Hosted by Dr. Matt Barker, the purpose of this podcast is to explore topics related to the moral development of collegiate athletes as it pertains to character, responsibility, leadership, and purpose.
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.
1 May 2026
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.
24 Apr 2026
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.
Who has been a guest on Playing With A Purpose Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Taylor Bell
Lou Yacinich
Seth Stewart
Mr Jess Trask
Mrs Amanda Bretherick
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
38,075
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 51 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
59
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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