Spirit of Sport

Game Changers: Creating Learning Environments with Tim Selgo

Welcome to season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast from Christian Athlete Circles. CAC is a community for athletes seeking a deeper spiritual life. In the podcast, the athletic community offers reflections on spirituality, faith and leadership. 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. Tim shares how his commitment to doing what is right shaped his remarkable tenure as the athletics director at Grand Valley State University, where he led the program to 19 team national championships and 161 conference titles. He recounts pivotal moments of taking stands against injustice, including his advocacy for LGBTQ+ student-athletes. Tim reflects on the fundamentals of building competitive greatness: creating learning environments, active listening, and the courage to be an ally for those not in the majority. Tim offers real talk on maintaining balance through spiritual discipline, the importance of focusing on your sphere of influence, and why consistent morning routines of prayer and reflection anchor effective leadership. You'll hear his insights on mentoring the next generation, and why love is what the world needs most. More about the podcast: Season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast is focused on “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. Rev. Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee are Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founders and Co-Directors. They're also hosting season 2, and they've been wrestling with what it means to hold true to their values and make meaning in today’s world. Through candid conversations, they’ll learn from leaders 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. Whether you’re passionate about sports, social change or everything in between, this season will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be a game changer--in your team, your community and the world. These short episodes are perfect for a bus ride or a walk to class. Share with your teammates and leave a review! Learn more at ChristianAthleteCircles.org Follow CAC on Instagram & Threads: @christianathletecircles Sign up for the weekly devotional, The Weekly Huddle. Resources: Tim Selgo ~ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-selgo-b50458120 Faithful Pride Initiative ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/faithful-pride-initiative/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: August 14, 2025. "Spirit of Sport" is sponsored by The Center for Contemplative Justice, Episcopal Church Foundation of North Carolina, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Hosts: Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee. Producer: James Franklin. Additional support: Cliff Vaughn from Good Faith Media. Music: Jay Ragsdale.

Game Changers: Stories That Move Us with Gwendolyn Oxenham

Welcome to season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast from Christian Athlete Circles. CAC is a community for athletes seeking a deeper spiritual life. In the podcast, the athletic community offers reflections on spirituality, faith and leadership. 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. Gwendolyn shares how her instinct to "say something when it isn't right" shaped her childhood, career in journalism, and passion for capturing the beautiful complexity of people's stories around the world. She recounts moments as a global street soccer player, a classroom teacher and a documentarian, reflecting on the dangers of simplistic thinking--and why nuance, curiosity and authentic connection are at the heart of both good journalism and lasting change. Gwendolyn offers real talk on resisting stereotypes, teaching her students to embrace brave, awkward moments, and the life-changing power of a question. You'll hear her insights on community, why kindness is never wasted, and how to build courage one small action at a time. More about the podcast: Season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast is focused on “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. Rev. Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee are Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founders and Co-Directors. They're also hosting season 2, and they've been wrestling with what it means to hold true to their values and make meaning in today’s world. Through candid conversations, they’ll learn from leaders 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. Whether you’re passionate about sports, social change or everything in between, this season will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be a game changer--in your team, your community and the world. These short episodes are perfect for a bus ride or a walk to class. Share with your teammates and leave a review! Learn more at ChristianAthleteCircles.org Follow CAC on Instagram & Threads: @christianathletecircles Sign up for the weekly devotional, The Weekly Huddle. Resources: "Pride of a Nation" ~ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/696610/pride-of-a-nation-by-gwendolyn-oxenham-foreword-by-julie-foudy-edited-by-david-hirshey-rob-flederand-roger-director/ "Pelada" ~ https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1530953/ Hustle Rule: Play Away the Gay ~ https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-hustle-rule-the-untold-st-98385483/ The Raceless Gospel ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/the-raceless-gospel/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: August 7, 2025. "Spirit of Sport" is sponsored by The Center for Contemplative Justice, Episcopal Church Foundation of North Carolina, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Hosts: Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee. Producer: James Franklin. Additional support: Cliff Vaughn from Good Faith Media. Music: Jay Ragsdale.

Game Changers: Grit and Grace with Sarah Smith

Welcome to season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast from Christian Athlete Circles. CAC is a community for athletes seeking a deeper spiritual life. In the podcast, the athletic community offers reflections on spirituality, faith and leadership. 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. From protesting unjust laws and confronting the misuse of scripture, to empowering others when leadership calls, Sarah's story shows how real change starts with everyday choices--like loving your family, building up your local neighborhood, and finding the discipline to care for your body and mind amidst the chaos. She opens up about setting boundaries, finding clarity in your values, and drawing strength from mentors, athletes, nuns and hunting buddies alike. More about the podcast: Season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast is focused on “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. Rev. Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee are Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founders and Co-Directors. They're also hosting season 2, and they've been wrestling with what it means to hold true to their values and make meaning in today’s world. Through candid conversations, they’ll learn from leaders 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. Whether you’re passionate about sports, social change or everything in between, this season will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be a game changer--in your team, your community and the world. These short episodes are perfect for a bus ride or a walk to class. Share with your teammates and leave a review! Learn more at ChristianAthleteCircles.org Follow CAC on Instagram & Threads: @christianathletecircles Sign up for the weekly devotional, The Weekly Huddle. Resources: The Faithful Pride Initiative ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/faithful-pride-initiative/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: July 31, 2025. "Spirit of Sport" is sponsored by The Center for Contemplative Justice, Episcopal Church Foundation of North Carolina, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Hosts: Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee. Producer: James Franklin. Additional support: Cliff Vaughn from Good Faith Media. Music: Jay Ragsdale.

Game Changers: Love God, Love People with Debbie Haliday

Welcome to season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast from Christian Athlete Circles. CAC is a community for athletes seeking a deeper spiritual life. In the podcast, the athletic community offers reflections on spirituality, faith and leadership. In this episode, we talk with Debbie Haliday--executive coach, Enneagram teacher, and two-sport national champion at UCLA. Debbie shares stories from the sidelines and front lines of sport, opening up about the moments she had to take a stand for athletes facing injustice, and how those experiences shaped her philosophy of coaching with courage and deep compassion. Debbie discusses building strong, connected team cultures through self-awareness and intentionality, both for athletes and coaches. She explains how using tools like the Enneagram helps individuals and teams unlock their highest potential and more authentically use their voices--especially for those on the margins. Debbie also gives practical advice for leaders seeking to make a difference, including finding grounding through stillness, holding onto core values ("Love God, love people"), and discerning “what’s mine to do” in a noisy world. More about the podcast: Season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast is focused on “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. Rev. Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee are Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founders and Co-Directors. They're also hosting season 2, and they've been wrestling with what it means to hold true to their values and make meaning in today’s world. Through candid conversations, they’ll learn from leaders 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. Whether you’re passionate about sports, social change or everything in between, this season will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be a game changer--in your team, your community and the world. These short episodes are perfect for a bus ride or a walk to class. Share with your teammates and leave a review! Learn more at ChristianAthleteCircles.org Follow CAC on Instagram & Threads: @christianathletecircles Sign up for the weekly devotional, The Weekly Huddle. Resources: The Raceless Gospel ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/the-raceless-gospel/ The WEST Project ~ https://www.thewestproject.org/ The CAC Store ~ https://thechurch.shop/shop/cac/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: July 24, 2025. "Spirit of Sport" is sponsored by The Center for Contemplative Justice, Episcopal Church Foundation of North Carolina, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Hosts: Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee. Producer: James Franklin. Additional support: Cliff Vaughn from Good Faith Media. Music: Jay Ragsdale.

Game Changers: Risking It All with George Mason

Welcome to season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast from Christian Athlete Circles. CAC is a community for athletes seeking a deeper spiritual life. In the podcast, the athletic community offers reflections on spirituality, faith and leadership. In this episode, we talk with Rev. Dr. George Mason--Baptist pastor, theologian and former Division I quarterback. George shares his journey from leading on the football field at the University of Miami to boldly guiding Wilshire Baptist Church through groundbreaking steps toward ordaining women and fully affirming LGBTQ+ members. George opens up about the wisdom gained through making mistakes, the challenge of knowing when to speak up or step back, and why the Beloved Community means power and voice are shared by all. He also offers practical wisdom for athletes, coaches, ministers and everyday leaders who want to make real, compassionate change--starting by asking whose experiences and voices need to be centered. More about the podcast: Season 2 of the "Spirit of Sport" podcast is focused on “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. Rev. Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee are Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founders and Co-Directors. They're also hosting season 2, and they've been wrestling with what it means to hold true to their values and make meaning in today’s world. Through candid conversations, they’ll learn from leaders 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. Whether you’re passionate about sports, social change or everything in between, this season will leave you reflecting on what it truly means to be a game changer--in your team, your community and the world. These short episodes are perfect for a bus ride or a walk to class. Share with your teammates and leave a review! Learn more at ChristianAthleteCircles.org Follow CAC on Instagram & Threads: @christianathletecircles Sign up for the weekly devotional, The Weekly Huddle. Resources: The Trevor Project ~ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Faith Commons ~ https://faithcommons.org/ Faithful Pride Initiative ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/faithful-pride-initiative/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: July 17, 2025. "Spirit of Sport" is sponsored by The Center for Contemplative Justice, Episcopal Church Foundation of North Carolina, and the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Hosts: Kelsey Davis and Georgia McKee. Producer: James Franklin. Additional support: Cliff Vaughn from Good Faith Media. Music: Jay Ragsdale.