Ed UszynskiEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this episode of More Than Roommates, Scott and Derek interview authors of the book Away Game and longtime sport-ministry leaders Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith to help couples reframe youth sports as a discipleship opportunity instead of an all-consuming lifestyle. They unpack how to make thoughtful choices about Sundays, money, travel, and expectations—all for the sake of your marriage and your kids’ formation. Scriptures: Romans 12:1-2 Hebrews 10:24-25 PR 22:6 Questions to Discuss: 1. When we leave a game, what do we celebrate first—performance or character (effort, joy, self-control, love)? What does that reveal about our priorities? 2. Which fruit of the Spirit do we want to cultivate most in our family through sports this month? What’s one habit to reinforce it (before, during, and after games)? 3. Money & time check: Are our sports expenses and calendar aligned with our values for marriage, family, generosity, and rest? What needs adjusting? 4. Expectations audit: Are we subtly tying our child’s performance to our identity? How can we speak freedom and grace over them—and each other—this week? Resources: Book - Away Game , by Brian Smith & Ed Uszynski Website - TheChristianAthlete.com Follow Brian Smith and Ed Uszynski on Instagram

Parents are spending billions of dollars and countless hours on their kids' sports activities. But have we stopped to consider spiritual growth and family life in the midst of all things sports? Ed Uszynski, sports coach, author, and parent, joins AllMomDoes host Julie Lyles Carr to unpack how to keep the holy in hockey, blessing in the basketball, and faith on the field. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4o7maiI Takeaways: The youth sports landscape has dramatically changed over the years. Parents often feel overwhelmed by the demands of youth sports. The shift from play to performance has led to a more competitive environment. Parental identity can become intertwined with children's performance. The youth sports industry is a multi-billion dollar complex. Many parents feel pressured to ensure their children succeed in sports. Character development is as important as athletic performance. Most kids quit sports by their teenage years due to pressure. The lessons learned in sports can impact life beyond the field. Parents should focus on their children's growth rather than just performance. Discipleship in parenting is crucial for guiding children. Character development should be prioritized over performance in sports. Parents should expect more from youth sports experiences. It's important to model faith and community involvement for children. Coaches may not always have the best interests of families in mind. Parents can and should make choices about their children's activities. It's okay to leave a sports team if it's not a good fit. Youth sports should be fun and not a source of stress. Families should communicate and pray together about sports commitments. There are resources available to help parents navigate youth sports. Sound Bites: "We need help." "This is to enhance our kids' lives." "Where do you think that comes from?" "The clock is ticking." "We should expect more for our dollar." "I really am my child's primary discipler." "You can fire the coach." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Youth Sports Landscape 02:54 The Shift from Play to Performance 06:48 Understanding the Youth Sports Industrial Complex 08:36 Parental Identity and Expectations 12:01 The Pressure of Performance and Its Consequences 16:39 Life Lessons Beyond the Field 19:45 Discipleship in Youth Sports 21:56 Balancing Passion and Priorities 25:13 Navigating Youth Sports Commitments 30:04 The Importance of Family Dynamics 33:48 Course Correction in Youth Sports 36:59 Resources for Parents in Youth Sports Keywords: youth sports, parenting, extracurricular activities, performance pressure, sports industry, parental expectations, youth sports culture, character development, sports parenting, sports ministry, youth sports, parenting, discipleship, character development, family dynamics, sports commitments, decision making, youth athletics, sports culture, faith and sports

How can Christian parents and other Christian leaders best navigate youth sports? What are some of the toxic elements of youth sports that Christians can avoid, or strategically use as an opportunity for ministry and growth? Our guest today, Ed Uszynski, is the author of a new book Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports . Ed joins Sean and Scott to discuss how our perspective of youth sports needs to shift so we can better watch, coach, and help young people participate in youth sports. Ed Uszynski is an author, speaker, and sports minister with over three decades of experience discipling college and professional athletes. He has written articles, essays, and training materials at the intersection of faith and sports. He received his PH.D. in American cultural Studies from Bowling Green State University. ========== Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University , which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically . To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu .

If you’re navigating the world of youth sports with your kids, this episode is for you. I sat down with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith, two seasoned sports dads with decades of experience in athletics and ministry to talk about one of the biggest parenting pressures today: how do we raise kids who love sports without losing sight of their faith, values, and family life? Whether you're in the early stages of weekend games or juggling high-stakes club teams, this conversation offers so much wisdom and practical advice for keeping Jesus at the center. Here are four takeaways from our conversation: How to keep your child’s identity rooted in Christ not in their performance Why character development > championship rings (and how to model that) Questions to ask when it’s time to set boundaries or take a step back The importance of re-centering your family's values in the middle of a busy sports season Ed and Brian are the co-authors of Away Game: A Christian Parent's Guide to Navigating Youth Sports . With deep backgrounds in athletics, family ministry, and discipleship, they speak directly to the heart of Christian parents trying to balance competition, character, and calling. Their passion is helping families honor God both on and off the field. I’m so grateful for this timely conversation, and I hope it encourages you to lead your kids through sports with peace, confidence, and kingdom perspective. (02:49) The Youth Sports Industrial Complex (05:30) Parental Pressures and Identity in Sports (08:21) Recognizing Warning Signs as Parents (11:21) Navigating the Balance of Support and Pressure (14:06) Character Building Through Sports (17:07) The Impact of Social Media on Youth Sports (19:58) The Dangers of Specialization in Youth Sports (21:33) Integrating Faith and Sports for Holistic Development (26:00) Balancing Sports and Family Spiritual Life (28:55) Navigating Sundays: Sports vs. Church (34:41) Encouragement for Parents in the Sports Landscape Resources Mentioned Away Game book A Great Cloud of Witnesses prayer journal Christian Parenting products Adventure Bible Connect with Ed Uszynski and Brian Smith Ed Uszynski X Ed Uszynsky Instagram Brian Smith Instagram The Christian Parenting Podcast is a part of the Christian Parenting Podcast Network. For more information visit www.ChristianParenting.org Our Sponsors: * Check out IXL and use my code TODAY for a great deal: https://www.ixl.com Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Send us Fan Mail In this week’s episode Dr Ed Uszynski joins Mike and Ryan to discuss how Christians best navigate the complexities of race relations. So much of our opinions on race have been informed by the culture rather than the countercultural kingdom ethic of Jesus. In his book “Untangling Critical Race Theory” Ed wades into the most controversial talking points around the race conversation. That’s what we discuss today. No matter what your perspective is around this topic, this episode is sure to challenge you. Buy “Untangling Critical Race Theory” by Ed.l Uszynski: https://a.co/d/9QLfbMu Watch & Subscribe on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thecaffeinatedchristian?feature=shared Support the show Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, James welcomes Ed Uszynski, author of Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters. James and Ed discuss Marxism, critical theory, and critical race theory, as well as the biblical idea of partiality. To connect with James, visit usefultogod.com or get his latest book Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on amazon.com . You can also take the Serpents and Doves online course here . You can purchase Ed's book at ivpress.com (use IVPPOD20 for a 20% discount). Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Summary Dr. Ed Uszynski discusses his new book, Untangling Critical Race Theory , and the importance of having conversations about race. He shares his personal background and experiences with race, highlighting the need for open dialogue and introspection. The conversation delves into the concepts of critical theory and Marxism, exploring their influence on critical race theory. The hosts discuss the complexities of these ideologies and the importance of grounding our understanding in biblical principles. They also address the need to confront injustices and inequalities while avoiding the extremes of Marxism. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of engaging in thoughtful and informed discussions about race. In this conversation, Ed Uszynski and Craig Thompson discuss the influence of critical theory and critical race theory on society and the church. They explore the origins of these theories and their impact on culture, politics, and social justice. They also examine the role of the church in addressing issues of injustice and the need for a biblical worldview. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding these theories and engaging in thoughtful dialogue to navigate their complexities. Takeaways Open and honest conversations about race are necessary for growth and understanding. Understanding the historical and ideological foundations of critical race theory is important for engaging in meaningful dialogue. It is possible to appreciate insights from different worldviews while remaining grounded in biblical principles. The church must confront injustices and inequalities while avoiding extreme ideologies. Engaging in thoughtful and informed discussions about race can lead to healing and growth. Critical theory and critical race theory have had a significant influence on society and the church. Understanding the origins and impact of these theories is crucial for engaging in thoughtful dialogue. The church has a role in addressing issues of injustice and promoting biblical social justice. A biblical worldview should inform our understanding of social justice and guide our actions. Both the left and the right have co-opted social justice for their own agendas, but a biblical perspective transcends political ideologies. Sound Bites “We need to be reminded that we don’t need to be afraid of these conversations. These conversations matter.” “Anywhere that Satan is hanging out, it makes sense that it’ll be a difficult conversation, a difficult topic to try to step into.” “We need to be willing to actually deconstruct what we’re hearing from other places.” “Not only did it not fail because there were government interventions to help it get through its dips the same way we have interventions today, but you had leaders that rose up and took Marx’s ideas and became tyrants with them, right? Brought atrocity to the world that the world has never seen.” “There’s problems with it, but it’s rooted in the truth of their intention.” “As a solution, and Craig, let’s stop here just for a second, because a theory in and of itself is a lens through which to view the world. It’s making an observation about the world.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 02:12 The Importance of Conversations about Race 08:42

Doug Stuart sits down with Ed Uszynski, a seasoned ministry consultant, to navigate the complex waters of Critical Race Theory (CRT) and its impact on race relations within the church and broader society. Ed shares his unique insights stemming from over three decades of ministry experience with college and professional athletes, marriage ministry, and consulting on diversity for church organizations. The conversation kicks off with Ed expressing his concern about the limited options in American politics and the historical use of the Bible to endorse slavery, emphasizing the church’s responsibility in addressing racial issues. Doug and Ed delve into the differing perspectives and experiences of black Christians versus white evangelicals, shedding light on the often-dismissed conversations about racial injustice within the church. Ed is concerned about the defensiveness of white Christians and the radical reactions from those feeling unheard. He highlights the importance of approaching these discussions with empathy and understanding rather than being dismissive. Throughout the episode, Ed shares his experiences from a secular PhD program, which offered an in-depth perspective on critical theory, Marxism. Ed then talks about their intersection with a Christian worldview. Doug and Ed discuss the challenge of colorblindness, the concept of white privilege, and the necessity for cross-cultural competence among white Christians. The podcast does not shy away from addressing the backlash against CRT and the accusations of "wokeism" often leveled against those discussing racial issues. Ed and Doug critique the oversimplification and weaponization of these terms, advocating for more civil discourse and open communication within the church. Key Points Discussed: Limited political representation and historical misuse of the Bible in endorsing slavery Differing views of black Christians and white evangelicals on racial issues Criticism of white Christians' defensiveness and the radical reactions from marginalized groups Experiences in secular academia and critical theory's intersection with Christianity The concepts of colorblindness and white privilege and challenges within church inclusivity Backlash against CRT and "wokeism," advocating for civil discourse Introduction of Ed’s book and website for further engagement on CRT discussions Enjoy this quite candid and critical look at how we can better address race relations within our communities and our faith. Additional Resources: https://untanglingcrt.com Follow Ed on X: https://x.com/uszynski32 Audio Production by Podsworth Media - https://podsworth.com ★ Support this podcast ★

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com In this episode of Faithful Politics, we dive deep into the complexities of Critical Race Theory (CRT) with Dr. Ed Uszynski. Ed, who holds a PhD from Bowling Green State University, brings his extensive background as a content specialist and diversity consultant to our discussion. We explore his new book, "Untangling Critical Race Theory: What Christians Need to Know and Why It Matters," and delve into the nuances of race, sports culture, and marriage within the Christian context. Ed shares his journey from growing up in a diverse neighborhood to becoming an evangelical Christian and studying Marxism and critical theory. He emphasizes the importance of civil discourse and understanding different perspectives within the church, highlighting the historical and ongoing relevance of racial issues in America. Through this conversation, we aim to shed light on how Christians can engage with CRT thoughtfully and biblically, fostering unity and understanding. Join us as we tackle challenging questions about race, justice, and the gospel, and learn how to navigate these critical conversations within your own communities. Support Sarah Stankorb’s work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion , Releases September 15, 2026. Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091 Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/ Support the show Keep the conversation going. Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly? Visit our website: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Browse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests: faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstore Support the show and help us keep these conversations going: patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPolitics Subscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates: faithfulpolitics.substack.com Contact the hosts: Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpolitics.com Will Wright, Political Host: Will@faithfulpolitics.com Follow Faithful Politics: Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast