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What separates good leaders from great leaders?Is it talent? Experience? Opportunity?Or is it something deeper?In Episode 219 of the Fly on the Wall Podcast, I sit down with my friend Greg for a fascinating conversation about how high-level leaders think. We move beyond leadership strategies and systems and explore the mindset patterns that drive extraordinary growth, influence, and effectiveness.Along the way, we unpack lessons from billionaires, ministry leaders, and decades of leadership experience to discover why some leaders consistently stay ahead while others stay stuck.In this episode, we discuss:Why high-level leaders focus on activities, not just resultsThe difference between inspiration and motivation—and why it mattersHow investing in people creates long-term leadership influenceWhy value always gives you a voiceThe mindset shift needed to navigate major life and ministry transitionsThe five stages every leader experiences during transitionHow to build relationships with high-level leaders and mentorsWhy great leaders stay committed to learning, coaching, and personal growthOne of my favorite moments in this conversation is a lesson I learned from a self-made billionaire who told me:"Everyone asks me what I do. Nobody asks me how I think."That insight became the foundation for a powerful discussion about leadership, growth, influence, and developing the kind of mindset that creates lasting impact.If you're ready to think differently, lead more effectively, and continue growing as the leader God has called you to be, this episode is for you.
Have you ever had a breakthrough, felt unstoppable for a few days or weeks, and then somehow found yourself right back in the same patterns?You raised the rate and then discounted it. You became visible and then disappeared. You trusted yourself and then started asking everyone else what they thought.Most women think they need another breakthrough. More confidence. More motivation. More healing. More strategy.But what if the real problem isn't creating growth?What if the real challenge is learning how to hold it?In this episode, I unpack what I call the Expansion Gap. The distance between what you've created and what your identity, nervous system, and self-trust currently know how to sustain. I explain why so many ambitious women cycle through growth and collapse, why discomfort often shows up the moment expansion begins, and the four shifts I've seen women make when they learn to hold more. More success. More visibility. More responsibility. More of the life they say they want.What You'll Hear• What the Expansion Gap actually is and why it keeps pulling you back into old patterns• The hidden cycle of breakthrough → expansion → discomfort → collapse → repeat• Why your nervous system chooses familiar over possible• The difference between creating growth and sustaining growth• Emotional safety and why discomfort is not the same thing as danger• The truth about self-trust and how it's built one promise at a time• Why standards create identity more than motivation ever will• How future-you is built through today's small decisions• The four practices women use to hold more success, visibility, money, responsibility, and growth• How to close the gap between who you've been and who you're becomingOne Line to Sit With"Your future is not built from the breakthroughs you experience. It's built from what you learn to hold."Your Invitation This WeekPay attention to where you're expanding and where you're collapsing.Notice where you pull back after growth.Notice where you abandon yourself after making progress.Notice where discomfort convinces you to return to what's familiar.Then ask yourself:How can I close the expansion gap today?Not next month.Not next year.Today.Clip-Worthy Moments"Your next level is not built in the breakthrough. It's built in what you normalize afterward.""The breakthrough opens the door. The woman you become afterward determines whether you stay there.""Discomfort is not danger. Most of the time, it's evidence of expansion.""Certainty is something you wait for. Self-trust is something you build.""Your standards create your identity. Not your motivation. Not your circumstances.""The woman who holds more doesn't wait until she feels like her future self. She practices being her today.""You don't become her when the evidence arrives. You become her through the decisions you make before it does."Want to Go Deeper?DM me the word EXPANSION on Instagram and tell me where you're seeing the expansion gap show up in your life. I read every message.Mentioned in This EpisodeThe Unblocked Women Collectivehttps://amysanders.co/the-unblocked-woman-collective-33The Unblocked Method™If This Hit You in the ChestSave this episode. Share it with the woman who's tired of starting over every time she grows. And if this conversation resonated with you, leave a review and subscribe so we can continue breaking these patterns together.ConnectInstagram: @its.amysandersWebsite: www.amysanders.coCollective: https://amysanders.thrivecart.com/unblocked-woman-collective-77/Email the Show: support@amysanders.co
s the Old Testament Law a heavy burden to be avoided, or a guide to the heart of the Lawgiver?
This week on the IBA Insider Podcast, hosted by Neil Fraser, CFA, our experts unpack three of the biggest stories shaping aviation today:Fleet Risk Management in Conflict Scenarios – Jordan Amos explores how lessors and airlines can strengthen resilience and protect assets in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.Norwegian's Leisure Bet – James Li-Tremble examines the airline's strategy of owning the holiday experience, not just the flight, and what it means for the wider market.Can African Aviation Weather the Fuel Crisis and Keep Growing? – Dan Taylor discusses the impact of rising fuel costs and the outlook for one of aviation's most dynamic regions.Sign up for the newsletter - https://www.iba.aero/sign-up/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/iba-aviation-consultancy/YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSkPhTf-05htY99V79fklMAWebsite - www.iba.aero
For many Christians, the Book of Deuteronomy feels like a dense wilderness of repetitive laws and ancient regulations that seem disconnected from a vibrant relationship with Jesus.
On this Make A Difference Minute, I share a message about growth and the reality that not everyone will understand or celebrate it. As we step into new seasons and move beyond who we used to be, it can challenge the expectations others have placed on us. This segment is a reminder that growth is not betrayal, it's responsibility, and that the right people will support and celebrate who you are becoming. This MADM is brought to you by Green's Dependable Hardware, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️
Is there a "secret recipe" for biblical fatherhood, or have we been looking at the wrong map?
This is a companion podcast for this morning's mantra. Growth begins the moment we step beyond the familiar. Today's meditation is a celebration of curiosity — the books that challenge us, the conversations that shift our perspective, and the simple joy of discovering something new. Your Morning Mantra: I remain curious and open to learning. Follow us on Instagram Follow @katiemattin on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is our modern definition of "toughness" actually biblical, or is it just a shadow of the ancient world?
Growth begins the moment we step beyond the familiar. Today's meditation is a celebration of curiosity — the books that challenge us, the conversations that shift our perspective, and the simple joy of discovering something new. Your Morning Mantra: I remain curious and open to learning. Follow us on Instagram Follow @katiemattin on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Send us Fan MailWhy do some salon owners continue growing year after year while others seem to hit a ceiling?It's rarely talent.It's rarely luck.And it's almost never because one owner knows some secret that everyone else doesn't.In this episode, we break down the mindset shifts, habits, leadership decisions, and business fundamentals that separate growing salon owners from those who get stuck.We talk about better questions, long-term thinking, fear-based decision making, apprenticeships, leadership, client retention, culture, systems, and why so many owners spend their time chasing tactics instead of strengthening their foundations.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step as a salon owner, this episode will help you identify what's really holding your business back and what to focus on instead.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And that starts by focusing on the things that actually create long-term growth.Key TakeawaysGrowing owners focus on fundamentals instead of tactics. Better questions lead to better business decisions. More clients are not always the solution. Fear-based decisions keep businesses stuck. Accountability and difficult conversations matter. Long-term thinking creates compounding results. Apprenticeships can be a powerful growth strategy. Copying competitors rarely creates lasting success. Clients buy certainty, not just services. Growth often comes from refinement rather than expansion. Time Stamps00:00 — Intro + a listener raises her prices 03:30 — Madison's raise and apprenticeship success 05:00 — Why conformity hurts salon growth 08:30 — Growing apprentices vs holding people back 09:30 — Why some salons plateau 10:00 — Fundamentals vs tactics 12:00 — Better questions create better answers 13:00 — "More clients" isn't always the answer 15:00 — Solving problems for the clients you already have 16:00 — Why growth-focused owners think differently 17:00 — Fear-based decision making 19:00 — Raising standards and accountability 21:00 — Difficult conversations matter 24:00 — Long-term thinking and business vision 25:00 — Why owners abandon ideas too early 27:00 — Mission, vision, and consistency 28:00 — Apprenticeships as a long-term investment 30:00 — Meetings, systems, and follow-through 32:00 — The marathon mindset 33:00 — Industry trends and copying competitors 35:00 — Borrow principles, build your own business 38:00 — Recipes vs techniques in business 39:00 — The core experience clients actually buy 41:00 — Refining before expanding 42:00 — Education, advancement, and opportunity 44:00 — Why people stay (or leave) 45:00 — The fundamentals behind long-term growthLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website
Is 1 Timothy 3 a list of "manly" traits, or a calling for the entire Body of Christ?
If we move past the confusing labels of "biblical manhood," what are we actually left with?
The FIFA World Cup has grown into a media powerhouse, but questions are emerging about how far that growth can continue. With expanding formats, fragmented broadcast deals, and new partnerships across YouTube and TikTok, FIFA is experimenting with how football is distributed and monetised. But increasing supply, shifting audience behaviour, and pressure on broadcasters could challenge the model. From media rights to ticketing and in-game ads, the balance between scale, revenue and fan experience is being tested. So the key question remains: is the World Cup still evolving—or starting to strain under its own ambition? Key Points:How much further can FIFA expect to grow the World Cup's media rights? Do preferred platform partnerships with YouTube and TikTok strengthen distribution or weaken broadcaster value?Is FIFA effectively balancing reach and revenue effectively - or is the model being stretched too far?Do rising ticket prices and fan experience issues represent a wider disconnect in the ecosystem?How impactful will new in-game advertisements be for the World Cup and soccer more broadly?
Are we following Jesus, or just a "masculine" version of ourselves?
Does being a "Biblical Man" mean fitting into a specific cultural mold?
Welcome to the Wednesday Weekly Win, our business breakthrough story series. Each week, we sit down with real entrepreneurs from our Business By Design community who are building digital businesses and creating results that once felt impossible. In this episode, we're joined by Meytal, a professional dancer turned healing movement coach who built a multiple 6-figure membership business in under 3 years. Guess what? She started with zero knowledge of email automation! After a car accident left her unable to dance, Meytal discovered the Feldenkrais method and created a unique fusion of healing and dance. Meytal shares how she scaled from $1K to $10K months in her first year inside BBD, built a team that ran her business during 6 months of cancer treatment, and shifted from massive live launches to automated webinars. Plus, we dive into her heart-centered marketing approach and why the BBD community became the most meaningful self-development journey of her life. This is another real story of clarity, momentum, and the breakthroughs that happen when you finally stop guessing and start following a proven path. From first digital products to 6-figure launches, to building audiences and scaling systems, every conversation reveals the mechanics of what actually creates growth in a digital business. Because when you see someone just a few steps ahead of what you're doing, something powerful happens. James's biggest free training of the year is right around the corner… The Business Breakthrough Experience - and the first live training kicks off June 11th. And in the weeks leading up to it, we're creating even more opportunities for you to get the coaching, clarity, and momentum your business truly deserves. Starting this June, we're hosting a special series of live panels featuring incredible Digital CEOs—like Meytal—who are in it, doing it, and ready to share what's actually working right now. These aren't just sit-back-and-watch sessions… You'll be able to join us live on Zoom, ask your questions, and get real-time coaching from experts who have been exactly where you are. And the best way to make sure you don't miss a single one? Register for The Business Breakthrough Experience. You'll be the first to know about every panel, every opportunity to get coached, and every new Wednesday Weekly Win episode—so you can stay inspired, take action, and keep moving forward.
Imposter syndrome in dental hygiene school—and even early in your dental hygiene career—is often a sign you're in an active growth season, not falling behind. It means you're challenging yourself to do more than what you thought you were capable of, which you can use to build confidence through action! The goal isn't to eliminate discomfort because that would mean you're not pushing yourself. Keep your dental hygiene journey moving with tips from this episode.
If we throw away the old, distorted maps of manhood, what do we use to navigate instead?
Why do some entrepreneurs keep growing while others hit a wall? John Gordon says the difference often comes down to a handful of daily habits that shape mindset, resilience, and leadership over time. In this episode, we explore the routines that help business owners stay focused, lead stronger teams, avoid burnout, and keep growing even during stressful seasons. From building a positive mindset to creating habits that actually stick, this conversation is packed with practical strategies for entrepreneurs who want long-term business growth. 00:00 Introduction 01:06 Better Habits Build Better Leaders 04:43 Small Habits Create Big Results 06:18 Daily Habits Separate Great Leaders 10:36 Stress Destroys Healthy Habits 11:45 Simple Habits Create Big Results 13:43 Hidden Limits Keep Leaders Stuck 15:29 Strong Mornings Create Strong Days 16:53 Gratitude Changed Everything Rate, Review, & Follow If you liked this episode, please rate and review the show. Let us know what you loved most about the episode. Struggling with strategy? Unlock your free AI-powered prompts now and start building a winning strategy today!
What happens when the "old maps" of masculinity fail us?
Is the current conversation around "Biblical Manhood" giving us a clear path, or just a distorted map?
This morning, we break down all the latest chaos coming out of Washington, D.C.. Donald Trump is overseas in China praising Xi Jinping while continuing to spark questions back home about his behavior, messaging, and overall fitness for office. More and more people, including some former supporters, are openly asking what is going on. From rambling speeches to bizarre public moments, concerns about Trump's mental sharpness are becoming harder to ignore, no matter how many times he points to passing a cognitive test. So what are Americans actually seeing, and why does the conversation around Trump's mental state keep growing louder? This episode is sponsored by Lean. Get started with 20% off and free rush shipping so you can add LEAN to you healthy diet and exercise plan. Visit https://takelean.com enter LEMON for your discount. This episode is brought to you by Incogni. Go to https://incogni.com/donlemon and use code donlemon for 60% off. Incogni HELPS wipe yourself from the Internet — they can't harm you if they can't find you. Click the link below to claim your 60% off and get your personal data off the market! Erase yourself from the internet This episode is sponsored by “Bullies, Parasites and Slaves.” Get your copy of “Bullies, Parasites and Slaves” at https://www.BPS.online or text the word, “BULLY” to 511511 and receive an immediate link to get the book – paperback, E-book or audio. Text Fees may apply. This episode is brought to you by Helix. Go to helixsleep.com/DON for 27% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout, so they know we sent you! WE HAVE MERCH!! Purchase here: https://don-lemon-merch-store.myshopify.com/ WATCH & Subscribe on YouTube @TheDonLemonShow! Become a member of our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXs0PlIGUDSXfBaF7j-1euA/join Follow Don on Substack and Twitch! Listen on Apple, Spotify and iHeart Radio! The views and statements expressed by guests do not reflect the opinions of Don Lemon or The Don Lemon Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
How did we get here? From the Enlightenment to the rise of Postmodernism, the landscape of what we believe about God has shifted beneath our feet. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with renowned theologian Dr. Roger E. Olson (Emeritus Professor at Baylor University) to map out the fascinating—and often turbulent—history of modern theology. They explore the tension between tradition and the "modern mind," discussing how giants like Schleiermacher, Barth, and Bonhoeffer navigated a world that was rapidly deconstructing old certainties. Whether you're a theology nerd or just trying to understand the intellectual roots of your own faith, this conversation provides a vital compass for the journey. In this episode, we discuss: The "Modern" Dilemma: What happens when theology tries to accommodate the demands of the Enlightenment? Reconstruction to Deconstruction: Understanding the shift from building grand systems of thought to the skepticism of the 21st century. The Giants of the Faith: Why figures like Karl Barth and Dietrich Bonhoeffer still matter for your walk with Christ today. The Evangelical Response: How believers can engage with modern ideas without losing the core of the Gospel. Finding Your Place: How understanding the history of ideas helps you situate your own beliefs in a chaotic world. Join us for a deep dive into the ideas that shaped the modern church and discover how to think Christianly in an era of reconstruction and deconstruction. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
In a world that demands instant results, we’ve found a thousand new ways to numb the pain of existence. Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew for the final installment of our series as they tackle the normalization of "quick-fix" drugs—from anabolic steroids and TRT in the fitness world to the rise of GLP-1s like Ozempic. We explore the dangerous trade-offs of modern biohacking and why the Christian life calls us to lean into the "friction" of reality rather than anesthetizing ourselves against it. If you've ever felt the pressure to "optimize" your body at the expense of your soul, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we discuss: The Normalization of Performance Enhancers: Why younger generations are turning to steroids and TRT for social media clout. The "Numbing" Culture: How we use substances to avoid the "existential sniffles" and the discomfort of growth. The GLP-1 Wave: Examining the psychological and spiritual implications of the newest drug trends. Sanctification vs. Optimization: Why the Christian walk requires "grit" and "friction" that a pill or injection can’t provide. Working Toward Your Own Dismissal: A challenge to leaders and counselors to build structures that help people find freedom, not just temporary relief. Don’t miss this deep dive into how we can bear faithful witness in a culture that wants to edit out every struggle. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
Keep Growing Adam Godshall Speaker: Adam GodshallSeries: 2 PeterText: 2 Peter 3:14-18Theme: Keep Growing One: Work at holiness. Two: Rehearse the gospel. Three: Study the Bible. Four: Look to Jesus...for... Sustaining grace Transformational knowledge Benevolent Lordship Eternal rescue Fulfilled promises ...grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord... ~ 2 Peter 3:18
The Peter Boyles Show - May 9, 2026 Hour 1: Peter Boyles spends most of Hour 1 digging into the growing controversy around Victor Marx with guests Cori Kennedy and Steve Reams. Kennedy explains why she went from supporter to skeptic after researching Marx’s claims about mentoring Charlie Kirk, overseas rescue missions, martial arts credentials, and his ministry work in Haiti and the Middle East. Reams joins in to talk through the parts of Marx’s story that he says simply don’t add up. The hour turns into a wide-ranging conversation about campaign money, orphanages in Haiti, alleged rescue numbers, and even a decades-old homicide story Marx has publicly discussed. Boyles pushes back on several of the claims in real time while Kennedy lays out the research she says led her deeper down the rabbit hole.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Are we asking therapy to do something it was never designed to do? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a provocative look at the "Counseling Industry" and its role in a collapsed culture. While therapy is a vital tool for clinical challenges, Dr. Mathew shares the growing trend of counselors feeling like "paid friends" for people who are simply missing the basic structures of a healthy life. We dive into why the clinical office is a great place to meet a need, but a terrible place to sustain a soul. In this episode, we discuss: The "Paid Friend" Phenomenon: Why many people are seeking professional therapy for problems that used to be solved by a neighbor or a church small group. Clinical vs. Ontological Needs: Distinguishing between psychological disorders and the deeper "existential sniffles" caused by isolation. The Limits of the Couch: Why a one-hour weekly session cannot provide the resources to sustain a person’s entire sense of meaning. A Collapsed Culture: How the breakdown of local communities has forced the mental health industry to become a "catch-all" for human loneliness. Returning to the Body: Why the church must step up to provide the "house" of support so that therapy can return to its intended clinical focus. If you’ve ever wondered why therapy feels like a temporary fix or why our culture is more "counseled" yet more anxious than ever, this conversation is a must-listen. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
In this episode of Memoirs of an LDS Servant Podcast, Maurice Harker explores a real and often overwhelming challenge: what happens when your roles and responsibilities conflict with each other.Through honest discussion and real-life examples, this episode breaks down how growth isn't about doing everything perfectly—it's about making intentional choices, accepting trade-offs, and adjusting as life evolves. Maurice teaches why trying to “do it all” leads to stress and frustration, and how embracing intentional compromise and iteration allows you to keep moving forward without burning out.You'll also learn how identity evolves over time, why different seasons of life require different priorities, and how to communicate those changes effectively in relationships.
Loneliness isn't just a "feeling"—it’s a structural crisis. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew take a hard look at the "Epidemic of Loneliness" and why our modern way of life is practically designed to keep us isolated. Building on the "Embodied Leg" of our mental health stool, we explore how the transition from a "physical" world to a "convenience" world has stripped away the natural friction that used to bring us together. It’s time to move past the "on-demand" lifestyle and rediscover why being a member of the Body of Christ requires more than just a Wi-Fi connection. In this episode, we discuss: The Surgeon General’s Warning: Why loneliness is now considered a greater public health threat than many physiological diseases. The "Convenience" Trap: How Amazon, Netflix, and DoorDash have unintentionally removed the "small talk" and community interactions that ground our sanity. Structural Loneliness: Understanding that we haven’t just become lonely; we’ve built a society that makes it the default setting. The Church as a "Third Space": Why the local church is the essential alternative to the isolation of the home and the transactional nature of the workplace. Ancient Truths for Modern Deficiencies: Moving beyond the "search for relief" and leaning into the grit of real-world relationships. If you’ve ever felt "lonely in a crowded room" or wondered why life feels increasingly disconnected, this conversation offers a roadmap back to the communal life we were created for. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
In an era of digital convenience and "on-demand" spirituality, have we lost something vital by staying home? Join Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew as they explore the "Embodied Leg" of the mental health stool. This episode dives into the "Deaths of Despair" phenomenon and how the simple act of being physically present in a local church community serves as a powerful buffer against anxiety and isolation. We’re moving beyond abstract beliefs and looking at the tangible, physical habits that ground us when the world feels overwhelming. In this episode, we discuss: The "Blue Laws" Connection: How the loss of a shared day of rest contributed to a rise in "deaths of despair." Digital vs. Embodied Faith: Why watching a sermon at 1.5x speed can't replace the "friction" and beauty of being with real people. The Power of Ritual: How the physical acts of communion, singing, and gathering provide "symbolic handles" to navigate life’s challenges. The Church as a Physical Manifestation: Why the local church is the essential "body" we need to inhabit for true human flourishing. Building Grit through Presence: Why showing up when you don't feel like it is exactly what builds spiritual and emotional resilience. Whether you're struggling with a sense of isolation or looking for a deeper way to engage with your faith, this conversation reminds us that we were made to be present. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
In a culture obsessed with "happiness hacks" and immediate emotional relief, what if our sadness isn't a glitch, but a proper response to reality? In this follow-up episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education at CIU) tackle the heart of the existential crisis. They move beyond the "social leg" of mental health to explore the "existential leg"—the shared process of meaning-making in a world that often feels like running into the wind. In this episode, we discuss: The Rationality of Sadness: Why feeling existential dread and deep frustration is a "proper response" to the systems and brokenness around us. The "Neurosurgeon" vs. the "Glass of Water": Identifying why we often rush to clinical experts when what we truly lack is a durable community "house" of support. Lament as Language: Following the example of Christ on the cross and the Psalmists to give a voice to our heartache without being "chastised" or "condemned." Anchoring Against Despair: How the local church acts as a "buttress of truth," helping us find a non-anxious presence even when our bank accounts are zero or life feels overwhelming. Shared Meaning: Why meaning is best solidified not in isolation, but within the "community of saints." Stop trying to shortcut the healing and join us for a conversation about sitting in the tension, voicing the lament, and finding the grace to keep running. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
Have you ever been in the middle of a busy, successful season only to be hit by a sudden, creeping feeling that none of it matters? You aren’t alone. In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ben Mathew (Professor of Counselor Education at CIU) dive deep into the "existential leg" of the mental health stool. Dr. Mathew joins us from the middle of a literal storm to discuss the figurative storms of the soul—those moments when we feel like we are "running into the wind" without a sense of purpose. We explore why "existential dread" is often a rational response to a broken world and how the local church should serve as the primary "house" of support before we ever reach for clinical intervention. In this episode, we discuss: The "Running into the Wind" Analogy: Understanding the baseline anxiety that seeps into our work and daily lives. Angry at Existence: How to navigate feelings of bitterness toward God or life itself. The Power of Lament: Why we need to stop "shortcutting" to the fix and start making space for groaning and frustration. The Church as Triage: Why general community support is the "glass of water" we often need before calling a "neurosurgeon." Shared Meaning: How the "pillar and buttress of truth" helps us avoid despair. If you’ve been feeling the weight of the world or questioning your impact, tune in for a conversation that re-centers our story within the greater narrative of God's work. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel To read James's article on this topic, check out his author page on Christianity.com.
Are we living in a "Truman Show" world?
Is mental health just "all in your head," or is there something deeper happening within our physical design? In the premiere of this series, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Ben Mathew, Professor of Counselor Education, to introduce a revolutionary way of looking at well-being: The Three-Legged Stool of Mental Health. We’re moving past the "quick-fix" culture to explore how our bodies, our stories, and our faith are inextricably linked. If you've ever felt like your spiritual life and your physical struggles were at odds, this episode provides the roadmap to wholeness you’ve been looking for. In this episode, we tackle: The Three-Legged Stool
Are we living in a "paid friend" culture?
On this Make A Difference Minute, I share a message about growth and the reality that not everyone will understand or celebrate it. As we step into new seasons and move beyond who we used to be, it can challenge the expectations others have placed on us. This segment is a reminder that growth is not betrayal, it's responsibility, and that the right people will support and celebrate who you are becoming. This MADM is brought to you by Hydration Lounge, proudly supporting stories and the people who make our communities strong. Real stories. Real people. Real impact. News That Unites!™️
When faith leaders gathered at the White House for an Easter luncheon, the prayers offered weren't just politically awkward — they were theologically problematic. In this episode, Dr. James Spencer and Dr. Ashish Varma move past the headlines to examine the deeper issues: What happens when national identity absorbs Christian identity? What does the Bible actually say about kings, suffering, and God's purposes for nations? And what does faithful Christian engagement with political power look like? Drawing on the Sermon on the Mount, the book of Esther, 1 Samuel, and the theology of Paul, Spencer and Varma assess the remarks of Paula White Cane, Franklin Graham, and Robert Jeffress — and explain why the problems run deeper than bad word choices. They also highlight what faithful public prayer can look like, pointing to Bishop Barron's remarks as a constructive contrast. If you've been unsettled by the merger of Christian language and political power, this episode gives you the theological framework to understand why — and what to do with it. Read James's Article on christianity.com (available 4/14). Purchase Serpents and Doves: Christians, Politics, and the Art of Bearing Witness on Amazon.com See Ashish's Articles on providence at the Barth Center. Get early access and a bonus with a Patreon membership. Subscribe to our YouTube channel
Is the way we view church leadership actually doing more harm than good? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Christa L. McKirland—Dean of Faculty at Carey Baptist College and author of A Theology of Authority—to dismantle the "CEO model" of ministry and rediscover a biblical, communal framework for the Body of Christ. Why This Episode is a Must-Listen: Beyond "Because I Said So": Discover why imperative authority—the power to command and compel consequences—is actually the lowest form of motivation and often misplaced in the church. The Four Faces of Authority: Dr. McKirland breaks down the essential differences between Executive (positional) and Non-Executive (knowledge and character-based) authority. Ending Pastoral Burnout: Learn how a "passive body" that expects to be spoon-fed creates a two-tiered hierarchy that exhausts leaders and robs congregants of their spiritual dignity. Equipping the Saints: Explore the concept of "Equipping Performative Authority," where the leader's primary role is to empower the community for ministry, not do the ministry for them. Navigating "Hard" Texts: A deep dive into the context of 1 Timothy 2 and why we often read universal prescriptions into specific historical prohibitions. Key Takeaways for Your Walk: *
This week, John and Kailey sit down with Ben and Will from Forge Relations and creators of The Gundie Awards. They recap the biggest year yet, from going live on Rumble to behind-the-scenes moments and community conversations. They break down the voting debate, what the awards are really about, and how The Gundies is growing beyond a single night.----------------------- Thanks to Palmetto State Armory for sponsoring our guest gear!Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this season! Ammo Squared -The smarter way to stockpile ammo, one round at a time. Start your ammo savings todayPatriot Mobile – Get 1 month free with code “GOA” at checkout on their website!Right To Bear - Use code “GOA” for 15% off Life Membership
MyPlace just hit 125 properties. That milestone matters even more now, because extended stay keeps getting more competitive. During the Hunter Conference, I talked with Eric Myers, VP of Franchise Development at My Place Hotels, about how they keep growing, where they're expanding next, and what he sees heading into 2026.
How can local churches maintain a historic Christian sexual ethic while still being a place where anyone can belong, ask tough questions, and encounter Jesus? In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer welcomes back Pieter Valk, a licensed clinical counselor and the director of Equip. Together, they tackle the practical, often messy realities that local churches face today when navigating LGBTQ+ topics. Rather than sticking our heads in the sand, Pieter advocates for a framework built on clarity, consistency, and active discipleship. They dive deep into the distinction between representational leadership roles and low-barrier opportunities for community service, exploring how churches can offer authentic belonging without compromising their theological convictions. Pieter also shares a vital reminder: the most critical LGBTQ+ ministry a church can do is care for the youth already sitting in their pews. Whether you are a pastor, a church elder, or a believer looking to love your neighbors winsomely, this conversation offers a refreshing, grounded blueprint for building a healthy, thriving church community.
Thomas Markle says he has found happiness again in the Philippines, where he is recovering from major health issues and beginning a new relationship, while still admitting he does not understand why Meghan “ghosted” him.Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan are pushing back against criticism surrounding their Australia trip, insisting it is privately funded and accusing some critics of spreading misinformation.We also look at fresh mockery over Meghan's wellness retreat venue, a resurfaced story from Katie Nicholl's book about the late Queen stepping in during a tense pre-wedding moment, and a brutal new column that brands Meghan “The Elon Musk of Jam.”Get episodes of Palace Intrigue by becommming a paid subscriber on Apple Podcasts. Click the button that says uninterrupted listening. Just $5 a month, and that includes many ofther shows on the Caloroga Shark network.A new season of King William is available now.Our royal newsletter written by Deep Crown is available for free.Royal Books:Revenge: Meghan, Harry, and the War Between the Windsors by Tom BowerWilliam and Catherine: The Monarchy's New Era: The Inside StoryThe Royal Insider: My Life with the Queen, the King and Princess Diana
“Have a safe summer!” “Travel safe!” “Stay safe!”
As people age, they tend to slow down. In today's culture, people work for decades towards retirement when they can stop working altogether and just relax. The Rebbe, took a very different approach. He believed that as long as we are alive and have the capacity to work, we must continue working, never retiring or even slowing down. A fascinating discussion about the Rebbe's views on retirement and continued growth.
Empathy is a leadership superpower, but only when it is balanced with rational decision-making. In this episode of the Managing with Mind and Heart, Nash Consulting's own Hana Butler breaks down the different types of empathy, and explains how too much emotional absorption can cloud decision-making or lead to codependency. In her conversation with host Ethan Nash, Hana explains how the goal isn't to turn empathy down, but to build self-awareness and mindfulness to adjust empathy with intention. Links: #147 - Keep Growing, With Hana Butler #83 – A Conversation with Hana Butler: The Importance of Self-Compassion at Work #97 – Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets at Work with Hana Butler