Best Female Athlete Mission Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 154 - How God Has Used Softball with Aubree Munro Watson 59:45

2y ago59:45

59:45

It's an honor to welcome Aubree Munro Watson to the FAM podcast! Aubree is an Olympian and former professional softball player. Before Team USA, she competed at the University of Florida and was a part of the 2014 and 2015 National Championship teams. She spent a total of 6 years on Team USA and took silver at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Now r…

1
Ep. 153 - Playing College and Pro Through Adversity with Samantha Dewey 1:07:45

2y ago1:07:45

1:07:45

We’ve all had to endure hardship at one point or another in our lives, especially over the last few years. That’s why I’m excited to have Samantha Dewey with us today to share her incredible story of persevering through setbacks. First she battled an injury and a red shirt year while playing college soccer at Xavier University, and then she moved t…

1
Ep. 152 - Trading Performance for the Process with Ashley Ljesevic 56:03

2y ago56:03

56:03

FAM, please join me in welcoming Ashley Ljesevic to the podcast! Ashley is a former collegiate basketball player from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and host of The Endurance Diaries podcast. While she’s worked in multiple roles in the sports and fitness space over the years, she's currently in a career transition, so in our conversation today we talk qu…

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Ep. 151 - End of Year Reflection: 3 Things I Learned In 2022 19:51

2y ago19:51

19:51

FAM, can you believe this is the last episode of 2022?! It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride, and today I’m talking about the three main things I learned this year. I’m also sharing an update on the FAM podcast moving forward into 2023 (it’s a pretty big announcement, so you don’t want to miss it!) For me, 2022 was a big year filled with joys, v…

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Ep. 150 - Setting and Achieving SMARTer Goals 18:37

2y ago18:37

18:37

A month ago I started coaching a local junior varsity soccer team, and I quickly found that many of the girls struggle with motivation. So I’ve been on a mission lately to cultivate intrinsic motivation and grit throughout the whole season – even in those who may find themselves in a less-than-motivating position! I’ve learned that a key ingredient…

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Ep. 149 - Gritty Faith and Breaking Chains in Young Women with Amber Johns 51:13

2y ago51:13

51:13

You know that inspired feeling you get when talking to someone who’s passionate about the same exact things as you? Well, I definitely felt that during my conversation with Amber Johns! Amber is a former college athlete, coach, mom of two boys and now the Fellowship of Christian Athletes State Director of New York. She's also the founder of a girl'…

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Ep. 148 - Sorting Through the Voices in Our Heads with Gem Fadling 1:03:11

2y ago1:03:11

1:03:11

Today I have the honor of welcoming Gem Fadling to the FAM! Gem is a certified life coach and trained spiritual director who coaches women at the intersection of spiritual leadership and soul care. (I've had the privilege of meeting with Gem monthly for a few years, and she has made a huge impact on my life!) Gem runs a non-profit with her husband …

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Ep. 147 - Concussions, CrossFit, and Suffering Well with MeiLin McDonald 57:37

2y ago57:37

57:37

FAM, I am so excited about today’s episode! MeiLin McDonald suffered three major concussions as a middle school basketball player and has really never been the same. She's had seasons where she was handicapped in a wheelchair and even had years where she was completely mute. But through CrossFit, rehab therapies, and – most importantly – the grace …

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Ep. 146 - How to Deal with Fear Today 31:37

2y ago31:37

31:37

I don’t know about you, but recently it seems like fear has been coming up everywhere around me – in conversations with others, but also in my own life. I have actually never felt fear the way I have felt it during this pregnancy (if you didn’t already know, surprise!) Today’s episode gets super honest and vulnerable as I share with you what has be…

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Ep. 145 - Following Your Big God Dream with Gabrielle Clark 50:13

2y ago50:13

50:13

Welcome back to the FAM podcast! Today's guest is Gabrielle Clark, a San Diego State University basketball alumni and former graduate assistant. After SDSU, Gabrielle joined the college sports ministry Athletes in Action where God grew her passion to help inner-city children and youth have the opportunity to attend college. In 2017, God gave her th…

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Ep. 144 - Wrestling for God's Glory with Bekah Kemper 53:51

2y ago53:51

53:51

Today we get to hear an incredible testimony of how God uses broken people to bring about His glory. Bekah Kemper is a first-year Graduate Assistant strength coach at Liberty University with the goal of becoming a career strength and conditioning coach. Bekah is passionate about developing athletes into strong individuals who are equipped to compet…

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Ep. 143 - One Question to Build Your Character 13:49

2y ago13:49

13:49

Who are you when no one is looking? The topic of integrity has been on my heart recently, so that’s what this episode is all about. Our culture is becoming less and less concerned with integrity. It’s more about performing and success than about how we go about doing what we do. This is not suitable for followers of Christ! As representatives of Je…

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Ep. 142 - How to STOP a Spiraling Thought with Casey Cardinio 59:03

2y ago59:03

59:03

If you’ve ever experienced spiraling thoughts, you probably know just how helpless it can leave you feeling. Sometimes it can be difficult to stay grounded in reality. This is what my dear friend and today’s guest Casey Cardinio calls a “tornado.” In this episode, Casey shares openly about her longtime battle with fear and anxiety, provides a pract…

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Ep. 141 - Making Hard Decisions to Follow Jesus with Leah Church 54:17

2y ago54:17

54:17

Today’s incredible conversation is with Leah Church, former UNC Women’s Basketball player and current three-point world-record holder. She’s a 2020 graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill and currently coaching, training, and sharing her testimony. Leah was miraculously offered a full-ride scholarship to her dream school only to have to choose her faith over b…

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Ep. 140 - Get Better With Feedback with Jenna Failinger 53:59

2y ago53:59

53:59

When you hear the word “feedback,” what do you feel? Does it make you tense up, or do you crave it? How good are you at receiving feedback, and how comfortable are you with giving it? Today we have Jenna Failinger (née Lodewyk) back on the FAM podcast for a conversation all about feedback – why it’s important, how it can help us, and four pillars o…

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Ep. 139 - Sports Ministry, Coaching, and Motherhood with Aleah Dillard 59:45

2y ago59:45

59:45

So often as women we are expected to compartmentalize our lives. Culture tells us that we can be a coach or a mother, we can focus on ministry or our families… but Aleah Dillard’s story is proof that we can live a life of "and." Aleah is a wife, mother, full-time FCA staff and volunteer assistant soccer coach in Abilene, Texas. She serves female co…

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Ep. 138 - Endurance Training, Mentality, and Jesus with Natasha Van Der Merwe 1:01:37

2y ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Today I am so excited to share my conversation with Natasha Van Der Merwe, an endurance coach, long time professional triathlete, and the founder and owner of NVDM Coaching based out of Austin, Texas. Despite her impressive accomplishments, Natasha is truly humble and has dedicated most of her career to helping others become their best – physically…

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Ep. 137 - Navigating Social Media for Female Athletes with Sarah Zylstra 1:00:51

2y ago1:00:51

1:00:51

In today’s world, social media is deeply embedded in our daily lives. But should it be? I am so excited to be joined by Sarah Zylstra for this illuminating conversation around social media usage, habits, and consequences, specifically for athletes. Sarah asks some challenging questions that I hope you’ll take some time to answer for yourself. Her n…

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Ep. 136 - Is the Bible Reliable? PART 2 38:31

2y ago38:31

38:31

FAM, welcome back to part two of our conversation on the reliability of the Bible. I’m joined by my husband, Trevor, who helps guide us through some incredibly important questions for any follower of Jesus: Is what we have in the Bible what was originally written? Is what was originally written what actually happened? And is God the ultimate author…

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Ep. 135 - What Is The Bible and Can We Trust It? PART 1 with Trevor Lawrence 25:57

2y ago25:57

25:57

What is the Bible? What is it not? Why does it matter? In this two-part episode with my husband, Trevor, we’re taking some time to answer those critical questions. I know many members of the FAM are in college right now, and you may be encountering skepticism from professors or peers about the reliability of Scripture. Trevor and I hope this conver…

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Ep. 134 - Mental Health and Sports with Amanda Dahlman 54:07

2y ago54:07

54:07

Amanda Dahlman is a former college volleyball player, graduate student, lover of Jesus, and recently, the FAM’s beloved intern! With a deep passion for the intersection of mental health, sports and faith, Amanda is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and created Hope for Athletes, an Instagram account advocating for mental he…

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Ep. 133 - How God Freed me From Anxiety and Fear with Charity McDowell 56:33

2y ago56:33

56:33

On today’s episode we get to hear from Charity McDowell, a junior volleyball player at the University of Notre Dame. A woman of many passions, Charity is majoring in preprofessional science with a supplemental major in Spanish and a minor in Africana Studies. She is a strong leader on her campus through several organizations and initiatives, and yo…

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Ep. 132 - How to Become a Connected Leader with Karen Hardwick 55:09

2+ y ago55:09

55:09

Today I am excited to welcome Karen Hardwick, a psychotherapist turned leadership consultant with a Masters of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Her book, The Connected Leader, shows people how to use the Seven Strategies of Connection to become their best selves as parents, spouses, leaders… and athletes! In this episode, Karen shares …

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Ep. 131 - Being Bold for Christ in College Soccer with Mallory Krueger 50:53

2+ y ago50:53

50:53

In this episode we get to hear from Mallory Krueger, an All-American athlete and nursing student at Indiana Wesleyan University. Mallory is bold in her faith, but that hasn’t always been embraced by her teammates. She faced hostility toward Jesus while playing soccer at her public high school, which only grew her passion for making Christ known on …

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Ep. 130 - Rugby, Femininity, and Jesus with Christina Gein 52:41

2+ y ago52:41

52:41

Today I’m so excited to welcome Christina Gein, a woman who’s passionate about rugby and wild about Jesus. I was truly blown away by how God directed our conversation – we covered everything from what it was like to be the only girl on her high school football team to what she’s learned about discerning the will of God since then. You really have t…

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Ep. 129 - Becoming Courageous and Mentally Strong with Amanda Schaefer 51:23

2+ y ago51:23

51:23

It’s easy to say “get your head in the game,” but how is mental strength actually built? I absolutely loved this week’s interview with Nebraska-based mental performance coach Amanda Schaefer, a.k.a. Coach AB. We talked about vulnerability, courage, identity, joy, and how each of these things affect our mindsets as athletes whether we’re on the fiel…

1
Ep. 128 - Insights on Motivation 24:23

2+ y ago24:23

24:23

What motivates you? How do you stay motivated throughout the highs and lows of life? Why are there days when you feel like you could take on the world, and other days you may feel like doing nothing at all? Today we’re talking all things motivation with insights straight from you, the FAM! You answered questions about what gets you motivated… and w…

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Ep. 127 - Taking a 5th Year and Learning to Suffer Well with Grace Ball 48:27

2+ y ago48:27

48:27

Navigating college sports, academics, family life, and faith can be a huge challenge, and no one can speak to it better than Grace Ball. Grace is a Division I college athlete who just finished up her 5th year playing tennis at the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the host of her own podcast, MORE THAN AN ATHLETE. Today’s conversation covers h…

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Ep. 126 - The Gospel and Diversity in Sports with Janel Johnson 54:15

2+ y ago54:15

54:15

All I can say is wow. In today’s episode, I have the true honor of being joined by Janel Johnson. Janel is an advocate for all things Gospel, diversity, and unity. Her passion is helping not only athletes, but all of God’s children find their true identity in Jesus. It was so refreshing to be able to talk so openly and honestly about what most peop…

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Ep. 125 - Journey of an OCD Warrior with Jenna Cannon 45:19

2+ y ago45:19

45:19

When I think of OCD, I usually think of things needing to be in a certain order. Nothing more, nothing less. Today I am joined by OCD warrior Jenna Cannon as she shares what life is really like with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She developed this disease at a young age and it carried on with her throughout her life. Luckily, her story is one of a…

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Ep. 124 - The Coaching Journey with JP Dorn 1:03:03

2+ y ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Who is Jesus in your life? That was a question that anchored today’s guest through her coaching journey, infertility journey, and life journey. Today I have the incredible opportunity of sitting down and talking with JP Dorn. She is a wife, a mother, and a coach of all coaches. Our conversation today about her coaching journey goes far beyond coach…

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Ep. 123 - What It Takes To Be Great with Tish Hoch 1:06:13

2+ y ago1:06:13

1:06:13

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it takes to be great, this is the episode for you. Today I am joined by Tish Hoch. She is considered to be one of the greatest in the history of women’s soccer. She has not only represented her country 132 times since making the U.S. National Team, but she has also participated in one Olympic Game and 2 World Cups…

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Ep. 122 - Four Things To Focus On This Off-Season 15:25

2+ y ago15:25

15:25

When you are in the middle of your season, it is so difficult to feel like you are anything more than just an athlete. Burnout is so real and we all deal with it. Today I want to offer 4 practical things to focus on during this off season time. These are not only things to help you this summer, but these are things that will carry you through your …

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Ep. 121 - Beating Cancer and Realizing what Matters Most with Erin Soto 46:01

2+ y ago46:01

46:01

Have you ever heard the phrase “mind over matter?” I think about it a lot when referring to sports and getting out of your head. Well my guest today gives us a very real, raw look into how shifting her mindset saved her life. Author and activist Erin Soto was diagnosed with Stage 3 cancer at the age of 37 with four kids and a husband to take care o…

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Ep. 120 - How to Cultivate Hunger for God 29:03

2+ y ago29:03

29:03

Do you want more of God? A hunger for God is essential for anyone who desires to have a relationship with Him. Some of us long for a relationship with God because of traumatic experiences or because of trials that we face. Some people are apathetic about their life and don’t really care. Either way, cultivating a hunger for God is of the utmost imp…

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Ep. 119 - Tools to Build Your Confidence - with Mindset Coach Paige Tonz 54:27

2+ y ago54:27

54:27

Have you ever felt like you just needed some tools in your life tool belt? Today I had the great opportunity to sit down and talk with Mindset Mentor Paige Tonz. She shares with us some very practical ways to build our confidence on and off the field. As a former softball player and now a mentor to younger girls, her goal is to be the person that h…

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Ep. 118 - Becoming an NWSL Photographer with Cindy Lara 43:32

2+ y ago43:32

43:32

Today I had the opportunity to sit down and have a conversation with writer and photographer Cindy Lara. Cindy works for the SB Nation site for The Blue Testament covering the Kansas City Current. Sports have always been a part of Cindy’s life. Since her start covering women’s soccer in 2017, she has just continued to grow and develop her passion. …

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Ep. 117 - Called to Work in NCAA Sports with Monique Felix 49:04

2+ y ago49:04

49:04

If you have ever found yourself struggling with identity issues or trusting God or knowing your why, this episode is for you. In today’s episode, I am joined by Monique Felix and we dive into all things God, sport, life decisions, and so much more. Monique shares with us some very practical ways to trust God and make Him first in your life. As asso…

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Ep. 116 - Discerning Your Calling - with Trevor Lawrence - Part 2 33:13

2+ y ago33:13

33:13

In today’s episode, I am joined by my husband Trevor Lawrence and we are finishing out our 2 part series talking all about calling. I could not think of anyone better to talk about this with. We are diving back into purpose and what our purpose is in life as it relates to work. Trevor proposes the rest of the 7 questions to ask when considering you…

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Ep. 115 - Discerning Your Calling - with Trevor Lawrence - Part 1 29:31

2+ y ago29:31

29:31

In today’s episode, I am joined by my husband Trevor Lawrence and we are talking all about calling. I could not think of anyone better to talk about this with. In this 2 part series, we dive into purpose and what our purpose is in life as it relates to work. Trevor proposes 7 questions to ask when considering your purpose and where the Lord may be …

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Ep. 114 - Confidence and Mental Strength with Katie Lovallo 54:59

2+ y ago54:59

54:59

Mentality is such a huge hurdle to jump when it comes to sports. In today’s episode, I am joined by Mental Performance Consultant, Katie Lovallo as she shares some of her best tips for staying focused on and off the field. Katie has a passion for helping women and girls in sports and shares how we as coaches and as players can grow confidence in ou…

1
Ep. 113 - Don't Worry, Be Faithful 27:29

2+ y ago27:29

27:29

Most of us are not strangers to worry. Our college FAM may be worrying about grades or relationships. Our FAM coaches may be worrying about their team. We can be comforted to know that in the Bible, worry is something that Jesus speaks directly to. Specifically, Jesus speaks to those worrying about the future. In today’s episode, I dive deep into J…

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Ep. 112 - What is Worship and How Do We Do it? - with Sofia Franco 58:33

2+ y ago58:33

58:33

Worship is not just a genre of music. Worship is a way of life. Today as I sit down with former athlete, Sofia Franco, we dive deep into 5 purposes for worshiping God. Sofia reveals not only how worship helps you in life and how it has helped her along her journey, but she also opens up about how worshiping God in these 5 ways can help you in your …

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Ep. 111 - Navigating College and Building Legacy - with Krista Breilh 51:55

2+ y ago51:55

51:55

Krista Breilh is a passionate follower of Jesus and leader of women! In today’s interview she tells us the story of how she started the ministry called “Live Salted” when she was a senior in college at Champan University. Live Salted is a community of women hungry for more of Jesus. They create resources for women to grow in their relationships wit…

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Ep. 110 - Don't Call Me Sweetie 15:31

2+ y ago15:31

15:31

Do you ever feel less respected as a female athlete compared to the male athletes? So many times in the past, male coaches have greeted me with a “hey sweetie” or “honey.” I’ll be completely honest with you, that has rubbed me the wrong way. Those dainty, feminine words trigger insecurity and smallness that roots from a fear of not being worthy of …

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Ep. 109 - Your Team Needs Your Authenticity and Leadership - with Kelly Nunn 1:17:21

2+ y ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Have you ever felt completely unseen? On the field, walking down the hallway, or sitting in a meeting? We live in such a fast paced world that if we don't stop and take a minute, it can get so overwhelming. Today I had the awesome opportunity to sit down and talk to Kelly Nunn. Kelly is a leadership development expert. She has been an inspiration t…

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Ep. 108 - 22 Powerful Ways to Pray 34:05

2+ y ago34:05

34:05

Imagine Jesus sitting next to you. Journal your thoughts. Meditate. What if I told you that these three actions are creative, yet powerful ways to pray? THEY ARE!!! In today’s episode, we dive into 22 ways to pray that you may have never thought of before. I offer some practical application of each way and share some stories of how these prayer pat…

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Ep. 107 - Debunking Myths About Concussions - with Natasha Wilch 48:51

3y ago48:51

48:51

If you’re looking for something to blow your mind, this episode is for you. Today, I am joined by physical therapist, Natasha Wilch and we are talking all about concussions and concussion recovery. Natasha inspires people to start — and stay! — moving in the direction of their goals and dreams in life, despite what they’ve been through. This episod…

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Ep. 106 - Your Suffering is Not Wasted 17:52

3y ago17:52

17:52

Have you ever felt alone, hurting in the dark? I know I have. It can be overwhelming to be lost in the feeling that what we are going through is for nothing and nothing good will come out of it. Well today, I challenge you to think again. Can our suffering be used for good? In today’s episode, I share seven instances in scripture where God gives us…

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Ep. 105 - Can Christian Women Say No? - with Jenna Lodewyk 1:19:56

3y ago1:19:56

1:19:56

Wow. I really don’t have adequate words to describe this conversation I had today. Jenna Lodewyk joins me today and we are really talking all about boundaries. Jenna describes boundaries as anything that differentiates you between someone else… essentially helping you identify what is yours. She breaks boundaries up and talks about three main categ…

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Female Athlete Mission Podcasts

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