

The Conversation with Adam Weber
Art of Leadership Network
The Conversation Podcast is just that— lighthearted yet honest conversations between Adam and his guests as they talk about how to make a difference with your life (while still having a life). Whether you're walking through an un-pretty part of being human, striving to become a better leader, or you’re trying to figure out what it looks like to follow Jesus everyday, you’ll know that you’re not alone!
Adam Weber is the founder and lead pastor of Embrace, a church based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is also an author and speaker whose books Talking with God and Love Has a Name have inspired many to deepen their faith and leadership journey. You can find Adam on Instagram at @adamaweber or on Twitter at @adamweber.
Adam Weber is the founder and lead pastor of Embrace, a church based out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He is also an author and speaker whose books Talking with God and Love Has a Name have inspired many to deepen their faith and leadership journey. You can find Adam on Instagram at @adamaweber or on Twitter at @adamweber.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 2, 2023 • 28min
Granger Smith on Grief & on how God Can Heal Your Pain
In today’s episode of The Conversation, Adam sits down with Granger Smith. After 24 years of touring as an award-winning country music singer-songwriter, Granger is choosing to leave the music business after losing his 3 year old son, River, in a tragic drowning accident at their home. On his darkest night, Granger had an encounter with Jesus that lifted him up and set him on a new path. During their conversation, they talk about how Granger got through the unfathomable pain and how he connected with God - and how we can too! Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about grief and hope. Get a copy of Granger’s new book “Like a River” here. Thanks to our amazing partner on this episode: Simple Simple provides an easy, secure way to make giving super user-friendly. If you are a church or lead a faith based nonprofit, you have to look into working with Simple! You won’t regret it! For more info, check out their brand new website simpledonation.com If you are not signed up yet to receive the Crew, you need to! It’s totally free. It takes less than 30 seconds. Sign up at: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jul 26, 2023 • 28min
Jon Gordon on Fighting Anxiety and What is Positive Thinking plus Leadership Wisdom with Kalen DeBoer
Adam sits down with best-selling author and keynote speaker, Jon Gordon. Jon is an expert in leadership & mindset… and he may need to add the title of “pastor” after this conversation! He’s worked with teams like the Miami Heat & the Los Angeles Rams along with companies like Publix, State Farm, & Southwest Airlines. Adam and Jon talk about the angry state of the world, why there is a mental health crisis, and how everyone, Christian or not, can use the power of positive thinking to heal and feel more fulfilled! What is “positive thinking”? Listen in! In this conversation you’ll also hear leadership gold from Kalen DeBoer, head football coach of the Washington Huskies. Kalen is originally from South Dakota and is currently one of the most respected coaches in all of college football. Thanks to our amazing partner on this episode: Tommy John. Tommy John has thousands of five star reviews for a reason! They sell the most comfortable undershirts, modern polos, and loungewear you’ll find. You are gonna love it!Check them out today at tommyjohn.com Get a copy of Jon’s new book “The One Truth” here: https://amzn.to/3ObnC41 Sign up and join The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jul 19, 2023 • 28min
Grit, Self-Awareness & Sabbath with Bianca Juarez Olthoff
In today’s episode of The Conversation, Adam sits down with Bianca Juarez Olthoff! She’s a wife, step-mom, pastor & author. Together, the two talk about grit. What is it? How to cultivate more of it? How grit is different from hustle and the importance of Sabbath and rest. Bianca also dives into self-awareness and how it’s critical to know who you are in order to be “gritty.” Near the end, Adam asks Bianca if there’s an area of her life in which she’s personally asking God for more grit (a question she’s never been asked before) and she responds by sharing she has struggled with her weight since she was a teen. Her answer is vulnerable and really relatable. So, to anyone having a similar struggle or if you generally feel like you lack confidence, perseverance and grit, we hope her answer and encouragement brings you hope! You can preorder Grit Don’t Quit here. Thanks to our partner on this episode: Simple. Simple provides an easy, secure way to make giving super user-friendly. If you are a church or lead a faith based nonprofit, you have to look into working with Simple! You won’t regret it! For more info, check out their brand new website simpledonation.com Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jul 12, 2023 • 28min
Jon Acuff on Setting Goals and Closing the Gap on Your Potential
Jon Acuff, New York Times bestselling author and speaker, shares practical steps to set and achieve goals. He discusses writing a “best moments list,” picking achievable goals, operating in your potential zone, figuring out what fuels your goals, and closing the potential gap. The episode also explores sustainable fuels for goals, the importance of desire, deepening the relationship with God, and dreaming big.

Jun 28, 2023 • 31min
Wellness Influencer Hailey Peters on Fitness, Faith & 3 Tips for Jump-Starting Your Health (South Dakota #2)
Adam’s back for this month’s South Dakota series episode with wellness influencer, & his friend, Hailey Peters (@happyhealthyhailey_)! After struggling with body image and other health problems throughout high school and her early career, Hailey decided to make a change. A 21-day challenge on Instagram jump-started what would become a whole new mindset towards food, working out, and Hailey’s relationship with Jesus. During their conversation Hailey shares her top 3 tips for jump-starting your health (hint: none of them involve a complicated plan or intense workout regimen!), plus Adam and Hailey talk about the role faith plays in how we take care of our bodies. Hailey closes the episode by sharing the “why” behind her choice to show up online as her authentic self—challenging all of us to stop playing the comparison game. Go and follow Hailey on Instagram at instagram.com/happyhealthyhailey_ To find out more about our amazing partner Tommy John check out tommyjohn.com Tommy John has thousands of five star reviews and over 20 million pairs of Tommy John sold. Whether it’s undershirts, modern polos, or underwear, you are gonna love Tommy John. Look into visiting the Needles Highway on your next trip to South Dakota by checking out: custerresorts.com/activities/scenic-drives/needles-highway Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jun 21, 2023 • 28min
Shawn Johnson on misconceptions about faith and anxiety, living in a fishbowl as leaders, and why you need to stop performing
Today, Adam sits down with Shawn Johnson, pastor of Red Rocks Church. Shawn shares his story and candidly talks about his battle with anxiety in a raw conversation. Adam and Shawn talk about Shawn’s experience with severe anxiety, how rehab, therapists, pastors, & medication helped him, how to support the person you love when they’re struggling with anxiety, and the specific challenges leaders face when it comes to anxiety. If you or someone you love is dealing with anxiety, this episode is for you! Get a copy of Shawn’s new book, Attacking Anxiety: https://amzn.to/3XhrBPn Sign up and join The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jun 14, 2023 • 28min
Why You Should Stop Dating 2 Churches & Marry 1, Why All Churches Are Messy & More on the Church with Travis Waltner
Today on The Conversation, Adam and his longtime friend Travis Waltner, one of Embrace’s pastors, talk about the Church. The Church with a capital C. They share their thoughts on the Church and some things that they’re seeing in Christians right now. This is a conversation that has been stirring inside of Adam for months. Some examples of what they’re talking about today are: Stop dating 2 or 3 churches and instead marry 1 church. Go to church, even on the Sundays that the main pastor isn’t preaching. Online is a great option for guests. If going to church is optional for you, there’s a high chance that it won’t be important for your kids. If you’re a Jesus follower, Adam hopes this conversation encourages you—and challenges you. Listen to Adam & Travis’s other conversations! “This church isn’t deep enough”: https://link.chtbl.com/0ems9GTP Don’t go deeper, be fruitful: https://link.chtbl.com/hTtKk7lU Join the Crew: adamweber.com/crew

Jun 7, 2023 • 28min
Kyle Idleman on Burnout, Becoming Healthy & What’s Kept Him Going for 25 Years in Ministry
Adam sits down with Kyle Idleman, author and pastor of Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, KY. Kyle and Adam talk about what’s helped Kyle stay healthy as a leader after a season of burnout and what’s kept him going as a pastor for over 25 years. Kyle also shares his encouragement for leaders and his experience with failure in this refreshingly candid & practical conversation! The 2 things Kyle learned in a recent time off? He doesn’t need to be on a stage every week and the importance of having friends. 2 things that are hard for a lot of leaders to learn. Today’s leadership thought: Use your vacation time this summer! Get a copy of Kyle’s new book, When Your Way Isn’t Working: https://amzn.to/43L8TBL Sign up and join The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

May 31, 2023 • 28min
Coach Stig: SDSU’s Winningest Football Coach (South Dakota #1)
Adam kicks off this special, once-a-month South Dakota series with legendary South Dakota State University head football coach, John “Stig” Stiegelmeier! Coach Stig is the winningest football coach in SDSU history—capping off his time at the helm with a National Championship. During their conversation the two talk about the unexpected leadership lesson Coach Stig learned from a player, how to create a healthy culture in any organization, and how to build a powerhouse organization from the ground up. Adam closes out the episode by asking Coach Stig what he loves most about South Dakota and his favorite hidden gem in the state. To find out more about our partner Tommy John check out tommyjohn.com Find out more about the DC Booth Fish Hatchery in Spearfish, SD: dcboothfishhatchery.org Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

May 24, 2023 • 7min
Trailer: NEW South Dakota Series & $100 GIVEAWAYS!
If you’ve been listening to The Conversation for any amount of time, you know Adam lives in South Dakota. Besides just living in the Mount Rushmore state, you know he LOVES pretty much everything about SD (besides the freezing cold winters)! Starting next week, Adam is launching a new, once-a-month series right here on The Conversation featuring some of South Dakota’s biggest names! Take 6 minutes to check out this short trailer (that includes a clip of Adam’s conversation with legendary South Dakota State football Coach John “Stig” Stiegelmeier!) Also, don’t miss the GIVEAWAY at the end of the trailer! Spoiler alert: it involves $100 gift cards (and a few of Adam’s favorite things)!