A Controversial But Helpful Approach Towards Dating | Dr. Henry Cloud

In this episode of NextUp, Grant sits down with world-renowned psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud to dismantle the confusion surrounding modern Christian dating. For a generation that grew up in the shadow of the "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" movement, many young leaders find themselves stuck in a cycle of waiting on God, ditching faith in Him in the process. Dr. Cloud shares why he moved from being a psychologist to a dating coach for a season, uncovering the specific reasons why healthy, mission-minded singles aren't finding each other. They discuss the Dating for Growth framework—the idea that dating isn't just a search for "the one," but a laboratory where God uncovers the internal barriers and anxieties that might be holding you back from your full calling.  If you're a young leader navigating the tension between your personal life and your mission, this conversation offers a much-needed roadmap to move from passive waiting to intentional action. In this conversation, Grant and Dr. Cloud discuss: ✅ The Waiting Trap: Why sitting at home waiting for God to bring someone to your door might be keeping you from the very growth you need. ✅ The 5-People-a-Week Challenge: The radical advice Dr. Cloud gave to a woman who hadn't dated in years, and the internal healing that followed. ✅ Dating as a Growth Path: How to use the dating process to look under the hood of your own character and spiritual maturity. ✅ The Exclusivity Problem: Why we often rush into serious labels too quickly and how to protect your heart while staying open. ✅ The Six-Month Guarantee: How a shift in perspective can lead to a healthy relationship faster than you think. Check out Dr. Cloud's book: How to Get a Date Worth Keeping MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Are we just talking about the next generation, or are we actually giving them the keys? In this episode, Grant sits down with his longtime friend and the founder of Pulse, Nick Hall, for a high-stakes conversation about what it looks like to be a missionary maker in today's culture. Nick is known for his unique ability to spot young leaders in their teens and put them on the world's biggest stages—from Viking Stadium to local mission fields. Together, they pull back the curtain on why the fire and passion of Gen Z is exactly what the global Church needs right now and why we have to stop policing where young people can go and start accelerating where God is calling them. If you're a young leader wondering if you're ready or an older leader looking to multiply your impact, this conversation is your roadmap for moving from personal platform to kingdom legacy. In this conversation, they dive into: ✅ The Kingmaker vs. Missionary Maker: Why Nick chooses to platform teenagers for major initiatives and how that shifts the trajectory of their leadership. ✅ Leading from Scars, Not Wounds: The vital importance of emotional health and why the most effective leaders lead from a place of healed-over scars rather than open, unaddressed wounds. ✅ The Normal Evangelist: Breaking the awkwardness of sharing your faith and why Nick believes the Bible doesn't actually support a private faith. ✅ Invitation Over Condemnation: Understanding that God's voice is always an invitation to change, never a tool for shame. ✅ Gen Z Fire: Why this generation's hunger for the Gospel is different and how to steward that passion without burning out. Check out Nick's Website: https://www.nickhall.com/ Nick's Instagram: ​​https://www.instagram.com/nickhallpulse/ Nick's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickHallpulse/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Are you building a platform, or are you being formed by the Presence? In this episode of NextUp, Grant sits down with Pastor Derwin Gray for a raw, high-stakes conversation about the Platform Gospel and the subtle idolatry that often creeps into next gen leadership. Derwin—who walked away from the fame of the NFL to follow Jesus—shares how many young leaders today are inadvertently using Jesus to heal their own internal traumas or bolster their self worth. If you've ever felt the pressure to perform, the pull of the spotlight, or the spiritual insanity of using ministry to fix a broken identity, this conversation is for you. Grant and Derwin dive into: ✅ The Trap of Celebrity Christianity: Why a platform can't heal the parts of you that only the Father's love can. ✅ Identifying the Drift: How to tell when your ministry has shifted from an overflow of intimacy to a machine of self promotion. ✅ Practical Stewardship: What it looks like to honor God with the roses of success without letting the praise go to your head. ✅ The "Why" Behind the Work: Moving from being seen by people to being known by God. The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong. We don't need more celebrities; we need more disciples who find Jesus beautiful enough even if no one ever knows their name. Check out Derwin's Website: https://www.derwinlgray.com/ Transformation Church: https://transformationchurch.tc/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

We've all been there—wondering if we're actually called to the pulpit or if we're just good at talking. In this episode, Grant sits down with friend Faith Cho for a raw conversation on what it looks like to find your voice without losing your soul to the platform of online comparison and vainglory. Faith opens up about her first time preaching at 17 and the hard lesson she learned along the way: being a natural communicator is a gift, but being an effective one requires something much deeper than talent. If you're a young leader navigating a wilderness season or trying to figure out how to lead well when nobody is watching, this one is for you. They dive into: The Transition: Moving from natural ability to Holy Spirit dependency. The Wilderness: Why the seasons where you feel "unseen" are actually where your calling is forged. The Harvest: Shifting our focus from our own performance to the people God is trying to set free. The stakes are too high for us to just be good enough at ministry. It's time to be formed by His presence so we can actually move the needle for the Kingdom. Connect with Faith Cho: Preorder Never Alone: https://sites.prh.com/never-alone-faith-eury-cho/ Website: https://www.faitheurycho.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faitheurycho/ The Honor Summit: https://www.thehonorsummit.com/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Most of us spend our twenties feeling a massive amount of pressure to be someone or change the world, but we often end up feeling more crushed than crushing it. In this conversation, Grant sits down with his friend and Pastor of Way Noah Herrin to talk about what it actually looks like to lead well in your twenties and how to move from chasing a platform to being formed by the presence of God. Noah shares some hilariously humbling stories (including the time he told 3,000 students to make some love for Jesus) and dives deep into why our biggest failures are often the very things God uses to shape us into who He's called us to be. They also tackle the George Bailey approach to leadership: learning to be a local missionary in your own backyard rather than waiting for a global stage. In this episode, they discuss: ✅ The Romans 8:28 Reality: Why God's "good" is more about your character than your comfort. ✅ Defining Your World: How to win on your local basketball court before you try to win the world. ✅ The Discipline Gap: Why the boring, daily habits are the real separators for next-gen leaders. ✅ Taking Big Risks: Why your 20s are the season to fail forward and take the risks others are too afraid to try. Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework/ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships/ Join us at THINQ Summit 2025 in Nashville, October 1-2: https://events.thinqmedia.com/2026summit Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/ THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinq-media-podcast/id1072608281  

In this episode, our own Grant Skeldon sits down with Grant & Madi Troutt for a raw conversation on what it looks like to follow Jesus when the world—and even the church—is obsessed with platform. Are we using God as a stepping stone to build our own influence, or is He truly our cornerstone? Grant and Madi open up about their whirlwind of transition moving to Nashville and the counter-cultural rhythms they're leaning into to stay grounded in the Spirit. In this conversation, they dive into: ✅ How silencing the digital noise helps us become more present to the Holy Spirit and the people right in front of us.  ✅ How letting the Word dwell richly in their life has become the Troutts' ultimate defense against the comparison trap we all face. ✅ The beauty of prioritizing being known in their own living room and by their neighbors rather tha n just being a face on a stage.  ✅ The tension between our personal ambitions and the actual leading of the Spirit, especially in the gray areas of life. If you're a young leader feeling the weight of performing your faith, this episode is a much-needed reminder to stop looking at the jumbotron and start looking at the One we're actually running the race for. Follow Madi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madiprew/ and Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madiprew/ Madi's Website: https://www.madiprew.com/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships Unlock the THINQ Summit 2025 All-Access Pass: https://thinqmedia.com/access25 Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons  NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148 THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinq-media-podcast/id1072608281

What happens when you reach the peak of cultural influence and realize it's actually a cage? To start off this new season of NextUp, podcaster and former OnlyFans star Nala Ray joins the conversation to pull back the curtain on the platform world. From navigating the relentless microscope of social media to finding a deeper identity in Christ, Nala shares with us the raw reality of leaving behind a massive platform to find true surrender. Listen as she explores the tension between building a name for yourself and discovering a calling in Christ that actually lasts. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The trap of "living your truth" and the search for objective reality. ✅ Navigating public scrutiny without losing your soul. ✅ Why surrender is the most courageous move a leader can make. ✅ Practical discernment for the next generation of leaders. Nala's journey offers a powerful framework for what it means to lead with a servant's heart and finish well, whether you're leading a business, a ministry, or simply crafting your own digital footprint. More Nala Ray    Instagram  TikTok Facebook X  Follow Grant on Instagram: And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships Unlock the THINQ Summit 2025 All-Access Pass before it's released to the public: https://thinqmedia.com/access25 Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson

Many leaders want to read the Bible more, but often don't know where to start. It can feel intimidating, confusing, or just dry, causing a relationship with Scripture to feel more like a task than a transformation. In this interview, Grant sits down with Zach Windahl, the creator of The Bible Study, to talk about his story of going from a faith crisis to helping hundreds of thousands of people fall in love with the Bible. Zach had a relationship with God and the church, but not with the Bible itself—a story many can relate to. Zach shares the simple, powerful insight that led him to create a tool that became one of the fastest-growing consumer products in America. Grant and Zach discuss what to do when your faith feels conflicted, how to build consistency when you feel unmotivated, and why understanding the big picture of Scripture changes everything. Get "The Bible Study" here: https://a.co/d/69Fc1Mv/ Subscribe to Zach on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/zachwindahl/ Zach's Website: https://zachwindahl.com/ Zach's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachwindahl/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon Visit Grant's website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Lead "Let's Talk Tech Detox" conversations with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/techdetox Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhythms-for-life/id1477541494 The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-informed-parent-with-suzanne-phillips/id1708269607 UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undercurrent-with-gabe-lyons/id1683005631 NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148

In this episode, Grant chats with Ian Simkins about the sneaky trap of workaholism—especially for young leaders hustling in ministry or chasing impact. They dive into signs like constant exhaustion, ditching hobbies, and why even "good" busyness can pull us from God's easy yoke. If you're building something big but feeling burned out, this convo will hit home and point you toward real rest and rhythm. Ian's Website: https://iansimkins.com/ Follow Ian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iansimkins/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon Visit Grant's website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/   MORE RESOURCES: Lead "Let's Talk Tech Detox" conversations with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/techdetox Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN: https://events.thinqmedia.com/2025summit   Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhythms-for-life/id1477541494 The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-informed-parent-with-suzanne-phillips/id1708269607 UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undercurrent-with-gabe-lyons/id1683005631 NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148

In this episode, Grant sits down with counselor and author Debra Fileta to dive into something that hits close to home for many—how to spot your limits before burnout sneaks up and derails everything. They talk about shifting old belief systems, drawing from Jesus' own rhythms for soul care, and practical steps to stay rooted without just grinding through. If you're a young leader feeling the pull to do more while keeping your faith at the center, this one's for you. Grab Soul Care here: https://www.amazon.com/Soul-Care-Life-Giving-Discover-Unspeakable-ebook/dp/B0CTDS4XC2 Check out Debra's website: https://debrafileta.com/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon Visit Grant's website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/   MORE RESOURCES: Lead "Let's Talk Tech Detox" conversations with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/techdetox Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Sign up for THINQ Summit 2025 October 2-4 in Nashville, TN: https://events.thinqmedia.com/2025summit   Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rhythms-for-life/id1477541494 The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-informed-parent-with-suzanne-phillips/id1708269607 UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/undercurrent-with-gabe-lyons/id1683005631 NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148