Big Stories

Before ASU lineman Jalen Klemm ever took the field for the Sun Devils, a mysterious medical emergency left him hospitalized and fighting for answers. Host Cleon Wall sits down with BYUtv producer Brandon Crow to explore Jalen's remarkable journey after suffering a stroke, the people who rallied around him, and the faith that fueled his return to football.

Most athletes spend a lifetime searching for the perfect teammate. Former UCF Football standouts Shaquem and Shaquill Griffin found theirs at birth. Born with only one hand, Shaquem made it to the NFL, and his brother was by his side every step of the way. Host Cleon Wall sits down with BYUtv Big Stories producer Brandon Crow and director Zane O’Gwin to explore a story of faith, family, and the unbreakable bond between two brothers.

Before he was a Notre Dame champion, Chris Zorich was a kid whose entire world fit into a four-block stretch of Chicago’s South Side. Host Cleon Wall sits down with Brandon Crow and Zane O’Gwin to trace Zorich’s journey—from a single mom’s sacrifice to becoming one of college football's most fearsome competitors. Behind the legendary scowl and relentless grit was a heart that defied his tough exterior. Because true champions don't just reach the top—they remember where they started.

Growing up as the only girl in the wrestling room, Alli St. John had to show she belonged — wearing pink shoes, facing doubters, and constantly having to prove herself. That little girl became a two-time national champion, a Team USA wrestler, and an Olympic hopeful whose dream ended in the most painful way imaginable. But wrestling has a funny way of giving back what it takes away. BYUtv’s Brandon Crow and Tim Irwin sit down to trace Alli’s story and the unexpected journey that eventually led her to become the head coach of Iowa State’s first-ever women’s wrestling team.

When a tragic car accident left TCU equestrian Sydney Feager with catastrophic injuries, doctors gave her a grim diagnosis: she might never walk again—let alone ride a horse. But Sydney defied every expectation.

In this episode, host Cleon Wall sits down with BYUtv producer Brandon Crow and director Zane O'Gwin to unpack a story that goes far beyond survival. Discover how faith, relentless determination, and an unwavering community fuelled a miraculous comeback that transformed not just Sydney's life, but everyone around her.

Host Cleon Wall will be back next week with more inspiring and uplifting tales from around the Big 12 conference. But this week, we are featuring one of BYUradio's other great podcasts, Top of Mind with Julie Rose. In this episode, Julie explores whether sports fandom is good for America. The episode takes a closer look at why we become so invested in sports and what that fandom can mean for our relationships, our communities, and even the way we see ourselves.

What does it take to turn tragedy into purpose? Host Cleon Wall, producer Brandon Crow, and director Zane O'Gwin dive into the inspiring story of former Colorado State offensive lineman Zack Golditch. From surviving the Aurora theater shooting to protecting his community as a firefighter and helping children through his foundation, Golditch has built a life defined by service and resilience. The team discusses his reluctance to step into the spotlight and the lessons his journey teaches about courage, leadership, and becoming the hero of your own story.

Before he became a seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker, Lance Briggs was the smallest kid on his team—and terrified of contact. In this episode, host Cleon Wall, producer Brandon Crow, and director Zane O'Gwin trace the former Arizona Wildcat's evolution on and off the field. From his passion for comic books and youth coaching to a graphic novel inspired by his childhood, candid stories from Lance, his mom, and former teammates reveal an NFL legend who never forgot his roots.

Season 4 of The Big Stories Podcast begins with the incredible rise of the Utah Tech pickleball team and how they put people before pickleball.

Host Cleon Wall is joined by producer Ben Bagley and director Travis Moore to explore BYUtv's Big Story on the Trailblazer team that transformed from a campus social club into one of the country's most dominant collegiate programs. Beyond the wins, this episode highlights the culture built by coach Chloe Butterfield and the life-changing friendships that helped players like Mary Monson overcome personal challenges and find a sense of family.

In our final installment of the summer BYUTV Big Stories rewind series, host Cleon Wall recaps two more of BYUTV's big stories from season 3.

First, former UFC champion Rich Franklin shares how he traded fame and championship belts for something more meaningful — faith and community.

Then, NFL veteran Latavius Murray opens up about losing his best friend and how he's turning tragedy into a lasting legacy for kids in his hometown.

Two stories about finding purpose beyond the spotlight.

Check out the full stories at BYUSN.com

The Big Stories Podcast is back on September 3. In this season preview, host Cleon Wall discusses the podcast's exciting partnership with BYUtv and teases some of the incredible stories featured in season four.

In this episode, host Cleon Wall takes you through two more inspiring stories from Big Stories Season 3 on BYUtv.

First, meet Graham Harrell — Texas Tech legend and Ring of Honor inductee. Beyond his record-breaking passing career, Graham's story is one of faith, family, and resilience, from his father's battle with multiple sclerosis to navigating the highs and lows of a coaching career that eventually led him right where he was meant to be.

Then, we turn to TCU's James Cash — a trailblazer who became the first Black athlete at TCU and the first Black basketball scholarship athlete in the Southwest Conference. From facing racial prejudice on and off the court to earning tenure at Harvard Business School and joining the Boston Celtics ownership group, Dr. Cash's life is a testament to what's possible when you keep climbing the stairs.

Check out the full stories on BYUSN.com

The Big Stories team is excited to check in again and feature two more stories from BYUTV's Big Stories last fall.

From small-town Fruitland, Idaho, Jordan Gross went on to play offensive line at the University of Utah, was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2003, and had a successful NFL career. After retiring, he returned home to coach football at his high school, becoming a beloved mentor to his players. He has since come full circle and was hired as the University of Utah's newest offensive line coach.

Next, meet David Carr, who is carrying on the legendary wrestling legacy of his father, three-time NCAA champion Nate Carr, at Iowa State. Known for his fierce rivalry with Missouri's Keegan O'Toole, David has continued competing at the highest level after college, all while mentoring the next generation of wrestlers.

Watch to the full stories on BYUSN.com

Welcome back to another bi-weekly feature of BYUTV's Big Stories episodes from last fall.

First, meet Kevin Pittsnogle, a former Mountaineer basketball star known for his sharpshooting on the court. After stepping away from the game, he earned a master's degree in special education and became a middle school principal, transforming a struggling school and proving that the labels placed on us don't have to define who we become.

Then, hear from Amanda Beard, who won three Olympic medals — but the pressure and spotlight that came with early fame took a serious toll. She battled eating disorders, self-harm, and depression while continuing to compete at the highest level. Her story is one of raw resilience: how she fought through her darkest moments and now uses her experiences to coach and inspire the next generation of swimmers.

Listen to the full stories on BYUSN.com

Welcome back to another bi-weekly check-in as we prepare to join forces with BYUtv's Big Stories this fall. In the meantime, enjoy an update from a couple of their episodes from last fall.

First, meet Lex Gillette — a Paralympic long jump champion who lost his sight at age eight and went on to become one of the most decorated blind athletes in the world. Today, he dedicates his life to helping others see possibilities they never thought were within reach.

Then, meet Peggy Coppom — the 100-year-old University of Colorado superfan who spent decades cheering on the Buffs long before anyone knew her name. Her friendship with Coach Deion Sanders turned her into a national story, but her legacy was built on something far simpler: showing up with faith, kindness, and love.

Watch the full BYUtv Big Stories episodes at byusn.com.

As host Cleon Wall and the Big Stories podcast team readies for a new season, they kick off a new biweekly check-in series as the podcast joins forces with BYUtv's Big Stories franchise this fall. And during these check-ins, they will also share some of the episodes BYUtv shared last fall.

First, meet Julius Thomas — a Portland State basketball player who walked past the football field every day, decided to try the sport at age 22, and went on to become an NFL Pro Bowler with the Denver Broncos. But his most impressive achievement came after football: Julius earned a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and now helps retired professional athletes rediscover their purpose and identity after sports.

Then, hear the story of Spencer Jones — a Stanford basketball standout who became the program's all-time leading three-point shooter, went undrafted, refused to quit, and ultimately earned a roster spot with the NBA's Denver Nuggets. His journey is a testament to outworking doubt.

Two athletes. Two paths. One big reminder: your greatest impact often comes not from what you accomplish for yourself, but from how you use those accomplishments to serve others.

Watch the full BYUtv Big Stories episodes at byusn.com.

From faith-filled miracles to moments of unexpected kindness, this season brought some truly incredible stories from real people living extraordinary lives. Thank you to every guest who opened up and shared a piece of their journey, and to every listener who tuned in.

As we close out Season 3, host Cleon Wall reflects on where the show has been — and where it's headed. Season 4 brings Big Stories back to its roots: uplifting, inspiring tales from the Big 12 and beyond, produced in partnership with BYUtv. Expect familiar faces checking back in, brand-new stories from across the Big 12 conference, and a more video-friendly format.

Season 4 drops this fall — and it just might be the best one yet.

Just like that, we have come to the end of another season of the Big Stories Podcast. Join producer/host Cleon Wall and assistant producer Brandon Thorpe as they discuss their favorite moments from season 3. Next week, join us as we reveal what we have planned for season 4. We can't wait to bring you more amazing and inspiring tales from around the Big 12 conference!

Kaitlyn Amos was a competitive soccer player for Baylor University — but an unexpected diagnosis during her freshman year changed everything. What followed was nearly a decade of navigating a serious heart condition, making difficult medical decisions, and figuring out who she was without the sport that had defined her. Along the way, she encountered a series of setbacks and unlikely turning points that ultimately led her to a new career as a cardiovascular genetic counselor, where she now sits on the other side of the table — helping patients face the kind of news she once received herself.
Guests:
Kaitlyn Amos - Cardiovascular Genetic Counselor at UVA Health
Maegan Moore - Kaitlyn's cousin

Scott Springer of the Cincinnati Enquirer joins to assess the state of the Bearcats now that Brendan Sorsby has transferred to Texas Tech — gambling allegations and all. We look at who steps in at quarterback, and whether head coach Scott Satterfield is on the hot seat after two late-season collapses.

Then, we continue our series on new Big 12 quarterbacks. Scott Wright of The Oklahoman breaks down how Drew Mestemaker followed head coach Eric Morris from North Texas to Oklahoma State — and why that partnership could be special. Then, Tyler Carter of the Believe in Iowa State podcast introduces us to Jalen Raynor, the Arkansas State transfer tasked with replacing the beloved Rocco Becht in Ames.

And in storylines, we talk about Texas Tech softball's stunning comeback, erasing an eight-run deficit with two outs in the seventh inning to advance to the Super Regionals.