Cori Close - UCLA Women's Head Basketball Coach on trusting God and lessons learned in winning a national title

Cori Close is the head women's basketball coach at UCLA. In 2026, she led her squad to a national championship victory over South Carolina.

She joins the show today to talk about the lessons she learned from the Lord in this championship season. She also shares about the importance of loving and serving her staff and players, turning the page to the next season, abiding in Christ and living out her faith.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

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Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

TUESDAY MORNING RB BONUS EPISODE: Ryan Kerrigan - Former Washington pass rushing legend

Ryan Kerrigan played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Redskins (2011-2020) and the Eagles (2021). He is the Washington Commanders/Redskins franchise leader in career sacks with 95.5. Today on the podcast, Matt Forte talks to Ryan Kerrigan about their battles between Chicago and Washington, how Ryan has seen faith guide his life, what his 2011 NFL Draft day was like, how fatherhood and marriage have shaped him and what it was like scoring a TD in his very first NFL game.

Topics:

(01:59) - Ryan and Matt share memories of facing each other on the field in 2013 and 2015

(04:04) - Ryan's faith journey

(12:45) - Maximizing God's gifts on football field

(14:56) - NFL Draft day memories in 2011

(17:19) - Transitioning out of the game

(25:45) - Being a father and husband

(32:08) - Ryan's hearing loss in his left ear

(34:27) - Scoring a TD in his very first NFL game

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

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Jenny Taft - Fox Sports World Cup reporter on faith, soccer, prayer and IJM's FREEDOM TO PLAY

Jenny Taft is a reporter with Fox Sports covering college football and soccer. For the past few months, she has been assigned to cover the USMNT at the World Cup. She will be on the call with Fox for the World Cup Final match on Sunday July 19 at 3 p.m. EST

Today on the podcast, Jenny joins guest host Annabelle Hasselbeck to talk about covering the World Cup, re-learning to speak French, covering the USMNT run, prayers from her daughter, growing in faith and being on the sideline during a World Cup match.

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

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Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

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TUESDAY MORNING RB - World Cup predictions, Acts 27 and NFL players dementia death risk

Welcome to TUESDAY MORNING RB with Matt Forte for Tuesday July 14, 2026

Topics:
- The World Cup is down to the Final Four (1:15)

- Matt's World Cup prediction (02:50)

- Seeing famous people at sporting events (07:55)

- Reaction to the ESPN report on NFL players dying from higher dementia rate (12:02)

- What we learned at church (25:28)

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazine

Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Parker Messick - Cleveland Guardians All-Star pitcher shares Jesus testimony and tells incredible grandfather story

Our guest today on the podcast is Parker Messick. He is a starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians.He was selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 MLB Amateur Draft by Cleveland and made his MLB debut with the Guardians in August of 2025. In July 2026, he was selected to the American League All-Star roster.

Topics:

00:44 - Wearing old-school stirrups

01:55 - Parker's MLB debut

06:04 - HIs tempo as a pitcher

07:39 - His April 2025 outing taking a no-hitter into the 9th inning

10:55 - Parker shares his testimony of faith

13:30 - Parker shares for the first time the story of his grandfather's cancer diagnosis

18:40 - Identity in Christ and not baseball

22:01 - Praying on the mound before the game

26:13 - Sharing his faith with fans

28:35 - Why he wears No. 77

31:40 - Marriage proposal and preparing for marriage

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

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Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

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TUESDAY MORNING RB - USMNT's tough loss, prayers for Chris Johnson, generational curses

Welcome to TUESDAY MORNING RB with Matt Forte for Tuesday July 7, 2026

TOPICS:

(01:01) - USAMT's tough loss

(04:05) - Win or Lose, we praise God

(09:07) - Reaction to Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis

(26:32) - Shoutout to IJM and their Freedom to Play initiative

(28:54) - What we learned at church

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Ben Zobrist - Chicago Cubs World Series MVP on faith, depression and preparing for pressure

Ben Zobrist played 14 seasons in the big leagues with the Rays, A's, Royals and Cubs. He played in three World Series with three different teams, winning in 2015 with KC and 2016 with the Chicago Cubs. He was the 2016 World Series MVP.

Today on the podcast, Ben Zobrist reflects on the Chicago Cubs World Series championship 10 years later, his new book "Prepare for the Pressure," the role his faith in Jesus has played in his life and how he was able to overcome anxiety and depression after the Cubs won the World Series.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

TUESDAY MORNING RB - Danny Woodhead joins to talk World Cup, summer movies and young adult ministry

Welcome to TUESDAY MORNING RB with special guest CFB HOF'er Danny Woodhead for Tuesday June 30, 2026

TOPICS:

(01:29) - What's Danny doing nowadays?

(04:55) - Young Adults ministry

(11:15) - World Cup thoughts

(30:31) - Shoutout IJM 's "Freedom to Play"

(31:33) - What we learned at church

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Miles McPherson - Former NFL player turned pastor on sharing the Gospel with "JUST 1"

Miles McPherson played four seasons in the NFL with the Chargers from 1982-1985. After football was finished, he went into ministry and has been the lead pastor of THE ROCK church in San Diego, CA since 2000.

Follow Miles on Instagram ⁠here⁠.

Topics:

(02:05) - Being selected in the 10th round of the NFL Draft in 1982

(06:29) - Miles McPherson the NFL player

(11:55) - Running back turned Defensive Back

(15:01) - The importance of sharing the Gospel

(20:59) - Favorite NFL moment

(26:07) - Transitioning away from football

(31:55) - State of young Christian athlete being bold in their faith

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Andy Searles and Andy Young - Soccer chaplains on faith at the World Cup and IJM's Freedom to Play

Andy Searles is the team chaplain for Orlando City SC in the MLS.

Andy Young is the team chaplain for the United States Men's National Team at the World Cup and for the Philadelphia Union in the MLS.

Today on a bonus episode of the podcast, Andy and Andy join Annabelle Hasselbeck to talk about faith at the World Cup, the growing community of believers in soccer and the important work being done by International Justice Mission allowing kids in slavery to be free.

Join us and our partners International Justice Mission in the fight to end modern slavery by visiting the website http://ijm.org/freedomtoplay

TUESDAY MORNING RB - Matt on putting scriptures on pride caps, spiritual discipline and standing for the Bible

This is TUESDAY MORNING RUNNING BACK with Matt Forte for June 23, 2026

TOPICS:

01:10 - Matt recaps his Father's Day weekend

08:40 - Reading the Bible, not just the Bible App

19:35 - SF Giants players posting Bible verses on their Pride Night hats

31:31 - Shoutout IJM and "the Freedom to Play"

32:58 - World Cup love (USA! USA!)

35:57 - Matt's thoughts on Juneteenth

39:58 - What we learned at church

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Learn more about The King's Return:

http://TheKingsReturn.com

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazine

Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Kirk Cousins - NFL QB on faith, family, fatherhood, prayer, pride and his new home in Las Vegas

Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins returns to the show with Matt Forte to discuss his new home in Las Vegas, the decision to join the Raiders, being a steward of his football career, prayer in his life and being a dad to two boys.

Topics:

(01:33) - The decision to sign with the @Raiders 

(04:45) - How faith played a role in his decision

(09:50) - Being a light in Las Vegas

(13:51) - Prayer vs Pride

(19:35) - His favorite NFL moments

(25:53) - Raising his kids to follow Jesus

(30:11) - Preparing for his post-playing career

(33:48) - Kirk shares who is EVERYTHING to him

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

TUESDAY MORNING RB - The King's Return, Glorifying God at the World Cup and the Knicks win the title

Welcome to TUESDAY MORNING RB with Matt Forte for Tuesday June 16, 2026

Topics:

01:04 - World Cup 2026

06:23 - Soccer players glorifying God with TheKingsReturn

16:50 - Spiritual lessons from the Knicks winning the NBA title

29:45 - Shoutout to our friends IJM 

33:16 - What we learned at church

46:40 - Happy Father's Day

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠⁠ to learn more.

Learn more about The King's Return:

http://TheKingsReturn.com

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

https://www.youtube.com/SportsSpectrumMagazine

Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Mason Miller - San Diego Padres closer on his diabetes battle, throwing 104 mph and identity in Christ

San Diego Padres stud pitcher Mason Miller joins Scott Linebrink and Jason Romano to discuss his diabetes battle, throwing 104 mph, his sudden rise to stardom, finding his identity in Jesus and what Jesus

Topics:

01:00 - The thrill of throwing 104 mph fastballs02:20 - The art of pitching: adjustments and scouting04:40 - The origin of the nickname “The Reaper” 06:30 - Mason’s faith journey and growing closer to Christ 09:20 - Balancing faith, family, and a busy baseball schedule11:29 - Staying connected to Jesus during the season13:59 - Transitioning organizations: leaving the A's for the Padres 16:55 - Being the new guy and fostering team camaraderie19:20 - Managing success, humility, and staying rooted in Christ20:40 - Reflecting on past challenges and trusting God’s plan25:39 - Using platform for purpose: faith, service, and impact27:18 - Sharing about “Jesus Won” and spreading the message30:37 - Embracing struggles, purpose, and living with gratitude34:04 - Closing thoughts on faith, humility, and athletic excellence

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

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Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

TUESDAY MORNING RB - Bears stadium to Indiana, Madden covers and a global movement of God in soccer

01:21 - Matt is back from an incredible global sports movement in Portugal

12:59 - The Bears potential stadium move to Indiana

23:13 - Caleb Williams on the cover of Madden 27

27:00 - Madden curse still a thing?

29:27 - Shoutout to IJM's Freedom to Play

32:50 - What we learned at church on Sunday

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Mark McKenzie - USMNT soccer player on the 2026 World Cup, his God story and discipleship

Mark McKenzie from the United States Men's National Team is our guest on Sports Spectrum to talk about the upcoming World Cup and his faith in Jesus.

Topics:

02:29 - Excitement surrounding the World Cup

06:20 - The passion of soccer fans

11:06 - His journey to soccer as a kid

19:51 - Relying on God at an early age

25:21 - Mark shares his testimony

34:18 - Being intentional about his faith in the locker room

39:59 - Who is Jesus to Mark McKenzie

42:00 - The atmosphere in Los Angeles for the World Cup opening match

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit ijm.org/freedomtoplay to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Julie Ertz - Two-time World Cup winner and USWNT legend on soccer, faith and the fight to end modern slavery

Two-time World Cup winner and legendary USWNT player Julie Ertz is our guest today on Sports Spectrum with guest host Annabelle Hasselbeck to talk faith, the 2026 World Cup and her work in fighting to end slavery with International Justice Mission. Tune in!

Join Julie and others in the fight to end modern slavery by visiting the website http://ijm.org/freedomtoplay

TUESDAY MORNING RB - Panthers legend Jonathan Stewart joins the show

Welcome to our TUESDAY MORNING RB pod for June 2, 2026.

Panthers legendary running back Jonathan Stewart joins Jason Romano on the show to talk faith, coaching youth sports, the unique dynamic of an NFL locker room, the Jaxson Dart/Abdul Carter story, an NBA Finals preview, the tragic death of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch and what we learned at church.

TUNE IN!

Special thanks to our friends at IJM. Join athletes, fans and IJM in the fight to end modern slavery. Because everyone deserves

the freedom to play. Visit⁠ ijm.org/freedomtoplay⁠ to learn more.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/

Maurice Williams – Former Jaguars player turned team chaplain on faith and life after sports

Maurice Williams is a former offensive lineman with the Jaguars. He played all nine of his professional football seasons with Jacksonville after being selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft following a stellar collegiate career at Michigan.

In 2018, he became the team chaplain of the Jaguars.

Today on the podcast, Maurice joins Matt Forte to talk about his journey from NFL player to team chaplain, writing his new book “When the Game is Gone,” the importance of discipleship and stewarding the athlete platform well.

Have a question? Got a guest suggestion? Want to advertise with us? Email us - jason@sportsspectrum.com

WATCH all of our podcast episodes on our YouTube page:

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Sign up for our Sports Spectrum Magazine and receive 15% off a 1-year subscription by using the code PODCAST15

https://www.theincrease.com/products/sports-spectrum-magazine 

Do you know Christ personally? Click below to learn how you can commit your life to Him.

https://sportsspectrum.com/gospel/