THE GRINDHOUSE POD

In this episode of The Grind House Podcast, we dive into what it really means for athletes to hit rock bottom. From injuries and getting cut, to losing identity when the game is over, we talk about the mental, emotional, and spiritual toll that comes when sports no longer define you.

This conversation explores the dark moments athletes face when the lights go off, the crowd disappears, and they are forced to figure out who they are beyond the jersey. More importantly, we discuss how pain can become purpose, how faith can shape recovery, and how some of the strongest people are built in the moments when everything falls apart.

If you have ever had to rebuild your life after losing something that defined you, this episode is for you.

Because sometimes rock bottom is where the real grind begins.

The Grind House Podcast – Wednesday Wind DownThis one right here goes deeper than football.Anthony James sits down with Louis Trinca-Pasat for a real conversation about identity, rock bottom, and what happens when the game is taken away from you.Louis was that guy at Iowa. Team captain. All-Big Ten. Defensive MVP. A leader. Football wasn’t just what he did… it was who he was.But when the NFL didn’t go the way he planned, injuries hit, and the opportunity slipped, everything changed.We talk about that fall.The mental battle.The silence.The moments where you’re forced to ask yourself… who am I without this?And then… the shift.From depression to purpose.From identity in football to identity in faith.From chasing a roster spot to walking in a calling.Louis opens up about his turning point, his mission work, and how discipline from the game now fuels his life in ministry, discipleship, and helping others find something deeper.This isn’t just about sports.This is about losing yourself… and finding something greater on the other side.Tap in. Wind down. This one might hit different.https://louistrinca.com/https://louistrinca.com/the-fast-walk-new-book/

In this episode of The Grindhouse Podcast, host Anthony James sits down with Terrell Washington for a real and unfiltered conversation about prayer in sports.

We get into what prayer actually means for athletes on and off the field. Is it something that truly helps players stay mentally locked in, grounded, and focused under pressure? Or has it become something people lean on when things don’t go their way?

This isn’t surface-level talk. We break down the mindset of athletes, the role of faith in preparation and performance, and how prayer can either build discipline or become a crutch depending on how it’s used.

If you’ve ever wondered how belief, accountability, and performance all connect in sports, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

This episode is sponsored by:

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In this episode, we sit down with Coach Terrence Robinson, a proud Flint, Michigan native whose journey through football is as gritty and inspiring as the city he comes from. Coach Robinson opens up about his roots in Flint, how the city shaped his leadership style, and the mentors who helped guide his path. We dive into his coaching philosophy, the role of culture and discipline at CMU, and what it really takes to build young men both on and off the field.

He also shares candid thoughts on today’s recruiting world, advice for athletes coming out of tough environments, and what legacy he hopes to leave in the game. From lessons learned in locker rooms to the life-changing power of mentorship, this conversation is full of wisdom, grit, and heart.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or young athlete chasing a dream, this one’s for you.

This week on the podcast, we chop it up with Carey Davis—former NFL fullback, current ESPN radio personality, and the voice on the sidelines for University of Illinois football. Carey shares his journey from playing under the bright lights of the NFL to calling games and connecting with the next generation of athletes. We dive into his passion for the game, what it's like covering Illini football up close, and how his experiences as a player shape his perspective as a broadcaster. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just love a good comeback story, this episode brings insight, laughs, and plenty of behind-the-scenes moments from one of the most respected voices in the game.

🎙️ New Episode: Fighting With Faith – The Story of Sid Edwards & Kingdom City Boxing 🥊🙏

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Sid Edwards, the founder of Kingdom City Boxing in Bloomington, Illinois. Sid isn’t just teaching people how to fight in the ring—he’s teaching them how to fight through life with purpose, discipline, and faith.

From his personal transformation to building a gym rooted in community, mentorship, and spiritual growth, Sid shares how boxing became a tool for saving lives and shaping futures. We dive into his vision for Kingdom City, the role of faith in his work, and the impact he’s making on the next generation.

If you’ve ever needed a reminder that purpose can come from pain and that true strength begins within, this one’s for you.

In this special episode, we sit down with Timmy Dick and his son Hudson for a raw and inspiring conversation about racing, wrestling, and the bond that fuels both. Timmy, a seasoned figure in the world of dirt track racing, opens up about the hustle behind the sport, while Hudson shares what it's like growing up with a racing legacy—and carving his own path on the wrestling mat and behind the wheel.

We talk about life lessons learned in the pits, the grind of balancing school, sports, and racing weekends, and what keeps this father-son duo grounded through it all. Whether you're into motorsports, youth athletics, or just a good story about family and grit, this one hits home.

we chop it up with Austin Curtis, founder of The Performance Lab — a training facility that’s changing the game when it comes to athletic development. Austin shares the mindset, science, and strategy behind his approach to training athletes at every level, from high school standouts to pros.

We dive into:

• His journey from athlete to performance coach

• The core principles behind The Performance Lab's success

• How he customizes programs for different sports and body types

• What it really takes to build strength, speed, and resilience

• The role of mentorship, mental toughness, and recovery

Whether you're an athlete, a coach, or just someone chasing your best self, this conversation is packed with gems. Tap in and take notes!

🎙️ Chop It Up Wednesday – Featuring Brian Barnhart, The Voice of the Illini

This week on Chop It Up, we sit down with legendary broadcaster Brian Barnhart — the Voice of the Fighting Illini. From calling buzzer-beaters on the hardwood to electrifying moments on the gridiron, Brian shares unforgettable stories from his decades behind the mic. We dive into his journey in sports broadcasting, his deep connection to the University of Illinois, and the preparation and passion it takes to bring Illini athletics to life for fans everywhere.

Chop It Up Wednesday: Lance Spieker – Promoter of Farmer City Raceway

This week on Chop It Up, we’re joined by Lance Spieker, the man behind the action at Farmer City Raceway. Lance talks about what it takes to promote one of the Midwest’s most exciting dirt tracks, the highs and lows of race day, and his passion for building a community around motorsports. Whether you're a die-hard racing fan or just curious about life behind the scenes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.