The Ryan Leak Podcast

As the year comes to a close, Ryan reflects on the power of looking back before moving forward. After scrolling through photos from the past year, he shares a simple but meaningful way to review your year with honesty and gratitude. In this end of year episode, you’ll learn how to identify the moments worth celebrating, the patterns worth releasing, and why growth is just as much about what you stop doing as what you start. Ryan also shares a personal realization about learning to say no without overexplaining and why a healthy no does not require justification. If you’re setting goals for the new year, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and move into what’s next with clarity and intention.

Egg nog, ugly sweaters, decorations, jingles, and watching The Grinch—Christmas has a way of slowing the world down and inviting us into something meaningful, whether we consider ourselves religious or not. In this episode, There’s Something About Mary, we step back from the noise and look at the origin of Christmas through the life of a teenage girl named Mary.You don’t have to be a Christian to respect what happened two thousand years ago. A single life sparked a movement that shaped history, culture, and the world we live in today. And that life entered the world because Mary said yes. This episode explores the often-missed Jewish context of her story, the courage behind her decision, and why her willingness still matters.More than a Christmas story, this is an invitation. If Mary could wake up one ordinary day, be confronted with her destiny, and choose yes—what might be possible if you did the same? A reflective and encouraging episode designed for anyone who wants to understand why Christmas matters and how one brave yes can change everything.

What do you get someone who already has everything?In this episode, Ryan Leak makes the case that the rarest gift isn’t expensive. It’s specific encouragement. You’ll learn how to write a simple note that people keep for years, why your words carry more value than anything money can buy, and how to give a gift that can’t be returned but will always be remembered. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right present, this episode will change the way you think about generosity, gratitude, and the lasting power of your words.

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.