The Champion: Unlike Any Other

Everyone experiences nerves and the feeling of being anxious at some point, but as an athlete- how do you hand this over to the Lord before you compete? This is the Austin Nikolai story. He shares about his journey in powerlifiting, competing at Worlds competitions, the urgency he lives with, his affinity for drinking apple juice, and the freedom he lives with knowing Jesus holds tomorrow.  Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Now more than ever it's important to be all in for Jesus, because He was all in for us.  Mike Tatlock, team chaplain for the Portland Trailblazers, shares about reaching players with this message, why things that are sustained have to be Spirit-led, and what the overarching theme has been during this season. He also outlines the importance of knowing your "why" so that the world doesn't define it for you. For Mike's book "A Compelling Faith in a Compromising Culture": CLICK HERE Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Over two decades at one place. He never imagined his career would lead him back home, but that's the door God opened. Brian Barnhart, voice of the Illinois Fighting Illini, shares about the art of painting a picture for the listener and the emotions involved with the Illini men's basketball team reaching the Final Four this season.  He outlines how he went from reaching the dream of announcing baseball in the big leagues to then leaving the sport altogether, the legacy he hopes to leave, and the on-air ministry opportunities God has given him. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Experience the story of Jesus like never before in THE CHRIST, a four-part Easter audio epic. THE CHRIST brings the gospel narrative vividly to life—from the humble manger to the victorious resurrection—through world-class voice talent, cinematic soundscapes, and stirring music. From the halls of Roman power to the wilderness of Judea and the hills of Galilee, this immersive audio drama follows the life, ministry, sacrifice, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth—and the people forever changed by Him. Follow the podcast now so you hear each new episode the moment it releases. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-christ-an-easter-audio-epic/id1870710176 Or here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6oaFRx79AiROdosDof8FME Learn more at TheChristPodcast.com

Longtime Minnesota Twins chaplain David McIver shares about his time building relationships with professional baseball players and his take on the significance of Easter. He outlines what it means to be walking through life in utter darkness, how we can fight back against feelings of anxiety, and how we can all be spiritual leaders where God has placed us. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Many sports fans would agree, there's something special and unique about March. We look forward to this stretch every year and enjoy taking in all the action. But very quickly, the desire can creep in to add more excitement to the experience.  We share a conversation with George Fraser, co-host for Real Recovery, to talk about the dangers of sports betting. We outline the larger impact behind it and how it can rewire our brains, impact our actions, and affect our choices.  If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. Here's one resource, or you can call 1-800-GAMBLER. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

You're getting set for your fourth season of playing professional basketball and then, in the blink of an eye- everything changes, because a dream opportunity is on the table.  Brad Davison, now finding himself back at the University of Wisconsin, joins us once again- this time to share about his new role as a coach on the men's basketball staff.  He talks about the encouragment from his wife to pursue his dream, pouring into Badger players beyond their on-floor performance, and how much his perspective has changed now as a coach versus competing as a player. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Cade Tyson has experienced plenty of success in his life- North Carolina Mr. Basketball, All Conference selections at Belmont University and yet, he's also experienced seasons of hardship. He shares what it's been like to be at his now third DI basketball program (currently at the University of Minnesota), how he handles the outside noise, and prioritizes what matters most in his life. To watch Cade's game winner against Ohio his freshman year, in his first college game (referenced in our conversation, at the 25:52 mark): click here Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Faith being a key component of a football team is not just desirable, it's a necessity to have– at least, for a team that wants to have success.  Mike Blanc, chaplain for Auburn University football, believes this to be the case from his own experience on the gridiron. He shares about the missions trip that changed everything prior to the 2010 season (when he was a leader on the team that won the National Championship), the ups and downs of this past season for the Tigers, and how he advises student-athletes who are navigating difficult situations. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

It's a very exciting time in the current sports landscape, as the harvest is ripe. Jason Romano, Executive Producer of Sports Spectrum and co-host of the Sports Spectrum podcast, talks about the legacy he wants to leave and continuing the ministry work he's a part of for as long as he can. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

God uses the people around us to bring us into His Kingdom, through a saving relationship with Jesus. Jason Romano, Executive Producer of Sports Spectrum and co-host of the Sports Spectrum podcast, shares about the starting point for everyone in their faith and how sports used to be the largest god in his life. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

There is plenty going on in the sports world right now but more importantly, Christmas gives us a unique chance to share Jesus with those around us. We share how approaching the Christmas season with humility and intentionality allows us to step into opportunities that God places in our lives, with confidence. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Every baseball player struggles with failure, because you fail far more than you succeed in the sport. The question is, how do you respond to that failure? Danny Coulombe, current MLB pitcher, shares how he's salt and light in the clubhouse– as he continues his journey in the big leagues, as a husband and father. He outlines the constant struggle he faces to not be self consumed with baseball, how he wants his teammates to see him, and focusing on what he can control. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

When you live for yourself it leads to a dark, lonely, empty place. For Jake Taylor, former professional hockey player, this was his story before he surrendered to Jesus.  Now, as a high school hockey coach, he's molding the next generation of players. Showing them faith in action behind the bench during the tough, competitive moments. He shares how having an eternal perspective changes your whole approach as an athlete, how his life's changed since prioritizing Jesus, and how he honors God as a fierce competitor. For more information on the World Breakfast of Teammates Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

It's known as perhaps the greatest turnaround in sports history. From utter despair to a National Championship, Jesus' hand has been over it all. Head men's basketball coach at Baylor University, Scott Drew, shares what success both on and off the court looks like. He outlines what the past 20+ years at BU have looked like, where he gets his competitive edge, and reaching the mountaintop in 2021. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Playing college football for the #1 team in the country certainly brings attention and criticism, whether you like it or not. For Carson Hinzman, starting center for the "World Famous" Ohio State Buckeyes, deflecting that attention and putting it back on Jesus is what matters most. He unpacks how he and his teammates do this, the culture that's been established at OSU, and how he's able to play freely amidst high pressure situations. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

A passion for sports and (more importantly) for Jesus– a deep desire to know Him and make Him known. From the beginning, these things have been at the forefront for Annabelle Hasselbeck.  She shares what it was like growing up as the daughter of a NFL QB (Matt Hasselbeck, 3-time Pro Bowl-er), and the impact her family has had on her faith. Filled with plenty of highs and lows, she outlines her experience as a student-athlete at Boston College and where God has taken her broadcasting journey so far– including the heart behind the What's Up podcast she hosts. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

With the recent events in our world, we wanted to get a pulse on how the youth are responding. Stewart Morrell and Carson Sharp, of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, share what they're seeing within schools, sports, and more. They unpack the hunger kids have for Jesus, the willingness of coaches who are stepping up, and the passion they have for spreading the Gospel in places that aren't always receptive. Faith Podcasts are made possible by your support. You can click here to give.

Five years into playing football at the University of Minnesota, Clay Geary was still searching– for playing time and freedom. He details how God used his seven year college experience to strengthen his faith, and guide him towards a life of discipleship. You will find deep satisfaction when you pour back into those who have poured into you. Which is why Clay is seeking out the chance to love others and call them higher. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

You could label what goes on in the NFL a lot of different ways, but many are using it as a mission field.  As promised, here is part 2 of our conversation with Paul Allen- sharing an inside look into what God's doing inside the Vikings organization. He unpacks the steady growth of the sideline ministry he's been a part of over the years and how prayer has played a vital role in connecting his story to the faith of those around him. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

He's captivated the hearts of thousands over the years...executing his craft on the mic like very few do.  He always considered himself to be a believer of God, but only recently has discovered what it means to be a devoted follower of Jesus.  Paul Allen, man of many talents (we won't list them all), joins to share about the passion he displays in his work, how he recognizes discernment, and how he devotes himself to God alone above the opinions of others.  And yes, we know football season is here...much more of that is on the way in part 2. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Scottie Scheffler continues to dominate the world of golf– as a four-time major champion, world #1, and reigning player of the year (the list goes on) he's accomplished what most current golfers dream of. Yet, all of these accomplishments (in his words) "don't satisfy the deepest desires" of his heart. The feeling of success is great when you've worked your entire life to climb the mountain, but it's fleeting and not sustaining. In this episode, we talk about how Scottie's relationship with Jesus sets him apart. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Former University of Minnesota gymnast Matt Frey shares his journey to becoming a follower of Jesus– after growing up in a Jewish household. He outlines the moments that brought Jesus into his life, how his passion shifted towards a higher calling, and why sharing the Gospel is not our own work but a partnership with the Lord. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Imagine accomplishing everything you've trained for, and within 15 minutes the celebration is over and you're left asking yourself "What's next?" That's exactly what happend to former Tennis professional David Wheaton– who despite being ranked #12 in the world, making millions of dollars, and being a champion, was left feeling empty on the inside. He joins the podcast this week to share how God changed his life through Scripture, why material things never last, that we are all in need of a Savior, and much more. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com To find out more about what David is currently up to, click here For David's book "University of Destruction" click here  

Dave Wilson, co-host of FamilyLife Today, talks about his 30 plus year journey as an NFL Chaplain for the Detroit Lions.  He shares how God led him to Detroit, the relationships he's built with players and coaches, and the revival that has taken place within the organization off of the field. He outlines former players commitment to Kingdom purposes still today, and how the game of football specifically continues to point people to Jesus.  For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Drew Boe, Executive Director for Uncommon Sports Group, shares the work they're doing, their mission, and what stewardship means to him. He also talks about how a mission trip to Rwanda changed his perspective on what truly matters, discusses the journey that led him to where he is today, and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Many know about the Miracle on Ice that took place in 1980, but at a hockey camp that same year a different kind of miracle took place – when a lost man surrendered to Jesus. Bill Butters, of Hockey Ministries International, talks about how a group of boys, intentional mentorship, and seeing the game of hockey in a new light changed his life.  He unpacks his urgency to intentionally share Christ with not-yet believers, how he views the game of hockey today, and why Jesus is the definiton of the ultimate competitor.  For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Former Big Ten All American at the University of Wisconsin, Brad Davison, joins to share how God has blessed him through the game of basketball. He discusses the why behind his competitive nature, being a leader both on and off the court, and what life overseas away from family for long periods of time is like. He explains what G.R.I.T.T means, the importance of prioritizing his time, and how he stays bold for Christ. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

David Pollack, former NFL Linebacker and TV analyst on ESPN's College GameDay, shares what faith, family, and football really means to him.  He outlines what it looks like to prioritize time with Jesus, what needs to happen to live a selfless life, and walking through the valley with his wife battling cancer. He talks about how his time at the University of Georgia shaped him, the current state of football, what excites him about this NFL Draft class, and how we pursue excellence as Christians. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Kyle Porter, professional golf writer, talks about his mission of using the game of golf to write about life. He unpacks the process of weaving in eternal things within sports writing, and the big decisons he's had to make in his life – including leaving a stable job to pursue a different calling God has placed on his heart.  He shares about the lessons he's learned covering golf, the mental battle involved in the game, and how He's experienced God's presence in the midst of immense times of suffering.  For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

As an SEC Defensive Player of the Year, and part of the 2014 Florida Gators Men's basketball team that reached the Final Four, Patric Young experienced his fair share of fame. Now, he has a much different perspective of what success looks like. After a life altering experience, Patric is now using his story to further the Kingdom of God. He unpacks how God has provided opportunities to display trust in Him, surrendering to God even amidst life's difficulties, and investing time in what is truly important. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

John Morris, voice of the Baylor Bears, talks about honoring God through the pressures of live play-by-play broadcasting.  He unpacks the journey that brought him to Baylor and how prayer grounds him. Specifically, the blessing of working in an environment like Baylor University.  He also shares about the experience of being on the mic for the 2021 men's basketball national championship, what leaving a legacy means to him, and how to use your influence to point people to Jesus.  For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Quinn Carroll, former University of Minnesota OL and current NFL Draft prospect, shares about trusting God in the midst of an uncertain future. He talks about growing in his faith while in college, encouraging his teammates to dive into the Bible, and his pursuit of an active relationship with God. He also outlines his goal of using the platform he has been given to glorify the name of Jesus, no matter where the game of football takes him. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

Tanner Morgan, former All-B1G Ten QB at the University of Minnesota, shares about the current assignment God has given him. He talks about the journey that brought him to Minnesota, the process of making his faith his own as a Division I student-athlete, and leading Bible studies with his Gopher teammates.   He unpacks the danger of making clarity an idol, why he now invests time into training QB's (at the youth, collegiate, and NFL level), what he's learned through times of suffering, learning how to serve well as a young dad, and more. For more head to myfaithpodcasts.com

The Champion: Unlike Any Other is a podcast hosted by Wyatt Morrell and Ryan Mitchell. Having conversations with athletes, coaches, broadcasters, etc. to use sports as a vehicle to get people in the conversation and point them to Jesus. Always sharing why it's possible to be immersed in the thick of the sports world, without that becoming your identity (counsel from Jesus in John 17:16- "In the world, but not of the world"). Visit myfaithpodcasts.com