Best Sport Faith Life Podcasts (2024)

1
Sportsmanship and Catholic Teaching 34:45

1M ago34:45

34:45

The 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 […]…

1
The Game Changer 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

Dr. 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 …

1
2025 Global Congress on Sport and Christianity 39:52

3M ago39:52

39:52

The 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 […]By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Play With Purpose 34:44

4M ago34:44

34:44

Andy 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Sport Culture in Scotland 38:15

5M ago38:15

38:15

Kyle 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
The Shot Heard Round the World 39:07

6M ago39:07

39:07

Charlotte 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 […]…

1
Sport – Joy 30:41

6M ago30:41

30:41

In 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 […]…

1
Faith at the Masters 37:55

7M ago37:55

37:55

Champions 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 […]…

1
The Hockey Priest 31:01

7M ago31:01

31:01

Dr. 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Episode 10 - Siviwe 'Shakes' Soyizwapi Part 2: Navigating the tough times 24:21

7M ago24:21

24:21

Part 2 of our conversation with Siviwe Shakes Soyizwapi, captain of the Springbok Sevens Rugby team. 'Shakes' shares his journey from the highs of being a multiple world Sevens Series champion, Commonwealth Gold Medalist and captain of the Blitzboks, to the leaner times of navigating through team changes and injuries. You don't want to miss this! B…

1
Sport for Development 38:31

8M ago38:31

38:31

Jon 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Only Here For You 33:15

8M ago33:15

33:15

Andy 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Episode 10 - Siviwe 'Shakes' Soyizwapi Part 1: A remarkable story of God's sovereignty in shaping a Rugby career 28:44

9M ago28:44

28:44

In this first episode of a two part series we are joined by South African Sevens Captain Siviwe “Shakes” Soyizwapi as he shares his unlikely journey into rugby from a football family in the rural eastern cape to his early days as a pro in Provincial Rugby. He pulls no punches in sharing how he succumbed to the typical temptations of new found 'fame…

1
Theology Finds the Good and Bad in Sport 30:04

9M ago30:04

30:04

Jay 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.…

1
Sport – Pride 31:00

9M ago31:00

31:00

The 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 […]…

1
What Sport Teaches Us 41:42

10M ago41:42

41:42

Dr. 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.…

1
Episode 9 - Deshun Deysel: Climbing Mountains, Breaking Barriers - The inspiring story of the first African woman to summit Everest 19:00

10M ago19:00

19:00

Mountaineer Deshun Deysel was the first African woman to summit Mt Everest. But scaling the highest peaks of the world has a higher purpose for her than merely reaching the top. Deshun shares a fascinating account of what it takes to climb Everest and nuggets to apply to the challenges of life. Subscribe to the Call Up Podcast: Where Faith Meets Sp…

1
SFL – Self-Control 34:21

10M ago34:21

34:21

In 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 […]…

1
Sport – Greed 33:07

11M ago33:07

33:07

The 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 […]…

1
Golden Arm 25:56

12M ago25:56

25:56

Jim 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 […]By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Sport – Faithfulness 28:32

12M ago28:32

28:32

In 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 […]…

1
Episode 8 - Jonathan Armogam Part 2: ”Where’s the money gone?” Why do so many sports people have money problems, & what can be done about it? 35:50

1y ago35:50

35:50

It’s been stated that 70% of South African pro footballers end up in financial distress post-retirement. It's clear that SA footballers and possibly other elite sports people have a troublesome relationship with money despite some being substantial earners. In this episode Bruce speaks to former pro footballer Jonathan Armogam about the poor financ…

1
Campus Sports Ministry 34:16

1y ago34:16

34:16

Dave 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 […]…

1
Episode 8 - Jonathan Armogam Part 1: ”Who are yer?’ How one footballer overcame addiction to discover his true identity. 18:56

1y ago18:56

18:56

It's easy for elite athletes to fall into the trap of attaching their self-worth to their performance and continually seeking affirmation from people. Former pro footballer Jonathan Armogam experienced this entrapment in his career and chose the path of alcohol and substance abuse, when the drug of public affirmation ran out. In this podcast Bruce,…

1
Sport – Envy 36:26

1y ago36:26

36:26

The 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 […]…

1
100th Episode! 33:52

1y ago33:52

33:52

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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Does Character Matter? 37:42

1y ago37:42

37:42

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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Sport – Patience 27:54

1y ago27:54

27:54

In 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 […]…

1
Longing for home (plate) 32:49

1y ago32:49

32:49

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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Sport – Lust 28:20

1+ y ago28:20

28:20

The 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 […]…

1
Verite Sport 33:54

1+ y ago33:54

33:54

Stuart 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 […]…

1
Episode 7 - WOMEN’S FOOTBALL WORLD CUP SPECIAL 2023: Desiree Ellis Part 2 38:53

1+ y ago38:53

38:53

Banyana coach Des Ellis was used to breaking barriers as a footballer and achieved great success as a player, even amidst trying circumstances. In part 2 of our podcast with Des, Bruce Nadin discusses with her, the highly eventful journey from retiring as a player, to coach of the national team. A journey that went from many moments of heartbreak a…

1
Sport – Gentleness 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

In 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 […]…

1
Episode 7 - Desiree Ellis Part 1: The Playing Years - Conquering Barriers 31:22

1+ y ago31:22

31:22

In this episode, recorded on the eve of the Women's Soccer World Cup, we host Desiree Ellis, coach of our women’s national team, Banyana Banyana. A former captain of Banyana, as a coach she led them to their first ever Women’s World Cup appearance in 2019 and their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2022 and won the COSAFA cup 3 times. S…

1
Serving in the Kingdom 35:19

1+ y ago35:19

35:19

Born 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 […]…

1
Sport – Sloth 34:34

1+ y ago34:34

34:34

The 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 […]…

1
Episode 6 - Athi Mayinje: Destination or Destiny? How one Rugby player discovered how he could use his platform for a greater purpose. 38:22

1+ y ago38:22

38:22

In this interview, pro rugby player Athi Mayinje relays his story of how as a young up and coming rugby player with the talent and ambitions for higher honours, he threw everything at building a successful career in the game. He describes the toll that a myriad of injuries had on his progress on the path that he chose for himself. A path that event…

1
The Drive to Compete 34:34

1+ y ago34:34

34:34

Bailey 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, […]…

1
Sport – Goodness & Kindness 36:12

1+ y ago36:12

36:12

In 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 […]…

1
The Healing Power of Sport 36:11

1+ y ago36:11

36:11

Alecia 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.By Dr. Brian R. Bolt and Dr. Chad Carlson

1
Episode 5 - Niel Louw: From tragedy to triumph, adversity to athletic achievement. 36:02

1+ y ago36:02

36:02

In this interview, Paralympian Niel Louw really touches the heartstrings. His story starts with the personal heartbreak of a debilitating accident in his teens, but unfolds into a powerful testimony of God’s purpose being found despite tragic circumstances. It's an inspirational and ongoing story of living and serving from a place of gratitude desp…

1
Sport – Anger 34:43

1+ y ago34:43

34:43

The 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 […]…

1
Coach’s Call 39:06

1+ y ago39:06

39:06

John 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 […]…

1
Episode 4 - Keenan Horne: Balancing education, career, relationships & working towards an Olympic dream 32:51

1+ y ago32:51

32:51

Don't miss our conversation with the vice captain of our SA men's field hockey team, Keenan Horne. Keenan stands out as an elite athlete with many outstanding sporting accomplishments. He is an Olympian, played in a World Cup, Commonwealth Games, is a Nations Cup champion and is a pro league player in Europe. Yet, he has a clear understanding that …

1
Sport – Peace 34:45

1+ y ago34:45

34:45

In 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 […]…

1
Education and Transformation in Sport 35:36

1+ y ago35:36

35:36

Son 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 [……

1
Episode 3 - Rikenette Steenkamp: Handling disappointment with emotional & spiritual honesty 42:17

1+ y ago42:17

42:17

It's straight, raw and real as usual. Join us as we have a heartfelt discussion with South Africa's 100m hurdles record holder, former African champion and World Cup gold medalist, Rikenette Steenkamp. It's a moving story of the exceptional sacrifices of track and field athletes, who live extreme lifestyles with minimal compensation for many years …

1
Sport – Gluttony 30:23

1+ y ago30:23

30:23

The 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 […]…

1
Uncommon Sports 33:10

2y ago33:10

33:10

Imagine 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…

1
Episode 2 - Brandon Petersen: When injury strikes! 29:58

2y ago29:58

29:58

As usual, we are keeping it real, this time with Brandon Petersen, one of the top goalkeepers in SA's Premier Soccer League (PSL). Brandon openly talks to us about a dreadful moment in his career years ago. Just after a successful pro debut and going on trial at a top club in Europe, a serious career-threatening injury struck. Brandon went from kee…

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Sport Faith Life Podcasts

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