The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast

Dominic Carstens - Eucharistic Enthusiasm! - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #53

In this episode, we talk with Dominic Carstens who participated as a Perpetual Pilgrim in the recent National Eucharistic Pilgrimage  This event was a precursor to the National Eucharistic Congress held in Indianapolis on July 20 – 21, 2024. The Pilgrimage consisted of four routes, East, West, North, and South which made the shape of a cross over America. Each group took our Lord, present in the Eucharist, as they made their way across the country ministering to everyone they met. Dominic was on the Seton Route from the East that began in Connecticut. Dominic’s love and enthusiasm for our Lord is quite evident in the presentation of his experiences along the way as he walked and traveled with our Eucharistic Lord! Dominic’s sports experience began humbly in a cow pasture in Wisconsin. After graduating from high school, Dominic was a missionary in Kenya where sports was a way to connect with the children. He graduated from college this year and works at the Catholic Ecology Center. Dominic encourages us all to grow closer to our Lord, especially through the Sacraments of Confession and the Eucharist and to encourage others to do the same.
Links to Dominic:Instagram: @domdabombcDominic Carstens: Facebook, LinkedInCatholic Ecology Center: Catholic Ecology Center
Link to the National Eucharistic Revival, Congress, and Pilgrimage: 10th National Eucharistic Congress - Official Website
Link to information about the Eucharist: The Eucharist | USCCB

Justin Koelbl - Dreams of a Life in Sports: Cut Short or Transformed? - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #52

In this episode, we talk with Justin Koelbl, a former cyclist with his sights on competing in the Tour de France. While training abroad, Justin, and his father and brother all experienced a debilitating disease that would sideline their sports aspirations. This life altering experience led Justin into a tour de force to find not only the cause of his family’s suffering and some relief, but also toward an exploration of the Catholic teaching and meaning of suffering.
 
Justin was initially angry at God for seemingly allowing his suffering and that of his family. This belief was transformed into a deeper relationship with God as well as a better understanding of the spiritual meaning and purpose that redemptive suffering plays in his life.
 
Justin’s inspiring family story can be a blessing for anyone who finds themselves grappling with their own suffering or knows someone who suffers. Justin’s ongoing life experience can help us better understand the words of St. Paul in Romans 8:18 – “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.” 
 
https://justinkoelbl.com/

Dr. Bob Schuchts - Healing: An Ongoing Encounter with God’s Love....and football - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #51

In this episode, we talk with Bob Schuchts, PhD., a retired therapist of over 30 years as well as an author. He has also been an adjunct professor at local colleges in Florida. Although Dr. Bob may be retired from his therapy practice, he is not basking in retirement.
 
Dr. Bob is the founder of the John Paul II Healing Center to which he credits the development of the Center to the urgings of God. The Center opened in 2004. Dr. Bob talks about the impact Pope John Paul II’s Theology of the Body had on his life and the central role it continues to play at the Healing Center. He was also very interested in the topic of healing and offers a wholesome definition of healing for those seeking to grow closer to God.
 
Dr. Bob is also the co-host of the podcast “Restore the Glory” with a colleague where they talk about the freedom available through Jesus Christ. 
 
Dr. Bob relates how his love for Jesus, football, and his involvement in a Christian athlete’s group in his early days drew him to enjoy and grow from the experience of a team, the sense of community, and a place where he was able to develop bonds with team members. 
 
John Paul II Healing Center – Transformation in the Heart of the Church (jpiihealingcenter.org)
Restore the Glory (restoretheglorypodcast.com)

Father Richard Rocha - Sports Dreams Perfected by God - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #50

In this episode, we talk to Fr. Richard Rocha, Catholic chaplain of the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to these ministries, Fr. Rocha is the pastor of St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church in Blue Springs, Missouri. Father played football in high school and college and began coaching.  He coached for 10 years on the high school level and 4 years on the college level. Father had his life planned out as a football coach and a happily married man with a wonderful wife and lots of children. But God had other plans for Richard.
As he entered the seminary, Richard thought his sports days were over. But, once again, God had other plans. Today, Fr. Rocha is in his 19th season with the KC Royals and his 8th season with the KC Chiefs as team priest.  Along with his duties as a pastor of a large Catholic church, it’s easy to see that Fr. Rocha is a busy man!
He cheerfully serves our Lord in all these capacities and implores people to “ask God what His Will is for us every day!”

Steve Cunningham - Sensus Fidelium - It's all good including the suffering! - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #49

In this episode, we talk to Steve Cunningham, founder of Sensus Fidelium, a robust and comprehensive website filled with videos on just about every topic having to do with the Catholic faith. Steve spends most of his days looking for new content for his website. His passion and drive stem from his desire to share the faith he loves. Steve started his ministry in 2013 and now his website has over 12,000 videos and 13,000 links and growing. Steve played baseball and basketball in his younger years and now applies the discipline and drive he learned in sports to maintain a successful website. He is also the founder of Sensus Fidelium Press that he started to help his friends and burgeoning authors get published. To date, Sensus Fidelium Press has 60 to 70 books available. In his spare time, Steve hosts a podcast with a friend called News from the Pew. As a faithful Catholic husband, father, and tireless businessman, Steve’s motto comes from his sports days: Embrace the suffering.
 
Links:
sensusfidelium.com
www.youtube.com/@SensusFidelium
sensusfideliumpress.com
News from the Pew: https://www.youtube.com/live/B3gY64ucyxo?si=FJ-iGBatpYbOdgsJ

Taylor Kemp - New Launch of the Symbolon series and Love the Process - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #48

In this episode, we talk with Taylor Kemp, co-host of Symbolon: The Faith of the Church. He is also the vice president of content at the Augustine Institute. While playing professional soccer for D.C. United, Taylor converted to the Catholic Church which led him to an exciting end of his soccer career. Taylor is married and has three young children. He is excited about the re-launch of the new Symbolon series by the Augustine Institute. Symbolon is on Formed, a Catholic steaming service. Taylor talks about trusting God, trusting ourselves, loving the process, and the importance of patience with God, others, and ourselves. 
 
Love the Process article link: Patience: Trusting the Process - Catholic Apostolate Center
 
Augustine Institute link: Augustine Institute | Catholic Educational Apostolate & Theology Graduate School 
 
Augustine Institute Symbolon link: Symbolon: The Faith of the Church (augustineinstitute.org) 
 
Formed link: FORMED | On-Demand Catholic Movies, Audio Books, Podcasts & More 

Tim Smyczek - From Professional Tennis to Family Man - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #47

In this episode, we talk with Tim Smyczek about his experience as a professional tennis player. He played professionally for many years, even in the US and Australian Opens. Tim is known to many when he played in the 2015 Australian Open against Rafael Nadel. In this match, Tim did the “unthinkable” in the tennis world. Tim is very humble when talking about the years he played professional tennis. He retired from tennis in 2019 and is now a devoted family man and is currently working in real estate and private equity.
Tim was exposed to Opus Dei (Latin for the “Work of God”) early in his life. He carried this religious practice with him in his tennis life. Opus Dei continues to be a very important way of life and organization for his family (Tim refers to Opus Dei as the Center of Work). Tim is dedicated to the teachings and practices of the founder of Opus Dei, Saint Josemaría Escrivá. Tim talks about one of the “Pillars” of Opus Dei that is important to him: spend time with men who are better than you.
For information, follow this link: Opus Dei - Finding God in daily life

Dave Rima: Faith, Family, and Youth Baseball - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #46

In this episode we talk to Dave Rima and discuss his involvement with youth baseball in Long Beach, CA. Dave talks about his love for faith, family, and baseball. In addition to running his own company, Dave spends much of his time on the baseball field helping boys not only excel in the sport, but more importantly, learn lessons that will help them flourish in their lives.
He is also dedicated to helping the parents who entrust their boys to him and the coaches. Dave is also a prolific baseball card aficionado and discusses his love for his hobby. He is also candid about a life struggle that he deals with. Although Dave has a full and busy life, his faith, family, and attending Mass are at the top of his priorities.
For information about agoraphobia, follow this link: Agoraphobia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic