Elevate and Motivate is a podcast hosted by ESPN+ broadcaster and show host Jesse Simmons, built to give you the tools to tackle anything life throws at you. Featuring conversations with elite athletes, industry leaders, media personalities and everyday people whose stories deserve to be heard, each episode explores how guests have faced adversity, overcome obstacles, and turned life’s setbacks into opportunities for growth.
Rooted in faith, the show highlights how turning a negative into a positive can honor their belief in Jesus and inspire others to do the same. Through honest conversations and inspiring perspectives, Elevate and Motivate exists to remind listeners that your circumstances don’t define you—your response does.
100% of proceeds directly benefit Every Child Matters.
Aligning Your Identity: with Caroline Bauer, D1 track athlete at UF, W&M
Welcome to elevate & Motivate with Jesse Simmons!
This episode is about finding your true identity and aligning yourself with the plans God has for you with special guest Caroline Bauer.
Caroline is a former University of Florida cross-country and track athlete who graduated from UF in December 2025. She’s now continuing her running career at the College of William & Mary while pursuing her master’s degree in Educational Leadership.
But beyond the accolades, the running and the classroom, Caroline says the most important part of her identity is being a follower of Christ and using her platform to glorify Him.
She’s also the co-host of the Beyond the Struggle podcast, where those themes of faith, adversity and growth come to life.
26 Jul 2026
The Power of Perseverance: Nick Pogue, former Professional Pitcher and Mental Performance Specialist
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons welcomes in Nick Pogue on the power of perseverance.
Nick’s story is all about perseverance — from battling through Tommy John surgery at Florida in 2021, to working his way back on the mound, to signing with the Washington Nationals organization in 2022, and now helping athletes strengthen the mental side of their game.
Here, they talk life after baseball, what he’s learned through the highs and lows, and how to turn setbacks into growth.
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23 Aug 2025
Living out your mission: What to know and expect for your first mission's trip with special guest Matthew Dobson
Wondering if a mission's trip is the right choice for you?
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons welcomes on former roommate and teammate Matthew Dobson, as the two break down their recent missions trips to Mexico (Matthew) and Peru (Jesse) for the first time in their lives and the preconceived notions before departing and the life changing perspectives coming back. That and so much more right here on Eleveate and Motivate!
7 May 2025
Living Like a Modern Day Job: Special Guest Jake Griffith, on going through life's toughest trials and prevailing through it all
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons welcomes in Jake Griffith. Jake is a former teammate of Jesse's, currently playing on a national championship juggernaut University of Tampa Spartans coming off a national title in hopes of another.
Jake shares his testimony of being at his highest moments of life, only to come crashing down in the blink of an eye yet staying true to his faith and prevailing through the other side to share his testimony. Listen now!
13 Dec 2024
My Story: The Journey of Aidan Warner, Florida Gators Quarterback
Aidan Warner, quarterback for the Florida Gators, shares his tumultuous journey and mental warfare, inspiring listeners to overcome life's challenges and achieve their dreams.
9 Dec 2024
Strength in Vulnerability, Special Guest: Jordan McCants, UF Track & Field
Jesse Simmons sits down with Jordan McCants, a UF Track & Field athlete and mental health advocate, to reveal the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and community support.
24 Sept 2024
Growing Where You're Planted, Standing Up for What's Right: Special Guest Ethan Eibe
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons welcomes back a previous guest for a double dip episode! Ethan Eibe, a trailblazing collegiate Play-by-Play Broadcaster and sports journalist joins the podcast for a life update with his recent stint in the Cape Cod Baseball League and the mental approach to venture into unknown territory. Jesse and Ethan touch on the challenges you face stepping out alone to stand up for what's right, and being a light no matter where you are!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
5 Jun 2024
Lead While Staying True to YOU: Special Guest Joan Ryan
Is it possible to be a REAL leader if you aren't staying TRUE to YOURSELF? Host Jesse Simmons connects with Joan Ryan to dive into the meaning of being brave and leading by example, while proving doubters wrong. Ryan dives into her interview with Billie Jean King, Reggie Jackson, her time with the San Francisco Giants and more.
BACKGROUND:
Joan Ryan is an award-winning journalist, author and sports media consultant. She was one of the first female sports columnists in the country and covered every major
sporting event from the Super Bowl and the World Series to the Olympics and championship fights.
Her sports columns and features earned 13 Associated Press Sports Editors Awards, the National Headliner Award, the Women’s Sports Foundation’s Journalism Award, and the prestigious Edgar A. Poe Award from the White House Correspondents’ Association.
From writing at Orlando Sentinel to the San Francisco Chronicle, Ryan has been the senior media advisor to the San Francisco Giants since 2008, along with being an author of five books, the latest: Intangibles: Unlocking the Science and Soul of Team Chemistry.
Ryan is a UFCJC 2000 Hall of Fame inductee, returning in 2024 to be inducted into the Sports@CJC Ring of Honor.
As always:
Every Child Matters of America website: http://www.everychildmatters.com
Cyrus' Crusade in his fight to defeat Leukemia GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cyrus-crusade?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Follow his fight on Facebook and purchase T-Shirts: Cyrus’ Crusade https://m.facebook.com/cyruscrusades/?tsid=0.9492068941532887&source=result
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
7 Sept 2023
Be THE Light: Special Guest Ethan Eibe, on being a leader in a dark place
Don't just be A light, or SOME of a light. Be THE Light.
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons addresses the topic of being selfless and bringing hope to others in times of need when they need it most.
Special Guest, Ethan Eibe
University of Florida journalism student and talented sports voice
joins the show to illustrate his first hand testimony of a tragic loss of a professional baseball player for the Alpine Cowboys of the Pecos League, Jared Strait. Eibe served as the Assistant General Manager and Broadcast voice of the Alpine Cowboys and had the honor to share Jared's legacy
University of Florida journalism student and talented sports voice gives joins the show to share his first hand testimony of a tragic loss of a professional baseball player Jared Strait, while Eibe served as the Assistant General Manager and Broadcast voice of the Alpine Cowboys
Link to Ethan Eibe’s video tribute to Jared Strait: https://youtu.be/0XttY9EX2io?si=_NCA7oIslKbNG7w7
As always:
Every Child Matters of America website: http://www.everychildmatters.com
Cyrus' Crusade in his fight to defeat Leukemia GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cyrus-crusade?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Follow his fight on Facebook and purchase T-Shirts: Cyrus’ Crusade https://m.facebook.com/cyruscrusades/?tsid=0.9492068941532887&source=result
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
7 Jul 2023
What's Your Identity? Special Guest James Bates
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons catches up with James Bates, on the topic of finding your identity to always move forward with your best steps and mindset.
James was a team captain on the 1996 National Champion Football team at the University of Florida under Steve Spurrier, He also serves as a broadcaster with ACC Network, adding to that he is a nationally renowned painter in the sports world. Above all, he is a quality human being and joins us today to give his powerful perspective and insight. Listen now!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
25 May 2023
The Journey of Women in Sports, Special Guest Talia Baia
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons along with Talia Baia, WFT News anchor and Beat Reporter for ESPN Gainesville, address various different topics and stereotypes within the sports world and industry. Both Jesse and Talia touch on finding your passion, knowing where you can make an impact, and the progress that has been made in recent years, as well as ground that is yet to be covered for women in the sports industry and much more. Listen now!
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
26 Apr 2023
Walking Into A New Season of Life: Special Guest, Jason Romano
In this episode, host Jesse Simmons talks with special Guest Jason Romano, about walking into a new season of life and taking a leap of faith. Jason Romano, is Jason Romano is an author, speaker, and
media professional with over 25 years of
broadcasting and media experience. Jason is the host and producer of the Sports Spectrum podcast where he interviews athletes, coaches, and other personalities on the intersection of sports and faith.
For 17 years, he was an Emmy Award winning Producer and Senior Manager at ESPN. He has created and produced content for shows such as SportsCenter, NFL LIVE Mike and Mike in the Morning, Sunday NFL Countdown, College GameDay, Outside the Lines, MLB's All Star Game and many more. As always:
Every Child Matters of America website: http://www.everychildmatters.com
Cyrus' Crusade in his fight to defeat Leukemia GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cyrus-crusade?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Follow his fight on Facebook and purchase T-Shirts: Cyrus’ Crusade https://m.facebook.com/cyruscrusades/?tsid=0.9492068941532887&source=result
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
27 May 2022
Let's Get Real: The Truth about Mental Health in Athletes in Sports Today
May is Mental Health Awareness month! Division 1, Division 2, and Junior College Round Table. In this episode, host Jesse Simmons joins 3 college baseball players at 3 different divisions as they shed light on the truth around mental health and psychology in the sports world today. By sharing personal experiences and testimonies, addressing the sad and scary statistics behind the stigmas of mental health, and negligence of society to take action before it's too late, listen to this podcast and hear the voices of the ones who are impacted by it first hand, as we raise awareness and push to make a change going forward for athletes now and in the future going forward.
Elevate and Motivate would like to honor and recognize the lives and legacy of athletes who have fallen victim as a result of suffering from severe mental illness due to the pressures of collegiate sports and the world around them. Our hearts and prayers are with their families, friends, teammates, and coaches. This stops now, and change will be made to prevent another athlete from taking his or her life, and feeling like they cannot speak out. Stand with us using #Athletes4Truth and making a difference in any way you can.
As always:
Every Child Matters of America website: http://www.everychildmatters.com
Cyrus' Crusade in his fight to defeat Leukemia GoFundMe link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cyrus-crusade?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer
Follow his fight on Facebook and purchase T-Shirts: Cyrus’ Crusade https://m.facebook.com/cyruscrusades/?tsid=0.9492068941532887&source=result
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
21 Jan 2022
Episode 2: The Narrow Road
We are back, baby. After a short break in dealing with more obstacles, Jesse is back in today’s episode with a special guest to talk about personal testimonies, mental health, strength at your lowest points, and many other inspiring topics. Listen now
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
31 Jan 2021
Intro: What's your word?
The Intro. In this episode, Jesse talks about why he started "Elevate and Motivate" and a question that's been looming over his head towards the end of 2020 and looking into the new year. Listen now to unfold this idea and question.
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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support (https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jesse-simmons15/support)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
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