What does it mean to live out your faith on and off the field? In this episode of Coming Home, host Dr. Nathaniel Pérez sits down with Gordon College baseball players — Colby Galipeau, Caleb Stuart, and Kevin Whalen, hosts of The Faith Talks Podcast — and Athletic Director Jason Linders to explore how athletics can be a powerful platform for faith, discipline, and community.

They discuss what “coming home” means spiritually and personally, finding identity beyond performance, and how community and mentorship shape the lives of Christian athletes. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or believer learning to balance passion and purpose, this episode offers a rich perspective and real stories of transformation.

🎙️ Coming Home is a podcast by Gordon College in Wenham, MA — exploring faith, culture, and belonging with thought leaders, guest speakers, and members of our community.

Episode Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction

Dr. Nathaniel Pérez welcomes listeners and frames the episode’s theme: faith and athletics.

00:38 – Meet the Faith Talks Podcast Team

Colby, Caleb & Kevin introduce themselves and reflect on what “coming home” means to them — from shared values to spiritual rest.

06:00 – From Public School to Christian College

The trio shares how growing up in secular schools shaped their decision to attend Gordon College and stand firm in faith.

09:10 – Faith in High School Sports

Stories of living out faith as student-athletes, witnessing through actions, and the power of quiet example.

16:00 – Kevin’s Testimony: Finding Faith Freshman Year

Kevin recounts his conversion at Gordon and how faith transformed his mindset toward competition.

21:00 – Identity Beyond the Athlete

Caleb reflects on injury, loss, and learning to find value in Christ rather than performance.

27:30 – Faith and Competition

What fuels Christian athletes? Gratitude, discipline, and confidence rooted in calling.

32:50 – Role Models of Faith

The students share athletes and mentors who inspire them — from Tim Tebow to their own fathers.

36:30 – Brotherhood & Accountability

How vulnerability and community sustain faith; inside their men’s Bible study, MOGs (Men of God).

46:00 – Launching the Faith Talks Podcast

The origin story behind their own show and their vision to reach peers with relatable conversations about faith.

53:00 – Introducing Jason Linders

Dr. Pérez welcomes Gordon’s Athletic Director, who shares his background, calling, and experience in college athletics.

54:30 – From California to Gordon College

Jason’s journey through ten institutions, discovering faith-based leadership and community.

57:00 – Faith in Leadership and Coaching

Using sports as a platform for discipleship and modeling Christ-centered leadership.

1:02:30 – Defining Success in Sports

Developing young people, academic excellence, and competitive integrity — beyond the scoreboard.

1:07:00 – Advice for Student-Athletes

Jason’s guidance on time management, discipline, and faith formation amid the challenges of college life.

1:11:00 – Life Beyond the Field

Family, hobbies, favorite teams, and how he stays grounded through worship and service.

1:13:00 – Closing Reflections

Jason shares final thoughts on faith, sports, and legacy.