Sports Spectrum Podcast

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 intent

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 

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.

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 

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

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 

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 

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. 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 Mi

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 iTune

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 epis

Episode 365 Semi Ojeleye was selected by the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft (37th overall). He's played in 129 career games for Boston over his two NBA seasons including 23 playoff games. He scored a career high 17 points in a 116-110 win over Washington on April 9, 2019. Semi came to the Celtics after a college career that saw him begin at Duke University with Coach Mike Krzyzewski and then move on to SMU, where he was named AAC Player of the Year after averaging 18.9 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Mustangs.  Ojeleye's parents emigrated from Nigeria to Kansas and Semi starred at Ottawa High School where he was named Parade Magazine's National Player of the Year in 2013.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Semi about coming to the NBA, adjusting to his role with the Celtics, preparing for a bigger role in 2019-2020, where his faith in Christ took root, living out his walk with God as an NBA player and finding a church home in Boston.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectru