Why did God pick you to glorify Him in the middle of nowhere -- and how are you supposed to do it? Join rural pastor, TJ Freeman, each week as he explores why your life in a town no one ever heard of matters. He'll tackle tough questions like how to get through suffering, what to do if you don't like reading the Bible, and how to fight a life-dominating sin. Back to Rurality is meant to help you take the next step toward becoming a healthy Christian -- in the middle of nowhere!
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CHUCK FREEBY - Indiana’s 2017 Sportscaster of the Year, WHME Sports Director Chuck Freeby knows the complete Michiana sports scene as well as anyone…mainly because he’s been a part of it all his life. Born in South Bend, he is a 1982 graduate of Elkhart Central High School. In 1986, he received a B.A. in American Studies from the University of Notre Dame. These days, he is well known for his love of area high school sports. His passion showed for 17 years at WNDU-TV, where Chuck pioneered ex ...
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What To Do When Your Prayers Aren’t Answered [41]
15:09
15:09
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15:09Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses the common frustration of unanswered prayers. Drawing from Tom Ellif's book 'A Passion for Prayer,' TJ identifies seven barriers that may hinder prayers: neglecting personal holiness, praying with wrong motives, unresolved relational issues, relying on worldl…
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Do You Have to Share Christ with the Unreachable? [40]
11:11
11:11
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11:11Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, pastor TJ Freeman addresses the feeling that some people in our lives might seem beyond God's reach. He uses the story of Saul's conversion in Acts 9 to illustrate how no case is too hard for God. TJ also discusses his travels for the Brainerd Institute, aiming to create a theology of r…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common disappointments in life when we place our hope in relationships, jobs, or health, only to be let down. He reads from Ezekiel 6, where God condemns idolatry and emphasizes the folly of placing hope in anything other than Him. TJ explains h…
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How to Handle People Who Get Under Your Skin [38]
6:48
6:48
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6:48Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses how to deal with people who drive you crazy. TJ emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everyone is made in God's image. He explains that as Christians, we should show mercy, grace, and love to those who frustrate us, reflecting God's nature i…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman addresses the struggles of being open and authentic in a small-town church. He shares the story of Ananias and Sapphira from Acts to illustrate the dangers of faking external appearances while hiding inner struggles. TJ emphasizes the importance of authenticity, transparency,…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the time when we face the consequences of our poor decisions. TJ uses the story of Ezekiel, who, along with the people of Israel, faced exile due to their own sins. Despite their stubbornness, God met them in their distress and called them to retu…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the sense of isolation that can come from living in rural areas and how it can make you feel distant from God. TJ is joined by guest CJ Dematitis, who shares his journey from an urban upbringing in D.C. and Baltimore to finding God glorifying ministry in rura…
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Hosts: TJ Freeman, Joe Wagner, and Josh MacClaren Summary: In this episode of Rural Church Renewal, TJ, Joe, and Joshua discuss the misconceptions and challenges of discipleship in small, rural churches. They emphasize that discipling isn't just optional but a biblical mandate. The conversation sheds light on the sufficiency of Scripture in guiding…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the concept of true and lasting refreshment sourced from our satisfaction in the Lord. Through his own personal experiences and in his study of Acts 3, TJ emphasizes that, unlike temporary fixes, true refreshment comes from repentance and turning away from sin.…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the guilt many Christians feel about not sharing the gospel. TJ offers up a powerful tool for evangelism he calls 'grace stories'—narratives of God's grace in one's life. He reassures listeners that it's okay not to have all the answers and encourages t…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman addresses the exhaustion and struggles many face in their daily lives. He brings encouragement through Revelation chapter 7, emphasizing that faithfulness amidst challenges is not in vain. He likens life to assembling a puzzling and reveals that scripture provides a clear vision of …
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman talks about the purpose we can find in everyday tasks, from chores to work to school, by recognizing God's greater plan. He shares personal anecdotes, including his time working in a freezer, and biblical insights to encourage listeners to see all of their action…
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Can Christ Outshine the Christmas Glow? [30]
18:56
18:56
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18:56Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, reflects on the holiday season's mixed feelings and emphasizes making the most of it to point people to Christ. He shares personal stories, traditions, and practical steps to help listeners glorify God during the holidays. Using the acronym 'GLOW,' Freeman en…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of the podcast, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the challenge many Christians face of not regularly engaging with the Bible. He shares personal stories of his own struggles and how finding a different translation helped him understand Scripture better. TJ emphasizes the importance of prioritizing time…
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Should You Listen to Christian Radio? [28]
28:39
28:39
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28:39Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into whether Christians should listen to Christian radio. He shares that we should listen to songs, radio hosts, and radio preaching with discernment. TJ also shares some helpful examples through his own experience with radio. If you feel like this mig…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the endless pursuit of satisfaction in worldly things and its futility. He shares his own experiences of chasing material things and legalistic spirituality, only to realize true fulfillment comes from a deep relationship with God. TJ encourages l…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, challenges the reliance on personality tests to define identity. He shares personal struggles with identity crises and emphasizes the importance of understanding one's worth as being made in God's image. He encourages listeners to root their identity in their…
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Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into dealing with life's hardest challenges, from severe diagnoses to financial struggles. Sharing personal stories and biblical insights, TJ discusses practical ways to trust God and maintain hope when everything feels like it's falling apart. Th…
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Conquering What Ifs — Finding God’s Grace in the Present [24]
15:58
15:58
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15:58Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, rural pastor TJ Freeman delves into the paralyzing effect of 'what if' worries and the importance of embracing God's grace for today. Listeners are encouraged to focus on 'what is' and let go of future anxieties. Key Points: God's Presence: Matthew 6:24 and 2 Corinthians 12:9 show us th…
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The Most Important Thing for You to do Today — Rural Reset 21/21 [23]
18:40
18:40
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18:40Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman discusses the importance of love as outlined in scripture, emphasizing that love starts in the mind and often requires intentional, sacrificial actions. He shares practical tips for loving neighbors and handling difficult relationships. This episode also concludes our Rural R…
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Am I Supposed to Feel God's Spirit? — Rural Reset 20/21 [22]
16:14
16:14
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16:14Host: TJ Freeman Summary: Rural pastor TJ Freeman explores what it means to feel the Holy Spirit's presence. He emphasizes that spiritual conviction often surpasses fleeting emotions. Through personal stories and biblical insights, he encourages trusting in God's promises and recognizing divine work in our lives, even when feelings are ambiguous. K…
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Why You Should Have Your Neighbors Over This Week -- Rural Reset 19/21 [21]
19:13
19:13
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19:13Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the common anxieties of showing hospitality, particularly in small towns. Through scriptural insights and practical advice, TJ encourages Christians to see hospitality not as an obligation, but as an opportunity to live out their faith, break down…
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Should I be Afraid to Take Communion? – Rural Reset 18/21 [20]
17:00
17:00
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17:00Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, delves into the concerns and misunderstandings surrounding the Lord's Supper. He explores who should partake in it, the meaning behind the practice, and how it should be a joyous, communal act for believers. Key Points: Who is Communion For? Communion is for …
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Is Baptism Necessary? – Rural Reset 17/21 [19]
27:13
27:13
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27:13Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses Baptism. He addresses common questions such as whether believers should get baptized, the legitimacy of infant baptism, and the significance of baptism in the Christian faith. Key Points: Baptism as a Covenant: Baptism is a sign of entering into a c…
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I’m Afraid to Share the Gospel – Rural Reset 16/21 [18]
18:19
18:19
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18:19Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, addresses the common challenge of sharing the gospel, especially in small towns. He shares personal experiences and practical steps to help Christians overcome fear and awkwardness when evangelizing. Key Points: Evangelizing in a Small Town: Sharing the gospe…
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How Can I Know God’s Will? – Rural Reset 15/21 [17]
18:58
18:58
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18:58Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, host TJ Freeman discusses the challenge of making big decisions, especially for Christians living in small towns. He explains the common struggle of wanting direct guidance from God to make decisions easier. Through recounting his own experience of deciding whether to move from Florida …
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Why Your Church Needs You to Sing – Rural Reset 14/21 [16]
23:52
23:52
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23:52Host: TJ Freeman Summary: This episode of Back to Rurality, hosted by TJ Freeman, addresses the common reluctance many experience towards singing in church. Freeman highlights the biblical imperative to sing as an act of worship, encouragement for others, and a reflection of genuine faith and transformation through the gospel. Key Points: Why Peopl…
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How to Know if a Church is a Good One – Rural Reset 13/21 [15]
16:53
16:53
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16:53Host: TJ Freeman Summary: This episode of the Back to Rurality podcast, hosted by TJ Freeman, focuses on how to wisely invest in a local church, especially in rural areas where options may be limited. Freeman acknowledges the challenges of finding a healthy church and discusses the pitfalls of approaching church selection with a consumerist mindset…
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Do you Have to Join a Church? – Rural Reset 12/21 [14]
28:06
28:06
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28:06Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman, a rural pastor, discusses the concept of church membership. Freeman explains how church membership helps Christians to clarify, participate, demonstrate, and identify with their local churches. Key Points: Common Questions: Freeman addresses whether church membership bibli…
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Do you Have to Go to Church to Worship God? – Rural Reset 11/21 [13]
27:28
27:28
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27:28Host: TJ Freeman Summary: This episode of the Rural Reset series, hosted by TJ Freeman, addresses the common question of whether attending church is necessary for worshipping God, especially for those living in rural areas with limited church options. Freeman argues from scripture, particularly Ephesians chapters two and three, that while individua…
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Can you Ever Beat a Stubborn Sin? – Rural Reset 10/21 [12]
15:45
15:45
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15:45Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of Back to Rurality, hosted by rural pastor TJ Freeman, listeners are guided on how to combat persistent and challenging sins by understanding and utilizing the ordinary means of grace provided by God. Key Points: The Deceitfulness of Sin: Freeman discusses how sins deceive us, using examples such as anxiet…
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What to do When You’re Tempted – Rural Reset 9/21 [11]
30:30
30:30
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30:30Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this podcast episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman explores the universal struggle against temptation by sharing one of his own personal battles. Freeman offers biblical insights, particularly focusing on 1 Corinthians 10:13, to encourage listeners that they are not alone in their temptations, that God is faith…
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Is Christianity all about Rules? – Rural Reset 8/21 [10]
19:13
19:13
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19:13Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' rural pastor TJ Freeman explores the struggle between the Christian's focus on a relationship with Jesus and the plethora of rules often associated with the faith. He shares personal experiences of growing up with strict Christian rules and discusses the challenges of guilt and pride …
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What to do When God seems Distant – Rural Reset 7/21 [9]
25:21
25:21
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25:21Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' host TJ Freeman discusses the common feeling of distance from God and offers practical tools to help listeners reconnect with their Heavenly Father. Key Points: Potential Causes for this Distance Feeling: Their can be various causes to this feeling including unconfessed sin, unmet exp…
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What’s the Deal with Spiritual Gifts? – Rural Reset 6/21 [8]
23:37
23:37
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23:37Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses spiritual gifts, their importance, and how to identify and use them effectively. He emphasizes that every Christian has unique spiritual gifts meant to glorify God and build up the church. Key Points: One Body, Many Parts: In Romans 12 we read that the church is o…
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Am I Praying Right? – Rural Reset 5/21 [7]
33:56
33:56
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33:56Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode of 'Back to Rurality,' TJ Freeman discusses the common confusions and questions people have about prayer, addressing both theological and practical aspects. He emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians, especially those in rural areas, and provides foundational insights into why and how to pray eff…
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Does a Verse a Day Keep the Devil Away? – Rural Reset 4/21 [6]
34:42
34:42
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34:42Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this podcast episode, TJ Freeman addresses common dilemmas faced by Christians when starting to read the Bible. He offers practical advice on developing consistent and meaningful Bible reading habits Key Points: Common Bible Reading Struggles: There can be a lot of questions, and varying opinions on how to answer those …
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How to Know if You're a Real Christian - Rural Reset 3/21 [5]
29:22
29:22
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29:22Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this podcast episode, TJ Freeman addresses common doubts about Christian faith, particularly focusing on questions of salvation and assurance. He shares his personal struggle with these doubts, triggered during his middle school years, and discusses how intellectual, emotional, and willful commitments are integral to ge…
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Why You Should Care About the Bible - Rural Reset 2/21 [4]
28:32
28:32
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28:32Host: TJ Freeman Summary: In this episode, TJ Freeman discusses the fundamental practice of reading the Bible. He addresses common struggles such as finding time to read, understanding the content, and dealing with feelings of guilt. TJ offers practical advice and encouragement to help listeners engage with Scripture more effectively. Key Points: S…
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Think about this next time you see a Dollar General [2]
15:49
15:49
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15:49Episode Description: In this episode of Back to Rurality, Pastor TJ Freeman draws a compelling parallel between the surprising success of Dollar General in remote areas and the potential for the church to thrive in rural communities. TJ explores how the church can adopt a similar mindset to effectively spread the gospel in small towns and rural pla…
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Do You Know How to Love God? - Rural Reset 1/21 [3]
31:30
31:30
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31:30Episode Description: In this episode, Pastor TJ Freeman addresses common struggles Christians face in their relationship with God, such as finding Bible reading unengaging, experiencing a stagnant prayer life, and feeling disconnected during church services. He offers practical advice on rekindling a love for God, drawing from personal experiences …
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What comes to mind when you think about rural places? If you live in the middle of nowhere -- and want your life to be pleasing to God, this podcast is for you! Tune in to the trailer to learn more!By TJ Freeman
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Why God Wants YOU in the Middle of Nowhere [1]
21:24
21:24
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21:24In this introductory episode, rural pastor TJ Freeman explores the significance of living and glorifying God in remote areas. TJ shares personal anecdotes and biblical insights, discussing the challenges and spiritual opportunities unique to small-town life. He emphasizes the importance of healthy churches and strong Christian communities in rural …
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Episode 355 – Irish Tales: Put In The Backup!
31:18
31:18
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31:18Hosts Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle talk about the great back-ups in Fighting Irish Football history. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Episode 354 - Irish Tales: Notre Dame Bowl History
36:22
36:22
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36:22Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle talk about where Notre Dame is heading for this year’s bowl game, and previous road bowl game road trips with the Irish. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle discuss Marcus Freeman’s first year as Head Football Coach at Notre Dame. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Episode 352 - Irish Tales: Notre Dame Basketball
36:11
36:11
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36:11Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle walk down memory lane with stories from inside Purcell Pavillion. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle chat about Notre Dame multi-sport players. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Chuck Freeby and Bob Nagle talk Notre Dame Football and coaching transitions. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacyBy studioDNA | Corey Mann
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Our guest is Linda Wawrzyniak. Linda is a learning and human development expert who works within professional baseball, (Go Cubs!) Linda’s first book is called “Million Dollar Adjustments”. Available now! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy…
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