The UNPACKIN' it Podcast With Bryce Johnson & Trip Smith

UNPACKIN' it
  • 5.0 (50)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Weekly

This is the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast, where we relate sports stories to life and faith. Our mission is to challenge, encourage, and inspire you to follow Jesus and become more like Him with sports conversations that truly matter. We also unpack sports, faith, and life with intriguing guests from the sports world. Bryce Johnson is the president of UNPACKIN' it Ministries and is the host. Trip Smith is a pastor and works with Impact Partners. Shows are released most weeks on Tuesdays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 17h ago

    GUEST Interview: Mike Gminski-Duke Legend & Broadcaster-Bball, Faith, & Sobriety

    Duke legend, former NBA player, and longtime basketball analyst, Mike “G-Man” Gminski joins Bryce Johnson on The UNPACKIN’ it Podcast for a powerful conversation about basketball, faith, recovery, and identity. Bryce and Mike begin by unpacking the latest NBA storylines, including the Hornets trading LaMelo Ball, Charlotte’s future, the NBA Draft, Duke prospects, NIL, international players, and the Knicks’ championship run. Then Mike opens up about his six-year sobriety journey, his work with Sana Recovery as a Partner, Sana House Mentor & Sana Community Ambassador, and how Jesus has transformed his life. He shares why he now sees himself as an “apostle for recovery,” how Scripture has come alive to him, and why true identity is found not in basketball accomplishments, but in Christ. This episode is an encouraging reminder that God restores, redeems, and uses our stories to help others experience freedom and hope. BIO: Mike played four years at Duke 1976-1980, was named the ACC Rookie of the year and also ACC Player of the Year. When he left Duke he was the career leader in points, rebounds, and blocked shots and his number 43 is retired. He was drafted in the first round of the 1980 NBA draft, 7th overall by the New Jersey Nets and throughout his 14-year NBA career also played for the 76ers, Hornets, and Bucks. After playing basketball, he’s been a long-time analyst for the Hornets, CBS Sports, Raycom Sports, and Fox Sports Net and was a regular contributor to WFNZ sports radio. Links: https://sanarecovery.org/ Mike Gminski Classic: A basketball showcase taking place in Charlotte, December 28–30. https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/mike-gminski-classic/ Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 16m

  2. 2d ago

    Not Who I Am―What Is Your True Identity?

    Today, we unpack Wyndham Clark's win while being booed…and how his battle with identity is similar to the one we face as followers of Jesus. Plus, the guys talk about the NBA Draft and big NBA trades, and Dusty May going to the Mavs. Who are you really? Who does God say you are? In this episode, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack the powerful parallels among sports, life, and faith by unpacking Wyndham Clark's recent U.S. Open victory. Despite leading wire-to-wire, Clark was relentlessly booed and jeered by a hostile crowd holding onto a destructive locker room outburst from his past. The hosts explore how Clark had to choose between letting the crowd define him...or leaning into his true capabilities, guided by the perspective of those who know him best. The conversation shifts into a deep spiritual truth: just as the crowd rooted against Clark, Satan acts as an accuser rooting against believers, utilizing past sins to paralyze us with shame. Through Scripture, Bryce and Trip remind listeners that our identity is securely anchored in Christ, who views us not by our worst days, but as new, fully redeemed creations. Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 11m

  3. Jun 16

    Knicks Win With Belief & Why Our Actions Reveal Our Beliefs

    The New York Knicks are the NBA Champions! Host Bryce Johnson unpacks how the Knicks' belief-based approach led them to victory… and how belief in Jesus changes everything for us.  After years of disappointment and struggle, a gritty, resilient team has rejuvenated the city with an unbelievable playoff run, featuring some of the biggest comebacks in NBA Finals history. In this episode, Bryce Johnson breaks down the incredible narrative behind the Knicks' championship victory. From 8-year-old OG Anunoby promising his father he’d practice every day if he bought him a hoop, to Jalen Brunson leaving to be "the guy" and carry his team, this roster was built on belief. But this story also prompts a deeper question: What do we actually believe, and how do those beliefs drive our actions? Looking at Scripture, we discuss why true belief in Jesus is more than just knowledge—it’s an anchor that transforms how we live, obey, and overcome life's deficits. Show Notes & HighlightsDefining Belief and Faith: Exploring the distinction between simple knowledge and a deep, heart-centered trust in God.Living Out Your Belief: Reflecting on key questions that reveal the condition of our faith: If we believe God is good, do we stop worrying? If we believe His Word is true, do we obey?Scripture References: Romans 10:9-10 (AMP) / John 14:12 (AMP) / James 2:19 Sponsor SpotlightUpward Sports: Celebrate the upcoming World Cup by launching a fall soccer league at your church! Upward Sports provides everything you need to get started—including communication tools, marketing materials, and even two free soccer goals to launch your league. Learn more and map out your timeline at Upward.org/Soccer.Connect With The ShowEmail Bryce: Bryce@unpackinit.comWebsite: Unpackinit.comThe Sports Devotional: thesportsdevotional.comSupport the Ministry: Help keep the show going by visiting unpackinit.com/donate. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate, review, and share it with a friend! Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  4. Jun 9

    US Soccer Criticism or Encouragement-How To View Different Generations

    This week Bryce and Trip unpack the NBA Finals & the fans in New York and also discuss the tension between current and former World Cup players…and how we can embrace different generations in life.  In our own lives, it's so easy to complain about and criticize younger generations by saying, "I can't believe what kids do these days," or to tune out older generations as if they don't know what they're talking about.  What if the older generations were willing to encourage, mentor, and cheer on the younger generations, with the desire to build up and strengthen them? What if they focused on making disciples and seeing their potential?What if younger generations valued the wisdom and examples set by the older generations?What if we humbled ourselves and looked for ways to serve and honor one another instead of criticizing and distancing ourselves? Scripture used on this week's show includes Titus 2:1-7 (AMP) Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 7m

  5. Jun 7

    GUEST Interview: Former Pro Goalkeeper Jesse Bradley-World Cup-Faith & Soccer

    Our summer interview series kicks off with a conversation about the World Cup. How can we approach this huge event with an eternal perspective? What do we need to know about the top teams? Jesse Bradley is a pastor, author, speaker, evangelist, and former professional soccer goalkeeper, as well as the Co-Founder of Just Choose Hope.  A free daily devotion series called 40 days of Victory is on Justchoosehope.org. A graduate of Dartmouth College, Jesse graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. He also serves as Chaplain of the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer and for the under 20 U.S. men’s national team.  Jesse hosts a podcast called The Bonfire, leading people into the presence, word, and hope of God, and is author of multiple books, including his latest book, The Power of The Second Thought, which covers how God renews our minds with indestructible hope. https://jessebradley.org/ Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min

  6. Jun 2

    Enjoying Sports, Life, People, and Blessings...and God-Experience Everything with Joy

    We enjoy sports, but is our life filled with enjoyment? What if we experienced life and people with more joy? Are we enjoying the people around us, the blessings God has given us, His calling on our lives, and, most importantly, enjoying God for who He is and the fellowship He invites us to have with Him? Are we passionate about delighting in God, enjoying a deep personal relationship with Jesus, and is it our pleasure to serve Him, obey Him, and know His Word? In this episode, we take an honest look at our hearts and lives, identifying the areas where we’ve lost our passion, gratitude, and joy and are simply going through the motions. Drifting into negativity and dissatisfaction is easy, but the antidote is intentional. We are shifting our focus back to God—learning to truly savor His goodness, relish His blessings, and appreciate His greatness. Tune in as we unpack how to break out of our spiritual rut and experience genuine, life-giving fellowship with Jesus, who has already secured an abundant life for us through His death and resurrection. Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min

  7. May 19

    When Life and Sports Are Unfair | NFL Schedule & Wemby Domination

    On this week's UNPACKIN' it podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack how the NFL schedule is unfair to some teams...and how to respond when our lives seem unfair. They offer their thoughts on the Spurs-Thunder series and a fan's perspective on greatness and dominance. Plus, they discuss how to get through mistreatment with the right heart posture and mindset, entrusting ourselves to God. Drawing from the ultimate example of Jesus and the raw, real insights of the Apostle Paul, Bryce and Trip give practical ways to avoid bitterness, focus on what we can control, and keep trusting God's character. Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 12m

  8. May 12

    NHL & NBA Playoffs: Series Sweep & Quick Obedience

    On this week's podcast, Bryce Johnson and Trip Smith unpack what happens when an NHL or NBA team pulls off a series sweep, and how it parallels quick obedience as followers of Jesus. They offer their thoughts on the NBA Playoffs and the Draft Lottery, and discuss what's next for the Lakers and Bucks...and the NCAA Tournament expansion. Plus, the guys break down why we act immediately when we know the right thing to do as we follow Jesus. Scripture Focus: Titus 2:11-12 (ESV): "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age..." Psalm 119:60 (NLT): “I will hurry, without delay, to obey Your commands.” Find out more about UNPACKIN' it Ministries: HERE Subscribe to our YouTube channel! HERE Click HERE to support UNPACKIN' it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 14m
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out of 5
50 Ratings

About

This is the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast, where we relate sports stories to life and faith. Our mission is to challenge, encourage, and inspire you to follow Jesus and become more like Him with sports conversations that truly matter. We also unpack sports, faith, and life with intriguing guests from the sports world. Bryce Johnson is the president of UNPACKIN' it Ministries and is the host. Trip Smith is a pastor and works with Impact Partners. Shows are released most weeks on Tuesdays. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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