Sports Spectrum Podcast

Matthew Slater has played 10 NFL seasons since being selected in the 5th round of the 2008 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.  He is a 2-time Super Bowl champion and has been named to 7 consecutive Pro Bowls as a special teams ace with New England.  Slater's father Jackie, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Matthew about the differences in winning and losing a Super Bowl, why he stays away from social media, growing up with a Hall of Fame dad and his memories of his one career NFL reception.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Gigi Marvin is a member of the 2018 Gold Medal winning USA Olympic Women's Hockey team.   Gigi scored a goal in the overtime shootout and helped Team USA achieve their first ever Gold Medal beating Canada 3-2 in an absolute classic.  Having just returned from the Olympics, we caught up with Gigi in Washington D.C. as she's traveling with her squad on a victory tour around the U.S.A.  On this episode of the podcast, Gigi shares that incredible moment of winning the Gold Medal, how God helped keep her at peace in the days leading up to the big game, how winning the Gold is going to increase her platform to share Christ, and whether or not that is the greatest game she's ever been a part of.  You can learn more about Gigi Marvin's story from our original interview with her on Episode 64 of the podcast here.   

Brett Phillips is one of the funniest people in baseball. The 23-year-old was selected by the Houston Astros in 6th round of the 2012 MLB Draft. On July 30, 2015, he was traded from Houston to Milwaukee as part of a 6 player deal that included Carlos Gomez, among other prospects. Phillips made his MLB debut on June 5, 2017 for the Brewers in a game against the San Francisco Giants. Away from the field, Phillips has maybe the craziest laugh you'll ever hear. On this episode of the podcast, Brett Phillips shares why he did a back flip at an Andy Mineo concert, what it was like to make his MLB debut, growing up as a neighbor to Randy "Macho Man" Savage, and why he embraces being the guy with the famous laugh. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

After playing 10 seasons in the NFL, running back Matt Forte has announced his retirement from professional football. On this bonus episode of the podcast, Matt shares exclusively with Sports Spectrum why he decided to retire, the role his faith in Christ played in his decision, his favorite memory as an NFL player, his love for the Chicago Bears fans and why preaching the Gospel and making disciples is his number one priority in retirement.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com. 

2017 was the greatest season in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles franchise as they won their first ever Super Bowl.  On the field, the Eagles dealt with a ton of adversity overcoming injuries to key players including their starting QB Carson Wentz. Off the field though, a spiritual awakening took place and started to take shape this year.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to 5 members of that Super Bowl winning team, WR Torrey Smith, TE Trey Burton, OL Stefen Wisniewski, LB Jordan Hicks and DB Chris Maragos. Team chaplain Ted Winsley also joined the conversation as we looked back at everything that transpired throughout the 2017 season.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

Greg Tonagel begins his 13th season at the helm of the Indiana Wesleyan University men’s basketball team in 2017-18. Tonagel and the Wildcats reached the summit in 2014 and 2016 as the program won two NAIA Division II national championships in three years. Indiana Wesleyan won the 2014 red banner in unprecedented fashion as they became the first team to win all five of their games at the national tournament by double digit. In 2016, Indiana Wesleyan defeated the top two seeds in the tournament to claim the title. Tonagel is a two-time NABC/NAIA Division II National Coach of the Year. In his 12 season as a head coach, Tonagel has already led Indiana Wesleyan to two national championships, one Final Four, five Elite Eight finishes, and eight Crossroads League regular season championships, including seven straight from 2009-15. Perhaps the biggest influence that Tonagel and the staff have had on the program is the work ethic that they have instilled on and off the court. Tonagel’s teams have passion and toughnes

Daniel Schlereth is the son of former Super Bowl champion and NFL analyst Mark Schlereth. The former MLB pitcher with the Tigers and Diamondbacks was selected in the first round of the 2008 MLB Draft by Arizona and made his major league debut against the Atlanta Braves on May 29, 2009. He was traded in 2010 to the Tigers and was a member of the Detroit club that made it all the way to the World Series in 2012.  In college at the University of Arizona, Schlereth played 3 seasons for the Wildcats baseball team. He also met his wife Bree there and they married in November of 2010. On this episode of the podcast, Daniel and his wife Bree join us to talk about their journey to the Major Leagues, growing up with a Super Bowl winning Dad and dealing with adversity as a couple and then as parents.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Todd Gerelds, son of Legendary Alabama high school coach Tandy Gerelds, witnessed God’s transforming grace at Woodlawn and throughout his dad’s life. His book Woodlawn, based on the life he grew up as a child of a high school football coach in the racially divided deep south of Alabama, was made into a major motion picture. Gereld's latest book Always Fall Forward, is a reflection on 52 of his dad's most formative "coachisms" that will encourage and direct you when life hits hard. This book challenges men to live the way Coach Gerelds lived --- grounded in faith and willing to stand up for what he believed in no matter the cost.  Todd's dad, Tandy Gerelds’s career spanned four decades and also included coaching stints at Shoals Christian School (AL), Belmont High School (MS), and Deshler High School where Todd played for his father, and where Coach Gerelds won the Alabama State Championship in 1990. His Deshler team broke the all-time scoring record at that time (603 points) and had a twenty-eight game winnin

Chris Lane is the chaplain for the Miami Marlins and ministers to baseball players. He's also the founder and executive director of First Priority, which ministers to high school students in the southeast Florida area.  One of the schools that Chris and his team at First Priority are a part of is Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the site of Wednesday's horrific school shooting that saw 17 people die and numerous more injured.  On this episode of the podcast, Chris takes us to the scene in Parkland on Wednesday and how he and many others responded by praying and ministering for families. Lane also shares how God has been working in the midst of a terrible tragedy and finding purpose in the pain. 

Reverend Earl Smith is the team chaplain for the NBA world champion Golden State Warriors and the NFL's San Francisco 49ers.  In 1983, at the age of 27, Earl became the youngest person ever hired as a Protestant Chaplain by the California Department of Corrections. Earl was born and reared in Stockton California. The cycle of events in Earl’s life came to a head in 1975 when he was shot 6 times while living the life of a small time gangster. Although expected to die, Earl’s father’s faith, prayers and love seemed to bring him through. The words of his father have motivated him, since that event, “you are a rebel, but you are God’s rebel, and He is going to use you to His glory.” In August of 2000, Chaplain Smith was recognized as the “National Correctional Chaplain of the Year.” Earl currently serves as the Team Pastor for the Golden State Warriors and the San Francisco 49ers’. From 1998 to 2005 Earl was the Chapel Leader for the San Francisco Giants. Smith is the author of the book "DEATH ROW CHAPLAIN," rele

Taylor James plays the lead role as the title character in the upcoming PURE FLIX movie, SAMSON. Taylor's many film and television credits include BLITZ for Lionsgate; MAMMA MIA for Universal; and JUSTICE LEAGUE for Warner Bros. His acting career launched on London's West End as an original cast member in the U.K. production of the musical Footloose, playing the iconic character of William Hewitt.  On this episode of the podcast, Taylor shares how he prepared for such an iconic role as SAMSON, how he was able to fast from food during the shoot, his love for the NBA, and why he feels forgiveness is something we can all receive from God.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Tyler Beede is a pitcher with the San Francisco Giants organization. He was selected in the 1st round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Vanderbilt, where his club won the College World Series.  Alexandria (Allie) DeBerry Beede is Tyler's wife. She's an actress, appearing in many different movies and TV shows including Disney Channel's Ant Farm.  Tyler and Allie married on November 26, 2017. On this episode, 2 days after getting married, Tyler and Allie shared why they decided to spend their honeymoon at a Christian baseball conference, the crazy story of how they met on social media, being on a platform of fame and celebrity as believers in Christ, and how they plan to honor the Lord in their marriage. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

On this special edition of the Sports Spectrum Podcast live from Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, we spoke with New York Jets QB Josh McCown, Jets RB Matt Forte and former Rams legendary WR Isaac Bruce.  Josh McCown came up with the idea to create FOOTBALL SUNDAY and show the stories of faith and football in churches around the country. Matt Forte talks about promoting Jesus at the Super Bowl. Isaac Bruce shares about being patience and praising Jesus while he waits for his opportunity to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Live from Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis, we were able to chat with Eagles players Zach Ertz, Brandon Graham and Malcolm Jenkins as well as Patriots players Matthew Slater, Trey Flowers and James White.   For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

On this special edition of the Sports Spectrum podcast, we are live from Minneapolis at Super Bowl LII where we interview Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, Former NFL QB's Dan Orlovsky and Bruce Gradkowski and San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Leger Douzable.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

Clyde Christensen has been a part of the NFL coaching fraternity for over 20 years. He began his coaching career in college in the late 1970's and moved to the NFL in 1996 with Tony Dungy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Coach Christensen followed Dungy to the Indianapolis Colts, where in 2006, they were a part of winning Super Bowl XLI, beating the Bears 29-17. Clyde was the wide receivers coach, quarterback coach and offensive coordinator during his time with the Colts from 2002 to 2015. In 2016, Clyde moved to Miami and became the offensive coordinator for the Dolphins. He held that position until January of 2018 when he was re-assigned in a new role as Senior offensive assistant coach.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Clyde about coaching Peyton Manning, what makes him so special, preparing for a Super Bowl, how he navigates being a man of faith with being an NFL coach and what he learned watching Tony Dungy live out his Christian walk during his coaching career, and now as a broadcaster.  For

Jack Easterby is in his 5th season as the New England Patriots Team Character Coach as well as a Director of Team Development. In addition to his current role with the Patriots, Easterby has served in consulting roles for the National Football League, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Southeastern Conference, the University of South Carolina, Clemson University, the United States Olympic Teams, as well as being entrusted with dozens of head coaching searches at both power five and mid major universities for multiple sports. He is a trusted confidant to players and coaches alike.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jack about the Patriots 2017 season, how this Super Bowl season differs from last year, Tom Brady off the field, and how players like Matthew Slater and Nate Solder are living out their faith in Christ as leaders on the team.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

Ted Winsley is in his 17th season as the team chaplain of the Philadelphia Eagles. He is the senior pastor at “Family Church” in New Jersey and continues to minister to the Eagles players spiritual needs throughout the year. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Pastor Ted about the Eagles 2017 season, the remarkable run to the Super Bowl, overcoming adversity, the example of Carson Wentz, and why Nick Foles is a huge reason for the culture that has been built inside the Philadelphia locker room. For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com

Ryan Hollingshead is a professional soccer player in the MLS with FC Dallas. On January 6, 2017, Ryan Hollingshead almost died.  While stopping to help a stranded motorist, Ryan was stuck by a motor vehicle that had crashed due to icy conditions, launching him 30 feet into the air. He sustained three broken veterbrae in his neck as a result of the collision, but miraculously survived and then returned to soccer in the summer of 2017.  On this episode of the podcast, Ryan shares his story of coming to faith in Christ, putting his professional soccer career on hold to help his brother plant a church, and how he survived a near-death auto accident.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

As a former NFL player, Bill Curry learned the game from such legendary masters as Bobby Dodd, Vince Lombardi, and Don Shula. He snapped the ball to a who's who list of quarterbacks, including Bart Starr, Johnny Unitas, and Billy Lothridge. He was a two-time Pro Bowl center and a three-time NFL Champion, including victories in Super Bowls I and V. As a coach, Bill restored the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to national prominence. At the University of Alabama, where he was named Bobby Dodd National Coach of the Year, Bill led the Tide to an SEC Championship and to berths in the Hall of Fame Bowl, the Sun Bowl, and the Sugar Bowl. At Kentucky, Bill led his Wildcats to their first bowl game in nearly a decade. In 2008, Bill became the first head coach at Georgia State, who played its inaugural season in 2010.  As a leader, Bill served as President of the National Football League Players Association during one of the most tumultuous periods in NFL history. He was later the Chief Operating Officer for the National C