The Sam Acho Podcast

What happens when the game you’ve dreamed about your entire life becomes harder than you ever expected? NBA forward Trayce Jackson-Davis joins Sam Acho and Clif Marshall for a candid conversation about the realities of life as a professional athlete—and the lessons that come with it. From his days as an Indiana Hoosier to the NBA, Trayce opens up about the highs and lows of his journey, including his sophomore slump, dealing with criticism and hate mail, making the jump to the NBA, and adjusting to life in Toronto. He also takes us behind the scenes of one of basketball’s biggest viral moments: his unforgettable dunk over Victor Wembanyama, But this conversation goes far beyond basketball. Trayce talks openly about mental health, faith, family, NIL, the transfer portal, and the importance of having people around you who will tell you the truth even when you don't want to hear it. He shares what he learned from his NBA mentors, why game-day chapel remains important to him as a professional, and how his younger brother Tayvin’s football journey has brought a whole new perspective to family and competition. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful question: How do you win without losing it all? Trayce’s answer comes down to perspective, gratitude, and remembering that there is always more to life than the scoreboard. This is an honest look at NBA life, adversity, faith, mental health, and what it really means to keep growing when the pressure is on.‍

What do surviving war, playing in the NFL, building wealth, and growing your faith have in common? Sam Acho and Clif Marshall go there, talking about adversity, money, football, family, and the mindset it takes to keep climbing when life gets hard. You’re not made for the mountaintop. You’re made for the climb. 🏔️ Watch the full conversation and discover why the hardest seasons might be shaping you for your greatest purpose.

Sam Acho reflects on the impact his father had on his life and the kind of example he wants to carry forward. He shares how his dad worked hard while remaining present, faithful to his wife, and deeply involved in raising their four children. Sam also recalls hearing his usually reserved brother speak emotionally about their father’s influence. It is a simple but powerful reminder that fatherhood is not only about providing, but about being there and leaving something meaningful behind.

Hadley Ott was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at just 12 years old and weighed only 53 pounds. After more than a decade of medications, steroids, a feeding tube, biologic drugs, and surgery, he was still struggling with his health. In this powerful conversation with Sam Acho and Clif Marshall, Hadley shares the turning point that led him to pursue a different approach centered on nutrition, fitness, and faith. He opens up about his darkest moments, his decision to take control of his health, and the journey that took him from 53 pounds to 170 pounds. His experience inspired his bestselling book, *Drug Free Crohn’s*, and has taken him to universities across the country to share his story. This episode is ultimately about resilience, faith, hope, and finding the courage to keep going when life feels impossible.

Sam Acho explores what it truly means to live out your God given purpose, challenging the idea that doing good is enough if it is not what God created you to do. Through powerful illustrations, personal stories, biblical insights, and reflections on heaven, accountability, and calling, he encourages listeners to pursue a life of courage, growth, and faithful obedience to God's unique purpose for their lives.

Heaven rejoices when one person comes to Jesus. This message explores God's relentless love, why Jesus came to save us, and what it means to seek His kingdom above all else. Be encouraged to say "yes" to Christ and discover the eternal treasure found in Him.