Unthinkable Leaders

Unthinkable Leaders

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The Unthinkable Leaders podcast is designed to help you as a leader. Join us monthly for helpful teachings and dynamic interviews with inspiring leaders.

Rodney Wardwell


    • Jun 18, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 19m AVG DURATION
    • 58 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Unthinkable Leaders

    Season 1: Episode 8

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2024 33:48


    Join us for Episode 8, as Rodney and Jason discuss the book, "Hero Maker" and what it takes to raise up leaders within your organization. 

    Season 1: Episode 7

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2024 25:57


    Join us for Episode 7 as Rodney and Jason talk about teaming your gifts and your passions together and using them for the good of others!

    Season 1: Episode 6

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2024 28:52


    Join us for Episode 6 as Rodney and Jason talk about "Team Building" and what it looks like to invest in your team. 

    Season 1: Episode 5

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2024 24:01


    Join us for Episode 4 as Rodney and Jason talk about some things we can do to better navigate change as a team! 

    Season 1: Episode 4

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 27:28


    Join us for Episode 4 as Rodney and Jason talk about the top five most common mistakes that people make when delegating responsibilities to other people!

    Season 1: Episode 3

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2024 33:54


    Join us for Episode 3 as Rodney and Jason talk about how to navigate the challenging balance of work and family in leadership. Listen in to the conversation of how setting up boundaries can make all the difference.

    Season 1: Episode 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 22:09


    Join us today on the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast as Rodney and Jason talk to us about the importance of evaluation!

    Season 1: Episode 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 22:50


    Join us for Episode 1 as Rodney and Jason talk about something that every leader faces - decision making. Make the first best decision right now and join us.

    Season 1: Episode 0

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2024 10:40


    Join us for Episode 0 as Rodney and Jason give us a little insight as to what is to come and what we can expect in the future from the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast!

    Season 1: Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2023 4:29


    We are excited to be bringing you some more episodes of The Unthinkable Leaders Podcast here in 2023. Listen in to find out just what we are doing and be sure to hit the subscribe button so you don't miss any future episodes!!

    Episode 47 - Interview with Stephen Blandino: 10 Things Every Young Leader Needs to Know (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 20:12


    Join us today for Episode 47 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode we continue with part 2 of our conversation with Stephen Blandino the pastor of "7 City Church" in Forth Worth, Texas. Pastor Stephen is an author, blog writer and all around incredible leader. Listen in today as we revisit the first five and conclude by really digging into five more things every young leader needs to know!

    Episode 46 - Check In: He's the God of the Dream!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 7:48


    Join us for this quick check in from Rodney and listen in as he gives us a heads up on some of the incredible things that are to come on the podcast.

    Episode 45 - Interview with Stephen Blandino: 10 Things Every Young Leader Needs to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2020 16:59


    Join us today for Episode 45 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the privilege of talking to Stephen Blandino about some of the different things that every young leader needs to know. Stephen is the pastor of "7 City Church" in Fort Worth, Texas. He's a pastor, author, blog writer and all around incredible leader. So whether you are seasoned in leadership or young, listen in today and learn from one of the best.

    Episode 44 - What Covid Can't Take Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2020 15:22


    Join us today for Episode 44 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney share with us about the pandemic, transition and Christmas and what the Covid virus can't take away from us!

    Episode 43 - Interview with Gerad Strong: Multiplication

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2020 21:09


    Join us today for Episode 43 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the privilege of talking with Gerad Strong about his journey of multiplication in South Dakota. Listen in as they talk about why leading teams, embracing pain, and being intentional about celebration are important components of multiplication.

    Episode 42 - Knowing Your "Why"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2020 16:04


    Join us today for Episode 40 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney shares with us the importance of Christian leaders knowing their "why" and then knowing how to point people to a relationship with Jesus. 

    Episode 41 - Interview with Jake Wirth: Continuing the Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2020 22:07


    Join us today for Episode 41 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the privilege of talking to Jake Wirth the pastor of Brave Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin about the topic of racial and economic healing and unity in America. Listen in as they talk about how leaders can help bring Jesus to our hurting communities in these very unprecedented times that we are living in.

    Episode 40 - Disciples who Make Disciples

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2020 13:52


    Join us today for Episode 40 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney shares with us five thoughts on how to be a "Disciple who Makes Disciples". Listen in and grow with us!

    Episode 39 - Interview with Dan Hunter: Building a Team Around You

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2020 23:34


    Join us today for Episode 39 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney interviews Dan Hunter about how you as the leader should build a team around you to help accomplish the mission.

    Episode 38 - Healthy Marriage and Family (while Leading)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2020 32:14


    Join us today for Episode 38 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney's wife Kate joins him as together they list out 9 different things leaders can do to safeguard their marriage and family while in leadership.

    Episode 37 - Interview with David Docusen: Crossing Dividing Lines

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2020 21:49


    Join us today for Episode 37 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the privilege of interviewing David Docusen about his new book, "Neighborliness". Listen in as they talk about how leaders can grow and help cross dividing lines in our communities.

    Episode 36 - Leadership Fatigue

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2020 18:24


    Join us today for Episode 36 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney talks about how to deal with "Leadership Fatigue" in this crazy season that we are all living in.

    Episode 35 - Interview with Jason Patterson: Leaders as Listeners

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2020 22:04


    Join us for Episode 35 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the opportunity to interview Jason Patterson of Parkside Church in Fishers, Indiana. Listen in as they talk about what it takes to be a good listener as a leader.

    Episode 34 - The Motivation of a Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2020 15:06


    We're back!!! Join us for Episode 34 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney shares 4 things that leaders understand when they are motivated by a burden and have a sense of urgency. 

    Unthinkable Leaders Update

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2020 1:20


    We have an announcement that we're really excited to tell you! 

    Episode 33 - Interview with Kristi Northup: Adding Value to Your Leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2019 16:10


    Join us for Episode 33 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the opportunity to interview Kristi Northup, the Executive Pastor of Saints Community Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Listen in as they talk about, "Adding Value to Your Leaders". 

    Episode 32 - Three Thoughts on How to Lead People (Part 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2019 22:46


    Welcome to Episode 32! After thinking back on the past four years of leading an organization, Rodney shares with us three additional thoughts on how to lead and develop people and why it's important in the first place. 

    Episode 31 - Interview with Travis Jones: How to Reproduce Leaders

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2019 13:10


    Join us today for Episode 31 of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast. In this episode, Rodney had the opportunity to interview Travis Jones, the pastor of Motivation Church in Richmond, Virginia. Listen in as they talk about, "How to Reproduce Leaders". 

    Episode 30 - Three Thoughts on How to Lead People

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2019 15:24


    Welcome to Episode 30! Today, Rodney will be sharing with us "Three Thoughts on How to Lead People".

    Episode 29 - Interview with Nathan Crawford: The Power of Sharing Stories

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2018 20:41


    Welcome to Episode 29! Today we have the privilege of learning from Nathan Crawford who lives on the other side of the camera capturing people's story. Listen in as Nathan talks about how stories are far more powerful than statistics. Join the conversation and learn how you can leverage stories to help your team and your organization!!

    sharing stories nathan crawford
    Episode 28 - How Leaders Can Leverage Their Holiday Downtime

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2018 12:20


    Welcome to Episode 28 of the podcast! In this episode, Rodney talks about five things you can do to get the most out of your downtime over the Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's breaks. 

    Episode 27 - Interview with J.J. Vasquez: Helping Your Team Manage Healthy Expectations

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2018 21:44


    Welcome to Episode 27! Today we have the privilege of learning from Pastor J.J. Vasquez of Journey Church in Winter Park, Florida. Grab a pen and notepad and listen in as we talk about helping your team manage healthy expectations!

    Episode 26 - Five Lessons on Leadership I Learned from Kids at Camp

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2018 12:24


    Thanks for joining us for Episode 26. We may think that our kids' are too young and that their lives are too inexperienced for leadership. However, listen in as today Rodney talks about five leadership lessons he learned while spending a week watching kid's at kid's camp this summer.

    Episode 25 - Interview with Aaron Burke: Vision and Team Building

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2018 18:30


    In order to lead teams to do incredible things, you have to cast vision and build that team. In episode 25, Aaron Burke shares with us some really valuable thoughts on how to build and lead teams.

    Episode 24 - Interview with Cody Phillips: Working Through Insecurity as a Leader

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2018 20:08


    Thanks so much for joining us for Episode 24 and to a special summer interview with Cody Phillips. Now we know that none of the leaders who listen to this podcast struggle with insecurity so we'll just leave this one here so you can share it with a friend. However, we believe that anyone who listens will be encouraged as Cody Phillips shares some of the insights that he has learned about overcoming insecurity in ministry. Download and listen. Grab your pen and notebook. We know you will be encouraged!

    leader insecurity cody phillips
    Episode 23 - Interview with Preston Ulmer: Leading People Who Are Different Than You

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2018 18:08


    Thanks for checking out Episode 23. In today's podcast, Rodney has a conversation with Preston Ulmer founder of The Doubter's Club about leading people who are different than you are. Listen in an learn some practical insights on how you as a leader can truly lead anyone.

    leading people preston ulmer
    Episode 22 - 5 Ways I'm Recharging this Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2018 16:01


    Thanks for listening to Episode 22! Summer is here. In this podcast Rodney talks about 5 intentional things he is doing to grow and recharge as a leader this summer. Listen in and learn how you can be strategic with your Summer as well.

    Episode 21 - Interview with Jacob Jester: Transitioning Your Assignment

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2018 19:28


    Thanks for checking out Episode 21 of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this podcast, Rodney talks with a former evangelist turned church planter from Phoenix, Arizona - Jacob Jester. Listen in as Jacob talks about what it's like to leave a place of comfort to follow God. 

    Episode 20 - Building a Foundation

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2018 14:37


    In Episode 20, Rodney talks about some things that are extremely important when you are building a foundation. Whether you are starting from the ground up or you are taking an existing team to a new place, all of these principles will be helpful as you move forward.

    Episode 19 - Interview with Kevin Ward: Going Through Crisis in Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2018 25:05


    Today we are excited to bring you Episode 19 of the podcast. In this episode, Rodney has a powerful conversation with Kevin Ward of Connect Community Church in Pasadena, Texas. Listen in as they talk about five keys to survival when you are going through crisis as a leader. 

    Episode 18 - Understanding Your Season

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2018 14:01


    Thanks for listening to the eighteenth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In Episode 18, Rodney talks about things you can do to understand the season that you are in both for yourself and for your orginization.

    Episode 17 - Interview with Dave Milam: Knowing Who is in Control of Your Journey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2018 18:12


    Today we are so excited to bring you Episode 17 of the podcast. In this episode, Rodney has the opportunity to talk to the Vice President of Visioneering Studios, Dave Milam. Listen in as Dave talks about his unexpected journey that has resulted in God's favor in his life and leadership. 

    Episode 16 - Guest Retention

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2018 26:53


    Thanks for listening to the sixteenth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In Episode 16, Rodney and Doug discuss four different things you can do and also promote some great books about guest retention and customer acquisition.

    Episode 15 - The Potential in Your Leadership with Don Champion

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2018 24:00


    It's here, Episode 15! In this episode, Rodney talks with Don Champion from River Valley Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota about the potential in your leadership.

    Episode 14 - What Your Volunteers Want You to Know

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2018 22:22


    Thanks for listening to the fourteenth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In Episode 14, Rodney and Doug share five thoughts with us that will help us to provide clarity and help us to lead happy and fulfilled volunteer leaders. 

    Episode 13 - Leaders are Readers with David Lermy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2018 29:02


    Thanks for listening to the 13th episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In episode 13, Rodney talks with David Lermy of The Assembly in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma about reading. Listen in as David shares some insight on finding good books and growing your love for reading.

    Episode 12 - Setting Goals

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2018 14:50


    Happy New Year and welcome to the 12th episode of the Unthinkable Leaders podcast! In Episode 12, Rodney gives us five things that we can do to set healthy goals as leaders.

    Episode 11 - Facing Spiritual Battles in Leadership

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2017 15:38


    Thanks for listening to the eleventh episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In Episode 11, Rodney shares with us five tools to help us navigate through adversity and "dark moments" of leadership. 

    Episode 10 - Investing in New Leaders with Jeffery Portmann

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2017 24:34


    Thanks for listening to the tenth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In Episode 10, we are flipping our normal schedule and bringing you a conversation that Rodney had with the pastor of New Hope Church in the Seattle, Washington area - Jeffrey Portmann. Listen in as Jeffrey tells us what he does to rasie up new leaders and to create a culture of apprenticeship.

    Episode 09 - Leadership Lessons with Matt Nelson

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2017 21:03


    Thanks for listening to the ninth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podacast. In Episode 09, Rodney talks with the Lead Pastor of City Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma - Matt Nelson. Listen in as Matt shares with us five leadership lessons that will translate into any leadership culture and that have helped to guide him as he leads his leadership team.  

    Episode 08 - Keys for Better Communication

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2017 21:50


    Thanks for listening to the eighth episode of the Unthinkable Leaders Podcast. In this episode, Rodney shares with us five keys for becoming a better communicator.

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