WPDSports Press On Podcast
Ever want to know what’s in the minds and hearts of both collegiate student-athletes and veterans athletes alike? Sometimes not much. Other times? To know would blow your mind! Just ask them.
Join educator and sports mentor Dr. Scott McNeal as he, collegiate student-athletes, and veteran athletes engage in personal, somewhat unscripted monthly conversations about life and faith at the intersection of soul and sport.
Copyright 2023-2025. Dr. Scott McNeal. WPDSports ™️
WPDSports Press On Podcast
“Mr. Clean” – B. Smith. Author - The Christian Athlete. D-I Athlete. AIA Sports Mentor. Part-time Hobby Farmer. His Specialty?
Dr. Scott McNeal (Dr. M) talks with Mr. Brian “Mr. Clean” Smith, young husband, father of three, former D-I collegiate runner, author, sports mentor, coach, man of faith, and proud Michigan hobby farmer.
Brian resides with his wife and family in rural Michigan.
Brian takes his strong and focused work ethic on a multi-year running and professional ministry journey:
- Developing his early athletic skills at Rockford High School (MI), where his teammate was Dathan "The Razor" Ritzenhein;
- Succeeding as a D-I XC/T&F student-athlete at Wake Forest University (NC);
- Following a calling into ministry with AIA (Athletes In Action);
- Landing a successful long term sports ministry role at University of Wisconsin;
- Writing his first of two books – The Christian Athlete, and finally
- Relocating himself and family to rural Michigan where he continues sports ministry, writes his second book, and learns the ins and outs of hobby farming. Where pigs rule…and drool.
Join Brian as he reflects on (1) his early sport years, (2) his D-I collegiate successes and challenges (3) his call into specialized sports ministry (4) his predisposition for prose and finally on (6) his God who helps frame it all and leads him into the next lap of life.
Journey into the head and heart space of Brian Smith.
Quips and Advice:
- “I played defense [in my faith].”
- “Funny guy in the room.”
- “…know the value of stacking small wins on top of each other.”
- “She called me ‘Smithers’.”
- “Let’s get the band together.”
- “I’d much rather have played a ball sport.”
- “The book Desiring God by John Piper. Game changer!”
Guest Info & Contact:
- The Christian Athlete: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/
- Blog: https://www.thechristianathlete.com/blog/
- Away Game: A Christian Parents Guide to Navigating Youth Sports
- https://www.horizonbooks.com/book/9780830788361
- Instagram: Brian Smith (@brianlinsey)
- Email: brian.smith@athletesinaction.org
Audio Correction: Brian ran at Rockford High School (MI) and not Lindsey. Just ask his teammate, Dathan “The Razor” Ritzenhein.
Press on...
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