Episode 95

David Hess has always been able to play baseball at a high level. In October 2021, however, he ran into arguably his biggest roadblock yet. He started experiencing chest tightness, which led doctors to discover a cancerous tumor in his chest. His baseball career has been put on hold somewhat, but he is now starting to work his way back onto the field for the Tampa Bay Rays.

He and his wife Devon joined "Table Forty" this week to talk with Matt and Leslee Holliday about how God is working through them amidst the cancer diagnosis and recovery. They also open up about their marriage, their relationship with God, navigating long distance dating while David was in the minor leagues, and how their faith in God was formed.

Hess was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round in 2014 but eventually signed with the Rays in 2020. He was traded to the Miami Marlins in 2021 before eventually re-signing with the Rays. He announced in January that he was "cured" of cancer and clear to resume baseball activities.

"Table Forty" is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 94

Tyler Clutts played six seasons in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, and Miami Dolphins, as well as a couple stints in the Canadian Football League. He and his wife Tiffany joined "Table Forty" this week to reflect on his playing career and what God is doing in their lives while he's out of football.

Tyler shares some insight on his football journey and the work it took to get there, and they both offer some career and relationship advice for navigating Christian relationships and marriages.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 93

After breaking into the major leagues in 2019, Tommy Edman has emerged as one of the best utility players in the league, though he's settled into the second base position with the St. Louis Cardinals and won a National League Gold Glove Award in 2021. He's also one of the newest additions to a Cardinals clubhouse that's full of believers.

He joined "Table Forty" with Matt and Leslee Holliday this week to talk about his upbringing in California, his college baseball experience at Stanford, and how he's grown as a player since being called up to the major leagues. He also shared about his faith upbringing, the mentors who have guided him, and how his faith helps him keep everything in perspective. Edman is part of a Bible study with other Cardinals teammates, and he gave some insight into what that Bible study looks like.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 92

Chris Burke played six seasons in the major leagues, mostly with the Houston Astros, where he played in the 2005 World Series. Now, he's best known for his work as an analyst with ESPN covering Southeastern Conference baseball. He and his family live in Louisville, Kentucky, where he coaches youth sports and offers private baseball lessons.

He joined "Table Forty" to talk about his baseball career, family, parenting, coaching, and how his faith is at the center of it all.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 91

Kevin Millar played 12 season in the major leagues, splitting time between the Florida Marlins, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Toronto Blue Jays. He was a member of the Red Sox 2004 World Series championship team.

Now, he's best known for being one of the hosts on MLB Network's Intentional Talk, where he showcases his humor and baseball knowledge for an entertaining program. He and his wife Jeana join "Table Forty" to talk with Matt and Leslee Holliday about marriage, parenting, baseball, and faith.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 90

Daniel Norris is in his ninth season in the major leagues and first with the Chicago Cubs. He is an outspoken Christian and advocate for a minimalist lifestyle. He's also a cancer survivor. His faith is what guides him in everything he does both on and off the field, he said.

He joined "Table Forty" this week to share his journey and how his faith in God leads him as both a man and as a baseball player.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 89

Don Christensen is the Executive Vice President of the Professional Athlete Division of Ronald Blue Trust. He serves as Matt and Leslee Holliday's financial planner, as well as for countless other current and former professional athletes and their families.

He's a man of faith, a spiritual mentor, and an expert on financial responsibility from a Biblical perspective. Much of this conversation centers around money, mentoring, and message of 2 Timothy, where Paul offers a personal challenge to Timothy to keep following Jesus no matter the risk.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Episode 88

Matt and Leslee Holliday are back with Season 3 of "Table Forty," and their first guests are Adam and Jamie Engel. Adam is entering his sixth season in the major leagues with the Chicago White Sox after a stellar career at the University of Louisville. He and his wife join the show to talk about how they met, the lessons they've learned about marriage during their time together, navigating married life in professional baseball, and using their platforms to share their faith.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

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Matt Carpenter is an 11-year major league veteran who's spent his entire professional career with the St. Louis Cardinals. He's a three-time All-Star who has been a part of two World Series teams in 2011 and 2013. But he almost didn't make it there.

He arrived at Texas Christian to play baseball, but it wasn't long after that he began to neglect the discipline that got him there. He added a lot of weight and was just sort of treading water with his ability. His head coach had a heart-to-heart conversation with him prior to his senior year, and it changed everything. Carpenter quit a number of things cold turkey and realized it was now or never if he was going to have a career playing professional baseball.

He shares that story in this week's clip for Table Forty.

PROGRAMMING NOTE: Season 3 of Table Forty with brand new episodes will begin next week, so make sure you're subscribed on your favorite podcast app so you don't miss it!

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.

Today on Table Forty, we'll revisit a conversation from last April with Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes. In this clip, Barnes talks with Matt and Leslee about how he builds lasting relationships with his players, what his coaching philosophy is, and how his faith has impacted his coaching.

He shares an anecdote from one of his players who confronted him about his use of vulgarity. From that point on, Barnes stopped swearing and hasn't since.

Table Forty is part of the Sports Spectrum Podcast Network.