The world is experiencing a crisis of leadership. How can we faithfully change that?
Seasons 1 and 2 of The Disrupters podcast asked the question, "What does it mean to disrupt the church?" Seasons 3 and 4 asked the question, "What does it mean to disrupt culture?" Season 5 asked the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? For it's sixth season, hosted by Nicole Massie Martin, The Disrupters podcast asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt leadership practices?"
Join Nicole as she explores the ways that Christians can disrupt unhealthy leadership structures and practices. Nicole converses with pastors, executives, parents, activists, and influencers who share their experiences as leaders in their homes, workplaces, churches, and in their world. In these insightful conversations, Nicole and her guests offer stories of their own leadership successes and failures to inspire us to crucify our leadership idols and nail our outdated leadership practices to the cross.
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Crucifying Speed to See God Redeem Your Failures with Phil Vischer
Season 6 · Episode 10
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 • Duration 53:20
You need to slow down.
So many leaders are driven by the fear of falling behind, convinced that impact requires urgency. And in the frantic pace of the modern world, we forget that God never told us to sprint ahead; he invited us to walk alongside him.
In the final episode of Season 6 of The Disrupters podcast, host Nicole Martin sits down with author, speaker, filmmaker, and VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer. In their conversation, Phil shares about the rapid rise and rapid fall of Big Idea Productions. He opens up about how speed became his idol and how slowing down has allowed God to redeem his failures. Now, as co-host of The Holy Post podcast and a storyteller for the next generation, Phil reflects on what it means to follow Jesus without being consumed by a relentless need to hurry.
Throughout their conversation, Phil warns listeners about the pressures of staying ahead and the toxic pace of modern ministry. From identity to insecurity, performance to obedience, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don’t need to impress God. You just need to patiently walk with him.
When we crucify speed, we find the joy, peace, and purpose only God’s pace can provide.
Tune in now to learn how slowing down might be the most faithful thing you can do as a leader.
This episode highlights the following themes:
Crucifying speed in a culture addicted to hurry
Redefining our failure and success through God’s eyes
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Crucifying Performance to Lead Like a Human Being with Sheila Wise Rowe and Nicholas Rowe
Season 6 · Episode 9
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 • Duration 49:18
Leaders are expected to meet increasingly high standards, but many are silently suffering under the pressure of constantly needing to perform. But God never called us to perform—He called us to be relational people.
In this episode of The Disrupters, host Nicole Martin is joined by Sheila Wise Rowe and Dr. Nicholas Rowe, co-authors of Healing Leadership Trauma, spiritual formation mentors, and longtime leaders in ministry and education. Sheila Wise Rowe is an award-winning author and counselor who has spent over 30 years walking alongside abuse and trauma survivors. Dr. Nicholas Rowe is the Hansen Associate Professor of Leadership at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, with decades of experience in leadership, reconciliation, and formation. Together, they offer not only practical wisdom but a deep well of spiritual insight.
Through honest reflection, they unpack how unhealed trauma fuels performance-based leadership and how many Christian leaders carry the past, present, and future like a crushing weight. They discuss how early wounds, fear of failure, and pressure to succeed can disconnect leaders from their core identity in Jesus. But when you crucify performance, what rises is something far more powerful: character rooted in truth, leadership grounded in rest, and a witness that’s not built on performance, but presence.
Tune in now to discover how surrendering performance can allow you to lead as a “human being,” not a “human doing.”
This episode highlights the following themes:
Crucifying performance and recovering authenticity
Healing leadership trauma across past, present, and future
Leading others by being rooted in your identity in Christ
Traditional models of leadership are no longer serving institutions and their constituents well.
Leaders need new, innovative paradigms to counter the status quo and to serve their organizations.
In season six of The Disrupters, host Nicole Massie Martin, IVP author and chief operating officer at Christianity Today, reveals healthy leadership disruptions that lead to flourishing in the home, the workplace, the church, and the world.
Martin converses with pastors, executives, parents, activists, and influencers like Hosanna Wong, Tod Bolsinger, and Christine Caine to inspire us to crucify our leadership idols and nail our outdated leadership practices to the cross.
Join Nicole Massie Martin as she explores the ways that Christians can disrupt unhealthy leadership structures and practices.
✅Special offer: Visit and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
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Disrupting the Noise: After the Results of the Election
Season 5 · Episode 13
Wednesday, November 6, 2024 • Duration 10:35
Today is the day after the U.S. presidential election. As the results are being announced, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our calling to love God and love people in the neighborhoods, towns, and cities in which we live.
In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.
In this episode, releasing the day after Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the unchanged calling of all Christians—to seek shalom where we live. She emphasizes that as Christians, we must join with Jesus Christ in loving and serving our neighbors and promoting the wellbeing of our towns and cities. This episode also features a reading of Jeremiah 29:4-14 from The First Testament, read by IVP authors Jay Kim, Carmen Imes, Dorena Williamson, and Robert Chao Romero.
Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.
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Disrupting the Noise: While You Wait on Election Day
Season 5 · Episode 12
Tuesday, November 5, 2024 • Duration 07:55
Today is the day of the U.S. presidential election. While we wait for the results to be counted, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about our ultimate hope in the return of our eternal king, Jesus Christ.
In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.
In this episode, releasing Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the eternal hope that we have in Jesus Christ. She emphasizes that as Christians, we are citizens of God’s kingdom and waiting for the U.S. election results must pale in comparison to waiting for the return of our savior, Jesus Christ. This episode also features a reading of Philippians 3:20-4:1 from The Second Testament, read by IVP authors Scot McKnight, Lynn Cohick, Terence Lester, and Prasanta Verma.
Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.
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Disrupting the Noise: Before You Vote in the Election
Season 5 · Episode 11
Monday, November 4, 2024 • Duration 10:30
Today is the day before the U.S. presidential election. Before we vote, we come together to pause and reflect on the truth about who we are and whosewe are in Jesus Christ.
In these three bonus episodes of the fifth season of The Disrupters, host Miranda Zapor Cruz asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves—and the noise?" during an election season? Join Miranda as she offers a disruption in the noise surrounding Election Day 2024 through meditations on her book Faithful Politics, accompanied by relevant Scripture readings, to combat the anxiety and uncertainties that accompany the selection of our next president. Together, these episodes educate, inspire, and reassure listeners who seek a healthy posture this election year, for the health of their souls as well as for the flourishing of their communities.
In this episode, releasing the day before Election Day 2024, Miranda offers a reflection on the importance of Christian identity in the context of the United States presidential election. She emphasizes that Christian identity is built upon Jesus Christ—the chief cornerstone and “living lodgepole” —rather than political parties or ideologies. This episode also features a reading of 1 Peter 2:4-12 from the First Nations Version, read by IVP authors Terry Wildman, Chloe Sun, Amy Williams, and Michael Bird.
Join us as we disrupt the noise of Election Day 2024 together.
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Avoiding Politics as Entertainment with Michael Wear
Season 5 · Episode 10
Monday, December 18, 2023 • Duration 45:53
For some, engaging in politics looks like watching particular cable news or social media networks and then amplifying whatever voices align with their own particular values or biases. But perhaps the key to healthy political engagement isn’t about spending time watching C-SPAN, but instead is about focusing on the people we are becoming.
In this last episode of season 5 of The Disrupters, Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Michael Wear, founder of the Center for Christianity and Public Life. Together they explore the necessity of spiritual formation as an essential part of civic involvement and discuss the “election stress syndrome” that many have experienced after 2016. Wear also offers insights from his upcoming book The Spirit of Our Politicsto challenge conventional ideas of what it means to be a faithful Christian in the realm of politics.
Tune into this fascinating conversation on navigating the intersection of faith and politics with wisdom and grace.
This episode highlights the following themes:
The spiritual discipline of political engagement or abstention
Distinction between meaningful political participation and political passivity
The role of character and deep listening in transforming political discourse
The Power of Focus in Political Involvement with Kathryn Freeman
Season 5 · Episode 9
Monday, December 11, 2023 • Duration 47:30
When surrounded by all the needs in the world, people can become overwhelmed and paralyzed to even begin to engage politically if at all. But instead of thinking about every issue to engage in, perhaps the way forward is to find areas of deep focus and personal interest.
In this fascinating dive into the convergence of personal faith and public life, host Kaitlyn Schiess welcomes Kathryn Freeman, a voice of experience at the intersection of theology and political advocacy.
Freeman's journey is a testament to the power of pursuing deeply personal issues as the means to shape one’s public advocacy. Her nuanced understanding of political theology, shaped by both African American church traditions and seminary education, provides crucial insight into how churches and believers can navigate the everyday needs in their communities without getting overwhelmed by the broader political landscape.
Tune in to this episode to discover healthy ways to pursue local political engagement in a sustainable manner that reflects Christ-led, neighborly love.
This episode highlights the following themes:
The need to limit oneself in political involvement
The profound political legacy of the African American church
Relationship-building and its significance in community advocacy
For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.
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Using Politics to Stand Against Empire with Mark Charles
Season 5 · Episode 8
Monday, December 4, 2023 • Duration 57:50
The impact of empire has far-reaching implications for the church, the nation, and the world. Even Christians who would claim that the kingdom of heaven is the only true ultimate rule and reign can find themselves complicit in supporting and furthering the empires of our current age.
Former presidential candidate Mark Charles wanted to show a different way forward, using the political process to speak truth to power. In this thought-provoking episode, host Kaitlyn Schiess speaks with Charles about lessons learned from his political run and the ways in which trauma has had a particular impact on the white majority in this country.
With a focus on healing historical trauma and rethinking the two-party system, Charles shares a compelling vision for a more inclusive and just future. His perspectives on political reform and communal trauma are not to be missed.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how history shapes modern politics and explore ways to contribute to a more just and equitable society.
This episode highlights the following themes:
The influence of historical trauma on contemporary politics
The damaging effects of the two-party system on American society
Confronting and dismantling systemic white supremacist ideologies
For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.
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How Disillusionment Can Lead to Positive Change with Russell Moore
Season 5 · Episode 3
Monday, November 27, 2023 • Duration 47:20
For many Christians, disillusionment with the church has become more common as a result of institutional distrust and trauma. But internal confusion can also present people with an opportunity for self-examination and contemplation.
In this episode, renowned theologian and ethicist Russell Moore joins Kaitlyn Schiess to discuss the essential work of self-reflection, accountability, and honesty in the face of cynicism. Through prayer, Scripture reading, and engagement in community, Moore encourages listeners to grow from the positive aspects of processing disillusionment.
What can it mean to be sober-minded, hopeful, and discerning in institutional or political spaces come 2024? Moore suggests that reckoning together with the uncertainty of what lies ahead may be a communal starting place for the church.
Tune in to be challenged by this week’s theme: that personal, internal repair must precede external progress.
This episode highlights the following themes:
Processing betrayal, cynicism, and wisdom
Observing and learning from both positive and negative role models
Discerning a faithful attitude for the 2024 election season
For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee
✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo
✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece
✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee
✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo
✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece
✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
✅ Special offer: Visit ivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Producers: Jack Reece and Helen Lee
✅ Assistant Producer: Christine Pelliccio Melo
✅ Sound Engineering: Jack Reece
✅ Social Media Managers: Allie Noble and Makayla Payne
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "Half Life" by Adi Goldstein
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Learn About the Impact of Lead for America, American Connection Corps
For its fifth season, hosted by Kaitlyn Schiess, The Disrupters podcast from IVP asks the question, "What does it mean to disrupt ourselves?" Join Kaitlyn as she explores the ways that Christians can prepare themselves—spiritually, emotionally, and relationally—to faithfully disrupt the church and the world. Pastors, scholars, activists, and therapists share their own experiences of formation and transformation to educate and inspire listeners who seek lasting change, both within themselves and in their communities.
Other links
✅ Special offer: Visitivpress.com and use the code IVPOD25 for 25% off any IVP resource mentioned in this episode.
✅ Producers: Maila Kim, Helen Lee, Travis Albritton, and Andrew Bronson
✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above.
✅ Production Assistant: Christine Pelliccio and Isis Toldson
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
✅ Production Assistant: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above.
✅ Production Assistants: Isis Toldson and Christine Pelliccio
✅ Podcast Art: Kate Lillard
✅ Theme Song: "People" by Lightmuzik
Disclaimer: The comments, views, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the host and/or the guests featured on the podcast and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of InterVarsity Press or InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
As an Amazon Affiliate, this channel earns commissions from qualifying purchases when you use the links above.
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