The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast

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

SoulCore: Care for your Spiritual Life and Your Temple of the Holy Spirit - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #45

In this episode, we talk with Deanne Miller, co-founder of SoulCore. Through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and life experiences, Deanne and her dear friend Colleen Scariano developed SoulCore, an apostolate that leads participants closer to Jesus and His mother, Mary, through the gift of the Rosary and body movements. SoulCore is Christ-centered and incorporates prayer with body movements and is a great way to center our hectic lives. SoulCore fosters a sense of community, teamwork, and prayer. Deanne describes SoulCore as an apostolate of joy where prayer is the focus. SoulCore calls us to live out 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: "Glorify God in your body". In the Catholic Church, May is historically dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. SoulCore follows this call of the Church and has a challenge for the month of May: “Movement for Mary” and this year's challenge is focused on the various titles the Church has assigned to the mother of Our Lord.
Further information about SoulCore can be found on their website: https://soulcore.com

Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem : Coached by Josemaría Escrivá: Lessons in Discipleship - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #44

In this episode, we will talk with Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem author of the book “Coached by Josemaría Escrivá: Lessons in Discipleship”.
Saint Josemaría Escrivá is the founder of Opus Dei (Latin for the “Work of God”). Fr. John Henry talks about the role of a coach, uses athletics as a metaphor for the spiritual life, and compares physical training to discipleship. He discusses the importance of abandoning our lives to God and also having a personal program for our spiritual lives.
Fr. John Henry’s interview can be summed up in this quote from Matthew 6:21 - For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.
Coached by Josemaria Escriva | Lessons in Discipleship – Scepter Publishers
Coached by Josemaría Escrivá: Fr. John Henry Hanson, O. Praem.: 9781594175084: Amazon.com: Books
https://www.stmichaelsabbey.com/
https://sacredheartretreathouse.com/

Hugh Blane - Blessed are the Humble in Swagger - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #43

In this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show, join us as we talk to Hugh Blane, founder, and president of Claris Consulting.
Hugh talks about his sports beginnings in Scotland and gives us a brief explanation of Ignatian spirituality and how it affects his life, family, and career. He explains what the Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12 have to do with running a successful business.
Learn why the phrases Love Deeply, Learn Daily, and Lead Boldly are important in his life. Hugh encourages listeners to become strong, faithful people as he shares heartfelt stories that impacted his life and faith. He challenges us all to grow spiritually so we are equipped to help others do the same.
Hugh’s interview can be summed up in this quote from Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Lead Boldly!
https://clarisconsulting.net/
 
Link to Hugh's new book: Lead Boldly
https://amzn.to/42Pc7Vx

Lou Holtz - Follow the rules, Do everything to the best of your ability, Show people you care - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #42

In this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show, please join us as we have the honor to talk with Lou Holtz, the legendary football coach of the University of Notre Dame.
Coach Holtz discusses his faith and how it affects his life, family, and profession. He also reflects on his career and shares memorable stories that affected his life and coaching perspective.
Also, Coach Holtz shares his wisdom, life lessons, and the importance of being a good example as a person and as a team. He has a love for Our Lord and for the “Lady on the Dome”.
Holtz Heroes, www.holtzheroes.org  

Frank Dalena-From the onion fields to Division 1 college football fields-God was always there! The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #41

In this episode, we will talk with Frank Dalena who is host of the Bring The Juice Podcast. Frank grew up on a farm in the Central Valley of California while playing every sport they had to offer. Walked-On to his Division 1 hometown team Fresno State and played his 5 years of football before moving to Park City, Utah to chase a new Olympic venture. 
God has always been in Frank's life wherever he has gone and in this episode we will hear how important prayer is for him in every aspect of his life.
To follow Frank on his podcast Bring the Juice, you can go to: 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQpOp512bQH8DN7s_WUgaSw
 

Souls in the game documentary-National Vocation Awareness Week-Deacon Marcelo Ferrari-St. John Seminary Basketball team The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #40

In this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show podcast, join us as we talk with Deacon Marcelo Ferrari on his journey to and at St. John's seminary in Boston, Mass. God willing, his journey will continue as a Catholic priest as he looks forward to his ordination in May 2024. In addition, we discuss his involvement in the documentary: "Souls in the Game", which is available for free viewing at soulsinthegame.com or on YouTube. To fully appreciate and understand this episode of the Catholic Sportsman Show, we suggest watching the video before listening to the podcast. 
 
At St John's Seminary, basketball is another way for the seminarians to grow closer to God, their teammates and their community. The sacrifice given on the court fosters a greater love of God, neighbor, and service of others through the support of a team. 
Saint John’s Seminary & the Archdiocese of Boston teamed up for “Souls in the Game,” a new documentary depicting the spiritual life of seminarians intertwined with their love of basketball.
Web site for St. John's Seminary https://www.sjs.edu/
Information about the National Vocations Week in the Catholic Church can be found at National Vocation Awareness Week | USCCB