

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

Mar 19, 2025 • 37min
Great Sex and the Mental Load of Marriage with Dr. Morgan Cutlip
Looking for great sex in your marriage? In today’s episode, I have a candid conversation with relationship expert Dr. Morgan Cutlip where we explore “the mental load” in marriage and how it can affect our sex life. Morgan defines the mental load as the invisible and seemingly never-ending to do list that we carry around in our heads (which often falls on women) and how it can lead to feelings of resentment in relationships. We also talk about the importance of communication and appreciation in marriage and we dive into practical steps for couples to enhance their connection (which can lead to great sex!). This discussion promises to challenge husbands to share the mental load with their wives and will equip listeners with practical tools for improving their relationships. Grab a copy of A Better Share (April 8, 2025) Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & International Justice Mission Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they’re rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Dr. Morgan: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 12, 2025 • 37min
The Asbury Revival and Humility vs Humiliation with Zach Meerkreebs
On today’s episode, I connect with pastor and author, Zach Meerkreebs. In 2023, Zach was the guest speaker who preached the message that sparked a 16-day revival at Asbury’s Campus in Wilmore, Kentucky. (Note: Asbury is where I lived and attended seminary!) Zach opens up about his experiences during the Asbury Revival, what’s happened since, and takeaways for us and the Church. My favorite part of the conversation: through a series of ups and downs of his life, Zach shares how he learned the difference between humiliation and humility. And did he learn this in church or in seminary? No. He learned all of this while working at a donut shop. Don’t miss this powerful conversation! Grab a copy of Zach’s new book Lower. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & First Interstate Bank Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Zach: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 5, 2025 • 35min
What She Learned (& How to Find Rest) Through the Hardest Year of Her Life with Jess Connolly
Today, I had the honor to connect with Jess Connolly. Jess is an author, speaker, podcaster that I’ve followed for years (and I’m a huge fan of her husband Nic). During our conversation, Jess opens up about what she learned through the hardest year of her life and what she discovered through experiencing pain. We also talk about the importance of rest and Jess shares some simple tips for how to find it, even in the busyness of life. Plus, if you listen to the podcast or watch on YouTube, you’ll also hear Jess talk about how to pursue something that you believe God has given you, even when you’re not finding any traction. Friends, don’t miss this episode! Grab a copy of Jess’ new book Tired of Being TiredTake the FREE “Find Your Fatigue” quiz here: https://www.jessconnolly.com/quiz Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: International Justice Mission & Vern Eide International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they’re rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Jess: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 26, 2025 • 52min
Cincinnati Bengals’ Cade York: His Story of Escaping, Pornography & Finding Jesus
In this episode, I connected with Cade York, kicker for the Cincinnati Bengals. Cade shares his incredible journey through the highs and lows of life in the NFL. From his beginnings in Dallas to winning a national championship at LSU, Cade gets real about the challenges he faced, including identity struggles, injuries and the unhealthy pattern of escaping to pornography and sex. Cade shares his personal testimony and how hitting rock bottom helped him find that Jesus loves him no matter what. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & First Interstate Bank Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Cade: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 19, 2025 • 44min
Mike Foster: How The 7 Primal Questions Can Impact Your Marriage
In today’s conversation, I spend time with Mike Foster - author, speaker and executive coach - about The 7 Primal Questions. Mike says understanding your Primal Question - or unmet need within you - can impact everything about you. And it’s true! Your Primal Question reveals your hidden programming, emotional needs, and supernatural gifts. Now imagine applying this information to your closest relationship - your marriage! Friends, knowing your spouse’s primal question can literally transform your marriage relationship! Not married? No worries! You can apply this framework to any relationship in your life! You won’t want to miss this engaging conversation of self-awareness, vulnerability and growth. Visit primalquestion.com to find out your own primal question. Attention Pastors: I got my first coach when Embrace was a church of 100 people. And it was game changing! If you’re a pastor and are looking to grow, be encouraged, & break through barriers, let’s connect. Find out more at adamweber.com/coaching Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Tommy John Clothing & Vern Eide Tommy John has thousands of five star reviews for a reason! They sell the most comfortable undershirts, modern polos, and loungewear you’ll find. I promise you are gonna love it! Check them out today at tommyjohn.com Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Mike: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 17, 2025 • 43min
My Mentors: Rick Melmer on Marriage, Parenting, Faith and Weathering Storms (South Dakota #12)
Today’s episode kicks off a new series where we explore the important role of mentors through conversations with my own mentors that have profoundly impacted my life. My guest today is Rick Melmer, who has held numerous influential roles, from serving as the superintendent of a high school and the secretary of education for South Dakota, to working as the dean of USD’s School of Education and the director of Leadership South Dakota.But beyond all of these titles, Rick has been a constant presence in my life since my sophomore year of high school. Over the years, our paths have crossed in countless meaningful (& funny) ways. I attended prom with his daughter. His family supported my wife and me financially while I was in seminary. I also had the honor of performing the funeral for his father-in-law. And his family has been a cherished part of the church I now pastor. I ask Rick about the 3 areas of life where I look to him as a mentor: being a husband and dad, weathering storms in his career and being a follower of Jesus. Rick provides valuable insights into the role of a mentor and the impact they can have on our lives. We also talk about the mentor’s Rick had in his life and advice on how to find mentors in your own life. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: First Interstate Bank & The Tyler Goff Group First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Are you on the hunt for a new house? Genuinely look no further. The Tyler Goff Group has a proven process that has transformed the lives of many clients. With the Tyler Goff Group by your side, you're not just buying a house – you're investing in a future home you'll love. To learn more and to contact Tyler or his team, visit tylergoffgroup.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Rick: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 12, 2025 • 37min
Tori Hope Petersen on Breaking Unhealthy Patterns & Foster Parenting
I loved this conversation with Tori Hope Petersen, an author and passionate advocate for foster care. Tori starts the conversation by sharing the challenges of foster parenting (including how hard it is to say goodbye). The heart of our conversation is around breaking the unhealthy patterns in our life. Tori shares what this has looked like in her own life. Tori shares how to make hard changes in your own life (especially if you have childhood scars). Grab a copy of Tori’s new book Breaking the Patterns that Break You Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & Mission Haiti Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Mission Haiti is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to love Jesus, love others, and make disciples in the country of Haiti. They live out that mission by training and coming alongside current and future leaders for the cause of Christ. To learn more, visit Mission-Haiti.org Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Tori: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 5, 2025 • 35min
The Hardest Person To Lead Is You with Jenni Catron
Today I’m joined by Jenni Catron, a leadership coach, author and speaker with a passion to cultivate healthy leaders to lead thriving organizations. Right out of the gate, Jenni hits us with the powerful (and hard to hear) insight that oftentimes WE are the hardest people to lead. (Ouch!) Jenni and I talk about healthy ways we can lead ourselves, how to know if our team’s culture is good or bad and how to change the culture, whether we are in charge of the organization or not. Whether you're a business leader, pastor, or simply interested in personal growth, this conversation offers valuable lessons on leading yourself and others well. Grab a copy of Jenni’s new book Culture Matters Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & First Interstate Bank Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com First Interstate Bank has a mission to help people and their money work better together. They do this by ensuring clients can manage their money conveniently wherever they are while also providing the friendly service. They have over 300 locations throughout 14 states! For more information and to find a location near you, visit firstinterstatebank.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Jenny: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jan 29, 2025 • 34min
Cancer: Lessons Learned about God and Myself with Tyler Staton
In today’s episode, I sit down with Tyler Staton, Lead Pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon. Tyler shares his personal journey through cancer (he is now cancer free! Praise the Lord!) and how it reshaped his understanding of God and himself. We also explore the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and its role in the church. Tyler shares his passion for why followers of Jesus today need to be reintroduced to the Holy Spirit and how we can begin to experience it in our own lives. Don’t miss this episode about faith, healing and the hunger for a deeper connection with God. Grab a copy of Tyler’s new book here. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Tommy John & Mission Haiti Tommy John has thousands of five star reviews for a reason! They sell the most comfortable undershirts, modern polos, and loungewear you’ll find. I promise you are gonna love it! Check them out today at tommyjohn.com Mission Haiti is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to love Jesus, love others, and make disciples in the country of Haiti. They live out that mission by training and coming alongside current and future leaders for the cause of Christ. To learn more, visit Mission-Haiti.org Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with Tyler: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
JP Pokluda on Confession, College Campuses, & Spiritual Warfare
In today’s episode, I sit down with JP Pokluda, the lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas and formerly the leader of The Porch, a weekly young adult ministry which grew to be the largest of its kind in the country. JP offers some insights into the unique movements of faith happening on college campuses, in prisons and throughout our country today (hellooo revival!). We have a candid conversation about the power of confession (specifically what it looks like) and we dive into spiritual warfare (what it is and how we can fight back). Whether you're a church leader, a college student, or someone seeking deeper spiritual understanding, this episode provides practical perspectives on living a life of faith, purpose and hope for what is to come! Grab a copy of JP’s new book Your Story Has a Villain Check out Carey Neiuwhof’s interview with Al Gordon from Saint Church about revival here Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: International Justice Mission & Vern Eide International Justice Mission is a global nonprofit working to end slavery and violence around the world, taking special care of survivors from the moment they’re rescued all the way through their healing and restoration. To learn more and support their mission, visit ijm.org Vern Eide Motorcars is a growing employee-owned company that offers sales, service, and financing of automotive, motorcycle, and power sports lines, including Acura, Ford, Chevy, GMC, Honda, Hyundai and Mitsubishi brands. Whether you live locally or across the country, visit verneide.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube and watch the full interview with JP: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew