The H2 Leadership Podcast

How do you eliminate hurry from your life and leadership? How would you define the hurry in your life? Those are big questions that many leaders wrestle with. On today's episode, Alan has a very rich conversation with John Mark Comer about his book The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World . John Mark Comer lives, works, and writes in the urban core of Portland, Oregon, with his wife, Tammy, and their three children, Jude, Moses, and Sunday. He is the pastor for teaching and vision at Bridgetown Church. Prior to planting Bridgetown, John Mark was the lead pastor of a suburban megachurch. Before that, he played in a band. John Mark has a master's degree in biblical and theological studies from Western Seminary and is the author of Loveology, My Name is Hope, Garden City and God Has a Name. Connect with John Mark: For more of John Mark's teachings on the Scriptures, Jesus, and life, go to bridgetown.church and sign up for the podcast or visit www.johnmarkcomer.com. Instagram: @johnmarkcomer Twitter: @johnmarkcomer Facebook: @johnmarkcomer John Mark's books: https://amzn.to/2OQdNt7

We live in an interesting age where more and more teams and organizations are working together, remotely. But how do you know if you or your team is right for a decentralized model? On today's episode, Alan has a great conversation with Tricia Sciortino from Belay Solutions about all things de-centralized and the gig economy. Born and raised in Long Island, Tricia attended the University of Hartford where she obtained a degree in Business Administration and Management. For ten years, she passionately served as a District Manager for the retail chain Pacific Sunwear, however, when her first child was born, Tricia, like many other women, found herself struggling to balance her high profile career with her new role as a mom. Seeking a more balanced life, Tricia relocated to Charlotte, NC, and scored a job working remotely supporting an executive in Atlanta, Bryan Miles. Their long-distance arrangement was so successful that when Bryan and his wife, Shannon, were looking for a way out of the corporate grind themselves and began contemplating some sort of entrepreneurial venture, Bryan had an epiphany: “If the virtual assistant thing works for Tricia and me, why can’t it work for everyone?” In 2010, after much prayer and due diligence, Bryan and Shannon gave notice to their successful jobs to start a company that would help professionals get administrative support in an incremental way that could scale with their needs. Tricia was brought on board as BELAY’s very first employee and became instrumental in helping Bryan and Shannon cast their vision of creating a new industry in staffing. Tricia quickly worked her way up the virtual corporate ladder, serving as Director, Vice President, President, and COO. In 2020, Tricia was named CEO of BELAY. She is grateful for the opportunity to live out her “third option” every day as a hands-on mom to her two daughters and stepson while leading a vibrant organization that has become known for excellence and a willingness to serve. Connect with Tricia: Instagram: @triciamsciortino, @belay_solutions LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/triciasciortino/

Are you emotionally healthy? That's a very important question that anyone in leadership needs to answer. On today's episode, Alan and his guest, Pete Scazzero, have a very practical conversation about healthy leadership and unpack what it means to be emotionally healthy. Pete Scazzero is the pioneer of Emotionally Healthy Discipleship, a groundbreaking global ministry that transforms church culture through the multiplication of deeply changed leaders and disciples. Pete hosts the weekly Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast for pastors and church leaders exploring the practices needed to transform their church culture. He is also the author of a number of bestselling books, including The Emotionally Healthy Leader and Emotionally Healthy Spirituality. Pete and his wife Geri authored The Emotionally Healthy Discipleship Course (Part 1 and 2) a countercultural resource that moves people from shallow Christianity to depth in Christ. Connect with Pete: Visit emotionallyhealthy.org Twitter @petescazzero Instagram @petescazzero.

On today's episode, Alan has a great conversation with Monica Zuniga about investing in and equipping females and young leaders in both business and ministry. Monica serves as the Director of Operations for the Initiative Network and also serves as an associate for Leadership Network. She is a graduate of Dallas Baptist University with a degree in Business Management. She spent over a year in Hong Kong as a missionary during her studies. Monica has experienced great success in the corporate world as a recruiter, and for the past 5 years, she has built a career in the non-profit space serving both local and global non-profits. In addition to serving non-profits, Monica launched her own non-profit- We Are Unveiled - an online organization empowering women with their story which has effectively reached the female millennial generation. This is a great conversation about how we can open doors of opportunity for females and young leaders within the leadership space. Connect with Monica: Initiative Network

On today's episode, Alan sits down with Tyler Reagin and the two have a very, very insightful conversation about what it means to be a life-giving leader. Tyler Reagin is an author the founder and CEO of The Life Giving Company. He was the President of Catalyst, a leadership development organization that exists to unify and equip leaders who love the Church through resources and experiential events. Prior to leading the charge at Catalyst, Tyler served for seven years under the leadership of Andy Stanley as the Service Programming Director of Browns Bridge Community Church (a campus of North Point Ministries). Whether you are leading a team of 2 or 200 there is much to be gleaned from this episode. Connect with Tyler The Life Giving Leader Facebook Instagram tylerreagin.com The Life Giving Company

On today's episode, Alan and Julie have a crucial conversation about the Enneagram and why it's continuing to blow up. Whether you're new to the Enneagram, never heard of it before, or curious to learn a bit more about how it can help you, your team, or your organization, this episode will be of great value. Interested in an introduction to the Enneagram training? Introduction To The Enneagram Are you an Enneagram 7 or do you know one? Ennearam 7's Guide To Adulting

As a leader, what should success look like? How do we know when success is good or when success is bad? On today's episode, Alan has a great conversation with accomplished speaker, coach, author, vocalist, pastor, and mother, Nona Jones. Nona shares her powerful story and she and Alan have a very rich conversation about her new book Success From The Inside Out: The Power To Rise From The Past To A Fulfilling Future. Nona is recognized as one of the world’s foremost experts on building The Kingdom through social technology, motivating thousands of church leaders each year to reimagine social media as a strategic tool for ministry. Every leader ponders success and what it looks like. We hope this conversation is both eye-opening and encouraging. If you lead in any capacity, we would encourage you to give this one a listen. Connect with Nona Facebook Instagram Success From The Inside Out

Church planter, pastor and author Jon Tyson (a two-timer on the podcast) and Alan have a conversation about discipleship and what it means to raise a son of consequence. Jon shares his discipleship journey with his son, the tensions he felt as a young father and the vision he had for creating an empowering pathway for fathers to walk their sons from adolescence into manhood. Connect with Jon: Find out more about Primal Path Twitter: @jontyson Books

So many leaders are having to start side-hustles to get creative when it comes to generating income so they can do what God has called them to do. In today's episode, Alan and his guest, Brad Brisco, have a very practical conversation about money, mission, and ministry. They discuss how it all fits together, what happens if there isn't enough in the tank, and what it looks like to work Bivocatinally. Brad is the Director of Bivocational Church Planting for the North American Mission Board. He holds a doctorate in the area of missional ecclesiology; his doctoral thesis was on assisting existing congregations in transitioning in a missional direction. He is the co-author of Missional Essentials, a twelve-week small group study guide, The Missional Quest: Becoming a Church of the Long Run, and Next Door As It Is In Heaven. If you or someone you know has multiple income streams this episode is for you. Connect with Brad Twitter @bradleybrisco. missionalchurchnetwork.com Missional Essentials: A Twelve Week Small Group Study Guide Missional Quest: Becoming A Church of The Long Run Next door As It Is In Heaven: Living Out God's Kingdom In Your Neighborhood ReThink: 9 Paradigm Shifts for Activating the Church

If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you go together as a team you'll go farther and what you get will be healthier and more sustainable. In this episode, Alan sits down with pastor and author Tim Lucas. Tim is the founder & Lead Pastor of Liquid Church, recently named one of America’s Top 100 Fastest-Growing Churches by Outreach magazine (2018). Since launching in 2007, Liquid has grown to 7 campuses across New Jersey with a vision to “Saturate the State with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” Tim's innovative approaches to ministry and outreach have been spotlighted by CNN, Fox News, The Today Show and the New York Times. Alan and Tim have a great conversation about the 6 currents Tim describes in his book, Liquid Church: 6 Powerful Currents to Saturate Your City for Jesus Christ. They also dig into the leadership complexities that come along with church growth. Follow Tim www.liquidchurch.com/ Read Tims Book https://amzn.to/2uItuLO

On today's episode, we're going to be discussing something that we all need to be having honest conversations about, and that is multi-ethnic church. This is an important issue right now and Alan and our guest, Rich Villodas tackle the topic head-on. Rich serves as the lead pastor of New Life Fellowship Church in Queens, New York. New Life is a church community with people from over 75 nations in the most diverse zip code in the country. There are many complexities and realities when it comes to multi-ethnic church. Rich and Alan have a very insightful conversation about those as well as certain misconceptions, what's encouraging, and how the Church moves forward in creating a thriving multiethnic culture. Follow along with Rich www.newlife.nyc Instagram: @richvillodas Twitter: @richvillodas Special Offer On January 15th and 16th, several of our Stay Forth Designs coaches will be offering a limited number of full intensity one hour sessions to help you kick start your new year. Book a session below and get ready for a strong start to 2020! Book NOW: www.stayforth.com/coaching

In this episode, Alan has a crucial conversation with Author Drew Dyck about his book, Your Future Self Will Thank You: Secrets to Self-Control from the Bible and Brain Science (A Guide for Sinners, Quitters, and Procrastinators). Drew is an editor at Moody Publishers and former managing editor of Leadership Journal. It's that time of year where everyone seems is busy setting goals and attempting to instill new habits and disciplines but we often lack the self-control to see them through. Drew unpacks a biblical and scientific approach to establishing self-control that will help you break bad habits and grow your will power. If you're hungry to instill new habits and reach whatever goals you have this year in your life, your ministry, or your business then you definitely want to give this episode a listen! Follow along with Drew Twitter: @drewdyck Grab his book: https://amzn.to/2umzrxO Interested in Double Espresso Coaching? Book a session TODAY: www.stayorth.com/coaching

HAPPY NEW YEAR! As we begin a new year and a new decade, Alan and David are back in the studio ready to kick off a new year of the Right-Side Up leadership Podcast. In this episode, Alan and David make an exciting about the upcoming year and spend time approaching the topic of goal setting, finding clarity, and avoiding overwhelm when it comes to setting goals. Whether you've already set your goals, or you're in the trenches trying to figure out how to set goals you'll achieve in 2020, this crucial conversation will definitely help you get on track for 2020. Interested in a Double Espresso coaching session? visit www. stayforth.com/coaching for more info.

As cliche as it sounds, it feels like yesterday that this podcast was only a dream, floating around our head. 2019 has been a year full of rich conversations, paradigm shifts and practical leadership insights that we've been able to glean from dozens of thoughtful leaders. We've collected a second batch of 10 of our favorite clips of 2019. As you head into 2020, we hope these conversations encourage and inspire you to press into your healthiest year yet! Connect with Alan, David and the rest of the team! www.stayforth.com

MERRY CHRISTMAS! As we approach 2020, we can hardly believe it's been a year since we launched the Right-Side Up leadership Podcast. We've been humbled by the support and the amazing conversations we've been privileged to have in 2019 and we want to share some highlights from the last year. In this episode, Alan and I collected some of our favorite clips that we believe will offer insight into your health and leadership as you look toward 2020. We hope this year of conversations has been as fruitful in your life as it has for ours. Thank you for listening and engaging and we're so excited about what is in store for 2020. - David, Alan & the Stay Forth Designs Team

Sometimes the risk of inaction is greater than the risk of any one decision. One of those risks that every leader has to deal with in 2019 is social media. It's not going away and it is important to know how to engage with it in a way that is healthy In this episode, Alan sits down with Daniel Fusco and Jason Ritche of Crossroads Community Church in Vancouver, WA. Daniel and Jason talk about taking risks to reach their city using social media. Daniel and Jason know that much of their city is not engaging with church on a Sunday service, but most people are engaging with different social media platforms. They want to connect the message of Jesus to where people are, and that is social media. Connect with Daniel and Jason www.crossroadschurch.net @go2crossroads www.facebook.com/go2crossroads www.instagram.com/go2crossroads www.youtube/crossroadsWA

At our most pessimistic, our world can seem more divided than ever. One of those divides is a generational one, as we hurl generalizations and blame for our many cultural complaints. In this podcast, Alan sits down with author and leader Grant Skeldon to talk about his book, "The Passion Generation." In his book, Grant calls us all to a larger unifying purpose, discipleship. Millennials care deeply about passion and purpose and Grant argues there is no bigger and compelling cause then the commission given to us by Jesus to go and make disciples. Grant challenges the passion generation to get passionate about being discipled and discipling the next generation. So whether you are leading as a millennial or leading millennials this podcast is for you! Follow Grant @grantskeldon www.grantskeldon.com www.initiativenetwork.org Read The Passion Generation

We have a pretty audacious goal. At Stay Forth Design's, we want to help shift the culture on what we celebrate in leadership. Impact is great, but we often forget to celebrate the unsung hero's who are faithfully leading, innovating, investing and influencing their community for the Kingdom. Regardless of platform, scope or twitter following, we want to shine a light and affirm leaders all over the country, reminding them what they do matters! We hope this can help shape what we celebrate as a leadership community AND we pray that it inspires you to affirm a faithful leader in your life, with a word, a card or maybe even an award! Please celebrate with us as share the winners and honorable mentions of our 2019 Right-Side Up Awards.

How did you do on your 2019 goals? Do you feel encouraged, discouraged, maybe even a little shame mixed in? As many of us look back on 2019, we are left wondering why our January dreams never made it past March. In this episode, Alan and David have a conversation on why so many of us don't grow year after year. There is a gap between who we currently are and who we'd like to be, whether that is spiritually, mentally, physically, or emotionally. And that gap is very hard to close through desire alone. We need a plan and a process. Alan and David talk about 4 things that can help your dreams become achievable goals that you can tackle one step at a time. We are thrilled to offer our "Right-Side Up Journal" which includes a wide array of tools, questions and resources for you to reach your daily, weekly, monthly and even quarterly goals. TAKE YOUR NEXT RIGHT STEP Get your Right-Side Up Journal Explore individual or group coaching Explore our many guides, tools and trainings

If you're blessed in your ministry and your leadership like you are praying for, what's your plan? Most of us don't get that far. Our plan is to reach our goals and see the fruits of our labor. But what happens when you get it? What will you do with that blessing? In this episode, David has a conversation with author and pastor, Mark Batterson about his new book, Double Blessing. Mark unpacks the idea that we are blessed to be a blessing and as Christians we need to learn how to "flip the blessing." Mark is convinced that God loves to bless people who live with a posture of generosity. Meaning we need to be prepared to give God the glory and bless others with what God gives us before we're in a position to receive it. Do you have a plan to flip the blessing that your praying for? Follow along with Mark @MarkBatterson www.markbatterson.com Read Double Blessing

Questions aren't always comfortable. Sometimes they lead to more questions. Sometimes they make us feel uneasy and uncertain. Sometimes they expose bias or ignorance. While questions aren't always safe, we believe they are essential for learning, growth and leadership. In this episode, Alan had the privilege of talking with author, pastor, professor and podcaster, Stephanie O'brien. In this conversation, Stephanie walks us through her book, "Stay Curious." In the book she curates years of conversations, questions and her journey with questions and doubts that strengthened her faith. Stephanie helps us let go of the idol of "certainty" in favor or faith, trust and wonder. Connect with Stephanie www.pastorsteph.com Read "Stay Curious"

Sometimes the best thing you can do as a leader is get out of the way. There is freedom to know that it doesn't all rest on you, and sometimes you connecting and convening the right people together is where the magic truly happens. In this episode, Alan sits down with leader and author, Brad Lomenick. Brad has worn many hats, including leading the Catalyst Leadership movement, a speaker, and an author. An obvious gift of Brad's is his ability to connect the right people together and this has opened up all sorts of opportunities for greater Kingdom impact. Brad and Alan talk through leadership principles, trends and practical tips and tools for navigating life as a young or experienced leader. Follow Brad www.bradlomenick.com www.catalystleader.com Read Brad's book H3 Leadership

What if chaos, stress and anxiety didn't have to be the routine? What if we could march to the beat of a different drum? In this episode, Alan has a conversation with speaker, blogger and best-selling author Rebekah Lyons to talk about her book, Rhythms of Renewal. Rebekah draws on her own battle with anxiety to encourage all of us that there are rhythms that we can grab hold of that help us swap stress and anxiety for peace and purpose. Rebekah talks about how our culture instills in us unhealthy and unsustainable rhythms that we must acknowledge and reshape to help us pursue God and the ways he's designed us to live. Explore more Read Rhythms of Renewal Learn more about Rebekah and take the anxiety quiz at www.rebekahlyons.com

You may think "I don't have a creative bone in my body." However, if you are in leadership, you are creative. It may not be in the narrow sense that we've defined it, only within the arts. But leadership is helping to guide people into a new experience, challenge or preferred future and that journey is inherently creative. In this episode, we do something a little different. Alan had the opportunity to speak to a leadership class at Denver Seminary about creativity and leadership. Alan pulls out concepts and principles from his book "Everyone's a Genius" to encourage us to embrace the creativity that comes with leading anything and the change that comes along with the process. Whether you classify yourself as a creative or not - if you are a leader in any sense of the word, this episode is for you. Explore More Read "Everyone's a Genius" here Connect with us or leave us feedback at www.stayforth.com/podcast

Does our life beg a question? Does our faith lead to curiosity? In this episode, Alan sits down with author and Pastor of New Life Church, Brady Boyd. The conversation moves through two of Brady's books, "Addicted to Busy" and "Remarkable." Brady unpacks rhythms of rest and longevity, as well as how we can reclaim the curious and "salty" lives the early church models in scripture. Brady shares decades of ministry and leadership experience and some of the ways we can avoid the pitfalls that seem to be waiting for every kingdom leader. Connect with Brady Follow him @pastorbrady Read Addicted to Busy: Recovery for the Rushed Soul Read Remarkable: Living a Faith Worth Talking About Listen to the Essential Church Podcast

Change means disorientation. Whether it feels like "good" change or "bad" change, it will always bring a degree of fear, loss and the need to reorient yourself and your team. When we talk about change we often talk about managing it, but in this episode, Alan and David talk about practical ways to lead through change. Alan and David recap the recent changes in their lives and the excitement and fears that come along with that. They also unpack several practical steps you can take to lead through the change in your life. If you or your organization are walking through a season of change and you need some help reorienting, consider reaching out to us to explore coaching or consulting. Stay Forth Designs has a team of coaches and consultants who thrive in bringing clarity and next steps during seasons of change. Explore Coaching & Consulting What is coaching? - www.stayforth.com/coaching Meet our team! - www.stayforth.com/team

Sometimes God uses pain and tragedy to clarify calling. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with Jake Skifstad about Shield 616. As a police officer and S.W.A.T. team member in Colorado Springs, Jake experienced two horrific active shooter events. In these moments, Jake realized two things. First, that law enforcement needs upgraded equipment to handle the kind of rifles being used in some of these shootings. Second, these officers who are laying their lives on the line need the hope of Jesus. Jake shares both stories, which made national news, and how they birthed the vision of Shield 616, which bridges the gap between law enforcement and local churches. Through Shield 616 churches can partner to buy, active shooter protection kits and pray for, encourage and support the police officers in their own community. Jake has seen so much fruit through this non-profit and Shield 616 was even featured during the 2019 NFL Super Bowl. Connect with Jake and Shield 616 www.shield616.org Super Bowl commercial

Do others need to fail so you can succeed? I think most of us would instinctively say "no, of course not!" But do we live like it is true? Do we want our "competitors" to succeed? Maybe a little, but lets not get carried away. In leadership, a common trap that we can fall into is a scarcity mindset, where we fear there is only so much resources and market share to go around. This even bleeds over into church/kingdom work as we think others need to go backwards for us to go forward. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with author Chris Horst about collaborating for the sake of greater impact. Chris works for Hope International and he and his co-author noticed the tendency for organizations and leaders to isolate and compete. Chris went on a journey to explore the challenges and benefits of working together for greater impact and he shares the beauty and real stories of organizations around the world learning that we are better together. More about Chris www.chris-horst.com Follow Chris @ChrisHorst www.hopeinternational.org Read "Rooting for Rivals"

Pain and heartbreak can often be an opportunity for impact. Obviously, we never go looking for pain but God has a knack for taking our brokeness and redeeming it with purpose. In today's episode, Alan has a conversation with Ben and Laura Harrison. Ben and Laura have an amazing story and purpose that was birthed out of their son's eye condition. Their son Jonas we born with an eye condition which required specialized eyewear to even have limited sight. As they went this journey, Ben and Laura realized a need for children's eyewear and out of that need they created their company "Jonas Paul Eyewear" where they create beautiful eyewear for kids and teens. Because of their experience they built their business on a model of "buy sight, give sight." With each eyewear purchase Jonas Paul Eyewear makes a donation to help kids all around the world deal with preventable eye disease. Find Out More www.jonaspauleyewear.com

How do you lead through a difficult conversation? How do you lead when a topic is deeply personal and polarized? There are few topics more polarizing than sexuality in our culture. New conversations have surfaced and people are waiting and watching to see how the church will respond. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with pastor and author Bruce Miller about navigating and leading in a era of sexual questioning. Bruce offers encouragement and challenge to church leaders to face their own broken sexuality and to educate themselves on the issues that their people are wrestling with. While this episode may bring up all sorts of emotions and questions, we pray that it ultimately brings freedom, healing and redemption to this area of your life and leadership. Connect with Bruce www.brucemiller.com @Bruce_B_Miller Read his book "Leading the Church in a Time of Sexual Questioning"

In a special episode, Alan read's his eBook "Right-Side Up Leader." This concept of healthy leadership is the motivation and foundation for the Right-Side Up Leadership Podcast. Alan did not set out to write this message, but through his own experience and working alongside countless leaders this message of health over impact bubbled to the surface. We are passionate about this message of health, longevity and impact because we truly believe it is possible to lead and preserve your soul in the process. Want More? Download the Right-Side Up Leader eBook at www.stayforth.com/guides If you want to explore these principles more deeply, and implement them in your life, consider reaching out to our coaches for some one-on-one coaching to help you get healthy in your life and leadership. Learn more about our coaching at www.stayforth.com/coaching

What happens when the lines between work and home become fuzzy? In this episode, we sit down with two couples who are in the trenches of small business risks, and side hustles. Our conversation is all about business and marriage and how you navigate the very real challenges, wins and losses of starting a business together. First, Alan and Juile talk with Travis and Niki Fields who own FH Beerworks in Colorado Springs, CO. They opened their doors in 2014 but recently added a second location which was/is a massive financial and logistical undertaking. They discuss the challenges of balancing work and family life, and also the strength that comes from the different gifts they both bring to the table. Second, Alan and David sit down with Josh and Alli Hunter, who run Banner Wake Designs from their home in Colorado Springs. Alli and Josh started BWD while Josh was working full-time at a church and right before their 5th child was born. Translation, "free-time" was in short supply. Their why behind their "side-hustle" was to close a financial gap and ultimately get out of debt. Both of these couples are in the thick of it, experiencing the stress, fear and excitement of a dynamic and growing business. We hope their honesty and experience encourage you in your marriage and business. UPDATE: Since this episode Alli and Josh's "side hustle" has turned into their main hustle, giving them more financial freedom, while still serving the local church. Support These Couples! FH Beerworks FH Beerworks/facebook FH Beerworks/instagram Banner Wake Designs Banner Wake Designs/facebook Banner Wake Designs/instagram Banner Wake Designs/etsy

What would your church or non-profit look like if the gifts and leadership of women were untapped and maximized? In this episode, leader and author Kadi Cole has a conversation with Alan about how church leaders can intentionally develop the women leaders around them. Kadi unpacks the often controversial topic of woman and leadership in the church from a posture of challenge but not condemnation. Kadi challenges assumptions and bad habits in order to help leaders tap into the God-given potential of women in the local church. Regardless of denominational stance, or personal theological conviction, Kadi offers practical wisdom in how ministry leaders can empower and develop the women around them. Connect with Kadi Facebook Twitter Instagram www.kadicole.com Read "Developing Female Leaders"

What sets you apart? What are you uniquely positioned to do that others can't? In this podcast, Alan has a conversation with Jesse Cole about finding the thing that sets you apart. Jesse is uniquely talented at creating a scene of fun, curiosity and wonder. He encourages you to "find your yellow tux", the thing in your life, leadership and business that helps you stand out. He and Alan talk baseball, business, leadership, marketing and self-care. However, with Jesse, it's clear that it all comes down to people and creating as much value as you can for others. Connect with Jesse www.findyouryellowtux.com twitter/YellowTuxJesse Read "Find Your Yellow Tux"

If someone asked you, "Are you a writer?" What would you say? Yes? No? Maybe? In this episode, Alan and David talk about the barriers, paradigm shifts, and practices that come with consistently writing. Whether you are a confident writer, a hesitant beginner or a curious onlooker we hope this episode gives you some insight and tips into what it means to dive into the habit and craft of writing. Want more? Check out both of Alan's "Busy Bum Guide to Writing..." at www.stayforth.com/guides

You don't have to spend much time on the internet to know we live in a polarizing time. While we are connected more than ever through technology, things can feel incredibly divided. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with pastor and author Dan White. Dan discusses his book "Love Over Fear" and shares the beauty and power when we choose to love in the midst of division. Our common response to people outside of our tribe is to retreat or to fight, but Dan reminds us of a third way, love. You'll hear stories from his neighborhood, some psychology behind arguing on the internet and some practical tips to stay healthy. Connect with Dan www.loveoverfearproject.com Pick up "Love Over Fear" @danwhitejr

Writing can be a daunting task. You may have a profound idea, or story that you're passionate about, but what does it take to go from your head to a book? That gap can paralyze us from exploring an idea. In this episode, Alan sits down with Alex Field to talk about writing, publishing and ultimately what it takes to write a book. This conversation demystifies the process of writing as Alex let's you behind the curtain into the publishing process. Alex and Alan talk about the long-term commitment, hustling and grind that comes from, not only writing, but then sharing that book with the world. While writing a book is still a massive undertaking, we hope this conversation gives you a framework if you are considering taking the next step in your writing journey. Connect with Alex www.thebinderyagency.com Check Out These Writing Resources www.stayforth.com/guides

We love coffee and more often than not we are drinking a fine cup during each episode. In today's episode, we host a conversation with friends that either manage or own a coffee shop/roaster. Even though these guys make nationally recognized coffee, it became obvious that coffee isn't their main priority - It's people. Coffee has become a conduit for relationships and coffee shops have become a thriving "third space" for people to meet outside of home and work. We talk about developing a team, creating a culture of hospitality and avoiding burnout. Whether you are into coffee or not, there is a ton to learn from these industry leaders as they teach us how to cultivate meaningful community in our cities. Check out their Coffee! www.loyalcoffee.co www.peakplace.com & www.holdfastcoffeeco.com www.switchbackroasters.com

Rest is a consistent theme on this podcast and today we discuss a distinct concept of rest, called sabbatical. Sabbatical is an extended break from your work. Generally, your church, school or organization gifts you with this extended time away after a certain amount of years of service. We've seen that leaders can struggle enough with a weekly day of rest, so when they are given several weeks of "nothingness" it can seem daunting, aimless and disorienting. In today's episode, David and Alan talk about their experiences with the topic of sabbatical and discuss some tips and things to keep in mind as you prepare for sabbatical. As Alan says, sabbatical will likely "wreck you" in so many different ways. It is a disorienting but in can be the environment to help us find deep clarity and peace in our calling, identity and path forward as we come back to our work refreshed. If you are about to take a sabbatical or are currently in one, we'd love to hear what you're thinking or how its going. Reach out to us at www.stayforth.com/contact

We're passionate about people finding health in their lives. One of the most powerful ways we've experienced this is through coaching. In this episode, Alan and David sit down to talk about coaching. They unpack what coaching is and what coaching isn't and ultimately why it is crucial to what we do at Stay Forth Designs. Want to explore more? Check out our coaching page at www.stayforth.com/coaching And explore our team of coaches at www.stayforth.com/team

We talk a ton about personal health, but what about team health? In this episode, Lance Witt comes back on the podcast to talk with Alan about healthy teams. Lance believes that a healthy team will be a high impact team. The conversation is centered around practical ways to cultivate a healthy team environment. Alan and Lance cover topics like developing the people around you and even best practices in leading the toughest person on your team...yourself. We want to encourage you to find the thing(s) within this podcast to not only wrestle with but take back to your team, in order to pursue greater health and impact. Connect with Lance www.replenish.net Pick up Lance's book, "High Impact Teams"

There are moments in life that feel like "a leap." And more specifically a leap without full knowledge of where you'll land. Maybe you can relate with a moment like this, or maybe you are creeping toward the edge of a moment like this and it's both terrifying and exciting. In this episode, David and Alan sit down to discuss Alan's recent and BIG decision to jump head-first into "Stay Forth Designs" full-time. Up until recently, Stay Forth had been a substantial "side hustle" for Alan and his wife Julie, where they pour into leaders through training, coaching, consulting and making content. At the beginning of this summer they discerned that Alan would take the leap into doing it all "full-time." Alan unpacks his heart for helping leaders find health and all of the fear and excitement that came from this decision. We hope that this conversation gives you insight and encouragement as you discern and make big decisions in your life. Find out more about Stay Forth Designs and what we do at www.stayforth.com

Does anxiety get in the way of your leadership? I think most of us would answer yes, in some shape or form. The very nature of leadership is fertile ground for anxiety to spring up in our lives. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with pastor and author, Steve Cuss. Through Steve's early experience as a hospital chaplain and years of pastoral ministry, anxiety has been a consistent presence within leadership. Steve talks about practical ways of acknowledging our anxiety, through physical cues in our bodies. He gives insight into some of our deeper sources of anxiety in leadership, like identity and performance. And ultimately Steve offers hope through practical ways of addressing the very real anxiety that exists in our lives. We encourage you to listen to this one with your friends, team or spouse as a way to unpack and name this reality in your life. Find Steve's book "Managing Leadership Anxiety" below. It is such a crucial read for any leader. Connect with Steve www.stevecusswords.com @stevecusswords Managing Leadership Anxiety

Does your leadership diminish those around you, or does it multiply their intelligence, capacity and effectiveness. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with researcher, author, speaker and advisor, Liz Wiseman about her book, "Multipliers." In it she unpacks the crucial differences and practices of a "diminisher" and a "multiplier." A diminisher knowingly or unknowingly, stifles the creativity, potential and intelligence of those they lead. Whereas, a multiplier draws that out of those they lead. This conversation is crucial for anyone wanting to help their team thrive in their roles and gifting. Connect with Liz www.thewisemangroup.com linkedin Pick up Multipliers on Here

Marriage isn't always easy, but it can be legendary. In this Episode, Alan & Julie sit down with Justin & Danielle Williams to talk about health and marriage. The Williams share the ups and downs of their lives and what its like to work so closely together. They unpack practical habits and tips that help each of them bring their best selves to the relationship. They bring insight, wisdom and a lot of laughter to the podcast. Follow along at: www.legendarymarriage.com The Legendary Marriage Podcast Facebook

Are you unleashing the creative potential of others into the world? The people you serve and lead are brimming with kingdom potential and often, all it takes to unlock it is a little encouragement. In this Episode, David has a conversation with Alan about his book, "Everyone's a Genius." Which is a message about how we can unleash the creativity of others for the sake of the world. If you are interested in empowering others to thrive as God has created them, then this message is for you! Explore More www.stayforth.com Find "Everyone's a Genius" at Amazon

Most leaders want to see impact. I am guessing that you desire to see impact in your context. However, we will always limit our potential for impact if we try and be the "hero." In this episode, Alan sits down with Dave Ferguson to talk about his new book "Hero Make." Dave is a pastor, author, the leader of the church planting network, New thing and the president of Exponential. The idea of a hero making leader is all about multiplication. Dave shares that true, exponential impact comes when leaders pour into and equip the leaders around them. Not only does developing heros around you lead to more impact but it is a healthier way to lead. Follow Dave www.daveferguson.org www.exponential.org www.newthing.org

In order to pour into others, you need something left to pour out. Many of us in leadership can begin to feel empty, and unable to keep pouring our lives out to others. In this episode, Alan has a conversation with author and pastor to pastors, Lance Witt. Lance is passionate about helping church leaders find healthy rhythms in their life and the tools and resources necessary to care for their own souls. Unfortunately if we are not careful, church leaders can easily neglect their own souls. One of the greatest gifts you can give to your people is a rested soul, grounded in Jesus. This is why Lance has launched a ministry called "Replenish." Follow Lance www.replenish.net @twitter/lance_witt Facebook

In this episode, Alan sits down with professional cyclist Ben King to talk about life, training, performance, control, identity and faith. Ben has competed on massive stages, like The "Tour de France," and shared his story in a powerful "I Am Second" video. While Ben is an accomplished athlete, he is vulnerable about the ups and downs of his journey. Whether you are a competitive athlete or not, we think this episode will speak to your life, leadership and health. Connect with Ben: www.benkingusa.com Instagram Twitter

Subversive means to undermine an established system. The established culture that we bow to is one of little rest. In fact, if you don't rest, you will probably be celebrated. This exists both inside and outside the church. In this episode, Alan explores the depths of Sabbath with author A.J. Swoboda. A.J. challenges cultural expectations and dysfunction surrounding the sabbath and offers insight and rhythms to help leaders break free from our restlessness, into a life of rest and health. We talk about rest at Stay Forth Designs a lot, and it is intentional, because we truly believe this is a message that leaders need to hear. Connect with A.J. Twitter - @mrajswoboda www.ajswoboda.com Find A.J.'s book "Subversive Rest" HERE Learn more about our partner Hearthstone Native. David and Alan love good coffee, especially when that coffee has a purpose. That's why partnering with our Colorado Springs neighbors, Hearthstone Native was a no-brainer. Each bag of coffee you buy from Hearthstone Native goes toward helping to build education centers for orphanages, located in the areas they source their coffee. Their goal is to develop programs that help educate, train and empower the local children. www.hearthstonenative.com