The latest episode of the Bill Simmons Podcast had a somewhat unexpected guest: Scott Harrison. This week, Simmons—whose latest podcast series has been downloaded more than 50 million times since October—invited the founder of Charity: Water on for an hourlong interview to discuss his own story, and the work of Charity: Water. The non-profit helps to provide clean water to communities in need around the world.
Simmons, who famously left ESPN and Grantland to launch his own new website, podcast network and even an upcoming HBO TV show, is primarily known for hosting guests that discuss pop culture and sports. That’s partly why Harrison’s interview is so remarkable.
As he explains in the show’s opening, Simmons heard a moving presentation from Harrison, and immediately invited him on his podcast. Not only did Harrison talk about the incredible work that Charity: Water is doing across the globe, but he also discussed his own moving, personal story.
After years as a club promoter in New York obsessed with the trappings of nightlife, Harrison dramatically rediscovered his Christian faith, and decided to spend his life serving others. It’s an amazing story—and, even more amazing to hear it on a platform typically known for sports talk.
Back in 2012, Harrison explained to RELEVANT that though Charity: Water isn’t a faith-based organization, providing clean water to people in need should matter to everyone, including people of faith:
My theology around clean water is very simple: I believe that God does not want any women or children to die from drinking muddy water and that when a well is put in a village and a woman stops walking five hours a day, when a kid starts drinking clean water, God smiles, and that is bringing His Kingdom a little closer.
