Best UYWI Podcasts (2024)

1
Your Paycheck is not your purpose: Uncover the 3-Fold Path to Fulfillment 34:35

3h ago34:35

34:35

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why am I here?" or more specifically, "What is my purpose in this world?" These questions are at the heart of our journey leaders, especially in the fast-paced, dynamic environments we navigate daily. In today’s episode, Robert & Tommy dive deep into the essential topic of discovering your God-given purpose—…

1
What is the Radical Middle? 30:16

2d ago30:16

30:16

The Radical Middle Podcast, hosted by Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, explores the concept of the "radical middle," which emphasizes living out the teachings of Jesus in a genuine, thoughtful way. Unlike a centrist approach, the radical middle involves deeply wrestling with Christian truths and engaging in meaningful dialogue to understand and ap…

1
Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 2 - Praise, Imposter, Fear, & Perfectionism 38:04

15d ago38:04

38:04

In the second part of our series, "The Internal Struggle of Leadership," we dive into four challenges every leader faces: praise, impostor syndrome, fear, and perfectionism. Praise: Recognition feels great, but how we handle it defines our character. Proverbs 27:21 says praise is a test. Accepting it humbly or crediting our team shows true leadersh…

1
Embracing Healthy Conflict: A Path to Growth in Christian Leadership 30:26

16d ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Tommy and Lenmarie take a deep dive into the reasons why Christians, particularly those in leadership and institutional roles, often struggle with conflict. They explore how the reluctance to confront disagreements head-on has led to a widespread phenomenon known as "church hurt," where unresolved issues create rifts within congreg…

1
Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 1 - Humility, Self-Confidence, and Vulnerability 53:56

25d ago53:56

53:56

As a leader, have you ever felt inadequate, questioned your own motives, or been paralyzed by the fear of failure? If so, you're certainly not alone. Leadership isn't merely about guiding others—it's also about confronting and overcoming the inner battles we face within ourselves. These struggles can be daunting, but understanding them is crucial t…

1
Navigating Masculinity: A Christian Perspective on Toxic Masculinity and True Leadership 35:58

1M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, Tommy and Lenmarie dive deep into the complex and often contentious topic of masculinity, viewed through the lens of Christian faith. The discussion begins with a provocative question: If you were alone in a forest, would you feel safer with a man or a bear? Surprisingly, many choose the bear, a respon…

1
Inspiring Urban Youth: An Interview with Amy Williams on Leadership and Transformation 58:15

2M ago58:15

58:15

In today's podcast, Robert Aboites sits down with Amy Williams, author of Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes. With 30 years of experience serving youth involved in gangs, incarceration, probation, and parole, Amy shares her profound insights and leadership principles for working with urban youth on the margins of society. Amy recounts …

1
Rethinking Megachurches: Authenticity and Impact in Modern Congregations 34:35

2M ago34:35

34:35

In this compelling episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall engage in a thorough examination of a significant question facing the religious community today: Should megachurches continue in their current form? With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of modern faith, they highlight several critical issues that m…

1
Mastering Time Management: Essential Strategies for Growing Leaders 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Time management has challenged leaders for centuries. As William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia, said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” In today’s episode of The Future Is Here Leadership Podcast, Robert & Tommy delve into effective time prioritization, starting not with your calendar, but with your “why.” Prioritizing means f…

1
Balancing Justice and Well-Being: Navigating Activism Fatigue with Faith and Authenticity 25:25

2M ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall take a deep dive into the concept of "justice fatigue." They explore the multifaceted challenges of staying actively engaged in social justice amidst the backdrop of overwhelming global crises. The conversation touches on the intense pressures faced by public advo…

1
Handling Underperformance with Compassion: Strategies for Faith Leaders 36:02

2M ago36:02

36:02

As leaders, we've all faced team members who aren't meeting expectations. How do you guide these individuals without jumping straight to reprimands? In our latest podcast episode, Robert & Tommy explore how to handle underperformance by creating a culture of support and growth. Learn how to navigate tough conversations with grace and empathy, recog…

1
Why We Suck at Grieving - Transforming Grief Through Faith 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie delve into the profound challenges of properly addressing grief, particularly within the church. They are joined by guest Angel Maldonado, who shares his personal journey through grief, from the loss of his father to his move to California. Maldonado sheds light on the of…

1
Mastering Consensus Leadership: Unlocking Team Innovation and Trust 38:35

3M ago38:35

38:35

Ever faced challenges in getting your team on board with major changes, ideas, or direction? Struggling to reach consensus? In this episode, Robert & Tommy dive into how to lead your team through a consensus-driven approach. Discover how to achieve collective agreement by considering diverse viewpoints and landing on the best solution—what we call …

1
Reviving Bible Engagement: Is The Church Illiterate 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

In the latest episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, along with Esteban Shedd from Streetlights, explore the transformative power of the Bible when it is made accessible through modern methods like hip-hop beats. They discuss the troublingly low engagement levels among Christians, which they attribute to digi…

1
Mastering Pacing: A Guide to Sustainable Leadership That Avoids Burnout 42:09

3M ago42:09

42:09

At UYWI we frequently connect with leaders who are either teetering on the brink of burnout or already engulfed in its flames. Sadly, it seems that burning out has become all too common in ministry circles, almost glorified as a badge of honor that says “if you’re not burnt out, are you even doing anything?!’. But is this truly what God desires for…

1
“Church is wack!” - Why old skool methods aren’t working in a Relational Generation 31:23

4M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into the evolving landscape of Church practices in the wake of the pandemic, focusing on innovative approaches tailored to young adult ministry. They advocate for transformative changes that prioritize authenticity, community engagement, and discipleship. T…

1
Sacrificial Leadership: Gaining Trust, Influence, and Intimacy 34:58

4M ago34:58

34:58

When you hear the word "Sacrifice," what comes to mind? For us, it immediately brings to mind Jesus, the ultimate Sacrificial Leader who gave everything, even his life, for us. But as leaders in youth ministry, what does sacrificial leadership really look like for us? In this episode, Robert and Tommy are diving deep into the heart of Sacrificial L…

1
Navigating Charisma vs. Character in Christian Leadership: A Critical Discussion 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into critical questions facing young adult leaders in Christian ministry. They examine the nuanced differences in cultural, ethnic, and church contexts and how these factors influence authenticity in leadership. The discussion probes the challenge of discer…

1
The Gift of Resistance: Navigating Challenges in Leadership & Allowing Them to Make You Better 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

As leaders we've all faced our fair share of challenges and pushback, am I right? In our latest podcast episode, Robert and Tommy are here to unwrap the "Gift of Resistance" and show us how to turn those hurdles into stepping stones. Join us as we dive into the why behind embracing, rather than fighting, the resistance that comes our way. From cult…

1
"Just Be Honest": Navigating Faith and Authenticity While Balancing the Sacred & Secular 40:16

4M ago40:16

40:16

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal welcome Alexander James, a poet, pastor, and author, to delve into his latest book, "Just Be Honest." Join the conversation as they explore the delicate balance between faith and conformity, particularly in urban settings. With a focus on integrating spirituality…

1
Unlocking Potential: Understanding Our Team Members 43:01

5M ago43:01

43:01

Connecting with our team is like uncovering hidden treasures! It's all about digging deeper to understand their unique stories, backgrounds, values, cultures, talents, and dreams. This lays the groundwork for a vibrant organizational culture where everyone can flourish. When we truly know our team members, magic happens—retention rates soar, produc…

1
Inclusion: Balancing Belief and Relevant Media Consumption 33:13

5M ago33:13

33:13

Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance. Through …

1
The Trustworthy Leader - How to foster trust as a ministry leader 39:07

5M ago39:07

39:07

In a recent Gallup poll, clergy's trustworthiness hit a concerning low, prompting much needed discussions about the trust we have - or don’t have, in leadership. Join us on "The Future Is Here" as we dive into the vital topic of trust. With trust levels declining, it's crucial for leaders to grasp how to build trust effectively. By prioritizing car…

1
Reviving Evangelism: Embracing Modern Approaches to Share the Gospel 34:45

5M ago34:45

34:45

In this episode of The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine…

1
Navigating Leadership Vision: What is your leadership lens? 31:01

6M ago31:01

31:01

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of leadership vision and how leaders shape the future of their organizations. We'll introduce three distinct leadership types: the "Then and Now" leader, the "Now and Next" leader, and the "Near and New" leader. Each type offers a unique take on scalability, innovation, and organizational growth. The …

1
Exploring Truth: Navigating Complexity in Youth Leadership 27:43

6M ago27:43

27:43

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Vanessa Cruz dive into the fascinating realm of truth as perceived by today's young leaders. They highlight an intriguing shift that's been happening since around 2016—a move towards a more nuanced understanding of truth, one that's less black and white and more about shades of …

1
Unlocking Strategic Leadership: The Power of Strategic Thinking and Planning 41:28

6M ago41:28

41:28

Are You Just Keeping Busy or Making Real Change Happen? Ever wonder what makes some leaders truly strategic? It's all about knowing the difference between just doing stuff and actually making a plan. A lot of leaders are used to being busy bees, but they might not be thinking strategically. Sure, it looks good to be super active, but is anything ac…

1
Navigating Toxicity: Leading in Challenging Church Environments 33:13

6M ago33:13

33:13

Welcome to The Radical Middle - In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of toxicity within church organizations. Join us as Len, a seasoned leadership development expert, joins forces with Tommy - together sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their diverse experiences. We will be discussing the following: How do you discern the toxicity le…

1
The Empowered Leader: Navigating Delegation and Ownership 33:21

7M ago33:21

33:21

In our journey working with leaders, especially in churches and ministries, we’ve noticed "empowerment" is a hot topic. You've probably seen it thrown around a lot – but how often does it really happen? In today's episode, we're diving deep into what empowerment truly means. We'll chat about the difference between empowerment and just passing off t…

1
Navigating Urban Culture: Balancing Relevant Ratchetness and Holiness 49:20

7M ago49:20

49:20

In urban settings, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds: the raw authenticity of our surroundings and the call to live lives that reflect God's holiness. It's a tension we can't ignore. We're faced with the challenge of staying relevant to our community while also striving to live lives that honor God. How do we reconcile the ratchetne…

1
Exploring Leadership: Definitions, Responsibilities, and Development 30:06

7M ago30:06

30:06

What does it really mean to be a leader? Is it something anyone can do, or is it reserved for a special few? And what does the Bible have to say about all this? In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of leadership with Tommy and Robert. We'll be taking a look at 1 Peter 5:2-3 to get some insight into the essence of leadership, particular…

1
Christian Violence: Questioning the Idea of Fighting Fire with Fire 50:05

7M ago50:05

50:05

Let's talk about something that can cause a lot of division in Christian circles – the whole idea of using violence to make things right. Take a look at what's happening in Israel and Palestine – it's a hot topic, right? One side fiercely believes Israel has the right to do whatever they need to to “handle” Palestine… Others vehemently defend the p…

1
Success without Burnout: Of Trees & Temples, Wisdom from Mark 11 34:12

8M ago34:12

34:12

Feel like you are doing a whole lot of work, but instead of being impactful, you just feel BUSY??? Sometimes being a leader - especially in ministry, feels like we have multiple jobs… And for some of us, it actually IS something we do voluntarily in addition to our 9 to 5. If that’s you (or if it’s not but you don’t want it to be), check out our la…

1
Leader Worship - Navigating the Boundaries of Honoring Leaders 51:41

8M ago51:41

51:41

How far should one go when it comes to showing honor to leaders? When does it cross the line into cringe-worthy territory, or worse, into a sinful or outright wrong practice? And who bears responsibility in this dynamic—the leaders who manipulate and demand honor, or the individuals who freely offer it, sometimes at their own expense? In this discu…

1
Our New Reality: Demographic Shifts and What’s Imperative for Innovative Leadership 34:40

8M ago34:40

34:40

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of leading the next generation in a world that's rapidly transforming? Join Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites in this game-changing episode as they kick off an exciting series of leadership conversations. As young leaders coming up in spaces that have never been navigated before, how can we adapt to the e…

1
Death by Production - Balancing Expectations and Well-being 41:58

9M ago41:58

41:58

Unless you've experienced working or volunteering in an understaffed, under-resourced, or poorly-led organization, you may not fully grasp the challenges it entails. It can be a daunting prospect, and sometimes, downright frustrating! In this episode, we step back to examine the competitive landscape of Christmas productions across various ministri…

1
Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Holistic Perspective 43:11

10M ago43:11

43:11

The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can elicit various reactions, from enthusiasm to resistance, based on individual ideologies. In this episode, we explore a nuanced perspective on DEI, emphasizing that it is not the ultimate goal but rather the vehicle that can lead us to fulfill the will of God. We delve into the tensions that…

1
Power Dynamics - Understanding the Persistence of Organizations with Poor Leadership 46:07

10M ago46:07

46:07

Have you ever pondered why organizations with questionable leadership or unethical practices manage to maintain their grip on power? It can be baffling to witness influential organizations thrive while others struggle to access even basic resources. In this discussion, we delve into the critical role of power dynamics in various aspects of our live…

1
Navigating the Political Landscape: A Christian Perspective on Voting 37:49

11M ago37:49

37:49

The question of how to cast our votes is increasingly on the minds of young leaders today. Voting is often portrayed as our civic duty, a way to have our voices heard by those in power. However, in a world where politics has become intertwined with individual identity, it's challenging to strike a balance between participating in the electoral proc…

1
Christianity as a Weapon - Examining the Misuse of Faith for Political Ends 46:37

11M ago46:37

46:37

January 6th has gained infamy, being likened to other dark days in U.S. history. Among the distressing scenes witnessed on that day, one that stands out is a leader of the insurrection holding up a Bible and leading a prayer. This raises questions about how individuals can exploit Holy Scriptures to sow chaos and believe they are fulfilling a divin…

1
Family Business - Addressing Nepotism in Churches & Its Impact on Ministries and Families 49:15

11M ago49:15

49:15

Nepotism, a concerning issue within church organizations, has become increasingly evident. It is disheartening to witness leaders favoring their relatives without considering merit or suitability for positions. In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore why churches often refrain from scrutinizing leadership trans…

1
Wakanda Forever - Uniting Black and Brown Communities; Understanding Disunity and Hope 48:52

12M ago48:52

48:52

Why does it seem like there's an ongoing rivalry between black and brown communities? Is it an innate instinct, a cultural phenomenon, or something driven by fear? Could there be a larger agenda at play behind this division? In this episode of The Radical Middle, Fredy and Tommy address the pressing issue of disunity among black and brown brothers …

1
Bibliolatry: Worshipping the Bible over God 56:55

1y ago56:55

56:55

Join Tommy and Fredy in this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast as they delve into the intriguing and contentious topic of whether it is possible for some individuals to prioritize worshiping The Bible over God Himself. They unravel the various perspectives within the Christian community regarding this matter and examine how certain viewpoints m…

1
Code-Switching: Cultural Diversity and Leadership 54:05

1y ago54:05

54:05

Have you ever observed someone transitioning from their native language to a more widely accepted form of communication? This occurrence is quite common, and you might not even realize it. This phenomenon is what we refer to as "code-switching." In this episode, Tommy and Fredy delve into the concept of code-switching, exploring the reasons behind …

1
Woke Wars - Decoding Wokeness: Impact, Gospel, and Necessity in Progressivism 39:17

1y ago39:17

39:17

The concept of the "woke agenda" faces scrutiny, with a notable portion of the challenge originating not solely from traditional conservatives or religious individuals. Within progressive circles, there is an internal struggle to outdo one another in virtue signaling. This intensification of cancel culture is noteworthy. Influential figures once ce…

1
The Ambiguity of Whiteness - Exploring the Concept of Whiteness 49:39

1y ago49:39

49:39

What exactly is "whiteness," and who does it encompass? These are the questions at the heart of today's episode featuring Tommy and Fredy. Often, we casually use the term "whiteness" to refer to individuals who are not minorities, without recognizing the rich diversity within the white community. Surprisingly, some white people share cultural and l…

1
McJesus - Serving up Quick & Delicious Christianity | Are We Replicating Cookie-Cutter Churches? 54:37

1y ago54:37

54:37

Have you ever felt like we're constantly replicating the same type of churches? Well, you're not alone in thinking that way! We've observed that even exceptional church planters and planting movements can succumb to the allure of superficial metrics to measure success. In this conversation, Tommy and Fredy delve into the reasons behind this pattern…

1
Challenging the Christian Industrial Complex - Examining Inclusivity & Representation 50:32

1y ago50:32

50:32

There's a significant financial aspect to the Christian industry, where substantial profits are attainable. But is it ethically sound that this industry consistently favors a select few from a particular community, while simultaneously excluding BIPOC individuals? "The Radical Middle" podcast sets out to challenge the gatekeepers in this realm, aim…

1
Men’s Rights - Understanding Men's Concerns and Responsibilities in Christian Circles 44:38

1y ago44:38

44:38

Do men often feel under attack in today's society? It's a sentiment that's been voiced by many. But why is that the case? Join Tommy and Fredy as they explore the various reasons behind the perception that men are not treated fairly in society. They engage in a thoughtful discussion, acknowledging the validity of some arguments while also questioni…

1
You’re a Bad Leader if…. - Recognizing and Avoiding Bad Leadership 37:42

1+ y ago37:42

37:42

Effective leadership should be driven by noble intentions and a genuine love for the cause. However, what occurs when narcissistic or unqualified individuals are entrusted with leadership roles within an organization? Poor leadership can lead to catastrophic outcomes! So, what are the warning signs of ineffective leadership that you need to be vigi…

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