The Uncommon Podcast

In this episode, Ashley Augkhopinee, Fox Sports Operations/Production Manager and Seattle Mariners In-Game Host, shares tips on navigating seasons of change and chasing Jesus above career goals. She also illuminates the importance of servanthood and overcoming envy. We discuss singleness, engagement, and marriage for sports industry professionals and the joys of cultivating a lifestyle that honors family while working in a busy industry. All of this and more on the Uncommon Podcast! Learn more about ⁠⁠Uncommon Sports Group⁠⁠ or ⁠⁠connect with our community⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠Register⁠⁠ for the third annual CWS Conference!⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch⁠⁠ this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Megan Mendoza, Senior Manager of Community Relations for a Professional Sports League, discusses evangelism in the sports industry, humility and being free of selfish ambition, honoring your family, forsaking all to follow Jesus, and much more! Learn more about ⁠Uncommon Sports Group⁠ or ⁠connect with our community⁠.⁠Register⁠ for the third annual CWS Conference!⁠Watch⁠ this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Tim Griffin — Dean of Students, University Pastor, and Vice President of Student Affairs at Grand Canyon University — shares his journey to full-time ministry, NASCAR chaplaincy, and how to minister to the younger generation, among other topics.Learn more about ⁠Uncommon Sports Group⁠ or ⁠connect with our community⁠.Register for the 2025 CWS Conference!⁠Watch⁠ this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Courtney Taybron, Senior Associate AD / Sports Performance / SWA at Jacksonville University, discusses guarding the heart and mind in the sports industry, strength in suffering, waiting on the Lord, God's promotion, and more. Learn more about ⁠Uncommon Sports Group⁠ or ⁠connect with our community⁠.⁠Register⁠ for the third annual CWS Conference!⁠Watch⁠ this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Bryan Driskell — owner of Irish Breakdown and Notre Dame football analyst — shares the story behind the creation of Irish Breakdown, how he uses his platform in sports media to honor Christ, and why keeping our priorities rooted in what truly matters is essential.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Apply for our spring Reflection Scholarship by Friday, April 18!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, NFL chaplain, traveling speaker, pastor, and author Greg Hendricks discusses a healthy fear of the Lord, the Great Commission (Submission), consistency in pursuit of the Lord, and the absolute necessity of knowing the "Playbook" of life. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Register for the third annual CWS Conference!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

Jared Goldberg, Head Men's Volleyball Coach at The Master's University, shares his nontraditional coaching route, valuing a healthy work environment over the logo, prioritizing family in sports, being present where you're planted, running from ego in the sport industry, and more.  Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Apply to join our next Academy team! The deadline to apply in March 19th!Register for the third annual CWS Conference!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Luke Unverferth and Kyle Gaspari, Front Office Sports Professionals, share their unique career journies, provide insight on how to live mission-minded in sports, discuss the importance of spiritual rhythms, and give valuable advice to those entering the field.  Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Apply to join our next Academy team! The deadline to apply in March 19th!Register for the third annual CWS Conference!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Director of Compliance for Grand Canyon University Athletics, Alex Blaser, shares details about her career journey, the grace needed for starting new roles, differences in the industry, and how to stay strong spiritually while working in college athletics. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Apply to join our next Academy team! The deadline to apply in March 19th!Sign up for one of our spring 2025 Bible study groups!Register for the third annual CWS Conference!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Doug Ferguson, Account Executive of Corporate Partnerships for the Minnesota Wild, shares insights into his career journey, the dynamics of working in corporate partnerships, and how he integrates his faith as a Christian while working in the NHL.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Sign up for one of our spring 2025 Bible study groups!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, former University of Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan reflects on his college football career, the influence of support staff on his personal and spiritual growth, and his decision to pursue a higher calling in ministry instead of coaching.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Sign up for one of our spring 2025 Bible study groups!

In this episode, Marcus Sedberry, the Deputy AD/COO at the University of Wisconsin, sits down with us to discuss his fascinating career trajectory, including a stop in the NFL, overcoming challenges during career transitions, and his advice for navigating the sports industry.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Sign up to join one of our spring community Bible study group!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Ben Gonzalez, Director of Basketball Operations at Georgia, about his career journey, the power of relationships in landing full-time roles, and the central role his faith has played in his life and work in college basketball.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Sign up to receive our bi-monthly USG newsletter.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, the founder of M.A.D Ministries, Jerry Steele, discusses what it takes to be bold for Christ in a sport industry career. Specifically, Jerry discusses what boldness means Biblically, how we can overcome our fears about sharing Christ, and how his time coaching basketball internationally helped him grow in boldness.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register for the 2025 CWS Conference before January to receive the early bird discount price of only $59!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach, Ryan Saunders, joins Noah live at the 2024 CWS Conference to talk about how he navigated the disappointment of being let go as the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2021, and the purpose God had in that trial.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register for the 2025 CWS Conference and/or check out content from the 2024 CWS Conference here!Sign up for one of USG's fall community Bible study groups!

In this episode, Tad Gilbert, Chief of Staff and Director of Operations for the University of Oklahoma's men's basketball team, opens up about his decision to leave college basketball and pursue full-time mission work in Malawi. He shares how serving with his wife for three years in Malawi transformed his faith and continues to influence his approach to working as a Christian in sports.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Sign up for our fall community Bible study!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear the closing message from the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference given by the Baltimore Ravens team chaplain, Johnny Shelton. In his message, Johnny talks about the important traits that make up a disciple of Jesus Christ.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, the Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations with the Texas Rangers, Dayton Moore, joins Noah live at the 2024 CWS Conference to talk about how his faith in Christ has shaped his leadership style throughout his time working in professional baseball.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register for the 2025 CWS Conference and/or check out content from the 2024 CWS Conference here!Sign up for one of USG's fall community Bible study groups!

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a message from the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference given by the Head Volleyball Coach at the University of Northwestern St. Paul, Beth Wilmeth. Beth's message was titled "Made for More" and in it, she highlighted her journey to discovering the greater purpose that God had for her and her team beyond simply winning matches.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, the Director of Athletics at the University of Texas at Dallas, Angela Marin, shares her journey to reaching the most prominent seat in college athletics. Angela talks about her humble beginnings in athletics as a student worker, how she got started on the path toward becoming an AD, how she put herself in the best position to be prepared for the responsibilities that come with being an AD, practical advice for young professionals, and so much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Sign up for USG's fall community Bible study!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a panel session from the 2024 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference hosted by Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano that featured three experienced and renowned panelists from the sport industry including Sports Agent and Founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters; the Associate AD for Development and Chief Development Officer at Middle Tennessee State University, Hans Malebranche; and Denver Nuggets Assistant Coach, Ryan Saunders. Jason led the panelists through a discussion about the importance of spiritual disciplines in the lives of Christians working in sports.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Click here to listen to the Sports Spectrum podcast hosted by Jason Romano.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, the Associate Professor of New Testament at Phoenix Seminary, Dr. Peter Gurry, discusses the book he co-authored with Dr. John Meade, Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible to shed light on how we got the Bibles that we study and cherish. Dr. Gurry discusses three topics in the conversation, including how the Bible was copied throughout ancient history, how the Biblical canon was formed, and how the Bible has been translated over the centuries.Sign up for USG's fall community Bible study here!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Get the book Scribes and Scripture: The Amazing Story of How We Got the Bible. Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a Q&A session from the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference hosted by Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano that featured the Senior Advisor of Baseball Operations with the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers, Dayton Moore. Jason asked Dayton about his faith journey, his advice on leadership, and more!Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59! The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Click here to listen to the Sports Spectrum podcast hosted by Jason Romano.

In this episode, the Assistant Professor of Biblical and Historical Studies at Bethlehem College & Seminary, Timothée Davi, joins to discuss how Christians should engage with the difficult, and often divisive, topic of politics. Timothée touches on a few important points, including the dangers of siding with a specific political party or movement as a Christian, how believers should engage with political issues from the perspective of the Christian worldview, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Sign up for USG's fall community Bible study!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a panel session from the 2024 Christian's Working in Sports (CWS) Conference hosted by Sports Spectrum's Jason Romano that featured three experienced Christian sport industry professionals including the former Director of Athletics at Auburn University, Jay Jacobs; former President of the L.A Galaxy Chris Klein; and NFL sports agent Molly McManimie. Jason led the panelists through a helpful and intriguing discussion about how Christians in sports can approach and navigate trials!Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Click here to listen to the Sports Spectrum podcast hosted by Jason Romano.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Dallas Baptist University, Dr. Ryon Phillips, discusses living with an eternal mindset focused on the eternal prize Christ has called us to. Dr. Phillips uses Philippians 3:12-16 and his personal experience to guide the discussion around this topic, helping listeners to perceive their careers and lives through the lens of eternity.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Sign up for USG's fall community Bible study!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear a message from the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference given by the Senior Pastor at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA, and second-time CWS Conference speaker, Mike Linch. Mike titled his message "The Legacy of Encouragement" and the content of his message challenges Christians working in the sport industry to lead lives marked by encouragement. Click here to access the note-taking template for Mike's message.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, sports agent Molly McManimie joins Noah live at the 2024 CWS Conference to discuss some exciting topics including how Molly navigates the sports agency world as a Christian, how she has redefined what it means to be successful, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register for the 2025 CWS Conference and/or check out content from the 2024 CWS Conference here!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will hear the opening message from the second annual Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference given by the Associate Athletic Director of Engagement and Outreach at Kansas University, Wayne Simien. Wayne titled his message "Thy Kingdom Come in the Workplace" and primarily discusses ways to live out your faith and glorify God through your career in sports.Click here to register for the 2025 CWS Conference and receive the early bird discount cost of only $59. The 2025 CWS Conference is happening on June 20-21 in Minneapolis, MN.Watch this message on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, former MLB executive, Kyle Stark, discusses his career journey from Baseball Operations intern to Vice President. Specifically, Kyle talks about how he got his foot in the door of the MLB, the important role that internships played in launching his career, how he stood out in the organizations he worked for to receive promotions, some of his key responsibilities as the Assistant GM for the Pittsburgh Pirates, his strategy for work/life balance, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!The Scripture passage relating to the discussion in this episode about David's character and competency is Psalm 78:72:"And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."Watch this episode on our YouTube channel. 

In this episode, the Senior Pastor at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA, Mike Linch, discusses the topic of leadership from a Christian perspective including how Christian leadership differs from secular leadership, preparation for Christian leadership, humility in leadership, the leadership style of Jesus, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register or learn more about the 2024 Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference on June 21-22 in Minneapolis, MN!Watch a short video about Mike's Bible study with baseball scouts.Listen to Mike's podcast titled Linch with a Leader.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, NCAA Division I college basketball official, Nate Harris and his wife Jessica talk about his journey to becoming an official, how they both became followers of Christ in the early years of their marriage, how they both navigate the challenges that come with Nate's work as Christians, and about the ministry they have started for sports officials called MND Ministries, which seeks to help sports officials keep their eyes fixed on Jesus when the crowd noise gets too loud.Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register or learn more about the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference happening this summer in Minneapolis, MN, on June 21-22!Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, Karlie Smith, the Director of Digital Engagement with the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA), discusses the danger of pursuing a career in sports for self-promotion and prestige, what a godly purpose for wanting to work in sports should look like, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Register or learn more about the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference this summer in Minneapolis, MN, on June 21-22.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, thirty-nine-year college athletics administrator and former AD at Auburn, Jay Jacobs, discusses his journey through the college athletics landscape, the skills that are necessary for young professionals to have success in this industry, the importance of leaning on the Holy Spirit to make professional decisions, why he decided to retire from college athletics last year, and much more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Learn more about AD Advisors or connect with Jay about mentorship opportunities at this email address: jay@ADAdvisors.agencyRegister or learn more about the Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference this summer in Minneapolis, MN, on June 21-22.Watch this episode on our YouTube channel.

In this episode, you can listen to USG's first-ever NXT Up Coaches panel event from this year's NABC Convention alongside the Final Four weekend in Phoenix, AZ. The panel was hosted by the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum, Jason Romano, and featured four experienced and Christ-centered college basketball coaches: Leonard Hamilton, Head Coach at Florida State University; Jayson Gee, Associate Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University; Chris Flegler, Director of Basketball Operations at St. Joseph's University; and Chelsea Mangino, Chief of Staff at Liberty University. The panel discussed important faith-based topics, including living on mission for Christ as a basketball coach, standing out as Christian coaches in their conduct and coaching style, and more!Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community!Watch the NXT Up Coaches panel on our YouTube channel by tapping here.

In this episode, sports agent and the founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters, discusses her journey to becoming a sports agent and how she knew that God's calling for her life was to serve in that role. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.Get a copy of Kelli's book, High-Impact Life: A Sports Agent's Secrets to Finding and Fulfilling a Purpose You Can't Lose

In this episode, the University of Northwestern St. Paul's volleyball head coach, Beth Wilmeth, discusses her Christ-centered coaching philosophy and how she focuses on impacting her athletes beyond the game. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.

In this episode, the Assistant Director of Digital Content Strategy and the handler of the bulldog mascot at Butler University, Evan Krauss, talks about the unique aspects of working with live mascots, the impact that mascots can have on an athletic department, and the role that his faith plays in his career. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.

In this episode, Athletes in Action staff member and Denver Broncos team chaplain Reza Zadeh discusses his journey to following Christ and working in ministry and what it practically looks like to live out the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20). Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.

In this episode, the Vice President of Athletics at Grand Canyon University, Jamie Boggs, shares her journey through college athletics, including stops at Duke University and Georgia State University, her present role at GCU, becoming the first female Director of Athletics in GCU's history, and the challenges of balancing work and life in her role. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or connect with our community.

In this episode, founder of d2up and thirty-year head basketball coach Mark Potter shares his battle with depression and discusses the importance of speaking up about mental health issues. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.You can learn more about d2up here.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will be able to hear another message from the 2023 CWS Conference given by Orlando Magic Forward and the author of the book Why I Stand, Jonathan Isaac. In his message, Jonathan commissioned the CWS Conference attendees to be bold in their faith as they were sent back out into their organizations and teams.Click here to register or learn more about the 2024 CWS Conference on June 21-22 in Minneapolis, MN. Click here to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group.

In this episode, former ESPN College Football Analyst David Pollack discusses the tragic end to his NFL career, how facing that adversity became one of the best things to happen to him, how he lived out his faith during his time at ESPN, and more! Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.

In this episode, Noah talks about the meaning of Advent, ways in which we wrongly approach the Advent season, how the Advent season should be celebrated, and how believers can take advantage of this time of year to advance God's kingdom. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will be able to hear another message from the 2023 CWS Conference given by the Senior Pastor at NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, Georgia. In his talk, Pastor Mike shows what it practically looks like to obey the Great Commission and make disciples in the college and pro sport industry.Click here to register or learn more about the 2024 CWS Conference, or click here to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group.

In this episode, former Kansas Jayhawks basketball star and NBA Champion Wayne Simien shares how he became a Christian while being on the mountaintop of his college basketball career, how he navigated being a follower of Jesus during his time with the Miami Heat, and his present role with Kansas Athletics as the Associate AD of Engagement and Outreach. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.

In this episode, USG member and the Director of Operations with the University of Pittsburgh's baseball team, Austin Thompson, shares how he has strived to be salt and light during his time in sports through starting a team Bible study, prioritizing the local church, and more! Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.

In this special edition episode, you will hear another panel session from this past summer's Christians Working in Sports (CWS) Conference. This panel covers the topic of navigating trials within the college and pro sport industry. The panel was hosted by the Director of Media at Sports Spectrum, Jason Romano, and featured four faith and sport heavyweights who shared their insights on the topic: Tom Crean, former college basketball Head Coach at Marquette, Indiana, and Georgia; Laura Halldorson, former Head Coach of Minnesota's Women's Hockey team and 15-year staff member with the Golden Gopher Fund; Ryan Saunders, Assistant Coach with the Denver Nuggets; and Jonathan Isaac, Forward with the Orlando Magic and author of the book Why I Stand.Click here to register or learn more about the 2024 CWS Conference, or click here to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group.

In this episode, Christian hip-hop artist, speaker, and author of the book Dangerous Jesus, Kevin "KB" Burgess, joins the show to discuss his book including common misconceptions about Christianity, how the true Christianity of Christ should be lived out, and how living it out is a dangerous threat to evil. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.Get a Copy of KB's book Dangerous Jesus.Listen to KB's podcast with co-host Ameen Hudson, Southside Rabbi.Check out KB's clothing line, Native Supply.

In this special edition episode of the Uncommon Podcast, you will be able to hear another message from the 2023 CWS Conference given by renowned sports agent and founder of KMM Sports, Kelli Masters. In her talk, Kelli shares her journey to discovering God's mission for her life and equips listeners with tools that will help them live out God's mission in their lives while working in the sport industry.Click here to register or learn more about the 2024 CWS Conference, or click here to learn more about Uncommon Sports Group.

In this episode, College Basketball Analyst and Sportscaster with the SEC Network, Jimmy Dykes, discusses the fundamentals that every believer should exemplify in their personal walk with Jesus. Learn more about Uncommon Sports Group or join our community of Christians working in sports.Listen to the "Coach Me Up" podcast with Coach Dykes and Chris Burke.