In this episode of the West to East Podcast, former Auburn football player John Samuel Shenker shares his journey from SEC football to building a new life centered around faith, family, and his passion for training bird dogs.

We talk about the challenges of finding your identity after sports, the lessons football taught him, why bird dog training has become such a meaningful pursuit, and how God uses every season of life to prepare us for what's next.

Whether you're a sports fan, a hunter, or someone navigating a new chapter, this conversation is a reminder that your purpose is never defined by a jersey, a career, or a title.

In Episode 2, we sit down with NFL kicker Anders Carlson to talk about the pressure that comes with performing on one of the biggest stages in sports. From the highs of making kicks to the lows of missing them, Anders shares what it's like to compete in the NFL while learning that his identity isn't found in football.

We dive into faith, resilience, handling criticism, and what it looks like to trust God when your career is full of pressure and uncertainty. Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply chasing excellence, this conversation is a reminder that your worth isn't determined by your performance.

If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that who they are is greater than what they do.

In Episode 001 of the West to East Podcast, we sit down with professional golfer Carson Bacha to talk about the reality of chasing the PGA Tour.

From living out of a suitcase on the Korn Ferry Tour to developing the discipline required to compete at the highest level, Carson shares what life on the road is really like, the sacrifices most people never see, and how his faith has shaped him through every season.

Whether you're an athlete, entrepreneur, or simply pursuing excellence in your own life, this conversation is a reminder that true success is built long before anyone sees the results.

Topics Covered:
• Life on the Korn Ferry Tour
• Discipline vs. motivation
• The sacrifices behind professional golf
• Finding identity beyond sports
• Faith through every season

Subscribe for more conversations with athletes, outdoorsmen, and leaders who are pursuing excellence while keeping Christ at the center.