58 and Starting Over: The Incredible Journey of College Football Freshman Tom Cillo

58 and Starting Over: The Incredible Journey of College Football Freshman Tom Cillo

What does courage look like when you’re 58, out of school for 40+ years, and searching for purpose? In this week’s episode of the Spake Up Podcast, Shannon Spake sits down with Tom Cillo, whose inspiring decision to go back to college and join the football team has become a global sensation. From battling addiction, to surviving the physical demands of training camp, to forming life-changing bonds with teammates young enough to be his sons, Tom’s journey is one of grit, humility, and hope. Listeners will hear: • Tom’s emotional story of overcoming drugs and alcohol and rebuilding his life • Why he walked away from a stable career to chase a lifelong dream • The powerful interactions with teammates — including one whose incarcerated father found hope in Tom’s journey • Messages he’s received from people all over the world who were inspired to take action in their own lives • How he balances classes, training, injuries, studying, and being a full-time student at nearly 60 • His belief that “the only thing in life that has real value is time” This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, scared to start over, or afraid they waited too long. Tom reminds us that the window never closes — unless you close it yourself. 👉 Follow, rate, and share this episode to help more people find stories like Tom’s. 👉 Screenshot the episode and tag @ShannonSpake to continue the conversation.

Timothy O’Donnell: Surviving a Widowmaker Mid-Race & Redefining Strength

American triathlete and Ironman legend Timothy O’Donnell joins Shannon Spake for one of the most powerful and emotional conversations ever on the Spake Up Podcast. In 2021, during the middle of a race, Tim suffered a Widowmaker heart attack — a cardiac event with only a 12% survival rate. Somehow, he kept going. Somehow, he survived. And today, he shares the full story. This episode dives deep into Tim’s elite racing career, his Naval Academy roots, his mindset, his training, fatherhood, recovery, and how surviving that day changed everything about how he sees life, sport, and health. Whether you’re a triathlete, a runner, a parent, or someone who loves stories of resilience, this episode will stay with you long after it ends. 🔴 Tim’s journey from the U.S. Naval Academy to Ironman World Championship podiums 🔴 What it takes to train, race, and think like an elite endurance athlete 🔴 How he survived a Widowmaker heart attack mid-race 🔴 The difference between fitness and true health 🔴 Stress, training load & warning signs athletes need to know 🔴 Mind games and strategy at the highest level of the sport 🔴 Life, marriage, and raising kids with 3-time world champion Mirinda Carfrae 🔴 What his comeback taught him about meaning and purpose One of the most accomplished triathletes of all time: * 9× Ironman 70.3 Champion * 2× Ironman Champion * Kona podium finisher (2nd, 3rd, 5th) * ITU Long Distance World Champion * Navy veteran * Husband to Mirinda Carfrae * Survivor of a 12%-survival-rate heart attack New episodes every week featuring athletes, storytellers, and inspiring voices across sports and life. 🔴 In This Episode:🏊‍♂️🚴‍♂️🏃‍♂️ About Tim O’Donnell🎧 Follow & Subscribe

Patric Young: How Gratitude, Faith, and Purpose Helped Him Rise After Tragedy

Former Florida basketball star Patric Young sits down with Shannon Spake for an honest, emotional conversation about his journey from college basketball success to overcoming a life-changing spinal cord injury. Patric reflects on his time under Billy Donovan, the lessons of leadership and sacrifice, his 2022 accident, and how gratitude reshaped his life. This is one of the most inspiring conversations you’ll hear — about faith, resilience, and finding purpose when everything changes. 🎧 Follow Spake Up Podcast for more stories from the world of sports, leadership, and life beyond the headlines.

Shannon Spake with Coach John Calipari: Life, Leadership & Legacy

In this week’s episode of The Spake Up Podcast, Shannon Spake sits down with Coach John Calipari for one of his most revealing and heartfelt interviews yet. They talk about his decades of leadership, the quotes that defined his players, and what keeps him inspired after national titles and Hall of Fame success. Cal shares stories from his time at Kentucky, his transition to Arkansas, his family life with Ellen, and lessons learned from Larry Brown and beyond. 🎧 Hear why Shannon calls it “The Calipari Effect.”

Deborah Anne Shannon: Surviving the Unthinkable | Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In this powerful Spake Up Podcast episode, Shannon Spake reconnects with her high-school friend Deborah Anne Shannon, who courageously shares her story of surviving domestic violence. Together, they discuss the realities of recovery, motherhood, and finding light after unimaginable darkness. Recorded during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, this conversation is raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring. 💜 If you or someone you know needs support, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE | thehotline.org). 🎙️ Host: Shannon Spake💬 Guest: Deborah Anne Shannon