In this season finale of Not For Credit, we’re bringing you a true “twofer” with High Point University basketball power couple Flynn and Katie Clayman. From the electric moment of HPU’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win to the quieter, deeply personal moments that define their journey, this episode blends high-stakes competition with heartfelt reflection.

Flynn and Katie take us courtside during that historic win—sharing what it felt like as coaches, as competitors, and as a family experiencing a dream realized in real time. From Katie’s emotional reaction holding their son Quinn to Flynn reliving the chaos and clarity of a game-winning moment, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at a milestone that meant more than just a win.

But this episode isn’t just about basketball. The Claymans rewind to their own origin story—meeting in a small athletic department in Utah, building careers side-by-side, and eventually making their way to High Point. Their dynamic as both spouses and coaches offers a unique lens into balancing ambition, competition, and partnership, all while raising a growing family (with baby #2 on the way).

Of course, the conversation also dives into the evolving world of college athletics. Flynn and Katie provide an insider perspective on NIL, the transfer portal, and what it really means to coach in what they call a “professionalized” college sports environment. It’s thoughtful, honest, and refreshingly grounded in both experience and perspective.

As the episode winds down, the Claymans share what’s next—on the court, at home, and in a season of life that’s about to get even busier. And in true Not For Credit fashion, their show-and-tell items—a championship ring and a “wedding basketball”—perfectly capture the blend of legacy and love that defines their story.

It’s the perfect way to close out the season: meaningful, fun, and full of moments you won’t want to miss. And yes… keep listening for those hidden song lyrics . 👀

In this episode of Not For Credit, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Lukow, Associate Professor of Sport Management, to explore a career shaped by resilience, passion, and a lifelong love of sports.

Jenny shares the remarkable story of how Hurricane Katrina unexpectedly redirected her path—from teaching in New Orleans to finding a long-term home at High Point University. Her firsthand account of evacuation, uncertainty, and rebuilding offers a powerful look at how moments of crisis can redefine both personal and professional trajectories. Along the way, she tells the unforgettable story of adopting a stray cat in the aftermath of the storm—proof that even in chaos, meaningful connections can emerge.

We also dive into her deep-rooted passion for sports, from childhood days spent at Orioles games to her unwavering loyalty to Baltimore teams. That passion fuels her work in the classroom, where she helps students understand the business side of sports—the people, strategy, and operations behind every game-day experience.

Jenny reflects on building the sport management program at HPU from the ground up, transforming it from a one-person operation into a thriving, student-driven program with hundreds of majors and alumni working across the sports industry. From NIL opportunities to careers that don’t even exist yet, she highlights the ever-evolving nature of sport—and why the possibilities for students are truly endless.

It’s a conversation about adaptability, mentorship, and finding your lane—plus a few hidden song lyrics if you’re paying close attention.

In this episode of Not for Credit, we visit with Dr. Kristina Bell, Associate Professor of Game Design at High Point University, for a fun and insightful conversation about games, creativity, and the evolving role of interactive media.

Dr. Bell shares her unique journey—from a childhood filled with video games (including a hilarious journal entry defending Nintendo as a full-time activity) to studying film, working in sound editing, and ultimately finding her way back to games through the rise of indie game development. Along the way, she offers a compelling perspective on why games are such a powerful medium—one where players and designers co-create meaningful experiences.

We also dive into her teaching, including courses like Games and Identity, where students tackle real-world issues such as accessibility, representation, and social challenges through game design. Dr. Bell highlights how games can foster problem-solving, storytelling, and even empathy in ways other media can’t.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Not for Credit without a peek into the personal side. From her love of narrative-driven games like The Stanley Parable to her background as a punk rocker in high school and multi-instrumentalist, Dr. Bell brings a creative and unexpected energy to everything she does.

Whether you’re a gamer, a creative, or just curious about how games shape the way we think and connect, this episode will definitely change the way you see the world of game design.

In this episode of Not For Credit, we sit down with Professor Harvest Bellante, a screenwriting and media production expert whose journey spans California, Virginia, and now High Point University. Harvest shares how her background in both filmmaking and life-skills education shaped her path into academia—and why storytelling remains at the heart of everything she teaches.

The conversation dives into her passion for screenwriting, the art of choosing films that actually resonate with students, and her strong opinions on what makes a movie truly great (and which classics might be a little overrated). From The Godfather to hidden gems like Brooklyn and Sunrise: A Story of Two Humans, Harvest offers a masterclass in film appreciation—along with a few must-watch recommendations you may have missed.

We also get a glimpse into her personality through a fun “show and tell” featuring a dachshund-inspired twist on a classic movie moment, plus stories about her own award-winning screenplays and experiences navigating film festivals. Along the way, she reflects on the creative process, the role of ego in artistry, and how emerging technologies like AI are challenging—and reshaping—the future of storytelling.

Keep your ears open as Harvest drops a few subtle song lyrics throughout the episode, and see if you can catch them. It’s a thoughtful, funny, and insightful conversation about creativity, teaching, and finding your voice—on screen and beyond.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Mary Kay “MK” Campbell for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about resilience, purpose, and finding your path—no matter the obstacles. Through meaningful objects like a willow tree angel symbolizing courage and a self-painted phoenix rising from the ashes, MK shares how her life experiences have shaped both who she is and how she teaches.

MK opens up about a life-altering car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury, walking us through the vivid, unforgettable moments of the crash and the long road to recovery that followed. Rather than letting the experience define her limits, she used it as fuel—rewiring her brain, embracing inspirational speaking, and ultimately rediscovering her passion for teaching.

Before entering academia, MK built an impressive career in healthcare marketing and communications, bringing real-world insight (and some unbelievable crisis communication stories) into the classroom. From high-stakes media moments to lessons learned in the C-suite, she now channels those experiences into hands-on, applied learning for her students.

Along the way, we also learn about her love for cheerleading, her connection to the octopus as a symbol of cognitive strength, and her unwavering belief that everyone has the ability to rise above adversity and reach their full potential.

This episode is equal parts inspiring, eye-opening, and unforgettable—and don’t forget to listen closely for the hidden song lyric woven throughout the conversation.

In this episode of Not for Credit, we sit down with Assistant Professor of Journalism Dean Smith—yes, that Dean Smith (well… not exactly). After clearing up the name confusion, we dive into a career that spans music, journalism, law, and nearly two decades in the classroom.

Dean shares how growing up between a journalist mother and a music-loving father led him from studying music performance to a 20-year run in print journalism, where he covered everything from classical music to unforgettable moments like a weekend with Luciano Pavarotti. From there, he takes us inside his transition to academia, where he’s built a dynamic approach to teaching media law and First Amendment history—less lecture, more “rehearsal.”

We also get real about the evolving demands of higher ed, the challenge of teaching at scale, and why the stories behind landmark legal cases still matter today. Along the way, Dean brings his signature mix of seriousness and curiosity—symbolized by a judge’s gavel on one hand and an ostrich egg on the other.

It’s a conversation about storytelling, free expression, and the responsibility of helping the next generation find their voice—with plenty of great stories along the way.

In Episode 3 of Not 4 Credit, Mims and Heather talk to Dr. Stephan Hall, chair of the Game Design program at High Point University, for a conversation that explores the creativity, storytelling, and culture behind games.

Dr. Hall takes us inside the world of tabletop role-playing games—especially Dungeons & Dragons—and explains how games that began as war simulations evolved into collaborative storytelling experiences built on imagination, strategy, and character development. Along the way, he shares how being introduced to D&D in a gifted program as a kid helped spark a lifelong passion that eventually led him into game design, research, and teaching.

As part of the show-and-tell tradition of the podcast, Dr. Hall brings a meaningful artifact from his collection: a well-used D20 die that represents countless gaming sessions and the creativity at the heart of the gaming community. The conversation also touches on the evolution of the gaming industry, the resurgence of tabletop games in popular culture, and the many ways gaming connects storytelling, marketing, and community.

This episode also introduces a fun twist for listeners—an Easter egg hidden within the conversation. If you catch the clue, keep an eye on our social channels to see if you guessed it correctly.

Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just curious about how games shape creativity and collaboration, this episode offers a fascinating look at the people and ideas behind the rapidly growing world of game design.

In Episode 2 of Not 4 Credit, we sit down with Dr. Bobby Hayes, chair of the Department of Journalism and Sports Media at High Point University. Before leading one of the university’s most popular programs, Dr. Hayes spent years in the trenches as a sports journalist, covering everything from high school athletics to the NFL.

The conversation begins with a special show-and-tell item—a print of the famous 16th hole at Augusta National—representing one of the most unforgettable moments of his career: covering the 1986 Masters when Jack Nicklaus made his legendary comeback to win a sixth green jacket. From the electricity of Augusta to the chaos of sideline reporting, Dr. Hayes shares stories from his time covering the New Orleans Saints, meeting childhood sports heroes, and witnessing some truly bizarre moments in sports reporting.

Along the way, he reflects on the lessons that shaped him as a journalist—from learning the responsibility that comes with writing about young athletes to understanding the power of storytelling in sports.

The episode also explores his unexpected transition from the newsroom to the classroom and how he helped build High Point University’s sports media program into one of the school’s fastest-growing areas. It’s a conversation about memorable moments, career pivots, and the craft of telling great sports stories.