
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast is a podcast all about leadership, change and personal growth. The goal? To help you lead like never before—in your church or in your business.
Carey interviews top business and church leaders like Seth Godin, Adam Grant, Nancy Duarte, Simon Sinek, Cal Newport, Patrick Lencioni, Tim Keller, Annie F. Downs, Andy Stanley, Craig Groeschel, Rob Pelinka, Michael Hyatt, Christine Caine, John Mark Comer, Henry Cloud, Gordon MacDonald, Francis Chan, Lysa TerKeurst, Ian Morgan Cron and many more.
For insightful posts on leadership, change and personal growth, episode transcripts and podcast show notes, go to https://careynieuwhof.com/.
Latest episodes

May 22, 2025 • 33min
CNLP 730 | Pick My Brain: Are There Limits to Church Growth? Plus, Being Micromanaged and How to Know Who To Fire
Explore the fascinating limits of church growth, touching on leadership capacity and community dynamics. Discover effective strategies for expanding outreach while maintaining a vibrant church environment. Tackle the challenges of micromanagement with clear governance and defined leadership roles. Hear personal experiences of transitioning worship styles and learn how to navigate staff evaluations with respect. Gain insights on fostering a healthy volunteer culture and the importance of strategic decision-making in church leadership.

34 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 20min
CNLP 729 | Church Growth Unleashed: Adam Mesa on Millennial Pastoring and Viral Podcasting
Adam Mesa, Lead Pastor at Patria Church, shares his vibrant journey of transforming his church from 1,100 to over 7,500 members through viral podcasting. He discusses the unique challenges of leading as a millennial with ADHD, including the emotional complexities of taking over from his father and navigating leadership transitions during the pandemic. Adam emphasizes the importance of community engagement and innovative strategies to revitalize church attendance, while also addressing the needs of new believers through accessible faith conversations.

65 snips
May 13, 2025 • 1h 31min
CNLP 728 | The Maniac's Advantage: Ryan Leak on Strategic Preparation, Speaking Success & Meeting Heroes
Ryan Leak, a sought-after preacher and leadership speaker, discusses the meticulous preparation he applies to both short talks and Fortune 100 presentations. He shares insights on making meaningful connections with leadership heroes and emphasizes the importance of audience-centric speaking. Ryan reflects on his journey from the church to corporate speaking, underscoring the need for adaptation and relationship-building. He also addresses the balance of humility in the face of success and the importance of genuine influence over social media fame.

61 snips
May 8, 2025 • 1h 13min
CNLP 727 | Clear Your Space, Clear Your Mind: Andrew Mellen's Radical Approach to Personal Organization and Office Communication
In this insightful discussion, Andrew Mellen, an organizational consultant and author of 'Unstuff Your Life', shares his three essential rules for achieving mental clarity. He explains how clutter represents postponed decisions and offers strategies to navigate chaos in both work and home environments. Andrew emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility in preserving memories and advocates for a shift away from internal emails in favor of streamlined communication tools. Listeners will find empowering advice on decluttering and enhancing productivity.

61 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 29min
CNLP 726 | Becoming #1 In Your Field: Mark Faris Brings Lessons on Navigating Rapid Growth and Breaking Through Leadership Ceilings
Mark Faris, a real estate powerhouse, shares his journey from being cut from professional hockey to becoming Canada’s top realtor, selling over $8 billion in real estate. He discusses key lessons on breaking through leadership ceilings and emphasizes resilience and personal growth. Faris also highlights the power of simple marketing strategies and effective hiring practices, underscoring the importance of quick communication and customer experience in sales. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone aiming for success in leadership and business.

204 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 30min
CNLP 725 | Too Young to Lead? John Eldredge on Age, Authority, and the Hidden Hunger Success and Marriage Can't Fill
Join John Eldredge, a bestselling author and leader of Wild at Heart, as he explores the question of whether age limits effective leadership. He emphasizes the unique challenges young pastors face and the importance of mentorship in navigating their roles. Eldredge discusses the stages of masculine development and how emotional depth can enhance leadership. He advocates for a community-focused approach over personal ambition, encouraging leaders to find fulfillment in serving others while fostering deeper connections with God.

74 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 26min
CNLP 724 | Leadership Wounds That Become Ticking Time Bombs: Levi Lusko on Navigating a Mid-Life Crisis in Ministry at 38 and the Mixed Gifting and Motivations of Preachers
In a revealing conversation, Levi Lusko, founder and lead pastor of Fresh Life Church, dives into his experience with mid-life crises in ministry at 38. He candidly discusses the emotional toll of childhood influences on leadership and the complexities of ambition. Levi shares personal stories of loss, including the poignant impacts of his daughter's passing. Humor intersperses his reflections, especially a funny airline mishap. The dialogue highlights essential themes of burnout, self-care, and the necessity of community support for effective leadership.

18 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 35min
CNLP 723 | Pick My Brain: Raw Answers to Your Leadership Questions on Ambition, Being a "Professional" Christian, and Firing People
Young leaders dive into the complexities of ambition and its dual nature in leadership. Insights into maintaining meaningful friendships flourish, emphasizing the importance of genuine connections over mere professional ties. The delicate process of firing employees with dignity and compassion is explored, offering practical advice for sensitive situations. Personal reflections highlight the need to prioritize relationships to counteract burnout, all while navigating the challenging landscape of church leadership.

93 snips
Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 3min
CNLP 722 | When No One Trust Pastors Anymore: Glenn Packiam on The Nex-Gen Church Leader Mental Health Crisis And The Difference Between Being Weary and Wounded
Glenn Packiam, a pastor and author, discusses the growing distrust in church leaders and the mental health crisis affecting next-gen pastors. He shares insights on the critical difference between being weary and wounded in leadership. The conversation explores the impact of social media on trust, the necessity for authentic relationships in ministry, and the importance of resilience and community support. Packiam highlights valuable strategies for navigating the complexities of modern pastoral work, urging leaders to redefine their identities and align with foundational beliefs.

45 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
CNLP 721 | When Couples Fight About Everything: Gabe and Rebekah Lyons Open Up About Marriage, Sex, and Honest Advice for Two Career Couples
Gabe and Rebekah Lyons share their wisdom from 28 years of marriage, discussing how to navigate life's challenges while balancing two careers. They candidly address the complexities of intimacy, emphasizing open communication and vulnerability. The couple explores the importance of setting boundaries between work and personal life, as well as seeking wise mentorship instead of relying on social media advice. Their honest dialogue offers practical insights for couples looking to strengthen their relationship amidst the chaos of modern life.