Episode 11 of The Power of a Father’s Blessing podcast is out now (http://afathersblessing.com)! This special edition episode is a throwback to when founder Bill Glass interviewed Atlanta Braves pitcher, World Series Champion, and Cy Young winner John Smoltz about his life, career in baseball, and being a husband and father. John would go on to be inducted in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

In this conversation, Jason Romano, former 17-year ESPN Producer turned faith-forward media creator and Executive Producer of the Sports Spectrum Podcast, shares a deeply personal story about his father's struggles with addiction and mental health and the impact it had on their relationship. He discusses his own spiritual awakening and the importance of forgiveness in healing both himself and his father as well as how that has shaped how he parents his daughter.

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In this conversation, Chris Harden shares his journey from a challenging childhood marked by his father's absence to becoming a devoted father himself. He discusses the impact of generational curses and blessings, his transformative experience of coming to Christ, and the importance of grace in parenting. Chris emphasizes the need for mentorship and community support among fathers, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to raise children with love and understanding, despite the challenges faced in their own upbringing.

In this conversation, R.L. "Rob" Solberg reflects on the complexities of personal identity, particularly in relation to ancestry and faith. He shares his own struggles with belonging and the search for identity within family names. Ultimately, he emphasizes that true identity is found in Christ, suggesting that faith provides a deeper understanding of who we are beyond our familial ties.

In this special edition of The Power of a Father's Blessing, host Michael Nolan revisits a 2003 interview with NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. The conversation delves into themes of fatherhood, faith, and the importance of mentorship. Staubach shares insights from his life, including the influence of his father and coaches, the significance of receiving a father's blessing, and how faith has guided his decisions both on and off the field. The episode emphasizes the lasting impact of positive male role models and the need for fathers to bless their children, fostering a legacy of love and support.

In this episode of The Power of a Father's Blessing, host Michael Nolan speaks with Jon Bell, a dynamic entertainer and pastor, about the importance of fatherhood, personal relationships, and the impact of a father's blessing. Jon shares his experiences growing up with a father who was often absent due to military service and divorce, and how this shaped his approach to parenting. The conversation delves into the significance of being present for one's children, the lessons learned from both good and bad father figures, and the importance of spiritual guidance in fatherhood. Jon emphasizes the need for fathers to express love and pride in their children, regardless of their mistakes, and the lasting impact this can have on their lives.

In this heartfelt interview, former NFL player Santo Stevens shares powerful insights about the lasting impact of a father's influence. Santo fondly recalls the strong example set by his own father, Fred Stephens, who not only lovingly raised his family but also became a father figure to neighborhood children. Santo opens up about how his father's practical wisdom, humor, and integrity shaped his own approach to fatherhood with his three sons. He emphasizes the importance of making children feel safe, loved, and affirmed, drawing parallels with the Behind the Wall's mission to address the fatherlessness epidemic in juvenile detention centers and prisons. Filled with memorable stories and genuine reflections, Santo's journey highlights the transformative power of a father's blessing in the lives of young people.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Avila, founder of G3 Experience and full-time chaplain to professional athletes. Chris shares his inspiring journey of faith, fatherhood, and forgiveness—starting from a broken home and the pain of an absent father to becoming a spiritual leader for athletes across the NFL, UFL, MLS, and beyond.

Chris opens up about how the loss of his mother, the absence of a father's blessing, and the cycles of generational brokenness led him to a pivotal encounter with Jesus. He talks about his struggle to forgive his father, the healing power of prayer, and how God's grace ultimately transformed their relationship. Today, Chris uses that same grace to minister to professional athletes, helping them navigate fame, fatherhood, and faith with integrity and purpose.

Key Topics

• The power and impact of a father's blessing
• Chris’s personal story of fatherlessness and redemption
• What chaplaincy in pro sports looks like today
• How Chris brings faith into the lives of athletes
• Encouragement for those seeking reconciliation with their own fathers
• Practical insights on how to pray for athletes and those in ministry

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