Story & Lesson Highlights with Zach Schumaker

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Zach Schumaker . Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Zach, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
I tend to keep a tightly scheduled outline for each day. While the structure varies depending on the day, I always start with a mapped-out plan—down to the minute—and most of the time, things go according to that plan.

One constant is time with God. Every morning, before I even touch my phone, I spend 20 to 30 minutes with Him. I also dedicate an hour at the end of the day, along with moments throughout the day to reconnect. That time is non-negotiable—because my life is ultimately for His glory, and everything I do revolves around following His will.

The second daily guarantee is my workout. I’m in the gym seven days a week: six designated lifts, two runs, plus either an extra run or a hike on Saturdays. I also train in boxing twice a week.

Every weekday, I host at least five live shows and record up to eight total. That includes five daily boxing shows (Monday through Friday), one to two basketball episodes on The SchuZ Show, and one faith-based episode of Path of the Cross Podcast, which currently releases weekly—but is soon becoming my primary focus.

At the moment, I handle everything myself—from editing and research to scheduling and production. The job never stops.

In the midst of all this, I make sure to carve out time for family. That’s essential to me.

And finally, I follow a strict diet. What I eat and drink throughout the day is a priority—because discipline in every area matters.

When it comes to priorities, I live by this: F.J.T.F.O.E which stands for “First Jesus Then Family Over Everything.” That’s how I try to build my life.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Zach Schumaker, but most people know me as SchuZ. I was born and raised in Arizona, and it’s been quite a journey to get to where I am today.

One thing I can say with full confidence: God’s hand has been on my life. I wouldn’t be where I am—or more importantly, who I am—without Him.

I started out running a basketball show, and that’s what I focused on for several years after launching it as a junior in high school. Over time, I expanded into covering boxing. That passion led me to launch a daily boxing show alongside my basketball coverage.

But as Jesus continued to transform my life, I realized something deeper: I enjoy sports, but the only thing I truly love is Jesus. As my faith grew, so did my desire to share it—and that led to the creation of the Path of the Cross Podcast, which is quickly becoming my biggest focus.

I’m a versatile person. I love being informed and involved in many areas of life. That’s not always the most conventional path in a world that pushes niche specialization—but I’ve found joy in exploring all corners of culture, and I’ve chosen to follow that passion.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I’m wired a little differently.

The way I live my life isn’t for the approval of mankind—it’s for the approval of God and God alone. I honestly don’t care what the world says I should be or become. That’s the least of my concern. My only goal is to live in a way that pleases God, so that when He calls me home, He’ll say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

I’ll admit—this wasn’t always who I was.

The world didn’t shape who I’ve become, but before Jesus changed my life on August 3, 2022, I was far from the man I am today. You could say I was influenced by the world, but it went deeper than that.

Since that day, it wasn’t the world that transformed me—it was God. And now, I strive to live a life that’s never molded by culture or trends, but by His Word.

God told me who I need to be. And every day, I do my best to follow that calling.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
What I’ve learned is this: life is full of trials and tribulations.

Giving up is never an option. But adjusting your plan to align with what God has called you to—that’s necessary.

Quitting just because something is hard is a weak-minded response. It leads to untapped potential in countless lives. Weakness has no place in your mindset or your mission.

That said, a change of plans is something entirely different. Sometimes, God calls for a shift—not because you’re weak, but because He’s redirecting you toward what He truly has in store.

So when someone asks, “Was there ever a time you almost gave up?”—sure, the temptation is always there. But I believe giving up is for the weak-minded.

If God is by your side, you can do all things through Christ who gives you strength. I’d be a fool not to live that truth daily.

Still, I must be wise enough to hear His voice—so I don’t get so caught up trying to prove I can do something that I miss the fact He’s calling me to lay it down and follow Him in a new direction.

There’s a big difference. And that’s how I approach my life.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Ever since God changed my life on August 3, 2022, this life is no longer mine—it’s His.

From that moment forward, everything I do is surrendered to His will. I know I’ll mess up sometimes, but my life is no longer about my glory or praise. It’s about doing whatever He has called me to do.

The cost doesn’t matter. The time doesn’t matter. No trial or tribulation can outweigh the purpose He’s placed on my life.

I’m living for His glory and His glory alone—so that when I’m called home one day, He’ll say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

Wherever He calls me, I will follow.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I have countless big goals for my life. But when it’s all said and done, I want to be remembered as someone who faithfully served Jesus.

Money, power, fame, or any other worldly success may or may not come in this lifetime—but if I receive any of those blessings, they’re not mine anyway. Every good thing comes from God. So when I’m gone, I hope the story people tell about me is that I truly reflected Jesus in this world. That every conversation I had, every relationship I built, honored Him—and that I loved people the way Jesus would.

If my legacy is that I entered this world and accumulated wealth, power, and influence—but failed to reflect Jesus—then I missed the mark. That’s not why we’re here.

We’re here for something far greater: to build a legacy that expands the Kingdom of God. And in a more intimate and personal way, to build a family—and as a man, to lead that family to follow Jesus and create generational disciples for His Kingdom.

That’s what I hope people say about me when I’m gone.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachschumaker/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachschumaker
• Twitter: https://x.com/ZachSchumaker
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zach.schuz.schumaker/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@zachschumaker?si=6MEwlNLnvkms28SZ
• Other: TiKTok: TikTok.com/@zachschumaker