Honor Radio

This podcast will tell the story about how Joe Kennedy, a high school football coach who has provided millions of Americans more religious liberty in more than a half century. In 2008, the newly minted Coach Kennedy committed to God that he would give thanks after every game – win or lose - for the opportunity to be a football coach and for his players. It was soon after this and after retaining his attorneys who specialize in religious First Amendment rights to free speech cases called, FirstLiberty.org. They asked the school to make a religious accommodation and we first became acquainted with Coach Kennedy. His story went viral and weeks later Coach Kennedy was terminated days before the final varsity game. Coach Kennedy would file a charge of religious discrimination with the Bremerton School District, and this is what started the 8-year battle that took this discrimination and First Amendment case to the Supreme Court. In 2022, It upheld his right to take a knee in quiet, solitary prayer after games. But this wasn’t only a victory for one coach in Washington state. It has a nationwide impact on public-school teachers, employees and coaches, who are now free to live out their faith in public. This win overturned a prior ruling that harmed religious freedom for decades and set a major precedent for our First Freedom moving forward. We followed this case to the Supreme Court winning gavel and had Coach Kennedy on our HONOR RADIO podcast back in 2018. We decided it was time to catch up with Coach Kennedy and it was awesome that he invited his First Liberty attorney, Jeremy Dys on this powerful podcast. Turn it up and if need be, get your notepads handy. This podcast is going to fire you up!

It brings us great pride to welcome these two great Marines and dear friends to Honor Radio. Welcome US Marines, Gunnery Sgt. Freddy Torres (active) and Sgt. Marcus Chischilly (ret.). Both served under the 3rd Battalion/5th Marines, and both received Purple Hearts from wounds they suffered while in combat. Freddy suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg that hit his femoral artery which caused him to almost bleed out on the battlefield. He underwent multiple surgeries with doctors telling him he would never walk again. He would prove them wrong. We also introduce Sgt Marcus Chischilly who is from Navajo Indian ancestry. As a rifleman, Marcus was wounded by an IED blast two weeks into his deployment. The blast would take his right leg and left him with severe injuries to his left leg and arm. Both Marines would struggle with recovery but would find healing in a life of ongoing service, family, and faith. We invited these two inspirational warriors on the podcast because their stories are more than compelling and inspirational. Also, for the past ten years these two Marines have inspired thousands of athletes, coaches, and the community by being our keynote speakers during The Honor Bowl Football Showcases pregame locker room Moto Talks. Over the years that we have been performing the Honor Bowl and these two have been visiting our locker rooms we have had hundreds of coaches and athletes tell us that the stories of sacrifice, brotherhood, and commitment that they hear from these two individuals are easily the most powerful speeches they have ever heard in any locker room setting before. We are honored to have Freddy and Marcus on our show today. Please join us as we listen to their inspiring stories of resilience, recovery, and the future.

Coach Von Vogt has been a friend of Honor Radio for many years. Recently we talked with Coach V about his story as a highly respected championship basketball coach and Athletic Director. Lance’s life has been full of ups and downs but his story of perseverance through tough times will inspire you. Recently, Lance took over the role of VP of Athletics at Jessup University and has personally overseen the university’s athletic program expansion from the highly recognized NAIA to the vaulted and respected NCAA. As the university continues to expand its athletic program it’s because of this man’s hard work and leadership. Lance is a man of great passion, enthusiasm, and a strong man of faith. We hope this interview inspires you.

Here is a chance to listen to three Gold Star parents, who share the grief of raising a son and having each give the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms. Freedom is not free. Memorial Day is the ONE day that America gives respect to those who have died in war. Yes, BBQs and family times are special, but remember those who have given us liberty as Americans. Kevin Graves, Discovery Bay Father of Army Spc. Joseph Graves, Hope Ramirez, Sacramento. Mother of Army Spc. Ray A Ramirez. Patty Schumacher, Mother of USMC LCpl Victor Dew

This is a compelling podcast featuring, Coach Matt Logan. Coach Logan is the Head Football coach of the Centennial Huskies out of Corona, CA. In our humble opinion, this school’s high school football program is arguably one of the best “public” school football programs in all of America. When we first met Coach Logan back in 2013, he was still hurting from the tragic death of his wife, Donna from breast cancer in 2007. She sadly left him with three daughters. Soon after this untimely death we became acquainted with Coach Logan and came to love the man and how he managed a successful football program while also raising three teenage daughters. Coach Logan is a patriot, a family man, and a loyal leader. When he heard of The Honor Bowl he wanted his team in the showcase and we found an opponent for him. Since then, under his steady leadership, the Centennial program remains consistently at the top of annual nationwide football polls. The man is a born leader, father, (new) husband, and an amazing football coach. Please listen to this compelling podcast as we discuss life, love, and of course, football.

Over the years and since the creation of The Honor Bowl we have been blessed to have our games photographed by some of the best sports photographers in the game. These professionals use their lens to capture the action and tell the story, and for the Honor Bowl they capture the backstage meaning of The Honor Bowl. In our opinion, Steve and Rudy are two of the best in the business. Every year they attend the Honor Bowl and in this episode, you will learn why. Many times, the photographers go unnoticed, but not to us. We value these men and want you to have a chance to meet them. Enjoy!

John Lynch Sr. has been one of The Honor Group’s biggest cheerleaders. In 2013, Lynch was the Chairman of the Board for the U-T San Diego and chose to promote and support The Honor Bowl which was to be hosted by Oceanside High School for three years. Lynch was instrumental to have the newspaper write front page articles, have a 30 minute pregame show on UT San Diego TV as well as print 30,000 8 page inserts. In 2017, his son John Lynch Jr was chosen to become the General Manager of the SF 49ers which became the Presenting Sponsor for The Honor Bowl. We salute your faith in The Honor Group and are honored to have you as a guest on Honor Radio.

Casey Taylor has been an inspirational partner and supporter of The Honor Bowl. When Taylor was head coach at Del Oro, Battle for Veterans was hosted in Loomis for three years. In 2013 The Honor Bowl had its first games on the Loomis campus. Coach Taylor moved over the Capital Christian and a HomeTown Honor Bowl was held on the Sacramento campus. Now Casey Taylor has become the new head coach of a powerhouse football school – Inderkum in Sacramento where he will again provide leadership and football prowess. This Honor Radio segment will include a background to Taylor, his love for The Honor Bowl, and the future of football in California during the COVID-19 situation.

Special Mothers Day Episode for Honor Radio. We welcome two amazing women who have both survived Cancer. Each will share their special stories and liven us all up during these trying ‘stay at home’ days. Grab some tissues and enjoy this special Honor Radio episode.

HONOR RADIO | With Special Guest, Kirk Uhler. This man and his family have been a friend of The Honor Group for many years. He is a a former Placer County Supervisor and lately with the Covid virus crisis he has taken on a patriotic leadership role to engage the Governor regarding re-opening business in Placer County, CA. You will learn a great deal about Kirk, his family, his patriotism, and why he is taking a stand for the people and businesses of Placer County.

Kevin Bracy – Motivational Extraordinaire talks with Mark Soto about life during ‘stay at home’ 2020! Kevin does a lot of work with schools and has quickly adapted to be virtual in his approach. Brace yourself for words of hope, words of gratitude, and GREATNESS!

Paul Rudy is Mr. Prep Sports in the greater San Diego area. For years, KUSI has been the heartbeat of High School sports due to the genius of Paul Rudy, a multiple EMMY award winner. Paul and Mark talk about how COVID-19 has affected the San Diego area and the hopes that this situation will be cautiously lifted to have schools return. It is always a fun time to spend time with Paul and we look forward to the fall when The Honor Bowl returns to San Diego in September!

Nickole Sutter is the Human Resources Director for the City of San Luis Obispo and is a member of the City’s Emergency Operation Center team for the COVID-19 Pandemic. Nickole’s day-to-day responsibilities include Labor Relations, Performance Management and oversight of Recruitment, Benefits, Classification and Compensation. This podcast will focus on what the City has done to address the Local Emergency.

Eric Sondheimer is the prep sports columnist for the Los Angeles Times. He has been honored seven times by the California Prep Sportswriters Assn. for best prep sports column. A graduate of Cal State Northridge, he joined the Daily News as a prep editor in 1980. He left for 18 months in 1990 to be a West Coast correspondent for the National Sports Daily. He returned to the Daily News in 1991 and joined The Times in 1997 covering high school sports. He has covered Southern California high school sports for more than 40 years.

Dr. John Jackson is the President of one of America’s most respected Christian Universities. He took a few minutes to talk about The Spirit of Calm. Listen as John talks about four important points: Reveal, Reset, Rentry, and Reformation. America needs to listen to this inspiring and timely message.

to Mark Soto and Rick Sutter about how COVID-19 is affecting students, athletes, and communities. This very open conversation is full of hope and understanding that though no end is near for the abrupt end to the 2020 season, there is an urgency to follow recommendations that have been given by local, state, and national leaders.

Ron Nocetti is the Executive Director of the CIF State Office based in Sacramento, CA. We reached out to Ron to offer him a chance to voice what the CIF is currently doing due to the COVID-19 situation. Over 800,000 student-athletes are being affected and are in a wait-and-see mode but collectively understand that moments such as what we are experiencing are learning times. The CIF has ten commissioners that represent high schools in California and will be meeting soon to discuss the next steps. Ron has been a friend to The Honor Bowl and we respect his viewpoint and passion for youth sports.

Bill Gunn, Athletic Director for Centennial High School is no stranger to The Honor Bowl and after a two-year absence will be back in 2020! The true reason though about this PodCast was to discuss the impact that the COVID-19 situation has caused at Centennial and the community of Corona. Times like this cause us to react and adapt and to respond positively and this was reflected in what Bill talked about on Honor Radio. We thank Bill for his time and reflections on The Honor Bowl and how we need to look ahead with what lies in front of us all.

On the 18th anniversary of 9-11, Honor Radio Episode 008 was recorded the Placer County Sheriff Offices in Auburn, CA. Sheriff Devon Bell, Kathyrn Marie Holt, Honor Group Marketing, and PR joined Coach Soto for a rousing conversation. A HomeTown Honor Bowl is coming to Del Oro High School in Loomis, CA when Granite Bay comes to play their cross-town rival on September 20. The significance of this game looms due to the plans to honor First Responders and active – veterans of America’s Armed Forces. A discussion included the anniversary of 9-11, an event that changed America forever. Sheriff Bell and his staff at Placer County Sheriff Department ‘get it’ by partaking in this HONORING event. Thank you Sheriff Devon Bell for your passion to protect and serve. Thank you Kathryn for your perspective and patriotic words.

Head Coach Ryan Partridge had his share of football from youth to college. After graduation, Partridge got a job and after a little while realized the working world wasn’t for him. He returned back to California and first coached at Dougherty Valley High School. After a few seasons, Ryan got the head coaching position at Livermore High School where the first season had the best record in over 25 years. When hearing that Liberty HS was looking for a new head coach he couldn’t pass up the chance to coach in his home town. Liberty Lions return to The Honor Bowl after having a great experience in their first showcase hosted at Saint Francis in Mountain View, CA. The impact that The Honor Bowl caused stuck with the Lions through their entire 2018 undefeated season. “Get Some’ was a familiar battle cry and camo became the chosen color to wear on campus and in the patriotic town of Brentwood. Honor Radio is proud to bring this casual chat with Head Coach Ryan Partridge.

Head Coach Ricky Rodriguez is young but has years of experience in football. Listen to this podcast and learn to appreciate the passion Coach has for teaching young men the values and importance that is part of the game of football. It was interesting to learn that Coach Rodriguez wanted to be part of The Honor Bowl when he interviewed with James Logan High School to become the Head Coach of his cross-town rival, Washington High School. He got that invite and also became the host for the 2019 Honor Bowl to be held in the SF East Bay for the first time. The Honor Bowl is thrilled to have the community of Union City be the hub for three stellar “regional match-ups’ on September 7. Coach Soto and Coach Rodriguez had a fun time getting to know more about things that are important to Rodriguez and we hope that you will enjoy this latest Honor Radio Podcast.

Head Coach Kevin Wright comes from a family of Football Fanatics. His father, Bud Wright recently retired after coaching High School as a Head Coach for 53 years. His mother was always helping in concessions and washing jerseys after games in preparation for the next week. Kevin played football at Western Kentucky University. Once he finished he got an offer to return home to Indiana to teach high school and coach the football program. Kevin needed a job and took on the task. After four years, Wright moved on to become the Head Coach of the Fighting Hotdogs of Frankfurter High School! His dad mentioned that they had just finished their season with a record of 0-10 so there was room for improvement. A few years later, Wright got an offer to return to W Kentucky as the OC and then for a short time at Alabama. Eventually after success with a state champion in Indiana Coach Wright received a phone call from a friend who mentioned that IMG Academy was looking to start a football program and wanted to gauge interest to have Wright become the first Head Coach. The rest is history! There are some benefits to be located in Sothern Florida and away from a typical brutal snowy spring in the Midwest. Coach Wright and the IMG Ascenders have been involved with The Honor Bowl two times. In 2016, IMG Academy traveled to Mission Viejo to face Corona Centennial, called one of the finest High School Football games of all time. The following year The Ascenders traveled to San Diego for a highly anticipated rematch with the Huskies. We respect Coach Wright and his staff at IMG and are pleased to bring a conversation with Coach Wright and Mark Soto in this episode of Honor Radio.

Scott McEwen, Best Selling Author and Patriot talks with Coach Soto on Honor Radio’s first PodCast. From the moment Scott found out about The Honor Group and the amazing work that was being done to educate the youth of America, there is a strong connection with a common focus. Scott talks about his close friend Chris Kyle who spent countless times together sharing common passions of outdoors and hunting. Tragedy struck and we live through many patriotic moments in Texas and America when Kyle was laid to rest in Austin, TX. A huge focus for Scott McEwen today revolves around the need to re-educate America’s youth to be more aware why America is the greatest place on Earth to live and flourish with freedoms that many take for granted. We are HONORED to call Scott McEwen a friend and hope that you will enjoy listening to a conversation with Coach Soto and Scott McEwen.

Tim Ware, School Administrator, Former USC, NFL Football Phenom, Family Man. The Honor Group met Tim Ware in 2013 when The Honor Bowl was hosted at Oceanside High School. For the next three years, Tim was there to support us with our showcase because he recognized the passion that was present and the importance of helping educate the athletes, coaches, and communities about the brave men and women who volunteer to protect our freedoms. Tim Ware is now overseeing security for all 42 school districts in San Diego County. He is dedicated to instilling a lasting foundation of self-importance, respect, and purpose for students of San Diego. Tim excelled at Centennial High School in Compton, CA, and was rewarded an athletic scholarship to the University of Southern California. After four great years of education and football, Tim earned a spot to play for the San Diego Chargers and the Los Angeles Raiders. The Honor Bowl is extremely fortunate to have a respected man of faith and compassion lend his support to our cause! We are HONORED to call Tim Ware a friend and hope that you will enjoy listening to a conversation with Coach Soto and Tim Ware

Head Coach Joe Kennedy has become a dear friend of The Honor Group. In 2015, Coach Kennedy was placed on administrative leave by the Bremerton School District when he kneeled down after a high school football game to silently pray. Since that moment, his case had been ruled in favor of the initial motion in favor of the School District, his appeal was struck down by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and was recently discussed at the U.S. Supreme Court. Joe is a strong-willed person of faith and never wished to offend. Hear his story along with one of his legal team, Lathan Watts, First Liberty in Plano Tx discuss what has occurred and what is next in this national court case of personal expression. We are HONORED to call Joe Kennedy a friend and hope that you will enjoy listening to a conversation with Coach Soto and Coach Joe Kennedy. NOTE: We regretfully state that the video/audio quality of Joe’s feed was not the best and we will continue to raise the quality bar for future podcasts.