Home
Home
Podcasts
Podcasts
Library
Cancel
Sign in
PODCAST
Sports Spectrum Podcast
Sports Spectrum
Follow
Hosted by former ESPN Senior Producer Jason Romano, and now with over 2.5 million downloads, Sports Spectrum's podcast features stories on the intersection of sports and faith.
Start Here
Virginia Tech softball player Emma Ritter on softball, success and faith
Yesterday
29 mins
Virginia Tech softball player Emma Ritter on softball, success and faith
Emma Ritter is a softball player with Virginia Tech. She is currently a sophomore outfielder and is one of the top hitters for the Hokies softball team. In high school, she was one of the top players in the state of Maryland was named All-Conference each of her four years and was named twice as the Varsity Sports Network Player of the Year. In her freshman year, Emma led Virginia Tech to the NCAA Super Regionals and here in 2022, she's one of the top performers leading her team in batting average, runs scored, doubles and stolen bases. On the podcast today, we talk to Emma about the culture within the Virginia Tech softball team, developing strong relationships with her teammates, playing for an audience of one and how following Christ has become her number one purpose for her life. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
Yesterday
29 mins
Author Jim Wideman on Alabama football and authentic leadership that lasts
Jim Wideman is a pastor, author, Alabama football fan and for the past 45 years has led and guided church ministries with a clear vision of how to help leaders find solutions to seemingly impossible problems. Jim currently serves as The Executive Operations Pastor at The Belonging Co. In Nashville, Tennessee. Jim believes his greatest sermon, is his family. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
2d ago
40 mins
Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy on standing for Christ and living 'uncommon'
Tony Dungy is a Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and the first African-American head coach in the NFL to win a Super Bowl. He's also a football commentator for NBC Sports Football Night in America. He has written multiple books including "Quiet Storm," "Uncommon," and "The Mentor Leader." On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Coach Dungy about what it means to live an "uncommon" life, standing up for his faith and why he wants to always live out his faith in the workplace. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
4d ago
17 mins
Charleston Southern basketball coach Clarisse Garcia on coaching for a greater purpose
Clarisse Garcia is the head women's basketball coach at Charleston Southern. Prior to her current role, she had coaching stops at Seton Hall, Stetson, Alabama, Auburn and Wake Forest. As a college basketball player at Villanova, Garcia was a three-time BIG EAST All-Academic team and a captain her senior season. Today on the podcast, we talk to Clarisse about her first season as the head coach at Charleston Southern, the lessons she learned in a difficult season, finding joy in the trials and why her faith is the most important part of her life. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
6d ago
39 mins
Rangers pitcher Taylor Hearn on trusting in God and playing for his hometown team
Taylor Hearn is a pitcher with the Texas Rangers. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2015 MLB Amateur Draft by the Washington Nationals. He made his MLB debut April 25, 2019 with the Texas Rangers and was the starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers home opener in 2022. After a successful high school career in Royce City, TX, Taylor attended San Jacinto College and Oklahoma Baptist U where he was drafted four times before signing with the Nationals in 2015. He was then traded to the Pirates in 2016 and then gain to Texas in 2018. In 2021, he appeared in 42 games with the Rangers and had 11 starts to go along with 6 wins. Today on the podcast we talk to Taylor Hearn about his baseball career, pitching for his hometown team, living for Jesus and the gratitude he has for being a professional baseball player. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
May 9 2022
39 mins
18-year old Lucy Westlake on climbing Mount Everest
Lucy Westlake is an endurance athlete, mountaineer and 2-time world record holder. She is the youngest female to climb all 50 U.S. state highpoints and part of the youngest father-daughter team to climb all 50 U.S. state highpoints. In April 2022, she began a climb to the summit of Mount Everest that would make her the youngest American woman to ever climb to the top. Lucy is raising money to make the climb to Mount Everest, dedicating the journey up to the AWE Summit Scholarship Foundation. The foundation helps make mountains accessible for girls of any age to climb them. She started a GoFundMe for this effort, with the goal of raising $40,000.
May 8 2022
35 mins
Kirsten Watson on motherhood, marriage, faith and writing her first book
Kirsten Watson is a mom of seven and wife of author and retired NFL tight end Benjamin Watson. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a marketing and Spanish degree, Kirsten worked for a Fortune 500 company and then in the nonprofit sector, aspiring to one day run her own company. Now she’s CEO of a family of nine and the executive editor of MomLife Today. With Benjamin, she founded the One More foundation and together they cohost Why or Why Not with the Watsons. Her first book, "Sis, Take a Breath: Encouragement for the Woman Who’s Trying to Live and Love Well (but Secretly Just Wants to Take a Nap)" released May 3, 2022. Today on the podcast, we talk to Kirsten about marriage, parenting, being a "former" NFL wife, trusting in Jesus, talking about the difficult seasons of life and what it means to live and love well. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
May 6 2022
26 mins
Basketball analyst Christy Winters-Scott on faith, coaching, broadcasting, parenting and a father's impact
Christy Winters-Scott is the lead basketball analyst for the Big-10 Network's Women's basketball coverage. She's also a WNBA analyst for the Washington Mystics and a high school basketball coach for her alma mater at South Lakes High School in Virginia. Today on the podcast, we talk to Christy about how she juggles the busy lifestyle of coaching, broadcasting, parenting and marriage. We also talk to her about her faith and the important example her father set as a pastor for many years. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
May 4 2022
39 mins
Baylor's Scott Drew on basketball, a culture of J.O.Y. and using his platform to point to Christ
Scott Drew is the men’s basketball head coach at Baylor University. In 2020-21, he led his club to the mountaintop of college basketball, winning the national championship. This past season, he led the Bears to another number one seed and 27 wins. His journey to Baylor began in 2003, when he was hired to help resuscitate a program that had been rattled by controversy after the firing of coach Dave Bliss. Since then, Drew has won 419 games, including twelve 20-win seasons in his 19 seasons. Today on the podcast, we talk to Scott Drew about lessons learned from victories and defeats, writing his first book "The Road to J.O.Y." and what discipleship looks like in the midst of his busy lifestyle as a college basketball coach. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
May 2 2022
28 mins
Broadcaster Dan Scott gives his life to Jesus at 45 years old
Dan Scott is the Director of Broadcasting and Play-By-Play Voice of the Furman University athletics. Prior to Furman, Dan spent seven years on the Clemson University baseball and women’s basketball broadcasts, plus served as studio host for network football pregame and postgame shows. He also hosted a daily talk show on the Clemson flagship station for 11 years. In addition, Dan has more than a decade under his belt as an award-winning sports editor/writer. Receive our 10-day Sports Spectrum Devotional written by professional athletes for FREE when you sign up for our Sports Spectrum Weekly Email Newsletter. Sign up here.
May 1 2022
49 mins
Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin on faith, coaching, leadership and ego
Lane Kiffin is the head football coach with the Ole Miss Rebels. He was named to his current position in December 2019 and led his team in 2021 to a 10-3 record and a berth in the 2022 Sugar Bowl. Prior to his arrival in Mississippi, Kiffin led Florida Atlantic to two bowl berths and 26 career wins. His previous stops include Alabama, USC, Tennessee and the NFL's Oakland Raiders. Today on the podcast, we talk to Lane Kiffin about the satisfaction he gets in seeing his players get drafted into the NFL, the growth in his faith, being humbled as a younger coach and why he's coaching for a greater purpose now. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 29 2022
24 mins
Former Alabama A&M QB Aqeel Glass on his faith and preparing for the NFL
Aqeel Glass is a former Alabama A&M quarterback who is a 2-time Deacon Jones Trophy winner and a 2-time SWAC Offensive Player of the Year. During his time with Alabama A&M, he passed for 12,136 yards and 109 touchdowns. In 2021, Glass was there SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and passed for 3,568 yards and 36 touchdowns in leading his team to a 7-3 record. After his college football career finished, Glass played in the 2022 NFLPA Bowl All-Star Game and the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He is currently preparing for an opportunity in the NFL. Today on the podcast, we talk to Aqeel Glass about his faith in Jesus and how it guides him as a person and a football player. We also talk through his desire to play in the NFL and why he believes he can make an impact on the next level. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 27 2022
28 mins
NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah on trusting in Jesus and preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft
Daniel Jeremiah is an analyst with NFL Media. He will be a part of the NFL Network's Draft coverage on Thursday Night April 28 at 8 p.m. ET. On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Daniel Jeremiah about preparing to cover the 2022 NFL Draft, reminiscing about the first NFL Draft he ever attended, what time with the Lord looks like during a busy season of work, and how he's grown and evolved as a follower of Christ. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 25 2022
38 mins
Pastor Michael Phillips on second chances and "Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns"
Michael Phillips is the founder of LifePrep and currently serves as the chief engagement and fulfillment officer for the T.D. Jakes Foundation. His powerful story and message of collateral hope has transformed many lives and helped to revitalize communities Phillips' new book “Wrong Lanes Have Right Turns: A Pardoned Man’s Escape from the School-to-Prison Pipeline and what we can do to dismantle it” is available now. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 24 2022
41 mins
Former Texas Tech offensive lineman T.J. Storment on preparing for the NFL and being guided by God's plan
T.J. Storment is a former college football offensive lineman, who played 38 games at the FBS level with Texas Tech, TCU, Colorado State, Fullerton College and Old Dominion. In 2021, he earned Honorable Mention All Big-12 honors. In 2020, he earned All Big-12 honors with TCU. In high school, Storment attended Statesville High School in Statesville, NC where he played football but also served with his parents with their ministry "Power Cross," where he led Bible studies and small groups. Today on the podcast, T.J. Storment discusses his preparation for the NFL and his desire to play professional football. He also shares about the importance of faith in his life and why his desire is to use the platform of football to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 22 2022
35 mins
Liberty baseball players Derek Orndorff and Gray Betts on playing for an audience of one
Derek Orndorff is a senior outfielder with Liberty University's baseball program. He is a grad transfer from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania. He began his collegiate career at Penn State for two years. Gray Betts is a junior catcher with Liberty University's baseball program. In 2021, he was a member of the Atlantic Sun All-Conference first team and a member of the NCAA Knoxville All-Regional team that same season. Today on the podcast, we talk to Gray and Derek about their desire to glorify God in the game of baseball, their faith journeys, the unique culture that exists at Liberty and why they're trusting in God to direct their steps. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 20 2022
31 mins
UFC Fighter Ian Heinisch shares his powerful testimony from drugs and prison to faith in Jesus Christ
Ian Heinisch is a professional mixed martial arts fighter with the UFC. He began his MMA pro career in 2015 and made his UFC debut in November of 2018. He has a career record of 14-5 (five wins by knockout) and signed a new four-year contract with UFC in 2020. Prior to his MMA career, Ian was a high school wrestling champion who's live took a downward spiral when he was arrested for selling illegal drugs and drug trafficking. After spending time in prison and coming to faith in Christ, Ian was able to turn his life around and focus on a professional fighting career. Today on the podcast, Ian shares his powerful testimony and candidly talks through his valleys and going from drinking and drugs and prison to living a life of obedience in Jesus Christ and how he lives out his faith as a UFC fighter. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 18 2022
37 mins
New York Giants Carter Coughlin on surrendering to Jesus in 2021
Carter Coughlin is a linebacker with the New York Giants. He was selected in the 7th round of the 2020 NFL Draft and made the active roster in both 2020 and 2021 with the Giants. On the podcast today, Carter talks about sharing his Jesus story and openly talks about the tempatations he faced during his rookie year in the NFL with money, women and drugs. Carter will be presenting at "Arise with the Guys," a men's conference hosted by Tony Dungy on Saturday April 23, 2022 from 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. CT at Grace Church in Minneapolis. For more information, check out ArisewiththeGuys.com.
Apr 17 2022
27 mins
Trent and Tori Dilfer on their unique father/daughter relationship w/ Jesus at the center
Trent Dilfer is a former NFL quarterback who played 14 seasons and was a member of the Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl XXXV championship team. After a long post-playing career as an ESPN broadcaster, Trent is now the head football coach for Lipscomb Academy in Tennessee. Tori Dilfer is Trent's daughter and a professional volleyball player with Athletes Unlimited and a former college volleyball setter with the University of Louisville. In the fall of 2021, she was a part of the Louisville Cardinal team that finished 32-1 and reached the NCAA National Semifinals. Tori was the MVP of the All-Louisville Regional team, the East Region Player of the Year and the ACC Setter of the Year. Today on the podcast, Jade McCarthy talks to Trent and Tori about their father/daughter relationship, Trent separating coach from dad, Tori separating athlete from daughter and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of their relationship. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 15 2022
1 hr
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher David Hess on his 2021 cancer diagnosis and returning to baseball
David Hess is a professional baseball pitcher with the Tampa Bay Rays organization. In October of 2021, Hess was diagnosed with cancer after tests revealed a cantaloupe-sized tumor pressing on his heart and lungs. Following months of chemo, David has been told by doctors that he is cured can resume baseball activities with the hope is that he will return to the pitching mound very soon. Today on the podcast, we talk to David Hess about his cancer diagnosis, trusting in God upon hearing the news, the role his wife played in his recovery and his desire to return and pitch in a baseball game very soon. Looking for a great gift idea? Order our new devotional book: "The Increase 52 Week Devotional: Inspiring Stories of Faith from the World of Pro Sports."
Apr 13 2022
47 mins
