Church Pew Sports - Pastors Talking Sports & Life

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 184 - Did Michigan Really Win? NCAA Scandals, Selective Justice & Sports That Shape Character

In this episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller are joined by guest Pastor Mike Szoradi - a level-headed Michigan fan living in Arizona - to dive deep into one of the most polarizing topics in college football: the Michigan football scandal and the NCAA's controversial response.

The trio debates whether Michigan truly "won" in the end, despite major violations and what many see as a slap-on-the-wrist penalty from the NCAA. Bill pulls no punches as he defends Michigan's competitive ethics and the NCAA's declining authority. Mike offers a measured defense of Michigan's program but admits that the leniency raises serious questions about league enforcement and future integrity across college sports. Paul bridges the conversation with a perspective rooted in faith and fairness, pointing out that even when you keep the title, you might still lose the moral high ground.

The crew compares the NCAA to a tired, out-of-touch parent, overwhelmed and inconsistent in its punishments. From signal-stealing allegations to selective enforcement and TV ratings driving decision-making, this episode asks hard questions: Where is integrity in sports? Who should actually enforce the rules? And what example are we setting for the next generation of athletes?

The episode wraps with a powerful reminder from Matthew 5 about authenticity — being the same person in the locker room, the pulpit, and the living room. It's classic Church Pew Sports: strong opinions, sharp debate, and a constant effort to tie sports back to faith, character, and real life.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Pastor Mike Szoradi

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep - 183 - Youth Travel Sports - The Good, Bad, And The Expensive

This week we dip our toes into the often volatile world of youth travel sports and take an up close look at the positives and negatives that come from this $40 BILLION per year industry.

Is it for the kids, or for the parents?

How can families navigate the economic and scheduling pressures from insane practice, game, and travel requirements?

How much is too much when it comes to spending and time commitments?

We're tackling all of it in this insightful look at the underbelly of youth travel sports.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Jason Traczynski

Carson Greenhaw

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 182 - Sizzlin' Summer Sports Headlines

This week we catch up on a very busy summer of sports headlines, including:

• The NFLPA collusion scandal
• Hulk Hogan fans mourn his passing
• Cleveland Guardians shady gambling issues
• WNBA wigs and demands
• MLB trade deadline deals
• Big 10 Media Day in...Vegas?

If you've been mostly "checked out" all summer, we're here to bring you up to speed!

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

David Collins

Brock Rice

Scoot Holmgren

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep -NIL, NCAA & the Wild West of College Sports – Decoding the Future with Andrew Donovan

The world of college sports is undergoing a seismic transformation — and no issue is more disruptive (or divisive) than NIL: Name, Image, and Likeness. In this week's episode of Church Pew Sports, host Bill Hobson is joined by Andrew Donovan, President of the College Division at Altius Sports Partners, for an eye-opening deep dive into how NIL is reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics.

This is more than just a conversation about athlete compensation — it's a journey into a new era of recruiting, regulation, and revenue. From the shifting power dynamics between schools and athletes to the legal entanglements challenging the NCAA's authority, Donovan offers unprecedented insight into the NIL frontier. With 40+ schools in his client portfolio, Andrew isn't just observing the changes — he's helping build the infrastructure for what comes next.

You'll hear how universities are navigating the new pay-for-play ecosystem, how donor collectives are influencing recruiting like never before, and how NIL has created massive uncertainty around fairness, compliance, and sustainability. Bill and Andrew also explore the impact on the fan experience — will we ever again see a player stay four years at one school? Or are we rooting for laundry, as Jerry Seinfeld once put it?

This episode tackles key questions:

• Is the NCAA even relevant anymore?

• Will college football and basketball split off into professional leagues?

• Can schools balance athlete pay with academic integrity?

• Is Title IX the next big battleground?

Later in the episode, Pastor Paul Miller joins to weigh in on the deeper faith and family dimensions of college sports culture, reflecting on how far the game has drifted from its educational and community roots. With his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, Paul adds a powerful perspective to an already fascinating conversation.

Whether you're a diehard Buckeye, a maize-and-blue loyalist, or simply a sports fan trying to make sense of this new world, this is the NIL masterclass you've been waiting for. It's smart, candid, and loaded with practical insight — all through the lens of faith, culture, and real life.

🟦 🎧 Subscribe, share, and join the Church Pew Sports community as we tackle the biggest issues in sports — and what they say about us.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 180 -

Brotherhood, Baseball & Saying Goodbye: Faith and Sports in Life's Toughest Moments

After a short break, Church Pew Sports returns with a powerful blend of sports talk and soul-level reflections. Hosted by Bill Hobson alongside co-hosts Pastor Paul Miller, Scott Holmgren, and David Collins, this episode begins with a spirited dive into the Detroit Tigers' surprising rise, the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, and how the NCAA's historic settlement is reshaping college sports as we know it.

The guys take on hot topics with their usual insight and humor—from the puzzling economics of baseball contracts (will Chris Ilitch pay Tarek Skubal what he's worth?) to the quirks of umpiring in an era of automated calls and helmet taps. They also unpack how the MLB app, shifting sports commentary trends, and changes in TV contracts are affecting fan engagement.

But what sets this episode apart isn't just the sports commentary—it's the deeply personal turn the conversation takes near the end.

In the final segment, Pastor Paul Miller shares an emotional update on the recent loss of his 94-year-old father, a moment that brings the meaning of Church Pew Sports into sharp focus. His honest reflections on caregiving, grief, and what it means to be supported by a "band of brothers" will resonate with every listener who has navigated loss or leaned on friends through tough times.

This segment powerfully reminds us that while sports are fun and important, they also serve as the backdrop for deeper connections—between fathers and sons, between friends, and within the podcasting community itself. Paul's words are a tribute not only to his father but to the strength found in friendship, faith, and brotherhood.

In true Church Pew fashion, the episode ends with encouragement for men everywhere: stay connected. In a world that often isolates, this podcast is a living example of what happens when men show up for each other—on and off the mic.

Whether you came for the baseball or stayed for the brotherhood, this episode delivers on every level.

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 179 - Either/Or: Sports Debates, Loyalty, and Life Lessons

In this lively and thought-provoking episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller welcome a brand-new guest: Pastor Mike Szoradi, a passionate Arizona sports fan and youth pastor with a strong Michigan family connection. What follows is a rapid-fire conversation packed with hot sports takes, irrational fan loyalty, and biblical life insights—all through the lens of sports.

The crew kicks off with a fun introduction to Mike, diving into his long-suffering loyalty to the Arizona Cardinals and his love for the Phoenix Suns. But things heat up as the group launches into a round of "either/or" sports decisions—where bold takes are required, and no one's allowed to ride the fence.

First up: should the Dallas Mavericks keep their draft lottery pick to select Cooper Flagg or trade it all for the proven greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo? Mike and Paul both make the case for Giannis, with Bill joining in agreement—highlighting not just Giannis' elite skills, but his calm demeanor and leadership qualities.

Then the trio switches gears to compare playoff atmospheres—NBA vs NHL. While Mike's NBA loyalty is rooted in his Arizona upbringing, Bill gives the edge to the nail-biting overtime thrill of NHL postseason action. Paul, ever the balance-keeper, appreciates both but finds NBA storylines this year especially compelling.

The show dives deeper into current sports controversies, including whether Michael Jordan will thrive as a broadcaster, the impact and perception of Draymond Green's behavior, and the possibility of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson entering the MLB Hall of Fame now that their bans have been lifted. Mike urges accountability, while Bill suggests history—with all its blemishes—should still be preserved.

Broadcasters like Rich Eisen and Pat McAfee also enter the discussion, with Mike favoring Eisen's polished style and Paul highlighting McAfee's fit with College GameDay. Bill agrees—McAfee may not suit daily sports talk, but he lights up the right setting.

The group wraps with a debate on college football kickoff times (noon vs primetime), critiques of controversial sports media content and owner decisions, and a few standout sports stories—from Shohei Ohtani's surprise strikeout to heartfelt high school traditions.

As always, the episode closes with a powerful spiritual reflection—this time on Proverbs 19:21—reminding listeners that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails.

Don't miss this high-energy episode filled with opinions, passion, and purpose. Be sure to subscribe at churchpewsports.com and share it with every sports-loving friend in your circle.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Pastor Mike Szoradi

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 178 - Brains, Baggage & The Big Leagues - Why So Many Young Athletes Flame Out

We welcome Kip Rodgers, founder of BrainCode Corp, for a deep and eye-opening conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes of the NFL Draft—and why so many talented athletes never live up to expectations.

With over a decade of experience assessing NFL draft prospects' mental makeup, Kip shares how she uses neuroscience-based evaluations to help athletes, agents, and teams make better decisions. From entitlement issues to spiritual grounding, Kip dives into the mental, emotional, and spiritual traits that often determine whether a player succeeds or crashes out of the league.

We discuss real stories of players who let pride and poor judgment derail their careers, and why some top talents fall in the draft for reasons beyond the field. Kip also explains the growing trend of college transfers, how money changes everything, and what she asks young players about their family life and faith background during evaluations.

Also: What role does humility play in quarterback success? Why is strong faith a predictor of stability? And how should teams screen for red flags without crossing the line?

It's a fascinating blend of sports psychology, faith, and football culture—an absolute must-listen for fans who care about what really shapes a player.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Kip Rodgers

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 177 - Shedeur Sanders - A Cautionary Tale from the NFL Draft

In this episode of Church Pew Sports, we welcome a special guest—Bryce Johnson, host of the Unpackin It podcast and founder of a sports-faith ministry that's been impacting lives for over a decade. Bryce joins Bill and Paul to talk sports loyalties (yes, he's a Duke fan), ministry in the locker room, and how fantasy football can actually draw people closer to Christ.

We dive deep into the 2025 NFL Draft, breaking down quarterback drama, the mystery of Shedeur Sanders' draft slide, and why NFL teams still struggle to evaluate talent correctly. Bryce The crew also talks about how NIL deals are changing the hunger levels of incoming NFL talent.

This episode goes beyond Xs and Os—we explore how perception shapes opportunity, and why humility matters more than ever in sports and in faith. Bryce offers insights into living boldly for Christ even when it's uncomfortable, referencing moments from the draft that highlight how character can make or break an athlete's future.

Plus: Mel Kiper hot takes, draft-night surprises, NBA replay frustrations, and why Seth Rollins announcing the Bears' pick was Paul's favorite moment of the weekend.

Don't miss this conversation at the intersection of sports, faith, and culture—and hear how Bryce is helping fans unpack both the games they love and the gospel they need.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Bryce Johnson

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 176 - 2025 NFL Draft of Biblical Characters

What if the NFL Draft looked a little more… Biblical?

Welcome to a truly unique episode of Church Pew Sports, where the crew dives into a one-of-a-kind fantasy draft—selecting Biblical figures to build the ultimate NFL team. It's the 2025 NFL Biblical Character Draft, and trust us, it's just as wild, hilarious, and thought-provoking as it sounds.

In this episode, Joshua takes Samson off the board early for his raw power and sky-high potential, even if his locker room presence might raise a few eyebrows. Bill picks John, the beloved disciple, envisioning him as a lightning-fast wide receiver. Meanwhile, Paul throws a massive curveball by selecting Og, the King of Bashan—arguably the biggest draft pick in NFL history.

From linebackers with Daniel's fearlessness to quarterbacks like Gideon and David with legendary leadership skills, the crew debates the perfect blend of spiritual strength and gridiron grit. There's even talk of Methuselah anchoring the O-line with centuries of chemistry-building experience!

As the episode unfolds, the team mixes humor, biblical insight, and football strategy, all while exploring how faith intersects with competition. The conversation wraps with thoughts on modern sports—from TV-driven college rankings to the ethics of roster building in today's NCAA.

It's the draft episode you never knew you needed—until now.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Pastor Josh Pardee

Josh Gilmer

Jacob Miller

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 175 - March Madness Memories As A Legend's Son with Brandt Packer

The Final Four is filled with 1-seeds and brackets have largely been busted...but this edition of CPS is championship material as we welcome special guest Brandt Packer, the son of the late legendary broadcaster Billy Packer.

Brandt's career as a top TV sports producer and his dad's legacy as one of the most revered analysts in the game provides us with powerful insights into the world of college sports, media, and the unbreakable bond between father and son.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Kurt David

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: [email protected]

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316