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The Prodigal Athlete Podcast

The Prodigal Athlete Podcast

Written by: Elisabeth Vathje OLY
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About this listen

Hosted by Olympic Athlete Elisabeth Vathje, we dive in to how faith and sport intertwine. With active athletes as guests, and Elisabeth's lived experience of faith, we look forward to being encouraged and challenged!Elisabeth Vathje OLY Christianity Ministry & Evangelism Spirituality
Episodes
  • Sliding into Faith: Lukas' Journey in Skeleton
    Jun 6 2025

    Keywords

    Skeleton, faith, personal growth, sports, God, guidance, team building, life lessons, patience, prayer, skeleton, sports, branding, community, athlete support, collaboration, sports governance, personal journey, Olympic sports, athlete identity

    Takeaways

    • Lukas has been doing skeleton for five years and loves the sport.
    • John 15:7 is a significant Bible verse for Lukas, symbolizing his relationship with God.
    • Lukas favorite sporting memory is a team-building experience during a challenging season.
    • He finds himself closest to God through the sport, especially during tough times.
    • Lukas emphasizes the importance of patience in both life and sports.
    • He shares a personal story of receiving a sign from God during a moment of doubt.
    • Lukas' journey in faith has grown as he became more independent from his family.
    • He learned to embrace uncertainty and trust God's plan for his life.
    • Lukas job allows him to pursue skeleton while working remotely, showcasing God's favor.
    • He asks for prayers to build his faith and for friends facing difficult times. Lukas' hometown is relatively small but has a unique community.
    • His parents were initially unsure about his choice to pursue skeleton.
    • Lukas became a fan of skeleton after watching the 2010 Olympics.
    • He faced challenges in trying out for the sport due to his weight.
    • The importance of in-person combines for athlete recruitment is highlighted.


    Summary

    In this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth speaks with Lucas, a skeleton athlete, about his journey in the sport, his faith, and the lessons he's learned along the way. Lukas shares his experiences with doubt, the importance of patience, and how he has seen God's presence in his life, especially during challenging times. The conversation highlights the intersection of sports and spirituality, emphasizing the significance of community, personal growth, and divine guidance. In this conversation, Elisabeth and Lukas delve into the dynamics of small-town life, the journey into the sport of skeleton, and the importance of building a personal brand as an athlete. They discuss the role of community and collaboration in sports, the value of branding for athletes, and the need for support systems that go beyond mere competition. The conversation also touches on spiritual growth and the identity challenges faced by athletes, emphasizing the importance of connecting with others and serving the community.


    Chapters

    00:00Introduction to Skeleton and Personal Background

    03:05Faith and Personal Growth Through Sport

    06:11Memorable Sporting Experiences and Team Building

    09:02God's Presence and Guidance in Life15:02Navigating Life's Plans and God's Favour

    19:01Closing Thoughts and Prayer Requests

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    20 mins
  • From an Exploded tank to 9x Crystal Globe winner - Corie Mapp shares how God was with him through every step of this journey - and how God has shown up since he was a child! Para Bobsleigh Corie Mapp
    May 29 2025

    keywords:

    bobsleigh, faith, resilience, personal growth, overcoming adversity, God, sports, inspiration, testimony, Christian athlete, public speaking, discomfort, faith, community, coaching, personal growth, overcoming fear, speaking truth, people pleasing, finding purpose

    SummaryIn this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth interviews Corie Mapp, a bobsleigh athlete who shares his incredible journey of faith, resilience, and personal growth. Corey discusses his background, the challenges he faced, including a life-threatening injury in Afghanistan, and how his faith has played a crucial role in overcoming adversity. He emphasizes the importance of using his platform to inspire others, particularly children, and reflects on the interconnectedness of faith and personal achievements. In this conversation, Corie and Elisabeth explore the challenges of embracing discomfort, particularly in public speaking and expressing one's faith. They discuss the importance of speaking one's truth, overcoming the fear of offending others, and the role of community in supporting personal growth. The dialogue emphasizes the journey of imperfection, the need for divine assistance in overcoming struggles, and the significance of finding purpose and calling in life. Through their experiences, they highlight the necessity of being comfortable with discomfort as a pathway to growth and fulfillment.

    Takeaways

    • Corie's journey from Barbados to competing for Great Britain in bobsleigh.
    • The significance of faith in overcoming life's challenges.
    • Corie's near-death experience in Afghanistan and how it shaped his perspective.
    • The importance of resilience and fighting against perceived giants.
    • Using personal success to inspire and uplift others, especially children.
    • The role of community and prayer in strengthening faith.
    • Faith as a tool for personal growth and self-improvement.
    • The impact of sharing one's testimony on others' faith journeys.
    • The necessity of being proactive in one's spiritual life.
    • Understanding that God's plans often unfold through adversity. I need to become comfortable being uncomfortable in public speaking.
    • It's important to speak my truth and not hold back.
    • People pleasing can become an idol in our lives.
    • We are all works in progress, not perfect beings.
    • Community support is crucial for believers.
    • Isolation can be a breeding ground for doubt and fear.
    • Coaching allows me to share my experiences and knowledge.
    • Growth often comes from discomfort and challenges.
    • God is interested in our growth, not just our comfort.
    • Trusting in God's plan is essential for finding purpose.


    00:00Introduction to Corie Mapp and His Journey

    03:55Faith and Resilience: Overcoming Adversity1

    2:07The Role of Faith in Personal Growth

    18:09Using Success to Inspire Others

    21:14Embracing Discomfort in Public Speaking

    22:12Speaking Your Truth

    23:44Overcoming People-Pleasing

    25:30The Journey of Imperfection

    26:27The Role of Community in Faith

    29:51Finding Strength in Isolation

    30:28Coaching and Overcoming Doubts

    33:15Growth Through Discomfort

    34:35Seeking Purpose and Calling

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    38 mins
  • God meets Canadian Bobsleigh athlete Kenny M'Pindou exactly where he is at! He shares his story as he has overcome challenges and where God has met him exactly where he is at
    May 22 2025

    keywords:

    Kenny M'Pindou, bobsledding, faith, personal growth, overcoming challenges, confidence, sharing stories, prayer, support, Olympic journey

    Summary

    In this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth interviews Kenny M'Pindou, a bobsled athlete from Alberta. They discuss Kenny's journey in sports, his faith, and how he has overcome personal challenges, including a stutter. Kenny shares his favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:28, and reflects on how God has shown up in his life, providing confidence and strength during tough times. The conversation emphasizes the importance of sharing one's story and the impact it can have on others, especially those facing similar struggles. Elisabeth and Kenny also discuss the power of prayer and support in his journey towards the Olympics.


    Takeaways

    • Kenny has been involved in bobsledding for three years.
    • His favorite Bible verse is Romans 8:28.
    • He recalls a memorable experience at the 2013 Canada Summer Games.
    • Kenny has faced challenges, including a stutter, which he is learning to overcome.
    • He believes in sharing his story to inspire others.
    • Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of confidence given by faith.
    • Kenny feels called to continue sharing his journey.
    • Prayer and support are crucial in his life and career.
    • Kenny is excited about the upcoming Olympic season.
    • Elisabeth encourages Kenny to keep pursuing his dreams.
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    21 mins
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