Keywords Alyssa Henry, Prodigal Athlete Podcast, college athletics, faith, identity, coaching, community, personal growth, sports journey, prayer

Summary In this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth Thatchy welcomes Alyssa Henry, a former collegiate athlete who shares her journey through sports, faith, and personal growth. Alyssa discusses her experiences in track and field, her transfer story, and how her faith has shaped her identity. She reflects on the challenges she faced after college, including injuries and finding her place in a new community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and embracing new opportunities in life.

Takeaways

• Alyssa was an All-American athlete in the heptathlon and javelin.
• She has lived in multiple states across the U.S.
• Her faith journey deepened during her time in college.
• Alyssa experienced a significant transformation after getting baptized.
• She faced challenges with injuries that changed her athletic career.
• Alyssa found a new purpose in coaching after college.
• Prayer played a crucial role in her life decisions.
• Community support has been vital for her during tough times.
• Alyssa emphasizes the importance of identity in Christ.
• She is committed to serving and connecting with her new community.

• From Athlete to Coach: Alyssa Henry's Journey
• Faith and Sports: Alyssa's Transformation

• "This guy literally died for me"
• "I just want to be able to offer myself"
• "You are the ultimate healer"

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Alysa Henry

04:34Alysa's Journey in Track and Field

12:02Finding God in Life's Challenges

19:56Transitioning to Coaching and Community Engagement

24:34Closing Thoughts and Prayer Requests

Trigger Warning -> Mental Health Struggles

Finally sharing my story which has never seen the light of day before. I struggled for a long time with bullying and the mental health tolls which comes from that all. It was hard - and sharing this was not easy at all, an emotional, raw look in to the struggles I faced - largely in silence.

Keywords

mental health, faith, sport, athlete, depression, recovery, Olympic journey, self-worth, resilience, encouragement

Summary

In this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth Vathje shares her personal journey with mental health as an Olympic athlete. She discusses the challenges she faced, including depression, external pressures, and the impact of her faith on her recovery. Elisabeth emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's worth and the damaging effects of negative perceptions. Through her story, she encourages listeners to find freedom in faith and to reject the lies that can undermine their self-esteem.

Takeaways

• Elisabeth shares her struggles with mental health during her athletic career.
• She emphasizes the importance of faith in overcoming challenges.
• The impact of external pressures on mental health is significant.
• Elisabeth highlights the damaging effects of negative perceptions.
• She encourages athletes to recognize their worth and value.
• The journey to recovery can be long and complex.
• Elisabeth found freedom in her faith and relationship with Jesus.
• It's important to have support and not feel isolated in struggles.
• Elisabeth's story serves as a reminder that others may be silently suffering.
• She invites listeners to reach out for support and encouragement.

00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Journey

02:27The Struggles of an Athlete

12:21The Impact of External Factors

20:25Finding Freedom in Faith

Keywords

faith, sport, Christianity, identity, transformation, prayer, Jesus, encouragement, athletes, love

Summary:

In this episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth Vathje shares her personal journey of faith, exploring the intersection of faith and sport. She discusses her transformation, the importance of sharing faith, and the challenges athletes face regarding identity. Elisabeth emphasizes the need for boldness in faith, the Great Commission, and the call to love selflessly. The episode concludes with encouragement for both believers and non-believers to seek a deeper relationship with God and to live out their faith authentically.

Takeaways

• Elisabeth shares her journey of faith and transformation.
• Faith is not about rules but about a relationship with God.
• The importance of sharing one's faith with others.
• God provides peace and joy even in difficult times.
• Athletes often face identity crises that can be resolved through faith.
• Being labeled a 'Jesus freak' can be a badge of honor.
• Christians are called to love selflessly and boldly.
• The Great Commission is a call to make disciples.
• Living out faith can be uncomfortable but is essential.
• Love is the greatest commandment and should guide our actions.

• Faith and Sport: A Journey of Transformation
• The Intersection of Faith and Identity in Athletes

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00:00Introduction to Faith Journey

01:54Returning to Faith and Conviction

05:45Embracing the 'Jesus Freak' Identity

10:02The Transformative Power of Faith

13:13Identity Beyond Titles

16:33The Sacrifice of Jesus

20:46The Great Commission and Boldness in Faith

26:19Living Out Faith in Daily Life

28:58Closing Thoughts and Prayer

Keywords:

Prodigal Athlete, faith, sports, identity, community, encouragement, Olympic athlete, personal journey, God, revival

Summary:

In the inaugural episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth shares her journey as a former Olympic skeleton athlete, her faith, and her desire to support fellow athletes. She discusses the importance of identity beyond sports results, the role of community in faith, and her aspirations for the future, including the revival of faith within the sporting world.

Takeaways

• Elisabeth introduces the podcast and her background in skeleton.
• She emphasizes the importance of faith and identity in sports.
• Community support is crucial for athletes, especially in faith.
• Elisabeth shares her favorite Bible verse and its significance.
• She discusses her experiences and memories from her athletic career.
• The podcast aims to encourage athletes beyond their results.
• Elisabeth highlights the importance of prayer and community.
• She shares her journey of starting a virtual Bible study for athletes.
• Elisabeth expresses her passion for serving athletes and sharing faith.
• The episode concludes with Elisabeth's hopes for future conversations.

Keywords: Prodigal Athlete, Olympic athlete, faith, encouragement, athlete stories, community, sports, God, podcast, inspiration

Summary In the inaugural episode of the Prodigal Athlete Podcast, host Elisabeth Vathje introduces herself as a retired Olympic athlete and shares her vision for the podcast. She aims to provide a platform for athletes to share their faith journeys and experiences, encouraging listeners through their stories. Elisabeth reflects on her own journey in the sport of skeleton, the challenges of being a professional athlete, and her desire to serve and support fellow athletes in their faith. The podcast seeks to foster a community of encouragement and inspiration among athletes.

Takeaways

• Elisabeth is a retired Olympic athlete and host of the podcast.
• The podcast aims to encourage athletes in their faith.
• Athletes often face financial challenges, especially Olympic athletes.
• Elisabeth competed in skeleton for 13 years, representing Canada.
• Professional sports can be isolating, impacting faith and community.
• Elisabeth experienced a period of walking away from God.
• She felt led to serve athletes and started a Bible study.
• The podcast will document how God is moving in the sports world.
• Hearing others' stories can encourage personal faith journeys.
• The podcast aims to be a snappy, bite-sized source of encouragement.