What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back and this week we’re joined by TJ McConnell, Indiana Pacers guard and one of Pittsburgh’s toughest hoopers. From jump balls with Kobe Bryant to five-steal playoff games, TJ’s story is all about heart, hustle, and proving doubters wrong.🔥 In this episode, we dive into:✅ Growing up in Pittsburgh hoops culture & playing for his dad at Chartiers Valley✅ Why he chose Duquesne over bigger schools, then transferred to Arizona✅ Going undrafted, earning his spot in Philly, and becoming a respected vet✅ Guarding superstars like Kyrie and the mental game behind it✅ Locker room stories, wine cellar hangs, and unforgettable high school moments✅ The evolution of his game, from high-volume shooter to elite role player✅ Why team chemistry & culture matter more than ever in today’s NBAThis episode has it all—laughs, behind-the-scenes NBA stories, and Pittsburgh pride. TJ keeps it real about how hard you have to work to stay in the league—and why being yourself matters most.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw conversations with athletes who grind.📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]🔗 Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod#ChristianKuntzPodcast #TJMcConnell #PittsburghHoops #NBAStories #UnderdogMentality #PacersBasketball #KobeMoment #Duquesne #ArizonaWildcats #SteelersNation

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back and we’ve got a legend in the building—longtime Duquesne head coach Jerry Schmitt. From teaching math to building a powerhouse football culture, Coach Schmitt has been leading and mentoring players for over four decades—and he’s still going strong.This one’s packed with stories, lessons, laughs, and a ton of football wisdom.🔥 In this episode, we dive into:✅ Coach Schmitt’s coaching journey from high school to Duquesne✅ Hilarious stories—including how he beat Christian at TPC Sawgrass 🏌️‍♂️✅ The evolution of Duquesne Football from D3 to D1✅ Navigating the transfer portal, NIL, and college football’s future✅ Why culture, mentorship, and mental reps matter more than ever✅ The iconic moment when Christian picked off Taylor Heinicke in his first college game✅ And yes… that fake punt story and a few locker room legendsWhether you're a football fan, coach, player, or just love real conversations with real people, this one is special. Coach Schmitt is the definition of loyalty, leadership, and legacy.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with the voices behind the grind.📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]🔗 Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod#SteelersNation #ChristianKuntzPodcast #CoachSchmitt #DuquesneFootball #CollegeFootball #NIL #TransferPortal #FootballCulture #UnderdogMentality #PittsburghPride

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back with another episode and this one’s a little different—we’ve got no guest, just Christian, Jesse, Swing and Tre chopping it up and diving into everything from the Minkah Fitzpatrick trade to wild sports hypotheticals and the future of training in the NFL.🔥 In this episode, we dive into:✅ Reactions to the Steelers trading Minkah and adding Jalen Ramsey & Jonnu Smith✅ Business side of the NFL—why tough moves have to be made✅ Breakout predictions and how the O-line could be the difference maker✅ Steroids in sports, Adderall in the NFL & the “enhanced” Olympics debate✅ Why NBA & NFL fans need to stop disrespecting pro athletes✅ Pros vs. Joes—the reality of trying to compete with elite talentThis episode is packed with raw takes, laughs, and real talk from inside the locker room and beyond. If you love football, the fight game, or just hearing unfiltered opinions from the guys, this one’s for you.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes with real convos and real insights.📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]🔗 Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod#SteelersNation #ChristianKuntzPodcast #NFLTalk #JalenRamsey #MinkahFitzpatrick #SteroidsInSports #ProvsJoe #FootballBusiness #SteelersDefense #UnderdogMentality

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back with Season 2 Episode 3, and this week, we’re joined by Yahya Black, rookie defensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers. And let’s get it straight—it’s Yahya, not Yaya (sorry, Christian’s grandma 👵).Yahya’s journey is one of grit, humility, and pure work ethic—from growing up in a small farm town in Minnesota to anchoring Iowa’s legendary D-line, and now stepping into Pittsburgh’s storied defensive legacy.🔥 In this episode, we dive into:✅ Growing up in Marshall, MN and embracing small-town toughness✅ His path to Iowa and why he turned down Minnesota✅ What makes Iowa’s football culture so special—and so brutal✅ Adjusting to NFL life, OTAs, and learning from Cam Heyward✅ The real Combine experience (spoiler: he hated it)✅ His thoughts on Pittsburgh, the fans, and that legendary D-line tradition✅ Why he’s already taking extra reps, studying film, and playing with something to proveYahya brings humor, humility, and a dog mentality to the conversation. If you love football from the trenches, or want to hear what it’s like stepping into the NFL as a rookie, this episode is for you.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw conversations with the next generation of Steelers.📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]🔗 Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod

#SteelersNation #ChristianKuntzPodcast #YABlack #NFLRookie #TrenchTalk #PittsburghSteelers #IowaFootball #UnderdogMentality #SteelCurtain #BlackAndGold

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back with another episode you definitely will not want to miss, and today we’re sitting down with Steelers offensive tackle Calvin Anderson—and trust me, this dude is one of the most interesting men in the NFL.From grinding his way from Rice to Texas, surviving a life-threatening battle with malaria, to building an investment firm with his wife and uplifting underserved communities, Calvin’s story is one of resilience, purpose, and real perspective.🔥 In this episode, we dive into:✅ His early football journey—from Philly to Rice to Texas✅ Balancing a D1 football career while majoring in mathematical economics✅ Going undrafted, proving himself in the NFL, and signing with the Steelers✅ How he nearly died from malaria and found new meaning in life✅ The mental battles of rehab, identity, and rediscovering purpose✅ His entrepreneurship, real estate projects, and financial literacy initiatives✅ Why Wilkinsburg, PA is his latest passion projectThis episode goes way beyond football. It’s about the mindset it takes to overcome, to lead, and to build something meaningful—on and off the field.👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw conversations!📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]🔗 Follow us on social media:📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod#SteelersNation #ChristianKuntzPodcast #CalvinAnderson #NFLJourney #FootballAndFinance #PurposeDriven #WilkinsburgStrong #UnderdogMentality #MoreThanAnAthlete

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back and kicking off Season 2 with a heater—Steelers running back Jonathan "J" Ward joins the show for an unfiltered look at his rise from Kankakee, Illinois to the NFL.

From nearly going down the wrong path to honoring a promise to his grandfather, his story is a masterclass in perseverance, purpose, and keeping your soul intact in a business that’s all grind.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:

✅ Growing up in one of Illinois’ roughest towns—and choosing football over gangs

✅ The legacy of his grandfather and how it shaped everything

✅ Crazy recruiting stories, Mac-tion football, and life at Central Michigan

✅ Getting undrafted and grinding through Arizona, Tennessee, and Pittsburgh

✅ Special teams, being a “priority free agent,” and the power of staying ready

✅ The truth about practice squad life—and why 10 years in the league means everything

✅ Mental health, faith, charity, and doing the work without the spotlight

✅ A wild fish story from the Allegheny (you’ll want to hear this one 🐟)

J keeps it real—talking about humility, heartbreak, and holding on to your identity in a league that doesn’t guarantee anything.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw conversations!

📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]

🔗 Follow us on social media:

📸 Instagram: @christiankuntzpod

#ChristianKuntzPodcast #JayWard #NFLUnderdog #Steelers #MacFootball #MentalToughness #SpecialTeams #MikeTomlin #PracticeSquadGrind #Pittsburgh #UndraftedToTheLeague #KankakeeToNFL #WPIAL #FaithAndFootball #Season2Launch

What’s up, everyone? The Christian Kuntz Podcast is back with Episode 46—and this one’s for the hockey heads, the grinders, and anyone who's battled adversity. We’re joined by Eric Tangradi, NHL vet and the first hockey guest on the pod. He breaks down what it’s REALLY like to go from inner-city Philly to the Pittsburgh Penguins, the evolution of toughness in sports, and what today’s young athletes need to hear.

From fighting on the ice to fighting mental battles off it, Eric keeps it real about the grit, the grind, and what gets lost in the highlight generation.

🔥 In this episode, we cover:
✅ Eric’s wild journey from YMCA floor hockey to the NHL
✅ Learning to skate as a figure skater—yes, really
✅ Playing for the Penguins and protecting stars like Sidney Crosby
✅ The NHL code: why fights happen, how they start, and what they mean
✅ Hockey’s softening rules and the cost of overprotecting athletes
✅ Social media pressure, youth sports culture, and raising mentally tough kids
✅ Building grit vs. faking grind—what’s missing in today’s game
✅ Transitioning to coaching and raising the standard the right way

Eric opens up about mental health, coaching high school hockey, and how losing himself in the NHL grind taught him to live with purpose. It’s powerful, it’s funny, it’s real—and it’s one every athlete and parent needs to hear.

👉 Like, comment, and subscribe for more raw conversations!
📩 For business inquiries: [email protected]

🔗 Follow us on social media:
📸 Instagram: @‌christiankuntzpod

#ChristianKuntzPodcast #EricTangradi #NHL #PittsburghPenguins #HockeyFights #YouthSports #MentalHealth #OldSchoolGrit #SidneyCrosby #UnderdogMentality #HockeyCode #LockerRoomTalk #Steelers #WPIAL #NextGenAthletes

What’s up, everybody? This episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Christian sits down with Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr., joined by Tre and Jesse, for a raw and wide-ranging conversation. From growing up as the son of an NFL legend to carving his own path through Penn State and into the Steelers' starting lineup, Joey opens up about claiming Pittsburgh as home, his surprising draft day experience, and the chip on his shoulder that fuels his game.They also dive into:- His high school journey and why he flipped from WR to DB- Why he turned down Pitt despite being a hometown recruit- The pressures and perks of being Joey Porter Sr.’s son- Learning from Steelers legends like Patrick Peterson and Ike Taylor- His off-field work, including a powerful family story behind a special needs foundation- How the NFL differs from college, NIL culture, and why tackling matters in the AFC NorthDon’t miss this deep, unfiltered look at one of the NFL’s rising stars and what it really takes to make it at the next level.Let’s run it.For partnership inquiries, email us at [email protected].

What’s up, everybody? This episode of The Christian Kuntz Podcast brings the heat with a hometown hero—former MLB standout and Pittsburgh legend Neil Walker.We go way beyond the stats in this one. Neil opens up about life before the big leagues, being a multi-sport athlete in Western PA, and the critical moment he had to choose between D1 football and pro baseball. He shares inside stories from draft day, his first at-bat in the majors, and what it felt like to be drafted by the Pirates—his hometown team.We get deep into:

• His unreal journey from high school football standout to first-round MLB draft pick
• The behind-the-scenes story of turning the only 4-5-4 triple play in MLB history
• Real talk on the mental battle of failure in pro sports and staying even-keeled under pressure
• Why playing multiple sports as a kid made him a better pro—and what today’s athletes are missing
• A powerful story about his dad’s close call with Roberto Clemente’s final flight
• And what he wishes he did differently in his career now that he's mentoring the next generation

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, a parent, or just someone who loves raw conversations around resilience, legacy, and mindset—you’ll feel this one.Don’t miss Neil’s take on what separates good players from great ones—and why you should never let your parents want it more than you do.👉 Hit that like button, subscribe, and share it with a friend who needs to hear what it really takes to make it and stay grounded.Let’s run it.For partnership inquiries, email us at [email protected].

Two first-rounders. One live draft night. A brand new member added to the club.Episode 43 of The Christian Kuntz Podcast was recorded live from Stage AE as Steelers legends Casey Hampton and Louis Lipps took the stage while Pittsburgh made its 2025 first-round pick. They share what it felt like to get that call, the pressure that comes with being a first-rounder, and what it really means to wear the black and gold.From unfiltered stories about special teams, blocking under Chuck Noll, and battling in the trenches, to real talk about how the game’s changed—this one’s loaded with grit, perspective, and a whole lot of pride.#ChristianKuntzPodcast #Steelers #CaseyHampton #LouisLipps #FirstRoundClub #NFLDraft2025 #StageAE #SteelersNation