Sports Spectrum Podcast

Episode 254 LaChina Robinson calls games for a myriad of companies including ESPN, Fox Sports, Raycom’s ACC women’s basketball, the Atlanta Dream, and works at ESPNW, where she hosts the “Around The Rim” podcast. After her tenure as a star basketball player for Wake Forest University ended, Robinson developed a winning transition offense: she went on to work as an administrator for the Georgia Tech Women’s Basketball Program for several years- and she never missed a game. She then leveraged her experience on the court and her passion for collaboration into the career of her dreams: broadcasting. Her broadcasting career began when she was asked to cover the WBNA’s Atlanta Dream in 2008, both on radio and television for Fox Sports South: 2015 marked her eighth season as the basketball analyst for WNBA’s The Atlanta Dream.  ESPN asked Robinson to join the team in 2009. Over the course of her broadcasting career, Robinson has celebrated many triumphs. During the 2014- 15 season, Robinson was an analyst on ESPN2’s

Episode 253 Chris Dowling is a writer, producer and director known for his work on such films as WHERE HOPE GROWS and PRICELESS and the television series Repo Games. Chris earned his radio/television/film degree from the University of Texas and moved to Los Angeles in 2009, when he wrote and directed his debut film ROCK SLYDE featuring Patrick Warburton. As the director and co-writer of the new film RUN THE RACE, Chris joins Tim Tebow and his brother Robby to help bring a story of hope told through the story of football. In theaters today, February 22nd, RUN THE RACE shows what's possible when you run to-instead of from-the overwhelming love of God.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Chris about the new movie, how he became a part of it, having Tim Tebow as an executive producer, faith in Hollywood, his powerful story of coming to Christ and his love for the Dallas Cowboys.  For more on the movie, check out RunTheRaceMovie.com. 

Episode 252 Case Keenum has been a quarterback in the NFL since 2012. At the University of Houston, Case set several NCAA passing records and was a 2-time Conference USA Player of the Year and 2-time winner of the Sammy Baugh Trophy for the nation's top collegiate passer.  Case's NFL journey has taken him to Houston, St. Louis, back to Houston, back to St. Louis, then Los Angeles (Rams), Minnesota in 2017 and Denver in 2018. He and his wife Kimberly join us on the podcast to discuss the news of the Broncos trading for Joe Flacco, how uncertainty hasn't kept them from trusting in God's plan, the use of social media in their lives and why they want to tell the story of their struggles in the midst of them.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 251 Shaun Alexander played 9 seasons in the NFL from 2000-2008 with the Seahawks and Redskins. The 3-time Pro Bowler helped Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2005, a season where he also rushed for a then NFL record 28 touchdowns in winning the NFL MVP.  Chris Broussard is well known sports commentator who spent many years with ESPN as an NBA reporter. He's now with Fox Sports where he hosts a radio show and podcast and makes regular television appearances. Chris is the founder of K.I.N.G ministries equipping men across the country in growing as followers of Jesus.  On this episode of the podcast, we spoke to Shaun and Chris at an event in Atlanta on biblical manhood, the struggles that men have in becoming disciples of Jesus, athletes living for Jesus, and unity within the church.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 250 Jason Adam is a pitcher with the Kansas City Royals. He was selected in the 5th round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the Royals but his ride to the majors was anything but smooth. Injuries played a huge factor. Throw in a trade and being released multiple times and baseball life was anything but smooth for Adam. But after 6 seasons in the minor leagues, Jason's dream became a reality in May of 2018 when he was recalled by Kansas City. He would finish the year pitching in 31 MLB games, striking out 37 batters in 32.1 innings pitched. In December 2018, Jason re-signed with the Royals on a 1-year deal.  Jason and his wife Kelsey were married in 2014 and in 2018, they welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Kinsley.  On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Jason's crazy journey to the big leagues, going to seminary with his wife, becoming a new dad and the day he got called up to the Royals.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 249 Chris Mortensen is an award-winning journalist and one of the most respected and accomplished reporters covering the National Football League today. A senior NFL Insider, Mortensen joined ESPN in 1991. He regularly appears on NFL Insiders, NFL Live, Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, SportsCenter and other programs. Mortensen also contributes to ESPN’s annual Super Bowl week and NFL Draft coverage, and his work regularly appears on ESPN.com. Mortensen, who was honored by the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) with the prestigious Dick McCann Award for his long and distinguished contribution to pro football in 2016, has covered every Super Bowl since 1985 with the exception of Super Bowl 50 when he was forced to take a leave of absence after being diagnosed with Stage IV throat cancer. Even while undergoing treatment, Mortensen broke one of the biggest news stories of the NFL offseason when his report in March 2016 confirmed that future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning would ret

Episode 248 After spending six seasons working under Tony Bennett as associate head coach at Virginia, McKay returned to Liberty as the men's basketball head coach on April 1, 2015. McKay previously served as the program's head coach during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons. Despite being predicted to finish 11th in the 2015-16 Big South Preseason Poll, McKay guided the Flames to a top five seed and a first round bye in the 2016 Big South Championship, finishing 10-8 in conference play. The Flames' finish in the standings prompted McKay to receive Big South Coach of the Year honors. Before returning to Liberty, McKay helped the Cavaliers post a 136-64 record, including back-to-back 30-win seasons in 2013-14 and 2014-15. Prior to his days in Charlottesville, McKay served two seasons as Liberty's men's basketball coach, posting a 39-28 overall record and a 19-13 mark in Big South play. He was named the seventh head coach in program history on March 26, 2007. Coming into the 2018-19 season, McKay has compiled a 20

Ted DiBiase is a former WWE wrestler, who was inducted into their hall of fame in 2010. Known as “The Million Dollar Man,” DiBiase was regarded as one of the greatest villains in pro wrestling history. In his 25 year career in the wrestling industry, Ted wrestled in some of the biggest venues in the world: Madison Square Garden, The Superdome, The Skydive, The Tokyo Dome and Wembley Stadium. Today, Ted is a full-time evangelist and motivational speaker. Officially ordained into the ministry, he speaks to churches, youth groups, men’s meetings, businesses and in public schools and universities all over the world. Ted is also a spokesman for THE SUNSHINE FOUNDATION, an organization that grants wishes to terminally ill and handicapped children Ted is married to his wife Melanie and has three sons, Michael, Ted Jr, and Brett. On this Throwback Thursday edition of the podcast, Ted shares his testimony of coming to faith in Christ. You can listen to the entire interview, Episode 50 of the podcast, here.   

Episode 247 Rocco Grimaldi plays professional hockey with the Nashville Predators in the NHL. He was selected in the second round (33rd overall) by the Florida Panthers in the 2011 NHL Draft after playing his college hockey at the University of North Dakota. He made his NHL debut on November 1, 2014 with Florida and even had the unique honor of playing in 2 professional hockey games, with 2 different teams, in the same day.  He was traded from Florida to Colorado on June 23, 2016 and then signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Nashville Predators in July of 2018.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Rocco about the grind of playing in the NHL, how he lives his faith out as a hockey player, being patient in the midst of adversity, and how he came to play 2 pro hockey games with 2 different teams in the same day. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 246 Janie Reed is a member of Team USA softball's 2019 Women's National Team. She played her college softball at the University of Oregon, where she was an NFCA All-American 3 straight years as well as First Team All-Pac-12. In 2018, she represented Team USA in the WBSC Women's World Championship, where she won a Gold Medal, hitting .360 (9-for-25) with 1 HR, 6 RBI and 7 runs scored, helping  America qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.  Janie also was part of a group of people who started a ministry called "Church on the Dirt,"where as Vice President, she helps merge the worlds of faith and athletics nationally, by sharing the love and presence of Christ to coaches, families, and athletes when they are unable to attend church. On this episode of the podcast, Janie Reed shares her vision for Church on the Dirt, why she wanted to bring Jesus to the field, her experience as a chaplain in Oklahoma, playing for Team USA in Japan and being a part of a team that was able to clinch a spot in

Episode 245 Danny Kanell is currently a sports commentator for Sirius XM's Mad Dog Sports Radio and CBS Sports. He played his college football as a quarterback at Florida State under hall of fame coach Bobby Bowden where he would later be inducted into the Florida State Athletic Hall of Fame. He also played baseball with the Seminoles and would be drafted in the 25th round of the 1993 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. Upon returning to football, he would set his eyes on the NFL and in 1996, he was selected in the 4th round by the New York Giants. His NFL career saw him play 9 seasons with the Giants, Falcons and Broncos. After his football career was over, Danny went into broadcasting, where he worked with ESPN as an analyst and radio host for over a decade before being laid off in April of 2017. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Danny about the impact Bobby Bowden had on his life, where his faith journey took shape, being let go by ESPN, the regret he has for not sharing his faith with others and w

Episode 244 Scott Smith is a co-host of the "Scott and Kelli" everyday from 11am - 4pm ET on the KLOVE radio network. Scott grew up in southern Minnesota where his passion for sports was fueled by watching his dad coach high school football, track and basketball. As a boy, Scott dreamed of being a professional football player for his beloved Minnesota Vikings. At the age of 15, Scott got his first job in broadcasting, as a radio DJ on KKOJ in Jackson, MN. For 24 years, Scott has worked in Christian radio, with the past 11 being with KLOVE. Scott has been married to Missy for the past 25 years and has 3 children, Nathan, Austin and Charin.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Scott about his job with KLOVE, which famous athlete listens to his show, his powerful story of coming to faith, facing temptations as a young broadcaster and how Christians can do a better job of not putting famous Christian athletes on pedestals.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Francis Chan is the founding pastor of Cornerstone Community Church and author of Crazy Love, Forgotten God, and Erasing Hell. He travels throughout the world challenging Christians to a higher commitment to Christ. He’s also the founder of Eternity Bible College and has been pastoring churches and discipling people for over 25 years. He currently lives with his family in the Bay Area where he oversees We Are Church, a network of house churches. On this Throwback Thursday edition of the podcast, Francis shares his thoughts on discipleship and the state of the local church.  The original interview featured Francis and Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright at a conference in San Antonio, TX discussing their unique friendship, what Adam is learning from Francis’ teaching, why it’s important to use your platform to share the Gospel, and what is breaking Francis’ heart in the church. You can listen to the entire interview HERE. 

Episode 243 Jonathan Byrd made his professional golf debut in 2000 after a successful college career at Clemson University where he was the first four-time First Team All-ACC player in the school's history. In 2002, Jonathan was named the PGA Tour Rookie of the Year ands gone on to a golf career that has seen him finish with 5 PGA Tour wins and 2 Web.com wins.  In 2003, he finished tied for 8th at the Masters and tied for 15th at the U.S. Open.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jonathan about his beloved Clemson Tigers, how to "struggle well," playing the Masters, and living a life of faith on the pro tour.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 242 Chase Anderson is a pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers. He was selected in the 9th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and made his MLB debut 5 years later, May 11, 2014.  He was traded to the Brewers on January 30, 2016 and has been a part of their starting rotation ever since. In 2017, he went 12-4 with a 2.74 ERA in 25 starts. Last season, he went 9-8 in 30 starts and helped the Brewers win 96 games and the National League Central division.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Chase about his love for the Dallas Cowboys, what his offseason preparation looks like, dealing with setbacks and adversity, the impact his Dad had on his life and how his faith in Christ sustains him during a long MLB season.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 241 What is Football Sunday? It’s a free resource for churches to provide their people with an inside look at faith in the NFL in a way that’s relatable to all. The main feature is an in-church sermon-replacement video starring prominent NFL players, but shorter portions of that 30-minute video are also made available, along with other tools geared to reach communities. This year’s presentation features the stories and testimonies of Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum and New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis. It is hosted by Saints tight end Benjamin Watson. Also included are interviews with Christ-followers on the teams set to play in Super Bowl LIII, the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots. The video closes with a Gospel presentation. Enjoy Football Sunday 2019! For more information, go to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Episode 240 Live from Super Bowl LIII in Atlanta, we were able to catch up with Tennessee Titans linebacker Wesley Woodyard to talk about his experience as a broadcaster this week, what he learned from his team beating the Patriots this year, and how he's living out his faith both as a football player, but even more, this week, as a media personality. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 239 As we ready for Super Bowl LIII, Sports Spectrum was able to travel down to the site of the big game in Atlanta and talk to various members of the New England Patriots, the AFC Champions. GUESTS INCLUDE: - Sony Michel, Running Back - Steven Gostkowski, Kicker - Rex Burkhead, Running Back - Philip Dorsett, Wide Receiver For more, log on to http://SportSpectrum.com 

Episode 238 As we ready for Super Bowl LIII, Sports Spectrum was able to travel down to the site of the big game in Atlanta, and talk to various members of the Los Angeles Rams, the NFC Champions. GUESTS INCLUDE: - Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver - Rodger Saffold, Offensive Lineman - Johnny Hekker, Punter - Michael Brockers, Defensive Lineman - Robert Woods, Wide Receiver - Justin Lawler, Defensive Lineman  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com   

Episode 237 Kevin Nickerson has been the team chaplain for the Los Angeles Rams since 2016. He also serves as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes LA County Director and Executive Youth Pastor at Mission Eben-Ezer Family Church. He is married to Bebe and the father of 4 children: Zacarias, Lydia, Hannah, and Gideon. Nickerson played pro football for 7 seasons in the CFL and Arena Football League.  On this episode of the podcast, Kevin shares with us about faith in the Rams locker room, how he came to be the chaplain for the team, preparing for the Super Bowl, and the biggest spiritual battle seen among NFL players.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com