From the Bullpen to the Mission Field | Former MLB Pitcher Don Gordon

He gave his life to Christ at chapel more than a dozen times...it never really stuck.....but finally he  surrendered his life to Christ kneeling with a Gideon Bible on shag carpet in a rundown hotel room.    

Former Major League relief pitcher Don Gordon, who played for the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland Indians, shares the remarkable story of how God met him during a lonely bus ride through the minor leagues and completely changed the direction of his life.

In this awesomely human conversation, Don talks about growing up in Queens, New York, chasing his baseball dream.   Baseball wasn't just something he loved—it became who he was. Like countless young athletes, he poured everything into chasing the dream. The long practices. The bus rides. The minor league seasons. The hope that one day his name would be announced in a Major League stadium and that dream (prayer) became reality 

And then..... the rest of the story: 

After baseball, Don became one of the most influential chaplains and disciple-makers in professional sports, serving with the Arizona Diamondbacks, mentoring players throughout the country including Randy Johnson and Andy Benes, leading international baseball missions, and helping countless athletes discover that their true identity is found in Christ—not balls and strikes.

If you've ever wondered whether God can redeem a lifelong dream and use it for something even greater, this conversation will encourage you. Enjoy a deep dive into the Don Gordon story. 

#AmazingGreats #ChristianPodcast #Faith #MLB #Testimony #Discipleship

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

A honeymoon trip to Israel changed everything.

Initially raised as an Orthodox Jew in New York, Rabbi Greg Hershberg never imagined he would come to believe Jesus was Israel's promised Messiah. But an unforgettable encounter on Mount Tabor set him on a completely new path.

Years later, after building a thriving Messianic Jewish ministry, Greg found himself fighting for his life. A devastating infection led to multiple surgeries, 50 days between life and death, and moments when even this seasoned man of faith wondered where God was.

In this deeply honest conversation, Greg shares:

• His remarkable encounter with Jesus in Israel
 • Why he remains proudly Jewish while following Jesus
 • What really happened during his life-threatening illness
 • The doubts he wrestled with
 • The hope he discovered when God seemed silent

Whether you're walking through suffering yourself or simply wondering where God is in difficult seasons, this conversation offers encouragement that God is often closest when He feels farthest away.

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

Former Seattle Mariners outfielder Braden Bishop lived the dream every young baseball player imagines—making it to the Major Leagues.  

Braden  achieved that dream in unforgettable fashion.

His very first Major League game came in Tokyo when he replaced Ichiro Suzuki during the baseball icon's emotional farewell. It's the kind of debut Hollywood would reject for being too unbelievable.

Yet when I asked Braden about the defining moments of his life, he didn't start with baseball.

But as cool as his baseball journey was, it isn't the story that defines him.

In this deeply personal conversation, Braden shares how his faith in Jesus took root during his years at the University of Washington, how his mother's heartbreaking battle with early-onset Alzheimer's reshaped his priorities, and how that tragedy inspired the creation of the 4Mom Foundation, helping families facing the same devastating disease.

Braden also offers rare insight into life after professional sports, the identity struggles many athletes face, why success alone never satisfies, and how discovering his purpose in Christ fulfilled his need for "completeness".

Whether you're a sports fan, caregiver, person of faith, or simply navigating life's unexpected challenges, Braden's honesty, wisdom, and hope will encourage you long after the episode ends. He is a young man destined for even more amazing things! 

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"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

One of the unexpected blessings of hosting Amazing Greats has been discovering that many of our guests’ stories don’t end when we stop recording.

In fact, some of the most remarkable chapters happen after the interview is over.

Over the past four years, we’ve had the privilege of sharing the testimonies of athletes, authors, musicians, actors, and business leaders, whose lives have been shaped by God’s grace. While each episode captures a moment in time, God’s work continues long after the microphones are turned off.

That’s why, from time to time, I’d love to bring you back to visit some of these familiar friends and hear what God has been doing since we first met them.

Today we’re revisiting one of the most memorable guests we’ve ever featured—commercial pilot Ted Greenfield, founder of Invisible Angels.

If you remember Episode 77 from September 2025, you probably remember being amazed by Ted’s extraordinary journey. God called him to launch a ministry that provides safe air transportation for survivors of human trafficking, helping move rescued victims to safe houses, medical care, family reunification, and new beginnings. It was a story filled with unexpected turns, impossible circumstances, and one unmistakable theme: God’s faithful provision.

Since that conversation, God has continued writing Ted’s story.

Recently, Ted reached out and said, “Ric, I have to tell you what happened.”

What followed was another reminder that our God is never finished working behind the scenes—and that His timing, provision, and creativity often leave us shaking our heads in amazement. 

Thus...this short bonus update.

And if you never had the opportunity to hear Ted’s original conversation, I encourage you to go back and listen. It remains one of the most inspiring stories we’ve shared on Amazing Greats.

 Here is a direct link to Ted's full story

Direct link to the Apple Podcast 

Direct Link to the YouTube video

One of my hopes for Amazing Greats is that our guests become more than interviews—they become part of a growing family. As God continues to work through their lives, I hope to occasionally bring you these “next chapter” moments. They’re wonderful reminders that God doesn’t stop writing when an episode ends.

Neither does He stop writing our stories.

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

From Childhood Trauma to Healing Hope with Becky Nordquist

How do you trust God after childhood abuse, devastating loss, and years of unanswered questions?

In this deeply moving episode of Amazing Greats, Christian recording artist, author, speaker, and filmmaker Becky Nordquist shares her remarkable journey from childhood sexual abuse and suicidal despair to healing, faith, purpose. and ultimately to the new 1 hour documentary called: "Innocent Child"

Growing up in a pastor’s home, Becky experienced abuse that remained hidden for years, leaving her questioning God, her family, and her own worth. As an adult, she faced additional heartbreak through miscarriages, stillbirth, loss, and grief. Yet through every season of pain, God continued weaving a story of redemption.

Becky discusses:

• Her childhood abuse within the church and the silence that followed
• Wrestling with anger and disappointment toward God
• The turning point that renewed her faith
• Her struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts
• The healing power of counseling, honesty, and community
• Pregnancy loss, grief, and finding hope after heartbreak
• The new documentary Innocent Child and resources for survivors
• How God brings beauty from even our darkest chapters

This conversation is honest, compassionate, and filled with hope for anyone carrying hidden wounds.

If you or someone you love has experienced abuse, loss, or deep disappointment, Becky’s story offers a reminder that healing is possible and that God has never stopped pursuing His children.

Dig deeper:

Innocent Child Documentary Website: https://www.innocentchild.net/

Amazing Greats episode with co-producer of Innocent Child- Steve Siler   https://www.amazinggreats.net/post/healing-power-of-music-steve-siler

Music for the Soul/ Steve Siler: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/

Innocent Child: Devotionals for Healing from Childhood Sexual Abuse 

If you or someone you know has experienced childhood sexual abuse or sexual assault, confidential help is available:

• RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
 • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 800-422-4453

Both services are available 24 hours a day and can provide support, guidance, and local referrals.

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

A storm with towering waves has a way of stripping life down to what’s real. When Dr. Arnie Cole found himself staring up at water he was sure would kill him, every confident system he’d built collapsed in seconds and a raw, honest prayer rose in its place. That night didn’t just save his life. It rerouted it, launching a late-in-life faith story that still shapes how he thinks about purpose, behavior change, and what it means to finish well. 

We talk with Arnie from Lincoln, Nebraska about his unlikely path: from a Christian upbringing to walking away at 19, to building a high-impact career in behavior modification and human-centered design, then retiring early and discovering that comfort can quietly become a cage. He shares how he and his wife, both former Christian skeptics, stepped into church again, learned ministry through Mission Aviation Fellowship and YWAM, and eventually helped transform Back to the Bible from a traditional radio model into a digital discipleship ministry focused on daily spiritual fitness. We also dig into the practical side of personalized Bible engagement, including tools like BTTB.ai designed to meet people where they actually are. 

Then we get to the heart of his new book, The Over 50 Advantage, and the research that sparked it: many Christians over 50 report worry and criticizing others as top struggles, and many admit they rarely share their faith despite deep Bible knowledge. Arnie argues that retirement culture can sideline the most equipped generation, and he offers a better framework: define what “a win” is now, become your own advocate, and choose daily steps that move you closer to Jesus than yesterday. If you’re rethinking retirement, craving renewed purpose, or wondering why spiritual growth feels stalled, this conversation will challenge you in the best way. 

Subscribe for more conversations like this, share the episode with a friend who needs a second wind, and leave a review so more people can find these stories of faith and transformation.

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

What if your greatest impact doesn’t come from center stage… but from the bench?

In this powerful conversation, Brandon Bakke—author of Lessons from the Bench—shares how a life spent outside the spotlight can actually shape championship teams, strong leaders, and lasting faith. Drawing from his journey as a Division 1 athlete under legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, Brandon unpacks the hidden value of humility, perseverance, and embracing your role.

From overcoming “me-ism” to discovering purpose beyond playing time, this episode dives deep into what it really means to serve a team—and why the bench might be one of life’s greatest classrooms.

You’ll hear stories of faith, leadership, and influence that go far beyond sports… and may just change how you see your own role in life.

Whether you're an athlete, parent, coach, or simply navigating your place in the world—this conversation will inspire you to lead, serve, and thrive right where you are. 

Grab a copy of Brandon's excellent book!

#leadership, #purpose, #faithpodcast, #Christianpodcast, #mindset, #personalgrowth, #sports #leadership, #overcomingadversity, #teamwork, #identity, #selfworth

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

On this episode of Amazing Greats, we sit down with Dr. Steve Osborne, a lifelong scientist whose identity was built on evidence, research, and reason—until those very tools led him somewhere he never expected. From a childhood with no faith framework to earning a PhD in experimental psychology, Steve’s journey is one of grit, intellect, and relentless pursuit of truth. But everything began to shift when he encountered compelling evidence for Christianity that challenged everything he thought he knew.

What followed was a deeply personal and intellectual crossroads—where science and faith didn’t collide, but converged. In this powerful conversation, Steve shares how examining the evidence—from the origins of the universe to the resurrection—led him to a life-changing decision. If you’ve ever wondered whether science and Christianity can truly coexist, or if faith requires you to check your brain at the door… this episode will challenge you, stretch you, and just might change the way you see everything. 

If this episode got your wheels turning, you’ll definitely want to check out Steve’s book Beyond Chance. He breaks down the evidence in a way that’s super approachable—and honestly, pretty eye-opening.
👉 Grab a copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Chance-Bang-Empty-Tomb/dp/B0GQ5BX8GL

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

In this powerful episode of Amazing Greats, I sit down with pastor, professor, and now author Doug Hankins to unpack a topic that impacts nearly half of America—but is often misunderstood in the church: singleness. Drawing from his new book Still Single, Still Called, Doug challenges cultural and church narratives that treat singleness as a problem to be solved rather than a calling to be embraced. 

From his own journey—from teenage atheist to devoted follower of Christ—to decades of ministry alongside single adults, Doug offers a refreshing and deeply biblical perspective: the real issue isn’t singleness, it’s loneliness—and the solution is authentic community. Together, Doug and I explore how churches can better welcome and empower singles, why Jesus and Paul modeled a full life without marriage, and how shifting our focus from matrimony to meaningful community changes everything.

If you want to listen to my original conversation with Doug Hankins  where we delve into his personal story, and his great recounting and observations from the revival at Asbury University, check out Episode #45 of Amazing Greats.  

To order his book: 

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much. 

A lot of people know Jim Ryun as the high school kid who became a three-time Olympian and set a world record for breaking the 4 minute mile (that held for 36 years) and the guy who later served five terms in Congress. We wanted to go deeper than the highlight reel and ask what he’s built that’s lasted the longest: the Jim Ryun Running Camps, now entering year 51, and the simple system that keeps shaping young athletes long after the medals and elections fade. 

The camps emphasize real distance running fundamentals that parents, coaches, and high school runners can use right away: threshold training, tempo work, smarter recovery, and why rest is a skill. Jim also shares what the camp teaches about nutrition and performance, including a clear warning about how sugar can quietly drain energy and health. We even get into phones and social media, and why attention is one of the most important training tools your athlete has.

The heart of the conversation is what makes this more than a running camp. Jim explains how he weaves faith and character development into a performance environment, what spiritual challenges he sees in Gen Z athletes, and why transparency from adult mentors matters. He also tells a personal story from his early Christian life that pushed him out of comfort and into service, a reminder that belief becomes real when it turns into action.

If you care about youth sports, endurance training, Christian athletics, or raising grounded competitors, you’ll take something practical from this one. Subscribe, share this with a runner or a parent, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

For his in depth life story, make sure to check out our first conversation with Jim on Episode #23  of Amazing Greats from 2021.

"Amazing Greats"  is a library of interviews with highly successful people who have amazing career and life stories and who share how God has impacted their journey.  Hosted by broadcaster Ric Hansen & produced by Klem Daniels.   Available on Apple,  Spotify, iHeart, Google and our  YouTube Channel. 
Please help us grow our audience by "liking", "subscribing and "Sharing".   Thanks so much.