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Spirit of Sport

Spirit of Sport

By: Christian Athlete Circles
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About this listen

 "Spirit of Sport" is the podcast where the athletic community reflects on spirituality, faith and leadership. Created by athletes for athletes, each season invites listeners into honest conversations that connect the world of sports with the deeper questions of meaning, purpose and belonging. Season Two is here! Its focus: “Game Changers.” These are people in the athletic community who have been at the work of weaving mercy and justice for years and offer wisdom on how to lead and how to love through difficult times. Season One drew inspiration from early Christian monastics who sought wisdom by asking, “Give me a word.” Each episode centers on a single word—like Body, Practice, or Endure—inviting listeners to slow down, contemplate and discover how ancient wisdom can shape our lives as athletes and people of faith. Whether you’re a competitor, coach or fan, "Spirit of Sport" offers a space for reflection, inspiration and real talk about what matters most in sports and in life. Hosts: Rev. Kelsey Davis, Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founder and Co-Director, and Georgia McKee, Christian Athlete Circles Co-Founder and Co-Director.Christian Athlete Circles Spirituality
Episodes
  • Game Changers: "No FOPO" with Katie Oleksak

    Game Changers: "No FOPO" with Katie Oleksak
    Jul 10 2025
    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 Katie Oleksak--a former professional volleyball player, coach and passionate advocate for inclusion in sports. Katie shares how she found the courage to publicly support a trans athlete during a time of controversy, emphasizing the power of community, faith and intentional reflection. She discusses the importance of leading with love, curiosity and empathy--both on and off the court. Katie also opens up about the challenges and rewards of building supportive communities, especially as a remote worker and former athlete, and offers practical wisdom for coaches and athletes who want to make a positive impact. From handling backlash to living out her values, Katie’s story is a powerful reminder of the “no FOPO” mindset--no fear of people’s opinions--and the lifelong work of staying grounded in your "why." 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: Side Out Foundation ~ https://side-out.org/ The Raceless Gospel ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/the-raceless-gospel/ The Trevor Project ~ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: July 10, 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.
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    19 mins
  • Game Changers: Common Ground with Pat Griffin

    Game Changers: Common Ground with Pat Griffin
    Jul 3 2025
    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 Pat Griffin--trailblazing advocate and educator. Pat shares her journey from coaching as a closeted lesbian in the 1980s to becoming a national leader for LGBTQ inclusion in sports. She reflects on moments of courage, the cost of hiding, and the power of speaking out against injustice--even when it means challenging the status quo. Pat discusses the origins of Common Ground, her experiences building bridges between LGBTQ athletes and people of faith, and the core values that sustain her work: love and compassion. 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: Common Ground ~ https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2016/4/26/common-ground.aspx Faithful Pride ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/faithful-pride-initiative/ The Trevor Project ~ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: July 3, 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.
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    26 mins
  • Game Changers: Liberation Lives Locally with Hudson Taylor

    Game Changers: Liberation Lives Locally with Hudson Taylor
    Jun 26 2025
    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 Hudson Taylor: former wrestler, contemplative, activist and the founder of Athlete Ally. Hudson shares his journey from a small act of allyship to becoming a nationally recognized advocate for inclusion. He also discusses the challenges, backlash and growth that come with standing up for justice. Hudson reflects on the power of listening, the importance of showing up for others, and the spiritual convictions that keep him grounded. 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: Athlete Ally ~ https://www.athleteally.org/ The Raceless Gospel ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/the-raceless-gospel/ The Trevor Project ~ https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ Good Faith Media ~ https://goodfaithmedia.org/ Episode release date: June 26, 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.
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    21 mins
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