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 episode we will explore how Athletic Directors can cultivate a unified culture across an entire coaching staff and what strategies build trust, accountability, and long-term buy-in.

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 episode, we explore the challenges Christian competitors face—from pressure, pride, and performance to handling defeat with grace. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or fan, this episode unpacks what it means to compete with integrity, lead with humility, and reflect Christ in every game.

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 equipped him to excel in the high-pressure, detail-driven world of sports information. From building meaningful relationships with student-athletes and coaches to handling intense game-day demands with grace and purpose, we uncover how faith, storytelling, and sports intertwine in powerful ways.

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 us as we explore the core principles of servant leadership through powerful stories, practical insights, and real-life applications in sports, business, and everyday life. Whether you're a coach, player, mentor, or aspiring leader, this conversation will challenge you to rethink leadership not as a position of power, but as a platform for impact, humility, and purpose.

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.