Linch With A Leader

Episode 113: "Leading Leaders" with Bill Purvis

In episode 113 of LInch with a Leader, Mike sits with Bill Purvis who is a best-selling author, coach, and speaker. Bill began as a pastor to a church of 32 people on Easter Sunday and guided this ministry at Cascade Hills Church to exceeding over 10,000 people in attendance for the last 5 Easter services of his leadership. Since 2015, Cascade Hills Church has baptized a new believer every single day of the week. Bill has been growing leaders for over 36 years. He is the founder of BP Lead...

Episode 112 - "Leading By Making A Difference" with Kit Cummings

Episode 112 finds Mike sitting down with author, speaker, leader and good friend Kit Cummings.  Kit is passionate about making a difference in this generation. In 2010 Kit founded the Power of Peace Project. Using the experience he gained resolving conflict in some of the most dangerous areas in the world, he applies his principles to bring about change in prisons, schools, corporations and the faith-based community. On MLK Day 2020, Kit was recognized by the NAACP receiving their Martin Lu...

Episode 111 - "Leading Simple" with Pastor Rusty George

Today, Mike sits down with Pastor, Podcast Host & Author Rusty George.  Rusty pastors the dynamic Real Church in Southern California and also is the host of the popular podcast, Leading Simple with Rusty George.  Beyond leading his church of 6,000+ members every weekend, Rusty is a global speaker, leader and teacher focusing his message on helping people find and follow Jesus. Rusty has also written several books and writes regularly here at pastorrustygeorge.com.  Today, Mike & Rusty talk ...

Episode 110: "An Overcoming Faith" with Daniel Ritchie

Episode 110 finds Mike sitting down with author & speaker Daniel Ritchie. Daniel has spent his life being an overcomer and his story will inspire you in huge ways! Daniel was born without arms and spent the majority of my life being told that he was a hopeless mistake and woefully insufficient to lead a full life.  Yet, at the age of 15, God used a preacher to tell him of God’s love and that he was “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139).  His overcoming faith began when he asked Chris...

Episode 109: "Never Give Up" with Audrey LeClair

In this episode of the Linch with a Leader podcast, Mike sits down with Audrey LeClair. Audrey is the daughter of legendary college baseball coach, Keith LeClair. LeClair began his college head coaching career at Western Carolina and then spent his next seasons at East Carolina University. From 1992-2002, LeClair collected 441 wins. Coach LeClair spent his final years battling ALS. Audrey, in this episode, shares her memories of her father and encourages everyone to donate to help find...

Episode 108: "Lifting Leadership Lids" with Kadi Cole

Today, Mike sits down with the amazing leader, Kadi Cole.  Kadi was in leadership for 16 years at Christ Fellowship Church in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She served in key leadership positions as the church grew from 3,500 to 23,000 and launched eight additional campuses. Her final role was as Executive Director of Multisite as she oversaw all campuses. She has since launched her personal business, Kadi Cole and Company. And her newest passion project is helping church leaders who want to d...

Episode 107: Shannon Bream

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Shannon Bream.  Shannon is host of FOX News Channel's (FNC) FOX News @ Night with Shannon Bream (weekdays 12-1AM ET).  Shannon also serves as Chief Legal Correspondent for the network and host of Livin’ the Bream, a podcast on FOX News Radio (FNR) where she shares inspirational stories, personal anecdotes and an insider's perspective on actions and rulings from the high court. Shannon is a graduate of Liberty University and earned ...

Episode 106: Stephon Leary

In episode 106 Mike sits down with coach, speaker, author and fellow Liberty University graduate, Stephon Leary. Stephon Leary has a long tenure of basketball success. Coach Leary's athletic career started as a high school player at Madison High School in Houston, TX and finished at Houston Christian Preparatory (now Faith West Academy in Katy, TX) where he led them to an NACA National Championship.  He went on to play Division I basketball at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia from ...

Episode 105: Dot Richardson

In Episode 105 of the "Linch with a Leader" podcast, Mike sits down with the legendary Dot Richardson. Coach Richardson is currently the softball coach at Liberty University where she has guide the resurgence of the softball program. Under her guidance, she has led the team to a 216-177 overall record while reaching 40 wins in three of those seasons. Prior to her time at LU, Coach Richardson became a household name in the softball world from her time at UCLA as player and her years of rep...

Episode 104: Jimmy Dykes

In this episode of Linch with Leader, Mike sits down with former college basketball coach and current ESPN & SEC basketball analyst, Jimmy Dykes. Jimmy Dykes first joined ESPN at the start of the 1995-96 men’s college basketball season as a game and studio analyst, and is entering his 20th season with the company, after serving as the women’s head basketball coach at the University of Arkansas from 2014-2017. He led the Razorbacks to one NCAA tournament appearance and finished with an overa...

Episode 103: Scott Pederson

In episode 103 of the "Linch with a Leader" podcast, Mike sits down with his great friend Scott Pederson. Scott has spent over 35 years of his career marketing some of the most high-profile events, corporations and celebrities in the world. He has staged a World Series while working with the Kansas City Royals, consulted with the NFL, NBA, NASCAR and Major League Baseball. He has also designed numerous programs for major companies such as Miller Brewing Company, Gatorade, and Delta Air Lin...

Episode 102: Davey Blackburn

On this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author, speaker & podcast host, Davey Blackburn, to talk about his journey.  Davey is the host of the wildly popular podcast, Nothing is Wasted, where he shares not only his journey of grief & hope but also shares the stories of others who have found that God never waste their pain. Davey found himself walking into a nightmare in 2015. He was pastoring a growing church and building his life with his wife Amanda and their son, Westo...

Episode 101: Randy Gravitt

In episode 101, Mike sits down with Randy Gravitt. Randy is an exceptional leader and has been leading for over 30 years. Through his company InteGreat Leadership, Randy has been coaching and leading organizations and teams to be their very best and be at the top of their game. Some of his clients have included: Kroger, Grand Hyatt, Pittsburgh Pirates, Buffalo Bills, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Chick-Fil-A among many others! Randy has begun to share his passion for leadership on ...

Episode 100: Dr. Richard Blackaby

In Episode 100, Mike sits down with one of his biggest influences in the area of Spiritual Leadership, Dr. Richard Blackaby! 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 not only travels the country speaking but is a coach to many Christian CEO's and business leaders. He also has a popular le...

Episode 99: Molly Fletcher

In episode 99 of the Linch with a Leader Podcast, Mike sits down with leader Molly Fletcher.  Molly is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. From her years as a sports agent with client representation in the sports and entertainment market where she earned the moniker "the female Jerry McGuire" to her work as a corporate speaker and podcast host, Molly is a different maker in this generation! Her podcast, Game Changers, has some of the greatest leaders in the business and athletic marke...

Episode 98: Toni Nieuwhof

In Episode 98 Mike sits down with Toni Nieuwhof to talk about her newest book Before You Split.  Toni Nieuwhof is a family law mediator and former divorce attorney. She is the wife of Carey Nieuwhof, who is an influential leadership author, podcast host, and international speaker. Toni and Carey often speak publicly about their marriage of more than three decades. In her downtime, Toni enjoys outdoor sports and spending time with Carey, their two grown sons, and their extended family and fri...

Episode 97: Darryl Strawberry

In Episode 97 of the Linch with a Leader Podcast, Mike sits down with eight time MLB All-Star and four time World Series Champion Darryl Strawberry to talk about his new book Turn Your Season Around. Darryl not only shares the stories of his time in the MLB with the Mets, Dodgers, Giants & Yankees but also his story of the pains he experienced off the field. Darryl Strawberry is described as a baseball legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game. His many accomplishmen...

Episode 96: Brett Pyle

In Episode 96 of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down with speaker, coach & author Brett Pyle. Brett enjoyed a 30-year global business career with Andersen Consulting, oil giants Amoco & BP, and Vistage Worldwide — living, leading and learning in over 70 countries on six continents. Along the journey, he discovered we’re all created for a purpose and gifted with unique skills, ideas and passions that the world desperately needs! Today, Brett speaks and inspires over 100 times each year ...

Episode 95: Nancy Grace

In Episode 95 of the Linch with a Leader podcast, Mike sits down with Nancy Grace. An outspoken, tireless advocate for victims’ rights and one of television's most respected legal analysts, Nancy Grace was the powerful force behind CNN Headline News’ (HLN) top-rated Nancy Grace. A former prosecutor with an unparalleled record of success, she has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, The Today Show, Good Morning America, Dr. Phil and Larry King Live, among others, dispensing her fire...

Episode 94: Jesse Bradley

In episode 94, Mike sits down with Jesse Bradley. Jesse is a pastor, former professional soccer goalkeeper (played in Zimbabwe Africa, Aberdeen Scotland, and Minnesota), radio host, author, and speaker. A graduate of Dartmouth College, his curiosity about faith and Jesus began there. In an Introduction to World Religions course, he began to read the Bible for the first time. Jesse graduated with a Master's Degree in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Jesse really enjoys authentic c...

Episode 93: Dr. Jay Strack

Episode 93 finds Mike sitting down with Dr. Jay Strack, President & Founder of Student Leadership University talking about leadership & the faith journey that Dr. Strack has been on!   Highly acclaimed as a dynamic preacher, Jay Strack has spoken to an estimated 15 million people in his 35 years of ministry in thousands of churches, over 10,000 high schools and hundreds of area-wide, inter-denominational and inter-racial crusades. He has spoken before government entities, corporate groups, a...

Episode 92: Dr. Diane Pearce

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with  Dr. Diane Pearce, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Dr. Diane has provided counseling full time in a private practice setting since 1984. She also provides Clinical Supervision to those seeking a license in the Mental Health industry. She counsels individuals, couples, and families and does so with a practical and passionate approach so that others are equipped to have a positive influence on those they encounter. Diane s...

Episode 91: Chip Smith

In this episode of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down with a legend in the sports training industry, Chip Smith. Chip Smith, founder of Chip Smith Performance Systems (CSPS) has trained more professional athletes than any other coach or training facility in the world.  He and his staff have trained over 1600 NFL players to date, countless MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS, and olympic athletes dating back over 30 years.  He has been called the "Godfather" of the sports performance training industry, and co...

Episode 90: David Hoyt

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with leader David Hoyt.  David is a  Principal Consultant for The Table Group and Founder & President of The Principle Group. In partnering with The Table Group, David brings over 20 years of experience in leading people and organizations. Recognized as a trusted advisor for leaders, he is known for his ability to connect with people and think strategically. David is driven to see organizations create healthy cultures and teams where in...

Episode 89: Mark Batterson

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with best-selling author, pastor & leader Mark Batterson to talk about his newest book God Speaks in Whispers! Mark shares how much fun this project was to do with his daughter Summer! Mike & Mark unpack how God only speaks this way to children but also to adults! This is a FUN episode for any leader!! Mark is one of the kindest & sharpest leaders out there! Mark Batterson serves as lead pastor of National Community Church in Washin...

Episode 88: Mark Richt

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with legendary football coach Mark Richt. Coach Richt shares his journey through the game of football and also his faith story of how he gave his heart to Christ! Coach Richt's Georgia teams won two (SEC) championships, five SEC division titles, and one ACC division title while at the University of Miami. He was a two-time SEC Coach of the Year (2002, 2005), the 2017 ACC Coach of the Year, and the winner of the national 2017 Walter Ca...

Episode 87: Mark Richt

Episode 87: Jamy Bechler

In this episode of "Linch with a Leader" Mike sits down with Coach Jamy Bechler. Jamy is a professional speaker, leadership trainer and executive business coach who works with teams ranging from major corporations to the NBA.  Before going into full-time leadership work, Jamy served for 20 years as a college basketball coach, professor and administrator. When he hung up the whistle, he didn’t stop coaching. Jamy just moved from the locker-room into the boardroom. He now travels the country ...

Episode 86: Adam Weber

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor & Author Adam Weber. Adam is the founder and lead pastor of Embrace, a multisite church based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, that was named by Outreach magazine as one of the fastest growing churches in the U.S. He also hosts a podcast called TheConversation and has written two books, including his latest, entitled, Love Has a Name: Learning to Love the Different, the Difficult, and Everyone Else. Adam is married to Becky...

Episode 85: David Hodge

In this episode of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down with David Hodge.  David Hodge is founder and president of Anchor Leadership, an organization dedicated to encouraging and equipping business and ministry leaders. For over 25 years, David has served as a trainer, consultant, coach, and mentor for both senior-level leaders and rising executives.   David and his anchor leadership team have worked with some of America's most well known companies like:  Chick-Fil-A, U.S. Air Force, Honeybake...

Episode 84: Jason Romano

In Episode 84 Mike sits down with Jason Romano who was the very first guest back in 2017 of Linch with a Leader. Jason Romano was born in Ravena, New York and graduated from the State University of New York in 1997.  He began his professional career working for ESPN in Bristol Connecticut in the year of 2000.  During his time there, he served as a senior manager and producer, working on television and radio programs such as SportsCenter, Monday Night Football, Sunday NFL Countdown, College ...

Episode 83: Jon Gordon

In today's episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down best selling author and dynamic speaker Jon Gordon to talk about his new book, The Garden. This powerful spiritual fable is an incredible bridge for the readers to learn about the heart of God and the plan of the enemy! Jon's best-selling books and talks have inspired readers and audiences around the world. His principles have been put to the test by numerous Fortune 500 companies, professional and college sports teams, school dis...

Episode 82: Phyllis Hendry Halverson

In episode 82 of the Linch with a Leader podcast, Mike sits down with Phyllis Hendry Halverson. Phyllis serves as the inaugural President and CEO of Lead Like Jesus. Under her visionary leadership, the organization has grown exponentially since its founding in 1999, equipping and empowering thousands of people throughout the United States and around the world to lead as Jesus led. She is the co-author of Lead Like Jesus Revisited, along with Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges. The epitome of So...

Episode 81: Derwin Gray

On this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Dr. Derwin Gray. Derwin is a former defensive back, who played five seasons in the NFL with the Colts and Panthers. He’s now the pastor of Transformation Church near Charlotte, N.C. Selected in the fourth round of the 1995 NFL Draft (92nd overall) by the Indianapolis Colts, Gray played five seasons with Indy from 1993-1997 and finished his career in Carolina with the Panthers in 1998. He has authored five books, including his la...

Episode 80: Damon West

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author & motivational speaker Damon West. Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a motivational speaker and best-selling co-author (with best-selling author and motivational speaker Jon Gordon) of The Coffee Bean: A simple Lesson to Create Positive Change. His first book and autobiography, The Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life in Prison Transformed His World, was published just three years after his release fro...

Episode 79: Chris Singleton

In this episode Mike sits down with former professional baseball player and speaker Chris Singleton. Chris shares his story of not only his life in baseball but his journey through tragedy. Chris is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization as well as an inspirational speaker who has traveled the country passionately speaking to over 60,000 students. Chris has also spread his message through various different media outlets and has been featured on ESPN’s E:60, ...

Episode 78: Earnest Davis

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with business leader and entrepreneur Earnest Davis.  Earnest describes himself as a serial entrepreneur and a speaker.  His passion is to use his story to challenge them to be the best version of themselves that they can possibly be.  From growing up in a small town in Mississippi to today being the host of the "Real Money Real Talk" podcast & radio show, Earnest has been someone who knows his story was not meant for just him alone! In...

Episode 77: Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard

On this episode of the Linch with a Leader podcast, Mike sits down with one of his heroes, Dr. Dwight "Ike" Reighard. Ike has pastored the great New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA and helped oversee their growth from a small country church to the 2nd fastest growing church in the Southern Baptist Convention. After his time at New Hope, he was at FBC Atlanta and then founded NorthStar Church in Kennesaw, GA where he served for six years. Ike then went on to become the Chief Peopl...

Episode 76: Jenni Catron

In Episode 76 of Linch with a Leader Mike sits down with author, speaker & leadership expert Jenni Catron. Jenni and her team at the 4Sight Group come alongside leaders to help them navigate the complex world that we live in. Jenni not only founded and leads the 4Sight Group but also has been the author several books including Clout:Discover and Unleash Your God-Given Influence and The 4 Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership. Mike & Jenni about not only talk about her extensive backgro...

Episode 75: Brad Lomenick

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with a leader of leaders, Brad Lomenick. Brad made his name with the Catalyst movement and spent over 12 years helping to pour into this young generation of leaders. He interviewed such outstanding leaders such as Malcom Gladwell, Simon Sinek, Rick Warren, Dave Ramsey among many others! Prior to his time with Catalyst, Brad made his name with Life@Work Magazine and did management consulting for the Cornerstone Group. Currently Brad i...

Episode 74: Lee Strobel

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with apologist, author, pastor & leader - Lee Strobel. Lee is known for his best selling books: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for Grace, The Case for Miracles among many others! They have sold over 14 million copies in total. The Case for Christ was made into a movie as well chronicling his journey from award winning legal editor from the Chicago Tribune to his accepting of Jesus as his savior! Lee was educated ...

Episode 73: Clint Hurdle

In this episode of "Linch with a Leader' Mike sits down with former MLB manager and player, Clint Hurdle.  Hurdle, a first round draft pick,  was heralded at the age of 20 by Sports Illustrated as a "phenom".  He went on to play 515 games at the major league level with:   Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals. After retiring as a player, Hurdle went on to become a manager of the Colorado Rockies for eight season where he helped guide them to their first...

Episode 72: Keith Madison

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with legendary college baseball coach Keith Madison. While serving as the head coach of the University of Kentucky for 25 seasons, Coach Madison accumulated 737 wins before retiring in 2003.  His incredible coaching achievements led to his being inducted into three prestigious Hall of Fames:  University of Kentucky Athletic,  Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches  and the American Baseball Coaches Association.  In  2013 Madison was award...

Episode 71: Joshua Gagnon

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor & Author Joshua Gagnon!!  Josh pastors Next Level Church which has been recognized as one of America's fastest growing churches.   Next Level Church exists to lead people to life in Christ by being loving, relevant, and life-giving.  His new book, It's Not Over, releases today!  Josh not only shares his story in this work but also shares with the readers how to overcome life's disappointments and learn how to dream again!!

Episode 70: Sid Bream

In today's episode, Mike sits down with one of the Atlanta Braves all time greats - Sid Bream.  Sid shares his journey of faith and his passion for the Lord and why it drove him to be the player that he was in the MLB. Sid signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in June of 1981. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. He became a Free Agent in 1991 and signed a 3-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. In 1994, he became a Free Agent again and signed with the Houston Astros. In 1995, he...

Episode 69: Sam Collier

In this episode Mike sits down with Sam Collier to talk about his "greater story". Sam is a communicator at Northpoint Ministries (founded by Andy Stanley) as well as the Director of City Strategy for The reThink Group (founded by Reggie Joiner). He is also a nationally syndicated radio host. His radio show is in 45 cities across the country. Lastly, Sam is a top 20 Gospel Billboard producer and founder of No Losing, Inc. – In these roles, he has empowered over 80k young people to have a wi...

Episode 68: Jordan Raynor

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author, speaker & serial entrepreneur Jordan Raynor. Jordan has been starting and leading entrepreneurial endeavors his entire career. Prior to leading Threshold 360, which he is currently executive chairman, he was the co-founder of Citizinvestor, which at the time was the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for government projects. In 2011, his first company (a digital agency for political campaigns) was acquired by the mega-i...

Episode 67: Bob Tiede

Episode 67 of Linch with a Leader features Mike's conversation with author, blogger & leader, Bob Tiede. Bob has worked for CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) for over 48 years and is currently on the US Development Leadership Team. HIs passion for leadership has led him to become a thought leader in leading by asking questions. He is most known for his work - Now that's a great Question. Mike and Bob talk about their faith and also how to lead by asking questions!

Episode 66: Dr. Ken Blanchard

Mike kicks of 2020 with Episode 66 of the "Linch with a Leader" podcast by sitting down with business guru Dr. Blanchard.  Mike & Dr. Blanchard talk about not only what he has learned about leadership in business but also about how his faith led him to pen the book and organization "Lead Like Jesus". Few people have influenced the day-to-day management of people and companies more than Ken Blanchard. A prominent, sought-after author, speaker, and business consultant, Dr. Blanchard is respec...

Episode 65: Mark Sanborn

In this final episode of 2019, Mike sits down with world renowned business leader & author, Mark Sanborn.  Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE, is president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea studio dedicated to developing leaders in business and in life. Mark is an international bestselling author and award winning keynote leadership speaker. Mark has written 9 books, and The Fred Factor has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. His latest book is The Intention Imperative: Three Essential Changes T...