The Ryan Leak Podcast

If holiday parties make you cringe, this guide is for you! Learn how to navigate small talk with ease and leave a lasting impression without being the loudest in the room. Discover why having a plan can ease anxiety and foster genuine connections. Focus on two meaningful conversations instead of trying to meet everyone. With intentional questions and personal touches, you'll transform mundane chit-chat into deeper dialogues. Plus, give yourself permission to leave early when your social battery runs low!

Imagine making gratitude a daily habit instead of just a holiday feeling! Explore how thanks living rewires your brain and highlights the importance of looking for blessings even in frustrations. Ryan shares personal stories, including a transformative moment in Chicago that shifted his view on family. He also addresses the sneaky nature of entitlement, encouraging a mindset that appreciates what we have. Discover how gratitude can reshape challenges into opportunities for joy in all aspects of life!

Prepare to tackle family dynamics this holiday season with some powerful insights! Discover how to set your own tone and avoid mirroring negativity. Learn to anticipate family patterns and keep your peace intact. Ryan shares tips on steering conversations with intentional questions that promote gratitude instead of drama. It's all about shaping a joyful atmosphere and leading by example, ensuring you enjoy the season rather than just survive it.

Discover the powerful difference between skill and will in achieving success. Explore how grit, as highlighted by Angela Duckworth, often outperforms talent. Hear the inspiring journey of Jamie Kern Lima, who turned rejection into a billion-dollar success story. Learn how willpower can help you navigate adversity and stay committed. With insights on persistence at work and home, this discussion affirms that while skill may open doors, it’s will that keeps you inside. Anyone can develop the determination to succeed.

Ever wonder if the person who constantly points out flaws is actually a hidden gem? This discussion reveals how those labeled as discouragers offer valuable insights that prevent mediocrity. Learn how honest feedback can enhance your work, driven by real-world examples from history. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of having a balanced team, featuring both encouragers and realists. Discover how embracing tough love leads to growth while making space for constructive criticism.

Explore the vital concept of mental fitness with practical routines for a stronger mindset. Start your day with stillness and gratitude, followed by light physical movement to boost clarity. Discover the importance of consuming uplifting mental content while engaging in emotional resistance training to enhance resilience. Don't forget to prioritize rest and recovery for your brain! Track your progress through journaling and end each day with gratitude. Remember, it's all about showing up consistently for your mental well-being.

Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really means to be a dog with discipline.

In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.

Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.Here are a few of the studies mentioned:World Journal of Gastroenterology on liver function and chronic anger: linkJohns Hopkins Medicine on the health benefits of forgiveness: linkJournal of Behavioral Medicine study on forgiveness and mental health: linkMayo Clinic on forgiveness and stress relief: linkBut science can only take you so far. If you’re wondering how to actually forgive, Ryan points to the model and the power found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take the next steps in your faith journey or receive prayer, text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201, and Ryan’s team would love to connect with you.And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, check out Ryan’s full message on forgiveness here: Watch on YouTube

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!