Sports Spectrum Podcast

Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson is our guest today on the podcast. We talk about winning the World Series, facing pressure in a big sports moment, the importance of his spiritual and mental health and getting engaged.  --- 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." 

Jamy Bechler is the host of the popular "Success is a Choice" podcast. He is the author of multiple books including "Bus Trip" and his latest "The Captain." Utilizing his background as a high school athletic director and college basketball coach, Jamy works with high-level sports teams, organizations and businesses helping them maximize their results. --- 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.

Vinny Rey is a former linebacker with the Cincinnati Bengals who is now the Bengals team chaplain. Today, Jade McCarthy talks to Vinny Rey about becoming the new Bengals chaplain, the AFC championship game, the playoff run for Cincinnati and the message that he hopes to share with at chapel before Sunday's game. 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." 

Dan Dickau is a former college basketball player with Gonzaga who was named a first-team All-American in his senior year with the Zags in 2002. The 2002 WCC player of the year was selected 28th overall in the first round of the 2002 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings. Dickau played six seasons in the NBA with six different teams and was traded eight times in his career. After retirement, he spent time as an assistant coach with the Portland Trail Blazers and is currently a college basketball broadcaster, working for CBS Sports Network, Pac-12 Network and Westwood One. He's also involved with Scorebook LIVE, SB LIVE and helps lead the Dan Dickau Basketball Academy in Spokane, Washington.   Today on the podcast, we talk to Dan Dickau about his time with Gonzaga, the success of the Zags, being drafted to the NBA, playing against Michael Jordan and how a trip overseas with Athletes in Action helped deepen his faith in God.  --- 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." 

Sammie Smith is a former standout running back with the Florida State Seminoles. He was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft (9th overall) and would play four NFL seasons with Miami and the Denver Broncos.  Legal problems led to Smith's short NFL career and in 1996, he was convicted on two counts of possession and distribution of cocaine. He would spend seven years in prison and it was during this time that Smith found his true calling and purpose.  Today, Sammie Smith serves with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as the director of character development with the Ole Miss football program. He also shares his powerful story across the country speaking to audiences small and large at churches and other gatherings. On the podcast today, Sammie Smith shares his story of faith and redemption and how God helped him find his true purpose during a difficult season of life in prison. Smith also shares about the lessons learned from playing under legendary coaches Bobby Bowden and Don Shula along his current role with Ole Miss and his desire to see young people learn from the mistakes he made and find their true value in Jesus.  --- 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." 

Tim Fanning is the baseball coach at Glenwood Gators High School in Phenix City, Alabama. He has led his club to 8 state championships. He is the author of two books: "Serve to Lead" and "Serve to Lead 2"  Diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer on July 30, 2019, Tim has used his story of triumph and trials to encourage others.  You can learn more at ServetoLead2.com --- 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." 

Reid Ferguson is in his 6th season with the Buffalo Bills as their long snapper. He played his college football at LSU before signing as an undrafted free agent with the Bills in 2016.  Today, Brock Huard talks to Reid Ferguson about their playoff victory over the Patriots, preparing for their divisional matchup with the Chiefs, his journey of faith in Christ, being in the NFL with a brother who plays for the Dolphins, and what discipleship has looked like in the Bills locker room this year. --- 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." 

John Cooper is the founder and lead singer of the successful rock band Skillet. The two-time GRAMMY Award-nominated 12x platinum band was recently invited into Pandora’s Billionaire club after garnering 2 billion streams.  Between selling out arenas on four continents, Cooper has found time to launch his own podcast, COOPER STUFF PODCAST, and released his first book, "Awake and Alive to Truth" in 2020.  Skillet's latest album "Dominion" released on January 14th and the first single, "Surviving the Game" has reached over 3.6 million views on YouTube. Skillet's music has been featured on ESPN, MARVEL, MLB, WWE, NFL and the NHL.  Today on the podcast, we talk to John about the heart behind Skillet's new album, having his music featured on the World Series or ESPN and his love for Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics as a kid.  --- 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." 

Mitch Canham is the head baseball coach for the Oregon State. In 2021, he led the Beavers to 37-24 record and reached the NCAA Regionals.  As a player, Canham was a member of the back-to-back College World Series championship teams with Oregon State in 2006 and 2007. He was selected with the 57th overall pick in the 2007 MLB Amateur Draft by the San Diego Padres and played 9 seasons of minor league baseball reaching as high as Triple-A.  Canham has also overcome multiple moments of tragedy losing his mom to a drug overdose as a freshman in college and a few years later in 2008, losing his brother Dustin, who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corp.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Mitch about coaching at his alma mater, coming to faith in Jesus and trusting in God amidst tragedy.  --- 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." 

Chris Caulk grew up a huge USC football fan. HIs dream was to play college football at USC. After attending junior college out of high school and 3 rejections from the Trojans, he was accepted to USC and tried out for the football team. With faith guiding him, Chris fulfilled his dream.  His story is a modern day version of the movie "Rudy." --- 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."