In Episode 107, Mike Buchanan, Athletes in Action missionary for over 30 years in various positions, Author of More Than That: Biblical Principles for Dealing With Athletic Injuries, and Husband and Father, talks with Phil and Paul about great life and leadership lesson he has learned from different aspects of athletics, how he overcame brutal injuries and how we can do the same, and how breaking a kid’s neck impacted his life in a huge way. Specifically, Mike discusses:

• His personal story, how he developed his passion for sports, leadership, coaching, and ministry, how he almost was a professional athlete, and some of the great soccer players he has worked with through Athletes in Action (4:31)
• His personal why and how he is living it out in his life (9:19)
• Some of Mike’s favorite coaches and what he has learned from them about life and leadership (13:57)
• Life and leadership lessons he has learned from the experiences he has had in his athletic career (20:16)
• Why it’s important not to idolize celebrities (27:59)
• Mike’s book, More Than That, and why it is a must read for athletes, coaches, and parents (40:14)
• The importance of having your identity grounded in the right thing (48:28)
• The two ways we can respond to injuries in our lives and why only one of them works (53:52)
• How he is using lessons learned from sports in his marriage and parenting (59:47)
• His recommendations of books (1:05:42)

Resources and Links from this Episode

• More Than That website (info about Mike’s book, podcast, and other materials)
• Mike’s email address
• Uncut Video of the Episode
• HSEL Facebook Group
• Warrior Way Soccer
• Coaching the Bigger Game Program
• Phil’s email for DISC Training
• Win the Day: 7 Daily Habits to Help You Stress Less & Accomplish More, by Mark Batterson
• Love Does: Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World, by Bob Goff
• The Blue Parakeet: Rethinking How You Read the Bible, by Scot McKnight and Tom Parks
• Leadership as an Identity: The Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence, by Crawford Loritts