Words of Steele

Thomas Steele
  • 5.0 (16)
  • Sports
  • Updated Biweekly

In The Words of Steele Podcast, we dive deep into the world of sports to explore the values, motivations, and societal impact behind the games we love. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to uncover untold stories, hidden truths, and remarkable individuals that shape the sports landscape.

  1. May 22

    46. Graduation

    In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom reflects on graduation season and what comes after the celebration ends. Drawing from experiences in college athletics and student life, he explores the shift from being guided and recognized to stepping into a world that expects independence, responsibility, and steady growth. He also considers how life is a series of ongoing “graduations” into new seasons—career, family, aging, and more—and what foundation we rely on through those transitions. With reflections on faith, Memorial Day, and those often overlooked, Tom encourages listeners to live intentionally and stay grounded in what truly sustains them. Episode Highlights:  Graduation Season Begins.From College to Career Paths.School vs. Real World Expectations.Life’s Ongoing Graduations & Foundation.Memorial Day, Faith, and Hope. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XLearn More About Saints Prison Ministry Here!This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    18 min

  2. Apr 27

    45. Love of Money

    In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele takes a look at how the transfer portal, coaching changes, and massive contracts are reshaping college athletics. From unlimited transfers to the growing “five-in-five” eligibility model, he reflects on how college sports have shifted from student-athlete development toward what he calls a “culture of asset acquisition,” where money and winning often drive the decisions. Using LSU’s rehiring of Will Wade and North Carolina’s high-profile coaching moves as examples, Tom explores how universities are prioritizing financial success over tradition, loyalty, and sometimes even accountability. Through the lens of faith, grace, and scripture, he asks an important question: when the love of money begins to lead, what happens to the true mission of college sports and higher education? Episode Highlights:  The transfer portal is changing college sports fast.Can athletes really succeed academically while constantly transferring?LSU rehiring Will Wade shows how winning often outweighs past mistakes.North Carolina is choosing money and success over tradition.When money leads, the mission of college sports changes. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    18 min

  3. Mar 24

    44. Practicing Gratitude

    In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele begins with a brief update on WVU baseball and the unpredictable nature of March weather before turning to a more reflective and personal topic: the finite nature of life. Drawing from recent losses within his community, Tom shares thoughts on living with purpose and perspective. He highlights the powerful example of a close friend facing the end of life with faith and gratitude, using Philippians 4:6–8 to explore how gratitude can bring peace and shape our mindset. Tom also contrasts life’s deeper meaning with the often overblown importance of sports, while touching on the growing influence of money and professionalism in college athletics. Episode Highlights:  What you focus on matters.Reflecting on life’s brevity.Philippians 4:6–8 and the practice of gratitude.NCAA money, NIL, and the shift toward professionalized college sports. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    18 min

  4. Feb 25

    43. In The Tank

    In today’s episode, Tom examines the growing issue of “tanking” in professional and college sports, including new NBA efforts to discourage teams from intentionally losing and ongoing concerns about players sitting out for financial or draft-related reasons. He revisits the situation surrounding Kansas freshman standout Darryn Peterson and raises broader questions about motivation, loyalty, and the shifting priorities in modern athletics. The episode also touches on the controversial firing of Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang and what it reveals about contracts, accountability, and money in sports. Drawing from Scripture, Tom closes by encouraging listeners to approach their work—whether in athletics or everyday life—with sincerity, integrity, and wholehearted effort. Episode Highlights:  NBA Tanking and Efforts to Curb It.College Stars, Draft Dreams, and Darryn Peterson.Coaching Contracts, Integrity, and Finishing Strong. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    16 min

  5. Jan 30

    42. Scapegoat

    In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steel reflects on a brutal West Virginia winter while turning his attention to the recent resignation of longtime Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. Using Tomlin’s tenure—and the Steelers’ subsequent hiring of Mike McCarthy—as a springboard, Tom explores the idea of leadership, expectations, and the human tendency to seek scapegoats for disappointment. Drawing on a biblical Old Testament reference, he challenges listeners to consider accountability, perspective, and compassion, both in sports and in everyday life. Episode Highlights:  Mike Tomlin’s resignation.A disappointing playoff exit.The Scapegoat.Personal reflection. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    18 min

  6. Jan 14

    41. Cafeteria Plan

    Tom opens the first Words of Steele episode of 2026 with a quick update from north-central West Virginia and a recap of recent WVU sporting events. He also looks back at WVU football’s 4–8 finish, including the season-ending loss to Texas Tech. He then returns to a familiar topic: how the transfer portal and NIL have reshaped college sports. Along the way, he previews the upcoming national championship game (Indiana vs. Miami on Jan. 19) and shares why he admires Indiana coach Curt Cignetti’s disciplined approach. In basketball, Tom discusses Baylor’s addition of James Nnaji—a player with professional experience overseas—and what midseason additions can do to team chemistry. He also recaps WVU’s home win over Kansas (86–75), highlights freshman standout Darren Peterson, and closes with a pointed take on how college athletics is drifting away from the “student” part of student-athlete. Episode Highlights:  WVU football recap and the transfer portal realityTitle game talk: Indiana vs. Miami + Curt Cignetti praiseBaylor’s James Nnaji: pro experience meets “college” hoopsWVU vs. Kansas: warmups, Darren Peterson, and Tom’s NIL/student take Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    21 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    40. Life in the Fast Lane

    As winter settles into West Virginia with early snow and single-digit temperatures, Tom reflects on the meaning of the “last days” through the lens of Scripture, sports, and modern culture. Beginning with a passage from 2 Timothy 3, this episode explores human tendencies toward self-interest, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of more—money, prestige, and pleasure. Using the high-profile coaching career of Lane Kiffin as a contemporary case study, Tom examines themes of loyalty, redemption, and restlessness, drawing parallels between college football’s business culture and the biblical warnings Paul shared with Timothy. The discussion ultimately contrasts worldly success with spiritual fruit, urging listeners to consider where true fulfillment is found. Episode Highlights:  Signs of the Last Days.Hope Beyond Predictions.Redemption and Restlessness.Chasing More, Losing Peace. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    20 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    39. Red Panda

    In this episode of Words of Steele, Tom Steele reviews a notable week in West Virginia sports, including the Mountaineer men’s basketball team’s strong Backyard Brawl win and a halftime performance by Red Panda that continues to draw attention for its precision and consistency. He also outlines the situation at LSU, where the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly has led to a major contract dispute and ongoing legal action, raising questions about expectations and decision-making in college athletics. The episode concludes with a look at the WVU women’s basketball team’s upset victory over #15 Duke, achieved despite significant player ejections, and Tom reflects on how moments like these connect to broader themes of hope, faith, and managing expectations. Episode Highlights:  The half time performance.The Brian Kelly lawsuit.WVU Women's Basketball 57-49 upset victory over #15 Duke.Hope found in Hebrews 11:1. Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Tom: Follow Tom on FacebookFollow Tom on XThis show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

    18 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

In The Words of Steele Podcast, we dive deep into the world of sports to explore the values, motivations, and societal impact behind the games we love. Join us as we embark on an exciting journey to uncover untold stories, hidden truths, and remarkable individuals that shape the sports landscape.

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas Steele
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Words of Steele
  • Show Website
    Words of Steele