Created to Be

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin continue the topic of the offseason by exploring the hidden habits that shape who we become. They talk about why the things no one sees are eventually what everyone notices, and why success is built long before the spotlight ever arrives. The conversation also turns to one of the hardest challenges former athletes—and really all of u...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, and Brandi catch up on summer adventures, the excitement surrounding the World Cup, and what they've observed from athletes during the offseason before diving into a conversation about why the work no one sees often matters the most. Drawing from their own experiences as athletes, coaches, and ministry leaders, they discuss what t...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany reflects on the powerful role encouragement and prayer play in shaping our lives before sharing an interview originally recorded by Jason Crowder with 2026 Mississippi State Baseball pitcher Chris Billingsley Jr.  Chris opens up about his journey from junior college baseball to the SEC, how coaches and mentors helped build his confidence, and w...

In this special summer mini-series episode of Created to Be podcast, Bethany introduces an interview conducted by Jason Crowder of WFCA Radio with Mississippi State Baseball player Blake Bevis. Blake shares how a mission trip to the Dominican Republic became a turning point in his faith journey, opening his eyes to the joy, gratitude, and perspective that can be found through serving others. He re...

In this special summer mini-series episode of the  Created to Be podcast, Bethany introduces an interview with Mississippi State Baseball pitcher Jack Bauer, conducted by Jason Crowder of WFCA radio for the FCA Radio Show. As one of the most highly regarded young pitchers in college baseball, Jack shares what it has been like to navigate expectations, accolades, pressure, and faith while pursuing...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, and Darius take a lighthearted detour into the unexpected adventures that make life memorable. Sparked by listener comments from Brad Smith, the conversation winds through sports trivia, spontaneous road trips, mission trip stories, mountain summits, international travel mishaps, and the moments that leave you laughing long after they&...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, Darius, and Mary Ashley dive into the “stretch time” with a conversation about the best and worst marriage advice they’ve heard over the years. From “never go to bed angry” and “happy wife, happy life” to learning how to communicate for understanding instead of just reacting, the group shares honest stories, hard-earned lessons, and a...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Justin, Bethany, and Darius sit down with MSU FCA intern Mary Ashley Culpepper to hear her FCA story and talk about her upcoming wedding in July. The crew shares engagement stories filled with awkward moments, close calls, stress, surprises, and a lot of laughter — including Disney proposal backup plans, baseball field proposals, fake appreciation dinn...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, the crew takes a more story-driven approach as they reflect on meaningful moments from FCA this semester, the impact of relationships in spiritual growth, and the hilarious — and sometimes chaotic — realities of vacations. From Open Mic testimonies that revealed just how much students have grown this year, to conversations about how transformation is o...

In this episode of Created To Be Podcast , former MSU All-American softball player Madisyn Farmer joins Bethany, Justin, and Brandi for an honest conversation about the transitions we all face in life. Madi shares her deeply personal journey of stepping away from college athletics and the unexpected grief that came with it. From discovering she played her final season on a broken foot to navigatin...

In this episode of the Created to Be Podcast , Bethany, Justin, Doc, and special guest Jeremiah Pierce explore a powerful connection between gardening and formation. What begins as a fun and light-hearted conversation about planting, growth, and tending to a garden quickly becomes a deeper reflection on how life itself is formed. Jeremiah shares how plants and children both reveal a humbling truth...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, and Darius welcome special guest—MSU strength and conditioning assistant Jay Zbieszkowski—to talk about becoming secure. But before diving into the main topic, the conversation takes a fun detour into Arbor Day—trees, childhood memories, and plenty of laughs about planting trees (and occasionally forgetting where they ended up). What s...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, and Darius are back together after a short break—Bethany’s recovery and a sound equipment upgrade included—and it feels good to be back. They kick things off with plenty of laughs, including Darius admitting he has no idea what pickleball is, before jumping into some of the biggest moments they missed during their time away—from the Ol...

In this episode of the Created to Be Podcast , we’re going to the vault—but with fresh perspective. Bethany reintroduces a powerful conversation on honesty and vulnerability, beginning with a current update from former Mississippi State soccer goalkeeper Maddy Anderson, now playing professionally in France. Maddy reflects on how vulnerability—with God and with others—has shaped her, deepened her r...

In this episode of the  Created to Be Podcast , Bethany and Brandi are joined by Mississippi State softball player Taylor Troutman for a powerful and honest conversation about becoming free—on the field and in life. From lighthearted moments about Mahjong and softball cheering culture to deeper reflections on fear, injury, identity, and trust, Taylor shares her story of walking through sickness, a...

In this episode of the  Created to Be Podcast , the team explores the question: Who or what is shaping you? Through honest stories of failure, disappointment, people-pleasing, loss of platform, and unmet expectations, the conversation unpacks how the process of formation in the life of the believer reveals what’s already inside us. Rather than avoiding discomfort, they discuss how God uses it to b...

In this episode of the Created To Be Podcast , the gang is back kicking off a new semester of FCA by catching up and diving into the cultural conversation around “2026 is the new 2016.” As student-athletes and leaders navigate a fast, filtered, always-on world, Bethany, Justin, Darius, and Brandi, reflect on what life looked like before algorithms, constant connectivity, and performance-driven pre...

In this episode of the Created To Be Podcast , Bethany and Justin sit down with Mississippi State radio voice Jason Crowder for a wide-ranging conversation about their friendship, stories, and sports broadcasting. The episode opens with Bethany, Justin, and Jason sharing how they met and how their stories have intertwined over the past 20+ years, then shifts into a timely discussion on postseason...

In this episode of the Created To Be Podcast , Bethany takes time to reflect on the journey of the podcast, the stories shared so far, and what’s ahead as we step into 2026. Whether you’re brand new or have been listening all along, this episode serves as a reintroduction to the heart behind the podcast—sharing what God is doing through FCA at Mississippi State and creating meaningful conversation...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin wrap up the year by leaning into one of sports fans' favorite formats—top 10 lists. From iconic ESPN countdowns to unforgettable sports moments, they talk about why highlights matter and how they shape the way fans remember a season. Then, the conversation shifts to what really made this year special: memorable MSU FCA moments....

In this episode of the Created To Be podcast, Bethany and Brandi sit down with Mississippi State athletic trainer Taylor Pitts for a meaningful conversation about hometowns, career paths, and discerning life’s big decisions. Taylor reflects on growing up in inner-city Detroit, navigating different cultures, and finding her way into Division I SEC athletics—along with the courage it takes to take r...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany, Justin, Brandi, and Darius move from lighthearted holiday traditions to deeper conversations about character and identity. They talk about Santa Claus and family expectations, what it really looks like to respond well after a tough sports loss, and why handling defeat with maturity matters far beyond the scoreboard. The conversation closes wit...

In this episode of the Created to Be Podcast, we’re talking all things traditions—how they start, why they matter, and the funny ways they become “our thing.” We recap an encouraging open mic night, celebrate the ways God is moving through community, and share some end-of-semester highlights. MSU Track & Field athlete Anje Nel also jumps in with stories from growing up in South Africa, cultura...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Justin, Bethany, and Darius dive into where rivalries come from and what truly defines them. From childhood memories to the storied histories of college football programs, they unpack every angle—including the messy and heated moments. As you listen, see if you can guess some of the rivalry highlights featured in this week’s conversation! Leave Us a Co...

In this episode of the Created to Be podcast, Bethany and Justin fly duo and shift from relationships to the idea of finishing well and learning how to win. They start with some fun FCA updates then dive into some of the wildest finishes in sports they can remember. From there, the conversation turns to what a winner’s mentality actually looks like: playing to your standard, not just the scoreboar...