The Sam Acho Podcast

What if just a few minutes each day could help you feel more present, less stressed, and more connected? In this episode, we explore a simple gratitude practice built around three daily questions: ✨ What are 3 things you're grateful for? 📝 What are 3 things you need to do? 🌱 What are 3 things you want to do? We also dive into the power of good neighbors, good friends, and good family, discoveri...

Fatherhood is more than a title. It’s a calling, a responsibility, and one of the highest forms of leadership. In this powerful Father’s Day conversation, Pastor George Awongo unpacks the biblical meaning of manhood and fatherhood, revealing why so many men miss the true weight of their role in shaping families, communities, and generations to come. Drawing from scripture and over 30 years of spir...

Former Indiana and Ohio State guard Gabe Cupps joins Sam Acho and Clif Marshall for a powerful conversation about faith, discipline, leadership, and the lessons he's learned throughout his basketball journey. From playing alongside Bronny James and learning from LeBron James, to becoming Ohio Mr. Basketball, starting in the Big Ten, battling injuries, and transferring to UIC, Gabe shares the minds...

We need to talk about praying for our kids, not occasionally, but constantly. School. Home. The car. Even when they're sleeping. Because there's a real spiritual battle happening around them. And if we're honest, a lot of us are tired and scared. But here's what changed everything for me: Deuteronomy says Yahweh is the Elohim of Elohim, the God over every spiritual force. That means the battle isn...

Former NFL linebacker Davion Taylor shares one of the most inspiring journeys in football. Raised in Mississippi as a Commandment Keeper, Davion observed the Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday sundown,  meaning he couldn’t play Friday night high school football like everyone else. Despite missing the traditional path to recruitment, he fought his way onto a junior college roster after competi...

George Fant wasn’t supposed to be here at least not by the usual path. Before becoming an 11-year NFL veteran, he was a four-year basketball starter at Western Kentucky with real opportunities to play professionally overseas. But instead of taking the guaranteed route, he made a faith-driven decision to walk away and chase something far less certain: football. In this episode, George sits down wit...

This is one of the most inspiring underdog stories heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. From walking on with no scholarship to becoming a First-Team All-American at Wofford, this rising NFL prospect put in relentless work to get on scouts’ radar. In this episode, we break down: His journey from Western Kentucky to Wofford The daily grind (including 1.5–2 hour drives for training) Elite performance at...

In this powerful episode, Sam Acho sits down with renowned strength coach Clif Marshall to talk about life on and off the field. Clif shares insights from training 25 NFL draft prospects, the discipline it takes to maintain excellence, and why he chooses a more personal, intimate training environment for his athletes. They dive deep into Clif’s journey back to hands-on coaching after a decade, his...

Have you ever wondered what it takes to reach your goals, stay resilient amid setbacks, and maintain unwavering faith through life's challenges?  If so, Miller Kopp’s story offers valuable lessons. From his incredible durability on the basketball court to his deep spiritual journey, Miller embodies discipline, purpose, and faith.  In this blog post, we explore his insights into perseverance, the i...

Most people will tell you your limitations are excuses. Emmanuel disagrees. He was born with Erb’s palsy, his right arm weaker than normal. For years, it looked like a clear disadvantage. Something that should’ve ruled him out… especially in football. But here’s the truth nobody talks about: Your weakness doesn’t disqualify you, your mindset does. While training for college football, Emmanuel coul...

Unlock the timeless secret to a fulfilling life,  all in one powerful conversation. Discover why loving the wife of your youth, sharing generously, feasting in community, and chasing work you love can transform your happiness and purpose. This episode dives deep into what truly makes life meaningful, especially in today's fast-paced, achievement-driven society. Sam Acho shares personal stories and...

For years, I believed wealth was a result of making more money, but Eric Averill's story changed that. He lost his identity in baseball, then found purpose in serving others through his faith and family. His journey shows that wealth isn’t just about the dollars — it’s about purpose, trust, and aligning your money with who you truly are. When you understand your identity and mission, money becomes...

Creators & Guests Sam Acho - Host Clif Marshall - Host What does it take to chase the NFL when the odds say no? From First Team All American at the United States Naval Academy to missing an invite to the NFL Scouting Combine, Landon Robinson’s journey is a powerful story of grit, faith, and relentless discipline. When the opportunity many expected did not come, he had a choice. Sit in disappoi...

What is justice, really? Is it just a word we use? Or is it something we live every day? This story talks about justice in a simple but powerful way. Justice is protecting people who need protection. It is being fair in daily life. It is seeing the value in every human being. It is helping others grow and live well. Justice is also about truth. It is about speaking up, even when it is hard. Life s...

I’ve watched athletes like Justice Ellison use their platform for something far greater,  a legacy rooted in faith, vulnerability, and purpose. From Bible studies on campus to sharing his testimony before hundreds of college students, Juice lives what he preaches: true success is about honoring a higher calling. He talks about believing in what we can’t see,  that’s the kind of faith that fuels ac...

In this episode of the Sam Acho podcast, Donita Travis shares her inspiring journey as the founder and CEO of By the Hand Club for Kids. She discusses her deep-rooted faith, the founding of her organization, and the impact it has had on the lives of children in Chicago. Donita reflects on the challenges faced over the past 25 years, including personal stories of loss and hope, emphasizing the impo...

In this engaging episode of the Sam Acho Podcast, Sam sits down with MLB All-Star Paul Goldschmidt to explore the intersections of faith, family, and sports. Paul shares his journey from being a young athlete in Texas to becoming a 15-year MLB veteran, emphasizing the importance of relationships and personal growth over statistics and accolades. The conversation delves into Paul's faith journey, h...

In this episode of the Sam Acho podcast, Sam and Clif Marshall welcome Matt Wright, a former pastor and current executive coach, to discuss his journey in ministry, the importance of community, and the challenges of grief during the holiday season. They explore the concept of pastoring beyond traditional roles, emphasizing that everyone can be a pastor in their own right. Matt shares insights on p...

In this inspiring episode of the Sam Acho Podcast, Sam Acho sits down with Mo Isom Aiken, a dynamic speaker, author, and spiritual mentor. Together, they explore the profound journey of faith, obedience, and transformation. Mo shares her personal experiences of radical surrender, from her college days to her life-changing decision to embark on a two-year intimacy fast. Discover how Mo's unwavering...

Meet Boomer Hornbeck — a living testament to resilience, faith, and perseverance. Born with cerebral palsy, Boomer faced challenges from the very beginning of his life. Doctors once questioned whether he would ever walk, but through unwavering determination, deep faith, and the support of those around him, Boomer refused to let limitations define his future. Over the years, he endured 24 surgeries...

What if the breakthrough you’ve been praying for starts with talking about the one thing everyone avoids: mental health? In this episode, Sam Acho and Ngozi Ashibuogwu go deep into the stigma, the silence, and the spiritual battles so many people face alone. From forgiveness rooted in fear… to the power of prayer and community… to the quiet ways God works behind the scenes, this conversation will...

 A powerful conversation with therapist Ngozi Ashibuogwu on faith, mental health, trauma, and the path to true healing.  We explore how our beliefs shape our healing journey and why intentional vulnerability matters.  This episode offers practical tools, hope, and encouragement for anyone seeking emotional or spiritual restoration. 

In this powerful episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Lamorris Crawford shares his remarkable journey from growing up in the rough streets of Chicago to serving as the team chaplain for the Carolina Panthers. Through his story, Lamorris reveals how faith, identity, and purpose shaped his life and marriage  and how they continue to guide him in the world of professional sports. He opens up about the ch...

ESPN’s own Dave Pasch opens up like never before from calling some of the biggest games in sports to discovering something far greater off the field.  He shares his powerful journey from not believing in Jesus to finding unshakable faith, and the moment everything changed.  Dave also reflects on his time at ESPN, the lessons learned from his closest friend and colleague, and the beautiful memories...

In this episode of The Sam Acho  Podcast , Sam and Clif dive deep into what’s been happening in their lives lately. Sam shares about his recent experiences, his ongoing philanthropy work in Nigeria through Mission Hope , and how he’s seen the goodness of God in every season. Clif opens up about his new role as Director with D1 Training , his passion for developing athletes, and how faith continues...