Sports Spectrum Podcast

Mac Powell is the lead singer of the successful christian rock band Third Day. With Mac's leadership, the band has sold over 7 million albums in the United States and had 28 number one radio hits. Mac won the 2001 Gospel Music Association award for "Male Vocalist of the Year." A die-hard sports fan, Mac's allegiances belong to the Alabama Crimson Tide, the Atlanta Braves and the Atlanta Falcons.  In 2012, Mac released his first solo album, "Mac Powell" and followed that up in 2014 with his second album "Southpaw." In August of 2017, Third Day celebrated their 25th anniversary and released their 13th studio album, "Revival." Mac is married to Aimee, and has five children. On this episode of the podcast, Mac shares his love for "Roll Tide," how he got started in the music industry, advice for young musicians trying to make it in 2018, why Larry Bird was his guy growing up, hanging with athletes who are fans of his music, and how discipleship on the road as a musician is a discipline that he implements daily.  F

Darryl Strawberry played 17 MLB seasons with the Mets, Dodgers, Giants and Yankees.  Strawberry won a World Series with the Mets in 1986, is the their all-time leader in career home runs (252) and was inducted to the team's hall of fame in 2010. Later in his career, Darryl was a part of 3 World Series teams with the New York Yankees in 1996, 1998 and 1999.  Off the field, Strawberry struggled with addiction for most of his adult life. It wasn't until after his playing days that he reached rock bottom and only by the blood of Christ, was Darryl able to overcome and resurrect his life.  Darryl now is an evangelist who travels all around the country, telling people about Jesus Christ and the hope that is found in our creator. He and his wife Tracy founded "Strawberry Ministries" and are cultivating opportunities for those stuck in addiction to find a way out and find hope through Jesus.  On this episode of the podcast, Darryl shares his very real, very raw story of addiction, his struggles off the field during h

Jrue Holiday is a starting guard for the NBA's New Orleans Pelicans.  He was selected in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers before being traded to New Orleans in July of 2013.  An All-Star in 2013, Holiday is currently averaging a career-high 18 points per game, to go along with 6 assists and 4 rebounds.  In July 2013, Holiday married USA women's national soccer team midfielder Lauren Chaney. The two first met at a UCLA women's basketball game during his only season at the school.  In September 2016, Holiday took an indefinite leave from the New Orleans Pelicans to take care of his wife, after she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The following month, Lauren had brain surgery, just weeks after giving birth to the couple's first child, a daughter, named Jrue Tyler Holiday. On this episode of the podcast, Sports Spectrum's Justin Adams talks with Jrue about where his faith in Christ began, how his prayer life has evolved and brought him closer to his wife during one of the scariest

Adam LaRoche played 12 seasons in the Majors with 6 different teams, most notably the Pirates and the Nationals, where he won a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award in 2012.  LaRoche abruptly retired from baseball in March 2016 after his club, the White Sox had placed a restriction on his 14-year-old son entering the team's clubhouse every day. By retiring, LaRoche walked away from a $13 million contract.  Adam's platform has allowed him to bring to light the issue of sex slavery and human trafficking.  Gary Haugen is the founder and CEO of International Justice Mission, who's mission is to rescue those enslaved in human trafficking, protect them from violence and bring hope and justice for the poor.  Before founding IJM in 1997, Gary was a human rights attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he focused on crimes of police misconduct.  In 1994, he served as the Director of the United Nations’ investigation in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. In this role, he led an international team of lawyer

Brock Huard covers NFL and College Football for ESPN. He's also the co-host of the Brock and Salk show on 710 ESPN in Seattle and is the host of the "Above and Beyond" podcast. Brock was selected in the 3rd round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks out of the University of Washington.  He played 6 seasons in the NFL, including 2 as Peyton Manning's backup in Indianapolis.  Brock was the 1995 Gatorade High School Football Player of the Year.  On this episode of the podcast, Brock and Jason talk about Brock's journey to faith in Christ, being authentic as an analyst, why he feels it's a necessity to meet weekly in a discipleship group, and balancing family with the rigors of a broadcast schedule that has him traveling across the country.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Team USA's Gigi Marvin is a two-time silver medalist at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia and 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, B.C. Born into a hockey family, Gigi takes after her Dad Mike, her brother Aaron, all who played college hockey and her grandpa Cal, who was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.  Gigi played her college hockey at the University of Minnesota, where she helped the Gophers advance to the NCAA Women's Frozen Four in 2009 and earned All-WCHA Second Team honors and was named WCHA Outstanding Student-Athlete of the Year.  Currently training in Florida, Marvin is hoping to make the 2018 U.S. Olympic Women's Hockey team that will compete for the gold at the Winter Olympics come February in South Korea.  On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Gigi's journey to the Olympics, the dream of winning the gold, competing against her friends for a spot on the team, how she stays grounded in her faith and why Finding Nemo is her favorite movie.  For more, log

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. Adam Wainwright is a starting pitcher with the St. Louis Cardinals. In 13 years with the Cards, Waino has won 2 World Series, been elected to 3 All-Star teams, and was named a 2017 Silver Slugger award winner. Adam was also a guest on Episode 14 of this podcast.  On this episode of the podcast, Francis and Adam sit down at a recent conference in San Antonio, TX with host Jason Romano to discuss 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 c

With a vision to create the best sports experience possible for every child, Caz McCaslin founded Upward Unlimited, the world's largest Christian sport league for young athletes. In 1995, Upward Unlimited launched Upward Sports and has grown under McCaslin's leadership and guidance from several hundred children playing in seven church basketball leagues to more than half a million children playing in 2,500 multi-sport clinics, camps, academies and leagues in 47 states. Caz also has released a new book titled "Coach Em Up - Reclaiming Sports For the Benefit of the Athlete." On this episode, we talk to Caz about starting Upward Basketball, why youth sports are broken, and how the founder of the game of basketball, Dr. James Naismith, actually invented basketball to be a ministry, much like Upward.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com or http://Upward.org 

Minnesota Twins 2B Brian Dozier won a Gold Glove and is the first American League second baseman to hit 40 home runs in a season.  Twins pitcher Kyle Gibson went 6-0 in his last 8 starts and finished with 12 wins in 2017.  Both are teammates and devoted followers of Christ.  On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Brian and Kyle about helping the Twins to an amazing turnaround from losing 100 games in 2016 to being in the playoffs in 2017. We also go inside the clubhouse to hear about their faith and how they live out who they are in Christ with their teammates each day.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Mark 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, where he is now in his 3rd season leading the 49ers.  On this episode of the podcast, Mark Price shares his journey from NBA player to college coach, the biggest difference coaching NBA players vs college players, his biggest struggle spiritually and why Christ is at the center of everything he is as a husband, a Dad and a coach.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Dan Orlovsky played 12 seasons in the NFL with the Lions, Texans, Colts, and Buccaneers before retiring in October of 2017. He was a standout quarterback in college at the University of Connecticut, where he set numerous passing records. Selected in the 5th round of the 2005 NFL Draft by the Lions, Dan would be mentored in Detroit by quarterbacks Josh McCown and Jon Kitna.  It was there that Kitna and McCown introduced Orlovsky to Jesus Christ and the sacrifice he made. On this episode of the podcast, Dan Orlovsky shares his disappointment in being drafted in the 5th round, why he considered it a privilege to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, how it took him almost 18 months to accept Jesus Christ into his life, and why broadcasting might be in his future.   For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Trey Burton is in his 4th season as a tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles. He played his college ball at the University of Florida, where he found himself as a versatile athlete playing multiple positions for the Gators. As a freshman in 2010, Burton broke the Gators record for most touchdowns in a single game, finding the end zone 6 times against Kentucky. Despite a lot of success with Florida, Burton would go undrafted in 2014 before signing as a free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles. Burton has made the most of his time, both on special teams, and as a pass receiver for Carson Wentz. The Eagles started 9-1 in 2017 with the best record in the NFL and expectations are very high in Philadelphia. Trey is married to Yesenia and has 3 children. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Trey Burton about the Eagles hot start, where his faith in Christ began, why he's so unashamed about the gospel, the development of his quarterback Carson Wentz, and how he came to baptize his teammates. For more, check out h

Jim Gruenwald enters his ninth year as the head coach for the Wheaton College wrestling team in 2017-18. He is also the Head Strength Coach for Thunder Athletics. Gruenwald, a two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Greco Roman wrestling team, came to Wheaton after serving as an assistant coach for U.S. Greco Roman wrestling team at the U.S. Olympic Education Center in Marquette, Michigan from 2005-09. Gruenwald finished sixth at 60 kg in the Greco Roman competition at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney and was 10th at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. A three-time U.S. Champion, Gruenwald completed his competitive career in 2008 as a National Champion. He also won titles in 2003 and 2004. Gruenwald is a 1994 graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Math Education in 1994. He compiled a four-year record of 154-19 on the mat in his career at Maranatha. Gruenwald was a three-time National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Champion, earning MVP honors in 1989

T.C. Stallings is an actor, author and former pro football running back.  He is one of the stars of the 2015 film "War Room," which reached number one at the box office in its second week. Stallings played 4 years of college football at the University of Louisville, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards and scored 15 touchdowns in his career.  He would go on to play 6 years of professional football in NFL Europe, the CFL, and the Arena League. Stallings got his first crack at movies, playing a gang leader in the 2011 movie "Courageous." On this episode of the podcast, T.C. Stallings talks about the need for prayer in our country, why he left football to pursue acting, growing up without a Dad, and how he feels about turning 40 years old.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Jarrett Payton is the son of legendary NFL running back Walter Payton. In July of 1993, when he was 12 years old, Jarrett introduced his father Walter into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  Playing football at the University of Miami, Jarrett played on a National Championship winning team in 2001, rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2003 and was the 2004 Orange Bowl MVP.  Jarrett played in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans in the NFL as well as the CFL and the Indoor Football League. He retired from Pro Football in 2012.  Currently, Jarrett is a sports broadcaster in Chicago for WGN and CLTV. He's a husband and father, and does work for both the Walter Payton Foundation, as well as his own foundation, the Jarrett Payton Foundation.  On this episode of the podcast, Jarrett shares what it was like growing up with an NFL legend of a Dad, how faith played a role in his life as a child, giving a Hall of Fame introduction in front of millions of people, and how Emmitt Smith became a father figure to him after his Dad's de

Chad Robichaux served in the United States Marine Corps, going on eight tours of duty in Afghanistan, fighting against terrorism. He is a true hero. Chad is the president and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation, a leading military nonprofit serving the US military active-duty and veteran communities with highly successful peer-to-peer, faith-based, combat-trauma programs and combat-resiliency conferences. Chad and his team are dedicated to helping America’s military warriors and their families suffering from the unseen wounds of combat such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Chad and his wife, Kathy, have been married for twenty-two years and have three children. After years of deployments, their family personally faced the challenges of PTSD. Through the struggles that warriors face returning home, they now share a story of a victory in Christ and have dedicated their lives to sharing that story to mentor others like them. Chad has been featured on such media outlets as Fox News, Forbes, The O’Reilly Fa

His parents were killed 3 months apart when he was 19. He was homeless, he wasn't supposed to make it.  But for Andy Andrews, not only did he make it, he persevered and is now impacting lives through his books and his talks.  Hailed by a New York Times reporter as "someone who has quietly become one of the most influential people in America," Andy Andrews is a best-selling novelist, speaker and consultant for the world's largest corporations, most successful sports teams and fastest-growing organizations.  He has spoken at the request of four different United States presidents. Zig Ziglar said, "Andy Andrews is the best speaker I have ever seen."H On this episode of the podcast, we hear Andy's incredible journey from  homelessness to successful author and how God has had a hand in his story from the beginning. Andy also shares an awesome story of the time he had an uncomfortable encounter with Alabama head football coach Nick Saban.  You can follow Andy on twitter @AndyAndrews For more, log on to http://sport

Amy Lawrence is the host of "After Hours with Amy Lawrence" on the CBS Sports Radio Network. The show can be heard weekdays from 2:00-6:00 AM, ET.  Amy is a pioneer in sports radio, and one of the only females hosting a daily talk show on a national radio network.  Prior to joining CBS in January 2013, Lawrence spent nine years at ESPN Radio where she was the only regular female host. Local radio stops include Providence, RI; Lebanon, NH; Rochester, NY; and Oklahoma City, OK, where she was the first female in state history to pilot her own sports radio talk show. She graduated from Messiah College with bachelor’s degrees in Communications & Accounting, before earning her master’s degree in TV & Radio from Syracuse University. Lawrence was recently honored as one of The 100 Most Important Sports Talk Radio Hosts in America by Talkers Magazine for 2015, and was the only female personality to make the list. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Amy about her journey into network radio, her love for

James McCann is a major league baseball catcher for the Detroit Tigers. He made his MLB debut in September 2014, and just finished his third full season in the big leagues in 2017.  In 2017, he hit .253 with 13 HR and 49 RBI but it was his second half that really impressed people around baseball. In July, McCann batted .396 (19-for-48) with a .473 OBP, seven extra-base hits and 11 runs batted in. His hitting streak would extend to 14 games before ending on August 5. McCann has been married to Jessica for 3 years and together, they're expecting twin boys in early 2018.  On this episode of the podcast, James shares what its like to catch Justin Verlander, what he learned in 2017 on and off the field, the importance of accountability partners during a long MLB season, how he's preparing for fatherhood, and the incredible story of when his birth and how doctors gave him a 25% chance to survive.  For more, log on to http://SportsSpectrum.com 

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 November 7, Ted is releasing a documentary on his life, "THE PRICE OF FAME." It is available in theaters one night on November 7th. For more details, check out ThePriceofFame.com.  On