Unscripted for Christ Podcast

In this episode of Unscripted for Christ Podcast, I had a great conversation with Minor League pitcher Hunter Hoopes. At the time of our conversation, Hunter was a pitcher for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. He is currently playing for the Wichita Wind Surge.
Hunter shares his testimony and takes us through his unique baseball journey, from UNC Asheville to John A. Logan College and eventually the University of Alabama. We discuss the lessons God has taught him throughout each stage of his journey, the challenges he has faced, and how his faith has shaped him both on and off the field.
Hunter also shares what it was like transitioning into professional baseball and how the opportunity to play in the Minor Leagues came about.
This is a great conversation about faith, perseverance, trusting God’s plan, and continuing to pursue the opportunities God places before us. Let's Go!
 
Please feel free to support Hunter Hoopes and the Wichita Wind Surge:
Official Wichita Wind Surge Website
Feel free to support the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels:
Official Fort Myers Mighty Mussels Website
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
 
 
 

I had a great conversation with Pastor Malcolm Marshall, Sienna Campus Pastor for Houston First Baptist Church and chaplain for the Houston Rockets and Rice University Women’s Basketball program.
During this episode, Pastor Malcolm shares his testimony, love for sports, and journey of faith. He discusses what ultimately influenced his decision to attend Stephen F. Austin State University, as well as the experiences that shaped his life and calling.
We also talk about what led him to step into pastoral ministry and, ultimately, sports chaplaincy. Pastor Malcolm provides insight into the unique opportunity to serve athletes and coaches, build meaningful relationships, and use the platform of sports to point others toward Jesus Christ.
This is an encouraging conversation about faith, sports, and following God's calling, wherever He leads you. Let's Go!
 
If you are located in the Houston, TX area and you are looking for a church home, feel free to visit Houston First Baptist Church, Sienna Campus, Sienna Campus | Houston's First Baptist Church | Houston, TX.
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
 
 
 

Proverbs 13:24 (NKJV) reminds us, "He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly."
Do you remember the days when you had to run suicides, participate in Oklahoma drills, or run stadium stairs because of poor behavior, lack of effort, or failure to execute? Maybe you remember your parents disciplining you for disrespect or disobedience.
Today, it seems that discipline is becoming increasingly absent from our homes, schools, communities, and even sports. As a result, we are witnessing increasing levels of disrespect and disorder among children, teenagers, athletes, and adults alike. The rise of “teen takeovers” and other incidents of disruptive behavior in communities should cause us to ask an important question: What happens when discipline, accountability, and biblical instruction are missing from a person’s upbringing?
In this episode, I’ll discuss how God has established authority in our homes, communities, and society to promote rule and order—and how discipline can play an important role in that process. We’ll explore why discipline is necessary from a biblical perspective, how discipline should be administered, and how we should respond when we are corrected.
Most importantly, we’ll look at how God disciplines us as His children out of His love for us. His discipline is designed to correct us, strengthen our character, and help us become more like Christ.
Join me as we take a biblical look at discipline, authority, correction, and accountability—and discover how we can apply these principles to our everyday lives. Let's Go!
Scriptures to check out:
Hebrews 12:5-11
Hebrews 5:11-14
Matthew 18:15–17
Ephesians 6:1-4
Exodus 20:12
Romans 13:1-7
Psalm 100:3
Proverbs 22:15 
Proverbs 22:6
Proverbs 13:24 
Proverbs 23:13-14 
Proverbs 18:2
James 1:19
Proverbs 12:15
Proverbs 15:5
Matthew 5:3
John 15:5
Proverbs 23:9
2 Corinthians 6:2
2 Peter 3:9
Proverbs 23:12
Proverbs 23:22-25
Proverbs 25:11-12
Proverbs 1:32
Proverbs 23:13-14 
Deuteronomy 5:16
Proverbs 1:8
1 Peter 2:13-17
Titus 3:1
1 Timothy 2:1-2
Romans 13:1-7
Philippians 1:6
Galatians 5:16
Colossians 3:21
Psalm 127:3-4
 
 
Looking for a sports devotional? Check out the one below:
Amazon
Let's Go! Weekly Devotions for Godly Competition in the Game of Life: Wilson, Travis, Publishing, King's Daughter: 9781736227718: Amazon.com: Books
 
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

In this episode of the Unscripted for Christ Podcast, I had a great conversation with Sports Dietitian & Integrated Nutrition Specialist, Margaret Downs. Margaret shares her testimony and her inspiration behind her passion for nutrition and exercise.
During our conversation, we discuss her experience working with the Chicago White Sox Minor League Baseball (MiLB) organization where she was responsible for developing and implementing evidence-based education to MiLB players and staff to promote overall health, baseball performance, and longevity in sport. Also, she assumed performance nutrition initiatives under the direction of MLB Dietitian/Nutritionist, Sports Medicine/Performance Staff, and Management for the Charlotte Knights, Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, and the Winston-Salem Dash.
Margaret also shares about Eat2Win Sports Nutrition, a mobile app and platform designed to help athletes and active individuals optimize their performance through personalized meal plans, access to sports dietitians, and nutrition tracking. If you're looking to improve your nutrition, athletic performance, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, you won't want to miss this encouraging and informative conversation.
 
To inquire about Margaret Downs' services, visit:
https://signup.nourish.com/providers/margaret-downs
https://mysportsd.com/
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
 
 

In this episode of the Unscripted for Christ Podcast, I had a great conversation with former Liberty University fullback and Owner/Head Coach of CrossFit Squad in Florida, Derek Bishop.
Derek shares his powerful testimony, reflects on his upbringing, and takes us through his college football journey at Liberty University, highlighting the valuable lessons God taught him both on and off the field. He also discusses what inspired him to open CrossFit Squad and offers practical fitness, nutrition, and wellness advice that can help anyone pursue a healthier lifestyle.
In addition, Derek shares the heart behind CrossFit Squad's partnership with Place of Hope and their annual "Throwdown for the Kids" event, explaining how the competition is making a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable children and families.
Whether you're passionate about faith, football, fitness, or serving your community, this conversation is filled with encouragement, wisdom, and practical takeaways that will inspire you to glorify Christ in every area of your life. Let's Go!
 
Check out The Crossfit Squad and everything they have to offer, particularly if you live in the West Palm Beach, Florida area, https://thecrossfitsquad.com/. 
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
 
 

2 Timothy 3:2 reminds us that in the last days, people will be “lovers of themselves.” Sadly, we see this reality reflected in our culture more than ever. We live in a world that often celebrates self-focus, selfishness, pride, a lack of compassion, and the pursuit of vain glory.
But as followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents, resources, opportunities, and abilities—not simply for our own benefit, but to serve others and ultimately glorify Him. Whether it’s on our sports team, at our jobs, within our families, at church, or in our communities, are we intentionally choosing selflessness over selfishness?
True selflessness reflects humility and demonstrates our love for Christ. It means recognizing that life is not ultimately about us. It is about Jesus and how we can use what He has entrusted to us to serve others and bring glory to His name.
Are you willing to selflessly give your time, resources, finances, talents, and abilities to glorify God and bless those around you? Are you willing to live selflessly, even if it didn't benefit you? How selfless are you? Let's Go!
 
Scriptures to check out:
2 Timothy 3:1-5
Philippians 2:3-5
Luke 6:31-39
James 3:15-16
James 4:1-10
Ephesians 5:23-33
1 Corinthians 11:3, 8-9, 11-12
Titus 2:4-5
1 Peter 2:1
1 Peter 3:1-7
1 Corinthians 15:33
2 Corinthians 8:12
Matthew 5:13-16
Matthew 5:42
Matthew 25:40-45
Genesis 1:27
Genesis 2:18-25
Psalm 139:23-24
1 Corinthians 10:31
Matthew 25:14-30
 
 
Looking for a sports devotional? Check out the one below:
Amazon
Let's Go! Weekly Devotions for Godly Competition in the Game of Life: Wilson, Travis, Publishing, King's Daughter: 9781736227718: Amazon.com: Books
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

Many of us have dreams and plans for our lives, but far too often we forget who is truly in control—Jesus Christ. As the Creator of all things, He is the One who directs our steps and faithfully guides our lives according to His perfect will.
Proverbs 16:9 (NLT) reminds us, "We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." As followers of Christ, the closer we grow in our relationship with Him, the more our desires begin to align with His desires for our lives. I've experienced this personally, and it has taught me that God's plans are always greater than our own.
Life will bring joy, challenges, victories, trials, and seasons of uncertainty. Yet through every circumstance, we are called to trust God's sovereign plan. The story of Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz is a powerful reminder that God is always at work, even in the midst of hardship. Their journey of loss, faith, redemption, and restoration ultimately became part of God's greater plan, leading to the lineage of King David and, generations later, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
In this episode, we'll explore what it truly means to surrender our plans to God, trust Him through every season, and rest in the confidence that His purpose is always better than our own. When we place our lives in Christ's hands and allow Him to direct our steps, we will never regret following His perfect plan. Let's Go!
 
Scriptures to check out:
Genesis 16
Genesis 19:36-38
Numbers 23:19
Isaiah 55:8-9
Hebrews 10:23
James 1:2-5
Mark 11:20-24
Matthew 6:33
Matthew 6
Matthew 7:11
Hebrews 11:1
Hebrews 11:6
Acts 17:28
Luke 22:42
Psalm 24:1
Proverbs 3:5-6
Proverbs 16:1
Proverbs 16:9
Acts 17:28
Colossians 1:16
Isaiah 40:31
Jeremiah 17:9
Jeremiah 29:11-13
1 Peter 4:19
Ephesians 3:20-21
Ruth 1
Ruth 2
Ruth 3
Ruth 4
Romans 8:28
 
 
Looking for a sports devotional? Check out the one below:
Amazon
Let's Go! Weekly Devotions for Godly Competition in the Game of Life: Wilson, Travis, Publishing, King's Daughter: 9781736227718: Amazon.com: Books
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

In this episode of Unscripted for Christ, I had a fantastic conversation with Coach Dale Layer, Associate Regional Director for Nations of Coaches and a former collegiate men's basketball coach with over 40 years of experience at programs including Eckerd College, Texas A&M, Virginia Tech, Marquette, Colorado State, Liberty University, Queens University, and more.
Coach Layer shares his powerful testimony, including the incredible story of how he died and was brought back to life. He also reflects on his Hall of Fame playing career at Eckerd College, where he competed against NBA legend Dominique Wilkins, his coaching journey, lessons learned along the way, his experience working alongside Coach Buzz Williams, and his current role with Nations of Coaches — a faith-based organization dedicated to equipping and mentoring coaches and student-athletes to build Christ-centered character and leadership on and off the court.
Tune in for an encouraging conversation about faith, leadership, and purpose. Let's Go!
 
To learn more & support Coach Dale Layer and the ministry of Nations of Coaches, visit: Nations of Coaches
 
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0

In this episode, I had a phenomenal conversation with Dr. Bill Burgos, Former Strength & Conditioning Coach for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Minnesota Timberwolves, as well as an author, adjunct professor at Austin Peay State University, and Founder/CEO of LONU.ai.
Dr. Burgos shares his testimony of growing up outside the church, serving in both the Army and Air Force, and how God shaped his faith throughout seasons of his life. Also, he takes us behind the scenes of his NBA career, offering insights into coaching elite athletes and his day-to-day duties.
Lastly, we wrap up our conversation by discussing his book, Strength Coach for Christ, and the inspiration behind its message. Tune in for an encouraging conversation about faith, leadership, and purpose. Let's Go!
 
Check out his book, "Strength Coach for Christ" via his website, Strength Coach for Christ.
Also, check out what LONU.ai has to offer. LONU.ai is an AI-powered platform tailored for elite nutrition & scheduling for professional athletes. It focuses on helping athletes and highly active individuals optimize their food choices to maximize energy, alertness, and physical performance.
LONU
LONU Landing Page
 
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0
 
 

In this episode, I had a powerful conversation with Paul Britton, Secretary of Prison Sports Ministries highlighting God's grace, redemption, and the life-changing hope found in Jesus Christ. Paul shares his remarkable testimony of how God intervened during a season that could have resulted in a jail sentence. That experience became a turning point, leading him to fully surrender his life to Christ and pursue a deeper walk of faith.
We also discuss the mission of Prison Sports Ministries, a faith-based outreach that uses athletics as a platform to share the Gospel and demonstrate the love of Jesus to incarcerated individuals. Paul shares inspiring stories of lives transformed through the ministry and offers a firsthand look at how God is working behind prison walls.
Whether you're passionate about sports, evangelism, prison ministry, or simply encouraged by stories of God's redeeming power, this episode is a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of His grace.
 
Check out and support Prison Sports Ministries via their website, https://prisonsportsministries.org/
 
Like the rest of the episodes, this is a prerecorded episode
 
 
 
Credits
Powerful Trap Beat | Strong by Alex-Productions | https://onsound.eu/
Music promoted by Background Music Free Download | No Copyright Music - Chosic
Creative Commons CC BY 3.0 Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0