Playing With A Purpose Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball player Sam Powell to discuss the “Comeback Mindset” and what it takes to battle through injuries, setbacks, disappointments, and the mental challenges that come with them. Sam shares his personal journey of dealing with an injury this season while offering insight into how athletes can stay motivated when the game they love gets...

In this episode, we explore what it means to hold onto faith and spiritual conviction, even in the heat of competition when expectation rises and adversity hits. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball player and Bible major Eli Pounders to discuss his experience of competing at the highest level while staying grounded in purpose. From the lo...

In today’s episode, we dive into one of the most defining—and often misunderstood—experiences in modern college athletics: the transfer portal. What does it really mean to leave one team behind and step into a new locker room, new system, and new set of expectations? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Men's Basketball player Lane Lauderbaugh as he shares fir...

In this episode of the Playing with a Purpose podcast we dive into a trait every great teammate and leader shares: responsibility. Doing your job sounds simple, but it’s often where games are won or lost, and where character is truly revealed. Throughout the episode, Dr. Matt Barker explores what responsibility looks like on and off the field, why it matters even when no one is watching, and how s...

In this episode, we talk about an important part of respect in sports—keeping your cool. Anyone can stay calm when things are going well, but true character shows up when emotions run high and things don’t go your way. We discuss why emotional control matters, how athletes can respond the right way in tough moments, and how keeping your cool earns the respect of teammates, coaches, and opponents.

What actually drives winning? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this special episode of the Playing with a Purpose podcast, as he sits down with Brett Ledbetter, co-founder of "What Drives Winning", leadership consultant , and one of the most trusted voices in character-based competition today. Throughout the episode, we discuss how coaches can separate identity from performance, how culture impacts charac...

Talent can win games. But only integrity can sustain success. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode of the Playing with a Purpose podcast, where he explores what it truly means to "not cheat the game.” Integrity isn’t just about avoiding scandals or staying out of trouble. It’s about competing with honesty and refusing shortcuts—even when the pressure is high. Throughout the episode, we explore th...

True leadership isn’t about power—it’s about purpose. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he dives into servant leadership and why it’s one of the most effective leadership styles in sports and beyond. Throughout the episode we explore what it really means to lead by serving others while exploring how great coaches, teammates, and leaders put the needs of others first, build trust, and creat...

Sportsmanship isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you act. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode of the Playing with a Purpose podcast, as he takes a closer look at sportsmanship through a powerful but often overlooked lens—body language. Throughout the episode, we examine how positive body language can strengthen a team while poor body language can damage a team’s culture and identity on...

Every athlete wants success, but not every athlete is willing to accept the responsibility needed to get there. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode of the Playing with a Purpose podcast, as he explores how taking ownership is essential for building team culture and success on and off the field. Throughout the episode, we explore how athletes can grow by owning their effort and how taking respons...

Respect in sports is often reduced to postgame handshakes, polite words, and surface-level sportsmanship. But what if respect runs much deeper than what we see at the final whistle? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he takes a closer look at respect as a core value that shapes character, culture, and competition.

Throughout Season 4 of the podcast, Dr. Matt Barker will take a deep dive into the 5 Core Values of the NAIA, which include Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. Join him for Season 4, Episode 1, as he explores the importance of Integrity on and off the field. In sports—and in life—integrity isn’t just what you say you believe; it’s what shows up when the press...

We live in a world where our value can feel like it’s one swipe, scroll, or selfie away from being questioned. Social media gives us endless connection—but it also gives us an endless comparison trap. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Clinical Director of Sound Mind Counseling, Mr. Taylor Bell, to discuss how our screens have become reflections of who we are and why we me...

Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he talks with Grand View University Head Softball Coach, Lou Yacinich, regarding his team’s recent recognition as recipients of the NAIA Team of Character Award for the 2024-2025 academic year. Throughout the episode, Coach Yacinich shares his reaction to the honor and reflects on the values that drive his program both on and off the field. We specifically...

Who we surround ourselves with shapes who we become. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Estes Church of Christ Youth Minister, Mr. Seth Stewart, to explore the powerful role friendships play in strengthening faith and guiding moral development. From biblical examples to real-life stories, we’ll dive into how the right relationships can encourage us toward growth, accountab...

Conflict on a team is inevitable—but it doesn’t have to be destructive. Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Head Baseball Coach, Mr. Jess Trask, to explore the art of coaching through conflict and how great coaches can transform tense moments into powerful opportunities for growth. Throughout this episode, we will dive into strategies strategies for addressin...

Sports have a way of becoming more than just a game—they can shape how we see ourselves, how others see us, and even how we measure our worth. But what happens when the scoreboard becomes the mirror we look into for our identity? Join Dr. Matt Barker as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Head Volleyball Coach, Mrs. Amanda Bretherick, to discuss the powerful role sports can play in shaping who we are...

Join Dr. Matt Barker with special guest Todd Humphry for this episode, as they dive into one of the most challenging—but essential—parts of healthy relationships and leadership: having difficult conversations. Whether it’s a coach addressing performance and effort with an athlete, or a friend navigating a tense moment in a relationship, the way we approach hard conversations can either build trust...

In a world that prioritizes ambition, achievement, and winning at all costs, how can believers stay anchored in values that often run counter to the culture? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Minister at the Gadsden Church of Christ, Mr. David Sweeney, to unpack what it means to live with a "Kingdom Over Culture" mindset. Throughout the episode, we will explore biblical e...

What if your next workout did more than improve your physical health—what if it shaped your character? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Certified Fitness Trainer, Mr. Maurice Williams, to explore how physical fitness can do more than just improve your health—it can forge discipline, resilience, integrity, and mental t...

Behind every successful sports program is an Athletic Director who knows how to lead leaders . In this episode, Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Freed-Hardeman Athletic Director, Jonathan Estes, to explore what it really takes to inspire and unify a team of coaches. How do you build a culture where accountability thrives, egos shrink, and coaches feel seen, supported, and challenged? Throughout this...

What happens when the roar of the crowd meets the still, small voice of faith? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Assistant Dean of Emerging and Innovative Programs at Freed-Hardeman, Dr. Jared Gott, to explore the powerful intersection of faith and competition. How can athletes stay grounded in their beliefs while chasing victory in a high-stakes world? Throughout the epi...

Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Sports Information Director, Mr. Dustin Semore, to explore the fascinating world behind the stats—what it takes to capture the heartbeat of a game, the untold stories of athletes, and how stats are only part of the story. Throughout the episode, we explore how Dustin's career in ministry and calling to serve others has equi...

Join Dr. Matt Barker as he sits down with Pulpit Minister at the Henderson Church of Christ, Mr. Robert Hatfield, to discuss one of the most impactful — yet often misunderstood — leadership styles: servant leadership . What does it mean to lead by serving others? How can putting people first elevate performance, foster trust, and create purpose-driven environments both on and off the field? Join u...

What happens when the final whistle blows and the stadium lights fade? Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with former Freed-Hardeman Athletic Director, Mike McCutchen, who opens up about the transition from a career in sports leadership to a new chapter beyond athletics. Throughout the episode, we dive into the identity shift that often comes with retirement, the lessons learne...