Faith Under the Lights Podcast

Join Nolan and Zach on Faith Under the Lights as they dive into LSU’s thrilling College World Series victory, highlighting Cade Anderson’s historic performance and the impact of NIL on college baseball. Is Jay Johnson the next Skip Bertman? They discuss standout NFL Draft picks like Cam Ward and Will Campbell and explore the upcoming LSU football season with stars like Garrett Nussmeier and a play...

In this episode, Nolan and Zach break down Opening Day for LSU Baseball and share their excitement for what’s ahead this season. We also dive into the Super Bowl aftermath, where Zach doubles down on Tom Brady as the GOAT after the Chiefs' blowout loss. Plus, we celebrate the incredible seasons from former LSU Tigers in the NFL, including Jayden Daniels, your NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. And,...

In this episode of The Playbook, Zach, Cole, and Nolan break down Matthew Chapter 3, where John the Baptist, who Zach claims as his "spirit animal," steps onto the scene with a powerful and urgent message: repent and be baptized. The guys explore John’s boldness, his mission to prepare the way for Jesus, and the significance of baptism and repentance for our lives today. Don’t miss this thought-pr...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we sit down with Cameron Thomas, a junior guard for Stetson University’s women’s basketball team and one of the leading scorers in the ASUN Conference. Cameron shares her powerful testimony, revealing how faith has shaped her journey on and off the court. She breaks down the hard work and dedication it takes to be a top scorer, the hunger her team has to...

In this episode of The Playbook , Nolan and Zach formally introduce Cole to the team. Together, they dive into Matthew Chapter 2, exploring the miraculous birth of Jesus and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. They discuss Matthew's analytical writing style and how it connects key events to prophecy. The conversation also highlights Joseph’s obedience and courage as he protects his family...

In the first episode of The Playbook, Zach, Nolan, and Cole dive into Matthew Chapter 1, exploring the rich genealogy of Jesus and why it’s often overlooked despite its profound significance. They break down how this genealogy beautifully connects the Old and New Testaments, showcasing God’s perfect plan through generations. The conversation also highlights Joseph—his remarkable character, faith,...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we sit down with Chris Florence, owner of Atlanta Fastpitch Company, to talk about The Cross Fastpitch Festival, an extraordinary softball tournament happening August 9-10 in Benton, Arkansas. This unique event, designed to make an eternal impact, coincides with Amplify 2025, a massive free Christian music festival focused on spreading the Gospel. Chris s...

In this week’s episode of Faith Under the Lights, Nolan and Zach dive into the powerful message of Hebrews 12 and the importance of running your own race. Are you focused on competing with others, or are you staying in your lane and running the race God has set before you? We also discuss LSU quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, and how his perseverance, patience, and dedication to his own race have sh...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Kassidy Rivero, a multi-sport athlete from Doyle High School in Livingston, Louisiana. Kassidy shares her incredible faith journey, starting with her grandmother's influence, which led her to church, where she ultimately discovered who Jesus is, committed her life to Christ, and was baptized. She opens up about how her faith has carried her through life’...

In the Season 2 premiere of Faith Under the Lights, Nolan and Zach kick things off with an inspiring conversation about leadership, faith, and football. We dive into the College Football Playoff and spotlight Boise State Head Coach Spencer Danielson. Coach Danielson isn’t just leading his team to success on the field—he’s sowing seeds of the Gospel that are taking root in the hearts of his players...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we spotlight LSU Freshman Softball player Alix Franklin from St. Amant, LA. Alix shares her inspiring journey of discovering her true identity in Jesus and how it has helped her overcome numerous obstacles in life. Alix opens up about her transformative NIL deal with ‪@IAm2nd‬ which has significantly enhanced her discipleship efforts on campus. She also r...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, Nolan dives into powerful examples of gratitude and faith in sports. He highlights Boise State Head Coach Spencer Danielson’s public recognition of Jesus and Central High School’s incredible upset over #1 Neville, advancing to the Division 1 state championship on a blocked field goal. Nolan also unpacks how Colossians 3:23 provides the “how” for living ou...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, Coach Vance Windom shares how a simple but profound question from a 10th-grade player about his faith transformed the way he approaches coaching. As a high school baseball and cross-country coach in Bogue Chitto, Mississippi, Coach Windom opens up about how that moment not only deepened his relationship with Christ but also changed how he mentors and disc...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we’re thrilled to introduce our new co-host, Zach Manuel! Zach shares his incredible journey of faith, from being radically saved and transformed after an invitation to a church service to recently serving as a pastor. His favorite verse, Ephesians 2:8-9, fuels his passion for highlighting athletes who boldly live out their faith in Christ. Join us as we...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we dive into the power of using your platform to spread the gospel. Inspired by Esther 4:13-14, where Mordecai tells Esther she’s been placed as queen “for such a time as this,” we’ll explore how God uses each of us, wherever we are, to impact others. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, student, or friend, you have a unique opportunity to be a light in your...

When MLB star Freddie Freeman hit a walk off grand slam in game 1 of the World Series, he shared how his dad's support shaped his career. That got me thinking: what role do parents' emotions play in youth sports? In this episode, we dig into why parents often feel frustrated or disappointed over their kids’ sports performance. We break down three common reasons—tying personal worth to success, chi...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we sit down with Jackson Chewning, a top-ranked high school athlete from French Settlement, Louisiana who’s not only excelling on the court but also living out his faith with boldness and humility. Raised in a Christ-centered home, Jackson shares how his relationship with God impacts his athletic journey, how he stays grounded through spiritual discipline...

In this episode of Faith Under the Lights, we dive into Francisco Lindor’s clutch grand slam during Game 5 of the NLDS and explore how his humble reaction on the field reflects a powerful biblical principle from the Gospel of Luke. Join host Nolan Valenti as we break down the connection between sports and faith, and how moments like this can inspire us to live with humility in our own lives. Be su...

In this debut episode of Faith Under the Lights, we lay the foundation for what this podcast is all about—athletes boldly living out Romans 1:16: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." Host, Nolan Valenti, shares his personal testimony and the calling that led him to start this journey. Nolan gives the vision of Faith Under the Ligh...