of Virginia where he would play in 22 games, catching 46 passes for 864 yards and 8 touchdowns.  After finishing his college career, Andre would go undrafted in the NFL but sign a contract with the Baltimore Ravens. He would spend parts of three seasons with Baltimore, Carolina and Jacksonville before retiring at the age of 25 in 2020.  On today's podcast, we talk to Andre about walking away from the NFL dream before the dream could happen, why it's important for him to read God's word out of adoration and not obligation and how his faith in Christ was tested multiple times after suffering injuries in high school and college.    Follow Andre on Instagram: @DreistheWay   For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Steve Skipper is one of the most prolific artists in the realms of sports, civil-rights, equestrian, portraiture and Christian artwork. He has shattered barriers of race and education in the art world. He's the first African American to complete artwork sanctioned by NASCAR, the University of Alabama, PGS and PBR. His work is hanging on permanent display in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, College Football Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Lyndon B Johnson Presidential Library.  The upcoming documentary "COLORS OF CHARACTER: An Artist's Journey to Redemption" shares the extraordinary journey of Steve Skipper. You can learn more by visiting http://ColorsofCharacterMovie.com.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Steve and hear his incredible story of growing up in the 1960's as a gang member and drug addict, and how his faith in Jesus Christ led him to a new life as a prolific artist.  For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com. 

Episode 559 Levi Lusko is the lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, a multisite church located in Montana, Utah, Oregon, and Wyoming that he and his wife Jennie pioneered in 2007. He is the author of the bestselling books “Through the Eyes of a Lion” and “Swipe Right.” His latest publication is a devotional rebased in August 2020 titled: "Take Back Your Life: A 40-Day Interactive Journey to Thinking Right So You Can Live Right." Levi travels around the world speaking about Jesus and he and Jennie also host the "Hey! It's the Luskos" podcast. In this episode of the podcast, Lusko talks about his new devotional, why “thinking right” is so important to living right, the injury he suffered on the Fourth of July, how pastors and football coaches are very similar, and why leadership is more than a lifestyle or title. Follow Levi on Instagram: @LeviLusko For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 558 Phil Murphy is a SportsCenter anchor at ESPN and ESPN International. He has anchored more than 500 SportsCenters for ESPN International and covered four Super Bowls. Phil has also hosted college football and basketball studio shows and reported from countless UFC events, two NBA All-Star Games and the 2019 World Series. On today's podcast, we talk to Phil about broadcasting to audiences on the other side of the world, how he worked his way up to his current role, his awesome story of faith and trusting in God when the storms come.  Follow Phil on Instagram: @Phil_Sports For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Ernie Johnson is a broadcasting legend. He is the host of TNT’s Inside the NBA and a 3-time Sports Emmy Award Winner. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and for over 30 years, has been considered one of the best in the business at what he does. His new book titled “Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary” is available now. Today on the podcast, Ernie shares his very personal story of coming to the Christian faith, raising a special needs son, what a typical day is like working on Inside the NBA, and what it meant to speak out on the TNT set the night after the election of President Donald Trump in 2016.  This interview originally aired on May 5, 2017. You can listen to the entire conversation right here. 

Episode 557 Tom Ryan is the Ohio State wrestling coach. He is a two-time NCAA Coach of the Year in 2009 and 2015 and led the Buckeyes wrestling program to a 2015 NCAA National Championship. The three-time Big Ten Coach of the Year has coached six different Ohio State wrestlers to 12 individual national titles including four-time champion Logan Stieber and Olympic gold medalist Kyle Snyder. His teams have finished as NCAA runner-up in 2008, 2009, 2017, 2018 and 2019. On this episode of the podcast, Tom shares his powerful and courageous story of losing his 5 year-old son Teague, finding the good among tragedy and how a crisis of faith brought him to fully trust in Jesus. Follow Tom on Twitter: @Buckeye158 For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website: http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Harris III is a magician and illusionist and author of the new book "The Wonder Switch: The Difference Between Limiting Your Life and Living Your Dream."  Harris has performed his unique brand of magic and storytelling for more than two million people on five continents. His performances have been televised to millions more on the Travel Channel and ABC Family.  On today's podcast, we talk to Harris about his new book, his love for baseball as a kid, how to find wonder in our lives and his favorite trick he's performed.  Follow Harris on Instagram: @HarrisIII   For more stories on sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 556 Edward Graham is the grandson of legendary evangelist Billy Graham and currently serves as the Assistant to the Vice President of Programs and Government Relations for Samaritan's Purse. Prior to his work with Samaritan's Purse, Edward served for 16 years in the United States Army through multiple combat deployments within Special Operations and various leadership positions. In college, Edward played soccer at Liberty University and also wrestled for the Army during his time at the U.S. Military Academy. Today on the podcast, we talk to Edward about his work with Samaritan's Purse, the work being done with "Operation Christmas Child," growing up as Billy Graham's grandson, and his experience serving in the U.S. Army. You can get involved and learn more about Operation Christmas Child by clicking here.  For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://SportsSpectrum.com    For more on Operation Christmas Child, check out their website https://www.samaritanspurse.org

Episode 555 Molly McManimie is the Vice President of Client Services with Caric Sports. As an NFL player agent, she represents clients and negotiates contracts with NFL teams.  An Arizona native, Molly got her Law Degree from Chapman University and has spent the past three years working with Caric Sports and president Steve Caric in Las Vegas as one of the few female NFL agents.   Today on the podcast, we talk to Molly about being an agent on NFL cut weekend before the season begins, the difficulty of being a female player agent, why the right yes is worth waiting for, getting baptized in 2019 as an adult and the importance for her to not get caught up in her ego and keep God at the center of her life.    Follow Molly on Instagram: @MollyMack   For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://sportsspectrum.com 

Episode 554 Phil Robertson is the founder of Duck Commander, a professional hunter, and New York Times Bestselling Author. He and his family were portrayed on the successful A&E reality show "Duck Dynasty" which ran from 2012-2017. As a high-school athlete, Phil earned All-State rankings in football, baseball, and track, which afforded him the opportunity to attend Louisiana Tech University on a football scholarship. There, Phil played first-string quarterback – ahead of Terry Bradshaw, who later went on to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl championships. After spending several years teaching in Louisiana schools, Phi formed the Duck Commander Company in 1973 and today remains a family business, with all 4 sons and their wives either presently working or previously having worked for the company at one time or another. After the success of "Duck Dynasty" on A&E, Phil moved to the book world and his first book "Happy, Happy, Happy" was a New York Times Bestseller. His latest book "Jesus Po

Ashton Washington is the Director of Football Operations for the University of Illinois. She's the first ever African American female staff member in the history of the Illini football program under head coach Lovie Smith.  On the podcast today, Ashton shares about her pioneering role with the University of Illinois, why she has a passion for the game of football, why getting baptized in Mississippi changed her life, working with Love Smith, and her desire to open more doors and break down barriers for women in football.    Follow Ashton on Twitter: @Ash3Washington Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Episode 554 Christian Yeager grew up in the North Shore of O'ahu, Hawaii, and his world revolved around the ocean and surfing. Surfing before school, after school, and sometimes during school if the waves were perfect. He joined his school's surf team and competed every weekend in the National Scholastic Surfing Association competitions around the island.  In his wild and crazy life, Yeager has taught kindergarten orphans in Mexico, produced feature films and documentaries in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, and spent time modeling in San Diego. In 2014, he got married and moved to Sydney, Australia, to attend Hillsong College. Three years later, he and his wife, Heather, moved to Southeast Asia to intern with A21, an anti-human trafficking organization. His time with A21 took him to Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. After returning to the United States and becoming a father, Yeager developed a show called "This Cosmic Planet," which he's currently hosting on Yippee TV. On this episode of the podcast, Yeager

Episode 553 Kent Chevalier is the team chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Athletes in Action. He was named to his role before the 2019 season.  Prior to his role with the Steelers, Kent has been a pastor for 22 years in the Pittsburgh area. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Kent about his role with the Steelers, the improbable story to how he got the title of team chaplain for the team he grew up rooting for, what it means to "fail wonderfully," and the Nicodemus moments he's had with the Pittsburgh players.  Follow Kent on Twitter: @KentChevalier You can sow into the ministry of Kent by checking out his website: TeamChevalier.com 

Episode 552 Donnie Jones is the Stetson Men's Basketball Coach. He was named to his current role in March of 2019. Last season, Donnie led Stetson to 16 victories, a 9-win improvement over the previous season and the most in the country for a first-year head coach. Prior to his current role, Donnie has had head coaching stops at Marshall and Central Florida, and was an assistant coach for 11 seasons with Billy Donovan and the Florida Gators, where he helped lead the club to back-to-back National Championships in 2006 and 2007. On today's podcast, we talked to Donnie about coaching Michael Jordan's sons, developing a culture, coaching in a pandemic and why he's using social media to inspire and encourage.    Follow Donnie on Twitter: @DonnieJones Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Mike Metcalf is a NASCAR pit-crew coach and is presently one of the head coaches for the Chip Ganassi Racing pit crew and fuel man for the No. 42 team. The Charlotte native and former football student-athlete graduated with honors from Appalachian State University. He first entered the world of motorsports in 2006 as a member of a NASCAR Pit Crew. Mike quickly climbed the ranks and started coaching pit crews in addition to competing in 2012. Outside of motorsports, Mike is very active in the community. He serves as President of the Board of Directors for the Charlotte Rescue Mission.  His new book "12 Second Culture" released in 2020 and is available now.  On today's podcast, Mike Metcalf shares how a former college football player becomes a NASCAR pit-crew coach, why he's passionate about leadership, his favorite NASCAR story and the importance of being an example of Jesus to those who are suffering injustices.    Follow Mike on Instagram: @MrMetcalfJr Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Episode 551 Brian Dawkins is a 9-time Pro Bowl safety with the Eagles and Broncos. He played 13 seasons with Philadelphia from 1996-2008 and three seasons with Denver from 2009-2011.  In 2018, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  His foundation "The Brian Dawkins Impact Foundation" provides inspiration, education and resources to youth, families and communities in need. On this episode of the podcast, Brian joins us to share his powerful testimony of faith, his struggle with depression and suicide, the impact his grandmother made on his life, and the importance of mental health awareness.  Follow Brian on Twitter: @BrianDawkins Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum 

Episode 550 Cori Close is the head coach for the UCLA Women's Basketball team. In her nine seasons, she has led the Lady Bruins to three Sweet Sixteens and one Elite Eight appearance. In 2019-2020, UCLA went 25-4 before their season was cut short due to Covid-19.  Prior to her coaching career, Close was a player at UC Santa Barbara (89-93) and was the first player in school history to record more than 1,000 points and 500 assists in a career. In April 2005, Close was inducted into the UC Santa Barbara Athletics Hall of Fame.  On today's podcast, we talk to Cori Close about being a good truth teller, being a fruit bearer, why she decided to do a Proverbs Challenge, her growth as a leader and how her faith guides her as a head coach.   Follow Coach Close on Instagram: @CoachCoriClose   Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectrum

Episode 549 Mark Herzlich played seven seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. He was a member of the 2011 team that won Super Bowl XLVI over the Patriots.  Undrafted in 2011 out of Boston College, Mark was the 2008 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and named First-Team All-Amercian at linebacker that same season. In 2009, he was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer. He was able to overcome and return to the football field in 2010, where he won the Rudy Award and the ACC's Brian Piccolo Award after starting 13 games and finishing third on the team in tackles.  Mark retired following the 2017 season and is currently a football analyst with the ACC Network. Today on the podcast, we talk to Mark Herzlich about his incredible story of overcoming cancer, how his faith became real to him in the midst of the cancer diagnosis, and the important role his wife Danielle played in his walk with Christ.    Follow Mark on Instagram: @MarkHerzlich Follow Sports Spectrum on Instagram: @Sports_Spectr

***This interview was recorded on September 15, 2020*** Jack Easterby is the Houston Texans Executive Vice President and manages all football operations and directs the overall culture of the team. Prior to arriving in Houston, Jack was a part of three Super Bowl winning championship teams as a character coach and team chaplain with the New England Patriots.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Jack Easterby about his role with the Texans, what discipleship looks like and why it is important to do the next - right - thing.    Follow Jack on Twitter: @JackEasterby Follow Sports Spectrum on Twitter: @Sports_Spectrum

Episode 548 Matthew Maher is a living testament to God's second chances. Growing up in New Jersey, Matthew dreamed of being a professional soccer player. After a successful college soccer career at Temple, Matthew achieved that dream and played in the Major Indoor Soccer League.  HIs career would span a couple of seasons but on March 1, 2009, Maher blew out his knee and his career was over. Just six days later, a decision Maher made would change his life forever. On March 7, 2009, Maher was driving drunk when he hit and killed Hort Kap. Maher was sentenced to five and a half years in prison in January 2010. After serving time, Matthew turned his mess into a message and is the founder of TruthoverTrend.com. He's also a teaching pastor at Coastal Christian Church in Ocean City, NJ and is a highly sought after speaker throughout New Jersey.  On this episode of the podcast, Matthew shares his powerful story of soccer, faith, prison and redemption.  Follow Matthew on Twitter: @TruthoverTrend Follow Sports Spectrum