Faith Driven Athlete

Episode 30 - Don't Make a Game Your God with Frank Kelly

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Frank Kelly) — Wed, 3 Mar 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Frank Kelly was a member of the first FCA Lacrosse Team in 1992 and played a major role in the founding and growth of the FCA Lacrosse ministry and FCA in Maryland. Kelly was FCA Maryland’s first board chairman, even before a full-time staff member was hired, and went on to serve in that role for 20 years.

A former professional lacrosse player (National Lacrosse League’s Baltimore Thunder) and two-sport athlete at Cornell, Kelly walked us through the times in his life when sports were an idol and what changed when he put God above everything.

Useful Links:

One Foot in Business Another in Ministry

Episode 29 - More Than a Ball Player with Mason Plumlee

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Mason Plumlee) — Wed, 2 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Mason Plumlee won a national championship at Duke in 2010 and now plays as center and power forward for the Denver Nuggets. We got to sit down with him and talk Coach K, the Cameron Crazies, and his experience transitioning to the NBA.

But that’s not all. He talked to us about his entrepreneurial ventures, his investing philosophy, and his faith. We loved our conversation and think you will too.

Useful Links:

Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumlee on Investing in Start-Ups

Mason Plumlee Career Duke Highlights

Founder Fridays

Episode 28 - Forgiveness at a Funeral with Monty Williams

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Monty Williams) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 06:00:00 +0000

No one ever prepares to speak at their spouse’s funeral. But after a tragic car accident, Coach Monty Williams found himself burying his wife long before they had a chance to grow old together.

But what happened in that moment was something powerful and unforgettable—he offered forgiveness to the driver who had killed his wife.

Monty took us through this story, every painful detail, but he also talked about the hope he has found on the other side of tragedy and what he loves about coaching in the NBA.

Episode 27 - Staffing a Billion Dollar Industry with Darin White and Kirk Wakefield

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Sports is a billion dollar industry. And while we all watch our favorite team on TV, few of us really know all the work that is going on behind-the-scenes to make that happen.

Today, we’re talking to two professors who are preparing students for jobs in the professional sports world. Darin White is the Executive Director of the Center for Sports Analytics and Samford University and Kirk Wakefield is the Executive Director of the Sports, Strategy, and Sales program at Baylor University.

Together, they’re going to walk about the money behind the game and the future men and women who are about to enter this profession…

Useful Links:

Darin White Twitter

S3 Major at Baylor

Samford Center for Sports Analytics

Episode 26 - The Bounce Back with Clay Helton

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Clay Helton) — Wed, 4 Nov 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Ever wonder what it would be like to coach one of the most storied programs in NCAA football ever? Clay Helton can tell you.

He’s the head coach of USC, and after growing up under a father whose coaching career took their family all over the country, it’s no surprise that Clay found himself full of a love for the game.

He talked to us about life as a coach, dealing with unexpected injuries, and what it means for him to trust God, even when he has no idea what next season might look like…

Useful Links:

Episode 25 - Faith at the U with Mark Richt

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Mark Richt, Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman) — Wed, 21 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

If you’re at all familiar with college football, today’s guest needs no introduction, but here one is anyway. Mark Richt coached the Georgia Bulldogs for 15 years as one of the longest-tenured coaches in the conference where he won two SEC Championships.

He then went to the University of Miami where he led the team to three consecutive bowl games before announcing his retirement in 2018.

Coach Richt talked to us about the ups and downs of his career, transitioning from coach to analyst, and what his faith looked like along the way.

Episode 24 - Let the World See You with Sam Acho

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Sam Acho) — Wed, 7 Oct 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Today's podcast guest was nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year—the only award that recognizes greatness on and off the field. And after talking with Sam Acho, we can assure you that he wasn't just a great football player, he's a great person.

We covered a lot with him today—his early life growing up in Dallas, his football career, and what it means to be authentic in a world full of fakes. His story is one you won't want to miss.

Useful Links:

The Home Team Podcast

Sam Acho Website

Sam Acho on Faith and Fatherhood

Sam Acho on Social Justice

Episode 23 - Unscripted with Ernie Johnson

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Ernie Johnson, Henry Kaestner) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 05:00:04 +0000

Hard to argue that there is a better halftime show than the NBA on TNT crew with Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and today’s guest, Ernie Johnson.

Ernie shared with us just what makes that show so special (and so fun), as well as his personal story, which includes calling MLB games with his dad and his battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ernie is an incredible man of faith, and he shared both the hilarious and the serious sides of his life with us today.

You won’t want to miss this one…

Useful Links:

Ernie Johnson’s Faith Story

Ernie Johnson on Faith and Fatherhood

Unscripted

Episode 22 - The Original College Gameday with Craig James

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman, Craig James) — Wed, 9 Sep 2020 05:00:04 +0000

You’ve probably heard of the Pony Express. Or maybe you’re more familiar with the Pony Excess. Either way, there’s no doubt that the SMU football team of the 1980s was unforgettable.

Today, we’re talking to one of their stars—Craig James. He talked to us about life during SMU’s hayday, the subsequent fallout over the bribery charges, life as a College Football analyst, why he chose to go to seminary, and what the future might look like.

We covered a lot, so sit down, turn it up, and let’s hit the ground running...

Episode 21 - The Journeymen with Luke and Josh McCown

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 05:00:04 +0000

Today we’re sitting down with the QB brothers Josh and Luke McCown, who have both travelled the NFL, playing for a combined 18 different teams.

They talked to us all about that, what their sibling rivalry looks like, and how their passion for faith and football has guided their life stories. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

One Heck of a Journey

Friday Night Flights

What Are You Measured By?

Luke McCown Journey of Sports and Faith

Episode 20 - Help Me Help You with Molly Fletcher and Mike McCartney

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:00:24 +0000

We know you’re used to hearing from athletes themselves, but today we’re talking to two sports agents for a behind-the-curtain look into the business side of sports.

Mike McCartney has represented players like Kirk Cousins and Kurt Warner. While Molly Fletcher, often referred to as the Jerry Maguire of female sports agents, has represented John Smoltz, Tom Izzo, and others.

We found their take on faith and sports is unique, and we think you will too. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

The Molly Fletcher Company

Molly Fletcher Books

Mike McCartney Twitter

What’s the Life of an NFL Agent Really Like?

Episode 19 - The Greatest Comeback with Frank Reich

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Frank Reich, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 05:00:06 +0000

Today’s guest has one of the most fascinating stats you may ever hear. He was a part of the largest single-game comeback in NCAA history AND the largest single-game comeback in NFL history.

Frank Reich took us inside both of these historical games, and then he shared with us the story of his personal comeback—his journey from the NFL to seminary, and back again to the NFL as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

Useful Links:

From Seminary President to NFL Head Coach

Frank About His Faith

NFL Coach Frank Reich Speaks Out on Faith and Work

The Greatest Comeback in NFL History

Episode 18 - My Greatest Pregame Speech with Joe Breschi

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Joe Breschi, Justin Forman) — Wed, 5 Aug 2020 05:00:01 +0000

Today’s guest coaches the fastest game on two feet. Any guesses for what that might be? Lacrosse. But he’s not just any coach.

Joe Breschi led the UNC Men’s Lacrosse team to a national championship in 2016, and today, he shared with us the journey of that season, but also the tragedy that preceded it and how God led him every step of the way.

His story is one you won’t want to miss.

Useful Links:

Tragedy, Tears, and Triumphs

Heels Upset Notre Dame

Coffee and Doughnuts with Joe Breschi

Episode 17 - The Second Chance I Didn't Deserve with Blake Anderson

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Blake Anderson, Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 05:00:18 +0000

Today, we’re taking some time to step away from the X’s and O’s to hear the personal story behind the game.

Blake Anderson is the head coach of Arkansas State University. He has had immense success on the football field, leading the program to six consecutive winning seasons, six straight bowl appearances, and back to back Sun-Belt Conference championships in 2015 and 2016.

Off the field, many College Football fans know about the tragic story of his wife Wendy’s battle with breast cancer and her passing last year. As Blake shared with us today, it is the adversity he has faced off the playing field and the second chances he’s been given that have shaped him into the coach, father, believer, and ultimately the man that he is today. Listen in to our conversation today…

Useful Links:

Blake Anderson AFCA Insider

Blake Anderson Found True Perspective

Episode 16 - College Football in the Time of Covid with Bill Hancock

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Bill Hancock, Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:00:04 +0000

The College Football Playoff. It’s been around long enough for most of us to take it for granted...well, almost long enough.

Most of us still remember the BCS bowl series and all the controversies surrounding who the real national champion was. But thanks to today’s guest, Bill Hancock, the College Football Playoff is the culmination of the NCAA football season.

Today, Bill shared the origin story behind the CFP, and he also shared his personal testimony and how the death of his son affected his life and his faith. We were so grateful to get to sit down with Bill, and we think you’ll enjoy this conversation.

Useful Links:

Bill Hancock Stands as Symbol of Hope

Riding with the Blue Moth

I Can Never Say Thank You Enough

Episode 15 - The Business of Baseball Cards with Jim Beckett

Wed, 15 Jul 2020 05:00:17 +0000

If you grew up collecting baseball cards, you’re going to love today’s show. We sat down and talked with Jim Beckett, creator of Beckett magazine, the gold standard for valuing trading cards.

He shared with us his personal story, gave us some insight into the memorabilia collected in his office, and also told us about how he stewarded his influence to be a further encouragement to aspiring Faith Driven Entrepreneurs.

Our time with him was fun, interesting, and educational, and we think you’ll enjoy it!

Useful Links:

Dallas’ Importance to the Sports Card World

Jim Beckett Lifetime Achievement Award

Episode 14 - Death Row Chaplain with Earl Smith

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Earl Smith, Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 8 Jul 2020 05:00:24 +0000

Earl Smith is the chaplain for the San Francisco 49ers and the Golden State Warriors. But his journey to arrive there is unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.

After being shot six times in a gang-related attack, Earl somehow survived, but then found himself in San Quentin prison—not as a prisoner, but as a chaplain. After spending twenty-three years that included playing chess with Charles Manson, negotiated truces between rival gangs, and bore witness to the final thoughts of many death row inmates, he now ministers to professional athletes.

As for the details of how this all happened, well, you’ll have to let him tell it. But trust us, it’s an incredible story you won’t want to miss…

Useful Links:

Death Row Chaplain Book

Earl Smith Discusses the Last Thoughts of Inmates

San Quentin’s Death Row Chaplain Video

Episode 13 - One Yard Short with Les Steckel

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Les Steckel, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 1 Jul 2020 05:00:02 +0000

Les Steckel’s story takes us through his experience as a marine, a vietnam war vet, a football player, and a football coach.

We got to talk to him about all of it, where his faith came into the picture, and what his experience was like being a coach for 8 different NFL teams.

He also shared with us the story behind one of the most famous plays in Super Bowl history. For more info on that, you’ll have to listen for yourself.

Episode 12 - Finding God in Golf and Business with John Solheim

Wed, 24 Jun 2020 05:00:08 +0000

In the golf industry, there are few more recognized names of excellence than PING. Today’s show takes us to Phoenix to interview the CEO of PING, John Solheim. He’s the second generation of family leadership since the company’s inception in 1959.

As recently as a few years ago, John had the unique opportunity to pass the baton to the third generation of leadership with his oldest son stepping in as company president. Today we take a look at their family’s journey to become a preeminent brand and what faith looks like in such a publicly recognized company.

John said it best when he said that business is like the game of golf. It doesn’t matter what happened on the last shot that got you to where you are. You just have to hit the shot that’s in front of you and keep going to make your best score. For those of you used to hitting a lot of uncomfortable golf shots (fore left!), this episode will be a fun one.

Useful Links

Golfing for God’s Glory

PING’s New President Talks About Family Business

Excellence in Innovation

Episode 11 - The Camp Gladiator Story with Jeff and Ally Davidson

Wed, 17 Jun 2020 05:00:24 +0000

Jeff and Ally Davidson are the founders of Camp Gladiator, a Fitness Franchise that has over 3,500 locations across the country with 1,000 trainers and 100,000 members. They have a remarkable story of how God used a unique experience in the early days of reality TV to propel them in their entrepreneurial story.

Just to give you a little taste, it started when Ally decided to try out for American Gladiators on the morning of their wedding. It’s an origin story unlike any other!

As you listen, you’ll find that not only is their beginning remarkable, but the way their faith interacts with their work is as well. They know the value of community and of running a business on Biblical principles, and in this episode we get to hear them talk about both. Listen to find out more about their entrepreneurial journey, how it started, the hard decisions they’ve faced, and how they’re using their business to glorify God and serve others.

Useful Links:

Ally Davidson Inc Profile

The Camp Gladiator Mission

Camp Gladiator’s Ally Davidson: “Our Competition Is Netflix. Our Competition Is a Sedentary Lifestyle.” - Texas Monthly

Episode 10 - There's Still Work to Do

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman, Nevil Shed) — Wed, 10 Jun 2020 05:00:18 +0000

Today's guest is a special and timely one. Nevil Shed was one of the players on the 1966 Texas Western Men's Basketball team who won the National Championship and ushered in a new era of desegregated college basketball.

Their story is famous now—you can watch the movie, Glory Road to see the season play out—but Nevil gave us a behind the scenes look into what life was really like in the 1960s for an African American college student living in New York and going to school in El Paso, Texas.

We originally planned to release this episode later this Summer, but in light of recent events in America, Nevil's words are startlingly relevant. We hope this episode serves as a chance for us all to look back at where we came from as we look forward to a different, more open and accepting, future. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Nevil Shed Reflects on 1966 National Championship

Glory Road Trailer

Episode 9 - It's Time for Honest Conversations with Benjamin Watson

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Benjamin Watson, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 3 Jun 2020 11:18:09 +0000

Today’s episode features a Super Bowl champion. And while his NFL career is illustrious, it’s what Benjamin Watson has done off the field as both an author and leader that he’d like to tell you about.

He’s written two books—Under Our Skin, which addresses the racial divide in America and The New Dad’s Playbook, which is a must-read for any father with a newborn. He’s known for speaking truth and saying the tough things that need to be said in the moment.

And in times like these, we’re grateful for his willingness to have an honest and real conversation. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

The Watson 7

Under Our Skin

The New Dad’s Playbook

Episode 8 - Four Time Gold Medalist. First Ballot Hall of Famer with Tamika Catchings

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Justin Forman, Tamika Catchings) — Wed, 27 May 2020 06:00:04 +0000

Today’s conversation is with a living WNBA legend. If we were to list all the awards and accolades Tamika Catchings has won, you’d spend the rest of your day reading that list, so instead, you should just start listening…

In addition to being WNBA Champion and 4-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Tamika also has experience as a coach and now general manager. She shared her basketball journey, as well as her faith journey, and what it’s like moving from player to coach to basketball administration.

As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Catch a Star

Basketball Was Going to be My Game

Relentless and Headed to the Hall of Fame

Episode 7 - The Philly Special with Nick Foles

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Nick Foles) — Wed, 20 May 2020 06:00:13 +0000

Backup quarterback is a unique position. While it comes with its own set of responsibilities, the heaviest task is the one that is most rarely realized—stepping in on a moment's notice. Not only did today’s podcast guest have to step up and be QB1 late in the season, but he also took the helm of a team favored to win the Super Bowl.

But if the pressure got to Nick Foles, he didn’t show it. Instead, he led the 2013 Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl title and picked up a Super Bowl MVP award in the process. On today’s show, he talks to us about this experience, as well as what it looks like for him to live out his faith on the field.

As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Nick Foles at Calvary Chapel

The Philadelphia Eagles - Faith on the Field

Nick Foles Basketball Star?

Episode 6 - 150 Million Pounds of Pressure with Ian McCaw, Jay Jacobs, and Tommy McClelland

Wed, 13 May 2020 05:00:03 +0000

We all know that sports has become big business, and no sport has seen as rapid growth as college athletics. Gone are those days when a retired coach kept the seat warm as the athletic director.

Budgets today have grown to over one hundred and fifty million dollars, with staffs topping two to three hundred people. The pressure is enormous and the expectations are high. On today's episode, we hear all about it.

Join us as we catch up with not one, not two, but three athletic directors, Jay Jacobs from the University of Florida, Ian McCaw from Liberty University, and Tommy McClelland at Louisiana Tech. All jumped in to give us a peek behind the curtain of being a college A.D. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

AD’s For Christ Provides Fellowship

ADs4Christ on Facebook

Episode 5 - Gun Buffalo Right Key Left Seven Heaven with Case Keenum

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Case Keenum, Justin Forman) — Wed, 6 May 2020 06:00:11 +0000

10 seconds left. 4th quarter. Down by 1. It’s the playoffs—it’s the moment every kid imagines in their own back yard. The clock is counting down and Case Keenum throws a new perfect pass to Stefon Diggs who somehow, miraculously, catches it and makes it to the endzone.

Vikings win in one of the craziest 4th quarter comebacks to date. And while the Minneapolis Miracle will live in the memories of sports fans forever, Quarterback Case Keenum has something else he’d like to be remembered for—his faith.

On today’s episode, hear Case share about his NFL journey, what it’s been like moving from team to team, and why the Minneapolis Miracle is only the fourth greatest moment of his life.

Useful Links:

The Minneapolis Miracle

Case Keenum Releases Book Highlighting Faith

Playing for More

Episode 4 - Privilege, Entitlement, and Responsibility with Kirk Cousins

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kasetner, Kirk Cousins, Justin Forman) — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 06:00:05 +0000

77 NFL games played. 142 total touchdowns and over 20,000 passing yards. Those are just some of the stats for NFL quarterback, Kirk Cousins, but he’ll be the first to tell you—those aren’t his top priority. In fact, when it comes to his life both on and off the field, his faith is what matters most.

Kirk opened up to us about a wide variety of topics, including his football career, his life off the field, and the importance of generosity to he and his family. If you’re an athlete driven by your faith, or want to be driven by your faith, Kirk Cousins is the type of role model worth following.

As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Kirk Cousins Used to Playing Long Odds

The Freshmen by Kirk Cousins

Game Changer

Kirk Cousins Testimony

Episode 3 - Regrets? Everyone Has Them with Rick Barnes

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Rick Barnes, Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner) — Wed, 22 Apr 2020 06:00:03 +0000

Today’s guest is one of the greatest basketball coaches in UT history—we’re talking University of Texas and University of Tennessee. Rick Barnes took the University of Texas to the NCAA tournament in 16 out of his 17 seasons as his head coach. And as the current coach for Tennessee, he’s a recent recipient for the Naismith College Coach of the Year.

We talked to him about all of this, but he took us one layer deeper—to the faith in God that forms the foundation of all he does, as a man, a coach, and a dad.

We think you’ll love our conversation with Coach Rick Barnes. As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Rick Barnes Lives His Life for the Lord

The Best Thing I Learned from Rick Barnes

Rick Barnes Testimony

Faith Lifts Up Tennessee Basketball Team

Episode 2 - Faith Driven Athlete and Entrepreneur with Adam LaRoche

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Justin Forman, Henry Kaestner, Adam LaRoche) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 23:25:03 +0000

When Adam LaRoche, Golden Glove Winner and Standout for the Chicago WhiteSox decided to retire from professional baseball, his decision seemed like one of the most unexpected moves in sports. But for those who know him, this move aligned perfectly with the integrity of his character.

In today’s episode, you’re going to get a peek behind the curtain of the life of Adam LaRoche—his MLB career, the factors surrounding his decision to retire, and his journey as a Faith Driven Entrepreneur. Hear all about how he’s making an impact through his E3 Team along with other friends like Willie Robertson, Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan.

We love talking to faith-driven athletes and faith-driven entrepreneurs, and Adam gave us a little bit of both! As always, thanks for listening.

Useful Links:

Adam LaRoche Goes Deep

Adam Laroche Speaks White Sox Exit

Buck Commander

E3 Ranch & Co.

Episode 1 - Playing for an Audience of One with Coach Scott Drew

team@faithdrivenathlete.org (Henry Kaestner, Jason Romano, Justin Forman) — Mon, 30 Mar 2020 16:57:26 +0000

In the sports world, March is known for one thing—Madness. And while we’re used to watching the madness play out on the court, COVID-19 has turned the world upside down and left a lot of athletes sitting with empty hands and unfinished seasons.

One of those teams was Baylor Men’s Basketball, led by Coach Scott Drew. Entering his 17th season, Coach Drew was leading one of the most talented teams in the country, and arguably one of the best Baylor teams of all time. But they’re dream of a deep run in the tournament vanished in the face of a worldwide virus.

In this episode, Scott Drew let us in on the challenges he faced early in his career, the faith that carried him through it all, and how he’s responding to life’s most recent curveball. As always, thanks for listening…

Useful Links:

Scott Drew’s Long Journey to Success

FCA Recognizes Scott Drew with John Lotz Award

Scott Drew Remains Focused on Faith as Baylor Remains #1