No Regrets Leadership Podcast

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Bob Merritt, retired pastor of Eagle Brook Church in Minnesota. Under Bob's leadership, Eagle Brook grew to more than 28,000 people across 10 locations. In this honest and meaningful conversation, Bob and Albo talk about pride, humility, friendship, and trusting God through every season of leadership. Bob shares one of the lowest moments of his life and career—when he nearly lost his job at the church. That season became a powerful wake-up call. From that moment on, Bob committed to leading with humility, staying willing and available, and letting God direct his path. They also discuss the grief and loss that can come with retirement, the challenge of releasing a role that shaped so much of one's identity, and learning to trust God in the uncertainty that follows. Bob reflects on what he would tell his younger self—encouraging counseling to better understand strengths and weaknesses, seeking help where needed, and investing deeply in friendships. Bob shares how prioritizing relationships has brought unexpected joy into his life and why leaving space in our schedules matters. When our lives are too tightly planned, we can miss God's invitations and opportunities. This conversation is a powerful reminder that humility, friendship, and surrender are essential—not just in leadership, but in every stage of life. Learn more about Bob at https://www.bobmerritt.com Hear from Bob Merritt and many other great speakers at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Thaddeus Williams is joined by host Nate Gruber. Thaddeus is a professor of theology at Biola University, an author, and a trusted voice helping believers navigate culture with biblical wisdom. He shares part of his story—growing up in a religious home, wrestling through honest questions, and discovering faith for himself. Those early questions pushed him deeper into Scripture, deeper into study, and ultimately into academic scholarship. Nate and Thaddeus dig into what surrender looks like—not just as a one-time decision but as a continual posture of the heart. They talk about relational wisdom and what it means to engage others the way Jesus did—with truth, grace, patience, and clarity. Thaddeus gives a preview of what he'll be speaking on at the No Regrets Conference, addressing how culture elevates self-gratification, self-fulfillment, and autonomy. He challenges men to resist self-first living and instead live radically countercultural lives aligned with God's heart rather than personal preference. He closes the conversation with encouragement and practical steps we can all take to lead well, surrender daily, and become men whose lives reflect Jesus in a world obsessed with self. Learn more about Thaddeus: http://www.thaddeuswilliams.com https://www.youtube.com/@drthaddeuswilliams Hear from Thaddeus Williams and many other great speakers at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Chris Brown, speaker, leader, and Senior Pastor and Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church. Chris shares how his gift for storytelling—once something he lacked confidence in—became one of the most important tools in his ministry and leadership. Chris opens up about the freedom that comes from being fully yourself in leadership. If God has called you, you already have what it takes. Albo and Chris also discuss the importance of churches working together rather than competing, and what true surrender looks like for men and leaders today. They dive into the challenge of being disliked as a leader. Chris talks honestly about becoming a lightning rod in ministry, carrying others' frustrations, and navigating anger directed at you—while remembering that every one of us is broken and in need of grace. Finally, Chris shares his desire to finish strong by empowering the leaders around him. Together, they explore what it means to fade out with strength, pass the baton well, and ensure ministry continues with health and momentum for the next season and the next generation. Hear from Chris Brown and many other great speakers at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Robby Emery, the Director of Character Development for Michigan Football. Robby shares how his leadership journey has been shaped by grace, intentional investment, and a renewed understanding of the gospel's power to transform lives. In this conversation, Robby and Albo talk about developing young athletes for success beyond the field—helping them discover their purpose, handle pressure, and grow in character when no one is watching. Robby explains his belief that "character starts with culture," and that true growth happens in the unseen moments of faithfulness and humility. He challenges players to lean into their God-given purpose, value every role on the team, and lead through respect, discipline, and consistency. He also shares how each of us is an essential part of the Church—just as every athlete contributes to the strength of the team, whether they're on the field or supporting from the sidelines. Together, they explore what today's younger generation is teaching us about leadership—how they crave community, clarity, and challenge. Robby encourages leaders to stay close, be clear in their convictions, and challenge others to rise up, all while trusting that God's blessings are stored up for those who persevere. Be sure to listen to this episode—there are countless nuggets of wisdom for anyone invested in leadership, discipleship, or character formation.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Russ Ewell, pastor and leader in the Bay Area, who is doing incredible work engaging and empowering Gen Z and millennials. Russ shares his story of growing up in a church-filled community but never feeling connected—until a friend invited him to a Young Life event that changed everything. It was there he first saw what authentic Christian community could look like. Now, as pastor of a multi-campus church that continually raises up young leaders, Russ talks about the importance of releasing control, giving the next generation real opportunities to lead, and creating environments where young people can shape the church in a biblical and relevant way. He shares how his team intentionally simplifies messages, includes younger voices in sermon writing, and keeps new people close to stay connected and grounded in everyday ministry. Russ and Nate also discuss practical ways to reach Gen Z in today's world—meeting people where they are, investing deeply in relationships, and addressing the rising challenges of anxiety, ADHD, and depression with compassion and understanding. If you're looking for ways to lead young people in your context in a way that makes sense to them and invites them to grow in faith, this episode is for you. Learn more about Russ and his ministry: Russ Ewell Deep Spirituality The Chemistry Lab