POUND FOR POUND LEADER

In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leader Podcast, I sit down with one of my closest friends, Pastor Sammy Rodriguez, President of the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, for an inspiring conversation on revival, repentance, leadership, culture, and the future of the Church. We discuss Sammy's historic opportunity to help lead the Rededicate America to God gathering in Washingto...

On this episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Pastor Jeffrey Rachmat — founder of Jakarta Praise Community Church — for one of the most honest and impactful leadership conversations we've had yet. What started as a staff chapel quickly turned into a masterclass on leadership, succession, culture, and building through crisis. Pastor Jeffrey shares the incredible story...

After a record-breaking Easter that felt like revival, Pastor Mike Kai sits down with Inspire Church staff members Deja Taheny and Chelsea West for a raw, real, and deeply relevant conversation about faith, culture, and what it actually means to be a leader in 2026. From discerning a genuine move of God to building your life on the right foundation — this episode goes there. Don't miss it. ───────...

What happens when God calls someone who doesn't feel qualified? In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast, Pastor Travis Hearn shares the untold story behind leading Impact Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. His journey wasn't easy, it included growing up in a broken home, a life altering night in jail, stepping into a church on the brink of foreclosure, and years of faithfully buildin...

What happens when God plants a vision years before you feel ready to carry it? In this powerful collaboration between Pound for Pound Leadership and the I AM HER Podcast, Pastor Mike and Pastor Lisa Kai share the deeply personal, faith-filled journey behind Arise, from a whispered prayer to a movement now filling the Blaisdell with thousands of women. This is a conversation about obedience, timing...

In Part 1 of this P4P Podcast Leadership conversation, Ps Che Ann shares the early experiences that shaped his life, faith, and leadership. Born in post-war South Korea, Ps Che reflects on his family's journey to America in search of freedom and opportunity, and how those formative years laid the foundation for a lifetime of service. With over 40 years of leadership experience , he opens up about...

From eight team members with one vision to 700 young adults gathering every Tuesday night, this episode reveals how faith, culture, and authenticity sparked a movement across the islands. Pastor Mike Kai, along with Bekah and Elijah, breaks down what it takes to build revival from the ground up and why it's not hype, it's alignment. This week on the Pound for Pound Podcast, get a powerful, behind-...

What if the shaking in your life isn't turbulence, but a transfer? In this episode, Pastor Mike Kai challenges leaders to see disruption as God's strategy for refinement and preparation. From ancient biblical wisdom to modern-day business lessons, he reminds us that we were born for such a time as this. In this powerful episode of Pound for Pound Leadership, Pastor Mike Kai unpacks why Inspire Chu...

In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast, Pastor Mike Kai sits down with his longtime friend, Pastor Jared Ming of Higher Vision Church, for a raw and timely conversation.     They talk about:   - The tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk and its ripple effect on the church and culture   - How to shepherd people through grief, trauma, and offense   - Why offense is one of the great...

What do you do when you've hit rock bottom, but know your calling is greater? Pastor Jeff Osbourne went from prison to purpose, and in this powerful episode, he shares how renewing your mindset and walking in obedience can transform your business, leadership, and life. Get ready for hard truth, raw testimony, and soul-stirring wisdom. This special episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast...

What happens when a boy raised outside the faith receives a dream that changes his destiny?  In this jaw-dropping episode, Pastor Mike introduces Christophe — a missionary leader born into a family tied to voodoo practices in Haiti, later mentored by YWAM founder Loren Cunningham, and now spreading the gospel across the unreached world. You'll hear about the spiritual battlelines drawn in Haiti, t...

In this episode of  Throwback Sessions with Mike Kai , we're bringing you a powerful summer highlight featuring two standout voices in the Christian faith— Pastor Samuel Rodriguez and Pastor Rex Crain . These conversations were some of the most impactful of 2024, filled with wisdom, leadership insight, and faith-driven encouragement for every believer and leader. Whether it's Pastor Sam's propheti...

In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast, Pastor Mike sits down with longtime friend Danny Casler—former punk rocker turned community builder and founder of My Kailua. Danny shares his raw and inspiring journey through trauma, transformation, fatherhood, and faith, revealing how seasons of pruning led to deep personal growth. From touring the world to leading one of Hawaii's most...

In this powerful and transparent episode of the P4P Podcast, DJ Garces is joined by Inspire Church's Lead Pastors, Mike and Lisa Kai, the church's new CFO, Sebastian Buffa, and long-time leader Ju Frigilana. Together, they explore what it takes to lead with conviction, fail forward with grace, and steward a thriving ministry culture. From hilarious honesty about borrowing your spouse's leadership...

In this episode of Pound for Pound Leadership, special guests Ju and Clint join Pastor Mike to ask insightful questions about leadership, faith, and personal growth. They explore the journey of discovering one's calling, overcoming challenges, and the importance of wisely stewarding time, relationships, and resources. Key Takeaways: (00:15) Get organized with the Great Life Planner at mikekai.tv....

In this deeply personal and insightful episode, Pastor Shane Baxter reflects on his 26-year journey as a pastor at Enjoy Church in Australia. He shares the challenges and milestones of taking over a 12-year-old church that had seen six different pastors and only 40 members at the time, now transformed into a thriving church with multiple locations. Pastor Shane discusses the challenges of inheriti...

In this episode of the Pound for Pound Leader Podcast, Pastor Mike welcomes back the influential Pastor Steve Kelly, who last visited the island in August of last year. Join them as they delve into the latest growth and spiritual awakenings at Wave Church, leadership lessons learned during and after the pandemic, and the importance of intentional rest. Discover Pastor Steve's unique routines that...

The latest episode of the Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast brings together an incredible lineup of guests, including Pastor Shaun Withy-Allen, Pastor Norman Nakanishi, and Pastor Chris Hodges, as they join host Mike Kai for an insightful discussion on leadership, church planting, and growth. Pastor Chris Hodges, a mentor to Mike Kai, shares profound wisdom on what's coming "next" in the church a...

In this Pound for Pound Podcast episode, Mike Kai welcomes special guest Rex Crain, a former professional baseball player turned inspirational speaker, author, and prophet. Rex shares his remarkable journey from being drafted by the Boston Red Sox at just 18 years old to finding his true calling in ministry. He opens up about the transformative moment when a chance encounter on a plane led him to...

In this compelling episode of the Pound for Pound Podcast, Pastor Mike Kai sits down with John Cameron, former pastor of Arise Church in New Zealand, now based in Brisbane, Australia, as a consultant and coach. John shares his perspective on the current state of the global church, addressing leadership challenges, the spiritual battle within apostolic ministries, and the impact of cultural algorit...

In this episode, Mike Kai sits down with Pastor Jurgen Matthesius from Awaken Church for a candid and inspiring conversation on leadership, faith, and resilience. Together, they explore critical topics that resonate in both spiritual and societal contexts: Leadership lessons from their recent "Man Camp" on Oahu's North Shore The importance of identity and living with conviction in leadership The i...

In this episode, Mike Kai sits down with Reverend Dr. Samuel Rodriguez, pastor, author, producer, cultural reformer and former advisor to 3 past presidents. In this riveting conversation, they candidly discuss issues we face in the world, and particularly in our nation: The impact of the current elections on our country Why this is the most pivotal election for our nation The uniqueness of the 'ex...

In this Part 2 Episode of the Pound For Pound Leadership Podcast, host Mike Kai interviews Pastor Norman Nakanishi, discussing key strategies for leadership succession and growth. They emphasize the importance of preparing for leadership transitions well in advance and navigating post-retirement roles. The conversation also includes valuable advice for aspiring leaders on growth, rest, and relianc...