The RISE Leadership Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

What do you do when you inherit something broken? Most leaders will eventually step into a role they didn’t start—whether it’s a ministry, a team, or an organization—and face the challenge of rebuilding trust, culture, and vision. In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Dr. Nick Floyd sit down with Dr. Jon Chasteen, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Dallas, former President of The King’s University, and author of ReLeader: How to Fix What You Didn’t Break. Jon shares powerful lessons from leading through crisis, stepping into broken systems, and rebuilding with humility, patience, and faith. He unpacks what it means to be a “ReLeader”—someone who runs toward broken places others might avoid—while offering practical wisdom on honoring what came before, discerning what to change and when, and celebrating small beginnings. This conversation is honest, faith-filled, and full of leadership gold for anyone leading in the real world, not just the ideal one.  

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What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? 

Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. 

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Mike to talk about walking through injury, forced retirement, job loss, and seasons of identity shift. Mike shares powerful stories from behind the plate and the dugout, along with how scripture shaped his faith through those defining moments. 

Whether you’re a leader facing transition, a pastor walking through uncertainty, or simply someone in a hard season, this conversation will pour hope into your soul and give you practical steps to keep your faith steady when life hits hard. 

Books by Mike Matheny:

The Dad Coach: How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Baseball Field

The Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and Life

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In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeff Crawford—President of Cross Theological Seminary—joins Jeremy and Phil for a special behind-the-scenes look at how CTS came to life. From a simple dream to a thriving seminary, Dr. Crawford unpacks the origin story, the moments of divine confirmation, and the unexpected miracles that marked its inaugural year.

More than just a seminary story, this episode is packed with leadership gold. You’ll hear lessons on leading with vision before there’s a blueprint, the power of innovation through organic growth, and what it looks like to step into uncharted territory, trusting that God will build as you move.

Whether you’re building something new or stewarding something established, this episode will encourage and equip you to lead boldly and faithfully.

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IMB missionaries Seth & Amanda join our podcast to discuss lessons they have learned from serving and leading large numbers of team members who are stationed in remote locations. 

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How do you influence the leaders above you without overstepping—and empower those below you to speak into your leadership? In this episode, Champion Forest Baptist Church Lead Pastor Jarrett Stephens joins us to unpack the art of “leading up.” With wisdom shaped by decades of ministry, Jarrett shares how humility, longevity, and faithfulness create lasting influence, why trusting your leader is a choice, and how honoring authority ultimately expands your own. If you're eager to grow your leadership while strengthening your team and culture, this conversation is for you.

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Host Jeremy Dixon is joined by leadership consultant, author, and former Catalyst leader Brad Lomenick. Together, they explore the weighty and essential leadership themes of identity, calling, and assignment—unpacking what it means to steward your influence well, whether you’re leading in the church or the marketplace.

Brad shares insights from decades of experience leading thousands of young leaders and working alongside voices like John Maxwell. You’ll hear practical wisdom on discovering your calling, owning your current assignment, and showing up with an “owner” mentality—no matter your title. 

If you’re seeking to lead with greater intentionality, this episode will help you take your next step with confidence.

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En este episodio, Marco y Sonia Hernández, del equipo ministerial de Cross Church, comparten su trayectoria desde el inicio de su matrimonio, cuando ninguno de los dos era seguidor de Cristo, hasta su experiencia de salvación con Jesús, y cómo su relación con Él y su comunidad dentro de la Iglesia ha transformado sus vidas, matrimonio y familia.

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In this episode, Marco & Sonia Hernandez from our Cross Church ministry team share their journey as a married couple. From the beginning of their marriage when neither was a follower of Christ, to their saving encounter with Jesus, and how their relationship with Him and their community within the Church has transformed their lives, marriage and family. 

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Former Tyson & Foster Farms CEO Donnie Smith discusses the pitfalls of holding onto past successes and disappointments, how to stay focused on what's ahead, and how to run after God's best plans for your future in life and leadership. 

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Author, Pastor and Comedian Ted Cunningham joins Pastor Nick Floyd and Jeremy Dixon to discuss finding joy in the crazy seasons and rhythms of family life.

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