

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

Apr 15, 2024 • 39min
Marketbeat’s Matt Paulson on How to Give: A Candid Conversation about Generosity & Finances (South Dakota #8)
Adam is back for this month’s South Dakota series episode with Matt Paulson, the founder and CEO of MarketBeat! MarketBeat is an Inc. 5000 financial media company based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With more than 4.5 million subscribers, MarketBeat is the largest digital media company in the Dakotas. Matt cares deeply about the Sioux Falls community (where he lives with his wife, Karine, and their two children) and has a huge heart for giving. Over the years, he has made significant investments to grow the region’s startup ecosystem, enhance community amenities and in ministries. Because of his success, Matt gets asked to give. A lot! So he understands how giving can be an area where joy isn’t a part of it. Listen in as Matt shares his personal and professional journey with giving and ends with tips for those of us who find it difficult to give with a cheerful heart. Whether you’re a millionaire like Matt or you make minimum wage, I hope this conversation challenges you in the very important area of faith and finances. 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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Apr 10, 2024 • 37min
The Great Dechurching: Who is Leaving and Why with Jim Davis
I recently read a book that I absolutely could not put down. I’ve literally told almost everyone I know to go buy it and read it for themselves. That book is called The Great Dechurching "The current Great Dechurching is larger than the First Great Awakening, Second Great Awakening, and all the Billy Graham Crusades combined, just going the opposite direction.” Today, I have the honor of talking with one of the co-authors of this book, Jim Davis. Jim is the teaching pastor at a church in Orlando, Florida where he had a hunch they were experiencing a large and fast religious shift for the worse but had no data to prove it. So, with the help of two sociologists, they commissioned the largest and most comprehensive study of dechurching (somebody who used to go to church at least monthly and now goes less than one time a year) in America. What they learned was fascinating. In this conversation, Jim and I talk about the different groups of people leaving the Church, why they are leaving and what we, as believers, can do about it. Grab a copy of Jim’s incredible book The Great Dechurching here. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Simple & Vern Eide 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 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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Apr 3, 2024 • 30min
Panic Attacks and Persistence Through Resistance with Nick Connolly
Today I’m joined by pastor and author Nick Connolly. He and his wife, Jess, are founding pastors at Bright City Church in South Carolina. At the end of 2023, Nick was rushed to the hospital for what he thought were cardiac events but would later learn were severe panic attacks. This led to 12 of the darkest days he’s ever experienced. No sleep. Spiritual warfare. And many, many more extreme panic attacks. “But I thought he was a pastor?” (Yes, pastors are human too!) Nick shares some advice for those who may have experienced similar struggles. We also unpack trusting God’s provision in our lives and how being persistent when you experience resistance - and NOT giving up - can lead to victory on the other side. Grab a copy of Don’t Give Up Just Yet 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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 27, 2024 • 28min
CJ & Steph Ham: NFL Insights and Life Outside The Game
Two of my favorite people join me on today’s podcast - CJ & Steph Ham! CJ is an NFL fullback, two time pro bowler and three-time team captain for the Minnesota Vikings. Steph is a physical therapist and avid runner. They met at Augustana College (my alma mater - Go Vikings!) and they have three beautiful children. In our conversation, CJ & Steph share their feelings on free agency & NFL trades. For them, it’s not players going to a different team, it’s saying goodbye to their friends. We also talk about everything from being humbled by our children (God bless them!) to marriage advice to life in the NFL. Sit back, relax and enjoy this conversation! Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: International Justice Mission & Simple 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 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 Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 20, 2024 • 29min
Carlos Whittaker on Not Getting Traction With Your Dreams (& so much more)
My good friend Carlos Whittaker and I sit down for a candid conversation that I hope you love as much as I did! We cover an unpretty part of Carlos’ life right now: his dad’s battle with dementia. We cover the hidden blessing of Carlos getting to watch his mom become the caregiving hero he never realized she had in her! We talk about the process of chasing after a dream when it feels like you have zero traction. We discuss Carlos’ new kids’ devotional and how we don’t give kids (who are the real world changers) enough credit. And we end with a challenge from Carlos that you won’t want to miss! Grab a copy of Get Your Hopes Up. Join Carlos' “insta-familia” here. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Vern Eide & Generous Coffee 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 Generous Coffee sells some of the best coffee in the world AND 100% of profits are donated to nonprofit organizations that are fighting injustice facing humans around the world. You can find out more (including purchasing in bulk) at generousmovement.com Subscribe to The Conversation on YouTube: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 13, 2024 • 27min
Max Lucado on Being a Work In Progress: People-Pleasing, Jadedness & Loneliness
In today’s episode, I sit down with Max Lucado, a long-time pastor and bestselling author, to talk about loneliness. But our conversation covers a lot more than that. Max candidly shares that as he approaches his 70th birthday, he still deals with the same issues many of us face. People pleasing. Catastrophizing or imagining the worst case scenario. Longevity in ministry. Integrity. Staying humble. Not becoming jaded. Sounds heavy, right? But with his signature southern kindness, Max gently speaks into each issue with honesty and encouragement. He walks through what he personally does when these feelings bubble up inside of him and reassures us that we are all works in progress… and that we are never alone! Friends, don’t miss this genuine and uplifting conversation! Grab a copy of Max’s new children’s book Just in Case You Ever Feel Alone. 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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 11, 2024 • 42min
Teaching to Reality TV: Gabe Dannenbring’s Massive Social Media Following (South Dakota #7)
Adam is back for this month’s South Dakota series episode with teacher turned TikTok and TV star, Gabe Dannenbring! Originally from Yankton, South Dakota, Gabe is a middle school science teacher in Sioux Falls who turned into a social media influencer when a viral video changed his life! Gabe’s video has over 41 million views and nine million likes. Dannenbring now has over 362,000 followers on Instagram and 1.6 million followers on TikTok with over 53.8 million likes. Since then, he’s starred in the “Surviving Paradise” Netflix show, has done stand-up comedy and co-hosts the “Teachers Off Duty” podcast. His fame has also led to getting brand deals from big companies like Google, Target and Amazon. Along with Gabe’s rise to fame, critics have come out of the woodwork to take their shots at him, making it a challenge to rise above and want to continue creating content. Gabe shares his struggles and how he stays true to his faith amongst all the fame. 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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Mar 6, 2024 • 28min
Technology, Faith and Trial & Error with Glorify’s CEO, Henry Costa
On today’s podcast, I have the honor of interviewing Henry Costa, the CEO and Co-Founder of Glorify, a Christian daily worship and meditation app that I literally use every day! Henry is a seasoned entrepreneur and leader who is passionate about driving positive societal change through technology. Together, we discuss the importance of incorporating technology and faith in order to reach people where they are - which is largely in the digital space. I also got the opportunity to ask Henry about a change Glorify made that didn’t land well with a large portion of app users and what he learned from that experience. Henry even shares some practical advice and encouragement for those who may be considering a job change or starting a side-hustle. Download the Glorify app here. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Generous & Vern Eide Generous Coffee sells some of the best coffee in the world AND 100% of profits are donated to nonprofit organizations that are fighting injustice facing humans around the world. You can find out more (including purchasing in bulk) at generousmovement.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: youtube.com/@adamaweber Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 28, 2024 • 28min
Overcoming Fears & Trusting God After Losing a Baby with Laney Rene
In today’s episode, I sit down with Laney Rene, a wife & young mom who walked through a painful season when she lost her baby boy at 17 weeks pregnant. Like anyone would, Laney has struggled with fear, especially considering she is pregnant again! The Enemy has used lies that have caused her to turn her eyes from Jesus to herself - and through mental attacks, led her to question if she’s doing something wrong that will hurt the unborn baby she is carrying now. But Laney’s story doesn’t end there. She’s allowed Jesus to carry her through and remind her of who she REALLY is… a daughter of the King! Listen in as Laney shares a message of hope and encouragement for anyone who may be struggling to answer the question “Who am I?” and reminds us that Jesus can redeem all things for His glory. To learn more about Laney and her ministry, visit theoneheloves.org Grab a copy of Laney’s book Daughter 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 Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew

Feb 21, 2024 • 28min
Raising Teens Part 3: Faith & Growing Up in the Church with My Teenage Son Hudson Weber
In this conversation (to wrap up our 3 Episode Series on Parenting Teens), I sit down with a teenager to hear their spiritual journey and to talk about the pressures of growing up in today’s world. To go another layer deeper, he’s a pastor’s kid. Oh, and did I mention he’s my son? Hudson Weber is a music-loving 17-year-old with wisdom beyond his years. Yes, I might be biased! From his early reluctance to stand in the spotlight to his transformation into a passionate guitar player leading worship, this episode uncovers the layers behind the title 'pastor's kid.' Listen as Hudson and I talk about the complexities of faith, family, and the pressures of growing up in the church. I hope as you listen, you’re reminded that behind every role we play in life, there's a personal story waiting to be told. If you missed week 1 on Teen Faith Beyond Youth Group, listen to it here. If you missed week 2 on Therapist Tips for Parents of Teens, listen to it here. Thanks to our amazing partners on this episode: Simple & Vern Eide 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 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 Sign up for The Crew: adamweber.com/thecrew