Best UNPACKIN It Ministries Podcasts (2025)

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How to Navigate Youth Sports as Christians 48:07

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8d ago48:07

48:07

Today’s guests are Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, authors of the book Away Game: A Christian Parent’s Guide to Navigating Youth Sports. Their book and today’s conversation are designed to help parents transform the complexity of youth sports into a platform for discipleship. The book equips parents with practical, Biblically based solutions for raisi…

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NFL Preseason Standouts | Shedeur Sanders, J.J. McCarthy, Travis Hunter 37:45

15d ago37:45

37:45

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson unpacks the NFL players shining during the preseason — and how we can stand out by living a holy and set-apart life. Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up and participate in our exciting and encouraging ministr…

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Rocky Was Undeserving | Summer Movie Series 49:00

22d ago49:00

49:00

Today, we unpack the movie Rocky and how Rocky's opportunity to be in the ring with Apollo Creed parallels God's invitation to us. Let's UNPACK it! Pastor James Metsger's website Christpoint.com Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up and participate in our excit…

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Rudy Didn't Quit, and Neither Should We! | Summer Movie Series 48:40

29d ago48:40

48:40

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Chris Ruppe unpack how, in the movie Rudy, Rudy persevered in pursuit of his dream — and how we can be inspired not to quit on our journey. Learn more about Chris Ruppe on his website Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up and par…

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Being in Sync Like "The Boys in the Boat" | Summer Movie Series 49:16

1M ago49:16

49:16

Today on the show, Bryce is joined by Brian Goins to unpack the sports movie The Boys in the Boat and explore how oneness led the Washington University rowing team to the Gold medal in the 1936 Olympics. The guys also discuss how we can experience oneness in our own lives, the different types of sports movies, and the unique sport of rowing. Purcha…

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Overcoming Intimidation in 'Little Giants' | Summer Movie Series 47:39

1M ago47:39

47:39

Today Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Brad Lowe unpack the movie Little Giants and explore how it can inspire us to overcome intimidation! Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" TODAY. Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up and participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry. Learn more about our spo…

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NFL Rookies YOU Should Draft in Fantasy This Year | Fantasy Football Fellowship Preview | 2025 57:03

2M ago57:03

57:03

The Fantasy Football Fellowship podcast is BACK! Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith break down the lessons learned from last season as well as established players on new teams and how it affects their fantasy stock! To bring purpose and meaning to your Fantasy league, sign up TODAY to participate in Fantasy Football Fellowship. Purchase a copy of "The Sp…

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Players on NEW Teams | Fantasy Football Fellowship Preview | 2025 56:01

2M ago56:01

56:01

The Fantasy Football Fellowship podcast is BACK! Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith break down the lessons learned from last season as well as established players on new teams and how it affects their fantasy stock! Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" TODAY. To bring purpose and meaning to your Fantasy league, sign up TODAY t…

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AJ Howard | Superbowl Champion, App State Alum, & USC Coach | Full Interview 32:08

2M ago32:08

32:08

AJ Howard, a Super Bowl Winner, App State Coach/Player, NFL Scout, and a first-season Defensive Analyst/Assistant Linebackers Coach at USC, joins us on this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast to unpack peace, humility, and working for the Lord. AJ played strong safety at Appalachian State from 2014-2017, where he was a captain, won three bowl games, and t…

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Duke Legend and Broadcaster, Mike Gminski Talks NBA Finals, Sobriety, and Community 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

Mike Gminski played four years at Duke from 1976 to 1980, was named the ACC Rookie of the Year, and also won the ACC Player of the Year award. When he left Duke, he was the career leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots, and his number 43 is retired in his honor. He was drafted in the first round of the 1980 NBA draft, 7th overall, by the New…

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Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae Talks Football and the Importance of Growing with Others 41:34

3M ago41:34

41:34

In the next episode of our "Summer Interview Series," Bryce Johnson talks with Pro Football Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae. During the conversation, Kevin unpacks how the NFL has evolved over the past few decades, the steps to becoming a professional in the NFL, the importance of daily Bible reading and growing in faith alongside other believers, and ho…

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Preparation and Priorities with ESPN's Matt Schick 41:12

3M ago41:12

41:12

In this episode of our "Summer Interview Series," Bryce Johnson talks with ESPN broadcaster Matt Schick. During the conversation, Matt unpacks his love for college baseball, how sports media coverage is adapting, the importance of preparation in our walk of faith, and being a faithful spiritual leader for your family. Click here to give a gift to s…

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Overcoming Unexpected Setbacks with Gold Medal Paralympic Champion, Al Mead - Full Interview 43:38

3M ago43:38

43:38

Today's episode is brought to you by Upward Sports! In the kickoff episode of our "Summer Interview Series," Bryce Johnson talks with Al Mead, gold medal-winning Paralympic champion. Al unpacks how he responded to a traumatic childhood injury that forced him to lose his leg, the resiliency necessary to navigate life, how Upward Sports has been an e…

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NFL Post Draft Roster Holes & is the NBA Draft Lottery Rigged? 37:22

4M ago37:22

37:22

Bryce Johnson unpacks how NFL teams still have limited depth at certain positions…and how we can add depth to relationships and areas of our lives. Today's Questions: 1. Why is it important that we cultivate deep relationships with other people in our lives? 2. What does it practically look like to have depth in our relationship with God? 3. How do…

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Game 7 Drama from the NHL & NBA Playoffs 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

Bryce Johnson unpacks the four Game 7s from the NBA and NHL…and how we can be encouraged not to procrastinate but to live with a Game 7 mentality. Today's Questions: 1. What is the practical impact of regularly contemplating the brevity of life? 2. How are our lives impacted by procrastinating and not having a sense of urgency? 3. How is it possibl…

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2025 NFL Draft Recap: How Shedeur Sanders' Perception Made Him Slide in the NFL Draft 52:26

4M ago52:26

52:26

Bryce Johnson and guest Nate Salley unpack how NFL Draft players are evaluated and viewed by others — and how we deal with the tension of other people's opinions of us. Watch the full podcast on the UNPACKIN' it YouTube channel! Check out Nate Salley's website! Click here to give a gift to support our ministry. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign u…

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Where Will Shedeur, Hunter, and Jeanty Land? | 2025 NFL Draft Predictions 45:40

4M ago45:40

45:40

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Ridge Thomas unpack how hope surrounding the NFL Draft disappears once it unfolds…and how we can remain hopeful regardless of our circumstances. Today's Questions: 1. How can we learn to have hope no matter what circumstances we are facing? 2. What is the connection between being grateful and living with hope? 3. Wha…

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Rory McIlroy Wins the Masters in Dramatic Fashion 44:28

4M ago44:28

44:28

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Evan Albertyn unpack how Rory rode a roller coaster to victory at the Masters…and how we embrace the roller coaster ride of life. Today's Questions: 1. How can we learn to "embrace the process" as we navigate life? 2. What potential traps should you watch out for when life seems to be going well? 3. How does looking …

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Houston Squandered Their Lead and Florida Rallied to Win the Tournament | NCAA National Championship Recap 43:53

5M ago43:53

43:53

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Ed Uszynski unpack teams that squandered the lead in the Final Four and National Championship...and how it relates to being able to rally and mount a comeback in life. Ed is an author, speaker, and longtime Athletes in Action/CRU staff member. Today's Questions: 1. How does the grace of God help fuel us to make a com…

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Why Duke, Houston, Auburn, and Florida are in the Final Four 53:18

5M ago53:18

53:18

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Brian Goins unpack the remaining Final Four teams…and how we can remain connected, tough, resilient, and steadfast. Today's Questions: 1. Why is remaining in community ultimately essential to helping us abide in Christ? 2. What does being spiritually tough during tough times look like? 3. How can we learn to be conne…

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March Madness Bracket Predictions and Desires 53:02

5M ago53:02

53:02

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Trip Smith unpack how our desires influence our bracket choices and the decisions we make in life. Today's Questions: 1. How do we distinguish between godly desires, worldly desires, and fleshly desires? 2. How can we seek after greater desires in a way that is healthy and God-honoring? 3. How should we respond when …

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Duke Has Everything They Need to Win the Tournament 41:06

6M ago41:06

41:06

Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Matt Vanderbilt unpack how Duke has everything needed to win a Championship…and how we have everything needed for a victorious life as followers of Jesus. Today's Questions: 1. What does it look like to live a victorious life in Christ? 2. How are we both "complete" and "still in process" at the same time? 3. How do …

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Do YOU Care About the NFL Combine? 30:36

6M ago30:36

30:36

Bryce Johnson unpacks not caring about the NFL combine…and how it parallels our attitude toward certain sins and spiritual practices. Today's Questions: 1. What are the consequences of having an indifferent attitude toward certain sins? 2. How should we view God's commandments in terms of how they impact our lives? 3. Why is it important that we en…

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Is Expansion a Good or Bad Thing for the CFP, NCAA, NBA, and NFL? 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

Bryce Johnson unpacks how college football and basketball, and the NFL, are looking to expand…and the best ways to experience increase in our lives. Today's Questions: 1. How can we experience growth and expansion in areas that would glorify God? 2. Are there areas of our lives where it wouldn't be wise to look to grow and expand? 3. How can we man…

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Auburn vs. Alabama Basketball and NBA All-Star Weekend Recap 30:34

6M ago30:34

30:34

Today, we unpack Alabama and Auburn embracing the "AND" approach…and how we do the same regarding faith and works. Click here to give a donation to support UNPACKIN' it. Visit UNPACKIN' it in order to sign up for our weekly email devotionals. Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.…