The UNPACKIN' it Podcast With Bryce Johnson & Trip Smith

On The UNPACKIN' it Podcast, we unpack the parallels between sports, life, and faith. Join host Bryce Johnson and co-host Trip Smith as they dive into the National Championship game and a powerful lesson on preparation and living with expectancy.In This Episode:Dusty May’s Final Four DecisionWe discuss Michigan’s dominant performance and Dusty May’s unique scouting tactics during the UConn-Illinois game.Expectancy + Preparation: How Dusty May’s confidence in his team led to his "uncommon" preparation, and what that teaches us about our own lives.Other Highlights:A look at UConn’s championship run, Michigan’s first title win since 1989.We explore how living with expectancy in Christ changes the way we approach daily battles and prepare our hearts through prayer and scripture.Key Scripture Referenced:Hebrews 4:16 (AMP): Approaching the throne of grace with confidence.1 Peter 1:13 (AMP): Preparing your minds for action and fixing your hope on grace.Plus, Ernie Johnson won on the podium...and a conversation on Mike vs. Michael.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on The UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the emotional rollercoaster of March Madness after Duke’s stunning 19-point lead evaporated into a buzzer-beater loss to UConn. We discuss the reality of being a fan—the sacrifice, the commitment, and the painful moments that put our loyalty to the test.But there’s a deeper parallel. It can be hard being a sports fan, but following Jesus also comes with its own set of challenges, "heartbreaking defeats," and seasons that test our faith. As we enter Easter week, we’re looking at what it truly means to "take up your cross daily" and why the difficult path is always worth it in the end.This Episode's Discussion:Duke vs. UConn: Unpacking the wild sequence that sent the Huskies to the Final Four.Jon Scheyer’s Era: Taking over for a legend, navigating criticism, and building a powerhouse at age 38.How Luke 9:23 and 2 Timothy 3:12 remind us that the Christian life isn't always easy, but is victorious.Finding Peace: Why we can "take heart" even when things don't go our way.Connect with the UNPACKIN' it Ministry:📧 Email Bryce: [email protected]🌐 Website: unpackinit.com🤝 Support the Ministry: unpackinit.com/donateFind out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

March Madness is in full swing, but as we head into the second weekend, we are missing the mid-major Cinderella story. This week, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the first two rounds of the tournament, highlighting some of the best games and storylines.In This Episode, We Unpack:The Madness So Far: What made Bryce "shriek."UNC & Duke: What happened to UNC, and what is next for them? What team should Duke be worried about?The Missing Cinderella: For the second straight year, the Sweet 16 consists entirely of major conference schools. We discuss how the tournament is better when smaller schools make deep runs.The "Old" Guard: A quick look at the veteran coaches leading the way this year, proving that legends like Rick Pitino, Tom Izzo, and John Calipari are still finding ways to win in the new era of college basketball.Faith Parallel – Don’t Miss Out: Just as fans feel something is missing without a Cinderella story, we often miss out on the full, "fruitful" life God intended for us. We dive into John 15 and Galatians 5 to discuss how staying connected to the Vine ensures that we don't miss the blessings of a faith-filled life.Featured Scripture:John 15:5 (NLT): "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in Me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from Me, you can do nothing."Galatians 5: The Fruit of the Spirit.James 1:5: Asking for Wisdom.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of the UNPACKIN' it Podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith dive into the heart of what it means to live with integrity when "Nobody's Watching."Join The UNPACKIN' it Bracket Challenge fundraiser: unpackinit.com/marchUsing the backdrop of exciting games in front of small crowds during college basketball conference tournaments—where teams play with maximum effort with no one watching—we explore the parallels in our own lives and faith. Do we only perform when the lights are bright and the crowds are big, or are we committed to excellence and doing the right thing no matter what?In this episode, we unpack:Sports & Faith: How the approach of athletes in empty gyms mirrors our walk with Jesus.Integrity: Defining what it looks like to live for Jesus and work hard even when nobody is watching (Colossians 3:23).Current Sports Topics: Insights into NFL Free Agency, the NCAA Tournament, and Conference Tournaments.Whether you're preparing for the "Big Dance" or working hard in a season of obscurity, this conversation will challenge you to give your best for the Lord, regardless of who is watching.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NFL offseason is heating up with quarterback rumors, free agency speculation, trade predictions, and bold roster changes heading into the 2026 season. Just like NFL teams searching for the right quarterback, we all have to ask:What am I looking for? What do I truly need?In this episode we ask:👉 What quarterback in the right situation could THRIVE?👉 What NFL team is just one QB away from getting over the hump?We break down potential NFL quarterback trades, free-agent fits, and bold offseason predictions — plus a powerful faith devotional on fresh starts, renewed commitment, and hope. We discuss how Jesus Christ is the answer.🏈 NFL QB Trade & Free Agency Predictions and Best Case ScenariosCould we see:• Justin Fields to the Ravens?• Kirk Cousins back to the Vikings?• Sam Howell to the Panthers or Patriots?• Anthony Richardson to the Bills or Rams?• Tua Tagovailoa to the Eagles?• Derek Carr to the Jets?• Kyler Murray to the Falcons?Which teams will make bold moves?Which franchises will settle?Who gives their fanbase real hope for the future?Teams in TransitionWe examine quarterback uncertainty surrounding:Arizona CardinalsAtlanta FalconsNew York JetsIndianapolis ColtsPittsburgh SteelersKansas City ChiefsLas Vegas RaidersCleveland BrownsFaith & Life Devotional: What Are You Looking For?Are you in need of:A fresh start?A renewed commitment?Freedom from your past?Strength during injury or hardship?Hope after seasons of disappointment?We unpack powerful Scripture, including:2 Corinthians 5:17Ephesians 4:22-24Hebrews 12:2Psalm 51:10Hebrews 10:23Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack if sports fans will follow hockey after Team USA won gold…and how this translates to following Jesus. The guys discuss whether the sports fans who rooted so hard for Team USA in this gold medal game will begin following hockey, specifically the NHL, moving forward. They also share their thoughts on the times we experience a “spiritual high” after an inspiring sermon, a powerful retreat, or an encouraging lunch with a friend...and ask if we will actually serve and follow Jesus after getting fired up in these memorable moments. Subscribe to the podcast and to the YouTube channel HERE.Support the ministry HERE.Our Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit  Facebook: / unpackinit  X/Twitter: / unpackinit  Tiktok: / unpackinit Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the current state of the NBA and one of the big stories from the Olympics. We also discuss our response when Olympians lose…and how we can be encouraged to embrace empathy, sympathy, and care for those around us. What happens when we actually try to understand what someone else is going through? What does it look like to enter into someone else's pain?Topics Include:Should the NBA get rid of the NBA Draft?Has the NBA All-Star weekend been fixed?Have you been watching the Olympics?Subscribe to the podcast and to the YouTube channel!https://linktr.ee/unpackinitSupport the ministry: https://www.unpackinit.com/donateOur Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit  Facebook: / unpackinit  X/Twitter: / unpackinit  Tiktok: / unpackinit Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Check out the panel discussion from this year's Super Saturday Man Breakfast, hosted by UNPACKIN' it, that took place in Charlotte the day before the Super Bowl. This year's panel included former NFL players Brentson Buckner and Dwan Edwards. They talk about faith, football, and life with Bryce Johnson. It's an authentic, encouraging, and inspiring conversation.Topics Include:Keep Pounding and Buckner's battle with cancer.How God has worked in Dwan's life in the midst of a divorce.God's plan for Brentson Buckner to play in the NFL and become a coach.What it was like to lose a Super Bowl.How sports prepare us for life.Brentson Buckner Bio. Grew up in Columbus, Georgia, played college football at Clemson, and was a first-team All-ACC selection. He is in the Clemson Athletic Hall of Fame. He was drafted in the second round of the 1994 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He played in Super Bowl XXX (30) against the Cowboys. Throughout his 12-year NFL career, he also played for the Bengals and 49ers and was with the Panthers from 2001-2005, including being a member of the 2003 Panthers team that played in Super Bowl XXXVIII (38). After his playing career, he coached high school football and was a radio personality on WFNZ. For over a decade, he was a defensive line coach in the NFL with stops in Arizona, Tampa Bay, Oakland, and Jacksonville. He has four children and has been married to Denise for 31 years.Dwan Edwards Bio: He grew up in Columbus, Montana, and in high school played football, basketball, and track and field, and was the senior class president. He played college football for the Oregon State Beavers, and He graduated in 2003 with a degree in business administration. He was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the second round of the 2004 NFL draft.During his 12-year career, he also played for the Carolina Panthers and Buffalo Bills. He was a member of the 2015 Carolina Panthers team that played in Super Bowl 50. That was also his final game. Since retiring, he’s been a full-time dad with five kids and has also coached Weddington High School football.Click here to support UNPACKIN' it.https://www.unpackinit.com/donateOur Social Media:Instagram: / unpackinit  Facebook: / unpackinit  X/Twitter: / unpackinit  Tiktok: / unpackinit  Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack how the Seahawks won the Super Bowl…and what we as followers of Jesus need to stop, cease, and shut down. Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel.Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's show, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the Seahawks and Patriots winning on the road all season…and what it means for followers of Jesus to win away from home.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel.Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the Seahawks and Patriots exceeding expectations as they head to the Super Bowl…and how God's power exceeds our expectations.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel.Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the Bills doing something different by firing Sean McDermott…and how we need to try something different when our ways and efforts come up empty.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack how close the NFL games were and how, as fans, we not only desire close games but also a close relationship with God.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!Purchase a copy of The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition TODAY!Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MERRY CHRISTMAS, UNPACKIN' it and Fantasy Football Fellowship podcast listeners! Today's podcast is our annual Christmas special with Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpacking their favorite Christmas movies, songs, and Fantasy Football players...along with lots of fun holiday topics! The guys also discuss how the holiday season brings out everyone's inner child and how we continue to grow in maturity as believers in Christ with a childlike faith. Let's unpack it!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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, encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we unpack the inspiring story of Philip Rivers…and how we, too, can overcome fear and go for it!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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, encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In recent years, NFL fans have gotten used to seeing the Chiefs, Eagles, Bills, and Ravens in the playoffs and have taken them seriously as teams capable of a Super Bowl run. This season, new teams are entering the playoff conversation, like the Patriots, Broncos, Seahawks, and even the Panthers! The question remaining for these new playoff-likely teams is “Do we take them seriously?” Let's UNPACK it!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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, encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson unpacks college football concerns after Lane Kiffin's latest move…and how to deal with the brokenness in our lives.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson interviews the legendary basketball analyst and broadcaster, Clark Kellogg. They talk about which teams in college basketball have caught his eye as we get closer to the March tournament, his broadcasting responsibilities, what God has been teaching him lately, spiritual routines, and so much more!Clark Kellogg is a CBS college basketball analyst. He’s been with CBS since 1993. He played college basketball at Ohio State and also in the NBA for the Indiana Pacers. He and his wife, Rosy, have three grown children.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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, encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson and his guest, Bob Schindler, unpack how the results from this past weekend's games have ramifications for the rest of the season, and how in life, we experience consequences and blessings.Bob graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering from Vanderbilt University. Schindler has been involved with CEDE SPORTS since 2003 and currently serves as the President. Before that, Bob served as an Associate Pastor for 8 years and as a church planter and Senior Pastor for 10 years in East Tennessee. He's also the author of Does God Care Who Wins?Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's podcast, Bryce flies solo and unpacks how much of what happens in the NFL is hard to comprehend…and how much of what God is doing is hard to understand.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsored by Upward Sports, today's co-host is Travis Vaughn. He's the organization's Director of Market Research and Product Development. Bryce and Travis unpack fans' attitudes toward college football coaches getting fired — and how we can be impatient and disappointed with God during challenging seasons of life. Travis is the reigning champion of our FFF league (currently 9-0), and he's the co-host of the Kinda Fast Podcast! Be sure to check out Upward Running if you're interested in running!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson and Eric Miller unpack how the NFL season and Sunday's games revealed the opposite of what we thought was true — and how this parallels God's truth being the opposite of what the world tells us.Eric Miller is the Executive Director at Momentum Ministry Partners. They partner with the local church to provide ministry equipping experiences in an effort to help raise the next generation of leaders. Eric is a former youth pastor and discipleship pastor. He's also the host of the Momentum Ministry Partners Podcast. Check out Bryce's interview on the show!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson unpacks what he's learned so far this NFL season about players, coaches, teams, and the league as a whole. He also shares what it means to learn from Jesus as we follow Him and how to consider these questions: What am I learning about God’s character? What am I learning about myself? What are others learning about me and from me? What do I need to learn from this trial or test? Let’s UNPACK it!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson and Roger Patterson, the Senior Pastor at CityRise Church in Houston, Texas, unpack which teams got back on track and which teams are off track after Week 5 in the NFL…and what steps to take when we get off track in life. Let’s UNPACK it!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to discover how you can share the gospel through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to The UNPACKIN’ it Podcast, where we unpack parallels, metaphors, and topics in sports that relate to life and faith! I’m Bryce Johnson in Charlotte, NC, joined today by Rocky Seto.Rocky is a pastor of Evergreen Baptist Church in California and a former Super Bowl-winning assistant coach. After spending 18 years in coaching, including a stint on Pete Carroll's staff in Seattle and USC. He spent 11 seasons at USC and was part of the staff for both of the National Championship teams in 2003 and 2004. In seven seasons in Seattle, they went to two Super Bowls, winning one. He also played linebacker at USC in 1997 and 1998. He is a husband and father of four.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce Johnson and guest co-host Bryan Saylor unpack how the NFL doesn't always turn out as we expect it to — and how to respond when we experience something unexpected. Cowboys and Packers ended in a tie, the Saints were competitive with the Bills, Jags beat Niners in San Francisco, Jaxson Dart beat the undefeated Chargers in his first start...and so much more!Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Bryce unpacks what he's convinced of after week 3 in the NFL and how we can be certain and confident in our faith.Watch the video version of the podcast on our YouTube channel!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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the show, Bryce interviews former NFL linebacker Vincent Rey. They unpack Joe Burrow's injury, the start to the Bengals' season at 2-0, being a team chaplain, and how he prays. Rey spent his entire career from 2010 to 2018 with the Cincinnati Bengals after going undrafted out of Duke. He's now the Bengals' team chaplain and on staff with Athletes in Action. He’s a husband and a father of four.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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we unpack how a team’s miscommunication led to struggles on a final drive…and how to have effective communication with God and others in our lives.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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Bryce unpacks Lee Corso's iconic catchphrase and how we can be encouraged to embrace, "Not so fast, my friend," in our own lives. Bryce shares his reaction to the college football weekend, recounts a crazy story about forks and pom-poms, discusses other sports media legends like Corso, and addresses concerns about FSU and Charlotte fans.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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 raising athletes in secular sports culture. Topics:How do sports develop character?How do we stand out in youth sports culture?How can we support our kids through their failures?How do we view winning and being the greatest?What can we learn from Uncle Rico?Find out more about the book HEREAbout Brian Smith Brian Smith is the author of several books, including The Christian Athlete: Glorifying God in Sports. He has been on staff with Athletes in Action since 2008. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Brian has a master’s degree in Theology and Sports Studies from Baylor University. About Ed Uszynski Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades of experience discipling college and professional athletes. He’s written articles, essays, and training manuals at the intersection of faith and sport and is the lead strategist for Content Mercenaries. He has two theological degrees from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a PhD in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University.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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.comPurchase 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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 websitePurchase 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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" TODAY.Be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Football Fellowship and UNPACKIN' it YouTube channels to stay up-to-date with what's happening in our ministry.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 to participate in Fantasy Football Fellowship.Be sure to subscribe to the Fantasy Football Fellowship and UNPACKIN' it YouTube channels to stay up-to-date with what's happening in our ministry.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 two conference championships. He served as the outside linebackers coach at Appalachian State from 2023 to 2024 and was named to the 35 Under 35 Class of 2024 by the American Football Coaches Association.Spending two years in the NFL as a player with the Cardinals, Giants, and Patriots, AJ won a Super Bowl ring as a member of the New England Patriots in 2019. He spent 2021 and 2022 as a scout for the Patriots in the Southeast area. AJ is a husband, father, and follower of Jesus.AJ's Socials:Twitter: COACHHOWARDUSCInstagram: ajhoward_appstatePurchase 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 sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Jersey Nets. Throughout his 14-year NBA career, he also played for the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks.After playing basketball, he has been a long-time analyst, working for the Hornets, CBS Sports, Raycom Sports, and Fox Sports Net, and is currently part of the CW's ACC coverage. He is a Peer Recovery Coach at Sana Recovery. He’s joining us today to share about his journey with sobriety and how Jesus has changed his life.Topics include:What we can learn from the recovery communityThe NBA FinalsFinding freedom in ChristSurrendering to ChristTransparency and admitting to our strugglesThe NBA DraftDuke losing in the Final FourPurchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" today.Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 how to involve your spouse in your faith life.  For more information about Kevin's upcoming football camp, visit the Louisiana Line Camp website.Purchase a copy of "The Sports Devotional: Pro Football Edition" today.Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 support our ministry.Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website in order to get signed up to participate in our exciting and encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 effective tool in ministry, and life as a husband and "girl dad."  Click here to give a gift to support our ministry.Visit the Fantasy Football Fellowship website to sign up for our exciting and encouraging ministry.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 does being a deep thinker help you grow in your understanding of who God is and how you can please Him?Click here to give a gift to support our ministry.Visit Fantasy Football Fellowship in order to find out more about our ministry that can help you bring meaning and purpose to your Fantasy league.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 possible for us to have peace and joy when we are dealing with difficult circumstances?Click here to give a gift to support our ministry.Visit Fantasy Football Fellowship in order to find out more about our ministry that can help you bring meaning and purpose to your Fantasy league.Learn more about our sponsor, Upward Sports, to find out how you can reach people for Jesus through sports.Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERESubscribe to our YouTube channel! HEREClick HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.