Michael McDowell podcast: NASCAR driver shares adoption story

SS PODCAST: NASCAR driver Michael McDowell on his adoption story, trusting God in every area

By Sports Spectrum Jun 27, 2025

Michael McDowell in February 2025. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING MICHAEL MCDOWELL

Michael McDowell is a NASCAR driver who won the 2021 Daytona 500. He is currently driving the No. 71 Chevrolet Camaro for Spire Motorsports.

In today’s episode, Michael McDowell shares about his journey through a long and challenging career in racing to finding faith in Jesus. He discusses the thrill of winning the Daytona 500, the unseen grind of being a NASCAR driver, and his journey of adoption, emphasizing the unique connection he has with his adopted son and the challenges faced in the adoption process.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

Rise up with @Mc_Driver. 🌅🌅🌅 @FaithFestNC | ✝️: https://t.co/RFam3wDHBa pic.twitter.com/gyHx45Qawo

— North Wilkesboro Speedway (@NWBSpeedway) May 14, 2025

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Chiefs lineman Trey Smith on honoring his mother, overcoming obstacles, trusting in God’s plan

By Sports Spectrum Jul 11, 2025

Trey Smith in 2024. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING TREY SMITH

Trey Smith is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs on their offensive line. He was selected in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Chiefs and has been a starter since his rookie year. He was a member of two Super Bowl championship teams and in 2024 was named to his first Pro Bowl.

Today on the podcast, Trey Smith shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity, the impact of faith and family, and the importance of resilience in the face of challenges. He reflects on his medical struggles in college, the loss of his mother, and how his faith has guided him through difficult times. Trey emphasizes the power of community, prayer and the lessons learned from his experiences, ultimately encouraging others to find strength in their own journeys.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

65 earned his first Pro Bowl nod 😤

Well deserved, @treysmith. pic.twitter.com/MM8aaNppFu

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) January 3, 2025

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Baseball Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Chicago White Sox pitcher Fraser Ellard on grieving well, marriage, identity struggle

By Sports Spectrum Jul 4, 2025

Fraser Ellard in 2025. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING FRASER ELLARD

Fraser Ellard is a left-handed relief pitcher with the Chicago White Sox. He was selected in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft by Chicago and made his MLB debut in July 2024 against the Kansas City Royals.

Today on the podcast, Fraser Ellard shares about his journey of faith, navigating grief after losing his father at a young age, and how that shaped his understanding of God. He discusses the importance of finding purpose in adversity, the role of spiritual disciplines in his life, and the pressures he faced during his MLB debut.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

Yesterday, Fraser Ellard notched his first @MLB strikeout ✅ pic.twitter.com/gT7RmWqtM0

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 1, 2024

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Jared Allen on his Jesus story, being inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

By Sports Spectrum Jul 1, 2025

Jared Allen in 2022. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH JASON ROMANO, FEATURING JARED ALLEN

Jared Allen played 12 NFL seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears and Carolina Panthers. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft by Kansas City. Over his career, Allen led the NFL in sacks twice (2007, 2011), was named to five Pro Bowls, and was selected as an AP first-team All-Pro four times. After his retirement in 2016, he was named to the Vikings Ring of Honor, and in 2025 was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Today on the podcast, Jared Allen speaks to Jason Romano at the Arise with the Guys event in Minneapolis, where Tony Dungy named Allen his Uncommon Award winner of 2025. We ask Jared about being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his testimony of faith in Jesus, and playing with Matt Forte in his short stint with the Bears.

>>Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

In the 12 seasons of his NFL career, Jared Allen was selected first-team All-Pro four times. He’s now Pro Football Hall of Famer No. 380! @Vikings | @visualedgeit | #PFHOF25 pic.twitter.com/aKlnMzaa01

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 7, 2025

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Vanderbilt tight end Eli Stowers on fully trusting God’s plan, being bold for Jesus

By Sports Spectrum Jun 24, 2025

Eli Stowers in November 2024. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING ELI STOWERS

Eli Stowers is a tight end with Vanderbilt University. In 2024 with the Commodores, he was an All-SEC first-team selection after catching 49 passes for 638 yards and five touchdowns. In the Birmingham Bowl, Stowers had 55 receiving yards and a touchdown in helping Vanderbilt to a 35-27 win over Georgia Tech.

Prior to his time at Vanderbilt, Stowers played receiver and quarterback at New Mexico State (2023) and Texas A&M (’21 and ’22).

Today on the podcast, Eli Stowers shares about his decision to return to college for one more season in 2025, growing in his faith, and how the lows of life have helped draw him closer to God. Eli then asks Matt for advice on preparing for a possible pro football career.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

1. Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
10. Luke Hasz, Ole Miss

PFF’s Top 10 Returning Tight Ends for the 2025 Season⬇️https://t.co/3u04E6TAhj

— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 20, 2025