Sports Spectrum Podcast

The story of Sam Marsonek is incredible. He made his MLB debut July 11, 2004 with the Yankees. He faced the Tampa Bay Rays that day and gave up zero runs in 1.1 innings. That appearance would be Sam's one and only time he'd pitch in a Major League Baseball game.  Today on the podcast, we hear Sam's journey to the Big Leagues and what took place that ended his baseball career but gave him renewed purpose to live life for something bigger than himself.  --- If you enjoyed this podcast with Sam, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Eric Kratz, MLB Catcher - Darryl Strawberry, Nick Ahmed, Rod Hairston on Manhood

Allen Arnold is an author, speaker and the Executive Producer of content for Wild at Heart ministries.  His new book "Chaos Can't: Overcome What Comes Against You in this Shaken World" was released in October 2020.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Allen about parenting, pivots in a pandemic, why living a chaos filled life is a lie, and his struggle with chaos as a middle school basketball coach.  --- If you enjoyed this podcast with Allen, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Dave Buehring - Author/Pastor - Louie Giglio, Pastor/Author

William Gates is a former college basketball player who was featured in the Oscar-nominated documentary "Hoop Dreams" back in October 1994. Gates was a member of St. Josephs High School in Chicago, where he played on the varsity team all four years under legendary coach Gene Pingatore. After being highly recruited by many of the top colleges in the country, Gates chose to play for Marquette and appeared in 80 games during his college basketball career with the Golden Eagles. A few years later, Gates would enter Moody Bible Institute and train to become a pastor. Today, he's started a clothing line On today's podcast, William Gates shares about his experience being on Hoop Dreams, what it's like to have your high school career documented on camera, the loss of his brother, playing basketball against Michael Jordan, his journey to Moody Bible Institute and living a life as a follower of Christ. --- If you enjoyed this podcast with William, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Tony Bennett – Virginia Men’s Basketball Coach - Michael Porter Sr - Coach and NBA Father

NASCAR driver Michael McDowell joins us fresh off of winning the 2021 Daytona 500. Today on the podcast, Michael shares how the last few days have gone since winning the Great American Race, being patient in waiting 358 races to get his first career win, the quiet time he spent with God the morning of the Daytona 500 and preparing for another race just days removed from winning NASCAR's biggest race. --- If you enjoyed this podcast with Michael, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Michael McDowell from 2019 - Donnie Floyd, NASCAR chaplain

Jed Morris is a minor league hitting instructor with the San Diego Padres. He was selected in the 36th round of the 2002 MLB Amateur Draft by the Oakland A's. His minor league baseball journey took him to as high as AAA in 2005, with stops in Midland, Modesto, Sacramento, Vancouver, Stockton, and Lancaster, PA. During his college baseball career at the University of Nebraska, Jed was the 2002 Big 12 Player of the Year and played in back to back College World Series. He would also serve as a college baseball coach, leading Eastern University's baseball club from 2013-2018. In 2006, his baseball career was placed on pause as Jed was diagnosed with acute lymphocytic leukemia and underwent six rounds of chemotherapy. Today on the podcast, we hear Jed's incredible story of overcoming cancer, clinging to his faith during difficult moments, the transition from playing to coaching, his amazing experience in a AAA game and how his purpose in baseball has changed. --- If you enjoyed this episode with Jed, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Sal Giardina - Pro Baseball Player - Tony Beasley - Texas Rangers Coach

Luke McCown played quarterback in the NFL from 2004-2016. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. His 12-year career was spent with the Browns, Buccaneers, Jaguars, Saints and Falcons.  In 2017, he was inducted into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame. His brother Josh is a longtime NFL quarterback and his brother Randy played QB at Texas A&M.  Today on the podcast, Luke shares incredible stories of playing with Drew Brees, his first ever NFL start against Tom Brady, baptizing teammates in New Orleans and the importance of keeping Christ at the center of his life.  Check out Katy McCown's new book "She Smiles Without Fear." -- If you enjoyed this podcast with Luke, we know you'll listening to these conversations as well: -Thomas Morestead, Saints Punter from July 2020 -Demario Davis – New Orleans Saints Linebacker from March 2020

Daniel Fusco is the lead pastor of Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR.  His new book "Crazy Happy: 9 Surprising Ways to Live the Truly Beautiful Life" releases Feb. 16, 2021. His radio program, Jesus is Real Radio, is broadcast across the country, and his TV show, Real with Daniel Fusco, is aired weekly on the Hillsong Channel.  You can keep tabs on Daniel at his website: DanielFusco.com --- If you enjoyed this podcast with Daniel, we know you'll love these conversations as well: - Tim Johnson - Super Bowl Champion Pastor - Scott Sauls - Pastor/Author

Aric Almirola is a race car driver on the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 10 car with Stewart-Haas Racing. Aric began racing nationally at the age of 14 and made his NASCAR debut in the NASCAR Sun Belt Weekly Racing Division in 2002 and finished second in Rookie of the Year standings that year.  Following in the footsteps of his grandfather Sam Rodriguez, who was a dirt sprint car driver, Aric has driven in NASCAR's Truck Series, Xfinity Series and currently with the Sprint Cup Series. His first career win came in 2014 at the Coke Zero 400 in the Sprint Cup Series. In 2018, he had his best finish in the Cup Series placing 5th overall.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Aric about his journey of racing, his testimony of faith in Jesus, living that faith out as a NASCAR driver and what its like to drive in the Daytona 500.  --- If you enjoyed this podcast, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Michael McDowell - NASCAR Driver Mike Metcalf - NASCAR Pit-Crew Coach

Grant Olson is North Dakota State's linebackers coach. His wife Amy is a professional golfer on the LPGA tour. Both attended college at North Dakota State where Amy was the Summit League Golfer of the Year and won an NCAA record 20 collegiate events. Grant was a three-time FCS national champion for the Bison during his playing career from 2010-2013. He made a single-game record 29 tackles in a 2012 playoff victory over Wofford College and was an Associated Press All-American in 2013.  In December, Amy finished tied for second at the U.S. Women's Open at 2-under-par, just one stroke behind winner A Lim Kim. It marked Olson's second runner-up finish at a major tournament.  Today on the podcast, Grant and Amy share their story of faith, football, golf and marriage. The Olson's also share how they met, the importance of faith in their marriage, and how they were able to grieve and move forward after Grant's father passed suddenly of a heart attack in December 2020. ..... If you enjoyed this episode with Grant and Amy, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Molly McManamie - NFL Player Agent 'TABLE FORTY' PODCAST: Rickie and Allison Fowler 

Benjamin Watson is a former NFL tight end, Jon Kitna is a former NFL quarterback and Eric Boles is a former NFL wide receiver.  Today on the podcast, Benjamin Watson interviews Jon and Eric on racial justice, reconciliation and the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  ---- If you enjoyed this podcast with Benjamin, Jon and Eric, you'll love these conversations as well.  Emmanuel Acho - Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man Anquan Boldin - Former NFL Wide Receiver