Unconventional Leaders

Jesi Stracham is an entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate who, after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident and paralysis, discovered the power of resilience, faith, and authentic self-expression.From a life-threatening injury and near-death experiences to writing her book Power in the Roll and founding the Wheel With Me Foundation, Jesi’s journey is about transforming trauma into purpose, honoring the body as a temple, and choosing to live with presence and intention. In this conversation, Jesi explores self-trust, embracing imperfection, and breaking cycles of shame so you can fully live…no matter your circumstances.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Faith and near-death experiences as catalysts for spiritual growthThe body as a temple: fitness, nutrition, and overall wellnessRedefining self-identity and breaking cycles of shame, judgment, and self-doubtWatch my previous episode with Jesi: https://youtu.be/XbHVdmO8oVI CONNECT WITH JESI STRACHAM:Website: https://jesistracham.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesistracham/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/162

Anthony Trucks is a former professional football player turned speaker, author, and transformational coach. Known for his “Dark Work” and “Identity Shift” frameworks, Anthony helps people overcome limiting beliefs, trauma, and past experiences to step into higher levels of performance. After growing up in foster care, navigating abuse, losing his NFL career to injury, and rebuilding his life from rock bottom, he now teaches others how to intentionally reshape who they are and create lasting success.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Dark work vs. shadow work: doing the real work after awarenessIdentity shift: why you build who you become (not find it)Using adversity as fuel without being defined by itCONNECT WITH ANTHONY TRUCKS:Website: https://www.anthonytrucks.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonytrucks/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/161

Shannan Martin is the bestselling author of Counterweights, Start with Hello, and The Ministry of Ordinary Places, as well as the voice behind the popular Substack…The Soup. A self-described wannabe gardener, news geek, justice-seeker, and thrift store enthusiast, Shannan writes about the intersection of faith, everyday life, and community. In this conversation, Shannan explores the concept of “counterweights”, the practice of holding the heaviness of life while intentionally noticing small, life-giving moments that keep us grounded. From faith shifts and justice work to navigating apathy, anger, and hope in a complicated world, she shares a deeply honest look at what it means to stay human, present, and connected when everything feels overwhelming.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Carrying life’s pain while intentionally noticing beauty and hopeHow community reshaped her views on justice and belongingWhy joy, rest, and small everyday moments are not escapism, but survivalCONNECT WITH SHANNAN MARTIN:Website: https://www.shannanmartin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shannanwrites/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/160

Joe Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian whose resume includes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Central Half Hour special. His first one-hour special, Cult Classic, directed by Nate Bargatze, was called “One of the best specials of the year” by The Comedy Bureau.In this conversation, Joe shares what it really takes to build a creative career, learning to trust the slow process while staying playful with the work. We talk about writing, curiosity, and why his approach flips the classic advice to “write what you know.” WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How journaling, free-writing, and imperfect drafts unlock stronger ideasLetting outside interests…feed originality and prevent burnoutWhy curiosity, not ambition, is often the real engine behind meaningful creativityCONNECT WITH JOE ZIMMERMAN:Website: https://www.zimmermancomedy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joezimmerman Listen to ‘Joe Zimmerman – Cult Classic Full Special (Stand-Up Comdey)’: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3N0pAhTbRcs0X1Sqyi1Dns CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/159

Patrick Murphy is a somatic coach for high-achievers who feel stuck in anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm.Today, he shares how unresolved trauma shows up in our bodies and why mindset work alone isn’t enough. We also talk about healing generational trauma and why experiencing anger can be a sign of healing.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Generational trauma and its impact on our nervous systemHealing family wounds when you still have to be around your familyWhy when we get healed we often get angryCONNECT WITH PATRICK MURPHY:Website: https://www.murph.live/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murph.live/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/158

Brian Nietzel says he's always known two things about himself. One, Jesus is his hero. And two, he is gay. At one point, his faith and sexuality felt divided, because he didn’t just want God’s tolerance—he wanted His blessing. Today, Brian shares his journey of rediscovering the heart of Jesus and knowing in his bones that God’s got him and the LGBTQ+ community. Coming out didn’t take his faith away—it deepened it.As the founder of Making Things Right, Brian facilitates powerful events where hundreds of LGBTQ+ individuals and families (many who are conservative) show up to rediscover Jesus, heal old wounds, and engage in meaningful, restorative conversations that bridge divides. These conversations are RAW, but he leads them with grace and kindness because, as he says, he is not here to defend positions, but to defend people.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Being gay and Christian (and knowing God's got you)Doing justice vs. fighting injusticeHow to have difficult conversations about faith & sexuality with graceCONNECT WITH BRIAN NIETZEL:Website: https://makingthingsright.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannietzel/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/157

At just 12 years old, Collier Landry testified against his father in one of Ohio’s most publicized trials following the murder of his mother. His film A Murder in Mansfield became part of his healing and opened conversations about the lasting impact of violence on families, communities, and survivors.In this conversation, we explore authenticity in storytelling, the tension between public curiosity and personal truth, and how creative expression can transform pain into meaning. Collier reflects on how creativity became a lifeline… serving as tools for processing grief, reclaiming identity, and confronting generational trauma.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The long-term ripple effects of violence beyond the courtroomWhy true crime often misses the survivor perspectiveUsing storytelling to reclaim identity instead of being defined by tragedyCONNECT WITH COLLIER LANDRY:Website: https://www.collierlandry.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/collierlandry/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/156

Kyle Cease had the sold-out shows, the Comedy Central specials, and the external success… but knew something was missing. Instead of doubling down on performance, he walked away from chasing more and began doing deeper work…work that would eventually shift the entire direction of his life.Today, Kyle has worked with over 15,000 people around the world, helping them dissolve fear, release old wounds, and reconnect with presence. Through his events, teachings, and transformational work, he guides individuals out of the illusion of control and into alignment with who they truly are.After reading his book The Illusion of Money, I started following Kyle’s work more closely and realized something confronting: so much of what we chase externally is actually an invitation to go within. In this conversation, we explore what it means to surrender the ego, trust the present moment, and discover that everything we’re looking for might already be here.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:The power of presence: letting go of control, comparison, and egoic identityAlchemizing inner wounds: how healing personal fear and shame mirrors transformation in the external worldThe amateur within: embracing imperfection as the path to growth and creativityFollowing your soul’s bliss: discerning between ego-driven ambition and deeper, life-aligned joyCONNECT WITH KYLE CEASE:Website: https://www.kylecease.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evolvingoutloud/CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/155

To reach the “next level” in our lives, we often have to break generational patterns, become beginners again, and learn how to make decisions from a place of certainty (not permission).This week, we’re joined by Bishop Kevin Foreman, known as “The People’s Bishop”. A pastor, entrepreneur, and mentor, he lives at the intersection of faith, leadership, and personal transformation.In this conversation, he shares brutally honest, practical, and spiritual insights on what it really takes to evolve into who you were meant to become.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Breaking generational curses to unlock your potentialTurning adversity into your advantageHow to make decisions from a place of certainty CONNECT WITH BISHOP KEVIN FOREMAN:Website: https://www.harvestchurch.church/bishop-kevin-foreman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bishopforeman/ Text “BISHOP” to 55498 to receive 10% off any of Bishop Foreman’s books and select items.CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/154

What if the thing you have been trying to hide is the exact thing that gives you work power?In this episode, I sit down with Jon Giganti, executive coach, speaker, and author of With Intention. Jon gets honest about what held him back, from athletics and family chaos to depression and numbing, and the long road back to presence and purpose.Together, we unpack a tension I know many of you feel, the desire to make real impact while being afraid of sounding self promotional, salesy, or spiritually manipulated by words like service and servant leadership. What emerges is an invitation to reclaim those words and redefine what it means to lead, to serve, and to tell the truth in a way that actually helps someone.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Why imposter syndrome might be a feature, not a flawThe difference between potential and the interference that blocks itHow to share a hard story without making it all about youCONNECT WITH JON GIGANTI:Website: https://www.jongiganti.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/ ‘With Intention’ by Jon Giganti: https://a.co/d/02Qzxab2 CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/153

Building an online community isn’t about platforms or posting more…it’s about intention. In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur and Community Market Fit author Lucas Bean to break down what actually turns an audience into a real community, including the three essentials every strong community needs.We unpack what people get wrong about online communities, what modern creators can learn from ancient societies, and why “community market fit” often matters more than product-market fit. We also explore the difference between influencers and creators, building with your audience instead of for them, and how belonging and identity shape the future of work in an AI-driven world.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Find community demand before building productsUse artifacts, rules, and rituals to scaleWhen going wide beats niching downCONNECT WITH LUCAS BEAN:Website: https://www.lucasbean.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/luke360/ CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/152

Pastor Kimberly Bulgin is the author of The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems and the founder of The House of Women. She helps faith-filled women unlearn harmful theology so they can reclaim their bodies, desires, and agency…without shame.In this episode, we talk about sensuality as a God-given gift and how to rebuild a spiritual life rooted in freedom instead of fear. From modesty culture, to pleasure and holiness, Pastor Kim offers a deeply honest and liberating reframe for women who love God (and as a result) are done hating their bodies.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How bad theology around modesty and “good girl” behavior keeps women smallReclaiming sensuality as a holy, embodied way of living a life that “turns you on”Healing shame in the body and nervous system while still holding onto your faithCONNECT WITH KIMBERLY BULGIN:Website: https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_kimberlybulgin/ Buy ‘The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems’ here (use the code ‘UNCONVENTIONAL’ for a 15% discount off physical copies): https://www.kimberlybulgin.com/product-page/the-sisters-stay-dropping-gems CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/151

Jeremy Steele helps people healing from religious trauma find spiritual beliefs and practices that actually work for them. A deep skeptic and ordained pastor, he leads an online community offering spiritual care to people who may never walk back into a church building, yet still crave meaning, purpose, and transcendence.In this episode, Jeremy unpacks what it means to be a “practitioner of Christianity,” how to deconstruct without burning your soul to the ground, and why the very parts of you that were once labeled “wrong” might be your clearest doorway to impact.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Healing religious trauma & dismantling fear-based faithTurning “the thing that’s wrong with you” into your superpowerChoosing what stories to tell and protecting your heart while creatingCONNECT WITH JEREMY STEELE:Website: https://jeremy-steele.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skeptic.pastor/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@skeptic.pastor CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/ Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/150

If you’ve set the same goals over and over and still feel stuck, this is for you. In this episode, we explore why your results start with your identity, not your systems, and how creating an alter ego can help you access a bolder, more capable version of yourself. Because sometimes the person you need to become is already inside you, you just need a doorway to step into them.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyEPISODES MENTIONED:How to Be Braver Sharing Your Story | Terry Rice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5KaP3y927gAlter Ego, High Performance, and the Trap of Authenticity | Todd Herman: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRiKFGs7pckLucas Bean: Coming Soon!CONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/149

Ron Chapman is a professional storyteller, novelist, and longtime guide for deep inner work. With nearly 40 years of sobriety, Ron has spent his life helping people navigate hard truths…through story, spirituality, and presence rather than performance.In this conversation, we talk about what it actually means to tell authentic stories—not polished or performative, but honest stories that respect the audience and the weight of the material. From wrestling with God, to trauma and recovery, to knowing when not to perform, this episode is a grounded look at storytelling as a responsibility…not just a craft.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparadyTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:Authentic storytelling vs performative storytellingHow to tell heavy stories with integrityWhat makes a story valuable to an audienceEgo, humility, and responsibility in storytellingCONNECT WITH RON CHAPMAN: Website: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/The Saga of Grace Series: https://www.ronaldchapman.com/the-saga-of-graceCONNECT WITH HEATHER:Follow Heather on IG: https://www.instagram.com/heatherparady/Access Full Show Notes Here: https://www.heatherparady.com/blog/148