In this impactful episode, Coach Lou Holtz is joined by Auburn University Head Coach Hugh Freeze for an open and personal discussion on coaching, character, and the core values missing in modern culture. Coach Freeze shares how growing up on a dairy farm, shaped by faith and family, led him to pursue a life of service through football—and why coaching remains a calling, not just a career.

Coach Holtz and Coach Freeze explore the spiritual foundations of their leadership, the critical influence of high school coaching, and how transformational—not transactional—relationships can develop young men into leaders. Freeze speaks candidly about his own personal redemption, how God used adversity to restore his family and faith, and how that experience continues to shape his approach at Auburn.

Together, they address the evolving challenges in college football—from NIL and the transfer portal to the cultural cost of losing patience, loyalty, and educational purpose. Freeze also shares how he uses Proverbs as a tool to mentor his players, instilling timeless wisdom in a generation searching for direction.

This episode is a moving conversation about restoration, faith, humility, and the true mission of leadership: helping others succeed. Tune in to hear how Coach Hugh Freeze is using the platform of college football to coach with purpose and bring back values that once made America strong.

.

The post Hugh Freeze | S2E16 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this unforgettable episode, Coach Lou Holtz welcomes former NFL lineman and college football legend Mark May for a deeply personal conversation about overcoming adversity, leading with purpose, and living out core American values. Mark reflects on growing up in a single-parent home in upstate New York, finding direction through sports, and how his father’s work ethic laid the foundation for a life of perseverance and success.

Mark shares his journey from dominating at the University of Pittsburgh—where he protected Dan Marino and helped his team to a 22-2 record—to becoming a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins. He opens up about career-changing injuries, life after football, his transition into broadcasting, and how he continues to serve others through his long-running charity golf tournament and community work.

Coach Holtz and Mark also tackle the cultural issues facing America today, from a breakdown in truth and accountability to the importance of returning to personal responsibility, faith, and family. Mark offers heartfelt wisdom about handling adversity without bitterness, instilling values in the next generation, and leading by example.

This episode is a powerful reminder that real greatness is about character, not accolades. Don’t miss Mark May’s moving reflections and practical insights for building a stronger, more unified America.

The post Mark May | S2E15 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this wide-ranging episode, Coach Lou Holtz sits down with three-time Super Bowl Champion and longtime broadcaster Randy Cross to discuss football, family, and the deeper lessons behind sustained success. Randy shares how Coach Bill Walsh built a winning culture with the 49ers rooted in personal accountability and shared purpose—lessons that extend well beyond the gridiron.

Together, they explore how great leadership doesn’t rely on speeches but on example, sacrifice, and quiet strength. Randy opens up about protecting Hall of Famer Joe Montana, his experiences growing up with an alcoholic parent, and the pivotal moment his father helped redirect his life through discipline and faith.

Coach Holtz and Randy also address today’s challenges in college football—from NIL chaos and the transfer portal to the fading value of perseverance. They both express concern about the breakdown of family and culture, emphasizing the need to return to foundational values like faith, history, and personal responsibility.

This episode is a heartfelt reflection on overcoming adversity, building teams that last, and the urgent need to coach America back to greatness. Tune in for personal stories, timeless wisdom, and a clear-eyed look at what really matters.

This episode is a touching tribute to the power of mentorship, family, and faith. Tune in to hear how Chris Zorich turned hardship into hope—and continues to inspire others by living a life of purpose and gratitude.

The post Randy Cross | S2E14 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this moving episode, Coach Lou Holtz reconnects with former Notre Dame All-American and NFL veteran Chris Zorich for a deep and personal discussion on grit, purpose, and the values that define true success. From humble beginnings on the South Side of Chicago to the national stage of college football, Chris opens up about the role of his mother, the influence of love and discipline, and the spiritual foundation that carried him through.

Coach Holtz and Chris reflect on pivotal moments—from dumpster diving for food to becoming the most valuable player in the Orange Bowl. They explore the strength that comes from adversity, the unbreakable bonds of a football brotherhood, and the leadership lessons learned both on and off the field. Chris shares insights from his foundation work, his time in the NFL, and why he believes restoring American culture starts with love, commitment, and responsibility.

This episode is a touching tribute to the power of mentorship, family, and faith. Tune in to hear how Chris Zorich turned hardship into hope—and continues to inspire others by living a life of purpose and gratitude.

The post Chris Zorich | S2E13 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this episode, Coach Lou Holtz sits down with Bubba Cunningham, one of college athletics’ most respected leaders and the longtime Athletic Director at the University of North Carolina. With a career rooted in integrity and excellence, Bubba shares his story from humble beginnings in Naples, Florida to leading one of the most prestigious athletic departments in the nation.

Together, Coach Holtz and Bubba reflect on their shared roots at Notre Dame, the lessons of leadership learned through sports, and the values that sustain great teams and great institutions. Bubba opens up about hiring coaches, building a winning culture, and why the essence of college athletics is about more than trophies—it’s about education, character, and community.

They also tackle timely issues like NIL, the transfer portal, and the growing commercial pressures on college sports. Bubba speaks candidly about the impact of government and legal rulings, the challenges of maintaining Olympic sports, and what must be done to protect the collegiate model.

From fencing championships to Final Fours, from parenting to purpose, Bubba Cunningham offers wisdom on how athletics can inspire, educate, and unite us. This episode is a thoughtful and inspiring look at how strong leadership, timeless values, and a clear sense of mission can shape not only a successful program, but a stronger America.

The post Bubba Cunningham | S2E12 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this thought-provoking episode, Coach Lou Holtz welcomes Paula Scanlan—a former NCAA swimmer and teammate of Lia Thomas—for a courageous conversation on fairness, femininity, and the cultural battle facing America’s young women. Paula shares her personal experience navigating the emotional and political fallout of competing against a biological male, and how her fight to protect women’s sports turned into a national movement.

Coach Holtz and Paula dive into the broader implications of the issue, from the erosion of Title IX protections to the cultural cost of silencing common sense. Paula discusses the backlash she faced for speaking the truth, the silence of teammates and institutions, and the inspiring support she’s received from across the political spectrum.

They explore what it means to have integrity in today’s world, how sports shaped Paula’s life, and why Americans of all ages must stand up for truth, biology, and basic fairness. She shares her work with the America First Policy Institute, her testimony before Congress, and her advice for young women facing similar challenges.

This episode is a powerful reminder that leadership starts with courage—and that defending American values requires ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Tune in for a conversation that is honest, hopeful, and deeply needed in today’s cultural climate.

.

The post Paula Scanlan | S2E11 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this inspiring episode, Coach Lou Holtz reconnects with one of the most electrifying players in college football history—Raghib “Rocket” Ismail. A former Notre Dame superstar and pro football standout, Rocket joins Coach Holtz to revisit his unforgettable career, from his legendary speed and national championship run to his time in both the CFL and NFL.

But beyond the highlights, Rocket opens up about the people and faith that shaped him—from the grandmother who introduced him to Christ, to the lessons he learned under Coach Holtz’s leadership. Together, they reflect on Notre Dame’s winning culture, the transition to professional football, and the importance of humility, perseverance, and doing things the right way.

Rocket also discusses the modern cultural shift in America, warning against the erosion of discernment and moral clarity in today’s society. With honesty and heartfelt wisdom, he reminds us that judgment grounded in faith and truth is key to protecting both values and families.

This episode is a heartfelt look at legacy, leadership, and living a life of purpose. Tune in to hear Rocket’s story, filled with humor, humility, and a powerful message about returning to the faith and values that make America strong.

The post Raghib “Rocket” Ismail | S2E10 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this powerful episode, Coach Lou Holtz is joined by Chad Robichaux—a decorated Force Recon Marine, special operator, author, and founder of the Mighty Oaks Foundation—for an unflinching look at faith, service, and the leadership America desperately needs. Chad opens up about his eight deployments to Afghanistan, including the rescue mission that evacuated over 17,000 allies during the disastrous withdrawal.

Chad shares his deeply personal struggles with PTSD, the turning point that led him to Christ, and how his battle for healing became a mission to help fellow veterans. From founding a faith-based recovery ministry that has served over half a million warriors, to leading humanitarian missions in Ukraine with his son, Chad reveals what it truly means to live a life of selfless service.

Coach Holtz and Chad explore the urgent need to restore American culture—starting with discipline, faith, personal responsibility, and strong leadership. With reflections on purpose, patriotism, and perseverance, this conversation is a stirring call to action for those who believe America’s best days can still lie ahead.

The post Chad Robichaux | S2E9 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this episode, Coach Lou Holtz sits down with David Herche—distinguished businessman, visionary leader, and board member of the America First Policy Institute—for a thoughtful conversation on entrepreneurship, accountability, and the principles that drive enduring success.

David shares how he turned a struggling manufacturing firm into a thriving billion-dollar enterprise by embracing risk, empowering others, and never compromising on hard work or integrity. From his humble start as a CPA to mentoring future leaders and creating thousands of high-paying jobs, David’s story is a masterclass in leadership and American grit.

Together, Coach Holtz and David explore the pressing need to rebuild our nation’s work ethic and cultural values. They discuss the importance of skilled trades, the dignity of work, and how private enterprise—not government dependency—is the true engine of opportunity. David also opens up about his passion for helping chronically unemployed individuals find work through Cincinnati Works, his nonprofit focused on second chances and economic self-sufficiency.

This episode is an inspiring reminder that strong businesses and strong communities go hand in hand—and that restoring the American Dream starts with strong leadership and unwavering principles. Tune in for practical insights, timeless wisdom, and a compelling look at how one man’s values helped transform lives.

The post David Herche | S2E8 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.

In this heartfelt episode, Coach Lou Holtz welcomes Shaun Alexander—former NFL MVP, Seattle Seahawks legend, and dedicated father of 12—for a conversation that goes far beyond the gridiron. From his humble beginnings in Kentucky to setting NFL records and building a life centered on faith and family, Shaun shares the moments that shaped his journey and the values that define his legacy.

Together, Coach Holtz and Shaun reflect on what it means to be a true leader—in football, in family, and in faith. Shaun discusses how he stayed grounded during his rise to stardom, the foundational role his mother and coaches played in his life, and how he now equips athletes to thrive beyond sports through the Professional Legacy Program. He also dives into his latest calling: founding Harvest Covenant, a groundbreaking educational model that empowers homeschooled students to excel academically, athletically, and spiritually.

This episode is a compelling reminder that success isn’t measured by fame or fortune, but by the lives we impact and the legacy we leave. Tune in for practical wisdom, powerful testimonies, and a fresh perspective on how to restore the values that make America strong.

The post Shaun Alexander | S2E7 appeared first on The Lou Holtz Show.