The Right Way to Play Podcast

Strong on the Outside: The Mental Health Reality of Student-Athletes

Behind the competition, the pressure, and the performance, there is a side of being a student-athlete we do not always see. In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode of The Right Way to Play® podcast, we sit down with Samantha Silver, former NAIA student-athlete, coach, and now Student-Athlete Mental Health Coordinator at Bushnell, to talk about what mental health really looks like in college athletics. From building team-based counseling systems to navigating the tension between mental toughness and real well-being, Sam shares both her personal journey and practical ways programs can better support student-athletes. This conversation is not just about awareness. It is about action, access, and creating an environment where student-athletes can truly thrive. Because competing at a high level should not come at the cost of losing yourself. Guest: Samantha Silver, Student-Athlete Mental Health Coordinator, Bushnell University. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYMnW1ercBdW9gYxXq0xHO_Q3_4nv2P0U [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYMnW1ercBdW9gYxXq0xHO_Q3_4nv2P0U]

The Right Way Forward: From the Room Where It Happens

Recorded live at the NAIA Convention, Episode 008 of The Right Way to Play Podcast brings together voices from across the Association to explore what’s next for NAIA athletics. Through a series of short conversations, leaders representing governance, campus leadership, and student-athletes share their perspectives on The RightWay Forward, and how the NAIA continues to lead with purpose in a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape. From big-picture strategy to on-the-ground impact, this episode captures thepeople and principles shaping the future of the NAIA, where character,competition, and community still come first. Guest List: Karl Einhof President Indiana Tech Chair, NAIA Council of Presidents Kiki Baker Barnes Commissioner HBCU Athletic Conference Lincoln Thomae Chair, NAIA Association of Student-Athletes Men’s Basketball Student-Athlete, Milligan (Tenn.)

Building Programs That Last

Building Programs That Last Guest: Southeastern University Athletics Director Drew Watson   What does it take to build an athletic department that doesn’t just win — but endures?   In this episode, we sit down with Southeastern University Athletics Director Drew Watson to talk about scaling with purpose, launching new programs, sustaining championship culture, and leading through growth. From nine sports to twenty, national titles to conference dominance, Drew shares the leadership decisions behind building something that lasts.   If you care about the future of small college athletics, this conversation is for you.

Impact Beyond The Game

In this episode of the Right Way to Play podcast, hosts Austin Bennett and Alan Grosbach sit down with Lennox Brown, a senior wide receiver at Morningside University. They discuss Lennox's journey as a student-athlete, his recognition as a member of the Allstate Good Works team, and the importance of community service. Lennox shares how mission trips have shaped his character and perspective, emphasizing the value of using sports as a platform for positive change. The conversation highlights the significance of character development in college athletics and the pride in the NAIA community.

How Conferences Shape The Right Way to Play

What happens when leadership, culture, and competition all point in the same direction? You get The Right Way to Play, and conferences play a bigger role than most people realize. In this episode, hosts Alan and Austin sit down with Nik Rule, Commissioner of the Heart of America Athletic Conference, to explore how conference leadership helps set the tone for sportsmanship, student-athlete experience, and community impact across member campuses. From what game day looks like in the Heart to the moments that matter most beyond the scoreboard, Nik shares a behind-the-scenes look at how values show up in real, tangible ways throughout the season. It’s a conversation about culture, care, and why the NAIA continues to be a special place to compete. Whether you’re a coach, administrator, student-athlete, or fan of college athletics, this episode offers a fresh perspective on how doing things the right way starts at the conference level and ripples outward. Press play and step inside the Heart of America.