Sports Spectrum Podcast

Alfred Morris is an NFL running back. In 2016, he was with the Dallas Cowboys as a backup to rookie sensation Ezekiel Elliott. Prior to that, he played 4 seasons with the Washington Redskins as their starter.  In 2012, Morris was selected in the 6th round by the Redskins out of Florida Atlantic. Along with fellow rookie Robert Griffin III, Alfred took the NFL by storm, rushing for a Washington team record, 1,613 yards. He also scored 13 touchdowns and helped lead his team to an NFC East Division Title. He capped his dream rookie season off with being named to the 2012 NFL All-Rookie Team, as well as a trip to play in the 2013 Pro Bowl in Hawaii.  Morris continued to have success in 2013 and 2014, rushing for a combined 2,300 yards and 15 touchdowns. He played his final season in 2015 with the Redskins before signing as a free agent with the Cowboys in March of 2016.  Despite being ability to afford a new car, he still drives his 1991 Mazda 626, which he nicknamed "Bentley." On this episode of the podcast, Alf

Ethan Chapman was selected by the Kansas City Royals in the 30th round of the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft.  He played his college baseball at Cal State San Bernadino, a Division 2 school, and set the school's single-season record with 60 runs scored as a freshman in 2010. He earned second-team All-West Region honors as well as the ABCA West Region Gold Glove Award in his final season.  Over the past 5 years, Ethan’s minor league travels have taken him all over the United States. Places like Idaho to Northwest Arkansas to Reading, Pennsylvania. Small towns, with big dreams. Ethan’s dream to make it to the Big League level hasn’t happened yet. This past Winter, Ethan signed to play 2017 in the Mexican League (AAA level) with the Vaqueros Union Laguna club.  Ethan has also contributed a weekly entry to SportsSpectrum.com for the 2017 season, documenting his time playing minor league baseball in the Mexican League with the Vaqueros Union Laguna club.  On this episode of the podcast, Ethan talks about the unglamorous l

Hugh Freeze is the head football coach at the University of Mississippi. Since being named as the head man at Ole Miss in December of 2011, Freeze has become the first coach in school history to guide the Rebels to a bowl game in each of his first four seasons, including wins in the BBVA Compass, Music City and Sugar. Ole Miss is one of five programs in the country (along with Alabama, Florida State, Michigan State and Ohio State) to make consecutive New Year’s Six bowl appearances in the first two years of the College Football Playoff system. Freeze is a devoted husband and father who is unashamed of his faith in Jesus Christ. On this episode of the podcast, Freeze shares about how he became a follower of Christ, his coaching journey, being outspoken about his faith, what it means to be a relational coach, balancing coaching life with family life, and how he deals with scrutiny and adversity when things don't go the way you planned.

Robby Shaffer is a drummer with the highly successful Christian band MercyMe. He joined the band in 1997 and has been a staple of the band ever since. MercyMe has sold more than 9 million units on CD, single and DVD sales and garnered more than 28 No. 1 multi-format Christian radio singles. They have sold out venues across the U.S. and Canada and have appeared on the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, The Today Show, CBS This Morning, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox News, CNN and ABC News. Their ninth studio album, "LIFER" is out now and their first single, "EVEN IF" has been played on radio stations across the country. On this episode of the podcast, Robby shares with us how he became a part of the band, how he ended up sneaking Bibles into China as a teen, his LOVE for baseball, getting to take batting practice at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, how his faith was tested during his teen years, and how they choose which songs to play on tour. We are also giving you a chance to win MercyMe's new album "LIFER" --

Ted Barrett has been umpiring Major League Baseball Games since 1994. He became a full-time MLB umpire in 1999. Ted is the only umpire to ever be behind the plate for TWO perfect games. (David Cone in 1999 and Matt Cain in 2012) He has umpired in 3 World Series including the Red Sox Championship in 2007, the Cardinals title in 2011 and the Giants beating the Royals to win it all in 2014. Barrett is an ordained minister and recently completed his doctorate in theology. He is the co-founder of CALLING FOR CHRIST, a ministry serving professional baseball umpires. On this episode of the podcast, Ted Barrett takes us behind the curtain to what life is really like as an MLB Umpire. We also look back at his most memorable games as well as what it's like to be behind the the plate for a World Series. Ted's faith is strong and his story of faith is certain to inspire.

Louie Giglio is the pastor of Passion City Church and the founder of the Passion movement, which exists to call a generation to leverage their lives for the fame of Jesus. Since 1997, Passion has gathered collegiate-aged young people in events across the U.S. and around the world. Most recently, Passion 2017 gathered more than 55,000 students in Atlanta's Georgia Dome in one of the largest collegiate gatherings in its history. Louie is a passionate sports fan, who lives and dies with his Auburn Tigers football team. He's also a huge fan of Atlanta sports, including the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. Giglio pastors tons of athletes in their walk with Jesus Christ and even started Passion City Church with a former NFL kicker, Todd Peterson. Giglio has authored four books including "The Comeback," "The Air I Breathe," and his latest "Goliath Must Fall." Louie and his wife Shelley make their home in Atlanta. On this episode of the podcast, Louie Giglio shares why he began the Passion movement, planting a church at

Ryan Hall is is a retired American long-distance runner who holds the U.S. record in the half marathon. With his half marathon record time (59:43), he became the first U.S. runner to break the one-hour barrier in the event. He is also the only American to run a sub-2:05 marathon (2:04:58 at the 2011 Boston marathon) and represented the U.S at the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. Ryan is a husband to Sara and has adopted 4 children from Ethiopia. His "Hall Steps Foundation," founded in 2009, empowers the running community to use the energy and resources that fuel runners' athletic achievements, for social justice efforts. In Episode 19 of the podcast, Ryan shares how he became an Olympic runner, how he incorporates his faith into his running, the time he decided to make God his running coach and what it's like to run 7 marathons in 7 days on 7 continents. To become a member and partner with us, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com

Katie Lentz is currently an administrator for MLB's Baseball Assistance Team, a charitable organization that assists members of the baseball family in need of financial, medical or psychological assistance. But this story isn't about baseball, it's about survival.  In this episode of the podcast, Katie shares the incredible story of her survival after being hit by a drunk driver. She suffered multiple fractures including two broken femurs, a broken tibia and fibia, a broken left wrist, nine broken ribs, a lacerated liver, ruptured spleen and bruised lung.  It's a miracle she is alive.  But the story doesn't end there.  There's a mysterious priest, a will to press on, and a courageous act of forgiveness.  For more on Katie's story, follow her on twitter  -- http://twitter.com/katielentz   To learn more about Sports Spectrum, check us out on the web at http://sportsspectrum.com 

Our guest on Episode 17 of the podcast is James Brown from CBS Sports. Since February 2006, JB has served as host for the CBS Television Network's NFL pre-game show, THE NFL TODAY, and had served as play-by-play announcer for the Network's coverage of college basketball, including the NCAA Tournament. He has also hosted the Network's Super Bowl pre-game show for its coverage of Super Bowl XLIV (2010) and for Super Bowl XLI (2007) in Miami. In this episode of the podcast, James Brown talks about his journey to faith, how he got into the broadcasting field, his 70 pound weight loss, and how he shares his faith in Christ in the workplace. His first book, "Role of a Lifetime: Reflections on Faith, Family and Significant Living," hit bookstores across the country in September 2009. In his memoir, Brown relayed how he found the role he was meant to play, highlighting both the good and bad decisions he made along the way, teaching readers how to discover life's purpose for themselves. Brown served as host of "FOX NF

Benjamin Watson has played 14 NFL seasons as a tight end with the Patriots, Browns, Saints and Ravens.  Watson attended Northwestern High School in Rock Hill, South Carolina and was a letterman in football. In football, as a senior, he caught 31 passes for 515 yards. The two-time All-Region selection and Northwestern HS Student of the Year led his team to the state championship in his junior season. He was also a member of his high school chapter of The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. After attending Duke University as a freshman, he transferred to the University of Georgia where he majored in finance. After an all-SEC senior campaign, he was drafted in the 1st round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. As a Patriot, Benjamin was blessed to receive a Super Bowl ring in his rookie season as well as appear in another in 2007. Off the field, Benjamin stays busy with his foundation One More, his growing family, and the NFL Players Association, where he serves on the Executive Committee.  He is als

In August of 2008, Brian and Kathy Haugen experienced the worst tragedy any parent could ever go through, the loss of their son. 15-year-old Taylor died on the football field playing the game he loved.  In his short 15 ½ years, Taylor Reid Haugen left an indelible mark on the community though his living faith and compassion for his friends, team, community, organizations and church. “T”, as he was known, was well-respected by his peers, teachers, congregation and family as an upbeat, positive, selfless yet self-confident young man whose, two passions were Jesus and football. T was a natural leader among his friends and teammates, a mentor to the young and a positive influence and inspiration to all who knew him and of him. Brian and Kathy are the parents of Taylor. Kathy is the Executive Director of the Taylor Haugen Foundation. It's mission is to "build and recognize youth leaders and promote youth sports safety to honor the legacy of Taylor Haugen." You can listen to their story on the podcast below.  In th

Adam Wainwright is a starting pitcher for the St Louis Cardinals. He's been a mainstay with the organization now for 13 seasons. He's a 2-time World Series Champion (2006, 2011), a 3-time All Star and a 2-time Gold Glove winner.  Adam isn't just an elite Major League Baseball player, he's also a man of faith and has taken his love for Jesus into the mission field to start Big League Impact, a non-profit designed to serve and help those in need both in the U.S.A and overseas.  In this episode of the podcast, Adam shares why he believes pitchers are the best athletes, his love for hitting, how often he's asked about the Carlos Beltran pitch, how he stays grounded in his faith during a long MLB season, and why he started Big League Impact.  For more, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com

Episode 13 Jon Gordon is the author of 17 books, including 5 best-sellers: The Energy Bus, The Carpenter, Training Camp, You Win in the Locker Room First and The Power of Positive Leadership. Jon and his tips have been featured on The Today Show, CNN, CNBC, The Golf Channel, Fox and Friends and in numerous magazines and newspapers. His clients include The Los Angeles Dodgers, The Atlanta Falcons, LA Clippers, Miami Heat, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Clemson Football. In this episode of the podcast, Jon shares about his decision to quit the corporate world and follow God's call to speak and write books. Jon shares about his story of faith and why he chose to follow Jesus. He also talks about his relationships with sports teams and how he got involved with some of the biggest teams and the most well-known coaches in football and baseball.  Jon's book "The Carpenter" has been an inspiration to host Jason Romano and Jason and Jon talk about the principles in that book that have gone on to shape the way Romano thinks a

Episode 12 Jared Dudley is a forward on the Phoenix Suns. He just finished his 10th NBA season and has averaged 8.3 points over his career. A second-team All-American for Boston College, Jared was the 2007 ACC player of the year and the 22nd overall selection by the Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets) in the 2007 NBA Draft. Dudley's career has spanned 5 NBA teams including stints with the Bobcats, Suns, Clippers, Bucks, and Wizards. In July of 2016, Jared signed a 3-year deal to return to Phoenix and supply veteran leadership for a very young team. On this episode of the podcast, Jared Dudley talks with Jason Romano about his NBA journey, mentoring young players, being a Christian in the NBA, returning to Phoenix, and his 2017 NBA Finals prediction. For more info on all that we're doing with the podcast, or to partner with us, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com

Episode 11 David Nelson won 2 National Championships at the University of Florida and caught passes from Tim Tebow. He was undrafted in 2010 and signed a free agent contract with Buffalo. His NFL career lasted 5 seasons with the Bills, Browns and Jets.  During the 2012 NFL offseason, David took a trip to Haiti that would change his life. Seeing the conditions, the children, the poverty, Nelson felt called to do more and began a ministry called ImMe to bring the sustaining and empowering structure of family to the orphans of the world through care, prevention, and stewardship. On this episode of the podcast, David Nelson talks with Jason Romano about his faith, the moment where a stranger helped make an encounter with Christ become real, his early struggles in college at Florida under Urban Meyer, and how his teammate Tim Tebow, helped show him what it really meant to be a man of God. 

Episode 10 Scott Lehman is the founder of In His Grip Golf  and the author of More Than A Game: Finding Life’s Answers Through Golf.   On this episode of the podcast, Scott takes us through his journey as a fan of golf, how God grabbed a hold of him 20 years ago in 1997 in the midst of his marriage falling apart and how he was able to repair that marriage and start a ministry to help spread the gospel of Jesus through the game of golf. Recently, Scott has introduced the In His Grip Golf Show on YouTube that tells the stories of faith and golf. For more, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com

Episode 9 Hunter Renfrow is a wide receiver for the Clemson Tigers. On January 9, 2017, the Clemson Tigers won College Football's National Championship game, beating Alabama 35-31. With just :01 left on the clock, Tigers QB Deshaun Watson found Renfrow for the 2-yard touchdown pass and a trip to college football immortality.  In this episode of the podcast, we talk to Hunter Renfrow about that moment where he scores the winning touchdown and wins college football's national title. We also ask him about the faith of his coach Dabo Swinney and the impact he has had on Hunter's life both on and off the field.  For more, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com  

Episode 8 Jerry Birch just completed his 18th season as the chaplain for the NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers.  He is also the co-pastor of Abundant Grace Fellowship in Cleveland and leads a marriage ministry with his wife Gail. In this episode, Pastor Jerry discusses what it's like to be the primary spiritual advisor for the World Champion Cavs. We discuss LeBron James' faith and whether he attends chapel, as well as how the community and culture of the NBA gravitates towards matters of faith. Pastor Jerry also shares his own story of infidelity and sin and how God grabbed a hold of him and not only brought him back to the faith, but called him to become a Pastor.  Please consider leaving a review on iTunes and you'll be entered into a drawing to win a shirt of your choice from http://180Living.com For more on this podcast, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com

Episode 7 Ernie Johnson is the host of TNT's Inside the NBA. He joined Turner Sports in 1989 and has been a legend in the broadcasting industry. He's a 3-time Sports Emmy Award winner and considered one of the best in the business at what he does.  His new book is titled "Unscripted: The Unpredictable Moments That Make Life Extraordinary" is available everywhere now.  Ernie's most important job is probably being Cheryl's husband and the father of 6 children, 4 of which are adopted.  In this episode, 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.  For more, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com.   

Episode 6 Jaccob Slavin was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 4th round (120th overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut on November 20, 2015. Slavin played every game for the Hurricanes this past year and even scored his first ever hat-trick on March 13 against the Islanders. Jaccob comes from a very large family that has been about three things: Faith, Family and Hockey. In this episode, Jaccob Slavin shares the story of when his faith in Christ became his own, the crazy way met his wife, and his welcome to the NHL moment as a rookie back in 2015.  For more, you can check us out on the web at http://SportsSpectrum.com