Best Small Group Leader Training Podcasts (2025)

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What it's really like working in pro sports, and why it's such an incredible training ground for marketing and media pros 57:29

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5d ago57:29

57:29

What is it really like to work in professional sports? Most of us only see the highlights: the packed arenas, the high-profile players, the big sponsorships. But behind the scenes, sports is one of the most intense training grounds in business. It is relentless, unpredictable, and filled with lessons that few other industries can offer, especially …

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Mobilizing Missional Leaders, Volunteer Recruitment Strategies, and Building Pipelines That Multiply 51:15

1h ago51:15

51:15

Joseph Kellogg shares his strategic approach to leadership development in youth ministry, focusing on how to mobilize leaders for a missional youth movement. His four-year strategy prioritizes multiplication at every level, creating systems that transform followers into commissioned leaders who can effectively reach Gen Z and Gen Alpha. • Joseph ha…

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Tools for Creative Leadership and The Power of Conviction 48:58

9d ago48:58

48:58

If you’re leading a company, department, or team, this conversation is for you. If you’re running your own consultancy, doing fractional work, or guiding clients in your role at an agency, you’re in the right place. And if you believe in the power of self expression and the opportunity to make an impact by leaning into your own creativity, yes, thi…

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318. How Podcasting Can Transform Discipleship and Church Ministry with Angie Elkins and Haley Malone 35:26

6h ago35:26

35:26

In today’s digital age, the ways we disciple and equip others are constantly evolving. While Sunday gatherings and small groups remain central, new tools are opening doors for deeper connection and ongoing conversations. One of those tools—podcasting—has become a powerful medium for ministry, offering leaders fresh opportunities to disciple, teach,…

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How to be a SALT Leader 10:26

17d ago10:26

10:26

Hey leaders, welcome to the PursueGOD Training Podcast. Today we’re going to give you a complete roadmap for leading the SALT program—from the big picture 9-month journey to the nightly flow that makes every meeting meaningful, fun, and spiritually powerful. -- The PursueGOD Training podcast helps pastors, small group leaders, and everyday Christia…

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The Hard Truth of Soft Skills: How to Be More Creative and Be Kind To Yourself In The Process with Heather Doyle Fraser 58:02

19d ago58:02

58:02

In a year of research on the nature of work and mid-career evolution, one word keeps surfacing: compassion. Compassion for others, yes. But more importantly, self-compassion. It's essential for sustained performance at work, and essential for navigating the messy middle of mid-career. This week’s guest reinforces that idea and expands our understan…

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We're back! What was ABOB up to all summer? 45:51

19d ago45:51

45:51

Hey bike friends! Marley & Ellen are back from our summer breaks. Listen up to hear what's new from All Bodies on Bikes. You can become an All Bodies On Bikes member anytime! Check our website for details. Free & paid levels have benefits for everyone. Join our Discord! Request topics, participate in AMAs with Marley, and even chime in on episodes …

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Making Moves in Mid-Career: A Deeply Honest Take From a Senior Brand Leader 58:29

26d ago58:29

58:29

How do you find career clarity when everything feels uncertain? Frank Hwang - now Senior Director of Marketing at Viking Range and formerly a brand and marketing leader at SharkNinja, Sperry, EF Education First, Timberland, Cannondale, and more - has navigated multiple transitions, including a recent move from full-time to consulting and back into …

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Creating a Culture of Care in Your Small Group 12:13

24d ago12:13

12:13

In today’s leadership episode, we talk about how small group leaders can create a culture of care where everyone participates. We’ll explore why care starts with the leader, how to move your group from consumers to contributors, and practical ways to equip others to carry both spiritual and practical burdens—so your group becomes a true family that…

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The Gospel Beyond the Altar Call, Turning Messages into Mission, and Igniting Root-Level Transformation 52:16

13d ago52:16

52:16

We explore how gospel fluency should be at the center of youth ministry, extending beyond just the moment of salvation to transform every aspect of students' lives and propel them into mission. • Gospel fluency is often overlooked because we assume students already understand the basics • Students live in a works-based world where they're constantl…

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He had a thriving marketing business in high school, then skipped college and built a content agency for pro athletes and top brands 1:13:01

1M ago1:13:01

1:13:01

He had a full client roster, was running paid media campaigns, and building lead gen systems before he could legally vote. Aaron Wagenheim had already lived two distinct career chapters before most of us had even picked a major. First came digital marketing. Then came the pivot: helping high school athletes build personal brands before NIL had full…

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317. Mastering Small Group Leadership: Strategies for Building Community, Guiding Discussion, and Multiplying Disciples with Mary Wiley and Joel Polk 39:23

28d ago39:23

39:23

Every small group leader knows the tension between leading with confidence and leading with humility. Great leadership isn’t just about guiding discussions or sharing biblical truths, it’s about creating a space where people feel known, valued, and challenged to grow. In this episode, we explore the heart of group leadership, from the natural tende…

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316. Deep Discipleship: How to Build a Bible-Centered Strategy for Small Groups and Church Leaders with JT English 34:38

1M ago34:38

34:38

What does it really take to grow people into mature disciples of Jesus? Too often, churches unintentionally settle for surface-level engagement, leaving believers under-equipped for the mission God has called them to. In this episode, Pastor JT English challenges that norm by unpacking the principles of deep discipleship—a vision for shaping believ…

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The Necessary Shift in Youth Ministry, Attractional vs. Missional Models, and Making Disciples That Last 46:47

27d ago46:47

46:47

Terry Parkman shares how youth ministry is fundamentally shifting from attractional to missional models, requiring leaders to focus on transforming students rather than merely entertaining them. • Youth ministry is at a tipping point where effective ministries will focus on outcomes (life transformation) rather than outputs (attendance numbers) • T…

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From morning radio to agency owner to CEO of a game-changing healthcare startup: leading different in mid-career 50:51

2M ago50:51

50:51

Brad McNamara has created companies, built teams, and learned how to lead differently at mid-career. We start this episode by diving into Brad’s unlikely journey from on-air personality at Boston’s top station to becoming an agency owner, to serial entrepreneur, and current CEO of a truly innovative healthcare startup. We talk about the difference …

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315. Rethinking Discipleship with Andrea Lennon 31:19

1M ago31:19

31:19

Welcome back to another great episode of Group Answers Podcast with Brian Daniel. In this episode, Brian sits down with Andrea Lennon, director of Lifeway Women, to unpack what nearly a year of leading a national discipleship movement has taught her - about people, purpose, and leadership. Reflecting on the challenges of leading remotely, Andrea sh…

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Creativity, ADHD, and How to Get the Best From Your Brain 50:22

2M ago50:22

50:22

What if the way your brain works is actually your greatest strength? In this episode of The Afternoon Shift, I talk with Lindsay Binette, founder of The Wavy Brain, a Neurodiversity Coaching & Advisory Practice supporting individuals and companies. We start with her dream career in marketing, leading culture-shaping campaigns for brands like Nike a…

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Leaning Into the Mess, Releasing Your Grip, and How to Coach Young Leaders 39:26

1M ago39:26

39:26

Reggie Hill, Young Adults Pastor at Journey Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, shares his expertise on leadership development in youth ministry and how to avoid becoming "the lid" to your own ministry. • Shifting from being the superhero who does everything to a coach who develops leaders • Creating ministry tracks that help students find their leadersh…

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314. From Conversion to Commission with Dr. Scott Hildreth 32:15

1M ago32:15

32:15

What does it take to live a life fully surrendered to the mission of God? In a culture that often prioritizes comfort, control, and convenience, many believers wrestle with the tension between knowing the gospel and sharing it boldly. In this compelling episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Dr. Scott Hildreth to explore that very tension—inviti…

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Reverse Mentoring: High School Entrepreneur x Veteran Growth Marketer 45:36

2M ago45:36

45:36

Today we learn from growth marketing expert Anuj Adhiya and 16-year-old entrepreneur Sabrina Bhattacharjya as they challenge what it means to thrive in a rapidly shifting creative landscape. Anuj, who literally wrote the book on modern growth marketing, opens up about the uncertainty he feels around AI and career evolution. And his “reverse mentor”…

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313. Discipleship, Culture, and the Church in the Digital Age with Collin Hansen 39:14

2M ago39:14

39:14

In an age of constant digital noise and fleeting attention spans, what role does deep thinking and cultural engagement play in discipleship? In this episode of Group Answers, host Brian Daniel and guest Colin Hansen invite listeners into a rich conversation exploring the intersection of literature, culture, and faith. Colin draws from his extensive…

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The #1 Thing We Get Wrong About Creativity 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

We often think of creativity as the output. But as Kaitlin Maud shares in this episode, creativity is actually a process. A way of thinking. A form of intelligence we all possess, and can strengthen. Kaitlin is a superstar strategist, coach, and now, licensed art therapist based in Austin, TX. Over the past decade, she’s helped shape campaigns for …

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The Discipline That No One Sees, Seasons of Stretching, & the Platform You Didn't Pray For 48:16

2M ago48:16

48:16

Ever notice how you can tell when someone has been with Jesus? There's something different about them—a presence, a peace, a perspective that stands out in our chaotic world. In this transformative episode of Vitals for Youth Ministry, National Youth Director for the Assemblies of God Austin Westlake reveals how consistent spiritual disciplines cre…

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312. Emotionally Healthy Discipleship in a Hurried World with Drew Hyun 38:41

2M ago38:41

38:41

In the fast-paced world of ministry - especially in places like New York City - it can be easy to drift into doing rather than being, managing rather than ministering. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we’re reminded that deep, lasting transformation often begins not with strategy, but with slowing down, embracing vulnerability, and learn…

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You’re Not Supposed to Start a Company Like This 25:48

2M ago25:48

25:48

Waseem Kawaf spent years leading digital transformation at global companies. Then, in 2023, he left to launch his own firm. But the start of that next chapter didn’t go as planned, and what happened instead forced a deeper kind of reset. In this conversation, Waseem joins The Afternoon Shift to talk about starting over, staying grounded, and why sh…

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Leadership Pain, Personal Growth Plans, and a Lifestyle of Development 52:19

3M ago52:19

52:19

Micah Mac joins us to vulnerably share how a painful season of ministry—feeling inadequate, discouraged, and even depressed—became the catalyst for his most significant leadership growth. With remarkable transparency, Micah reveals the exact moment he discovered a framework for personal development that not only changed his ministry trajectory but …

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Who Do Leaders Lean On? 52:27

3M ago52:27

52:27

As leaders, we’re taught to tough it out. To power through. To "eat last." And somewhere along the way, many of us learn to support everyone but ourselves. In this episode, I talk with Liza Dube, a marketing and communications executive turned leadership and career coach. Liza helps leaders rethink how they work, how they decide, and how they treat…

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311. Empowering Discipleship for a Broken World with Josh Spink 33:57

2M ago33:57

33:57

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian mission, yet the brokenness of our world - and often our own hearts - can make the call feel daunting. We need practical tools and a clear vision to help others grow and multiply in their faith. In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with Josh Spinks, a seasoned ministry leader with deep experienc…

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How to Lead Without Losing Yourself 21:28

3M ago21:28

21:28

What if growing in your career wasn’t about pushing harder, but about reconnecting with what actually fuels you? In this episode of The Afternoon Shift, communications strategist and founder Rekha Sidhu shares her insights from a career spent working at the intersection of global brands and grassroots impact. We talk about what it really means to d…

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310. Revitalizing the Church for a New Generation with Sarah Jackson 39:14

3M ago39:14

39:14

In a time when many churches are facing decline, especially among younger generations, discipleship leaders are being called to think differently, lead intentionally, and rely fully on the power of the Holy Spirit. Church revitalization isn’t about returning to old models—it’s about making space for God to move in new and powerful ways through tran…

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How Can High Performers Avoid Burnout & Still Deliver? 52:50

3M ago52:50

52:50

What if the thing that keeps derailing you - the frustration, the emotional trigger, the moment you lose it - was actually the key to your next career breakthrough? In this episode, former technology leader, executive coach, and best-selling author Mark J. Silverman shares the framework he uses with leaders to turn reactive moments into powerful le…

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The Power of Daily Denial, Dying to Dreams, & Following Up Encounters with Action 52:19

3M ago52:19

52:19

Spiritual transformation begins with teaching students to deny themselves before they can truly follow Jesus. We've often emphasized the "follow" part without properly teaching the denial that must come first. • The importance of denying oneself as the foundation for spiritual transformation • How youth pastors often focus on attraction rather than…

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309. Building a Thriving Groups Ministry: Systems, Leadership, and Multiplication with Rick Howerton 33:32

3M ago33:32

33:32

Discipleship doesn’t happen by accident—it grows through intentional systems, equipped leaders, and a church culture that values transformation over attendance. As small group and discipleship leaders, we carry the weight of cultivating environments where spiritual growth is possible, but the path toward healthy group ministry can often feel unclea…

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308: Discipleship in a College Town: Contextual Leadership with Pastor Rob Tims 36:03

3M ago36:03

36:03

In a rapidly changing culture, especially in dynamic environments like college towns, discipleship requires more than just a good curriculum, it demands discernment, intentionality, and a deep understanding of the people we serve. As small group leaders and disciple-makers, we must be attuned to our unique ministry contexts and ready to engage with…

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Unbound 2025: Marley actually trained for a race! What to expect from recovery, and other stories 30:17

4M ago30:17

30:17

Marley had an awesome time at Unbound 2025! She and Ellen sit down to talk about what was different this year—her 5th time riding—plus what she recommends for future rides and what to expect from your body after you've completed a long bike ride. (109 miles of gravel takes its toll, no matter what!)By Marley Blonsky

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307. Character-Driven Discipleship and Leadership with Barnabas Piper 40:04

4M ago40:04

40:04

In a culture that often prioritizes charisma and credentials, it’s easy to forget that biblical leadership is first and foremost a matter of the heart. As leaders, we’re not just forming good volunteers or skilled communicators, we’re shaping men and women into the image of Christ. What does it look like to lead from character, build relationships …

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Flip the Coin: Redefining Stress and Taking Back Your Life with Derek Clark 36:40

3M ago36:40

36:40

In this powerful episode, we’re joined by keynote speaker, athletic trainer, and wellness coach Derek Clark—the creator of the Stress Recovery Game Plan. Derek’s story will leave you speechless and inspired as he shares how a high blood pressure reading led to life-saving heart surgery, a prostate cancer diagnosis, and ultimately, a total mindset t…

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Let's Build Together 1:59

4M ago1:59

1:59

Welcome to The Afternoon Shift, a hub for mid-career marketing, media, and creative leaders to build together. Created and hosted by marketing veteran, entrepreneur, author, and business consultant Brady Sadler, The Afternoon Shift exists to create more connection, collaboration, and impactful work. Expect weekly interviews with with incredible lea…

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📣 Announcing All Bodies on Bikes NEW membership program! 📣 PLUS All Bodies on Bikes on The Today Show & summer events 25:21

4M ago25:21

25:21

Friends! Listeners! We're back with updates on some exciting news from All Bodies on Bikes! First be sure to sprint, not toodle, over to our website to be one of the first to get in on the All Bodies on Bikes Membership program! We've launched this new feature with 4 exciting tiers to choose from. There is something literally for everyone so go che…

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The Troubling Level of Biblical Literacy in Students, Bible Study in Small Groups & Praying Through Scripture 53:30

5M ago53:30

53:30

What if the most effective youth ministry strategy isn't flashy, innovative, or complicated—but actually stunningly simple? In this revealing conversation with 20-year youth ministry veteran Elisha Garcia of Grace Church in Houston, we uncover how returning to fundamental practices is transforming an entire generation's relationship with scripture.…

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306. Biblical Masculinity in a Confused Culture: A Conversation with Casey B. Hough 33:36

5M ago33:36

33:36

In today’s culture, the conversation around masculinity is often marked by confusion, polarization, and deep emotional complexity. As leaders and disciplers of men—whether in small groups, homes, or churches—we’re faced with the challenge of helping the next generation navigate manhood in a way that reflects both strength and humility, courage and …

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305. Discipleship in a Noisy World with Ruth Chou Simons 35:21

5M ago35:21

35:21

In a world overflowing with noise and opinions, how can we, as disciples and leaders, cultivate wisdom, grace, and meaningful conversations? Discipleship doesn’t just happen in classrooms or sermons—it happens in the daily rhythms of our lives, in the words we speak, the beauty we notice, and the way we lead others in truth and love. In this episod…

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Technology and Discipleship Pathways - Derek Maxson 37:49

5M ago37:49

37:49

Derek's goal is to help churches and pastors be more effective and joyful. With experience as student / executive pastor, church board chairman and technology company leader, Derek has experience in many leadership contexts and is passionate for the church. Derek was a student ministry pastor through most of his twenties in California and Oregon. A…

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304. Combating Cultural Christianity: Leadership Insights from Matt Vairetta 35:47

6M ago35:47

35:47

Discipleship can be both rewarding and challenging, especially in today’s ever-changing church landscape. As leaders, we often find ourselves navigating cultural shifts, combating spiritual apathy, and seeking new ways to foster genuine community. In multi-site churches, these challenges can be even more pronounced, requiring intentional strategies…

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303. How to Measure True Discipleship: Insights with Dr. Richard Blackaby 42:05

6M ago42:05

42:05

Discipleship is at the heart of the Christian journey, but how do we truly measure its impact? In this episode Brian Daniel and Haley Malone sit down with Dr. Richard Blackaby to discuss the critical importance of making disciples as the final command of Jesus. They explore the challenges of gauging discipleship effectiveness and emphasize that gen…

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Leading Indicators, Dealing with Criticism, and Asking the Right Questions in Youth Ministry - Andy Lynn 48:04

6M ago48:04

48:04

Is your youth ministry measuring the right things? When attendance numbers become your primary success metric, you're setting yourself up for an emotional rollercoaster that's entirely out of your control. Andy Lynn, NextGen Director, New Jersey Ministry Network, brings 18 years of ministry experience to this paradigm-shifting conversation about wh…

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302. Cultivating Deep Discipleship in a Digital Age with John Eldredge 33:54

6M ago33:54

33:54

In a world consumed by screens and distractions, how do we cultivate a deep, personal relationship with Jesus? In this episode, host Brian Daniel sits down with author and counselor John Eldredge to explore the impact of technology on our spiritual lives and what it truly means to follow Christ in today’s culture. John unpacks the essence of discip…

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Creating inclusive & authentic cycling apparel for all bodies with Shredly founder Ashley Rankin 43:02

6M ago43:02

43:02

Marley and Ellen sit down with Ashley Rankin, founder of Shredly, to discuss how her brand is redefining women's mountain bike and activewear apparel through inclusive sizing, vibrant designs, and a commitment to sustainability. We explore Shredly's mission, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the impact of creating a welcoming community for al…