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.

Join Dr. Matt Barker as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Counseling Center Director, Mr. Nathan Judd, to discuss the topic of Mental Health and Character Development. Nathan has spent a majority of his career in the Counseling field assisting young people through mental health struggles, trauma, and addiction. In this episode, he discusses the common mental health challenges faced by college students today while offering helpful strategies for navigating a world shaped by social media, college life, and social comparison.

Join Dr. Matt Barker as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Associate Professor of Bible and Philosophy, Dr. Matt Sokoloski, to discuss the topic of Ethical Decision Making and how approaching ethical decisions and moral dilemmas in the right way can lead to character development.

Join Dr. Matt Barker, as he sits down with Freed-Hardeman Business Instructor, Amy Sewell, to discuss the topic of Time Management and how it relates to the development of core values, character, and overall purpose in life. Throughout this episode, Sewell provides strategies regarding how athletes can develop effective time management skills while utilizing their skills in their careers, communication, and interpersonal relationships.

Dr. Matt Barker sits down with Freed-Hardeman Associate Professor of Communication, Dr. Janine Dunlap, to discuss the topic of "Public Image and Integrity" and how athletes and young people can maintain a positive public image in an ever-changing world of social media, high-pressure environments, and a media-driven world. Dr. Dunlap has taught Public Relations courses at Freed-Hardeman for over 38 years and shares a lot of great information about her experience in the Public Relations field and the importance of maintaining a positive public image in the landscape of collegiate athletics.