
Sports Spectrum Podcast
Sports Spectrum is an interview driven podcast hosted by former Chicago Bears Pro Bowl running back Matt Forte.
Each episode, Forte and podcast creator Jason Romano will bring you stories and conversations at the intersection of sports and Jesus.
Latest episodes

Oct 11, 2024 • 36min
Lauren Sisler - ESPN sideline reporter on the power of sharing our stories and making an impact
Lauren Sisler is a sideline reporter for ESPN covering college football. She joined ESPN in 2016 after being named Best Sports Anchor by the Alabama Associated Press in 2014 and 2015. The former Rutgers gymnast also covers SEC football for AL.com in Alabama.
Lauren just released her first book, “Shatterproof.” You can order your copy here.
Today on the podcast, Lauren Sisler discusses her journey as a college football sideline reporter, her experience as an author, and the healing process she went through while writing her first book. She shares how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on her own story and how she wants to pass on her parents’ legacy to her son. Lauren also talks about the importance of sharing our stories and the impact it can have on others.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Oct 8, 2024 • 28min
Jaccob Slavin - Carolina Hurricanes defenseman on new contracts, Bible studies, Gospel decisions and adoption
Jaccob Slavin is an All-Star defenseman with the Carolina Hurricanes. He was originally selected by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2012 NHL Draft. After a collegiate career at Colorado College, Slavin began his pro journey and made his NHL debut on Nov. 20, 2015.
In 2017, Slavin signed a seven-year contract extension with the Hurricanes, and in 2020 he was named to his first All-Star team. One year later, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy presented each year to the “player to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability.” In 2024, he won the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for a second time and in July 2024, he signed a new eight-year contract to remain with Carolina until 2033.
Today on the podcast, we welcome back Jaccob Slavin to share about signing his new contract, stability in Raleigh with the Hurricanes and sharing the Gospel with his teammates.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Oct 4, 2024 • 41min
Tra Battle - Former Georgia defensive back shares powerful story of redemption and mental health
Tra Battle is a former NFL defensive back, who spent time with the Chargers, Cowboys, Lions and Browns. In college, he played under head coach Mark Richt at the University of Georgia. His signature game occurred in 2006, when his Bulldogs beat No. 5 ranked Auburn and Battle had 3 interceptions including a pick-six.
In 2013, Tra Battle reached rock bottom mentally and contemplated ending his life.
Today on the podcast, Tra Battle shares his powerful story of how his coach Mark Richt saved him from a dark moment in his life and how that experience transformed his perspective on life and faith. Trey emphasizes the importance of community and hearing God's voice in his life.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Oct 1, 2024 • 31min
Josh Manson - Colorado Avalanche defenseman on celebrating his Stanley Cup championship and processing grief
Josh Manson is currently a defenseman in the NHL with the Colorado Avalanche. He was a key contributor on the 2021-22 Stanley Cup-champion Avalanche team that beat the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games. He scored a goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final and set up the eventual Cup-winning goal in Game 6. On July 13, 2022, Manson agreed to a four-year contract to return to Colorado.
Manson was originally selected in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Anaheim Ducks, and made his NHL debut in 2014. He played for more than seven seasons with the Ducks before getting dealt to Colorado at the trading deadline in 2022.
Today on the podcast, we talk to Josh Manson about his day spent with the Stanley Cup, overcoming injuries, processing grief and reflecting on 10 years in the NHL.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 27, 2024 • 36min
Dayton Moore - Texas Rangers Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations shares lessons on Christian leadership
Dayton Moore is a Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations with the reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers. Previously, he was with the Kansas City Royals as their General Manager from 2005-2021, where he helped KC to two World Series appearances and a championship in 2015.
Before Kansas City, Moore spent time as an executive with the Atlanta Braves and was a part of the 1995 Braves World Series championship team.
Today on the podcast, we listen into a conversation that Jason Romano had with Dayton Moore at the 2024 CWS (Christians Working in Sports) conference as they discuss Christian leadership.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 24, 2024 • 35min
Chase Daniel - Former NFL QB on retirement, broadcasting and fatherhood
Today on the podcast, Chase Daniel discusses his transition from playing in the NFL to a career in media and being a present father to his three children. He also shares about the importance of having a strong identity in Christ and how it has helped him navigate the challenges of transitioning out of football.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 20, 2024 • 37min
Emily Waldon - Baseball reporter on battling cancer, trusting God's plan and being a light to others
Today on the podcast, baseball reporter Emily Waldon returns to the podcast with good news on her cancer battle. She also shares about the importance of keeping Christ at the center of her life as well as the importance baseball has played in her healing. Emily talks about the importance to go public with her cancer diagnosis in order to spread love, hope, and point people back to Jesus.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 17, 2024 • 56min
Paul Hembekides - ESPN's "Hembo" shares his journey of sports, faith, broadcasting and writing books
Paul Hembekides is a content producer for ESPN’s Get Up, and he partners with Mike Greenberg on ESPN Radio’s #Greeny. He has become best known for his daily trivia question, which earned him the nickname “Sneaky Hembo.” Paul began his career on Mike and Mike and is recognized as one of the premier sports media researchers in the industry.
He contributes weekly to the Baseball Tonight podcast, and his research is regularly featured on ESPN.com.
Today on the podcast, Jason Romano and Paul Hembekides share memories of working together at ESPN, discuss how to live out their faith in the workplace, Hembo’s new book ‘Got Your Answers: The 100 Greatest Sports Arguments of All Time’, and the lessons they have learned as fathers. Hembekides shares how becoming a father has helped him understand God’s love and patience.
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 13, 2024 • 43min
Nick Foles - Super Bowl LII MVP on retirement, Philly fans and fatherhood
Today on the podcast, Nick Foles shares about his retirement decision last month, his excitement on being honored by the Eagles on Monday Night Football and the special connection he feels to the Philadelphia fans. He also talks about the impact of winning Super Bowl LII and the recognition he receives from fans. Foles concludes by discussing his involvement in his DadSzn project, which celebrates fatherhood and shares about his interest in pursuing ministry and growing in his faith.WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazineSign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15http://SportsSpectrum.com/magazine Do you know Christ personally? Click here to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

Sep 10, 2024 • 25min
Annabelle Hasselbeck - Former BC lacrosse player on joining the Sports Spectrum team and starting a new podcast
Annabelle Hasselbeck is the newest Sports Spectrum podcast host. Her new show, “Sports Spectrum’s What’s Up” launches on the Sports Spectrum podcast network September 16, 2024.
Prior to joining Sports Spectrum, Annabelle was a lacrosse player at Boston College, where she helped her team to two national championships in 2021 and 2024. Annabelle is the daughter of former NFL pro bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck.
Today on the podcast, Annabelle shares why she wanted to join Sports Spectrum, the importance of using sports to share about her faith and the why behind her new podcast, “Sports Spectrum’s What’s Up.”
Subscribe and Follow our new "Sports Spectrum's What's Up podcast"
Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sports-spectrums-whats-up-podcast/id1764753559
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7CvX5oXnEuKIYI5GCVT7Hi?si=12108c3a426b43f6
iHeart Radio - https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-sports-spectrums-whats-up-208803701/
Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/1b823a57-d83b-4790-9363-2ec80b142556/sports-spectrum's-what's-up-podcast
WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:
https://www.youtube.com/@SportsSpectrumMagazine
Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15
https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine
Do you know Christ personally? Click https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/ to learn how you can commit your life to Him.