Beyond The Game

Sports Spectrum Podcast host Jason Romano joins the program once again to talk with Benson about the podcast as well as his book, 'Live to Forgive'. Jason also shares his testimony of how first came to know Jesus Christ as his savior.

Benson and Barletta talk football, and specifically the goals of guys like RGIII and Johnny Manziel of getting back to the NFL. We all enjoy comeback stories of redemption, and Benson talks of the importance of seeking forgiveness of our sins and the redemption of our souls. Plus, the guys break down one of those 'unwritten' baseball rules and compare it to legalistic views and how unproductive and hurtful they can be. Also, Zac has new 'Shenanigans' statements as well as 'You Like That'.

Benson talks with Turner Ward, Hitting Coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Turner discusses hitting, the upcoming season, and how Jesus Christ has helped him through some difficult times in baseball. He also talks about the importance of the support of fellow believers and shares the circumstances around his salvation experience when he first trusted Christ for the forgiveness of sins.

It's the baseball preview show as Benson and Barletta predict their playoff teams for the 2018 baseball season. Plus, Benson talks with Turner Ward, Hitting Coach for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Turner discusses hitting, the upcoming season, and how Jesus Christ has helped him through some difficult times in baseball. He also talks about the importance of the support of fellow believers and shares the circumstances around his salvation experience when he first trusted Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Zac has 'Shenanigans', the guys share 'You Like That' for the week, and more!

Benson talks with Roberts Wesleyan College's Tom Linhart. Not only does Tom coach the men's tennis team, but this spring he took over as coach of the women's team as well. Tom talks about his faith, RWC tennis, and why he enjoys coaching student-athletes and sharing life lessons from the sport of tennis.

In addition to complaining about the college basketball tournament and regular features such as 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That', it's a two interview show. First, Benson talks with JJ Garwood, head coach of the Northstar Christian Academy boys basketball team who narrowly lost in the New York State title game. JJ reflects on the season and talks about the character of the team and share how he became a believer in Jesus Christ. Then, Roberts Wesleyan College's tennis coach Tom Linhart visits the program. He discusses his faith, RWC tennis, and why he enjoys coaching student-athletes and sharing life lessons from the sport of tennis.

Benson talks with JJ Garwood, head coach of the Northstar Christian Academy boys basketball team who narrowly lost in the New York State title game. JJ reflects on the season and talks about the character of the team and shares how he became a believer in Jesus Christ

Benson is away one last week and so Zac Barletta hosts the show along with his brother Spencer. In addition to plenty of NFL talk, and especially their beloved Buffalo Bills, they do a special 'cross-over' and discussing a legendary hotel in Milwaukee frequented by baseball teams which is said to be haunted. The Barletta brothers co-host the popular podcast 'Myths and Mysteries' and bring their story telling skills to this week's Beyond the Game.

With Benson still away, this week’s show is an encore presentation. From the February 3rd, 2018 broadcast - Benson and Barletta discuss how the New England Patriots' system makes them successful without having the most talented players in the league. Benson then shares the 'system' Jesus Christ used to change the world which is impacting lives still. Then from the February 10th, 2018 show – the guys take a look at the NFL catch rule after the recent Super Bowl. The rule may need clarification, but the Word of God does not. The segment features a discussion about how easily understandable the Bible is, especially when it comes to knowing Jesus. And finally, from the January 27th, 2018 program - some people celebrated Rob Gronkowski's head injury in the AFC Championship game. The guys don't think that's cool and give a biblical perspective on rejoicing in the suffering and others and forgiveness in general.

Zac Barletta fills in as host and is joined by his brother Spencer as they talk NFL football as Benson is away. Zac reaches way, way back into the archives to replay one of his favorite interviews over the years with Beyond the Game. He replays the interview with Kevin Malone, the one time Major League Baseball General Manager. Even though Benson's away, Zac and Spencer still come through with popular segments 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'.

Rik Benson and co-host Zac Barletta discuss the Winter Olympics and the whether its a good idea for the games as a whole to keep building new venues in countries that perhaps can't really afford it. Perhaps a small rotation of venue sites? The topic leads to some biblical thoughts on stewardship. Plus, Spring Training is underway and while it is very popular in Florida, can regular season baseball thrive where there is so many other things to do? Recent roster breakdowns by the Marlins and Rays can't help and of course everybody, even players on other teams have opinions on that. The Bible has things to say about minding our own business. And of course, regular weekly segments such as 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'.

Benson talks with Dr. Bob Dranoff, the Commissioner of the East Coast Conference of which RWC athletics are a part of. Dr. Dranoff shares his thoughts about the ECC, DII athletics, and the upcoming conference championship tournament which will be hosted this year by Roberts Wesleyan College

Roberts Wesleyan College women's basketball coach Gary Andrews joins the program once again to give a brief update on the season and looks ahead to the stretch run prior to the ECC conference tournament.

In addition to regular segments such as 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That', Benson talks with Dr. Bob Dranoff, the Commissioner of the East Coast Conference. Dr. Dranoff shares his thoughts about the ECC, DII athletics, and the upcoming conference championship tournament which will be hosted this year by Roberts Wesleyan College Plus, Roberts women's basketball coach Gary Andrews joins the program once again to give a brief update on the season and looks ahead to the stretch run prior to the ECC conference tournament.

Benson and Barletta discuss baseball free agency and wonder if the owners would be crazy enough to be colluding against the players again in order to keep salaries down. Benson gives a biblical perspective on feeling as though people are teaming up against you. Plus, a look at the NFL catch rule after this past Super Bowl. The rule may need clarification, but the Word of God does not. The segment features a discussion about how easily understandable the Bible is, especially when it comes to knowing Jesus. And as always, there is regular features 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like that'

Benson and Barletta discuss how the New England Patriots' system makes them successful without having the most talented players in the league. Benson then shares the 'system' Jesus Christ used to change the world which is impacting lives still. Plus, the guys take a look at the Alex Smith trade to the Redskins which means Kirk Cousins is about to be rewarded well for not compromising and accepting less than what he felt he was worth. They then talk about what Bible has to say about not compromising on God's standards. Plus 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'.

Rik Benson and Zac Barletta talk about the baseball Hall of Fame vote, and wonder how twelve voters thought it appropriate to leave Chipper Jones off the ballot. The discussion leads to some thoughts on seeking our own glory when we ought to be seeking God's. Plus, some people celebrated Rob Gronkowski's head injury in the AFC Championship game. The guys don't think that's cool and give a biblical perspective on rejoicing in the suffering and others and forgiveness in general. Plus regular features 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'.

Rik Benson and Zac Barletta are joined by Zac's brother Spencer as they discuss the available players rumored to still be available via trade prior to Spring Training just a little less than a month away. Benson compares veteran leadership to biblical disciple making. Also, they guys get into Andrew Cogliano's suspension which brought an end to his 830 straight NHL games played streak. Even good guys sin, which is why we need Jesus. A football themed 'Shenanigans', plus all three guys share during this week's 'You Like That' segment.

On this week's show, Benson and Barletta discuss the massive invasion of Bills fans upon Jacksonville for the Bills' first playoff game in seventeen years. There is a spiritual application for Christians as being 'strangers and pilgrims' in a foreign world. Also, the guys discuss the teamwork of the two Alabama quarterbacks in particular from the National Championship game and make a comparison to the church. Plus regular features such as 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'

Benson and Barletta discuss the Buffalo Bills making the playoffs and the faithfulness of Bills fans like Zac, and Benson makes a few biblical observations. The guys also discuss the perfect season for UCF football. But just 'claiming' a National Championship doesn't equate to actually winning one just as 'claiming' there are numerous ways to Heaven doesn't change that Jesus is the ONLY way. Plus NFL playoff preview, 'Shenanigans' and 'You Like That'.