Sports Spectrum Podcast

BONUS EPISODE On June 17, 2015, nine people were murdered in a race motivated mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Sharonda Coleman Singleton was one of those people who were killed. Her son, Chris Singleton joins us today to remember that horrific day, the conversations he was having on race 5 years ago and why they continue to be important conversations to have today. Chris shares why his faith in Christ has helped fuel him to continue sharing his mother's memory and why forgiveness has truly given him freedom to not hold on to bitterness and anger. 

Episode 508   Todd Gongwer is an author, speaker, entrepreneur and former college coach who is passionate about helping others discover their purpose in leadership and life. He is the author of the best-selling book "Lead ... for God's Sake!"   His expertise in the area of leadership and team dynamics come from over twenty-five years of a wide range of experiences spanning the world of business and athletics. He’s held senior positions in companies ranging from entrepreneurial start-up to public entity while also serving as an assistant college basketball coach for one of the winningest small College programs in the country during the 1990’s.   Todd's message has been featured in numerous publications such as ESPN the Magazine, ESPN.com, YahooSports, and Grantland. In addition, his powerful messages are impacting leaders from Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, major universities, professional sports teams, school districts, and churches throughout the country.   On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Todd about leadership, lessons on turning 50, pivoting during a pandemic, why we should all strive to be Joe the Janitor, and the importance of aligning our pursuits with God.    For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com 

BONUS EPISODE   Matt Holliday played 15 MLB seasons with the Rockies, A's, Cardinals and Yankees. The 7-time All-Star won a World Series with St. Louis in 2011 and won two National League pennants in 2007 with the Rockies and 2013 with the Cardinals.    The 2007 NLCS MVP last played with the Rockies in 2018 and is now coaching baseball at Oklahoma State.    Matt and his wife Leslee join us today to talk about their marriage, starting a new podcast together, adjusting to life after baseball and why Matt says he doesn't like the word "retire."   The new podcast "Table Forty" by Matt and Leslee is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network and available to download and listen to for free everywhere podcasts are found. 

Episode 507   Jim Schlossnagle is the baseball coach for Texas Christian University in Ft. Worth, Texas He arrived at TCU in 2004 and has compiled an impressive resume that includes 770 career victories and five NCAA Super Regional Appearances and four straight College World Series  appearances.    In 2015 he was named Big 12 Coach of the Year and Baseball America's National Coach of the Year in 2016. His 2020 club was 11-4 until Covid-19 cancelled the rest of their season.   On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Jim Schlossnagle about his journey of faith, how he's handling the cancellation of the 2020 NCAA baseball season, what he's learned from his children as they battle a retinal disease, how Micah Ahern has impacted his life and the importance of relationships.    For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 506   Jim Morris is a former MLB player, who's life was portrayed in the Disney movie "The Rookie" back in 2002. His rise to professional baseball's pinnacle was one of the most improbable stories you'll ever see.    Originally selected fourth overall in the 1983 amateur draft (January Secondary) by the Milwaukee Brewers, Jim would suffer arm injuries during his brief four year minor league career that saw him only reach the Single A level.    Morris would retire, move to Big Lake, Texas and become a teacher and high school baseball coach. In the spring of 1999, Morris made a promise to his high school team that he would try out for an MLB team if his club won the District Championship. His team would win and Morris kept his promise to attend a Tampa Bay Devil Rays tryout. That tryout turned into an incredible story that saw Jim make his MLB debut at the age of 35 on September 18, 1999 against the Texas Rangers in his hometown state.    Jim would retire after pitching two seasons in the Majors and write his autobiography "The Oldest Rookie." That book would turn into a Disney movie and Jim Morris' life would be portrayed on the big screen by actor Dennis Quaid. In June 2020, Jim would release his new book "Dream Makers: Surround Yourself with the Best to be the Best" and continues to speak and share his story with audiences across the country.    On this episode of the podcast, we talk with Jim Morris about his new book, being portrayed in the movie "The Rookie," what he learned about forgiveness in the relationship with his father, overcoming health issues and using his story to bring glory to God.   For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

BONUS EPISODE   Mary Pierce is one of the most decorated female tennis players of the past 30 years. She made her tennis debut in March of 1989 at the age of 14 and would go on to a storied career that saw her win two Grand Slam singles championships, 1995 Australian Open, the 2000 French Open and two Grand Slam doubles titles at the 2000 French Open (Doubles) and 2005 Wimbledon (Mixed Doubles).   In 2019, she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame after a career that saw her high ranking reach as high as No. 3 in the world after defeating Conchita Martinez to win the French Open on June 10, 2000. She is the first Frenchwoman in the Open era and the first French player since Yannick Noah in 1983 to win the French Open title.    On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Mary Pierce about the 20th anniversary of her winning the French Open, forgiving her father after strained relationship for many years, the journey to faith in Christ, and her desire to give back and serve in today's generation.    Follow Mary on Twitter - @_MaryPierce   Check out http://SportsSpectrum.com for more stories of sports and faith. 

Episode 505   Known as one of today’s most gifted comedians, Michael Jr. brings laughter and understanding to audiences all over the world. He has spent a significant portion of his career making laughter commonplace in uncommon places such as homeless shelters and prisons, in addition to empowering his audiences with an appearance in Sony Pictures' feature film War Room as well as a starring role in his latest film Selfie Dad, which is available June 19 on Premium Video on Demand.    Michael has performed on some of the biggest media platforms including The Tonight Show, "The Late, Late Show, Oprah, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Comedy Central, BET, CNN and many others.    On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Michael Jr. about his new movie Selfie Dad, becoming a comedian, why he desired to keep his content clean and for all ages, his powerful testimony of coming to faith in Christ and his love for Detroit sports.    For more stories on sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

BONUS   Tony Boselli is a former Jaguars offensive lineman who played seven seasons in Jacksonville. He was selected in the first round (2nd overall) in the 1995 NFL Draft out of USC and was the first ever draft pick by the Jaguars.   Although his playing career was cut short due to injury, Boselli was named to five Pro Bowls in his seven seasons and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.   Today, Boselli is a broadcaster, calling games for the Jaguars and doing national broadcasts for Westwood One.   On this episode of the podcast, we learn about Tony Boselli's journey of faith and the impact teammates like Mark Brunell had on him. He also shares his incredible story of overcoming Covid-19 and what the Lord showed him during his time in the hospital.   For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 504 Cody Hollister is currently playing wide receiver in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans. He played his college ball at Arkansas, where he would play in 29 games with 12 starts. As a senior (2016), Cody shared the team's Special Teams MVP award with punter Toby Baker after tallying eight tackles on the punt and kickoff teams.   Hollister would go undrafted in 2017 and later sign with the New England Patriots.     He would spend the 2017 season on the practice squad and in 2018, he suffered a back injury that kept him on New England's non-football injury list. He was a member of the Pats 2018 Super Bowl winning team that defeated Los Angeles 13-3.     In 2019, he signed with the Tennessee Titans and he was promoted to the active roster on November 10, 2019 in a game against Kansas City. In week 13, he caught had his first two NFL receptions in a win against Indianapolis.    His twin brother Jacob is also in the NFL, currently playing tight end with the Seattle Seahawks.    On this episode of the podcast, we talk to Cody about his powerful journey to Jesus, the bond he has with his twin brother Jacob, his struggle with depression and anxiety in college at Arkansas, how he remains content in an uncertain football career. Jacob is also a musician and plays an original song "May the Lord" at the end of our conversation.    For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 503 Kyle Korver is a forward with the Milwaukee Bucks. He was selected in the second round of the 2003 NBA Draft and made his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers. He would go on to play 17 NBA seasons including an All-Star berth in 2015 during his time with the Atlanta Hawks. Kyle holds the NBA record for highest three-point shooting percentage in a regular season game with 53.6% back in 2010 with Utah. Wesley Woodyard went undrafted coming out of college at Kentucky in 2008 but signed with the Denver Broncos and just finished his 12th NFL season in 2019 as a member of the Tennessee Titans.  On this episode of the podcast, Wesley Woodyard joins Jason Romano as a co-host to talk with Kyle Korver about all that has taken place in our country since the death of George Floyd. We have a very real and raw conversation about race, faith and reconciliation.  For more stories of sports and faith, visit http://SportsSpectrum.com