The Coach J Podcast

Consider it joy when you go through various trials.  Is that really possible?  In this interview we talk with Brody Malone who is currently one of the best Men's Gymnasts in the world.  Brody shares his life with us and goes in depth about the serious trials that he and his family have endured.  He also shares with intimate feelings about how being the best in the world wasn't enough and left him feeling empty inside.  Through his success in gymnastics, as well as the deep valleys of tragedy in his life, we hope that you are encouraged when you hear how these events have positively shaped Brody and led him to a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Jim Rouches struggled for almost 30 years with a serious drug addiction, rage, darkness, emptiness, and loneliness.   At the end of this struggle, Jim found himself on the floor of a jail cell in solitary confinement completely broken and suicidal.  What happened next is truly incredible and miraculous.  Jim's freedom from the bondage to drugs, and the new life that he was given is a story that anyone struggling with addiction, no matter how bad or how long, should listen to.   And now today, the impact that Jim is having, through his Faith, on thousands of addicts is inspiring.  I feel that it's appropriate to share some of the lyrics to a song called Made for More (live featuring Jenn Johnson), by Josh Baldwin.   I encourage you to listen to the song in it's entirety.  Here are some of the lyrics: I know who I am, cause I know who You are.   The cross of salvation was only the start.  Now I am chosen, free and forgiven.  I have a future, and it's worth the living.  Cause I wasn't made to be tending a grave, I was called by name.  Born and raised back to life again, I was made for more. So why would I make a bed in my shame when a fountain of Grace is running my way?   I know I am yours and I was made for more.    Thank you, Chad

Part 2- In this second part of the interview we follow up with Eli Ace, founder of Nexen Construction, in November of 2024 where he is 10 months into a company wide Sabbatical with no money, no work, employees leaving and tired of being furloughed, and the world telling him that enough is enough: "Just go back to work.”  But  Eli's faith is incredible and encouraging.   It is a great testimony to listen to what he has gone through over the last 10 months and the lessons that God has revealed to him in the biggest valley of his life. 

Part 1- Eli Ace (born as Elia Aseav) is a refugee from Kazekstan, where his Grandfather and Great-Grandfather were martyred for their steadfast believe and faith in Jesus Christ.  His family came to the United States and Eli quickly learned from his father how to make a living in the world of construction.   Years later Eli was led to start a construction business, Nexen Construction, which he grew in short time to a $10M business and one of the fastest growing businesses in Central PA.  In this first part of 2 interviews, we listen to Eli and how he was led by God to take his entire business and all the employees on a 1 year sabbatical which was internally called Serve 24.   It all sounded good and was well planned out for 6 years.  And then Eli embarks on this journey, and NOTHING goes according to plan.

In this episode of the Coach J Podcast, we talk with Crystal Park whose Mother was a drug addict and chose drugs over her daughter.   Crystal experienced a lifetime of extraordinary events in just a short 21 years and after one devastating death, ended up going from never touching drugs to a full blown heroin addict where she actually was dead for a short period of time from and overdose.  Her drug addiction ender her up in prison where she finally surrendered to God's mercy and grace which led her to a new life.  Through the outreach of a local church, Crystal has matured and thrived as a follower of Jesus and overcome the demons that haunted her past.  She is a living testimony to the healing power of God.

Shane Manney is the founder of a nonprofit humanitarian aid organization called 5 Stones International.  5 Stones is the product of Shane's miraculous experience that he had in active duty combat in the Marines during the invasion of Iraq.  Left with no heavy ammo, in one of the most dangerous areas of the war zone, Shane was forced to lean heavily on his relationship with God to protect him and his fellow soldiers.   The details of that experience are eye opening.   But the result of the next 20 years of his life are even more fascinating to see how Shane courageously stays faithful to God and the mission of 5 Stones International.  Truly an inspiring story of what it looks like to not just hear from God and His purpose for you, but to have the courage to follow. 

This episode of the Coach J Podcast is the 3rd of 3 speakers who delivered messages at our April 21, 2024 Sunday Olympic Service which was hosted by Kyle Snyder and the Coach J Organization.   This was the first live service event that we promoted on the Sunday after the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling.   We had about 200 people in attendance, live worship music and 3 speakers.   This episode is the final speaker, Pastor Don Frederick, who was introduced by Kyle Snyder.   Don's message is a beautiful and colorful answer to the question:  “WHO IS GOD? 

This episode of the Coach J Podcast is the second of 3 speakers who delivered messages at our April 21, 2024 Sunday Olympic Service which was hosted by Kyle Snyder and the Coach J Organization.   This was the first live service event that we promoted on the Sunday after the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling.   We had about 200 people in attendance, live worship music, and 3 speakers.   This episode is the second speaker, Pastor Dave Dernlan, who I had the honor of introducing.  Brother Dave delivers a message from 1 Tim 2: 1-7 and the power of heartfelt and sincere prayer first in our lives, and then God led actions second.  He ties into his message the incredible story about Winston Churchill and how it relates to all of us being saved twice by the same family.  Enjoy Brother Dave Dernlan!

This episode of the Coach J Podcast is the first of 3 speakers who delivered messages at our April 21, 2024 Sunday Olympic Service which was hosted by Kyle Snyder and the Coach J Organization.   This was the first live service event that we promoted on the Sunday after the conclusion of the 2024 Olympic Team Trials for Wrestling.   We had about 200 people in attendance, live worship music and 3 speakers.   This episode is the first speaker, Barry Lynch, who was introduced by Coach Brandon Slay.   Barry gives a detailed and emotional message about how we define ourselves and where we get our value from.   I hope you enjoy this message by Barry and strongly encourage you to listen to Barry's full podcast interview.

If you, or someone you know has ever struggled with alcohol or substance abuse, and they can't find victory over the addiction, this is a must listen.  In this episode of the Coach J Podcast, former Penn State 2X All American Wrestler, and 3X OH State Champion, Clint Musser takes us through a very detailed and raw journey of what his life looked like before he started drinking and then down the path of alcohol addiction that led him to consider ending his own life.  Like all of God's family that finally surrenders, there is a very happy ending.   Seeking perfection without  a foundation of God is a dangerous path.

In this episode of the Coach J Podcast I talk to Jarrett Dickey who is not a household name as an athlete or coach.  But if you are a youth coach, or know a youth coach, this interview could be extremely impactful.  We have all heard the saying “It's not all about winning”.  So then what is it really about?  Jarrett shares the impact and wisdom that God has had on his coaching style and how that has helped him develop a mentality of coaching as his ministry.  He gives us an understanding about what it's all really about and how he has been able to make a serious impact on all of the kids and other coaches around him.

In this episode of the Coach J Podcast I talk to Jarrett Dickey who is not a household name as an athlete or coach.  But if you are a youth coach, or know a youth coach, this interview could be extremely impactful.  We have all heard the saying “It's not all about winning."  So then what is it really about?  Jarrett shares the impact that God has had on his coaching style and how he developed a mentality of coaching as his ministry.  He gives us a really understanding about what it's all really about and how he has been able to make a serious impact on all of the kids and other coaches around him.

Have you ever watched what happens when a parent becomes obsessed with their son or daughter's success in sports?  In this episode of the Coach J Podcast we talk to Jack Galloway, whose son Nathan was a 3X Pennsylvania State Champion.  We dive into the obsession that Jack had with his son's success and also into the emptiness, and loneliness, that Jack felt after each championship.  But there's a happy ending!  Jesus chased him down.  Listen to the miraculous experience that Jack had as he was close to death in a hospital, and then how he was led to a Christian music concert where he began his new life as a follower of Jesus. 

Have you, or someone you know faced incredible abuse or adversity.  There is hope.  Meet Alan Blyweiss, former sparring partner for guys like Mike Tyson, Riddick Bowe, Larry Holmes and other top Heavyweight World Champions.  If Alan's story was made into a movie, you would watch it and think that there's no way this could be true.  Born as a herion baby, only to be molested, abused and abandoned by his adopted Mother.  Then he turns to the streets as a 9 year old gang banger in the worst part of DC.  His life is filled with abuse, abandonment, addiction, crime, violence, darkness and 50 years of hell.   But nothing that Jesus can't overcome. 

Dan Nold, the pastor of Calvary Harvest Fields in Boalsburg, PA is a former Division III College Football player and has been coaching people to get in the game for over 30 years at Calvary.  In this episode, Dan shares about his upbringing in a in South Dakota, the challenges of going to college, and how his humility ultimately led him to becoming a pastor in central PA.  We also hear from Dan on the biggest challenge he faces in leading a church in today's society and how getting Covid in 2020 led him to a vision of what God asked of him.  Enjoy the interview with Pastor Dan Nold, and “Get In The Game!”

Chad Dubin is the host of the Coach J podcast. In this episode Chad shares his personal testimony and reflects on some insights from our first year of interviews.

In this episode of the Coach J Podcast, we talk with Maddie Nolf, a former professional soccer player and current coach for Penn State Women's soccer.  Maddie is the wife of another guest on the podcast, Jason Nolf, and is the first National Champion in that household!  Maddie's testimony paints a picture of what it means to seek and hear from God.  At the height of her professional soccer career, God told Maddie to lay it down, and against the desires of her flesh and the temptations of this world, she stayed faithful.  Her decision doesn't seem to make a lot of sense…..until you hear the impact that it had on Maddie, her marriage, and the joy of her relationship with Jesus. 

Tyler Berger is a 4X State Champ and 3X All-American wrestler at the University of Nebraska.  In this interview, Tyler shares his journey with God and how the path was never easy or straightforward.  Tyler is transparent about where his heart was as he transitioned from High School to College and now to his pursuit of making the Olympic team.  He also gives some incredible insight on what it takes to train and compete without fear and free.   

In this episode of the Coach J Podcast, we hear from David McFadden the first ever 4X All American wrestler at Virginia Tech.  David shares from his heart a journey that started with his Grandmother's Sunday Italian dinners, through some very dark times, and finally the mentors that had a profound impact on his life and relationship with God. 

Jordan Burroughs is arguably one of the greatest all-time American Freestyle wrestlers.  But what happens when being the best in the world isn't satisfying?  Hear what happens to Jordan's life when the shine of the Gold Metal slowly fades away and he realizes his life is pretty empty.  You will be amazed at how a bunch of 15 year old kids were able to teach Jordan the greatest “move” of his life.

Have you suffered loss?   Has life dealt with you unfairly?  Are you shaking your fist at God?  In this episode of the Coach J Podcast we speak with Barry Lynch about his son Thomas.  Barry's not a world class athlete or coach.  But he and his wife Judy are World Champions, I would even say GOATs,  in how they have handled what the world would define as “UNFAIR.”  Listen to how they have turned the question of “WHY” into the question of “WHAT.” The story of their son Thomas, and his incredible impact, is one that can NOT be explained by this world that we live in. 

How does the greatest coach in UVA basketball history maintain his sincere humility?  Coach Bennett shares how his relationship with Jesus has not only defined his life but also the 5 pillars of UVA Basketball. This interview is a MUST listen for all coaches and anyone who desires to understand how to lead as a humble servant.   We've all heard the phrase “What would Jesus do?”  But what about the question “How would Jesus coach?

In this episode of Coach J we hear the incredible story of Coach Steve Garland and how he went from a rough childhood of idolizing gangsters to a new life of idolizing Jesus.  Only when Steve hit rock bottom did he finally figure out how to fill the huge hole in his heart that had caused so much destruction and pain.  Coach Garland's testimony:  He heard my cry.

On EP. 17 Super Bowl Champion with the Philadelphia Eagles, Stefen Wisniewski shares a defining moment at age 17 when everything changed.  Listen to Stefen's journey from Penn State University, and into the NFL, with 5 teams in 10 years, and throughout his life he has always realized that he needs Jesus in everything he does.  Make sure you have a notepad handy.  So much good stuff! About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit ⁠coachj.org⁠. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

On EP. 16 Penn State Basketball legend Tyler Smith joins the show. Have you ever been away from home in a strange land, in a bad environment, with no money, and knowing nobody?  Could you ever find peace and comfort in that environment?  In this episode you will hear from PSU Basketball great Tyler Smith and how he found enlightenment in his relationship with Jesus and how that relationship helped him find peace in some very challenging times. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit ⁠⁠coachj.org⁠⁠. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

On EP. 15, you hear from Susan Robinson-Fruchtl about what the verse “To whom much is given, much is required”.   She shares her small town West Virginia upbringing, to her Penn State University experience and then into her travels as a College and High School women's basketball coach.  Listen to how Jesus has been a foundation and the fabric woven into all her experiences. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit ⁠coachj.org⁠. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

On EP. 14 we welcome Joe Crispin, one of Penn State basketball's all time greats shares his journey through Penn State, as a Professional Athlete and now as a college coach.  Hear how all the success in basketball was not satisfying and how Jesus helped him come to the end of being the center of his life.  Joe shares how he applied the same intensity in pursuing basketball greatness, to being a great child of God. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit ⁠coachj.org⁠. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

On EP. 13 we welcome Super Bowl Champion and former New York Giant David Tyree. In addition to his success on the football field, David Tyree has also enjoyed a successful career off the field as well. After his retirement from the NFL as a player, he spent two years at NFL League Headquarters in NYC, working in the Player Engagement Department. Starting in 2021, he began co-hosting “Odds with Ends” on MSG alongside former Giants defensive end Mathias Kiwanuka. David is happily married to the wife of his youth for more than 15 years (and counting), and they have the privilege of parenting seven excellent children! He has a zealous passion in serving others and sharing the importance of remaining steadfast in the ways of Jesus Christ. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Tom Ryan is the head wrestling coach at Ohio State University. He is a 2x NCAA Coach of the Year, 3x Big Ten Coach of the Year, and won the NCAA team title in 2015. In this episode, Coach Ryan shares his very personal story of loss, suffering, and a relentless search for the truth. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Bo Nickal is a 3x NCAA Wrestling Champion and UFC fighter. In this episode of the Coach J podcast Bo talks about transitioning to mixed martial arts from wrestling, how his faith affects his self-discipline, and what his biggest loss and greatest victory have in common. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

On this episode of the Coach J podcast Janae talks about how her current mission to help athletes transition out of sports and into life, was brought about through a lot of twists and unexpected turns, and with a common thread of Jesus in her life. She also shares about a career ending injury at Penn State and how she turned that into the foundation of impacting the lives of other athletes. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Jude Swisher is a 3x PIAA State Placewinner and member of the University of Pennsylvania wrestling team. On this episode of the Coach J podcast Jude talks about how he balanced training and academics to graduate with a 4.0 GPA, the value of relationships, and how to ride the train, not the rollercoaster. He also tells a story about a Hell's Angel biker that changed his life. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Barry Davis is a 3X NCAA wrestling champion and Olympic silver medalist. In this episode of the Coach J podcast Barry talks about the values he learned growing up in Iowa, the relationship between coach and athletes, and a supernatural experience he had during the NCAA tournament. He tells us a story about collecting aluminum cans to pay for gas just a week after winning the silver medal in the Olympics. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Jason Nolf is a 3x NCAA Champion wrestler and Pan-Am games gold medalist. In this episode of the Coach J podcast, Jason talks about his competitive mindset, spiritual values, and how faith influences his relationship with his wife, professional soccer player Maddie Nolf. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Joey McKenna is a 3x NCAA All-American wrestler and US Open Champion. In this episode of the Coach J podcast Joey talks about his decision to transfer to Ohio State from Stanford, what he's learned from difficulty and setbacks, and the realization he had before the biggest match of his life. He also shares his insight about one thing some of the best wrestlers have in common. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Jessie Bastardi is a gymnast at Penn State University. In this episode of the Coach J podcast she talks about issues surrounding mental health and competition, the physical demands of her sport, and a song that made her see the world differently. She also explains her unique perspective on social media and how she handles her profiles. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Brandon Slay is an NCAA All-American wrestler and Olympic gold medalist. In this episode of the Coach J podcast Brandon talks about going from 0-20 to an Olympic champion, the moment in his life that changed everything, and how a shift of perspective helped him find the ultimate key to success. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Anthony Cassar is an NCAA wrestling champion and mixed martial arts fighter. He won the New Jersey State Wrestling Championships as a senior, prior to that he had never qualified for the state tournament. In this episode of he Coach J podcast, Anthony talks about his relationship with God through the ups and downs in his career at Penn State. He also talks about growing up as a preacher's kid in New Jersey, and the transitions from wrestling to the fight game. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

D.J. Dozier played 5 seasons in the NFL with the Viking and Lions, was a MLB outfielder with the New York Mets, and a member of the 1987 Penn State National Championship football team. In this episode of the Coach J podcast DJ talks about the culture of the '87 Championship team, where he finds meaning and purpose in his life, and an unexpected Sunday morning that changed his life. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!

Welcome to EP. 1 of the Coach J Podcast! Kyle Snyder is an NCAA, World, and Olympic Champion wrestler. In this episode of the Coach J podcast Kyle talks about how his personal values influence his wrestling, the freedom that comes through surrender, and the relationship between his faith and his competitive mindset. He also shares an incredible story about the technique he used to win an Olympic gold medal. About Coach J - The Coach J playbook is inspired by the life and teachings of Jesus. Our podcast features interviews with athletes, coaches, and fans who discuss their experience and understanding of faith, competition, successes, and failures. If you want to talk to someone about what it means to follow Jesus, visit coachj.org. We have real-live people who'd love to talk with you. There are also other great episodes that we hope will be inspiring and uplifting. Spread the word by sharing this episode with a friend and leaving a review. Thank you!