Church Pew Sports Podcast

Church Pew Sports features Pastors talking, debating, and arguing about sports and life. We feature Pastors from across the country weighing in on their favorite teams, hot topics, and the life lessons we can learn through sports.

NIL, NCAA & the Wild West of College Sports – Decoding the Future with Andrew Donovan 06/28/2025

NIL, NCAA & the Wild West of College Sports – Decoding the Future with Andrew Donovan Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep -NIL, NCAA & the Wild West of College Sports – Decoding the Future with Andrew Donovan The world of college sports is undergoing a seismic transformation — and no issue is more disruptive (or divisive) than NIL: Name, Image, and Likeness. In this week’s episode of Church Pew Sports, host Bill Hobson is joined by Andrew Donovan, President of the College Division at Altius Sports Partners, for an eye-opening deep dive into how NIL is reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics. This is more than just a conversation about athlete compensation — it’s a journey into a new era of recruiting, regulation, and revenue. From the shifting power dynamics between schools and athletes to the legal entanglements challenging the NCAA’s authority, Donovan offers unprecedented insight into the NIL frontier. With 40+ schools in his client portfolio, Andrew isn’t just observing the changes — he’s helping build the infrastructure for what comes next. You’ll hear how universities are navigating the new pay-for-play ecosystem, how donor collectives are influencing recruiting like never before, and how NIL has created massive uncertainty around fairness, compliance, and sustainability. Bill and Andrew also explore the impact on the fan experience — will we ever again see a player stay four years at one school? Or are we rooting for laundry, as Jerry Seinfeld once put it? This episode tackles key questions: Is the NCAA even relevant anymore? Will college football and basketball split off into professional leagues? Can schools balance athlete pay with academic integrity? Is Title IX the next big battleground? Later in the episode, Pastor Paul Miller joins to weigh in on the deeper faith and family dimensions of college sports culture, reflecting on how far the game has drifted from its educational and community roots. With his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, Paul adds a powerful perspective to an already fascinating conversation. Whether you're a diehard Buckeye, a maize-and-blue loyalist, or simply a sports fan trying to make sense of this new world, this is the NIL masterclass you’ve been waiting for. It's smart, candid, and loaded with practical insight — all through the lens of faith, culture, and real life. 🟦 🎧 Subscribe, share, and join the Church Pew Sports community as we tackle the biggest issues in sports — and what they say about us. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller --------- Did you know you can now ? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316 /episode/index/show/churchpewsports/id/37202435

Brotherhood, Baseball & Saying Goodbye: Faith and Sports in Life’s Toughest Moments 06/08/2025

Brotherhood, Baseball & Saying Goodbye: Faith and Sports in Life’s Toughest Moments Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 180 - Brotherhood, Baseball & Saying Goodbye: Faith and Sports in Life’s Toughest Moments After a short break, Church Pew Sports returns with a powerful blend of sports talk and soul-level reflections. Hosted by Bill Hobson alongside co-hosts Pastor Paul Miller, Scott Holmgren, and David Collins, this episode begins with a spirited dive into the Detroit Tigers’ surprising rise, the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball, and how the NCAA’s historic settlement is reshaping college sports as we know it. The guys take on hot topics with their usual insight and humor—from the puzzling economics of baseball contracts (will Chris Ilitch pay Tarek Skubal what he’s worth?) to the quirks of umpiring in an era of automated calls and helmet taps. They also unpack how the MLB app, shifting sports commentary trends, and changes in TV contracts are affecting fan engagement. But what sets this episode apart isn’t just the sports commentary—it’s the deeply personal turn the conversation takes near the end. In the final segment, Pastor Paul Miller shares an emotional update on the recent loss of his 94-year-old father, a moment that brings the meaning of Church Pew Sports into sharp focus. His honest reflections on caregiving, grief, and what it means to be supported by a “band of brothers” will resonate with every listener who has navigated loss or leaned on friends through tough times. This segment powerfully reminds us that while sports are fun and important, they also serve as the backdrop for deeper connections—between fathers and sons, between friends, and within the podcasting community itself. Paul’s words are a tribute not only to his father but to the strength found in friendship, faith, and brotherhood. In true Church Pew fashion, the episode ends with encouragement for men everywhere: stay connected. In a world that often isolates, this podcast is a living example of what happens when men show up for each other—on and off the mic. Whether you came for the baseball or stayed for the brotherhood, this episode delivers on every level. --------- Did you know you can now ? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316 /episode/index/show/churchpewsports/id/36903895

Either/Or: Sports Debates, Loyalty, and Life Lessons 05/17/2025

Either/Or: Sports Debates, Loyalty, and Life Lessons Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 179 - Either/Or: Sports Debates, Loyalty, and Life Lessons In this lively and thought-provoking episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller welcome a brand-new guest: Pastor Mike Szoradi, a passionate Arizona sports fan and youth pastor with a strong Michigan family connection. What follows is a rapid-fire conversation packed with hot sports takes, irrational fan loyalty, and biblical life insights—all through the lens of sports. The crew kicks off with a fun introduction to Mike, diving into his long-suffering loyalty to the Arizona Cardinals and his love for the Phoenix Suns. But things heat up as the group launches into a round of “either/or” sports decisions—where bold takes are required, and no one’s allowed to ride the fence. First up: should the Dallas Mavericks keep their draft lottery pick to select Cooper Flagg or trade it all for the proven greatness of Giannis Antetokounmpo? Mike and Paul both make the case for Giannis, with Bill joining in agreement—highlighting not just Giannis' elite skills, but his calm demeanor and leadership qualities. Then the trio switches gears to compare playoff atmospheres—NBA vs NHL. While Mike's NBA loyalty is rooted in his Arizona upbringing, Bill gives the edge to the nail-biting overtime thrill of NHL postseason action. Paul, ever the balance-keeper, appreciates both but finds NBA storylines this year especially compelling. The show dives deeper into current sports controversies, including whether Michael Jordan will thrive as a broadcaster, the impact and perception of Draymond Green’s behavior, and the possibility of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson entering the MLB Hall of Fame now that their bans have been lifted. Mike urges accountability, while Bill suggests history—with all its blemishes—should still be preserved. Broadcasters like Rich Eisen and Pat McAfee also enter the discussion, with Mike favoring Eisen’s polished style and Paul highlighting McAfee’s fit with College GameDay. Bill agrees—McAfee may not suit daily sports talk, but he lights up the right setting. The group wraps with a debate on college football kickoff times (noon vs primetime), critiques of controversial sports media content and owner decisions, and a few standout sports stories—from Shohei Ohtani’s surprise strikeout to heartfelt high school traditions. As always, the episode closes with a powerful spiritual reflection—this time on Proverbs 19:21—reminding listeners that many are the plans in a person's heart, but it's the Lord's purpose that prevails. Don't miss this high-energy episode filled with opinions, passion, and purpose. Be sure to subscribe at and share it with every sports-loving friend in your circle. This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup: Bill Hobson Pastor Paul Miller Pastor Mike Szoradi --------- Did you know you can now ? You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316 /episode/index/show/churchpewsports/id/36601885