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.