Big Stories

In our final installment of the summer BYUTV Big Stories rewind series, host Cleon Wall recaps two more of BYUTV's big stories from season 3.

First, former UFC champion Rich Franklin shares how he traded fame and championship belts for something more meaningful — faith and community.

Then, NFL veteran Latavius Murray opens up about losing his best friend and how he's turning tragedy into a lasting legacy for kids in his hometown.

Two stories about finding purpose beyond the spotlight.

Check out the full stories at BYUSN.com

In this episode, host Cleon Wall takes you through two more inspiring stories from Big Stories Season 3 on BYUtv.

First, meet Graham Harrell — Texas Tech legend and Ring of Honor inductee. Beyond his record-breaking passing career, Graham's story is one of faith, family, and resilience, from his father's battle with multiple sclerosis to navigating the highs and lows of a coaching career that eventually led him right where he was meant to be.

Then, we turn to TCU's James Cash — a trailblazer who became the first Black athlete at TCU and the first Black basketball scholarship athlete in the Southwest Conference. From facing racial prejudice on and off the court to earning tenure at Harvard Business School and joining the Boston Celtics ownership group, Dr. Cash's life is a testament to what's possible when you keep climbing the stairs.

Check out the full stories on BYUSN.com

The Big Stories team is excited to check in again and feature two more stories from BYUTV's Big Stories last fall.

From small-town Fruitland, Idaho, Jordan Gross went on to play offensive line at the University of Utah, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2003, and had a successful NFL career. After retiring, he returned home to coach football at his high school, becoming a beloved mentor to his players. He has since come full circle and was hired as the University of Utah's newest offensive line coach.

Next, meet David Carr, who is carrying on the legendary wrestling legacy of his father, three-time NCAA champion Nate Carr, at Iowa State. Known for his fierce rivalry with Missouri's Keegan O'Toole, David has continued competing at the highest level after college, all while mentoring the next generation of wrestlers.

Watch to the full stories on BYUSN.com

Welcome back to another bi-weekly feature of BYUTV's Big Stories episodes from last fall.

First, meet Kevin Pittsnogle, a former Mountaineer basketball star known for his sharpshooting on the court. After stepping away from the game, he earned a master's degree in special education and became a middle school principal, transforming a struggling school and proving that the labels placed on us don't have to define who we become.

Then, hear from Amanda Beard, who won three Olympic medals — but the pressure and spotlight that came with early fame took a serious toll. She battled eating disorders, self-harm, and depression while continuing to compete at the highest level. Her story is one of raw resilience: how she fought through her darkest moments and now uses her experiences to coach and inspire the next generation of swimmers.

Listen to the full stories on BYUSN.com

Welcome back to another bi-weekly check-in as we prepare to join forces with BYUtv's Big Stories this fall. In the meantime, enjoy an update from a couple of their episodes from last fall.

First, meet Lex Gillette — a Paralympic long jump champion who lost his sight at age eight and went on to become one of the most decorated blind athletes in the world. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others see possibilities they never thought were within reach.

Then, meet Peggy Coppom — the 100-year-old University of Colorado superfan who spent decades cheering on the Buffs long before anyone knew her name. Her friendship with Coach Deion Sanders turned her into a national story, but her legacy was built on something far simpler: showing up with faith, kindness, and love.

Watch the full BYUtv Big Stories episodes at byusn.com.

As host Cleon Wall and the Big Stories podcast team readies for a new season, they kick off a new biweekly check-in series as the podcast joins forces with BYUtv's Big Stories franchise this fall. And during these check-ins, they will also share some of the episodes BYUtv shared last fall.

First, meet Julius Thomas — a Portland State basketball player who walked past the football field every day, decided to try the sport at age 22, and went on to become an NFL Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos. But his most impressive achievement came after football: Julius earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and now helps retired professional athletes rediscover their purpose and identity after sports.

Then, hear the story of Spencer Jones — a Stanford basketball standout who became the program's all-time leading three-point shooter, went undrafted, refused to quit, and ultimately earned a roster spot with the NBA's Denver Nuggets. His journey is a testament to outworking doubt.

Two athletes. Two paths. One big reminder: your greatest impact often comes not from what you accomplish for yourself, but from how you use those accomplishments to serve others.

Watch the full BYUtv Big Stories episodes at byusn.com.

From faith-filled miracles to moments of unexpected kindness, this season brought some truly incredible stories from real people living extraordinary lives. Thank you to every guest who opened up and shared a piece of their journey, and to every listener who tuned in.

As we close out Season 3, host Cleon Wall reflects on where the show has been — and where it's headed. Season 4 brings Big Stories back to its roots: uplifting, inspiring tales from the Big 12 and beyond, produced in partnership with BYUtv. Expect familiar faces checking back in, brand-new stories from across the Big 12 conference, and a more video-friendly format.

Season 4 drops this fall — and it just might be the best one yet.

Just like that, we have come to the end of another season of the Big Stories Podcast. Join producer/host Cleon Wall and assistant producer Brandon Thorpe as they discuss their favorite moments from season 3. Next week, join us as we reveal what we have planned for season 4. We can't wait to bring you more amazing and inspiring tales from around the Big 12 conference!

Kaitlyn Amos was a competitive soccer player for Baylor University — but an unexpected diagnosis during her freshman year changed everything. What followed was nearly a decade of navigating a serious heart condition, making difficult medical decisions, and figuring out who she was without the sport that had defined her. Along the way, she encountered a series of setbacks and unlikely turning points that ultimately led her to a new career as a cardiovascular genetic counselor, where she now sits on the other side of the table — helping patients face the kind of news she once received herself.

Guests:

Kaitlyn Amos - Cardiovascular Genetic Counselor at UVA Health

Maegan Moore - Kaitlyn's cousin

Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer joins to assess the state of the Bearcats now that Brendan Sorsby has transferred to Texas Tech — gambling allegations and all. We look at who steps in at quarterback, and whether head coach Scott Satterfield is on the hot seat after two late-season collapses.

Then, we continue our series on new Big 12 quarterbacks. Scott Wright of The Oklahoman breaks down how Drew Mestemaker followed head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State — and why that partnership could be special. Then, Tyler Carter of the Believe in Iowa State podcast introduces us to Jalen Raynor, the Arkansas State transfer tasked with replacing the beloved Rocco Becht in Ames.

And in storylines, we talk about Texas Tech softball's stunning comeback, erasing an eight-run deficit with two outs in the seventh inning to advance to the Super Regionals.