Sit Down with Hunter Pinke

Welcome to the Morning Drive — a new biweekly segment designed to give you a practical takeaway to carry into your week.Something you can listen to on your drive to work… and practice long after you arrive.In this first episode, let's discuss reaction vs response!

What actually separates a good coach from a great one?In today’s episode, we dig into the real difference—the intangibles, the habits, the mindset shifts, and the impact that goes far beyond just knowledge or credentials. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to truly change lives as a coach (or find one who can), this conversation is for you.

Sit Down with me in this episode, as we dive into a wild travel schedule, explore the lasting impact of small-town roots—the kind that shapes you, your values and relationships— then end with a round of the geography game! Will Garrett beat me this time? What if I make it worldwide? 🌎😏

Cyle received a life-saving kidney transplant from his dad when he was just 26 months old after being born with posterior urethral valves, a condition that caused severe damage to his kidneys. Since then, his journey has been anything but simple.He takes anti-rejection medication every single day—medication he’ll need for life—to keep his body from attacking his transplanted kidney. Just one year after his transplant, he faced a rejection episode that required intensive treatment. Later, he was also diagnosed with post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD), a type of lymphoma linked to transplant patients. Cyle’s strength shows in the countless procedures he’s endured—blood draws, kidney and bone marrow biopsies, ultrasounds, and bladder testing—all to carefully monitor his health and catch any concerns early.While his transplant has given him precious time, it’s not a permanent cure. He will likely need another transplant in the future. For now, every year his kidney continues to function is a victory. He recently celebrated 20 years with his transplanted kidney from his father, an incredible and rare milestone for children recipients, whose growing bodies can make long-term success more challenging.His journey is a constant balancing act—because while anti-rejection medications protect his kidney, they can also cause damage over time.Cyle’s story is one of resilience, strength, and hope in the face of ongoing challenges. Help us kick off April, Donate Life month, with the perfect guest!

UND hockey senior Ben Strinden (#21) opens up about his journey on and off the ice—from his early love of the game to the path that led him to UND. He also shares the personal challenge of losing his dad and how his faith has been a guiding light through it all.

In this episode we recap some of the biggest moments in sports including the excitement of March Madness and unforgettable performances on the Olympic stage. Beyond the highlights and headlines we explore a bigger question about what success really means in sports. Is it only about winning or is it about the preparation, resilience, and growth that happen along the way? We break down the games, the stories behind them, and why the final outcome does not always define the value of the journey.

Episode 18 is a good one! Sit down with me as we catch up on life, chat about believing in yourself, and go over all the things that can help you survive the dog days of winter. Summer, I can taste ya!

Sit down with me and talk Super Bowl Sunday, Valentine’s Day, and the wisdom of Proverbs 16 — the tension between our plans and God’s direction. This one is about expectations, priorities, and what really guides the way we live and love. I also share a secret I've been keeping for 10 years!

In this episode, I sit down with Brittany Dvorak—an incredible overcomer whose story is a powerful testament to faith, resilience, hope, and gratitude. While fighting life's first hurdle, a cancer diagnosis, she faced an unthinkable setback when a reaction to her chemo left her almost completely paralyzed. Her story is one of deep trust in God, the power of community, and the strength that comes from believing there is purpose even in suffering.

Sat down with National Champion Coach Mike Beardsley, my coach while I was at the University of Arizona. He is a leader, teacher, and developer of young men. We dig into his story and the journey from volunteer to championship winning head coach. Bear Down 🐻🔻

From Christmas movies to cherished traditions, me and some special guests cover all things Christmas, all while remembering the reason for the season! ✝️🎄🎙️

After an All-American 2023 season at NDSU and being named the best safety in FCS football, Cole Wisniewski had more to prove. He took his defensive talents to the Lone Star state helping lead the Texas Tech to a BIG 12 championship and a 12-1 record. Cole has helped the Red Raiders defense rank in the top 5 nationally in total defense and has them positioned as the #4 seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff. Sit down as we talk about football, Texas living, and the humility and faith it took to get him here. 🔴 Wreck’em Tech! ⚫️

In this Thanksgiving special, I sit down with my sisters as we reminisce childhood, and go over the 4 f's of Thanksgiving: family, food, football and faith!

Sit down with me for this solo episode where I talk more about a recent trip with some of my favorite people, introduce a new little segment, and go head to head at another battle of the geography game.

Q&A time! Episode 10 is a good one — deep questions, funny moments, and everything in between. Thanks for all the love and submissions!

In Episode 9, I sit down with my best friend and former teammate, Noah Wanzek. A standout Division I football player and a man of incredible resilience, Noah’s story is one of overcoming — from the loss of his mother to standing beside me when I couldn’t. His perspective on faith, perseverance, and purpose will leave you inspired.

In this episode, I get into fall favorites, talk about my most recent speaking opportunity where I shared the stage with some inspiring leaders, and debut a new segment the 'geography game'.

Nothing prepares a mother for the phone call that changes everything. She lived my accident in her own way, and Part 3 is her story. Listen as Katie Pinke, ‘mom,’ shares the fear, the faith, and the overcoming that carried us through the hardest time in both of our lives.

She raised me while rising herself. In Part 2 of this special episode, Katie Pinke, aka 'mom', dives deeper into what it took to raise me, build a life she believed in, and find her soulmate along the way.

In this special episode, I sit down with Katie Pinke, otherwise known to me as 'mom'. She was the first overcomer I got to witness in my life. Listen, as she shares about the overcoming she has had to do to help get her to where she is today.

In this special edition episode of the Sit Down, we're at Northwestern University in the beautiful Ryan Fieldhouse. Join me as we break down our crazy route to get here, talk a little college football, and dissect Chicago's famous pizza.

Happy birthdays, new wheelchair, and tiny gains. Sit down with me as we dive deeper and break down an inspiring quote I recently heard.Mano Watsa reel link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGiyqKjRkGC/?igsh=cTRuNnJwdzBjcnNz

We’re sitting down with our very first guest, Coach Bubba Schweigert — UND's football coach who’s made a lasting impact on and off the field. Known for instilling discipline and toughness, and emphasizing character and work ethic to his players, Coach Schweigert has help lead UND to multiple FCS playoff appearances and has been named Big Sky conference Coach of the Year.From coaching insights to life lessons, this episode brings depth, laughs, and a whole lot of wisdom.

You asked, I answered, some of my most frequently asked questions in this week's episode of Sit Down with Hunter Pinke. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit a question.

Sit down with me as I share Part II of my story. In this episode, I talk more about life after my accident and all the good underneath the miracle.

Sit down with me as I share Part I of my story in the debut episode of my new podcast, Sit Down with Hunter Pinke. In this episode, I dive into the biggest obstacle of my life and how I've overcome it.