The Sam Acho Podcast

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...

Join Sam Acho and Clif Marshall as they sit down with ESPN anchor Jay Harris for an honest conversation about career, family, cancer and faith. Jay opens up about his unconventional path to ESPN, the lessons learned facing prostate cancer, and how he's chosen family moments over professional ambition. With stories from the newsroom and reflections on the legacy of Stuart Scott, this episode delive...

In this episode, Sam Acho and co-host Cliff Marshall sit down with Ed Schilling, Pepperdine University's head basketball coach and seasoned mentor. Coach Schilling opens up about building a culture of faith, navigating tough transitions like being let go from prominent coaching roles, and the importance of keeping family at the center. He shares powerful stories from his career, including his time...

In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Kurt Hester, the director of strength and performance for the Houston Cougars football team. Kurt opens up about his remarkable journey growing up in the Louisiana swamps, his award-winning coaching career, and his ongoing battle with stage four cancer. Together, they unpack the power of resilience, the importance of relationships over resu...

In this episode, Sam Acho sits down with University of Texas football standout Michael Taaffe for an honest conversation about faith, adversity, and what it means to pursue purpose on and off the field. Michael shares his journey from walk-on to All-American, the powerful lessons coaches have taught him, and how personal loss has shaped his drive and perspective. Together, they tackle tough subjec...

This week on The Sam Acho Podcast, former NFL Pro Bowler and Buffalo Bills radio voice Eric Wood joins Sam and Clif Marshall for a deeply personal and wide-ranging conversation. Eric reflects on his unlikely journey from overlooked recruit to first-round draft pick, shares candid insights about sudden career-ending adversity, and opens up about work-life balance, faith, and the transformative powe...

Priscilla Shirer steps into this episode with honesty, humor, and hard-won faith . Sam, Clif, and Priscilla go deep—into stories of calling, what surrender to God really looks like, and how loss can open space for peace and perspective. Priscilla, who calls teaching the Bible her joy, shares how a knack for “talking too much” became a calling once surrendered to God. Together they talk about paren...

In this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Vincent Rey—a former linebacker who rose from undrafted free agent to team captain, and now serves as the Cincinnati Bengals chaplain. Vincent shares firsthand what it’s like to navigate identity, purpose, and loss when the roar of the crowd quiets and football isn’t the center anymore. Together, they open up about faith that fills the space left when pe...

In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall welcome Josh Harrison—two-time MLB All-Star, proud Cincinnati native, and a man grounded by faith, family, and relentless joy. Josh breaks down the reality of thirteen seasons in the majors: the grind, the setbacks, the unseen work, and the gratitude for every step. He shares how a rough junior year and the wisdom in 1 Peter 5:6 forged his humility, how...

On this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Sam and Clif Marshall are joined by Coach Mack Brown—known for his leadership at Texas, North Carolina, Tulane, and Appalachian State—to talk candidly about recruiting, relationships, and the soul of college football. Brown reflects on recruiting both Sam and his brother Emmanuel, emphasizing the role of family, character, and core GPA in his decision-makin...

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Sam and Clif are joined by Casey Phillips—Tampa Bay Buccaneers reporter, Mizzou Tiger, and Texas native. Casey shares her journey in sports media, guided by God’s providence and timing, and talks about living with purpose, integrity, and hope even when life hits hard. This conversation embodies what it means to go first, give space, and grow hope—on and off...

On this episode, Sam and Clif sit down with Tim Estes—founder of AngelQ and a pioneer in artificial intelligence—to tackle the real dangers facing kids in the digital age. Tim brings decades of experience fighting online exploitation and shares how that battle became personal once he became a father. For anyone who cares about family and the real impact of technology, this episode brings essential...

On this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall are joined by Thaddeus Bullard—best known to fans as WWE’s Titus O’Neil. Thaddeus lays his story bare, tracing his journey from being labeled “a bad kid” and facing impossible odds to finding hope through the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, believing mentors, and the relentless love of family. He speaks frankly about surviving childhood pain, his unshakab...

What does it mean to win—really win—and not lose yourself along the way? In this episode, Clif Marshall and I sit down with Jeff Friday, a man who’s spent more than three decades coaching the best of the best, including 21 seasons in the NFL and a Super Bowl as head strength coach for the Baltimore Ravens. Jeff brings a level of wisdom you can only get by actually being in the room. He takes us in...

In this episode of The Sam Acho Podcast, Clif Marshall and Sam sit down with Jalen Hood-Schifino—Fino—a pro athlete whose story cuts through the noise. From his roots in a family where both football and basketball were stitched into daily life, to the weight of adversity and the sharp edges of success, Fino opens up about the realities behind the highlight reels. He shares what it means to move ci...