Shows
Season 3Sport, Faith, and Artificial IntelligenceAre you wondering about AI and sport? We are too. Tracy Trothen is an interdisciplinary professor of ethics at Queen’s University, and she’s a long time expert on sport, technology, and ethics. Tracy is also a certified spiritual care supervisor and ordained minister, Tracy loves sports and is more excited than daunted by the possibilities […]
2025-06-1832 min
Season 3Inspired by ExcellenceJuliana Smith is the Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director for Mission Impact and Enrichment at Baylor University – and that’s just the start of her title. Juliana already has a long history of successful stops in sport administration roles at places like Texas Tech, and Oklahoma, and Colgate, so it’s no wonder Baylor sought her […]
2025-06-1128 min
Season 3Champions for LifeKevin Washington is the Associate Athletic Director for Mission Impact and Enrichment and Athletics Chaplain at Baylor University. After a stellar college football career at Notre Dame, Kevin entered sports ministry through FCA and has served in ministry roles at a number of universities. Kevin will be a keynote speaker at the 4th Global congress […]
2025-05-2133 minSeason 3Telling the Stories of Christians in SportDr Graham Daniels, a repeat guest on SFL, is a former professional footballer in the UK, and is now the General Director of Christians in Sport, an organization with the mission to reach the world of sport for Christ. Graham will be a keynote speaker at the 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity at […]
2025-05-0934 minSeason 3The Examined RunSabrina Little is a philosopher specializing in virtue ethics, moral psychology, and classical philosophy. She’s also an elite level runner and has been selected to represent the United States on five national teams. Her first book, The Examined Run, combines those two interests. Sabrina will also be a keynote speaker at the next Global Congress […]
2025-03-2635 minSeason 3Play, Sport, and SpiritFather Patrick Kelly is a Jesuit priest, a professor, and an absolute gem in world of Christianity and sport. He’s authored multiple books, articles and book chapters on sport and faith, and he works collaboration with Vatican offices about the topic of spirituality and sport.
2025-03-0536 minSeason 3Be ThirdB3rd athletics is an organization that helps coaches and athletes put God first, others second, and themselves third. Founder, Director, and Coach Tanner Field lives this out through very intentional choices and practices with his team. His highly successful teams aim for excellence, knowing that in the absence of God, they can’t ever be excellent.
2025-02-1939 minSeason 3The God SquadAfter degrees in journalism from Cornell and Syracuse, Matt Sieger became a sports reporter for several publications on both the east and west coasts of the US. As Jewish believer in Jesus who converted later in life, Matt has been drawn to researching and writing columns about Christian athletes. His new book entitled, The God […]
2025-02-0439 minSeason 3Wisdom for Life in SportsCindy White has been exploring and advancing the integration of sport and faith for over 40 years. Cindy is a former Division 1 athlete and coach, a camp director, chaplain, adjunct professor, and leader with Athletes in Action. Cindy specializes in identity and character formation athletes and coaches, and you can find out much more […]
2024-11-1035 minSeason 3Sportsmanship and Catholic TeachingThe Catholic Church has much to teach on play and practice in sport. Dr. John Acquaviva explores Catholic theology for healthy living, body image, play, and sport on his radio show and in his writing. Today on SFL, our conversation ranges from rugby, to the sacrament of reconciliation, to the dilemma of transgender athletes in […]
2024-10-0234 minSeason 3The Game ChangerDr. Brandon Crooms. Brandon is a visiting professor of Sports Management at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and has written a new devotional book titled the game changer – a Playbook of Prayer, Scripture, and Affirmations for athletes. Brandon’s research focuses on the influence of Christian faith in the development of racial and athletic […]
2024-09-1036 minSeason 34th Global Congress on Sport and ChristianityThe countdown is on! The 4th Global Congress on Sport and Christianity is about a year away, set for July 31-August 2, 2025 at Baylor University in Waco, TX. Dr. Paul Putz, Director of the Faith & Sports Institute run by Truett Seminary is leading the effort and give us a sneak peak at how […]
2024-08-1539 minSeason 3Play with PurposeAndy Dooley does it all for the Lord. He’s a fitness professional, was the face of Reebok, served a youth pastor and family mentor, and is an in game entertainment stadium host for the Seattle Seahawks. He’s also the author of a devotional for athletes entitled Lead with Faith: Play with Purpose.
2024-07-2434 minSeason 3Sport Culture in ScotlandKyle is a performance coach instructor Dordt University in Iowa, US.Kyle recently took a group of students to Scotland to explore sport and sport culture while paying close attention to the intersection of religion and sport.
2024-06-2838 minSeason 3The Shot Heard Round the WorldCharlotte Smith is the head women’s basketball coach at Elon University. Charlotte became instantly famous in 1994 when she made the game winning 3-pointer at the buzzer for the North Carolina Tarheels to win the NCAA National Championship. After college, Charlotte played professional basketball in Italy and in the WNBA. She is the author of […]
2024-05-2939 minSeason 3Sport - JoyIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they continue their series about the Fruits of the […]
2024-05-0930 minSeason 3Faith at the MastersChampions of the Masters golf tournament played at August National Golf Club earn the famed green jacket and a place in history. Scottie Scheffler won the 2024 Masters in April, earning his second green jacket, and validated his number one ranking. Scottie is known to openly share his Christian faith, and this years press conference […]
2024-04-2537 minSeason 3The Hockey PriestDr. Matt Hoven is one of our favorite guests on Sport Faith Life. He’s a professor at St. Joseph’s College, University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada. His latest book is Hockey Priest: Father David Bauer and the Spirit of the Canadian Game.
2024-04-1131 minSeason 3Sport for DevelopmentJon Welty Peachey is the Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Sport Management and Leadership at Gordon College. His research and practical projects focus on using sport for personal development, justice, and social change.
2024-03-2738 minSeason 3Only Here For YouAndy Young grew up playing soccer, but didn’t plan on it having a big impact on his life. God had other plans. After a few years in ministry, Andy starting working as a sports chaplain, and now he is a full time chaplain working with the United States men’s national soccer team.
2024-03-1433 minSeason 3Theoogy Finds the Good and Bad in SportJay Carney is Professor of Theology and African Studies and directs the Christian Spirituality Program at Creighton, a Jesuit University. Dr. Carney writes about Catholic theology and sport and teaches specialized courses in Sport and Spirituality, where he uses theology to explore the good and bad in sport and its surrounding culture.
2024-02-2830 minSeason 3Sport - PrideThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2024-02-1431 minSeason 3What Sport Teaches UsDr. Perry Glanzer is a professor at Baylor University and the Editor-in-Chief of Christian Scholar’s Review and the widely popular Christ Animating Learning Blog. He has authored or edited more than a dozen books about religion, moral education, and faith based learning. He also likes to play sports and ponder what they offer to humanity.
2024-01-2441 minSeason 3SFL - Self ControlIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they continue their series about the Fruits of the […]
2024-01-1034 minSeason 3Sport - GreedThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-12-1333 minSeason 3Golden ArmJim Abbott was a standout Major League Baseball pitcher for 10 years. Because he was born without a right hand, Jim pitched, fielded, threw, and occasionally hit with only his left arm, one good enough to earn a gold medal, be a MLB first round draft pick, and throw a no-hitter in 1993 for the […]
2023-11-2925 minSeason 3Sport - FaithfulnessIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they continue their series about the Fruits of the […]
2023-11-1528 minSeason 3Campus Sports MinistryDave Johns has served in campus and sports ministry for an incredible 45 years! Dave and his wife Barb continue in campus ministry, and with that much experience, Dave now helps AIA staff develop in their vision and ministry skills. To this day, Dave’s fire to touch the lives of athletes with Jesus’s message of […]
2023-11-0134 minSeason 3Sport - EnvyThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-10-1836 minSeason 3100th Episode!Join us as we celebrate the 100th episode of the Sport. Faith. Life Podcast! Guest host Emily Dock turns the tables on Brian and Chad and makes them answer the questions. Learn about the past, present, and future of the Sport. Faith. Life. Podcast.
2023-10-0433 minSeason 3Does Character Matter?Sean Strehlow is an assistant professor of sports management at Messiah University, a former college tennis player, and researcher on college athletics, faith, and character development in sport.
2023-09-2037 minSeason 3Sport - PatienceIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they continue their series about the Fruits of the […]
2023-09-0627 minSeason 3Longing for Home (Plate)Is baseball God’s game? Dr. Jared Ortiz, a teacher of Catholic theology at Hope College thinks.. maybe so? He is currently co-authoring a commentary on the Nicene Creed, and along the way, drawing fascinating connections to it and a theology of baseball.
2023-08-2332 minSeason 3Sport - LustThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-08-0928 minSeason 3Verite SportStuart Weir has devoted much of his life to helping people understand and practice both sport and Christian faith, better. Stuart has served as a chaplain for many high profile sports, has written several books on sport and faith, and is the executive director of Verite Sport, an organization that features the best of sport […]
2023-07-2633 minSeason 3Sport - GentlenessIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they continue their series about the Fruits of the […]
2023-07-1244 minSeason 3Serving in the KingdomBorn with Spina Bifida, Casey Ratzlaff played many sports until he found tennis at the age of 12. Years later, Casey advanced to the round of 16 in singles and the quarterfinals in doubles at the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, and today he competes around the world as a professional in the sport of wheelchair […]
2023-06-2835 minSeason 3Sport - SlothThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-06-1534 minSeason 3The Drive to CompeteBailey Moody played many sports as a kid, but at age 10 she was diagnosed with stage four osteosarcoma which required multiple treatments to save her life, including amputation of her right leg. Bailey drew on her faith and athletic drive to pursue wheelchair basketball. Since that time, Bailey has played for University of Alabama, […]
2023-05-3134 minSeason 3Sport - Goodness & KindnessIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as continue their series about the Fruits of the Spirit […]
2023-05-1736 minSeason 3The Healing Power of SportAlecia Ivery is doing amazing things with sports. She has worked with two sports-based youth development organizations – Girls in the Game and The Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport, both of which have as a mission to uplift and develop young young people through sport.
2023-05-0336 minSeason 3Sport - AngerThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-04-1934 minSeason 3Coach's CallJohn Levis is on a mission. John is an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, ministry leader, and now the founder of Coach’s Call, a consulting ministry helping sport coaches to see their work, including the pursuit of success and the mentoring of athletes, as acts of worship to the Creator – that is the call of a […]
2023-04-0539 minSeason 3Sport - PeaceIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as continue their series about the Fruits of the Spirit […]
2023-03-2234 minSeason 3Education and Formation in SportSon of a pastor, college basketball player, PhD historian, and the assistant director of the Faith & Sports Institute at Truett Seminary and Baylor University, Dr. Paul Putz has a lot to share. His research and writing has been featured at Christianity Today, Slate, National Public Radio, Religion News Service, and more. Paul is deep thinker and […]
2023-03-0835 minSeason 3Sport - GluttonyThe seven deadly sins are a well known group of vices found within the teachings of the Christian church. These sins are often described as distortions or excessive versions of something otherwise natural to human life. Brian and Chad ask whether the practice and culture of sport foster or inhibit the deadly sins as they […]
2023-02-2230 minSeason 3Uncommon SportsImagine a ministry enterprise growing out of college class project. Drew Boe turned some unused sports gear into an entrepreneurial ministry. Today, Uncommon Sports helps followers of Christ navigate the sport industry by providing faith-based training & resources, all by collecting and selling more than 200,000 pounds of donated sports apparel and equipment.
2023-02-0833 minSeason 2Sport - LoveIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they open a series about the Fruits of the Spirit and the 7 deadly sins – in sport. First up - LOVE.
2023-01-2530 minSeason 3Sport - LoveIn Galatians 5 the followers of Jesus Christ are told about 9 “fruits” that are cultivated as one walks with the Spirit. Are the Fruits of the Spirit found, nurtured, or inhibited in the cultures of sport? Brian and Chad ask these questions and more as they open a series about the Fruits of the […]
2023-01-2530 minSeason 2Religion and Sport Intersect in New Journal!The exciting launch of the new International Journal of Sport and Religion shows the growth of interest among practitioners and scholars in the places where sport and faith intersect. We speak with co-editor Terry Shoemaker from Arizona state university who teaches a popular course on sport and religion and studies and writes about how sport intersects […]
2022-12-2839 minSeason 2Vatican City and Sport for AllNick Watson grew up in England playing sports like football and gymnastics, but his life changed when as a young man Jesus found him. Nick eventually became a scholar of sport, and he founded the Global Congress on Sport and Christianity. Today Nick tells us about another passion, his desire to make sport accessible to […]
2022-12-1436 minSeason 2Football in Nigeria - National. Positive. Unifying.Wiebe Boer, the new President of Calvin University, tells his story of running among goats, growing up in Jos, setting a high school city record, rescuing his son, and falling in love with sport. Though he wanted to play football, he found success by running fast across the fields and on the track. Dr. Boer […]
2022-11-3034 minSeason 2Tis the Season...for the World Cup!A couple of Americans talk futbol! Chad and Brian have a conversation about the 2022 Men’s Fifa World Cup. We discuss the non-traditional location and time of year, and how build up to the World Cup is paralleling the Christian Advent season.
2022-11-1637 minSeason 2Aim HighDontavious Hill tried the high jump in 9th grade, jumping just 4’8”. But just a few years later, while still in high school, Dontavious cleared the magical height of 7 feet, prompting a D1 college scholarship and a path toward elite international competition. Dontavious is a three-time All-American in the high jump at Auburn University […]
2022-11-0231 minSeason 2Counseling for AthletesBrooke Ewart is a clinical counselor for athletes and founder of Rocky Mountain Sports Counseling Center. The center offers support for athletes as they work through a mental health crisis, injury, retirement, and other moments of stress and pain. Brooke and her team walk through the tough stuff with athletes, listing to the Holy Spirit, […]
2022-10-1936 minSeason 2Fulfilling the DreamThere’s nothing more inspiring than a great story, and Wayman Britt has one. From tobacco road North Carolina to Flint Michigan, Wayman cultivated his basketball skills through hard work, the influence of wonderful mentors, and an unwavering trust in God. Wayman landed at the University of Michigan where he helped lead his team to the […]
2022-10-0532 minSeason 2Redefining VictoryThe book of Revelations depicts Jesus as a conquering lion, but far more often as a slaughtered lamb. Does this imagery cause us to think differently about what it means to conquer? New testament scholar Brian Gamel thinks so, and he shares how he believes the slaughtered lamb of Revelations changes the way we view […]
2022-09-2136 minSeason 2Is Sport a Laboratory for Virtue?Keynote Speaker for the 3rd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity Elizabeth Bounds has pondered the question about sport and virtue her whole life. Elizabeth was a standout two sport athlete in soccer and basketball at Hope College, then got M.DIV degree from Truett Seminary, and is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Baylor University’s Department […]
2022-07-3044 minSeason 2Coaching WiselyIn a sports world that shouts Look at Me, Professor Hal Wilson leads with humility. With over 20 years of coaching experience all levels below the NBA, Coach Wilson does have something to brag about. But instead, he mentors coaches to be humble and to keep learning. Though he teaches at a public university, Coach […]
2022-07-2037 minSeason 2What About Bob(s)?Bob Dyer and Bob Schindler have formed an amazing partnership. Both are men of God who love people and know how to use the universal language of sport to point people to Jesus and toward engagement with their local churches. We talk with both Bobs about CEDE Sports, a sports chaplaincy organization and network now […]
2022-07-0635 minSeason 2Facing the IssuesThe 3rd Global Congress on Christianity and Sport is set for August 18-21, 2022 in Cambridge, UK. SportFaithLife will interview all of the scheduled keynote speakers. Today’s episode features Dr. Steven Waller, professor at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.
2022-06-2241 minSeason 2On the 8th DayAs a boy, professor and author Matt Hoven attended an Edmonton Oilers hockey game and saw a sign that read, On the 8th day, God created Gretzky. This memory prompted Matt and his two colleagues to write a book on a Catholic theology of sport, aptly titled, On the 8th Day. The book explores unique […]
2022-06-0836 minSeason 2Training the Body in Faith and SportTraining the body is and essential part of both sport and of faith, seeking a harmonious balance between body, mind, and spirit. We explore this concept with David Torevell, Associate Professor in Theology and Education at Liverpool Hope University in the UK. Dr. Torevell is an editor and author for new book on sport and […]
2022-05-1154 minSeason 2I'll Be BackYou may remember the film Terminator about a machine built to look like a human with superhuman capabilities. It may have been futuristic, but human enhancement technologies like biohacking and artificial intelligence are playing an increased role in life and sport, raising many ethical and spiritual questions. We explore this fascinating topic with ethicist Dr. Tracy […]
2022-04-2636 minSeason 2Vulnerability in SportIt’s a regular practice to highlight and celebrate strength in sports, but could we be missing something? Perhaps, says Kristin Graff-Kallevåg, an associate professor at the Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society, where among other things, she studies intersections between vulnerability, faith, and sport, suggesting we may actually find strength in being vulnerable in […]
2022-04-1234 minSeason 2Glorifying God from the BenchAfter getting cut from every team early in high school, Brian Smith found his sport in track and cross-country and became a successful student athlete at Wake Forest University. Soon after, he joined the staff at Athletes in Action where has been for the past fifteen years. A few years ago Brian authored The Assist, […]
2022-03-2342 minSeason 2Sugar is SweetMelvin ‘Sugar’ Mcaughin earned his nickname by being one best long-range shooters the game of basketball has ever seen, with a silky sweet shot, long before the invention of the three-pointer. Author Vern Wendt tells his story in a new book titled Sweet Shot: The Basketball Life and Legacy of Melvin ‘Sugar’ Mcaughin. The The […]
2022-03-0935 minSeason 2It's On!It’s a special day on the SportFaithLife podcast, one with a big announcement! The Third Global Congress on Sport and Christianity is set for August 18-21 this year in Cambridge England, and Professor Andy Parker joins us to announce the plans to hold the conference in person! We are so thrilled to partner with Andy […]
2022-02-2319 minSeason 2Sport Identity and JesusRasheed Flowers play two sports at the NCAA Division I level, so it’s no surprise that he found his identity in sport and sport performance. But early on, due to his Christian faith and connection with sport ministry organizations like AIA and FCA, Rasheed knew identity in sport was a losing proposition. Now a doctoral […]
2022-02-0934 minSeason 2Sport and Christianity Conference in NigeriaDr. Clement Fasan, a sport management teacher, researcher and man of deep faith is convening The Africa Conference on Christianity and Sport at Lagos State University in Nigeria, February 1-5. We talk with Dr. Fasan about this conference and invite all to join the conference online through the link on the SFL website.
2022-01-2622 minSeason 2Would Jesus Play Ice Hockey?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2022-01-1240 minSeason 2Would Jesus...Powerlift?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2021-12-2938 minSeason 2Would Jesus Play Basketball?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2021-12-1536 minSeason 2Would Jesus Play Pickleball?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2021-12-0146 minSeason 2Would Jesus Run?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2021-11-1738 minSeason 2Would Jesus Play...Soccer?Ever wonder if Jesus played sports? Well, we do too. In these episodes, Brian and Chad play with the idea of Jesus playing sports. We picked 6 sports to explore one at time, asking ourselves what about the sport speaks to humanity in unique ways? What are the goods inherent in the sport? We do […]
2021-11-0341 minSeason 2True GritWould you like your athletes to be more resilient, on and off the field? Grit Leadership teachers leaders to communicate in better ways, focusing on process over outcome, and delivering feedback with high expectations, yet in a warm, relationship-focused way. Grit Leadership coach and Christian school athletic director Kevin Broene shares how Grit leadership has […]
2021-10-2041 minSeason 2Bicycling in BelgiumHow does a catholic church historian get interested in sport? Much like many of us Dries Vanysacker grew up riding his bike and playing games with a ball. This boyhood love, together with is academic training as a church historian, has formed a line of work which documents and investigates sport and the catholic church, […]
2021-10-0547 minSeason 2Faith and Coping with InjuryInjuries happen to all of us, sometimes in sports. Sport psychologists like Diane Wiese-Bjornstal have studied the social factors that relate to physical activity injury risk and recovery for years, but now her research is focused on something from her own Christian faith and athletic experience, something called religiosity. Diane shares her in-depth knowledge of […]
2021-09-2247 minSeason 2Seize the DayThere’s nothing quite like living in community. With his wife and children, Will Whitmore lives chaplaincy from sun up to sundown at Mercersburg Academy, a boarding school in Southern Pennsylvania, USA. The immersive experience allows pastor Whitmore to connect with high school age students in all areas of life, including sports. While Will serves as […]
2021-09-0950 minSeason 2050 | Sport Symbols of FaithMichael Jones felt a nudge from the Holy Spirit. In response, he finished his doctoral degree, kept coaching basketball, and wrote a book. The book explores the symbolic connection between the sport of basketball and faith. Michael is a practitioner, on the court every day, trying to better understand both his sport and faith, and […]
2021-08-2542 minSeason 2049 | A Good FitChaplaincy has become part of the DNA of UK sports. Chaplains are now part of clubs at every level, for players with all abilities, in every sport. Growing this mission are pastors and chaplaincy experts Warren Evans and Matt Baker who serve as senior leaders for Sports Chaplaincy UK. Together they are expanding the reach […]
2021-08-1138 minSeason 2048 | Pray, Play, SayA young athlete sat on a bus in England and dared to tell a younger athlete that he followed Jesus, and that made all the difference. That young listener was Graham Daniels, who since has done it all in UK football. He’s played professionally, been a coach and manager, and was a broadcaster for BBC […]
2021-07-2844 minSeason 2047 | The virtue we don’t have time forThough most will say that sport builds character, the evidence is far more mixed. Professor Sarah Schnitker of Baylor University studies personality and social psychology, focusing on how things like religion and even sport facilitate or hinder human character. Sarah shares the results of her research thus far, and dives deeply into the rarely studied […]
2021-07-1452 minSeason 2Tebow ReduxNorthern Ireland’s Drew Gibson is a fan of sports. He follows Ulster Rugby and the Northern Ireland football (soccer) club, so it makes sense that’s he never really heard of American football player Tim Tebow or about his attempted comeback. But as a pastor and practical theologian, Drew engages in culture in a very intentional […]
2021-06-3053 minSeason 2Eye Black Comeback?Tim Tebow is trying to resurrect his NFL career. This offseason, the now 33-year-old Tebow surprised the sports world by earning a tryout with the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars in his home state for Florida. But this time, the Heisman trophy winning quarterback is trying to make the team as tight end, a position he hasn’t […]
2021-06-1642 minSeason 2Hope Springs EternalThis last year was no fun for athletic directors. It was a year of checking Covid 19 data, interpreting ever changing policies, developing protocols, testing athletes, enforcing masks and distancing, and delivering bad news. Hope College AD Tim Schoonveld is no exception. He recalls a year he’d like to forget, but along the way remembers […]
2021-06-0243 minSeason 2043 | Listen to the GrasshopperThe 3rd Global Congress on Sport and Christianity is set for August 18-21, 2022 at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, UK. But though over, the 2nd congress continues to add to the conversation. Building on the work of Bernard Suits in his famous book on play and games featuring the grasshopper as the main character, Brian […]
2021-05-1939 minSeason 2042 | Cranmer for JocksBy day Ashley Null is an Anglican priest and scholar specializing in the theological notebooks of reformer Thomas Cranmer – and by night, he’s a chaplain to the most elite Olympic athletes providing as he describes, “Cranmer for jocks.” Elite athletes have to earn their worth, and this performance based identity can trickle into their […]
2021-05-0548 minSeason 2041 | Win. Build. Send.No matter where’s he’s been in the world, the words win, build, and send have been central to the mission and work of Dean Bouzeos. Dean is currently Director of Operations for Athletes in Action, a ministry organization based in Xenia, Ohio known for using the visible platform of sport to win people for Christ, […]
2021-04-2141 minSeason 2040 | Pitch ImperfectA single question asked of Brad Kenney on a soccer field prompted a 20 plus year calling into sport ministry. Reverend Brad Kenney is the Chaplain for the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer USA and founder and executive director of Soccer Chaplains United, an organization created to grow sports chaplaincy in soccer communities, including […]
2021-04-0742 minSeason 2039 | A Unique Take on Christian Women in SportsWhy would a self-described non-athlete and atheist write a book about Christian women and sports ministry? We put that question to Annie Blazer, an anthropologist of religion and author of Playing for God: Evangelical Women and the Unintended Consequences of Sports Ministry. Annie shares her story and the sometimes unexpected discoveries of her study. Annie […]
2021-03-2339 minSeason 2038 | Sport and Virtue in BrazilIn a quickly changing world, families and communities need something to rally around, and Brazilian pastor, author, and sport enthusiast Alexandre Borges de Magalhães believes sport has positive a role to play. Alexandre works at home in Brazil and though his broad connections across numerous countries to draw out the virtues of sport for youth […]
2021-03-1044 minSeason 2037 | A Team for Every ChildPlay Like a Champion Today is a youth sport organization that sees great value in sport. The non-profit organization is leading a worldwide effort to promote a youth sports culture of opportunity, fun, and character development for all children. With deep roots in her Catholic faith, former gymnast, Notre Dame football cheerleader, and current PLCT […]
2021-02-2442 minSeason 2036 | Love Extravagantly – Serve SelflesslyVeteran FCA leader and sport team chaplain Roger Lipe recounts how he entered the world of sport ministry with little knowhow, but instead with a love of sport and a genuine desire to love and serve athletes where they are. Now a quarter century later, Roger shares his learned wisdom on a weekly blog to […]
2021-02-0939 minSeason 2035 | Technique and Spirit on the IceLace up your skates and join us for pond hockey with Matt Hoven, Professor of Catholic Religious Education at St. Joseph’s College at the University of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada. When teaching sport and faith, Matt probes far beyond simple connections, choosing instead to thoughtfully dissect both the turmoil and joy that sport has to […]
2021-01-2739 minSeason 2034 | Colombia, Soccer, and JesusThe famous ESPN 30 for 30 documentary The Two Escobars describes Colombia soccer by its connection to drug cartels, corruption, and violence. Christian Union Soccer Club founder Marcos Wittig tells his own Colombian soccer story, but with a much better ending. In this episode Marcos describes how a small soccer club in Colombia grew into […]
2021-01-1344 minSeason 2033 | The Tracy Hanson InitiativeTee it up! Tracy Hanson was a standout NCAA student athlete at San Jose State University and from there played 15 seasons as a professional golfer on the LPGA tour and around the world. After retirement Tracy began to explore the anxiety and unhappiness that plagued her professional life, leading her to come to terms […]
2020-12-3043 minSeason 2032 | Team Player & Congress 2022!Don’t know much about Dr. Andrew Parker? He calls himself unremarkable, but he’s not. Dr. Parker has traveled a unique path, combining his expertise in criminal justice, research, and sport with a Christian faith driven heart to help the most vulnerable. Beyond his distinguished career studying the sport-faith connection and sport chaplaincy, he’s a wonderfully […]
2020-12-1642 minSeason 2031 | Character BuildingWhen signing children up for sports programs, people always say that “sports build character.” However, it is obvious to those who play and study sports that that character is not always positive. In this episode, Dr. Bolt and Dr. Carlson talk to Andrew Meyer, associate professor at Baylor University, about the character of sport. Andy […]
2020-12-0232 min