Playing at the Highest Level for the Most High | Not Your Average Athlete | Baseball Edition (Feat. Athan Kroll)

Playing at the Highest Level for the Most High | Not Your Average Athlete | Baseball Edition (Feat. Athan Kroll)

Have you ever felt like your identity is tied to what you do? In this conversation, I sit down with Athan Kroll, a Division I athlete, to discuss how to separate your performance from your identity while competing at the highest level of college sports. This episode will leave you both informed and inspired. I was reminded that there are athletes like Athan all over the world who are pursuing excellence with humility and a desire to bring glory to God. In Athan's case, a D1 athlete is ultimately serving the one true God. In this episode, we discuss: • The meaning behind "Athanasius" • Why Athan chose baseball • What makes a great coach • A behind-the-scenes look at Division I athletics • Practical ways to stand firm in your identity • The powerful peace that comes from having a band of brothers • The best advice for aspiring college athletes Be sure to share this episode with an athlete you know, especially someone who hopes to compete at the collegiate level. Thanks for joining the conversation!

The Perspective Most Athletes Miss | Not Your Average Athlete | Basketball Edition (Feat. Jackson McCabe)

Do you have a dream of playing sports at the collegiate or professional level? This is the second episode in a short series where I interview college athletes from different sports, ask them similar questions, and gain different perspectives on what it looks like to compete with excellence at their level. Jackson McCabe is from Australia and has been playing basketball for nearly his entire life. He recently wrapped up his second year at Dallas Baptist University. Today he brings genuine wisdom, practical advice, and real-life experience to the conversation…and he does it all with an  Australian accent! Today we discuss: • Jackson’s journey from Australia to Texas • Where our passions come from • What it really takes to be a GREAT basketball player • The power of selflessness in sports • Where UNSHAKABLE motivation comes from • Profound advice to future college athletes Wherever you are, gear up and engage in this encouraging and motivational conversation! We can all learn something from Jackson’s story and insight…I sure did! Make sure to share this episode with someone you think it will encourage, especially aspiring college athletes in your circle! Follow Jackson on Instagram at @jacko__mcc [https://www.instagram.com/jacko__mcc/] and follow me at @christianlhenderson [https://www.instagram.com/christianlhenderson/] for more inspiring content! Thanks for joining the conversation! Let’s Go!

From Brazil to College Soccer | Not Your Average Athlete | Soccer Edition (Feat. Nico Santos)

Do you have a dream of playing sports at the collegiate or professional level? This is the first episode in a short series where I interview college athletes from different sports, ask them similar questions, and gain different perspectives on what it looks like to compete with excellence at their level. Nicolas Barros Dos Santos is from Brazil and has been playing soccer for nearly his entire life. He recently wrapped up his four-year career at Dallas Baptist University. His mom, Aline Barros, is a Christian music artist, and his dad, Gilmar Dos Santos, was a professional soccer player in Brazil and Spain. Today we discuss: • Nico’s story and how his passion for soccer began • How to practice the skill of focus in every area of life • The importance of identifying who you’re playing for • How to set yourself apart as a college athlete • Advice for incoming and aspiring college athletes Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most genuine and encouraging guys out there—I’m talking about Nico! :) Don’t forget to follow the podcast so you can catch more episodes as they release. You can find Nicolas on Instagram @nicolasbarros_10 and me on Instagram @christianlhenderson. Thanks for joining the conversation!

The Must-Knows of Effective Leadership (Feat. Rick Howerton)

If you want to be an effective leader, especially in the church, this episode is for you!  Today I sit down with Pastor Rick Howerton to talk about what you must know before stepping into church leadership or any leadership role. Pastor Rick has helped develop leaders and shape ministry strategies for years, and he brings real, practical wisdom in this conversation. His son, Josh Howerton, is senior pastor at Lakepointe Church and has been influenced by the combined 80 years experience of his father and grandfather.  We dive into: • The defining moments that shaped Rick’s life • What leadership actually is • How to build a vision that turns into action • Making hard decisions while still honoring people • Why you can learn something from everyone • His biggest advice for young adults navigating life Pastor Rick doesn’t just talk theory — he gives actionable guidance for becoming a leader who influences with humility, clarity, and conviction. And stick around to the end as he offers his time and resources to anyone looking for more training or insight into his books. If you know someone stepping into ministry or considering church leadership, send this episode their way. It could be a game-changer. Thanks for listening and keep pressing on!

Is God Calling You Into The Uncomfortable? (Feat. Hudson Tucker)

Ever find yourself asking: What’s next for me? Where can I best serve? How do I use my gifts for the glory of God? Today I talk with my friend Hudson Tucker, a Christian Music Artist and senior at Lipscomb University who approaches those questions with open hands and a willingness to follow wherever the Lord leads—knowing His plan is always greater than we can imagine. Hudson has a passion for theology, CCM, and investing in the people he’s around. I connected with Hudson through social media after hearing him promote one of his new songs. I instantly gave his songs a listen on Spotify and recognized the lyrical depth and catchy tunes he puts together to create great music. The quality of his songs reflect the authenticity of his character and prompted me to ask him to join the conversation!  Today we talk about these key topics:  * Hudson’s testimony and how his passion for music was crafted * The importance of community, vulnerability, and humility in faith * The role of music in expressing theology and the need for lyrical depth in Christian songwriting * What it means to have childlike faith and trust God fully * Navigating college life and the wisdom gained along the way Join today’s conversation as we talk about ways to live a more fulfilled life today while making deposits for our life in Heaven. These are the kinds of things that really matter and we want you to SPREAD the word and continue the conversation. If you have a takeaway from the episode, go ahead and share it as we’d love to hear what stuck out to you!  What is the next best thing you can do now?