Spirit of Sport

"Spirit of Sport" is the podcast where the athletic community reflects on spirituality, faith and leadership. Created by athletes for athletes, each season invites listeners into honest conversations that connect the world of sports with the deeper questions of meaning, purpose and belonging.

Season Two is here! Its focus: “Game Changers.” These are people in the athletic community who have been at the work of weaving mercy and justice for years and offer wisdom on how to lead and how to love through difficult times. 

Season One drew inspiration from early Christian monastics who sought wisdom by asking, “Give me a word.” Each episode centers on a single word—like Body, Practice, or Endure—inviting listeners to slow down, contemplate and discover how ancient wisdom can shape our lives as athletes and people of faith.

Whether you’re a competitor, coach or fan, "Spirit of Sport" offers a space for reflection, inspiration and real talk about what matters most in sports and in life.

Hosts: Rev. Kelsey Davis, Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founder and Co-Director, and Georgia McKee, Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founder and Co-Director.

Religion & Spirituality
1
Game Changers: Creating Learning Environments w...
In this episode, we sit down with legendary college athletics leader Tim Selgo to explore how principled leadership and spiritual grounding can transform both organizations and individuals.
28 min
2
Game Changers: Stories That Move Us with Gwendo...
In this episode, we sit down with author, filmmaker and former pro soccer player Gwendolyn Oxenham to explore how storytelling and sport can challenge injustice, build empathy, and inspire action.
28 min
3
Game Changers: Grit and Grace with Sarah Smith
In this episode, we sit down with Rev. Sarah Smith. Sarah shares what it's like to be a queer woman and clergy member in Oklahoma, the power of collective action, and why sometimes the most radical thing you can do is just show up in your own community.
29 min
4
Game Changers: Love God, Love People with Debbi...
In this episode, we talk with Debbie Haliday--executive coach, Enneagram teacher, and two-sport national champion at UCLA.
19 min
5
Game Changers: Risking It All with George Mason
In this episode, we talk with Rev. Dr. George Mason--Baptist pastor, theologian and former Division I quarterback.
23 min
6
Game Changers: "No FOPO" with Katie Oleksak
In this episode, we sit down with Katie Oleksak--a former professional volleyball player, coach and passionate advocate for inclusion in sports.
19 min
7
Game Changers: Common Ground with Pat Griffin
In this episode, we talk with Pat Griffin--trailblazing advocate and educator.
25 min
8
Game Changers: Liberation Lives Locally with Hu...
In this episode, we talk with Hudson Taylor: former wrestler, contemplative, activist and the founder of Athlete Ally
20 min
9
Game Changers: Trailer
Season 2 is here! Its focus: “Game Changers”--people in the athletic community who have been at the work of weaving mercy and justice for years--offering wisdom on how to lead and how to love through difficult times.
1 min
10
Give Me a Word: Endure
In this episode, Kelsey and Shannon’s word is Endure.
17 min
11
Give Me a Word: Compete
In this episode, Kelsey and Shannon’s word is Compete.
13 min
12
Give Me a Word: Turn
Today’s word is Turn—the skill and courage to pivot, both in sports and in life.
18 min
13
Give Me a Word: Practice
Today’s word is Practice—how the way we train, both in sports and in faith, shapes who we become.
21 min
14
Give Me a Word: Body
This episode focuses on Body—how faith, sports, and society shape our understanding of our bodies.
16 min
15
Give Me a Word: Trailer (Season 1)
Season 1: Give Me a Word riffs on the wisdom of the monastic tradition. Tune in to hear Rev. Kelsey Davis & Rev. Dr. Shannon Spencer unpack words that sit at the intersection of Christianity & sports.
3 min