The Spiritual Gift of Discouragement

Imagine if gratitude wasn’t just a yearly feeling, but a daily practice! In this episode, Ryan dives into the concept of Thanksliving, contrasting it with Thanksgiving, and delves into how gratitude can actually reshape your brain. He also tackles the sneaky entitlement that sometimes sneaks into our lives. With heartfelt stories, like a transformative moment in Chicago that changed his view of his mom, and candid moments of doubt (“Do we really need more to appreciate what we have?”), this episode will really change your perspective. From work and marriage to parenting and even traffic, Ryan reminds us that even our frustrations can be seen as blessings someone else is hoping for. Gratitude doesn’t ignore the challenges we face, but it does help us handle them differently. Try incorporating Thanksliving into your life this week, and see how your home becomes a more positive place.

We’ve all got that family member we’re already bracing ourselves for this holiday season. For some people, the holidays feel less like a celebration and more like a cold plunge — get in, get out, and try not to scream. But you don’t have to match anyone else’s energy this year. In this episode, Ryan shows you how to prepare for people’s patterns, protect your peace, and lead the moment you’re in. You’ll learn how intentional questions can shift the tone at any table, how to avoid becoming someone you don’t like, and how to set a new standard for the holidays long before the drama starts. This isn’t about surviving the season — it’s about shaping it.

Phenomenal skill gets you noticed—but phenomenal will makes you unstoppable. In this episode, Ryan explores the powerful difference between what you can measure and what you can’t. From the 10,000-hour rule to Angela Duckworth’s research on grit, and the inspiring story of Jamie Kern Lima—who turned rejection after rejection into a $1.2 billion success—this episode reminds us that talent might open the door, but perseverance keeps you in the room. Skill helps you start. Will helps you finish.👉 If today’s episode encouraged you, text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly inspiration and leadership insights straight to your phone.

Ever met someone who seems to have the spiritual gift of discouragement? You know... the person who finds the flaw in every plan, the hole in every idea, and the typo in every email. In this episode, Ryan shares why those people are actually gifts to your life and leadership. The very person who tells you what’s not working might be the reason you don’t settle for mediocrity. Learn how to reframe “negativity” as discernment, embrace honest feedback, and build a team that’s both encouraging and refining.

We’ve got cold plunges, calorie counters, greens, gyms, diets, and Ozempic for our physical fitness, but what about our mental fitness? In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down a simple, practical routine for training your mind the same way you train your body. From your morning mental warm-up to emotional resistance training, gratitude cool-downs, and rest days for your brain, this one will help you build a stronger, clearer, and more resilient mindset. Because when your mind is fit, your life follows.

Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really means to be a dog with discipline.

In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.

Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.Here are a few of the studies mentioned:World Journal of Gastroenterology on liver function and chronic anger: linkJohns Hopkins Medicine on the health benefits of forgiveness: linkJournal of Behavioral Medicine study on forgiveness and mental health: linkMayo Clinic on forgiveness and stress relief: linkBut science can only take you so far. If you’re wondering how to actually forgive, Ryan points to the model and the power found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take the next steps in your faith journey or receive prayer, text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201, and Ryan’s team would love to connect with you.And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, check out Ryan’s full message on forgiveness here: Watch on YouTube

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!

In a week filled with tragedy and nonstop scrolling, many of us felt the weight of collective triggering. Do I post? What do I post? Do I delete it? How do I keep relationships intact when emotions are running high?In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the art of disagreeing without disrespect, why friendships shouldn’t dissolve in 20 seconds over one post, and how respect and humility can change the tone of even the hardest conversations. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be kind... even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.