Hosts Rod Oliver and Kyle Bryant along with special guest Mark Childress explore patience and perseverance through powerful sports stories — from Alex Smith’s miraculous return to underdog tales like Nick Foles, Tom Brady and Kurt Warner — and connect them to faith, waiting on God, and staying prepared.

They share practical takeaways about enduring long recoveries, keeping faith during invisible progress, staying ready for opportunity, and trusting God’s timing, with a preview of future episodes on discipline and teachability.

In this episode the hosts and guest Mark Childress discuss what it means to be a sports fan or athlete as a Christian, focusing on integrity on and off the field. They cover college NIL, locker-room culture, coaches as spiritual leaders, and high-profile examples like Tim Tebow and Cam Newton.

The conversation explores how believers can speak up thoughtfully, build community, and live consistently under public scrutiny, offering practical insights for athletes, fans, and church leaders.

Join us in this captivating episode as we continue our exploration of the evolution of Christian and gospel music, focusing on the rise of Christian hip-hop. Dive deep into the provocative discussions surrounding the genre and its impact on the traditional church view. Discover the transformative power of artists like Lecrae, Trip Lee, and many others who pioneered the fusion of faith and rhythm.

We also touch upon the collaborative efforts between Christian and secular artists that have created a paradigm shift in the music industry. Special highlights include the influence of iconic albums and songs that broke barriers and the significant role they played in reaching new audiences.

As we unravel the journey of Christian hip-hop from its rough beginnings to its current state, we explore the cultural and spiritual impact it has had on different communities. Finally, we discuss the importance of authenticity in sharing the gospel through music, and how artists today are navigating these waters to bring a fresh sound to faith-based music.

Welcome to another episode of The Swag, where we explore the remarkable transformation of Christian and gospel music from the early 1900s to the present digital age. In this episode, we dive into the evolution from physical formats like cassettes and CDs to MP3s and the vast, ever-growing world of streaming platforms.

Join us as we reminisce about the early "Wild West" days of Napster and LimeWire, where the music landscape was radically transformed, often to the detriment of artists. We discuss how today’s platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and more are providing exciting opportunities for artists while also considering the challenges and opportunities that come with this digital transformation.

Listen as Kyle and special guest Kevin Christopher share their personal experiences and reflect on the impact of streaming on their own music discovery and careers. Explore discussions about how streaming platforms and social media have become incredible tools for spreading the gospel, offering artists a way to reach new audiences across the globe.

Don't miss this exploration of streaming's role in music and ministry, as well as exciting predictions for the future of Christian music in the digital age.

Welcome back, Swag Nation! Join us for the second episode of our music series, featuring special guest Kevin Christopher, as we dive into the transformative era of the 1990s to the early 2000s. In this episode, we explore the seismic shifts in Christian music, highlighted by the rise of iconic artists like Switchfoot and Lecrae who bridged the gap between worship and mainstream recognition.

Dive into discussions on how Christian music infiltrated every genre during the 90s, from rock to hip-hop, and hear personal anecdotes on how this music shaped teenage years. Discover the cultural shifts within churches, leading to a blend of bands over choirs, and how this evolution impacted youth more than ever.

Tune in as we discuss the challenges and triumphs of Christian artists navigating mainstream platforms, and how their intent and resilience brought music from the pews to arenas touching countless lives along the way. Join us in unraveling the influential journey of Christian music that continues to resonate across generations.

Join us in this captivating exploration as we delve into the rich history and evolution of Christian music. From the origins in Negro spirituals, reflecting the pains and hopes of slavery, to the transformative rock influences of the 1900s and beyond, this episode uncovers the pivotal moments and figures, like Thomas Dorsey and Aretha Franklin, that have shaped the genre.

Featuring insightful discussions with music industry expert Kevin Christopher, we navigate the cultural shifts that have influenced both gospel and secular music. Dive into discussions about the interplay between gospel roots and contemporary sounds, and uncover the less-known stories of Christian music's crossover into mainstream genres. Explore how this evolution has impacted worship, culture, and personal faith journeys.

Join us in the final episode of the Fruit of the Spirit series as we take a deep dive into the concept of self-control. This episode navigates its profound implications, not just as a spiritual principle but as a practical guide for everyday life. Drawing wisdom from scripture and personal stories, we discuss the challenges and victories on the path to mastering self-control in diverse aspects of life, from managing impulses to nurturing relationships.

Explore how self-control is more than just a personal discipline; it's about spiritual surrender and learning to say no to the flesh and yes to the spirit. Delve into real-life situations where self-control plays a critical role, such as resisting impulsive spending, navigating binge culture, and overcoming addiction.

Engage with thoughtful reflections on how different environments influence our ability to exhibit self-control and the importance of community and accountability. This episode serves as a reminder that self-control, deeply rooted in spiritual strength, is essential for personal growth and harmony in relationships. Tune in for an insightful discussion that challenges us to evaluate and strengthen our own practices of self-control.

Welcome to another episode of The S.W.A.G., where we delve into the essence of the fruit of the Spirit. Today, we explore gentleness, a strength defined by restraint and kindness, even in challenging situations. This episode reflects on the example of Christ, who exemplified humility and gentleness despite possessing the power to act otherwise. Through scriptural references and personal anecdotes, join us in discovering how gentleness can transform our interactions, from parenting to leadership, and even in the heat of online debates. Learn to lead with love rather than fear, and embrace the strength of gentle wisdom in our polarized world.