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In this episode of The Christian Athlete Podcast, Jaden sits down with longtime football and track coach Bill Shepard to talk about the power of relationships in coaching, faith, and life.

Coach Shepard has spent decades investing in athletes, and throughout the conversation he shares lessons learned from the sidelines, the locker room, and the many relationships built along the way. From the importance of multi-sport participation to learning how to handle disappointment, injury, and setbacks, this episode highlights how sports can shape character far beyond wins and losses.

At the heart of the conversation is the idea of relational Christianity—that faith is most often passed on through meaningful relationships, mentorship, and intentional investment in others. Coach Shepard explains how the Apostle Paul modeled this approach through his missionary journeys and how the same principle applies today for coaches, athletes, and anyone seeking to live out their faith.

We also discuss:

• Why great coaches can transform lives far beyond the game

• The importance of mentors and spiritual “teammates” in your life

• Learning to wait your turn while cheering others on

• The concept of the “Fab Five” — five types of people everyone needs around them

• How athletes can use their platform to influence others for Christ

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or someone simply trying to live out your faith well, this conversation is a powerful reminder that the greatest impact we have often comes through relationships.

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Today I sit down with Coach Randy Moore—my high school track coach, a multiple-time IHSA Coach of the Year, and the architect behind one of the strongest small-school track programs in Illinois.

Randy has produced D1 athletes, state trophies, and a team that somehow rebuilds itself into a contender every single year. But what makes him special isn’t the results; it’s the heart behind them.

In this episode, we talk about why the journey is the goal, how love and culture beat workouts and PRs, and what it looks like to coach athletes with Christ at the center. We dive into channeling passion, using your strengths, shoring up weaknesses, and growing through authentic relationships.

This one is full of wisdom for athletes, coaches, and anyone who wants their work to mean something deeper.

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In this episode of The Christian Athlete Podcast, Jaden sits down with Nancy Swider-Peltz Sr., the first ever 4-time U.S. Winter Olympian in speed skating. Nancy set a world record at age 19, competed in eight Olympic Trials from 1976–2004, and simultaneously became a five-time All-American swimmer while attending Wheaton College.

This conversation is especially meaningful to Jaden — he had the privilege of playing defensive line for Nancy’s husband, Coach Jeff Peltz Sr., and has long been shaped by the Peltz family’s commitment to faith, excellence, and purposeful living. The wisdom Nancy carries from both athletics and life is deep, practical, and encouraging.

In this episode, Nancy shares insights on trailblazing without a blueprint, setting the right priorities, learning from failure, navigating roadblocks, defending your faith, focusing your attention, and the underrated power of rest. Her story is a reminder that purpose is found in the process — and that sometimes the most important lesson is simply to relax and keep moving forward.

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