Sports Spectrum Podcast

Episode 573 Michael Porter Sr is a basketball coach, father and husband. He has coached the game of basketball for over 20 years, most recently as an assistant coach and Director of Player Development at the University of Missouri and head coach Cuonzo Martin. His son, Michael Porter Jr. was selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft by Denver and helped lead the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals in 2020.  A former University of New Orleans basketball player, Porter Sr and his wife Lisa have eight children including four that played on the University of Missouri's women's and men's basketball teams.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Michael Porter Sr. about watching his son play in the NBA 2020 bubble, being a parent and mentor to an NBA player, why leading with faith has been a constant, the difference between knowing about Jesus and knowing Jesus, and encouragement he has for other sports parents. Follow Michael on Twitter: @CoachPorter8 ...... If you enjoyed this episode with Michael, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Episode 138 - Kristen Ledlow Episode 552 - Donnie Jones ..... For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website - http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Chris Davis is a first baseman with the Baltimore Orioles. He’s played 13 years in the Major Leagues starting with the Texas Rangers before being traded to Baltimore in 2011.  Chris led Major League Baseball in home runs in 2013 and 2015 and was named to the 2013 MLB All-Star Game.  Today on the podcast, we talk to Chris about the highs and lows of his MLB career, his strong faith in Jesus, and why he’s involved with Compassion International’s “Fill the Stadium” initiative.    —— If you enjoyed this episode with Chris, we know you’ll love these conversations as well Episode 383 - Melanie Newman Episode 442 - Matt Wieters Episode 194 - Caroline Stanley ———    For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 572 Rob Maaddi has covered Philadelphia sports for the Associated Press since 2000. He's also the author of many books including "Birds of Pray: The Story of the Philadelphia Eagles' Faith, Brotherhood and Super Bowl Victory" and "Mike Schmidt - The Phillies Legendary Slugger." In 2017, Maaddi launched a radio show called "Faith on the Field" where he interviews athletes and formulates discussions on sports and faith.  On today's podcast, Rob Maaddi shares what it is like to cover Philadelphia sports, the story of accepting Christ into his life, how he lives his faith out in the secular sports world and why he felt God nudging him to launch a faith and sports radio show.  ...... If you enjoyed this episode with Rob, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Episode 458 - Carson and Maddie Wentz Episode 85 - A Conversation with the 2017 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles .....

Episode 571 Emmanuel Acho is a bestselling author of the new book "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man." He's also the creator and host of the popular YouTube series of the same name. Acho grew up in Dallas, Texas and played college football at the University of Texas. He was selected in the 6th round of the 2012 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. His NFL career spanned four seasons with the Browns, Eagles and Giants. Following his playing career, Emmanuel would launch a successful broadcasting career at ESPN and now currently with Fox Sports. On this episode of the podcast, Emmanuel Acho shares how "Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man" was born, becoming a New York Times bestselling author, the most uncomfortable conversation he's ever had, connecting with Oprah Winfrey and how he's staying grounded in his faith as his platform has increased. ...... If you enjoyed this episode with Emmanuel, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Episode 5 - Sam and Emmanuel Acho Episode 90 - Andy Mineo and Trey Burton Episode 546 - Sam Acho .....

Episode 570 Brian Dickinson is an author, speaker and adventurer. In May of 2011, he soloed the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain the world. On his descent, Brian became snow blind with his vision not returning for over a month.  He depicted the story in his book "Blind Descent" released in 2014. Brian holds the record for the highest solo blind descent and has climbed each of the seven summits, the highest peaks of all seven continents.  Brian spent six years in the United States Navy as a Special Operations Air Rescue Swimmer and did two tours in the Gulf as part of Operation Southern Watch. He's been featured on CNN, Good Morning America, the Huffington Post, the 700 Club and more.  On today's show, Brian tells the incredible story of climbing Mount Everest, becoming snow blind on his way down the mountain and shares in great detail the emotional connection with God he made in his darkest moment on the descent.  Follow Brian on Twitter: @BrianCDickinson   For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 569 Carson Palmer played 15 seasons in the NFL as the QB for the Bengals, Raiders and Cardinals. He was selected number one overall in the 2003 NFL Draft by Cincinnati where he would play eight seasons. In 2011, he was traded to the Raiders and played two seasons in Oakland before being traded in 2013 to the Arizona Cardinals. In college, Palmer was a standout quarterback at USC and won the 2002 Heisman Trophy and the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award. His jersey is retired by the Trojans. Following the 2017 season, Palmer announced his retirement from the NFL. At the time of his retirement, he was 12th all-time in both passing yards (46,247) and passing touchdowns (294). In September of 2019, Palmer was inducted into the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor. Today on the podcast, we talk to Carson Palmer about life as a virtual learning Dad to 4 kids, what he misses most about playing in the NFL, the impact Jon Kitna had on Carson's faith, preparing his body to play each week, and why he is involved with Compassion International's Fill the Stadium initiative. ...... If you enjoyed this episode with Drew, we know you'll love these conversations as well: Episode 358 - Dan Orlovsky Episode 336 - Matt Forte and Justin Forsett Episode 458 - Carson and Maddie Wentz .....

Episode 568 Joel Penton is a speaker, author and former college football player at Ohio State. Joel was a member of 3 Big Ten Championship teams and a member of the Buckeyes national championship team in 2002.  During his time in college, Joel was also a 4-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and won the prestigious Wuerffel Trophy, recognizing the one college football player in the entire country who best combines exemplary community service with athletic and academic achievement.  He's currently an inspirational speaker, sharing a message of faith and encouragement to high school and middle school students in Ohio and around the country. He has written two books, "Stand Your Ground" and "7 Lies Almost Every Teen Believes."  Today on the podcast, we hear from Joel Penton about his journey to Jesus, his purpose in pursuing character education, turning down the NFL dream, what it is like to play football for Ohio State and how he's teaching the Bible in schools.   Check out Joel's website at JoelPenton.com.   For more stories of sports and faith, check out http://SportsSpectrum.com.

Ted Morgan is the father to Minnesota Golden Gophers QB Tanner Morgan.  In May of 2020, Ted suffered a stroke that revealed he had a brain tumor. Today, he shares on the podcast how the Lord revealed himself to Ted during his diagnosis, surgery and recovery and the healing that took place in him both physical and spiritual. Ted's story is an inspiration and we pray it encourages you today.   For more stories of sports and faith, check us out at http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 567 Heidi Burge Horton and Heather Burge Quella are twin sisters and former pro and college basketball players. Together, they led the University of Virginia to three ACC championships and three straight Women's NCAA Final Four appearances (1990, 91, 92).  Heather was the 1993 ACC Player of the Year and went on to play in the WNBA with the now defunct Sacramento Monarchs. She also played professionally overseas for six years.  Heidi would also go on to play professionally in the WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks and Washington Mystics as well as overseas.  The Burge sisters were recognized in 1991 by the Guinness World Records as the world's tallest female twins. In 2002, Disney released a film on their lives called "Double Teamed."  Today on the podcast, we talk to Heather and Heidi about their journey of basketball and Jesus. Heidi talks about the serious heart condition that she had at 5 months old, and how she and Heather were able to overcome obstacles to reach the highest level of college basketball. They also share how their faith has guided them and what it was like to have a Disney movie made about their lives.  You can read this story on Heather and Heidi from our 1992 edition of Sports Spectrum Magazine here.    For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://SportsSpectrum.com 

Episode 566 Matt Wyatt is the host of "the Matt Wyatt Show" on The Zone 105.9 in Mississippi. He's also an analyst with Hail State Football on Bulldog game broadcasts.  Wyatt played quarterback at Mississippi State from 1996-99 and graduated with a B.S. in Sports Communication. Prior to his radio show, he was a sports anchor and reporter at WTVA television and was named to Mississippi's "Top 40 Under 40" list on the Mississippi Business Journal.  On today's podcast we talk to Matt Wyatt about Mississippi's love for college football, how he balances multiple media roles during the college football season, the difference between being a fan and being objective and why Matt's purpose now is to glorify Jesus Christ in all that he says and does.  Follow Matt on Twitter: @RadioWyatt   For more stories of sports and faith, check out our website http://SportsSpectrum.com