In Episode 187, Phil and Paul reflect on their top HSEL episodes and their personal highlights of 2025. They discuss lessons learned from various guests, personal highs and lows, including transitions in their careers and families. Through their candid discussion, they emphasize the importance of slowing down, reflecting on what truly matters, beauty in brokenness, and the profound impact of soccer on teaching life's most valuable lessons.

What are your Top 5 episodes of 2025?

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

· Providence World Website

In Episode 186, Carl Dambman, Athletes in Action Missionary, Olympic Wrestler, Author of In God's Grip, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his unique journey with wrestling and pioneering sports ministry behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War in the '70s and '80s. He shares about his remarkable experiences in sports ministry, including challenges and successes covertly sharing the Gospel and some crazy experiences during border crossings and martial law in Poland. He also talks about his book, In God's Grip, which details his work in the USSR, and how his faith journey and his mentors have had a significant impact on his life and career. Carl emphasizes the importance of collaboration in ministry, knowing one's role on teams and in life, and how the principles learned in sports translate to leadership, marriage, and parenting.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Carl and Noreen Dambman's Athletes in Action Website

· Carl's book, In God's Grip

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

· Athletes in Action website

· FCA 3D Coaching

In Episode 185, Warren Mainard, Executive Director of Impact Players, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about how his tennis career shaped his approach to life and leadership. The conversation covers the importance for men to surround themselves with a band of brothers, being a thermostat not a thermometer, the concept of 'audacious authenticity,' how tennis can help us resolve conflict in our marriage and family, and the transformative power of sports in building resilience and character. Warren also emphasizes the critical roles of faith, marriage, and family in a man's life and how Impact Players aims to inspire men to live intentionally. Listeners will gain insights into Warren's personal journey, his coaching philosophy, and practical advice on integrating faith and leadership into every aspect of life.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Impact Players Website

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

· Winning Ugly: Mental Warfare in Tennis—Lessons from a Master, Brad Gilbert

· "Break Point" (Netflix)

· "Full Swing" (Netflix)

In Episode 184, Phil and Paul reflect on the first half of Season 13, discussing highlights from their conversations with Greg Rubendall, Rick McKinley, Becca Darke, and Peter Greer. They also talk about ways we can redeem time in our lives, particularly in the context of parent-child relationships, and the importance of creating meaningful time with your kids and spouses.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

In Episode 183, we are sharing with you an interview from Phil's other podcast, Think Global, Do Justice, with Peter Greer, President of Hope International and Author of How Leaders Lose Their Way and How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You, who discusses how leaders can avoid personal mission drift through awareness (and stopping) of our misguided pursuits and rowing against the dangerous currents in our lives, such as isolation and self-focus. Peter uses the book of Ecclesiastes and story of Solomon to share practices and disciplines that can help you to finish well, such as constellation mentoring, people over projects and achievement, succession planning and cultivating younger leaders, fear of God, eulogy vs. resume virtues, and one of the biggest dangers you'll face in your leadership.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· How Leaders Lose Their Way and How to Make Sure It Doesn't Happen to You, Peter Greer and Jill Heisey

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

· Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle

· Think Global, Do Justice Podcast (formerly Think Orphan Podcast)

In Episode 182, Becca Darke, Colorado College Women's Soccer Hall of Famer, former PE Teacher, former Athletes in Action staff, mother of five, and, yes, wife of Phil, shares with Phil and Paul about her journey from hockey-centric Minnesota to her youth and collegiate soccer career, how she battled injuries, and her growing faith that led her to ministry in sports. Becca shares her experiences as the Atlanta Beat Chaplain, affirming the role of soccer in shaping character, leadership, and relationships. Becca also reflects on her personal 'why,' how Scripture continually shapes her, the importance of "making room" for others in our lives, and lessons from the game that have been applied in her marriage, parenting, and teaching roles.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Nations United Website

· Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle

· Horst Richardson HSEL Episode

In Episode 181, we are giving you an annual dose of one of our favorite interviews of all time, going back to our conversation with Graham Daniels, Ph.D., Director of Cambridge United, Director of Christians in Sport, and former player for Cambridge United and Cardiff City. He talked with us about the "Pray, Play, Say" discipleship/leadership method, his personal why, his incredible testimony of how he came to his faith in Jesus Christ and how one pivotal moment changed the course of his life forever, the critical importance of a Christian identity in elite football, achieved vs. received identity, Service vs. Survival, humility, and a leader who he respects deeply. Specifically, Graham discusses:

· His personal story, including how he grew his passion for football, coaching, ministry, and leadership, and how he got to be where he is today

· An incredible story about how he came to his Christian faith, despite one of the "worst evangelists" of all time

· His personal why/mission statement and how he is living it out

· Achieved identity vs. Received identity - Identity formation and his Ph.D. thesis on the necessity of Christian identity in dealing with performance requirements of elite football

· Three things that provide a framework for ministry in sports

· Safe to serve, not scared and surviving

· A defining moment in his life and how it impacted his development

· A leader that sticks out above the rest to him (A Premier League Manager that may surprise you)

· How he has used lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting

· His recommendations

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· HSEL Facebook Group

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Coaching the Bigger Game Program

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Humility, by Andrew Murray

· Ted Lasso (Apple TV+)

In Episode 180, Rick McKinley, Missionary Athletes International's (MAI) Director of Int'l Tours. Shares with Phil and Paul his extensive journey through sports, including impactful stories from his days as an athlete, coach, and missionary. He discusses his commitment to integrating faith and soccer, describing significant moments that shaped his understanding of the Gospel and relying on God's strength. Key highlights include Rick's impactful moments on mission trips, the importance of aligning personal identity with God rather than performance, and his efforts in training coaches globally to incorporate gospel-centered principles in their coaching methods. The episode also delves deep into personal stories, mentoring impacts, and recommended resources that have influenced Rick's approach to leadership and faith. If you're wanting to learn more about integrating sports and ministry, you definitely want to listen to this one.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· The Christian Athlete, Brian Smith

· Lead with Prayer, Peter Greer, Ryan Skoog, Cameron Doolittle

· A Hunger for God, John Piper

· The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness, Tim Keller

· The Mark of the Christian, Francis Schaffer

· Horst Richardson HSEL Episode

· Dave Irby HSEL Episode

In Episode 179, Phil and Paul engage in an eclectic and wide-ranging conversation with Greg Rubendall, who has recently started a new venture in Sacramento, ASC Midtown, and a new podcast, "The Road Warrior." The episode covers topics from personal updates to more philosophical discussions touching on biomechanics, conservation genetics, classical literature, leadership, and the power of unstructured play. Greg shares his insights on the importance of continual learning, community development, and creating environments where everyone can flourish. This engaging dialogue also explores the impact of technology in sports and the unique developmental methods observed in European soccer academies. You definitely don't want to miss this one.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training

· Candide, Voltaire

· Start with Why, Simon Sinek

· "Start with Why" TED Talk

In Episode 178, Phil and Paul reconnect to kick off Season 13, reflecting on their eventful summer and discussing key leadership lessons they learned along the way. They share personal stories and a new role for Paul in the soccer world. They delve into important lessons such as the importance of being still, focusing on prayer, understanding the evolving roles as parents, and embracing an open-handed approach to life. They emphasize the concept of being in charge without needing to be in control and the critical need for focus and needing to say no to good things for the great things. Join them as they set the stage for another impactful season filled with insightful conversations.

Resources and Links from this Episode

· Uncut Video of the Episode

· HSEL Facebook Group

· Warrior Way Soccer

· Phil's email for DISC Training