Behind the Seal

What if the biggest threat to your leadership isn’t burnout, bad strategy, or lack of vision — but neglecting your own body?In this episode, Jedd Medefind, President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), opens up a conversation many leaders avoid: the role of physical health in shaping how we lead. From sleep and diet to movement and screen time, Jedd shares how small choices in our daily lives fuel resilience, creativity, and longevity in leadership.This isn’t about prescriptions or checklists—it’s about learning to lead from a place of wholeness. Whether you’re a pastor, CEO, or ministry leader, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership health and give you practical ways to build strength for the long haul.In This Episode:Why leaders often ignore physical healthHow sleep, diet, and movement impact leadershipThe hidden cost of our relationship with screensWhat thriving leadership looks like over the long termHow boards and organizations can better support leader well-beingAbout Jedd Medefind:Jedd Medefind serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO), which unites 300 respected organizations in joint initiatives to better the lives of vulnerable children and families. Previously, Jedd led the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives under President George W. Bush. He also held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. Jedd has worked, studied, and served in more than thirty countries, from Christian Life Bangladesh to Price-Waterhouse in Moscow. He’s authored four books and many articles, and speaks frequently on issues related to effective leadership, child development and health, technology, and more – from large events to media outlets ranging from the Wall Street Journal and NPR to Christianity Today. Jedd and his wife Rachel live in Falls Church, VA with their five children. He loves time with his family and friends, especially flyfishing, backpacking, or anything else in the great outdoors. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCareCAFOIf this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—like, share, and subscribe for more insights on healthy leadership. 

What happens when truth itself feels up for grabs?In this episode of Behind the Seal, host Michael Martin sits down with journalist and author Bonnie Kristian to unpack what she calls our epistemic crisis — a breakdown in how we discern truth in an age of misinformation, conspiracy, and cancel culture.Together, they explore how fake news and social media shape our faith and politics, why Christians are especially vulnerable to conspiracism, and what it takes to reclaim a thoughtful, redemptive discourse culture. From the dangers of mob mentality to the hope of cultivating habits of discernment, Bonnie’s insights offer a path toward restoration, clarity, and Christ-centered truth in a noisy world.Learn more about Bonnie’s book Untrustworthy and discover how to live faithfully, think clearly, and love well in the age of information overload.Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that strengthen leaders and ministries.About Bonnie Kristian:Bonnie Kristian is the editorial director of ideas and books at Christianity Today. She is a fellow at Defense Priorities and author of Untrustworthy: The Knowledge Crisis Breaking Our Brains, Polluting Our Politics, and Corrupting Christian Community and A Flexible Faith: Rethinking What It Means to Follow Jesus Today. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCareBonnie’s Substack

Finishing well is the exception—not the rule. Far too many leaders start with conviction but end with compromise. It rarely happens overnight. Most drift quietly—through small compromises, unchecked ambition, and a subtle shift from purpose to performance.In this powerful episode of Behind the Seal, Peter Greer (President & CEO of Hope International) joins us to unpack why leaders lose their way—and how to stay mission-true in the face of pressure, success, and fatigue.From the story of Solomon to the shadow side of ministry impact, Peter offers hard-earned wisdom and practical safeguards for pastors, nonprofit leaders, and Christian CEOs who want to lead with integrity and finish faithfully.About Peter Greer: Peter Greer is president and CEO of HOPE International, a global Christ-centered organization working to alleviate physical and spiritual poverty in more than 27 countries around the world. Peter’s favorite part of his role is spending time with the remarkable entrepreneurs HOPE serves. A graduate of Harvard’s Kennedy School, Peter has co-authored 15 books, including Lead with Prayer, Mission Drift, and Rooting for Rivals. He lives with his wife, Laurel, and their four children in Lancaster, PA. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCareHow Leaders Lose Their WayLead With PrayerLearn more about Peter GreerLearn more about Hope InternationalSpiritual Integration Resource15:5 Weekly Check-in If this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—like, share, and subscribe for more insights on healthy leadership. Drop a comment and let us know: What helps you stay mission-true?

Is your leadership costing you connection?In this honest and thought-provoking conversation, Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals, joins ECFA President Michael Martin to explore the emotional and relational challenges leaders face behind the scenes. From the illusion of transparency to the power of biblical vulnerability, this episode uncovers what it really takes to build meaningful friendships in ministry—and why you can’t lead well without them.Whether you're a pastor, nonprofit leader, or executive, you'll find practical insight and deep encouragement to help you lead from a place of connection, not isolation.About Walter Kim: Walter Kim is President of the National Association of Evangelicals. He earned his PhD at Harvard, was a chaplain at Yale, and has served in diverse pastoral ministries. He is on the board of World Relief, Christianity Today, and The Salvation Army, USA. He is often sought out for his theological and cultural commentary on issues facing the church and society.Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCareWalterKim.orgNational Association of EvangelicalsNAE PodcastsCall to Action: If this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—like, share, and subscribe for more insights on healthy leadership. Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway, and keep the conversation going!

What happens when no one’s asking the hard questions? ECFA President Michael Martin talks with David Ashcraft, CEO of the Global Leadership Network, about the urgent need for accountability, care, and clear guardrails in leadership.From the isolation many pastors and nonprofit leaders face to how transparency can rebuild trust, this episode offers practical insights and a call to action for leaders, boards, and teams alike.Discover why vague expectations create hidden risks—and how intentional conversations and well-defined boundaries can protect leaders and strengthen organizations.If you care about healthy leadership and culture, this episode is a must-listen.

What if your pastor is one conversation away from burnout—and no one knows it?In ministry, the warning signs don’t always look like collapse. Sometimes, they look like silence, fatigue, or a slow drift from intimacy with God.In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeramy and Jerusha Clark of Standing Stone Ministry to talk about the emotional and spiritual toll leadership can take—and what it looks like to care for pastors before crisis hits.With decades of experience in leader care, the Clarks share powerful insights on:✔️ The early signs of ministry implosion ✔️ How leadership stress impacts marriages and families ✔️ Why many pastors don’t know how to care for themselves ✔️ The role of boards in fostering a culture of care ✔️ How trusted friendships—not resources—make the differenceWhether you're a pastor, spouse, board member, or just someone who loves your church—this is a conversation every church needs to hear.About Jeramy & Jerusha Clark: Dr. Jeramy Clark received his Masters of Divinity and Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot Theological Seminary.  After pastoring for nearly thirty years, Jeramy became the President of Standing Stone Ministry, an organization that offers soul care for pastors and other ministry leaders. Jeramy savors coffee of all varieties, plays the drums, and enjoys golf. Jerusha Clark is the author, co-author, or collaborative writer of twenty books.  She co-authored five books with Jeramy, including three bestsellers, prior to launching her own writing and speaking ministry, focused on helping others glorify and enjoy God, one thought at a time.  On quiet days, you can find Jerusha at the beach, her absolute favorite place.   Jeramy and Jerusha have two adult daughters and love ministering together as shepherds to pastors and ministry leaders through Standing Stone Ministry. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCareStanding Stone MinistryGod Meetings Course

Gabe Lyons, bestselling author and founder of THINQ Media, dives into the essence of leadership intertwined with emotional health. He discusses the need for leaders to establish safe environments for vulnerability, emphasizing that personal healing enhances their effectiveness. The conversation also addresses the balance of measuring impact in changing landscapes, and the importance of supportive relationships, particularly in marriage, for leaders. Lastly, Gabe highlights mentoring future generations, making a case for collaboration to empower emerging leaders.

What does it take to build—and rebuild—trust in leadership? In this powerful episode, Dr. Henry Cloud, bestselling author of books like Boundaries and Trust, reveals why trust is the foundation of every healthy relationship, team, and organization—and what leaders can do when it’s been broken. From identifying the key elements of trust to recognizing barriers like defensiveness, fear, and narcissism, Dr. Cloud offers practical insights for leaders in any setting.Whether you're leading a church, ministry, nonprofit, or business, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead with greater self-awareness, emotional health, and relational integrity.Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, trust, and building healthy teams.About Dr. Cloud:  Dr. Henry Cloud is an acclaimed leadership expert, clinical psychologist, and New York Times best-selling author. His 46 books, including the iconic Boundaries, have sold over 20 million copies worldwide. He has an extensive executive coaching background and experience as a leadership consultant, devoting the majority of his time to working with CEOs, leadership teams, and executives to improve performance, leadership skills, and culture.Dr. Cloud lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Tori, and their two daughters, Olivia and Lucy.Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCaredrcloud.comTrustNecessary EndingsIntegrityWhy I BelieveIf this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—like, share, and subscribe for more insights on healthy leadership.

As leaders in a digitally driven world, how do we balance productivity with presence?How do we create space for silence, reflection, and meaningful connection in an always-on world?What role do faith communities play in shaping healthier digital habits?Felicia Wu Song, cultural sociologist and author of Restless Devices, joins host Michael Martin to explore these pressing questions. Felicia unpacks the profound ways digital culture influences our identity, attention, and spiritual formation. From the transactional nature of online interactions to the hunger for real communion, she challenges us to rethink our engagement with technology.  Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on cultivating "counterliturgies" to our daily tech practices and reclaiming the beauty of presence in a hyperconnected age.  About Felicia:  Felicia Wu Song (PhD, University of Virginia) is a sociologist and author of Restless Devices: Recovering Personhood, Presence and Place in the Digital Age and Virtual Communities: Bowling Alone, Online Together.  With almost twenty years’ experience as a professor at Louisiana State University and Westmont College, she combines her training in history, communication studies, and sociology with a personal interest in theology to speak and teach on matters of spiritual formation and well-being in a digitally-saturated society. Living in the Pacific Northwest, she enjoys a good food truck with her husband and two teenaged children. Additional Resources:  ECFA.org/LeaderCare Restless Devices – Felicia Wu Song feliciawusong.com  If this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone and keep the conversation going! 

Leadership doesn’t have to come at the cost of your soul. In this compelling episode, ECFA President Michael Martin sits down with Mindy Caliguire, founder of Soul Care and author of Ignite Your Soul, for a candid conversation on the growing crisis of burnout—and what we can do about it. Together, they unpack ECFA’s new Standard for Leader Care, explore the warning signs of soul neglect, and share practical rhythms for spiritual and emotional health. Michael opens up about his own journey toward deeper soul care and what it’s meant for his leadership. Mindy offers wisdom, hope, and encouragement for leaders navigating fear, exhaustion, or isolation. The conversation doesn’t stop at personal growth—this episode also offers a clear challenge to boards and leadership teams: Leader care is not optional—it’s essential. Learn how boards can create a culture of safety, support, and sustainability before a crisis ever hits. Whether you're leading a ministry, church, or organization, this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to lead with integrity, longevity, and a soul that’s fully alive. About Mindy:  Mindy Caliguire is the co-founder and president of Soul Care, which exists to help leaders personally flourish and achieve missional impact. Mindy serves as an Ambassador for the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA), and in the past has served in executive leadership at Gloo and the Willow Creek Association (now GLN). Soul Care serves ministries and organizations across the US and beyond including C-12, Compassion International, The Navigators, Christ Church of the Valley, Dallas Theological Seminary, Plum Creek Church, and many more. Mindy’s most recent book is Ignite Your Soul: When Exhaustion, Isolation, and Burnout Light a Path to Flourishing. Additional Resources: ECFA.org/LeaderCare soulcare.com Ignite Your Soul – Mindy CaliguireRenovation of the Heart - Dallas Willard If this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with someone and keep the conversation going!