Words of Steele

46. Graduation

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on graduation season and what comes after the celebration ends. Drawing from experiences in college athletics and student life, he explores the shift from being guided and recognized to stepping into a world that expects independence, responsibility, and steady growth. He also considers how life is a series of ongoing “graduations” into new seasons—career, family, aging, and more—and what foundation we rely on through those transitions. With reflections on faith, Memorial Day, and those often overlooked, Tom encourages listeners to live intentionally and stay grounded in what truly sustains them. Episode Highlights:  * Graduation Season Begins. * From College to Career Paths. * School vs. Real World Expectations. * Life’s Ongoing Graduations & Foundation. * Memorial Day, Faith, and Hope. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: * Follow Tom on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.steele.79274] * Follow Tom on X [https://twitter.com/TgsSteele] * Learn More About Saints Prison Ministry Here! [https://saintsprisonministry.org/] This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. [https://www.adkinsmedia.co/]

45. Love of Money

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele takes a look at how the transfer portal, coaching changes, and massive contracts are reshaping college athletics. From unlimited transfers to the growing “five-in-five” eligibility model, he reflects on how college sports have shifted from student-athlete development toward what he calls a “culture of asset acquisition,” where money and winning often drive the decisions. Using LSU’s rehiring of Will Wade and North Carolina’s high-profile coaching moves as examples, Tom explores how universities are prioritizing financial success over tradition, loyalty, and sometimes even accountability. Through the lens of faith, grace, and scripture, he asks an important question: when the love of money begins to lead, what happens to the true mission of college sports and higher education? Episode Highlights:  * The transfer portal is changing college sports fast. * Can athletes really succeed academically while constantly transferring? * LSU rehiring Will Wade shows how winning often outweighs past mistakes. * North Carolina is choosing money and success over tradition. * When money leads, the mission of college sports changes. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: * Follow Tom on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.steele.79274] * Follow Tom on X [https://twitter.com/TgsSteele] This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. [https://www.adkinsmedia.co/]

44. Practicing Gratitude

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele begins with a brief update on WVU baseball and the unpredictable nature of March weather before turning to a more reflective and personal topic: the finite nature of life. Drawing from recent losses within his community, Tom shares thoughts on living with purpose and perspective. He highlights the powerful example of a close friend facing the end of life with faith and gratitude, using Philippians 4:6–8 to explore how gratitude can bring peace and shape our mindset. Tom also contrasts life’s deeper meaning with the often overblown importance of sports, while touching on the growing influence of money and professionalism in college athletics. Episode Highlights:  * What you focus on matters. * Reflecting on life’s brevity. * Philippians 4:6–8 and the practice of gratitude. * NCAA money, NIL, and the shift toward professionalized college sports. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: * Follow Tom on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.steele.79274] * Follow Tom on X [https://twitter.com/TgsSteele] This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. [https://www.adkinsmedia.co/]

43. In The Tank

In today’s episode, Tom examines the growing issue of “tanking” in professional and college sports, including new NBA efforts to discourage teams from intentionally losing and ongoing concerns about players sitting out for financial or draft-related reasons. He revisits the situation surrounding Kansas freshman standout Darryn Peterson and raises broader questions about motivation, loyalty, and the shifting priorities in modern athletics. The episode also touches on the controversial firing of Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang and what it reveals about contracts, accountability, and money in sports. Drawing from Scripture, Tom closes by encouraging listeners to approach their work—whether in athletics or everyday life—with sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted effort. Episode Highlights:  * NBA Tanking and Efforts to Curb It. * College Stars, Draft Dreams, and Darryn Peterson. * Coaching Contracts, Integrity, and Finishing Strong. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: * Follow Tom on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.steele.79274] * Follow Tom on X [https://twitter.com/TgsSteele] This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. [https://www.adkinsmedia.co/]

42. Scapegoat

In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steel reflects on a brutal West Virginia winter while turning his attention to the recent resignation of longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Using Tomlin’s tenure—and the Steelers’ subsequent hiring of Mike McCarthy—as a springboard, Tom explores the idea of leadership, expectations, and the human tendency to seek scapegoats for disappointment. Drawing on a biblical Old Testament reference, he challenges listeners to consider accountability, perspective, and compassion, both in sports and in everyday life. Episode Highlights:  * Mike Tomlin’s resignation. * A disappointing playoff exit. * The Scapegoat. * Personal reflection. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: * Follow Tom on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/thomas.steele.79274] * Follow Tom on X [https://twitter.com/TgsSteele] This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co. [https://www.adkinsmedia.co/]