Who in your life is taking a risk on you? Also, who in your life has influenced you?

This episode explores how influence is born out of trust, vulnerability, and the willingness to take risks for someone else’s benefit. Through honest stories and reflections, Bill and Scott show how the people who have most shaped our lives are those who dared to believe we were worth the risk. Influence, they reveal, is not about control or teaching—it’s about choosing to love and trust in a way that invites transformation.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(01:22 ) The idea that both positive and negative influences can shape us. 

(03:06 ) How the influence of Bill’s wife, Grace, changed his life through love and honesty.

(04:35 ) A pivotal moment unfolds when Grace tells Bill, “You won’t let me love you.” 

(06:04 ) Many people hide parts of themselves because they fear rejection if truly known.

(07:38 ) The myth of self-sufficiency. 

(09:48 ) How hiding our needs keeps us from experiencing true relationship and healing.

(12:19 ) The phrase “love can handle sin” reframes what it means to be known. 

(15:59 ) How influence extends outward. 

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. 

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ 

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Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books 

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This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/