Best Nicholas Whitaker Podcasts (2025)

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5 Power Principles to Create the Life You Want in Just One Year with Lisa McCarthy 33:25

Play Pause

3d ago33:25

33:25

The discussion centers on the transformative power of language and intention in shaping personal and professional success. Lisa McCarthy emphasizes a pivotal shift in mindset by eliminating terms such as "busy," "tired," and "stressed," asserting that language profoundly influences reality. This episode highlights the significance of adopting a hol…

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Sexual Ethics, Queer Theology, & Responding to Critics: Matthew Vines (Part 2) 1:23:11

8d ago1:23:11

1:23:11

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines returns to discuss how the revised edition of his book addresses critiques from prominent theologians, the distinction between affirming theology and queer theology, and the possibility of affirming, orthodox Christianity. Matthew unpacks the scholarly consensus that modern sexual orientation concepts simply di…

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Episode 5 - Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin (or A Weekend in the Countryside by Samanta Schweblin) 1:03:28

11d ago1:03:28

1:03:28

Today we chat about Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin, a tense and heartbreaking horror that investigates the repercussions of 'Soul Splitting' in the wake of agricultural poisoning in the Argentinian countryside. We talk tension in writing and how to guide readers through a story without even needing chapters, how to navigate the world of social me…

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Building Beautiful: The Intersection of Culture and Brand with Steven Morris 30:47

17d ago30:47

30:47

The podcast episode presents a compelling discourse on the concept of leadership, emphasizing that leadership is not confined solely to those in upper management but is a quality that exists within every individual in an organization. Steven Morris articulates the notion that everyone—from project leaders to team members—holds the potential to lead…

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The Future of a Well World with Mia Kyricos 29:56

24d ago29:56

29:56

The podcast features a compelling discussion on the transformative nature of work in contemporary society, emphasizing that colleagues now possess significantly more bargaining power than in the past. The dialogue underscores the vital importance of prioritizing personal health and well-being, suggesting that this focus not only enhances individual…

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From Me to We: Elevating Workplace Culture through Understanding with Chris Reynolds 34:51

1M ago34:51

34:51

The podcast episode centers on the concept that time is a construct, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing interpersonal relationships and personal growth within a work environment. Chris argues that while completing projects and adhering to budgets are essential, equally critical is ensuring that team members feel valued and understood. They …

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Pope Francis' Legacy: A Global Church in Transition 1:14:54

1M ago1:14:54

1:14:54

Text us your questions! Pope Francis, a man who inspired even many Protestants and non-Christians with his refreshingly prophetic voice, has died. The process to select his successor is ongoing as we release this. To help us understand what's happening, as well as its historical significance, we're talking with our friend and returning guest Shaun …

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Does the Bible Affirm LGB Relationships? Interview with Matthew Vines (Part 1) 58:39

1M ago58:39

58:39

Text us your questions! Matthew Vines is here to discuss the revised and expanded edition of his influential book God and the Gay Christian, marking eleven years since its initial release. The book sent shockwaves through evangelical Christianity and remains a powerful and compelling case for an affirming reading of the Bible for those who want to …

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Episode 4 - Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor (or Laini's Superpower is Writing Prose) 1:01:01

2M ago1:01:01

1:01:01

Today we chat about Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, a fantasy novel the follows the story of orphan Lazlo Strange and Godspawn Sarai. Nick breaks down how Laini writes vivid and imaginative prose that reflects the world in which the story is set. We also discuss the implications of if this novel was set in the same universe as Inception, the r…

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Connecting Head and Heart: Finding the Courage to Lead and Love with Laila Tarraf 32:13

2M ago32:13

32:13

Recognizing when one feels stuck is portrayed as a profound opportunity for introspection and growth. The discussion emphasizes the importance of acknowledging internal dissonance as a catalyst for change, particularly within the context of leadership. Laila Tarraf articulates that many business professionals tend to ignore their feelings of being …

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We Need to Talk About It 1:12:56

2M ago1:12:56

1:12:56

Text us your questions! This is a conversation we've been avoiding: how are we doing now that Donald Trump is president again? As we had a break between interviews, we decided to try to unpack how we're feeling, what we're doing, what we've learned about ourselves, and what we're worried and hopeful about. This is an unusually impromptu and unpolis…

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Building the Emphatic Workplace with Katharine Manning 32:43

2M ago32:43

32:43

The discussion centers on the critical role of empathy in leadership, particularly in relation to the mental health of employees. Katharine Manning emphasizes that while many managers may not perceive it as their responsibility to address mental health issues, employees overwhelmingly expect their leaders to be concerned with their well-being. This…

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Stress Wisely: How to be Well in an Unwell World with Robyne Hanley-Dafoe 30:57

2M ago30:57

30:57

The central theme discussed in the podcast revolves around the critical importance of addressing bad behavior in the workplace to foster psychological safety. Robyne emphasizes that allowing negative actions to go unchecked creates an environment where individuals feel unsafe, ultimately leading to diminished trust and collaboration among team memb…

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How to be a Conscious Leader with Christopher Plowman 29:36

2M ago29:36

29:36

The podcast features a compelling dialogue centered around the significant theme of prioritizing personal well-being and authentic leadership in the workplace. The speaker emphasizes that if team members awaken feeling disengaged, they should feel empowered to pursue other opportunities, underscoring the belief that time should be spent on endeavor…

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Re-Release - Outrage Porn, Echo Chambers, and the Seduction of Clarity: Interview with C. Thi Nguyen 1:02:25

2M ago1:02:25

1:02:25

Text us your questions! This is a re-release of an episode from our second season when we spoke with philosopher C Thi Nguyen. We think it bears re-listening in our current moment. ===== What happens when we seek simple answers in a complex world? Philosopher C Thi Nguyen takes us into the machinery of belief, understanding, and value formation, ex…

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Episode 3 - Planetfall by Emma Newman (or An Unreliable Narrator, or Were They?) 59:27

2M ago59:27

59:27

Today we chat about Planetfall by Emma Newman, Sci-fi set 20 years after humanity sets foot on a new planet in search of God's City. Nicholas helps us understand how Newman shifts the readers perspective to distrust the main character Renata Ghali's (not Renata Bliss) perspective on the story playing out. We also chat about our favourite cross-over…

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The Power of Mentoring with David Simas 34:17

3M ago34:17

34:17

The podcast episode delves into the profound significance of mentorship, particularly highlighted through the experiences of David Simas, who notably worked under President Obama. Simas articulates that true mentorship transcends mere guidance; it embodies a consistent demonstration of values, empathy, and the ability to maintain composure during h…

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What Happens When You're Done with Religion Altogether? 1:19:50

3M ago1:19:50

1:19:50

Text us your questions! What happens when the foundation of your identity crumbles beneath you? When the lens through which you understood the world no longer works? Psychologist Dr. Daryl Van Tongeren joins us to explore this profound transition that one-fifth of Americans have experienced—leaving religion behind. Drawing from eight years of groun…

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Making Moments that Matter: Lessons from the Science of Single-Session Mental Health Interventions 31:10

3M ago31:10

31:10

The podcast episode delves into the critical importance of evidence-based mental health solutions, particularly emphasizing the role of single session interventions (SSIs) as a viable alternative to traditional therapy models. Jessica articulates the pressing need for employers and organizations to scrutinize the effectiveness of mental health reso…

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From the Ground Up: Leading with Compassion for the Future with Derek Lewis 40:31

3M ago40:31

40:31

Derek Lewis emphasizes the necessity of personal development as a precursor to effective service to others in this enlightening podcast episode. He articulates that one must first "bet on yourself" and strive to become the best version of oneself to truly deliver on the needs of others. This foundational self-improvement not only enhances individua…

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Unpacking Open and Relational Theology: Interview with Tom Oord 1:20:45

3M ago1:20:45

1:20:45

Text us your questions! Tom Oord is back! This time, we're discussing his "main thing": open and relational theology. We explore what it means and its significance in reshaping our understanding of God, love, prayer, and more. Tom answers our questions graciously, and we try to convince Randy that he's wrong. How is open and relational theology dif…

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The Business Case for Emotional Intelligence with Joshua Freedman 34:19

3M ago34:19

34:19

Organizations prioritizing emotional intelligence are 22 times more likely to achieve high performance, underscoring the critical need for leaders to cultivate this skill within their teams. In this podcast, Speaker A and Speaker B delve into the profound impact of emotional intelligence on workplace engagement and motivation, revealing that 76% of…

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Episode 2 - We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker (or How to Write Wide Characters) 59:54

3M ago59:54

59:54

This month we read We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker, a crime/thriller set in a small Californian town in the late 1990s but not all is as it seems. Nicholas helps us understand how Christ Whitaker builds up rich characters by delivering information in small bites from secondary parties, the show-not-tell approach I suppose. We also chat about …

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Investing in Mental Wellness with Karan Singh 30:58

4M ago30:58

30:58

The podcast delves into the transformative landscape of mental wellness in the workplace, emphasizing the need for organizations to prioritize mental health as an integral aspect of their culture. Speaker A articulates their enthusiasm for breaking the longstanding stigma surrounding mental health, which has historically hindered access to essentia…

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Will Deconstructing End My Marriage? A Conversation with Keri Ladouceur 1:25:46

4M ago1:25:46

1:25:46

Text us your questions! This episode explores the complexities of spiritual evolution and its impact on marriages and relationships. Our friend Keri Ladouceur shares her wisdom, and we discuss stories of navigating changing faith and the strain it can place on intimate partnerships. We cover how questioning beliefs impacts relationships, emotional …

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Finding Personal and Professional Harmony with Christina Hall 32:39

4M ago32:39

32:39

The podcast episode centers around the theme of achieving personal and professional harmony in the workplace, as articulated by Christina, a seasoned HR leader and attorney. She emphasizes the inherent kindness found in many individuals within the professional sphere, who consistently strive to support their colleagues regardless of their roles. Ch…

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Episode 1 - What is the point of this podcast? 30:34

4M ago30:34

30:34

Let's get to know each other! In this episode we talk ghost writing a YA novel, our favourite creative outputs, and we write the first sentence of our novel. According to Nick starting a novel with 'Once upon a time...' is a pastiche that he hates but I think it could go somewhere. The first proper episode of the BRBC will come out on the 27th Febr…

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When Seeking Jesus Drives You Out of the Church: Interview with Scot McKnight & Tommy Preson Phillips 1:12:43

4M ago1:12:43

1:12:43

Text us your questions! Faith deconstruction has become a defining trend in American Christianity, and disagreement persists about what’s driving it. In this episode, we talk with Scot McKnight and Tommy Preson Phillips about their book Invisible Jesus, which considers why so many Christians are critically re-examining their faith. Rather than trea…

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The Science of Finding Your Purpose and Creating Meaningful Work 32:52

4M ago32:52

32:52

The conversation delves into the critical relationship between purpose, meaning, and trust in the workplace, emphasizing that joy on the job arises from engaging in purpose-driven work with a trusted team. Britt Andreotta, an internationally recognized thought leader, shares her insights on how individuals can find their purpose and align it with t…

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The Recognition Revolution: Building a Culture of Gratitude at Work 30:13

5M ago30:13

30:13

Creating meaningful human connections within workplace cultures is essential, particularly as many individuals navigate feelings of loneliness and disconnection. Nick and Scott delve into the transformative power of gratitude and recognition in fostering a supportive work environment. They discuss the importance of acknowledging shared humanity and…

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Nicholas Ma on Division, Vulnerability, and Doing What You Can 1:11:46

5M ago1:11:46

1:11:46

Text us your questions! This is one of our favorite interviews we've ever done. Nicholas Ma (son of famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma) is a filmmaker best known for producing the 2018 documentary Won't You Be My Neighbor? about Fred Rogers. We speak with him about his latest documentary Leap of Faith, which follows a group of Christian pastors from diverse so…

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Real Inclusion: Creating a Culture of Respect at Work (Stories from a Transwoman) 28:06

5M ago28:06

28:06

Guilt and shame can obstruct effective advocacy and allyship, as emphasized by Arielle, the founder of Trans and Caffeinated Consulting, during her conversation with Nick and Scott on the Changing Work podcast. Arielle highlights the importance of intrinsic motivation over external pressures, arguing that true allies are those willing to learn and …

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Re-Release - Holy Balls: Power, Masculinity, and the Making of White American Evangelicalism with Kristin Kobes Du Mez 1:25:02

5M ago1:25:02

1:25:02

Text us your questions! This is a re-release of an episode from our first season: our first conversation with Kristin Kobes Du Mez, which happened to fall just after January 6, 2021. It seems fitting to revisit it now. ===== In this episode, we chat with Kristin Kobes Du Mez about her book that's been making waves and is brilliantly titled Jesus an…

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Brian Zahnd on The Brothers Karamazov 1:08:17

6M ago1:08:17

1:08:17

Text us your questions! Brian Zahnd is back with us to discuss his favorite novel, Fyodor Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. Brian is starting a public online course going through the book, which is notoriously philosophically and theologically rich, so we thought it would be fun to have him on to discuss its major themes and why it has been so i…

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Where Soul Meets Success: A New Leadership Roadmap 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

Taking time off is essential for fostering creativity, innovation, and effective leadership within organizations, as emphasized by Shelly Paxton, former CMO of Harley Davidson. She shares her profound journey from perceived success to a deeper understanding of fulfillment, illustrating the importance of aligning personal values with professional li…

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Leading with Insight: Navigating Uncertainty in Conscious Business with Amy Johnson 28:55

6M ago28:55

28:55

Welcome to the Changing Work Podcast! Hosts Nick and Scott engage in an enlightening conversation with Dr. Amy Johnson, a psychologist, coach, author, and speaker known for her groundbreaking approach to overcoming unwanted habits, anxiety, and self-doubt through insight rather than willpower. Dr. Johnson elaborates on the natural rhythms of life, …

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Navigating Transitions with Purpose | Nicole Serena Silver - Career Alignment Founder and Author, and Entrepreneurial Coach 41:49

6M ago41:49

41:49

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Nicole Serena Silver, Founder of Vekita Personal Development, GROWmyfuture.org and NicoleSerenaSilver.com as they discuss the impact of self-reflection and support systems on success. Nicole discusses her journey into the professional development space, including her work with high school students through her nonprof…

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Servant Leadership and Conscious Capitalism: Insights from Former Starbucks President Howard Behar 42:53

6M ago42:53

42:53

In this episode of the 'Changing Work Podcast,' hosts Nick and Scott sit down with Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks, to explore his journey towards conscious capitalism and servant leadership. Behar discusses the true meaning of leading with purpose, the importance of serving others, and how these principles shaped his leadership at Star…

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Creating Happiness in Business | Jackson Kerchis, Co-Founder, Happiness Means Business 52:21

6M ago52:21

52:21

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Jackson Kerchis, Co-Founder at Happiness Means Business (HMB) as they discuss the the impact of happiness on productivity and success. Jackson discusses his diverse background, including his time as a Zen monk, teaching a happiness course, and creating his own Happiness major at the University of Alabama. In both the…

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Navigating Workplace Overwhelm | Amy Luckey - Founder @ Amy Luckey Coaching 39:26

6M ago39:26

39:26

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Amy Luckey, Founder at Amy Luckey Coaching + Consulting as they explore the nuances of leadership and the silent burden of grief in the workplace. Amy shares her experiences working with organizational leaders, particularly those managing complex personal and professional identities, and discusses the impact of perfo…

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Jonathan Merritt on Family, Evangelicalism, and Children's Books 1:13:18

6M ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Text us your questions! Jonathan Merritt joins us to discuss his children's book My Guncle and Me. We also discuss what it was like to grow up with a dad who was the president of the SBC, his experience being involuntarily outed, and how to maintain relationships across serious ideological and personal divides. ===== Want to support us? The best wa…

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Leadership's Responsibility for Workplace Satisfaction | Aaron Fromm, Founder @ AZF Business Strategy and Consulting 45:25

7M ago45:25

45:25

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Aaron Fromm, Founder at AZF Business Strategy and Consulting as they discuss the responsibility of leadership in regards to workplace satisfaction. Aaron shares his journey from software engineer to a consultant, emphasizing transparency, compassion, and coaching as critical elements for thriving teams. They touch up…

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Unleashing the Power of Servant Leadership with Garry Ridge 34:59

7M ago34:59

34:59

Join Scott Shute, Founder of Changing Work, in a compelling conversation with Gary Ridge, former Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company, and a passionate advocate of servant leadership. Gary shares his journey, insights, and practical strategies on building successful company cultures that emphasize connectivity, celebration, and learning. Discover how …

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Leadership, Arts, and Authenticity | Tim Van Ness, President @ Van Ness & Co. 40:23

7M ago40:23

40:23

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Tim Van Ness, President at Van Ness & Co as they discuss the transformative power of creativity and theater in corporate culture. Tim shares his journey from music and theater to founding Van Ness and Company, using improvisational theater to address organizational challenges and promote conscious leadership. Our con…

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Chatting about Church with Brian McLaren and Tim Whitaker 1:01:35

7M ago1:01:35

1:01:35

Text us your questions! This episode was recorded live at Theology Beer Camp 2024. We sat down with Brian McLaren and Tim Whitaker (from The New Evangelicals podcast) to discuss Brian's history in the emerging church movement, the current progressive religious movement (of which we're a part), the Christian nationalist backlash, and our political m…

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People-Hearted & Business-Minded™️| Beck Sydow (they/them), Founder and Leadership Coach @ HumanKind 44:00

8M ago44:00

44:00

Join host Nicholas Whitaker and Beck Sydow, Founder & Leadership Coach at HumanKind Business Leaders as they discuss connection in the workplace and the importance of quality feedback. Beck shares insights into their journey from UPS management to becoming a leadership coach focusing on people-hearted, business-minded approaches, the importance of …

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Bridging Generations and Breaking Stigmas: A Conversation with Newton Cheng 38:54

8M ago38:54

38:54

Chat with Newton Cheng, who is lauded as a Conversation Starter in the mental health space, and serves as Director of Health + Performance at Google Newton shares his personal journey with mental health, highlighting the stigma surrounding these topics in professional settings. Despite his accomplishments, Newton took a mental health leave, which l…

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Q&A Bonus Episode: The Soul 51:20

8M ago51:20

51:20

Text us your questions! Jeff Cook is back with us to dive deeper into our conversation from a while back about the soul and why Kyle is a materialist (and why Randy thinks he's silly for it). We discuss the difference between the claim that God is non-physical and the claim that humans are, Jeff's reservations about materialism, the mystery of the …

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Kristin Kobes Du Mez on Her New Film For Our Daughters 1:07:59

8M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

Text us your questions! After more than three years, Kristin Kobes Du Mez is back on the show to discuss her new short film For Our Daughters, which examines the connection between the culture of submission and sexual abuse within the evangelical church and the Christian nationalist effort to influence the 2024 presidential election. It tells harro…

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Betting on Yourself | Lon Stroschein, Founder & Elite Performance Coach, Normal 40 47:01

8M ago47:01

47:01

Chat with Lon Stroschein, Founder at Normal 40, as he reveals the catalyst behind his bold move out of an "ideal" career to seek something more. We learn of Lon's experience of feeling unfulfilled, the internal struggles he faced, and the crucial moments that led to him making a total 180. Hear about his creation of Normal 40, a community where new…