Unconventional Leaders

Deep Conversations with Comedian Joe Zimmerman

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Zimmerman is a stand-up comedian whose resume includes The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Conan, Last Comic Standing, and his own Comedy Cent...

Trauma and Achieving | Patrick Murphy

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Patrick Murphy is a somatic coach for high-achievers who feel stuck in anxiety, perfectionism, and overwhelm.Today, he shares how unresolved trauma s...

Loving Jesus and Being Gay | Brian Nietzel

03 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Nietzel says he's always known two things about himself. One, Jesus is his hero. And two, he is gay. At one point, his faith and sexuality felt ...

True Crime to Healing: Collier Landry on Storytelling and Trauma

24 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

At just 12 years old, Collier Landry testified against his father in one of Ohio’s most publicized trials following the murder of his mother. His fi...

Everything You Want Is Now | Kyle Cease

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Kyle Cease is a former touring comedian, actor, and bestselling author who, after decades chasing external success, discovered that true fulfillment c...

Evolving Into Who You’re Meant to Become | Bishop Kevin Foreman

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

To reach the “next level” in our lives, we often have to break generational patterns, become beginners again, and learn how to make decisions from...

Weakness as the Key to Greatness | Jon Giganti

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

What if the thing you have been trying to hide is the exact thing that gives you work power?In this episode, I sit down with Jon Giganti, executive co...

Building an Online Community | Lucas Bean

29 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Building an online community isn’t about platforms or posting more…it’s about intention. In this episode, I’m joined by entrepreneur and Commu...

Christian Pastor: Women should not be afraid of PLEASURE | Pastor Kimberly Bulgin

22 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Pastor Kimberly Bulgin is the author of The Sisters Stay Dropping Gems and the founder of The House of Women. She helps faith-filled women unlearn har...

The Skeptic Pastor | Jeremy Steele

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Jeremy Steele helps people healing from religious trauma find spiritual beliefs and practices that actually work for them. A deep skeptic and ordained...

Should You Have An Alter Ego? | The Solo Episode

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve set the same goals over and over and still feel stuck, this is for you. In this episode, we explore why your results start with your ident...

Professional Storyteller: How to tell Authentic Stories | Ron Chapman

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Ron Chapman is a professional storyteller, novelist, and longtime guide for deep inner work. With nearly 40 years of sobriety, Ron has spent his life ...

Stop Undermining Yourself | The Solo Episode

08 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever caught yourself shrinking your gifts or holding back because it feels “humble,” this is for you. In this episode, we talk about w...

Your Work Deserves a Life: Learning to Share Without Fear | Keith Giles & Matthew J. Distefano

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Keith Giles and Matthew J. Distefano are authors, publishers, and co-owners of Quoir, a media company dedicated to publishing bold, thoughtful work fr...

How To Show Up Daily On Video (Without Burning Out) | George Sidiropoulos

04 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

George Sidiropoulos helps creators show up on video in a way that's simple, sustainable, and fun. A former musician, he discovered video's power when ...

Exercises To Make You A Better Storyteller

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here are three practical storytelling exercises pulled from three brilliant creators: one to help you dig deeper, one to get more specific, and one to...

4 Story EDITING Tips (From Experts)

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I sat down with four master storytellers and uncovered a simple truth: if the edit is difficult, the input needs to be a bigger priority.TOPICS FROM T...

Becoming A Pixar Writer | Matthew Luhn

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Before Matthew Luhn became one of Pixar’s storytellers (with credits on Finding Nemo, Monsters Inc., Toy Story, Up, and more) he nearly lost the opp...

Make What You Want to FREAKIN' MAKE | The Solo Episode

15 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “What should I make? What will work?” — this is for you. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped cr...

Question Everything (& Still Stand for Something) | Glenn Lundy

11 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Glenn Lundy and I shouldn’t be friends. He’s a Republican who trains and consults sales leaders in automotive; I’m a creative who cried in bed t...

A Powerful Reframe for Your Fear of Being Seen | The Solo Episode

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever worried that sharing your voice is “selfish” or ego-driven, this is for you. Today, we explore how your story, your perspective, ...

Should Creators CLONE Themselves? | Jim Carter III

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jim Carter III is an AI strategist to the world’s top creators, helping creators and thought leaders build digital clones…AI versions of themselve...

3 Best Books for Content Creators | The Solo Episode

31 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’re tired of chasing tactics and hacks, and you want to create from a deeper place — this is for you. In this episode, we explore books that...

Package Your Expertise so People Actually Listen | Mike Roderick

27 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

You can be talented… and still be ignored.Mike Roderick helps creators and thought leaders package their ideas so people actually get it. A former B...

Feel Stuck? Try This | The Solo Episode

24 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been feeling stuck, unclear, or like you’re spinning your wheels — this is for you. What if feeling “stuck” isn’t a sign to push...

How to Enter a FLOW State | Steven Puri

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Steven Puri walked away from blockbuster films and high-level studio roles to follow a deeper calling: helping people make the work they were truly me...

The Obstacle is the Freakin' Way | The Solo Episode

17 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve been wrestling with something that feels like a disadvantage — the thing that makes you feel behind, limited, or not enough — this is ...

How to use SLOW Storytelling | Meg Hood (Meg’s Tea Room)

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meg Hood creates content that feels like a warm cup of tea in a chaotic digital world. As the voice behind Meg's Tea Room, she's built a community aro...

A Story About a Girl Who KICKED My Butt | The Solo Episode

10 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind, or that everyone’s zooming past you while you’re just trying to keep it together — this one’...

Why You Have to Lose Everything to Find Yourself (Dark Night of the Soul) | Jaxon Phoenix

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Jaxon Phoenix lost his best friend and uncovered a shattering family secret, he found himself on the edge wondering if life was worth staying for...

Not Getting Traction? Try This | The Solo Episode

03 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I know how discouraging it feels when you pour yourself into something, share it with your people, and then… nothing. No clicks, no support, no love...

From Basement Bars to Big Dog Tour: The Energy of Authenticity | Comedian Soo Ra

30 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Soo Ra first stepped on stage in college, she wasn't trying to become a comedian…she was just the girl who loved to make people laugh. But twel...

Imposter Syndrome Reframe | The Solo Episode

26 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Imposter syndrome. I’ve had it. I still get it. And honestly? At the end of the day, it’s kind of selfish. This isn’t one of those “you’re a...

How to Create in Chaos | The Solo Episode

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I had a gut-punch moment a few weeks ago when everything went sideways and suddenly my podcast felt… pointless. I remember thinking, who needs conte...

Do You Have What It Takes? | The Solo Episode

19 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This episode shares Steven Pressfield’s powerful lesson on storytelling: the moment you decide to step into your calling—even with fear—you begi...

Learnmore Jonasi On America's Got Talent, Witchcraft, & Touring

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Learnmore Jonasi used to travel by bus for hours just to get five minutes on stage, he had huge dreams of becoming a global comedian…and he was...

Struggling with Promoting Yourself? Listen to This | The Solo Episode

12 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you struggle with promoting yourself or your work, listen to this.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WIT...

How Early Birdz FILLED their First Event | Noro Kocharyan

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Noro Kocharyan spent a decade building brands for Red Bull, Jameson, and Absolut Vodka, learning how global companies create consistency, culture, and...

Give Yourself Permission To Evolve | The Solo Episode

05 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel like you're in a season where it's time to evolve and change, but you feel massive resistance, this is for you.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: ...

The Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos

02 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Jenny Hoyos built 10 million YouTube subscribers by age 20, not through luck, but by mastering storytelling craft. She's a content strategist who stud...

From Weapon to Healing: Better Ways to Read the Bible | Zach W. Lambert

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At 13, Zach W. Lambert was kicked out of youth group for asking too many questions. Years later, the church he leads was removed from its denomination...

Strengthen Your Spiritual Life with THIS | Alex Portillo

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s guest is Alex Portillo, a pastor and content creator who is on a mission to help folks read the Bible with new eyes. Instead of clinging to ...

How to Pick the Right Story to Tell

14 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

There are stories we “think” we should tell… and then there are the ones that won’t stop tapping us on the shoulder.From raw advice by singer-...

How do I Reconstruct Faith? The Story of Ray Edwards

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ray Edwards is one of the world’s top copywriters. His words have generated over $500 million for clients like Tony Robbins, Michael Hyatt, and Jack...

Best Ways to Begin a Story (Advice from Experts)

07 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

What’s the BEST way to capture attention…and keep it? I asked pro storytellers in Atlanta, content creators in Austin, and even sat down with a Pi...

How to Partner with Creativity (Lessons from a World Traveler) | Fredrik Haren

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Fredrik Haren has spent the last 25 years traveling to more than 75 countries asking one question:  How does creativity differ around the world?H...

Use LISTENING to be a Better Storyteller

31 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Want to become a better storyteller? You HAVE to master the science and art of LISTENING. Today, I’m sharing 4 clips from 4 different storytelling e...

Is Hell Even Biblical? Brian Recker on Queer-Affirming, Fear-Free Faith | Brian Recker

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Brian Recker is a former evangelical pastor turned public theologian who's challenging the very foundations of Christianity. In his viral content and ...

Make Stories Better Using Weakness

24 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here are three clips from storytelling experts on why showing weakness not only improves your stories…but also builds your credibility.WATCH EPISODE...

Storytelling Expert: Science of Emotions and Backstory | Lisa Cron

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Story coach and author Lisa Cron (Wired for Story, Story Genius, Story or Die) joins us to unpack the neuroscience behind powerful storytelling—and ...

I Cussed Out an Angel

17 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I want to share a personal story about the time I cussed out a real-life angel. Sometimes we think our message isn’t landing…but we never really k...

Christian Rock Star to LGBTQ Advocate: Trey Pearson on Rediscovering His Calling After Deconstruction

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trey Pearson, front man of the Christian rock band Everyday Sunday, sold hundreds of thousands of records, amassed millions of streams, and toured all...

Discovering Your Calling (It's Not Where You Think)

03 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

I asked Michael Gungor how to find your calling…and I loved his response. Enjoy this short clip featuring singer-songwriter Michael Gungor. Watch ou...

Reconstructing Through Creativity | Michael Gungor

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Michael Gungor is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, producer, author, and co-founder of The Liturgists. Once known for leading worship in megachur...

How Suffering Unlocks Purpose | Voice Contestant: Lauren-Michael Sellers

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Lauren-Michael Sellers is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose music I first heard on Season 26 of The Voice. But it wasn’t just her voice that...

STORYTELLING TIP: The Hidden Power of UNHEALED Stories | Renee Frojo

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When it comes to sharing our story, we’ve all heard the advice: “share from your scars, not from your wounds.” But Renee Frojo, a brand and cont...

Niche Down is BAD Advice | Amie McNee

12 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we have with us Amie McNee (@inspiredtowrite), the author of We Need Your Art and the voice behind the wildly popular community, Insp...

How to Be Braver Sharing Your Story | Terry Rice

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Terry Rice is a keynote speaker, author, and coach for high performers and teams, specializing in storytelling for influence, impact, and income. He h...

Tips on Increasing Imagination | Feat. Matthew Luhn & Todd Herman

05 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today we’re revisiting two conversations, one with Matthew Lunn from Pixar and another with Todd Herman, author of The Alter Ego Effect, to explore ...

Using Physical Energy in Storytelling | Mike Ganino

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Powerful storytelling is not just about what you choose to say, but HOW you say it. Mike Ganino, the secret weapon behind some of your favorite profes...

Leaving Security and Going ALL IN as a Creative | Mark Shiiba

22 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you feel a deep calling but are absolutely terrified to switch careers, this is for you.Mark Shiiba was working on nuclear reactors aboard an aircr...

Creativity: The New Church

15 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Can you rediscover a relationship with God through your creative work? Maybe even find a community of people who are truly tapped in? After leaving th...

Reconstructing Faith (Christians who Don't Suck) | Jeremy Alder

13 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Reconstructing your faith can be tricky.  It can take years to unravel what was indoctrinated into you and it can be scary leaning back into the ...

Confession: I Was Offended By This

08 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Worried about offending others? Conditioned to be offended yourself? I’ve got a story, a confession, and a few challenging thoughts. The truth doesn...

Weirdness as a Superpower | James Victore

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The thing that made you weird as a kid makes you great today. James Victore, graphic designer, art educator, and in-demand speaker on creativity joins...

Can you REALLY make a difference in your work?

03 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you have ever asked yourself as a creator, “Is anyone even listening?” This is for you. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.co...

Discipline is Hurting your Goals | Craig Ballantyne

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today you're going to learn why discipline might be the reason you're failing at your goals. Craig Ballantyne, known as the world's most disciplined m...

I lost my daughter (When good people do nothing)

24 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, I’m sharing an embarrassing story and what a horrible experience taught me about humanity and our role as creators.WATCH EPISO...

AI, Humanity, & What No One is Saying | Tony Berardo

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Content is changing…but are we losing our soul in the process? Tony Berardo, founder of a content agency and host of the podcast Humanity and Hashta...

What’s Really Affecting Your Energy and Focus? | Singing Vegan Chef, Gabrielle Reyes

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Gabrielle Reyes is known as the Singing Vegan Chef. Her videos are fun, her voice is soulful, and her message? Unapologetically rooted in joy, healing...

Multiple passions? Here's how to make them work together | Ace Anderson

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today you're going to learn how to take all of your passions, the things that you love and create a cohesive, badass brand. Ace Anderson has done this...

Young People CAN'T Focus? Think Again.

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why are we telling young people they can’t focus? What if there’s something else to blame?WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heath...

Brand Deals for Creators (Deep Dive) | Justin Moore

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you dismissed the possibility of getting sponsors or brand deals because your brand is “too small”? Think again.Even if you don’t have...

Anti-Hero in Storytelling

29 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re talking about how embracing your flaws can build more connection and why audiences root harder for the anti-hero.TOPICS COVERED IN THIS...

Creatives: Get more DONE by thinking like a Producer | Tara Mewis

25 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Creativity and business can often feel like two opposing forces, one requires flow and emotion, while the other demands strategy and structure. But to...

This is Killing Your Social Media Content

20 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady Today, we’re talking about why outsourcing your content might be destroying it...

AFRAID TO TAKE RISKS? TRY THIS | Ty Allan Jackson

18 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How many times would you let the world tell you no before you gave up on your dream? After submitting his manuscript to 147 agents and being rejected ...

Limits I Use in My Instagram Reels (Listener Question)

13 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A listener recently asked how I personally apply creative constraints in my short-form content. Here is my answer along with a lesson from Project Run...

Blow Your Business Up with YOUTUBE | Ken Pozek

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

When Ken Pozek started his YouTube channel, he wasn’t trying to build a media company, he was just looking for new ways to get leads. But after post...

How to Stop Feeling Self-Conscious Sharing Your Art | Feat. Garrain Jones & Reward Sibanda

06 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Putting your art out into the world can feel like you are standing in front of everyone you know completely butt naked. In this episode, we explore wh...

You Can Have Two Careers! Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs | Natasha Pearl Hansen

04 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Have you ever been told that in order to succeed, you need to pick one lane and narrow your focus?Meet Natasha Pearl Hansen. She’s a touring comedia...

How to Beat Overwhelm (Secrets from Creative Professionals) | Brendan Kane, George Sidiropoulos, Adam Rose

28 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling Overwhelmed by Too Many Ideas? Try This Trick Used by Professional CreativesTOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How innovation thrives within structureWh...

Celebrity Interviewer: How to Ask Better Questions, Be Yourself, and Have Fun | Jenelle Riley

20 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A year ago, I started watching a ton of celebrity interviews, hoping to understand how actors, directors, and producers built successful careers in su...

Top 3 Ways to Feel More Confident Sharing Content Feat. Todd Herman, Shira Lazar, René Rodriguez

18 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Putting yourself out there—sharing your content, your ideas, your voice—can feel terrifying.Over the past several years, I’ve interviewed over 1...

Shadow Work and Creativity | Rivky Gross

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

If you've ever felt like you're on the sidelines, cheering for others while knowing deep down you're holding yourself back—this episode is for you.I...

How to Simplify a Big Story (Without Losing Its Impact)

06 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

How can you tell a BIG Story in Less Time? Here are three tips from experts.TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE:How to break down big ideas using the “watermel...

Introverted Creatives: How to Win in Business | Margaret Soraya

25 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Introverts, did you know you have a competitive advantage—not just as a creative, but even in your business? Today, I connected with Margaret Soraya...

3 Storytelling Myths DEBUNKED by Experts | Episode 72

20 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Here are 3 Storytelling Myths DEBUNKED by Experts.EPISODES MENTIONED:How to be a Better Storyteller | @matthewjohndicks | Author of StoryworthyStoryte...

How to Make More SPACE in Your Life for Creativity & Impact | Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad)

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

To make space for something new, we first need to clear the clutter.In this episode, I connected with Tyler Moore, famously known online as Tidy Dad. ...

How to Tell a Story in 60 Seconds (Without Losing Impact) | The Solo Episode

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Do you feel like you need to dumb down your message to grow your social platforms? Think again. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why that tho...

Feel Behind? Listen to This | The Solo Episode

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Feeling behind in your business or creative work? As the year wraps up, it’s easy to feel down if you didn’t meet your goals or feel off track fro...

How to Tell Your Personal Story (Like a Pro) Irene’s Entropy

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you struggle with telling your story—whether it’s fear of being judged or labeled, or maybe exposing others that you love—this episode is for...

How to Get Your Creative Work Seen (Feat. Jay Worsley) | The Solo Episode

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In today’s episode, we are answering a question from Conner: “How do you get your creative work ‘out there’?” I had a few thoughts and then ...

Healthy Relationships for Ambitious People | Stefanos Sifandos

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

If you are ambitious, it can sometimes be challenging to relate to others who don’t share that ambition. You may also wonder how to maintain healthy...

How to Balance Consistency and Creativity as a Creator

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced lately as a creator is finding the balance between “being consistent” and not putting out something I d...

How ClickUp Generates Millions of Views with their Short-Form Videos | Chris Cunningham

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You might think content from a project management company would be dry, right? Think again.Today I sat down with Chris Cunningham, a founding member o...

UNCONVENTIONAL Marketing Advice | The Solo Episode

15 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Jimmy asked for marketing advice, and I gave a couple of answers he might not have expected.WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heather...

Emotions in Storytelling and Making a Career in Filmmaking | Jay Worsley

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There isn’t a straightforward career path for creatives. You’re often figuring it out on your own and facing resistance. When is it "too lofty" of...

When Friends & Family Criticize Your Dreams | The Solo Episode

01 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, I'm answering a question from William about what to do when friends and family are critical of your dreams.Clips Mentioned:Dan Martell TikTok C...

How to Make More Money with Your Art (Unapologetically) | Amie Mcnee (@InspiredToWrite)

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The conversation around money and art is a tricky one. What do you do when folks aren't buying your work? How much should you really be charging? And ...