Linch With A Leader

Episode 163: Trusting God in Leadership with Reed Livesay

Mike sits down with Reed Livesay, CEO of Pine Cove, a Gospel-centered Christian camp with 12 locations in Texas, South Carolina, and Georgia. Reed shares his unique journey, from being a college athlete to helping startup a business in his 20’s, to finding his way to Pine Cove and expanding the reach of the organization in the state of Texas, to now sitting in the CEO chair. Throughout his life, Reed has found one foundational truth has consistently surfaced wherever he has been: the Lord ca...

Episode 162: "Awaken A Better You" with BJ Thompson

Is there a change you’ve been wanting to make, but you don’t know how? Have you tried it all and still can’t figure out how to move forward? Mike welcomes author and life coach BJ Thompson to the Linch with a Leader podcast to dive into what prevents so many of us from not only making the changes we want to make, but making them stick. BJ is a life coach, speaker, and author who helped launch one of the largest faith movements in recent history – the “116 Movement” with Grammy award winning...

Episode 161: Stop Waiting for Permission with Pastor Stephen Chandler

Ever wondered what holds you back from pursuing your dreams? Or, perhaps you’re trying to figure out what your God-given purpose is in life. In this episode of the Linch with a Leader podcast, Mike sits down with Stephen Chandler, senior pastor of Union Church, to talk about the heart behind his recent book, Stop Waiting for Permission: Harness Your Gifts, Find Your Purpose, and Unleash Your Personal Genius. Stephen believes we each have a specific, life-giving purpose in the world – but tha...

Episode 160: Overcome and Lead with “Auntie” Anne Beiler

If you have been to a mall or shopping center in the past 35 years, you are likely familiar with Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. While you may have enjoyed some of these warm, tasty treats, you likely don’t know the story of the woman whose name has become synonymous with this franchise, which now spans 49 states across America. Mike Linch sits down with “Auntie” Anne Beiler, who has a remarkable story of loss, pain, and despair that was transformed into one of hope, freedom, and healing. Like many...

Episode 159: “Pray First” with Chris Hodges

Why is prayer such an enigma for most Christians? How has prayer become more of a last resort than a first response? In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor Chris Hodges and dives into the heart behind his most recent book, Pray First: The Transformative Power of a Life Built on Prayer. Chris has spent years studying the prayers of the Bible and the models of prayer that the scriptures provide for Christians. Now, he shares with readers the teachings and methods he...

Episode 158: Parenting - Getting it Right with Andy and Sandra Stanley

Am I getting parenting right? Most parents, at any and every stage, find themselves asking this question. Mike Linch sits down with Andy and Sandra Stanley, co-authors of Parenting: Getting it Right, to dive into a subject all moms and dads encounter challenges in. No matter our family makeup or our children's personalities, many of us experience anxiety over our children's futures and often fear making a mistake. Andy and Sandra Stanley are no strangers to this feeling. As parents of three...

Episode 157: “The Lord Bless You” with Pastor Terry Smith

Did you know that God wants to bless His children? Mike Linch welcomes back Pastor Terry Smith to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, as they dive into Terry’s latest book, The Lord Bless You. In this encouraging devotional, Terry will help you recapture God’s heart for His people and discover His extraordinary goodness in your life right now. You will learn how much God wants to bless you, but also how to receive blessing, how to bring blessing to the world around you, and how blessing leads t...

Episode 156: “The Word Before Work” with Jordan Raynor

Mike Linch welcomes back author and podcaster Jordan Raynor to the Linch with a Leader Podcast, as they discuss Jordan’s latest book, The Word Before Work, a Monday-Friday devotional to help you find eternal purpose in your daily work. Through his bestselling books, the Mere Christians podcast, and his weekly devotionals, Jordan has helped millions of Christians in every country on earth connect the gospel to their work. In addition to his writing, Jordan serves as the Executive Chairman o...

Episode 155: "Finding Your Genius" with Patrick Lencioni

Do you realize what special gifts and talents you bring to the table in your occupation each and every day? Conversely, can you articulate what frustrates you most in your job? Mike Linch digs in with Patrick Lencioni, one of the greatest modern day authors on organizational health to talk about his latest release, The Six Types of Working Genius. Lencioni shares candidly how God has been the true Author of his story and journey to become one of the foremost voices in the business world, and...

Episode 154: "The Legacy of Leadership and Coaching" with Coach Vince Dooley - REPLAY

This week, we are excited to re-release an episode from the archives of Linch with a Leader to honor a legend in the State of Georgia and in the college football world. In his second episode ever published in Season 1 of the podcast, Mike Linch interviewed the late former University of Georgia Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Vince Dooley, who recently passed at the age of 90 at his home in Athens. Coach Dooley established his coaching legacy with the Georgia Bulldogs, compiling a ...

Episode 153: “Aspiring Leaders” with Clay Scroggins

What does the future look like for the next generation of leaders? In this week’s episode, Mike sits down with Clay Scroggins to talk through principles from his latest book, “The Aspiring Leader’s Guide to the Future.” According to Clay, you don't have to be a young entrepreneur with big dreams or someone looking to land a leadership role to be considered an aspiring leader. You are one now. And by developing your skills for the future, you can become today's version of a leader worth follo...

Episode 152: The Thing Beneath the Thing with Steve Carter

What holds us back from living life Whole and Holy? That’s the question Steve Carter answers in his latest book, entitled The Thing Beneath the Thing. Mike sits down with pastor, author, speaker, podcaster Steve Carter to talk about those potholes in our life’s journey that often keep us from seeing everything God makes available to us – His grace, peace, and wholeness. Steve Carter is a pastor, speaker, author, podcast host, sports enthusiast, and the former lead teaching pastor of Willow ...

Episode 151: “Always Learning” with Coach Molly Miller

What has propelled Molly Miller to become one of the brightest young stars and most successful coaches in women’s college basketball? As the college basketball season begins, Mike sits down with Molly to gain an understanding of what has fueled her journey from player to assistant coach to head coach, and how she keeps her internal engine running. Molly Miller serves as the head coach of the women’s basketball program at Grand Canyon University. Following six seasons as the head coach at he...

Episode 150: “It’s Never Too Late” with Jim “The Rookie” Morris

As we head deeper into MLB’s postseason excitement, it’s a perfect time for Mike to sit down with former Major League pitcher Jim “The Rookie” Morris. Jim shares many of the obstacles he overcame in life, and is a real-life example that it is never too late for God to work, even through the most painful and  least likely places in our lives. Jim Morris is no stranger to big dreams. Since he was five years old, he passionately yearned to play baseball in the major leagues. However, despite a...

Episode 149: “Redefining Failure” with Dr. Karyn Gordon

Why do nearly all of us struggle with failure? How can we fail forward, rather than collapsing and giving in? How can we parent effectively through our kids’ failures? Dr. Karyn Gordon sits down with Mike to talk through some of her personal experiences in dealing with failures of all kinds, and how we can be propelled to a flourishing life through failures and setbacks we encounter. Additionally, Mike and Dr. Gordon discuss concepts from her book, The Three Chairs, which aims at equipping t...

Episode 148: "Own Your Past, Change Your Future" with Dr. John Delony

Episode 147: “Stay the Course” with Coach Philip Haywood

Something we don’t see quite as celebrated today as in decades past is longevity: the ability to last and stick with something for a long time. In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with one of the legends in American high school football history, Coach Philip Haywood. In his conversation with Mike Linch, Coach Haywood shares how his role as a coach is far more than about winning; it’s about changing lives. Haywood is the head football coach at Belfry High School in Belfry,...

Episode 146: Leading from a Blank Page with Charles Martin

What does it look like to lead from the “blank page” every day? That’s what Mike Linch discusses with bestselling author Charles Martin in this episode of the Linch with a Leader podcast. Charles shares about his dream of becoming a professional football player, and how God used a devastating, career-ending injury in college to help shape what would become an incredible career in writing. From humble beginnings, to the struggles he has faced as an author, Charles is an open book in how God h...

Episode 145: Finding Your Leadership Voice with Annie F. Downs

Mike welcomes back author and speaker Annie F. Downs to the Linch with a Leader Podcast for an encore, as they pull apart what it takes to be an effective leader. But, even further than that, Mike and Annie discuss what it takes to be a healthy leader, given the stressors leaders face regularly. Annie F. Downs is a best-selling author, nationally known speaker, and podcast host based in Nashville, Tennessee. Flawed but funny, she uses her writing to highlight the everyday goodness of a real...

Episode 144: Change Has Changed with Dr. Sam Chand

Dr. Sam Chand becomes Mike’s first three-peat guest, as they discuss Dr. Chand’s most recent book, “Change Has Changed.” The pace of change was accelerating before, according to Dr. Chand. But the pandemic pressed the pedal to the floor. In his new book, Sam sets out to help leaders understand the evolving nature of change so that they can guide their organizations with wisdom and confidence. He examines three major shifts that he likens to three simultaneous earthquakes: Our environment has...

Episode 143: The Comparison Game with Shannon Popkin

Leaders face numerous obstacles, but one might just take the cake, as it is self-imposed – comparison. In this episode, Mike sits down with author and speaker Shannon Popkin to talk about the comparison game that all leaders face and wrestle with. Much of their discussion centers around Shannon’s most recent book, Comparison Girl: Lessons from Jesus on Me-Free Living in a Measure-Up World. About Shannon: As an author and speaker, Shannon loves combining her gifts for humor and storytelling ...

Episode 142: “Learning Leadership” with Compassion International CEO Jimmy Mellado

Mike sits down with President and CEO of Compassion International, Jimmy Mellado, to discuss his leadership journey, from humble beginnings in El Salvador to leading one of the most influential organizations in the world. How can serving a great cause be dangerous for our souls and for our walk with the Lord? Jimmy answers this question, and shares the only true motivation we should have for serving and ministering to others. Prior to joining Compassion in June of 2013, Jimmy was president ...

Episode 141: "Let's Talk" with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield

In a special Father’s Day episode, Mike sits down with Dr. Michelle Watson Canfield, author of Let’s Talk: Conversation Starters for Dads and Daughters. It can be a daunting task for dads and daughters to talk about the hard stuff, the deep stuff, the vulnerable stuff, and the complex stuff. According to Dr. Canfield, when a daughter opens her mouth, her heart opens. And when a daughter’s heart is open, her dad’s heart automatically opens. Dr. Canfield’s goal with Let’s Talk is to help dad...

Episode 140 - Staying Connected to God with Kevin Queen

Why is staying connected to God paramount in our faith journey? That’s the question Kevin Queen answers as he shares his life journey, as well as his ministry journey with Mike in this week’s episode of Linch with a Leader. Kevin talks about his personal wrestling matches with God, how vital prayer and fasting have been for him when facing tough decisions, and how to prevent yourself from manipulating life, and allowing God to move on your behalf. About Kevin: Kevin Queen is a husband, fat...

Episode 139: The Connected Leader with Karen Hardwick

Have you ever wondered if there is a more emotionally and spiritually whole way to connect at work and home? That’s the question behind Karen Hardwick’s book, The Connected Leader. Mike sits down with Karen to walk through several strategies designed to help empower your true self and inspire others along the way. Karen Hardwick is a psychotherapist-turned-leadership consultant who claims to have the “best two jobs in the world: being her son, Matthew’s, mother and helping leaders have “eur...

Episode 138: Your Longing Has a Name with Dominic Done

How can we flourish in difficult times? This is the question Dominic Done dives in to in his latest book, Your Longing Has a Name: Come Alive to the Story You Were Made For. Mike sits down with Dominic to talk through how we can address the health of our souls during challenging seasons of life, and how we can flourish with the help of the Holy Spirit. Dominic Done is a speaker and author of When Faith Fails: Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt. He is also Professor of Applied Theology at Ge...

Episode 137: Special Mother’s Day Episode with Shannon Bream

In a special Mother’s Day episode, Mike welcomes back Shannon Bream to the Linch with a Leader podcast to talk about her recently published book, The Mothers and Daughters of the Bible Speak: Lessons on Faith from Nine Biblical Families. In the second book in the franchise (she previously published The Women of the Bible Speak), Shannon examines the lives of biblical women to see how God’s plans can turn our worlds upside down. Through these stories, Shannon explains the intimate connection ...

Episode 136: Opportunity Leadership with Dr. Roger Parrott

Most people develop a plan of action, and “work the plan” in hopes of it coming to fruition. In this week’s episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Dr. Roger Parrott, who shares a novel concept – tapping into unexpected opportunities – the ones most people typically miss. Dr. Parrott shares several concepts and strategies from his most recent book, Opportunity Leadership, which may just open your eyes to see leadership potential in new places in your journey. Dr. Roger Parrott i...

Episode 135: "Saturdays with Billy" with Dr. Don Wilton

Drawing from stories included in his recent book, Saturdays with Billy, Dr. Don Wilton sits down with Mike and shares wisdom, life, lessons, and conversations from more than 15 years of Saturdays spent with his great friend, Dr. Billy Graham. Dr. Don Wilton has served as senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina since 1993. He also serves as president of The Encouraging Word television ministry. He has written and published many manuals, articles, and reviews...

Episode 134 - "Love your Neighbor and Change your World" with Dave Ferguson

There are many leaders and visionaries in our world, but what sets them apart? Mike Linch sits down with Dave Ferguson to talk about the characteristics leaders possess that attract and inspire others, not the least of which are being accessible and expressing a genuine interest in other people. Dave is an award-winning author, founding and lead pastor of Chicago’s Community Christian Church, a missional multi-site community considered one of the most influential churches in America. Dave i...

Episode 133 - "A Leader Others Win For" with Ned Yost

In this episode, Mike sits down with former Major League Baseball player and manager Ned Yost to discuss his career, and how he influenced so many other players and coaches over the course of 40 years in the big leagues. He also shares some fascinating insights and stories from some of the game’s all-time best players and managers, including Bobby Cox and Ted Simmons. Yost played six seasons in MLB for three different teams – Milwaukee Brewers, Texas Rangers, and Montreal Expos. After a bri...

Episode 132: Building a Champion On and Off the Field with Chris Lemonis

It is every college baseball coach's dream to capture the College World Series title and hoist that National Championship trophy. Well, Chris Lemonis was fortunate to experience that in 2021, as his Mississippi State Bulldogs took home the crown to Starkville. In this episode, Mike Linch talks to Coach Lemonis about the culture of his program, how to overcome challenges when players are struggling, and how he wants to be remembered by the players he coaches. About Chris Lemonis: Since arri...

Episode 131: “Take Back Your Time” with Christy Wright

In this episode, Mike sits down with author and speaker Christy Wright to walk through principles from her latest book, Take Back Your Time: The Guilt-Free Guide to Life Balance. Christy is the #1 national best-selling author of Business Boutique, a Certified Business Coach and served as a Ramsey Personality as the host of The Christy Wright Show with Ramsey Solutions for 12 years. Christy has a passion for equipping women with the knowledge and steps they need to successfully run and grow a...

Episode 130: Love & Leadership Lessons from 30 years of marriage, with Mike Linch

Happy Valentine's Day and welcome to Episode 130 of the podcast!  In honor of Valentine's day today, Mike shares lessons that he has learned in 30 years of marriage & leadership!  Life is not made up of just the wedding day when you say I do, but rather in the "messy middle" years where you are just pushing through!  With both of his children getting married in this season, Mike shares thoughts of how to survive the messy middle years that he would want both of his kids to know!  Hope you en...

Episode 129: The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership with Tim Elmore

In this week’s episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder and CEO of Growing Leaders (www.growingleaders.com), an Atlanta‐based non‐profit organization created to develop emerging leaders. Mike talks to Tim extensively about his latest book, The Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership: Embracing the Conflicting Demands of Today’s Workplace. In his book – and in this intriguing conversation – Elmore unpacks the fresh strategies and new mindset required today from ...

Episode 128: “From Paycheck to Purpose” with Ken Coleman

Mike sits down with Ken Coleman of Ramsey Solutions to discuss Ken’s new book, “From Paycheck to Purpose: The Clear Path to Doing Work You Love.” Ken is America’s Career Coach, is a national bestselling author, and host of The Ken Coleman Show. Ken helps people discover what they were born to do and provides practical steps to make their dream job a reality. The Ken Coleman Show is a nationally syndicated, caller-driven show that helps listeners who are searching for something more out of th...

Episode 127: Being a Confident Leader with Dan Reiland

Episode 127 finds Mike sitting down with a great friend and leader of leaders, Dan Reiland. Dan Reiland is the Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He first partnered with the legendary John Maxwell for 20 years, as the Executive Pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church located in San Diego. He then moved on to become the Vice President of Leadership and Church Development at Injoy. Dan also writes a blog to help encourage and pass on leadership insights that he has lea...

Episode 126: Smart Leadership with Mark Miller

In Episode 126, Mike is blessed to sit down with Mark Miller, the Vice President of High Performance leadership with Chick-Fil-A. Mark has been with Chick-Fil-A for over 40 years and has helped architect the leadership pipeline in one of America's premier organizations! Mark also has written eight books and sold over a million copies in 25 different languages. Here is a link to discover Mark's previous works and order them! Today, Mike & Mark unpack his newest book "Smart Leadership"...

Episode 125: A Leader's Character with Dr. Richard Blackaby

Mike kicks of 2022 talking about a "leaders character" with Dr. Richard Blackaby.  This is his second appearance on the podcast (Episode 100) and this conversation delves into the depths of what makes character so critical in the life of a leader! Dr.  Blackaby serves as the President of Blackaby Ministries International and has served in that role since 2006.  He has authored or co-authored over 36 books such as:  Spiritual Leadership, Experiencing God,  The Seasons of God Dr. Blackaby no...

Episode 124: Living Leadership with Dr. Mark Rutland

In episode 124 of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor, Author, Educator and "Leader of Leaders" Dr. Mark Rutland.  Mike & Dr. Rutland look back at his incredible journey and how God is still using him in big ways in leading leaders.  Dr. Rutland is the picture of "Living Leadership" for leaders at all levels! Dr. Mark Rutland is the Founder and Executive Director of the National Institute of Christian Leadership. He is a New York Times Best Selling author, educator, charismatic ...

Episode 123: The 7 Perspectives of Effective Leaders with Daniel Harkavy

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with leader Daniel Harkavy who not only leads his company, Building Champions, but coaches some of the greatest leaders in the world! Mike & Daniel not only talk about his spiritual journey but also spend time unpacking his newest book The 7 Perspectives of Effective Leaders!  Here is more on the WHO Daniel is: Daniel Harkavy has been coaching business leaders to peak levels of performance, efficacy, and fulfillment for more than twenty...

Episode 122: Leading Uniquely with Bryan Coley

In today's episode, Mike sits down with leader & story-teller Bryan Coley.  Bryan is the Chief Imagination Officer of Reel Experiences in Atlanta, Ga.  Bryan used his love & background in film to create a space to help people learn leadership through movies! Bryan said it this way,  "After 20 years working with playwrights and screenwriters, I decided to try out our story development methodologies on "regular people" and that birthed a revolutionary idea called REEL EXPERIENCES. Now, we hel...

Episode 121: "Love or Work" with Jeff & André Shinabarger

In Episode 121 of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down Jeff & Andre' Shinabarger to talk about whether you have to choose between "love & work".  They unpack this couple's newest book along with their journey in life & leadership. Jeff Shinabarger is the founder and executive director of Plywood People, an Atlanta-based non-profit that helps launch and sustain start-ups. He is the author of the book More or Less: Choosing a Lifestyle of Excessive Generosity, which challenges readers to become...

Episode 120: "What Makes A Great Leader Great" with Brad Lomenick

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author, consultant & leader Brad Lomenick. Brad is one of America's greatest thought leaders and his website is a go-to for leaders from all walks of life! From his time at Catalyst to today, Brad has had a front row seat to observe leadership and today spends time talking with Mike about what makes great leaders great!

Episode 119 - "Leading on the Field" with former NFL player Chris Maragos

Episode 119 finds Mike sitting down with Super Bowl Champion and former NFL player, Chris Maragos.  Chris took a crazy road in his travels to the National Football League.  After walking on at Western Michigan and then transferring to the University of Wisconsin as a walk-on, Chris established himself on the field as he moved from wide receiver to the defensive side of the ball.  After concluding his career as a Badger, Chris became an undrafted free agent and ended up winning two Super Bowl...

Episode 118: "Living Your Purpose" with Christina Hovestadt

Episode 118 finds Mike sitting down with Christina Hovestadt of the NFL. When she's not working in community relations at the national football league, Christina has dedicated her life to giving back and making a difference; one that empowers those that she reaches to walk in the fullness of who they were created to be. Christina partners with athletes, celebrities and every day people to inspire, empower and equip them to leave a legacy bigger than themselves. Christina is the founder o...

Episode 117: Coming Out of the Cave with Chris Hodges

In this episode Mike sits with the incredible Pastor of one of America's largest churches, Church of the Highlands, Pastor Chris Hodges! He is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, and we’re known for our life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God. Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He ...

Episode 116: "Faithful Leadership" with Mayor Tommy Allegood

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Mayor Tommy Allegood to talk about his leadership journey and his faith that drives him! TOMMY ALLEGOOD was raised in Atlanta, GA. Tommy is a 1970 graduate of Gordon Military College and served as a cadet in the ROTC program, and is a 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia. When he graduated, he began a management career with Lowe's Companies which has always kept him in the building and development field. His leadership skills...

Episode 115: Finding A Healthy Rhythm with Rebekah Lyons

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with the amazing Rebekah Lyons. Rebekah Lyons is a national speaker, host of the Rhythms for Life podcast, and bestselling author of Rhythms of Renewal, You Are Free, and Freefall to Fly. An old soul with a contemporary, honest voice, Rebekah reveals her own battles to overcome anxiety and depression—and invites others to discover and boldly pursue their God-given purpose. Alongside her husband, Gabe, Rebekah finds joy in raising four...

Episode 114: Everyday Lessons with Ethan Bryan

In this episode of "Linch with a Leader" Mike sits down with author Ethan Bryan and talks about his newest book "A Year of Playing Catch". Ethan D. Bryan is a storyteller whose narratives explore what it means to live a good story. At the age of six, he lost all of his hair due to an immune-system disorder called alopecia. Ethan knows about overcoming personal obstacles and being bullied. He also understands the power of hope, persevering through hundreds upon hundreds of manuscript rejec...