Playing With A Purpose Podcast

The Comeback Mindset: Overcoming Setbacks with Sam Powell (Season 5, Episode 3)

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 difficult. Whether you’re an athlete, coach, student, or someone facing obstacles in life, this conversation is packed with encouragement and practical lessons on resilience, growth, and refusing to quit when adversity hits.

Faith in the Fire: Spiritual Conviction in Sports (Season 5, Episode 2)

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 locker room to the spotlight, this conversation unpacks how conviction shapes identity, fuels perseverance, and redefines success beyond wins and losses.

Navigating the Transfer Portal with Lane Lauderbaugh (Season 5, Episode 1)

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 firsthand insight into the emotional, mental, and spiritual journey of transferring—wrestling with uncertainty, embracing change, and holding onto purpose through it all.

Responsibility: Doing Your Job (Season 4, Episode 9)

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 small moments of discipline build trust with coaches, teammates, and others in your life.

Respect Part 2: Keeping Your Cool (Season 4, Episode 8)

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.