The Ryan Leak Podcast

Success comes with a price—and most people don’t realize what they’re signing up for when they say, “I want to build a business,” “I want to be a leader,” or “I want to make an impact.” In this episode, we unpack the good problems that come with chasing greatness—the late nights, the tough decisions, the criticism, the pressure. Inspired by a powerful moment from Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, we’re flipping the script on struggle and embracing the fine print of ambition. Because when you declare, “I want to be great,” you’re also saying, “Bring me the weight that comes with it.”You asked for this—and trust me, you’re going to be just fine.

Valentine’s Day sparks reflections on relationships, whether you're single, married, or in a situationship. The importance of understanding how our needs change over time takes center stage. Regular check-ins with loved ones are emphasized as a key to maintaining strong connections. Discover the transformative power of asking the right questions to deepen your relationships. Real growth comes from adapting to each other's evolving needs and staying attuned through every season of life.

What if the key to thriving at work isn’t about loving your job—but about loving the people you work with? In this episode, I’m unveiling my brand-new book, How to Work With Complicated People: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Nearly Anyone, dropping on April 15.Our national research study revealed something game-changing: job satisfaction has less to do with what you do and more to do with who you do it with. You can power through a tough job with people you enjoy, but even a dream job can feel like a nightmare with the wrong team. And here’s the reality—complicated is in the eye of the beholder. What makes someone complicated to you might not be complicated to someone else.I’m sharing the biggest insights from our research, breaking down why learning to work with complicated people is a superpower, and giving you a roadmap to mastering this skill. Imagine if you could work with nearly anyone. Not just tolerate them—but actually thrive alongside them. That’s what this book is about.Pre-order now at ryanleak.com/complicated or Amazon, and get ready to unlock a whole new level of leadership, collaboration, and success.

"Even if we win the next three championships, I'll never forgive them for trading Luka."I heard a fan say that, and it hit me—winning isn’t everything.This trade isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder that sometimes, success comes at a cost, followers don’t always equal impact, and the ripple effects of our decisions go deeper than we realize. We chase the “win,” but at what price?In this episode, I break down what this trade taught me—not just about sports, but about life. How do our decisions impact the people around us? Are we too focused on the outcome to see the relational consequences?This one isn’t just for basketball fans—it’s for anyone who's ever had to make a tough call and wondered if they truly counted the cost. Let’s talk it out. Because honestly, as a Dallas native, I still need a support group.

It’s not self-promotion—it’s stewardship. Too many of us shrink back, afraid of looking like we’re bragging, when in reality, we’re just hiding.In this episode, we’re tackling the mindset that keeps people playing small—the fear of putting themselves out there, the hesitation to own their gifts, and the excuse of “I don’t want to self-promote.” But here’s the truth: If you have something valuable to offer the world, it’s not arrogance—it’s responsibility.We’ll unpack how to shift from insecurity to confidence, why visibility isn’t vanity, and how embracing your worth can create opportunities for others. It’s time to step up, show up, and bring your best to the table.Quit playing small. The world needs all of you.

We’ve all heard the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if the real problem isn’t learning new tricks—it’s actually using the ones we already know?In this episode, we’re flipping the focus from more information to more application. 2025 isn’t about chasing the next big idea—it’s about putting what you already know into action. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and sat through the seminars. Now, it’s time to execute.We’ll break down why knowledge without action is useless, how to bridge the gap between what you know and what you do, and why this could be the year everything finally clicks.New year, same you—just better execution. Let’s make 2025 the year of application.

The Ryan Leak Podcast is back! After taking a hiatus, I’m bringing this show back with a fresh perspective, a simpler format, and one goal: to give you something practical, inspiring, and thought-provoking in every episode. No fluff. No wasted time. Just one idea—one nugget—to help you be more intentional, courageous, and hopeful about your life, work, and relationships.In this first episode back, I share the real reason I hit pause, what I learned from stepping away, and why now is the perfect time to return.

Get ready—Season 6 of The Ryan Leak Podcast is here, and it’s packed with the short and sweet nuggets of inspiration you love. This season, we’re tackling real-life pressure, complicated people, and the gap between good and great—all with practical wisdom you can apply today.Expect honest conversations, counterintuitive insights, and bite-sized motivation to help you level up in your leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing failure, navigating tough conversations, or learning to lead yourself first, this season is designed to push you forward and keep you moving.Hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and let’s dive in—because Season 6 is all about helping you become who you were meant to be.

For this episode, Ryan sat down with executive coach and sports broadcaster, Laura VandeBerg to have an honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, and parenting. To connect with Ryan or Laura for coaching, check out ryanleak.com.

Elliot Davis knows what it takes to stand out having had roles at significant companies doing talent development. Join Ryan and Elliot for this episode of Followership!