Justin Koelbl - Dreams of a Life in Sports: Cut Short or Transformed? - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #52

Justin Koelbl - Dreams of a Life in Sports: Cut Short or Transformed? - The Catholic Sportsman Show podcast #52

Author: Paul Michelini and Randy Laya (RIP co-founder Jeff Corrigan) September 12, 2024 Duration: 53:53
In this episode, we talk with Justin Koelbl, a former cyclist with his sights on competing in the Tour de France. While training abroad, Justin, and his father and brother all experienced a debilitating disease that would sideline their sports aspirations. This life altering experience led Justin into a tour de force to find not only the cause of his family’s suffering and some relief, but also toward an exploration of the Catholic teaching and meaning of suffering.   Justin was initially angry at God for seemingly allowing his suffering and that of his family. This belief was transformed into a deeper relationship with God as well as a better understanding of the spiritual meaning and purpose that redemptive suffering plays in his life.   Justin’s inspiring family story can be a blessing for anyone who finds themselves grappling with their own suffering or knows someone who suffers. Justin’s ongoing life experience can help us better understand the words of St. Paul in Romans 8:18 – “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us.”    https://justinkoelbl.com/

In a world where stadiums and sanctuaries often feel miles apart, The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast finds the profound connection between them. Hosts Paul Michelini and Randy Laya, alongside the enduring memory of co-founder Jeff Corrigan, engage in thoughtful conversations that explore how the drama, discipline, and community found in sports intersect with a lived Catholic faith. This isn't just a post-game analysis; it's a deeper look at the stories, history, and personalities within athletics, examining them through a spiritual lens. You'll hear discussions that are as likely to delve into the theological virtues demonstrated on the field as they are to appreciate a great historical moment in sport. Recorded within The Diocese of Orange, California, the podcast brings on guests who share this unique perspective, creating dialogues that are both topical and timeless. Whether reflecting on loss, leadership, or pure athletic joy, Paul and Randy offer a space where the universal language of games meets the enduring questions of faith, culture, and society. Tune in for a series that celebrates the athlete's journey while thoughtfully considering its place within a broader spiritual life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 66

The Catholic Sportsman Show Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Fr Ben Keller - The Power of Small Sacrifices [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:59
Our guest on this episode is Fr. Ben Keller, OP (Order of Preachers, commonly known as the Dominican Order). He and the Dominican Friars are chaplains to the Indiana Hoosiers Football team who won the 2026 College Footba…
Lauri Hauser - IC2KG - Know, Love, Serve, Share [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:14
Lauri Hauser is our guest on this episode. She is a wife and the mother of two grown boys and was also a high school teacher. Twenty years ago, Lauri and her family started a family chant about God. Little did Lauri know…
Fr. Matthew Hincks - Guardian Angels... Are They Real? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
Fr. Matthew Hincks is a priest with the Order of Canons Regular of the Holy Cross in the diocese of Steubenville, Ohio and is our guest on this episode. One of the ministries of the Canons Regular is Opus Angelorum or Wo…
Fr. Dave Pivonka - A Proud Father [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:48
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, is the president of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio and is our guest on this episode. Fr. Dave grew up in a devoted Catholic family and he and his siblings were very involved in vari…
Raquel Rose - God Turns Despair into Success [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:36
Raquel Rose is the founder of the Little Rose Shop and is our guest on this episode. In addition to running her own business, Raquel is a wife and the mother of one girl and three boys. Growing up, she liked all sports,…
Garrett Bernardo - Claim Your Crown [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Garrett Bernardo is our guest on this episode. He is the CEO of NOVUS (pronounced Novice), a purpose driven athletic clothing apparel company. Garrett talks about his early life being raised in a devout Catholic home. He…
Joey Pontarelli - Hurt and Suffering Transformed [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:03
Our guest on this episode is Joey Pontarelli who is the founder and president of Restored, a ministry that helps teens and young adults who come from divorced or dysfunctional families heal and build virtue so they can a…