Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 188 - Baseball's Electric Playoff Drama!

This week we turn our attention to the baseball Wild Card Playoff round and look ahead to what's still to come as fans of the Cubs and Tigers connect to rejoice after exciting wins in their Wild Card rounds.

Listen in as the passion of baseball nuts Scott Holmgren and David Collins share their insights and Paul Miller steers the ship!

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Pastor Paul Miller

Scott Holmgren

David Collins

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

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Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 187 -

Sports Momentum, QB Growth & Faith Lessons | Church Pew Sports Podcast

In this week’s episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson, Pastor Paul Miller, and Pastor Carson Greenhaw dive deep into the highs and lows of sports fandom—where momentum swings, coaching decisions, and even mascots can teach us lessons about life and faith.

The conversation kicks off with a look at momentum in sports, from the Detroit Lions’ recent surge to teams that collapse after strong starts. Bill shares the thrill of seeing his Lions finally on the rise, while Paul and Carson point out the reality that momentum can shift quickly in both games and seasons. Together, they explore whether momentum is just “sports talk” or a very real force that shapes outcomes on and off the field.

The discussion shifts to baseball and the Detroit Tigers’ frustrating struggles. From bizarre plays to managerial decisions, Bill and Paul debate whether managers can truly halt negative momentum, while also reflecting on how fan patience often runs thin when results falter. The group then turns to young NFL quarterbacks, analyzing careers of JJ McCarthy, Caleb Williams, and Justin Fields, and weighing which QBs belong in the elite Tier 1 conversation.

College football takes center stage next, as the hosts break down the challenges of coaching transitions, Dabo Swinney’s struggles at Clemson, and the constant impatience of fanbases. They sprinkle in humor with quotes from coaches like Mike McDaniel while also considering the deeper issue of unrealistic turnaround expectations in sports.

Integrity in competition also comes under the spotlight. From fishing and chess scandals to stone-skipping controversies, the hosts raise serious (and lighthearted) questions about what fairness truly means. Paul’s own experience with a misattributed C.S. Lewis quote on social media sparks a broader reflection on truth and accountability.

The show also celebrates the lighter side of sports, with praise for Ralphie7—the new CU Buffaloes mascot—and insights into Ryder Cup drama. A moving discussion about the Charlie Kirk memorial service reminds listeners of the eternal perspective beyond sports, as the hosts reflect on the power of forgiveness and the importance of prioritizing what matters most.

Church Pew Sports connects the energy and drama of the sports world with timeless biblical truths. Whether it’s quarterbacks, coaches, or quirky competition scandals, this episode reminds us that the games we love often mirror life itself.

You can also listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

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Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 186- Football, Rivalries & Faith In America

In this episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller take listeners on a journey that weaves together controversy, football strategy, college rivalries, and faith-driven reflection.

Bill begins by recounting his unique experience covering a LIV Golf event in Michigan.

From there, the conversation shifts to football, where Bill and Paul compare notes on their beloved teams—the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions. Paul shares his frustrations with the constant stream of texts during games, while both agree on the positive impact of the Lions’ defensive coordinator Kelvin Shepard.

College football takes center stage next as Bill and Paul unpack the imbalance between powerhouse programs and smaller schools. They debate whether non-conference “cupcake games” provide real value or simply inflate rankings while cashing checks. Rivalries, however, bring a different kind of energy, from Ryan Day’s respect for Eddie Robinson to the competitive fun of the annual Church Pew Sports pick’em pool—now featuring an even split of Michigan and Ohio State fans.

The episode also features their latest predictions and Paul vents about the NFL’s experimental game in São Paulo, Brazil. Humor enters the mix with a legendary mascot brawl between Rufus the Bobcat and Brutus Buckeye, reminding us that sports are as much about escapism as competition.

Finally, Bill and Paul zoom out to reflect on the importance of peaceful dialogue in chaotic times. With recent violence dominating headlines, they highlight Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s call for calm and moral clarity. The duo stress the distinction between righteous anger and vengeful anger, reminding listeners that as followers of Jesus, we are called to be ambassadors of peace, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Packed with sports insights, humor, and meaningful faith-based reflection, this episode is a reminder of why Church Pew Sports exists: to connect the games we love with the values we live by.

Read the full story of BILL'S LIV GOLF ADVENTURE

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 185 - College Football Chaos and Coach Corso Farewell

This week on Church Pew Sports, we dive into the best of college football week 1, NFL headlines, and a few unforgettable life stories.

The panel kicks things off with Michigan football drama, the debut of Bill Belichick at North Carolina, and the debate over expanding the College Football Playoff. Bill Hobson questions the SEC’s push for 28 teams, while Joshua Gilmer (fresh off a dramatic wedding day hospital trip) argues for 6, and Pastor Scott Tinman—a longtime youth pastor and first-time guest—makes the case for 16.

Week 1 highlights get plenty of attention, from Devin Hester Jr.’s kickoff return to Tulane’s emotional (but denied) Katrina tribute uniforms. The group also analyzes quarterback debuts at Ohio State and Michigan, while laughing about questionable walkout songs echoing across Big Ten stadiums.

The conversation takes a heartfelt turn with a tribute to Lee Corso and his farewell from ESPN’s College GameDay. From his legendary headgear picks to his family’s involvement in his later years, the panel reflects on Corso’s unique impact on the game.

Off the field, Joshua shares how his wedding reception was cut short by an emergency endoscopy, while Pastor Paul Miller recalls officiating a ceremony where a golden retriever wrecked expensive decorations. Scott adds his perspective on navigating sports loyalties as a Chicago fan raised in a Michigan household.

The episode closes with NFL stories, including Tyson Bagent’s inspiring rise, Micah Parsons’ trade drama, and even Matt Leinart’s kids Googling their dad’s career. As always, Bill and Paul tie it back to faith with a challenge from Psalm 119: stay consistent in both sports passion and spiritual direction.

Whether you love Michigan, Ohio State, or just football in general, this episode is packed with energy, humor, and meaning.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Pastor Scott Tinman

Joshua Gilmer

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 184 - Did Michigan Really Win? NCAA Scandals, Selective Justice & Sports That Shape Character

In this episode of Church Pew Sports, hosts Bill Hobson and Pastor Paul Miller are joined by guest Pastor Mike Szoradi - a level-headed Michigan fan living in Arizona - to dive deep into one of the most polarizing topics in college football: the Michigan football scandal and the NCAA’s controversial response.

The trio debates whether Michigan truly “won” in the end, despite major violations and what many see as a slap-on-the-wrist penalty from the NCAA. Bill pulls no punches as he defends Michigan's competitive ethics and the NCAA’s declining authority. Mike offers a measured defense of Michigan’s program but admits that the leniency raises serious questions about league enforcement and future integrity across college sports. Paul bridges the conversation with a perspective rooted in faith and fairness, pointing out that even when you keep the title, you might still lose the moral high ground.

The crew compares the NCAA to a tired, out-of-touch parent, overwhelmed and inconsistent in its punishments. From signal-stealing allegations to selective enforcement and TV ratings driving decision-making, this episode asks hard questions: Where is integrity in sports? Who should actually enforce the rules? And what example are we setting for the next generation of athletes?

The episode wraps with a powerful reminder from Matthew 5 about authenticity — being the same person in the locker room, the pulpit, and the living room. It’s classic Church Pew Sports: strong opinions, sharp debate, and a constant effort to tie sports back to faith, character, and real life.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Pastor Mike Szoradi

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep - 183 - Youth Travel Sports - The Good, Bad, And The Expensive

This week we dip our toes into the often volatile world of youth travel sports and take an up close look at the positives and negatives that come from this $40 BILLION per year industry.

Is it for the kids, or for the parents?

How can families navigate the economic and scheduling pressures from insane practice, game, and travel requirements?

How much is too much when it comes to spending and time commitments?

We're tackling all of it in this insightful look at the underbelly of youth travel sports.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

Jason Traczynski

Carson Greenhaw

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep 182 - Sizzlin' Summer Sports Headlines

This week we catch up on a very busy summer of sports headlines, including:

• The NFLPA collusion scandal
• Hulk Hogan fans mourn his passing
• Cleveland Guardians shady gambling issues
• WNBA wigs and demands
• MLB trade deadline deals
• Big 10 Media Day in...Vegas?

If you've been mostly "checked out" all summer, we're here to bring you up to speed!

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

David Collins

Brock Rice

Scoot Holmgren

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316

Welcome to Church Pew Sports Ep -NIL, NCAA & the Wild West of College Sports – Decoding the Future with Andrew Donovan

The world of college sports is undergoing a seismic transformation — and no issue is more disruptive (or divisive) than NIL: Name, Image, and Likeness. In this week’s episode of Church Pew Sports, host Bill Hobson is joined by Andrew Donovan, President of the College Division at Altius Sports Partners, for an eye-opening deep dive into how NIL is reshaping the landscape of collegiate athletics.

This is more than just a conversation about athlete compensation — it’s a journey into a new era of recruiting, regulation, and revenue. From the shifting power dynamics between schools and athletes to the legal entanglements challenging the NCAA’s authority, Donovan offers unprecedented insight into the NIL frontier. With 40+ schools in his client portfolio, Andrew isn’t just observing the changes — he’s helping build the infrastructure for what comes next.

You’ll hear how universities are navigating the new pay-for-play ecosystem, how donor collectives are influencing recruiting like never before, and how NIL has created massive uncertainty around fairness, compliance, and sustainability. Bill and Andrew also explore the impact on the fan experience — will we ever again see a player stay four years at one school? Or are we rooting for laundry, as Jerry Seinfeld once put it?

This episode tackles key questions:

• Is the NCAA even relevant anymore?

• Will college football and basketball split off into professional leagues?

• Can schools balance athlete pay with academic integrity?

• Is Title IX the next big battleground?

Later in the episode, Pastor Paul Miller joins to weigh in on the deeper faith and family dimensions of college sports culture, reflecting on how far the game has drifted from its educational and community roots. With his trademark blend of wit and wisdom, Paul adds a powerful perspective to an already fascinating conversation.

Whether you're a diehard Buckeye, a maize-and-blue loyalist, or simply a sports fan trying to make sense of this new world, this is the NIL masterclass you’ve been waiting for. It's smart, candid, and loaded with practical insight — all through the lens of faith, culture, and real life.

🟦 🎧 Subscribe, share, and join the Church Pew Sports community as we tackle the biggest issues in sports — and what they say about us.

This week's CPS Starting Host Lineup:

Bill Hobson

Pastor Paul Miller

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Did you know you can now WATCH Church Pew Sports on our new YOUTUBE Channel?

You can listen to EVERY episode of CPS by visiting Churchpewsports.com/

We would love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions. Reach out to us at: churchpewsports316@gmail.com

Stay connected to Church Pew Sports on Facebook and Twitter @CPewsSports316