Linch With A Leader

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with apologist, author, pastor & leader - Lee Strobel. Lee is known for his best selling books: The Case for Christ, The Case for Faith, The Case for Grace, The Case for Miracles among many others! They have sold over 14 million copies in total. The Case for Christ was made into a movie as well chronicling his journey from award winning legal editor from the Chicago Tribune to his accepting of Jesus as his savior! Lee was educated at the University of Missouri (journalism) and Yale Law School (Master of Studies in Law).Mike and Lee talk not only about Lee's story but about what he wishes every Christian knew about what they believe!! Lee also shared about his newest endeavor with Colorado Christian University and their Lee Strobel Center of Evangelism and Applied Apologetics. What a way to kick off Easter week with this conversation with one of the world's leading experts on the resurrection of Christ!!

In this episode of "Linch with a Leader' Mike sits down with former MLB manager and player, Clint Hurdle.  Hurdle, a first round draft pick,  was heralded at the age of 20 by Sports Illustrated as a "phenom".  He went on to play 515 games at the major league level with:   Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, New York Mets, and St. Louis Cardinals.After retiring as a player, Hurdle went on to become a manager of the Colorado Rockies for eight season where he helped guide them to their first pennant in 2007.  After his time with the Rockies, he managed the Pittsburgh Pirates for nine seasons.  In 2013 he was named the NL Manager of the Year.  During his time with the Rockies & Pirates he guided them to 1269 wins.Mike talks to Coach Hurdle about not only his playing career and time as a manager but also about the work that Jesus has done and is doing in his life!

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with legendary college baseball coach Keith Madison. While serving as the head coach of the University of Kentucky for 25 seasons, Coach Madison accumulated 737 wins before retiring in 2003.  His incredible coaching achievements led to his being inducted into three prestigious Hall of Fames:  University of Kentucky Athletic,  Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches  and the American Baseball Coaches Association.  In  2013 Madison was awarded the prestigious Lefty Gomez Award for his contributions to amateur baseball.Since 2006, Madison has served with Christian mission organization, SCORE International, and has helped to lead hundreds of baseball players and coaches on dozens of short term baseball mission trips to the Dominican Republic.Madison is also the publisher of baseball magazine, Inside Pitch. Inside Pitch is the official magazine of the American Baseball Coaches Association.  Coach Madison and his wife Sharon still reside in Kentucky.

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with Pastor & Author Joshua Gagnon!!  Josh pastors Next Level Church which has been recognized as one of America's fastest growing churches.   Next Level Church exists to lead people to life in Christ by being loving, relevant, and life-giving.  His new book, It's Not Over, releases today!  Josh not only shares his story in this work but also shares with the readers how to overcome life's disappointments and learn how to dream again!!

In today's episode, Mike sits down with one of the Atlanta Braves all time greats - Sid Bream.  Sid shares his journey of faith and his passion for the Lord and why it drove him to be the player that he was in the MLB.Sid signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in June of 1981. He was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1985. He became a Free Agent in 1991 and signed a 3-year contract with the Atlanta Braves. In 1994, he became a Free Agent again and signed with the Houston Astros. In 1995, he retired from baseball.Sid played in four consecutive National League play-offs; one with Pittsburgh and three with the Braves. He has also played in 2 World Series, while playing with the Braves. One was against the Minnesota Twins and the other was against the Toronto Blue Jays. Sid had many memorable moments, but the one that meant the most was sliding home in the 1992 National League Championship Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 7th game.Sid was born in Carlisle, Pa. and raised in Mt. Holly Springs, Pa. He now resides in Zelienople, Pa., with his wife, Michele and his family. Sid is an avid outdoorsman and loves to talk about God's awesome handprint across this world. He attended Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA. He graduated with a Physical Education Major. Today, after baseball, Sid is spends most of his time speaking in churches, youth groups and schools all over America.

In this episode Mike sits down with Sam Collier to talk about his "greater story". Sam is a communicator at Northpoint Ministries (founded by Andy Stanley) as well as the Director of City Strategy for The reThink Group (founded by Reggie Joiner). He is also a nationally syndicated radio host. His radio show is in 45 cities across the country. Lastly, Sam is a top 20 Gospel Billboard producer and founder of No Losing, Inc. – In these roles, he has empowered over 80k young people to have a winning mindset in life to achieve their goals by creatively making education relevant to young people. Sam is an Atlanta, Georgia native! You are going to love Sam's passion for leadership and for Jesus! His podcast "A Greater Story" is a must listen to for leaders!

In this episode of Linch with a Leader, Mike sits down with author, speaker & serial entrepreneur Jordan Raynor. Jordan has been starting and leading entrepreneurial endeavors his entire career. Prior to leading Threshold 360, which he is currently executive chairman, he was the co-founder of Citizinvestor, which at the time was the world’s largest crowdfunding platform for government projects. In 2011, his first company (a digital agency for political campaigns) was acquired by the mega-interactive agency, Engage.Throughout his career, he has been invited to speak on faith, work, and entrepreneurship at some pretty amazing places, including Harvard University, SXSW, and TEDx. Twice he has been selected as a Google Fellow and had the incredible honor of serving in the White House under President George W. Bush.His newest book is, The Master of One, which has as it's core premise is that we best glorify God and love our neighbors as ourselves when we find, focus on, and master the work we were created to do.

Episode 67 of Linch with a Leader features Mike's conversation with author, blogger & leader, Bob Tiede. Bob has worked for CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) for over 48 years and is currently on the US Development Leadership Team. HIs passion for leadership has led him to become a thought leader in leading by asking questions. He is most known for his work - Now that's a great Question.Mike and Bob talk about their faith and also how to lead by asking questions!

Mike kicks of 2020 with Episode 66 of the "Linch with a Leader" podcast by sitting down with business guru Dr. Blanchard.  Mike & Dr. Blanchard talk about not only what he has learned about leadership in business but also about how his faith led him to pen the book and organization "Lead Like Jesus".Few people have influenced the day-to-day management of people and companies more than Ken Blanchard. A prominent, sought-after author, speaker, and business consultant, Dr. Blanchard is respected for his lifetime of groundbreaking research and thought leadership that has influenced the day-to-day management and leadership of people and companies throughout the world.With a passion to turn every leader into a servant leader, Ken Blanchard shares his insightful and powerful message with audiences around the world through speeches, consulting services, and bestselling books. When Ken speaks, he speaks from the heart with warmth and humor. No matter how large the audience, he is able to communicate with each person as if the two of them were alone and talking one on one. Ken is a sophisticated storyteller with a knack for making the seemingly complex easy to understand.Ken’s impact as an author is far reaching. His iconic 1982 classic, The One Minute Manager, coauthored with Spencer Johnson, has sold more than 13 million copies and remains on bestseller lists today. In the past three decades he has authored or coauthored 60 books whose combined sales total more than 21 million copies. His groundbreaking works—including Raving Fans, The Secret, and Leading at a Higher Level, to name just a few—have been translated into more than 42 languages. In 2005 Ken was inducted into Amazon’s Hall of Fame as one of the top 25 bestselling authors of all time.Dr. Ken Blanchard is the cofounder and Chief Spiritual Officer of The Ken Blanchard Companies, an international management training and consulting firm that he and his wife, Margie Blanchard, began in 1979 in San Diego, California. In addition to being a renowned speaker, author and consultant, Ken is a trustee emeritus of the Board of Trustees at his alma mater, Cornell University, and he also teaches students in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership Program at the University of San Diego.Born in New Jersey and raised in New York, Ken received his master’s degree from Colgate University and his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees from Cornell University.

In this final episode of 2019, Mike sits down with world renowned business leader & author, Mark Sanborn.  Mark Sanborn, CSP, CPAE, is president of Sanborn & Associates, Inc., an idea studio dedicated to developing leaders in business and in life. Mark is an international bestselling author and award winning keynote leadership speaker.Mark has written 9 books, and The Fred Factor has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. His latest book is The Intention Imperative: Three Essential Changes That Will Make You a Successful Leader Today.In 2019 he was ranked #5 leadership expert in the world by GlobalGurus.orgHe is Leadership Expert in Residence at High Point University, the Premier Life Skills University.Mark holds the Certified Speaking Professional designation from the National Speakers Association (NSA) and is a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame. He was honored with the Cavett Award, the highest honor the NSA bestows on its members, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the speaking profession.Mark’s ideas are taught in 90 counties by Crestcom and hislist of over 2600 clients includes Costco, FedEx, Harley-Davidson, Hewlett Packard, Cisco, KPMG, Morton’s of Chicago, New York Life, RE/MAX, ServiceMaster, ESPN, GM, IBM, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Sandvik and John Deere.“Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be extraordinary in whatever you do.” Mark Sanborn challenges his audiences with this message and provides insights for extraordinary.