The Ryan Leak Podcast

Are we born with what it takes, or do we become who we are?In this episode, we explore the debate of Mother Nature vs Mother Nurture and what research says about personality, resilience, leadership, and success. While genetics play a role in who we are, studies show that many of the qualities we admire most are developed over time.This episode is an encouragement for anyone who feels behind, overlooked, or underqualified. No matter your upbringing, personality type, Enneagram number, or DISC profile, growth is still possible. You’ll walk away reminded that while nature may start the story, nurture helps write the ending.

Who do you think you are? That question shows up every time you try to grow, pivot, or step outside the box people have put you in. In this episode, Ryan unpacks why it’s not fake it till you make it it’s believing it before everyone else does. He shares personal stories from early in his speaking career, moments of doubt and misalignment, and why waiting for permission or agreement is one of the fastest ways to stall your potential.This episode is about the underestimated power of personal vision. Why seeing yourself clearly matters more than being seen by others. Why growth often requires moving before confidence catches up. And why the people who doubt you today may be the ones applauding later if you keep showing up and adding value. If you’ve been holding back, second guessing your next step, or waiting for someone else to validate what you already feel called to do, this one is for you.

Someone is going to say something this year.They’ll forget. Misread. Interrupt. Post. Assume. And when it happens, you’ll feel it—tight chest, sharp tone, replaying the moment long after it passed. In this episode, Ryan challenges you to decide now how you’ll respond later when offense shows up... because it will. From being a bitter you, a guarded you, or a revengeful you, to choosing a forgiving you, this conversation explores why forgiveness isn’t about excusing behavior. It’s about freeing yourself. If you’ve ever felt anxious, distant, or weighed down by unresolved hurt, this episode will help you rethink what carrying offense is really costing you.

We’re not exactly liars… but let’s be honest, we’re not always fully authentic either. In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan explores what it really means to live with honesty—not the unfiltered, say everything you’re thinking kind of honesty, but the kind that builds trust, deepens relationships, and invites real growth. Through a powerful story about a CEO who led with vulnerability, Ryan challenges us to ask a simple but brave question: Are you okay? And then actually tell the truth. You can’t be honest everywhere, but you do need somewhere. Maybe a better you this year starts with being a more honest you.

You don’t have to be legit to get started. You just have to be brave.In this episode of A Better You, Ryan unpacks why courage matters more than confidence, credentials, or clarity. Whether you want to start working out, write a book, launch a podcast, apply for a role you feel underqualified for, or finally take a step you’ve been overthinking, this episode is a reminder that legitimacy is not a prerequisite for action.If you’ve been asking yourself, “Who am I to do this?” this episode reframes the question and challenges you to become a more courageous version of yourself. Because a better you isn’t a more polished you. It’s a braver one.

We don’t lack motivation. We lack focus.In the first episode of the A Better You series, Ryan Leak kicks off the new year by exploring why distraction, not desire, is often the biggest barrier to growth. From the staggering number of distractions we face every day to a personal story about narrowing his focus in 2023, Ryan challenges listeners to imagine what could be possible with one year of intentional focus.This episode is an invitation to cut through the noise, protect your attention, and stop trying to be everything for everybody so you can become better at what matters most.A better you starts with a focused you.

As the year comes to a close, Ryan reflects on the power of looking back before moving forward. After scrolling through photos from the past year, he shares a simple but meaningful way to review your year with honesty and gratitude. In this end of year episode, you’ll learn how to identify the moments worth celebrating, the patterns worth releasing, and why growth is just as much about what you stop doing as what you start. Ryan also shares a personal realization about learning to say no without overexplaining and why a healthy no does not require justification. If you’re setting goals for the new year, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and move into what’s next with clarity and intention.

Egg nog, ugly sweaters, decorations, jingles, and watching The Grinch—Christmas has a way of slowing the world down and inviting us into something meaningful, whether we consider ourselves religious or not. In this episode, There’s Something About Mary, we step back from the noise and look at the origin of Christmas through the life of a teenage girl named Mary.You don’t have to be a Christian to respect what happened two thousand years ago. A single life sparked a movement that shaped history, culture, and the world we live in today. And that life entered the world because Mary said yes. This episode explores the often-missed Jewish context of her story, the courage behind her decision, and why her willingness still matters.More than a Christmas story, this is an invitation. If Mary could wake up one ordinary day, be confronted with her destiny, and choose yes—what might be possible if you did the same? A reflective and encouraging episode designed for anyone who wants to understand why Christmas matters and how one brave yes can change everything.

What do you get someone who already has everything?In this episode, Ryan Leak makes the case that the rarest gift isn’t expensive. It’s specific encouragement. You’ll learn how to write a simple note that people keep for years, why your words carry more value than anything money can buy, and how to give a gift that can’t be returned but will always be remembered. If you’ve ever struggled to find the right present, this episode will change the way you think about generosity, gratitude, and the lasting power of your words.

If the phrase “holiday party” makes your soul want to put on sweatpants and hide behind a plant, this episode is for you. Today, Ryan breaks down how introverts—ambiverts—and anyone whose social battery comes with a strict warranty can actually enjoy small talk instead of fearing it.You’ll learn why you don’t have to be loud to be memorable, how to walk into any gathering with a simple plan, and the exact prompts and exits that make conversations feel lighter, not draining. Think of this as your holiday survival guide for mingling, minus the panic sweats.Whether you love people in theory but not in crowds, or you’re just tired of answering, “So, staying busy?”, this episode will help you walk into the room with confidence and walk out with real connection.Short, funny, practical—and guaranteed to make your next holiday party a little less awkward.

Imagine if gratitude wasn’t just a yearly feeling, but a daily practice! In this episode, Ryan dives into the concept of Thanksliving, contrasting it with Thanksgiving, and delves into how gratitude can actually reshape your brain. He also tackles the sneaky entitlement that sometimes sneaks into our lives. With heartfelt stories, like a transformative moment in Chicago that changed his view of his mom, and candid moments of doubt (“Do we really need more to appreciate what we have?”), this episode will really change your perspective. From work and marriage to parenting and even traffic, Ryan reminds us that even our frustrations can be seen as blessings someone else is hoping for. Gratitude doesn’t ignore the challenges we face, but it does help us handle them differently. Try incorporating Thanksliving into your life this week, and see how your home becomes a more positive place.

We’ve all got that family member we’re already bracing ourselves for this holiday season. For some people, the holidays feel less like a celebration and more like a cold plunge — get in, get out, and try not to scream. But you don’t have to match anyone else’s energy this year. In this episode, Ryan shows you how to prepare for people’s patterns, protect your peace, and lead the moment you’re in. You’ll learn how intentional questions can shift the tone at any table, how to avoid becoming someone you don’t like, and how to set a new standard for the holidays long before the drama starts. This isn’t about surviving the season — it’s about shaping it.

Phenomenal skill gets you noticed—but phenomenal will makes you unstoppable. In this episode, Ryan explores the powerful difference between what you can measure and what you can’t. From the 10,000-hour rule to Angela Duckworth’s research on grit, and the inspiring story of Jamie Kern Lima—who turned rejection after rejection into a $1.2 billion success—this episode reminds us that talent might open the door, but perseverance keeps you in the room. Skill helps you start. Will helps you finish.👉 If today’s episode encouraged you, text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly inspiration and leadership insights straight to your phone.

Ever met someone who seems to have the spiritual gift of discouragement? You know... the person who finds the flaw in every plan, the hole in every idea, and the typo in every email. In this episode, Ryan shares why those people are actually gifts to your life and leadership. The very person who tells you what’s not working might be the reason you don’t settle for mediocrity. Learn how to reframe “negativity” as discernment, embrace honest feedback, and build a team that’s both encouraging and refining.

We’ve got cold plunges, calorie counters, greens, gyms, diets, and Ozempic for our physical fitness, but what about our mental fitness? In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down a simple, practical routine for training your mind the same way you train your body. From your morning mental warm-up to emotional resistance training, gratitude cool-downs, and rest days for your brain, this one will help you build a stronger, clearer, and more resilient mindset. Because when your mind is fit, your life follows.

Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really means to be a dog with discipline.

In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.

Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.Here are a few of the studies mentioned:World Journal of Gastroenterology on liver function and chronic anger: linkJohns Hopkins Medicine on the health benefits of forgiveness: linkJournal of Behavioral Medicine study on forgiveness and mental health: linkMayo Clinic on forgiveness and stress relief: linkBut science can only take you so far. If you’re wondering how to actually forgive, Ryan points to the model and the power found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take the next steps in your faith journey or receive prayer, text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201, and Ryan’s team would love to connect with you.And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, check out Ryan’s full message on forgiveness here: Watch on YouTube

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!

In a week filled with tragedy and nonstop scrolling, many of us felt the weight of collective triggering. Do I post? What do I post? Do I delete it? How do I keep relationships intact when emotions are running high?In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the art of disagreeing without disrespect, why friendships shouldn’t dissolve in 20 seconds over one post, and how respect and humility can change the tone of even the hardest conversations. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be kind... even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.