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 learned from a life in sports, and how to find renewed purpose outside the daily grind of competition and administration. Whether you're approaching the end of your athletic journey or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers perspective, encouragement, and a roadmap for what’s next.

Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode, as he sits down with the NAIA's Director of Student Athlete and Experience, Mrs. Sara Eckinger, and Vice President of Membership Value and Governance, Mrs. Chesney Sallee, to discuss the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. In this episode, we dive into the latest updates from the NAIA's Champions of Character program—an initiative that continues to shape the landscape of college athletics through a focus on integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Throughout the episode, we discuss recent changes to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative, highlight best practices implemented at NAIA institutions, and discuss what these developments mean for coaches, programs, and the broader NAIA community.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Park University Athletic Director, Kristin Gillette, to explore what it means to be a positive influencer in the world of sports—both on and off the field. Throughout the episode, Kristin shares insights regarding her work mentoring student-athletes, her thoughts on the evolving role of influence in sports culture, and how coaches, players, and organizations can use their platforms to inspire change among those they have the opportunity to influence. From building strong team culture to setting an example through personal accountability, this episode offers practical advice for anyone passionate about sports and leadership.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Freed-Hardeman Head Men's Basketball Coach, Mr. Drew Stutts, to explore the powerful intersection of success and humility. Throughout his young career that has consisted of his teams earning an NAIA National Championship title, excelling in high-pressure moments, and developing young athletes, Coach Stutts shares the challenges often associated with keeping teams grounded amidst success and accolades. Throughout this episode, Coach Stutts discusses how to instill character and accountability into players, navigating the spotlight without letting ego take over, the role of failure in keeping success in perspective, and why leadership is more about service than status.

What separates a good player from a great leader? In this episode, Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Freed-Hardeman Head Women’s Basketball coach Ms. Abby Stutts, as she breaks down the qualities she looks for in a team captain. From leading by example to navigating tough locker room moments, Coach Stutts shares real-life experiences and advice for anyone stepping into a leadership role.

In this episode, Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Dr. Rob Ramseyer—Host of the Beyond Coaching Podcast, Director of the Impactful Coaching Project, and Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion at Friends University—to explore the vital role of unity in building successful teams. Drawing from years of coaching and academic research, Dr. Ramseyer shares insights on how trust, culture, and leadership shape team cohesion. Whether you're on the sidelines or leading within your community or organization, this conversation offers practical strategies for strengthening connection and purpose with any group.

Join Dr. Matt Barker for this episode of the Playing With A Purpose Podcast, as he sits down with Bruce Brown, founder of Proactive Coaching, whose decades of experience as a coach, athletic director, and speaker have impacted thousands of athletes, parents, and coaches across the country. The mission of Proactive Coaching is to transform the culture of sports by focusing on character-based coaching, leadership development, and the power of intentional team building. Throughout this episode, we explore Bruce’s coaching philosophy, the importance of defining team standards, and how coaches and parents can work together to raise not just better athletes—but better people.

Join Dr. Matt Barker for this week's episode of the "Playing With A Purpose" podcast, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Professor of Bible, Dr. Josh Ketchum, to discuss the topic of "Church Family and Faith" and how church families can positively influence young people today and contribute to their moral identity, character development, and overall sense of belonging. Dr. Ketchum has done extensive research on church leadership, is the Director of the Center for Excellence in Spiritual Leadership at Freed-Hardeman, and is the host of the FHU Leadership podcast.