What do faith, weightlifting, sports fandom, and awkward church bathroom breaks have in common? They’re all part of this week’s episode of **The Higher Call: The Christian Sports Fan Podcast!**

Host Dan Satterfield welcomes Rob for a fun conversation about life, faith, sports, and everything in between.

Rob shares his journey from leading campus ministry in the Washington, D.C. area to helping start a church in Akron, Ohio, where he’s spent the past decade serving his community. He talks about growing up as an athlete, discovering a lifelong passion for weightlifting and powerlifting, and how the gym has provided friendship, accountability, structure, and an unexpected connection to his faith.

Rob's Instagram:

@robcochran11

On the sports side, we discuss the Cleveland Guardians’ playoff hopes, the Cavaliers’ upcoming season, LeBron James’ impact on Akron, and the eternal roller coaster of being a Dallas Cowboys fan.

Then it’s time for **Church Advice!** This week, we tackle the case of the Awkward Walker: What should you do when you need to use the bathroom just as the pastor begins praying? Should you stop and pray in the aisle, make a quick escape, or accept that your bladder and the Holy Spirit are no longer on speaking terms? Rob brings his church leadership experience to this very serious and completely ridiculous dilemma.

We wrap up with Rob’s prayer requests for wisdom, patience, and gas money to get his son where he needs to go for football. **Dial God up for that one!**

🙏 **PRAYER REQUESTS:** Please pray for Rob to have wisdom and patience as he balances family, work, and ministry—and for that gas budget as he drives his son to football!

📩 **Have a Church Advice dilemma or a prayer request?** Email us at highercallpod@gmail.com. We're not qualified to give church advice, but we're happy to try!

🎧 **THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:**

- **All Too Traveled** — Follow on TikTok for short travel videos to inspire your next getaway.

- **Bill Ellis – Father Figure Framework** — Faith-grounded habits for strength, energy, and leadership at home, especially for men over 40. Learn more at https://billellis.coach.

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The Higher Call: Where faith and fandom meet.

Keep your eyes on the game, keep your heart on God!

## Chapters

00:00 – Welcome to The Higher Call

01:05 – Catching Up with Rob

02:00 – From Campus Ministry to Church Planting in Akron

03:19 – Why Akron? Finding a Place to Serve

04:09 – LeBron James and His Impact on Akron

06:11 – Cleveland Guardians Playoff Baseball

08:10 – Red Sox Nation in Florida and Christmas Tree Season

11:16 – Cleveland Cavaliers: What to Expect This Season

14:07 – Rob’s Lifelong Journey with Weightlifting

15:24 – How the Gym Provides Community and Mental Strength

16:24 – Finding Purpose After Organized Sports

18:15 – Gym Etiquette and Making New Friends

19:01 – The All-Important Protein Powder Question

22:39 – How Faith, Sports, and Weightlifting Intersect

24:33 – Dallas Cowboys: Can They Turn Things Around?

27:55 – Sponsor Break: All Too Traveled & Father Figure Framework

29:05 – Church Advice: Introducing the Awkward Walker

30:02 – The Bathroom Break That Collided with Prayer

32:58 – What If the Pastor Is Praying for You?

34:03 – Does Leaving Church During Prayer Break Etiquette?

36:23 – Small Acts of Kindness in the Church Community

37:22 – The Verdict: Pray in the Aisle or Make a Quick Exit?

38:30 – Rob’s Prayer Requests: Wisdom, Patience & Gas Money

39:23 – Closing Thoughts: Even Referees Are Made in the Image of God

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