Words of Steele

In this episode of Words of Steele , Tom reflects on the concept of commitment, drawing from personal experiences and recent events in college football. He discusses the growing trend of players quitting mid-season, using the examples of Matthew Sluka from UNLV and Bear Alexander from USC. Tom shares how his own upbringing instilled the importance of perseverance and finishing what you start, a le...

In this special episode of Words of Steele , Tom opens up about a difficult weekend for his beloved West Virginia Mountaineers, following a tough 38-34 loss to the Pitt Panthers. Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of being a die-hard sports fan, Tom shares insights on how partisan views, whether in sports or life, often cloud our perspective. He also connects the struggles on the field with...

In this episode of Words of Steele , host Tom Steele reflects on the recent West Virginia University Mountaineers' football game against rival, Penn State. Tom, a lifelong Mountaineer fan, shares his disappointment over the team's performance but uses the experience to explore the broader concept of stepping out of our comfort zones. Drawing parallels between sports and life, he discusse...

In this episode of Words of Steele , Tom Steele takes us through the transitional season of late August, reflecting on the new beginnings that fall brings. From kids returning to school to the excitement of football season, Tom explores the fresh starts and challenges that many face during this time. He delves into the ongoing issues surrounding fairness in sports, including the complexities of ge...

Welcome to another episode of Words of Steele. If this episode, Host Tom Steele dives into the controversial opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, orchestrated by Thomas Jolly. Tom shares his candid reactions to the event, which featured a contentious depiction resembling the Last Supper, causing a stir among many Christians.  He examines the statement from the spokeswoman Anne Descamps, Jolly’s...

Welcome back to another episode of Words of Steele. With the Summer Olympics in Paris around the corner, Tom shares that he is still grappling with Caitlin Clark's omission from the US Women's Basketball team. He explores the WNBA's influence on team selection, why marketability matters, and the peculiar decision to leave out one of the most iconic players. Tom also discusses Bronny...

In this episode, Tom explores the concept that kids can learn lessons from failure. He explores how these moments of struggle can foster resilience and growth and discusses the importance of teaching kids not just what to learn but how to learn. Allowing our kids to fail and teaching them how to learn from these experiences is crucial in preparing them to succeed in life. When children are given t...

In this episode, Tom reflects on the passing of Jerry West, a fellow West Virginian, legendary NBA player, and personal hero of his. Tom reminisces about West's early life and career, highlighting his achievements at West Virginia University and with the Los Angeles Lakers. He also notes his impressive statistics and the struggles he faced both on and off the court.  Despite adversities like...

In this week's episode, Tom delves into the surprising exclusion of Caitlin Clark from the US Basketball Women’s Olympic Team. He examines NBC's role in Olympic coverage and speculates on why they might have influenced this decision. Tom also reveals the key players on the Selection Committee and discusses the WNBA's influence on who represents the US. The episode takes a closer loo...

In this poignant episode, Tom reflects on the life and struggles of PGA golfer Grayson Murray, who tragically took his own life. He discusses the pressures inherent in the sports industry and the silent battles athletes often face with alcohol abuse and mental health issues. Grayson's story is a somber reminder that people from all walks of life can struggle with addiction and mental health c...

By now, you've likely heard about Harrison Butker's much-discussed commencement speech. In today’s episode, Tom takes a thoughtful look at the speech and the surrounding buzz.  Whether you agree with it, disagree with it, or feel indifferent, Tom encourages listeners to listen to the speech in its entirety before forming any judgments. He emphasizes the importance of stepping back and co...

In this week's installment, Tom dives back into one of last week’s topics concerning the transgender athlete's inclusion on the girls' team. With a keener focus, he navigates through the ethical dilemmas that surface, urging us to weigh the scales between what is just for all athletes involved versus what may appear favorable for one. As the episode draws to a close, Tom leaves us w...

Today's episode of the Words of Steele podcast delves into the NFL draft, where Tom navigates through the excitement surrounding fans' relentless pursuit to experience it firsthand. He raises the recurring question: Have we taken our passion for sports to an unhealthy extreme? Transitioning, Tom ventures into the realm of local sports, unraveling a thought-provoking scenario where a biol...

In today’s episode, Tom examines the profound concept of Anavah, the Hebrew word for humility that means to occupy your God-given space in the world—to not overestimate yourself or your abilities, but to not underestimate them either. True humility is a delicate balance of courage and restraint. Tom explores how embracing humility can lead to significant impact within God’s Kingdom. Join Tom as he...

In today’s discussion, Tom dives deeper into the role that truth, or the lack thereof, plays in society today. Everyone has their own relationship with the truth - some evade it, others manipulate it, while some wholeheartedly embrace it, and yet others selectively wield it for personal gain. Where do you stand in this spectrum? Do you prioritize truth? Or set it aside, only to be used when it ben...

In this thought-provoking episode, Tom dives into the implications of today’s culture on the concept of truth. He explores the idea that our societal norms inadvertently encourage dishonesty. Additionally, Tom examines the encroachment of gambling into the realm of sports, questioning if it erodes the integrity that once defined athletic competition. As we navigate these complex issues, it's...

In this episode of the Words of Steele Podcast, Tom dives into a timely discussion about the presence of narcissism in the world of sports. He sheds light on how this behavior isn't just limited to overbearing parents but can also be found among coaches and even some athletes themselves, especially in youth sports scenes. But fear not! Tom doesn't leave us hanging in the negativity. He b...

Has the NBA lost its purity? In today's conversation, Tom shifts focus to contemplate the essence of the NBA. With a staggering final score of 211-186 in the NBA All-Star game, genuine competition seemed to be lacking. Should the NBA consider adopting a model akin to WWE's theatrical style? Or perhaps something more like the entertaining flair of the Harlem Globetrotters? Moreover, there...

Have famous athletes become idols in today’s society? In today’s episode, Tom examines the many motives behind sports involvement. Is the aim to be a positive role model? To push the limits of the individual? Or is it simply for self-promotion? The answer varies from athlete to athlete. Despite the varying motives, some may contend that, as a society, we've elevated certain renowned athletes...

Are we interested enough in the game to read the rulebook? Drawing from his coaching and officiating experiences, Tom candidly shares the challenges he faced during his time. He recalls a pivotal moment during a game he officiated where he made a call with 20 seconds to go. Despite making a fair call, a sarcastic comment from a player on the bench sparked a question from Tom: "Have you ever a...

What values did your parents instill in you? In this episode, Tom shares about the values his parents instilled in him as a young boy playing youth sports. As he reflects on these values, he examines the heart of sports today. What is our approach? Is the game a pursuit of joy, excellence, financial gain, or fame? Tom also dives into the opinions of fans, exploring critiques directed at coaches an...

When it comes to sports, what do you value?  Is it the final score at the end of the game? Money? Fame? Recognition?  Or is it more what you learn through the process? In this opening episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele encourages us to ask ourselves these questions and to examine what we truly value. Do we have our priorities straight? Are sports in their right place in society, or have they b...

When it comes to sports, what do you value? Is it the final score at the end of the game? Money? Fame? Recognition?  Or is it more what you learn through the process? The Words of Steele Podcast is a captivating exploration of the intricate world of sports, transcending the mere thrill of victory and defeat to unravel the deeper values that permeate our athletic endeavors. At its core, the podcast...