Priscilla Shirer steps into this episode with honesty, humor, and hard-won faith. Sam, Clif, and Priscilla go deep—into stories of calling, what surrender to God really looks like, and how loss can open space for peace and perspective. Priscilla, who calls teaching the Bible her joy, shares how a knack for “talking too much” became a calling once surrendered to God. Together they talk about parenting, not out of a playbook, but through presence, integrity, and the courage to show up in good seasons and in grief. She opens a window into her family’s rhythms, the margin she’s learned to carve out after losing her mother, and how small, steady choices build a legacy. If you’re worn out by perfection or looking for hope that’s anchored in reality, pull up a seat at the table.

Some of the major standout moments:

• Priscilla recounts surrendering her gift for communication, remembering her father’s challenge: “If you would just surrender this thing…not get rid of it, just surrender this thing to the Lord, it could be exactly what He’s wired you for.”
• With vulnerability, Priscilla shares how ten family losses in six years, including her mother and cousin, became both a test of faith and a catalyst for living with gratitude and trust in God’s timing—“stop and smell the roses” is now a lived-out practice.
• She gives voice to the tension of raising sons as athletes and men of character, encouraging families to focus less on perfection and more on consistency, even if that means sometimes pulling out question cards to help break the ice at dinner.
• Priscilla calls coaches and parents to the crucial work of “separating for them their identity from their sport,” pushing back on a culture that ties worth to performance.
• Stepping onto a movie set for “War Room” stretched Priscilla far outside her comfort zone, turning a one-time adventure into a new avenue for ministry and impact.

Her closing word is a testimony to God’s steady hand: “He is faithful…when everything else is crumbling or disintegrating or in some way disappointing…the rock behind all of that is that He’s faithful.”

Links to checkout: 

• Going Beyond Ministries: https://www.goingbeyond.com
• The Armor of God by Priscilla Shirer: https://www.amazon.com/Armor-God-Priscilla-Shirer/dp/1430040270
• God is Able by Priscilla Shirer: https://www.amazon.com/Able-10th-Anniversary-Priscilla-Shirer/dp/1430083077/
• I Surrender All by Priscilla Shirer: https://www.amazon.com/I-Surrender-All-Priscilla-Shirer/dp/B0CSVG9QVW/

Connect with Sam: 

• Website: https://www.samacho.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube:  ⁨https://www.youtube.com/@TheSamAchoPodcast

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books: 

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

In this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Vincent Rey—a former linebacker who rose from undrafted free agent to team captain, and now serves as the Cincinnati Bengals chaplain. Vincent shares firsthand what it’s like to navigate identity, purpose, and loss when the roar of the crowd quiets and football isn’t the center anymore. Together, they open up about faith that fills the space left when performance fades, relationships that sharpen, and what it really means to own your journey—on and off the field.

Key Highlights:

• Vincent unpacks the shift from “you are what you do” to discovering a deeper identity rooted in Christ, especially during his challenging transition from player to chaplain.
• Through stories of locker room culture and coach expectations, the guys tackle the trap of making performance an idol and the freedom that comes from seeking God’s approval over chasing affirmation from coaches, crowds, or even teammates.
• Vincent reflects on pushing through a significant ankle injury during his last NFL season, wrestling with uncertainty, and learning to trust God when there are more questions than answers.
• The conversation gets practical about money, as Vincent introduces the “What’s your number?” principle—challenging athletes to take responsibility, ask hard questions, and steward their finances biblically instead of outsourcing every decision.
• Treating every moment as a job interview comes to life in Vincent’s story—he explains how character, consistency, and even the way you shake hands matter as much as stats on a depth chart.
• Vincent shares the beauty of marriage and premarital counseling in his chaplain work, describing the bond as a living picture of Christ’s faithfulness to His people and calling athletes to relationships shaped by humility, honesty, and growth.

References:

• Proverbs 27:17 – “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
• Colossians 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
• Built 4 Winning by Jeff Friday (Vincent Rey is highlighted as embodying the four foundational pillars): https://www.amazon.com/Built-Winning-Crossing-Between-Business-ebook/dp/B0B8F869NV

Connect with Sam: 

• Website: https://www.samacho.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesamacho
• X: https://x.com/thesamacho
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesamacho/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesamacho/
• YouTube:  ⁨@TheSamAchoPodcast⁩

Book Sam to speak at your event: https://www.samacho.com/speaking

Read Sam's books: 

• Let the World See You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Change Starts With You: https://www.samacho.com/resources/change-starts-with-you

In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall welcome Josh Harrison—two-time MLB All-Star, proud Cincinnati native, and a man grounded by faith, family, and relentless joy. Josh breaks down the reality of thirteen seasons in the majors: the grind, the setbacks, the unseen work, and the gratitude for every step. He shares how a rough junior year and the wisdom in 1 Peter 5:6 forged his humility, how his mother’s words—“big don’t mean bad”—shaped his identity, and why baseball never defined his purpose. With authenticity and fire, Josh opens up about the profound role of mentors, living out “iron sharpens iron” at Ignition, and stepping boldly into “Brittany season” to support his wife and kids in life after baseball.

Key highlights
• Josh Harrison’s path from Cincinnati Bearcats to thirteen MLB seasons and two All-Star selections, earning respect through hustle, athleticism, and genuine joy.
• Facing adversity: being sent down five times in one season, recovering from injuries, and enduring a junior-year slump transformed through 1 Peter 5:6 and unwavering family support.
• Core moments: his first walk-off hit on Mother’s Day with his mom and grandmother present; breaking up Rich Hill’s no-hitter with a walk-off home run; receiving MLB’s Heart and Hustle Award.
• Defining identity beyond the game: why Josh insists baseball doesn’t define him—character, faith, and family are what truly matter.
• “Big don’t mean bad”—how early lessons from his mother and competing against his older brothers fueled a fearless, competitive edge.
• What “Brittany season” really means—stepping into an active, supportive role for his wife’s dreams and his family’s future, embracing life’s next chapter with purpose and humility.
• The lasting impact of Clif Marshall’s mentorship and Ignition’s “iron sharpens iron” culture, plus the brotherhood built with teammates like Andrew McCutchen.

References
• 1 Peter 5:6 (Scripture Josh leaned on during adversity; inscribed on his gloves and wristbands) 
• Ignition Athletics; “iron sharpens iron” with Clif Marshall: https://ignitionapg.com/
• The Beat Mom Magazine by Brittney Kelley Harrison: https://www.thebeatmom.com/
• Walk-off home run breaking up Rich Hill’s no-hitter: https://www.mlb.com/news/harrison-s-walk-off-hr-ends-hill-s-no-hitter-c250122390

On this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Sam and Clif Marshall are joined by Coach Mack Brown—known for his leadership at Texas, North Carolina, Tulane, and Appalachian State—to talk candidly about recruiting, relationships, and the soul of college football.

Brown reflects on recruiting both Sam and his brother Emmanuel, emphasizing the role of family, character, and core GPA in his decision-making, and shares stories of sitting with families and sometimes even advising recruits to choose another school if it was genuinely best for them. He gives a grounded perspective on today’s college football landscape, addressing his concerns around the NIL era, transfer portal, and player well-being.

Brown highlights how small actions—like eating with players daily and inviting his wife, Sally, into the program—became anchors for connection and care, especially as he recalls real-life stories of heartbreak, mental health, and perseverance. From the “Soldier Boy” dance to motivating through tradition, every lesson lands with a reminder: in the end, it’s about relationships.

Key highlights
• Mack Brown breaks down his recruiting philosophy: why core GPA at a strong high school, parental involvement, and personal alignment matter more than hype—sometimes even encouraging families to pursue other opportunities when it’s the right call.
• Candid discussion of mental health: daily lunches with players, Sally Brown’s constant presence, and examples like Tylee Craft’s journey and Jake Lawler’s path through crisis to hope.
• Honest assessment of NIL and the transfer portal: Brown voices deep concern that today’s environment threatens graduation and long-term player stability.
• Coaching for life—not just the game: Brown grades himself by what happens to players after football, shares firsthand what it means to treat players like family, and recalls the weight of supporting young men through tragedy and loss.
• Memorable traditions and stories—pre-game rituals like blue rice before Rice, blaring opponent fight songs, and breaking out the “Soldier Boy” dance to loosen up his team.
• A closing note on legacy: the true impact of coaching comes through lifelong relationships, not trophies or records.

References
• Jake Lawler: https://jakelawler.blog/a-new-life
• UNC Hospitals (Tylee Craft’s treatment): https://www.unchealthcare.org

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Sam and Clif are joined by Casey Phillips—Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter, Mizzou Tiger, and Texas native. Casey shares her journey in sports media, guided by God’s providence and timing, and talks about living with purpose, integrity, and hope even when life hits hard. This conversation embodies what it means to go first, give space, and grow hope—on and off the field.

Key Highlights:
• Casey’s path began in Texas high school and included early internships, leading her to roles as a team reporter for major organizations like the Wizards, Rams, and Buccaneers. She attributes her career progression to a sense of calling, expressing surprise and gratitude for the opportunities she’s received.
• Casey is intentional about making her faith visible in her work environment. She supports players by being present, helps new arrivals connect with local churches, and strives to ensure her actions reflect her beliefs, so her faith is consistent with how she conducts herself.
• Handling every story and interview with care and honor. Casey ensures her actions line up with her beliefs, especially when she invites players to church.
• Facing adversity head on: Casey’s season of battling autoimmune disease and tearing her ACL, and why she believes. She lives out the truth in James 1:2 and Romans 5:3, seeing trials shape endurance and hope.
• She offers candid advice for those experiencing hardship, reminding them that difficult moments are not the end and that better days are ahead.
• Casey celebrates the growing presence of girls’ flag football and initiatives like the She Is Football Scholarship. Her message to young women is to remain true to themselves and not compromise their identity for their ambitions.

References :
• “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young – Sam’s devotional gift to teammates, a lifeline for both Sam and Casey in hard seasons: https://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Calling-Enjoying-Peace-Presence/dp/1591451884
• Ephesians 3:20 – “Immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine”
• James 1:2; Romans 5:3 – “Consider it pure joy…perseverance…hope…”
• Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation (Casey is the upcoming Tampa patient honoree at this fall’s gala): https://www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/

On this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Tim Estes—founder of AngelQ and a pioneer in artificial intelligence—to tackle the real dangers facing kids in the digital age. Tim brings decades of experience fighting online exploitation and shares how that battle became personal once he became a father. For anyone who cares about family and the real impact of technology, this episode brings essential perspective on how parents can take an active role, make wise choices, and keep their kids safe online.

Key highlights
• Tim Estes recounts his 20-year journey confronting the darkest parts of the internet with AI—working with groups like Thorn and facing the reality of child exploitation before and after having kids of his own.
• The story that changed everything for Tim: the heartbreaking loss of a child to algorithm-driven danger, and the conviction that led to creating AngelQ to keep kids safe as they explore and learn online.
• The AngelQ approach: “AI that cares” with a mission “to improve and protect a child’s wellness... partner with parents to make sure their child is protected and enriched... never sell or exploit that knowledge.”
• A clear warning about today’s mainstream apps—how attention-based business models and “dark patterns” like autoplay and endless scroll drive kids deeper into addiction, especially impacting neurodiverse children.
• What makes AngelQ different. No advertising. No sharing or exploiting what your child learns or asks. Parents get real transparency and understanding through Angel Insights so they can guide, support, and connect in meaningful moments.
• Honest stories from the front lines—how AngelQ is giving families an edge in both safety and connection, and a challenge to parents to stand strong and put children’s well-being first, despite cultural trends pushing in the opposite direction.

References
• AngelQ: https://www.angelq.ai/
• Thorn: https://www.thorn.org/
• The Social Dilemma: https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

On this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Thaddeus Bullard—best known to fans as WWE’s Titus O’Neil. Thaddeus lays his story bare, tracing his journey from being labeled “a bad kid” and facing impossible odds to finding hope through the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, believing mentors, and the relentless love of family. He speaks frankly about surviving childhood pain, his unshakable faith, and how his commitment to lifting up others reshaped not only his path but the lives of those around him. Thaddeus opens up about adopting his daughter Leah, holding to uncompromising family standards, and building a legacy that goes far beyond the ring. He also shares a behind-the-scenes look at “Queen’s Court,” his new reality series premiering July 13 on Bravo and streaming on Peacock, and delivers a timely message on why believing you’re “enough” can change everything.

Key highlights
• Real faith, real talk: Thaddeus challenges the difference between simply believing and actually living by faith—and how faith shapes every move as a father, athlete, and leader.
• Breaking generational curses: Honest accounts of growing up as the son of a 12-year-old mother, surviving abuse, and the word of one mentor that started a brand-new legacy.
• Leah’s story: The pivotal conversation and radical acceptance behind adopting his daughter Leah—and how his only non-negotiable is that his kids become great human beings, first and always.
• Lasting change over “feel-good” acts: Why Thaddeus rejects transactional charity and insists on transformation—from rebuilding schools, to guiding kids from the toughest backgrounds, to helping turn hope into something real and sustainable.
• The journey to WWE and “Queen’s Court”: How a chance encounter and encouragement from Dave Bautista led to wrestling stardom—and how Thaddeus approaches his new chapter on reality TV.
• “You are enough”: Thaddeus delivers a clear message at the heart of the episode, calling out the lies that limit us and describing the battle to safeguard your family’s future and legacy.
• Family standards and wisdom: Thaddeus breaks down the rules guiding his household—loving and respecting everyone, refusing to use the word “can’t,” and giving your best every day.

References
• Queen’s Court featuring Thaddeus Bullard, Tyson Beckford, and Carlos Boozer—hosted by Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete (debuts July 13 on Bravo and streaming on Peacock): https://www.bravotv.com/queens-court
• WWE Hall of Fame – Warrior Award: https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-hall-of-fame
• Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranches: https://www.youthranches.org/

What does it mean to win—really win—and not lose yourself along the way? In this episode, Clif Marshall and I sit down with Jeff Friday, a man who’s spent more than three decades coaching the best of the best, including 21 seasons in the NFL and a Super Bowl as head strength coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Jeff brings a level of wisdom you can only get by actually being in the room. He takes us inside his book, “Built for Winning,” and breaks down the four blocks that outlast highlights and hardware: physical, mental, social, and spiritual. We go deeper than the weight room—tracing the path from the grind of professional football to a purpose that reaches far beyond stats and rings. Whether you’re chasing a dream in sports, business, or the daily grind, this conversation shows you how to build a foundation that endures.

Key highlights
• Jeff’s journey from NFL head strength coach to leading Athletes in Action, and why ministry reshaped how he measures success.
• The four “blocks” of holistic growth—physical, mental, social, and spiritual—with roots in Luke 2:52 and lived out in the locker room and beyond.
• The power of encouragement: how small, consistent belief from others can bring a message—and a book—to life.
• Stories from the margins: how Vincent Rey, undrafted and overlooked, used these blocks to forge a nine-year NFL career and lead as team captain.
• Simple, actionable ways to get 1% better—especially in your faith—by intentionally setting aside just 14 minutes and 24 seconds each day.
• Tales from the weight room: Ray Lewis’s leadership, routines, and the real habits that separate legends from the rest.
• The truth about fulfillment: why championship rings point to something deeper, the real cost of letting wounds go unaddressed, and why healing and honest relationships matter most.

References
• “Built 4 Winning” by Jeff Friday: https://www.jefffriday.com/my-book
• “Let the World See You: How to Be Real in a World Full of Fakes” by Sam Acho: https://www.samacho.com/resources/let-the-world-see-you
• Athletes in Action: https://athletesinaction.org/

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Clif Marshall and Sam sit down with Jalen Hood-Schifino—Fino—a pro athlete whose story cuts through the noise. From his roots in a family where both football and basketball were stitched into daily life, to the weight of adversity and the sharp edges of success, Fino opens up about the realities behind the highlight reels. He shares what it means to move cities, face setbacks, choose purpose over attention, and stay anchored in faith and family when the world is quick to judge and slow to understand. You’ll hear the honest emotion behind draft night tears and NBA rookie challenges—and why for Jalen, lasting peace comes through gratitude, consistency, and the courage to be real even when the lights are brightest. This is what it looks like to gain the world and keep your soul.

Key highlights
• Family, sacrifice, and origins: Fino shares how a football and basketball family shaped his earliest dreams—and why his mom and sister remain his foundational support.
• Letting go to go further: The decision in eighth grade to set aside football and lock in on basketball, with his family moving states for new opportunity.
• The cost of growth: The Montverde years—leaving home at sixteen, battling loneliness, embracing development over spotlight, and learning how adversity forges character.
• Indiana and “peace”: An inside look at navigating college pressure, finding his footing, and choosing “peace” as his anchor through highs and lows.
• Draft night—the world’s applause and the soul’s reality: Sam and Fino pull back the curtain on the anxiety, waiting games, and flood of emotion when the phone finally rings.
• The business of the NBA: Jalen reveals the switch from college camaraderie to the high-stakes, transactional world of professional basketball—and how he keeps faith at the center.
• Faith, authenticity, and “failure is no option”: The origin story behind Fino’s brand and the perspective that fuels his commitment to resilient, purpose-driven living, no matter what comes next.

Quotes
• "After my seventh grade year, I kind of told my mom for my eighth grade year, I really want to take this time to just lock in on basketball and get ready for high school. Because I feel like, I told her, I feel like I'm going to end up making it." — Jalen Hood-Schifino
• "If you can have that internal peace and stay even-keeled, you'll be able to maximize and get what you want out of the situation and try to reach towards that positive outcome." — Jalen Hood-Schifino
• "It's not that you're never going to fail. It's like you're just never going to give up." — Jalen Hood-Schifino

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, we sit down with Bayleigh Wheat, an expert in athlete recovery and regeneration. As the Regeneration Coordinator at Sports Academy in Dallas, Texas, Bayleigh shares her journey from studying kinesiology to working with some of the best athletes in the world, including NFL first-round picks. More than just her role in athlete recovery, Bayleigh dives into her unique background in roller derby, offering a glimpse into what makes her a respected figure both on and off the rink. This episode unravels the wisdom of living with a servant's heart, whether working with highly paid NFL stars or a 69-year-old like Nancy, to help them achieve their optimal physical capacity.

Key Highlights:

• Bayleigh Wheat’s journey from roller derby to working with elite NFL athletes at the Sports Academy in Dallas.
• The importance of recovery and proper body mechanics in athlete training and performance.
• Insights into her role in preparing athletes for the NFL Combine and her personal experiences in achievement and injury.
• Bayleigh’s reflections on being a servant leader and the influences that drive her passion in sports.
• A personal dive into the world of roller derby and how it shaped her professional and personal life.

Quotes:

• "The only thing in life that you can control is your attitude." – Bayleigh Wheat
• "How do we approach every person that we make contact with the exact same way and ultimately help make them better." – Bayleigh Wheat

Connect with us and find more at samacho.com!