Lead Stories Podcast

#SummerReplay Jo and Steph have a conversation on stigmas and race today with Edrin Williams, who was born in South Carolina and now a pastor in The Sanctuary Covenant church in the Twin Cities. Listen in to hear how growing up in the South impacted Edrin's childhood and raised early questions about race and how we can all become more inter-culturally competent as we lead others from different bac...

The fallout of change is often 'breaking the mold' and 'breaking the mold' results in change.  In this episode from the series first aired in 2018, Jo and Steph talk about the cost of 'breaking the mold'.  Change is difficult and there can be costs to your family, your community, your job and even your heart.  Connect with Lead Stories and Jo and Steph: Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox Instagram: @LeadSto...

#SummerReplay -  In this compelling episode recorded in the spring, Stephanie talks with Eugene Cho, pastor, speaker, author, visionary and humanitarian. A son of Korean immigrants and a natural entrepreneur, Cho spends much of his time circling the globe speaking about the intersection of faith, justice, and leadership.  Eugene's new book "Thou Shalt Not Be a Jerk: A Christian's Guide to Engaging...

What does the phrase 'breaking the mold' mean? Is it a good thing? In this introductory episode to a new series, Jo and Steph talk about the limitations of molds, how we can be blind to them and how they hold us back as leaders - both by keeping us from stepping into things and also stopping us from helping others to step into things.   Discussion questions: 1) What are ways which we are being hel...

Today's #SummerReplay episode features a conversation with Lisa Harper who discusses how a failure to understand the context in which the Bible was written - by writers under oppression - has warped our understanding of what the Bible says and what Good News truly is.   Join Jo and Steph as they chat to Lisa about how the Gospel can be good news to all people - not just those who are in positions...

In this #SummerReplay episode, Steph and Michelle Steffenhagen are talking about becoming more aware of where our thoughts automatically go when we are anxious or stressed and how to take greater control over our reactions.   In this episode they discuss 5 types of self-defeating thoughts and how we can identify them and stop them in their tracks: 1) All or nothing thinking 2) Catastrophizing 3) U...

This previously recorded Lead Voices episode features a conversation with Dominique Gilliard, the director of Racial Righteousness and Reconciliation, who shares ways that the church needs to rethink its attitude to the criminal justice system and incarceration. With some horrifying statistics and also some hope-filled testimonies and practical ways churches can make a change, this podcast will ch...

The Summer Replay series kicks off with this previously recorded episode from the series Lead On in Season 3. Stephanie and Jo have selected a special collection of episodes that are particularly relevant to the times we are currently facing.  Today Stephanie speaks with MIchelle Steffenhagen about the very practical methods of dealing with stress and anxiety.  Check out Michelle's website: Www.li...

In today's special episode, Jo will share the chapter on "How to Grow Your Grit" from her book Ready to Rise.  We all have the need to grow in our resilience, perseverance and endurance, recognizing that the journey in leadership can be a struggle.  Many of us are being called up, stretched and challenged in any number of ways and may not feel strong enough for the moment we are in and the unknown...

This previously released episode of Lead Voices features author and leader Latasha Morrison . While recorded before the recent unprecedented events of Covid-19 and the murder of George Floyd and subsequent uprisings, the conversation remains incredibly relevant.  LaTasha is the founder of Be The Bridge and also the author of the book by the same name.   To connect with Latasha: https://latashamorr...

Jo and Stephanie continue their conversations on "Ready to Rise". Today's powerful and deeply personal conversation centers on racial inequity and digs into choices and responsibilities during what they hope is a genuine turning point in our time.  We Need to Talk About Race: Understanding the Black Experience in White Majority Churches - Ben Lindsay  Symbolic Racism Harvard Survey  University of...

Jo and Stephanie continue their important and timely conversation around Jo's new book "Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step Into Your Influence" They start by asking the questions: What does it mean to get ready to rise during this time and why does it matter more now?  Is this time the crucible for our purpose and calling?  Order Jo's Book "Ready to Rise" HERE  Connect with...

Jo and Stephanie continue their discussion around Jo's book, Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence . Recorded earlier this year, they will spend time in the next few weeks giving you an overview of the book, but today's episode focuses on how Jesus views women, how he treats women and what he says about women.  Listen today and be encouraged!  Order Jo's Bo...

Listen as special guest and friend, Jen Hatmaker talks with Jo and Stephanie on Lead Voices about race and privilege, as well as leadership during these extraordinary times.  Don't miss this powerful and compelling conversation!  J en's new book "Fierce, Free and Full of Fire: The Guide to Being Glorious You" is available HERE   Also, Order Jo's Book "Ready to Rise" HERE  Connect with Lead Stories...

Recorded prior to the Coronovirus quarantine, Jo and Stephanie are pleased to release a series of conversations around Jo's newest book "Ready to Rise: Own Your Voice, Gather Your Community, Step into Your Influence".  Ready to Rise  tackles the real-life issues—from harassment and sexism to self-doubt and loneliness—that can discourage and derail women from leading in the areas God has called the...

How do we have a handle on how we're living through the increased demands right now? How do we lead ourselves through this time so that we can lead others? Today's episode wraps up the conversation around the various callings we are experiencing during the crisis of Covid-19.   Connect with Lead Stories and Jo and Steph: Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast Facebook: LeadStories...

Nobody thought they were called to this.  Jo and Steph continue the conversation on Covid-19 and Calling and what this means for your household.  Whether it's a family with kids, intergenerational or roommates, your household is your closest interpersonal relationships.   Connect with Lead Stories and Jo and Steph: Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcas...

This episode is a conversation with author and leader Latasha Morrison . She is the founder of Be The Bridge and also the author of the book by the same name. Both the book and the online community are excellent growth tools for leaders of all spheres. Lead Stories Media offers Latasha's work as an important "tools Of the trade" of leadership. To connect with Latasha: https://latashamorrison.com/...

"We're all in this together, but not in the same boat." How can we engage the teams we lead or are a part of with vulnerability, empathy and assurance.  Today, Jo and Stephanie take the things they addressed last week and apply them to the group context.   Connect with Lead Stories and Jo and Steph: Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast Connect with J...

Jo and Stephanie begin a new series with a conversation looking at the things the Covid-19 crisis has unearthed and ask the question:  What does our calling look like in the biggest plot twist so far?  Connect with Lead Stories and Jo and Steph: Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton Connect with Steph at w...

Lead Stories Media is excited to announce our partnership with International Justice Mission .  International Justice Mission is the largest anti-slavery organization in the world.   They work to rescue people out of slavery and sex trafficking and walk with survivors until they are restored and thriving in freedom. Your gift of $50 or more comes with a beautiful "freedom" necklace handmade by sur...

Today, Jo and Stephanie wrap up the Leadership in the Valley series with a conversation about  the opportunity for growth during times in the valley.  Throughout the old testament, valleys are described and considered places that are fertile for growth.  Listen to the compelling conclusion to this powerful series.  Pre order Jo's Book - Ready To Rise and receive your free resource "Should I Stay o...

Today in Part 3 of the "Leadership in the Valley" series, Jo and Steph continue to look at the Biblical theme of the movement of God in the valley through the lens of the story of David and Goliath.  They pose the question - What are the battles we are facing and how can we navigate our way through them?  Lead Stories is partnering with Abide, the #1 Christian meditation app.  Go to the Abide webs...

Jo and Stephanie continue the series "Leadership in the Valley" focusing on "the Valley of Grief" sometimes known as "the valley of dry bones." Throughout the Bible we see the valley as a backdrop for the movement of God amongst His people and today's conversation is particularly relevant to what's going on right now in our world.  Dwelling in the Word Exercise Read through twice Ezekial 37:1-14 T...

Jo and Stephanie begin a new series - Leading in the Valley.  Throughout the Bible the theme of the valley as a backdrop or landscape for the movement of God amongst his people.  Today's focus is the"Valley of Fear"   Bible.org - The View From the Valley  Lead Stories is partnering with Abide, the #1 Christian meditation app.  Go to the Abide website to receive 25% off your Abide premium subscript...