Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

In Episode 450 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Jason VanRuler for a deeply practical conversation on how our internal patterns shape the way we lead. Jason brings powerful insight from his work at the intersection of leadership development, communication, and attachment theory, helping leaders understand why the same relational dynamics often show up both in the boardroom and at home. Together, Tony and Jason explore how leadership isn’t just about strategy or skill—but about awareness. They unpack how attachment patterns influence communication, decision-making, and relationships, and why unresolved patterns can quietly limit a leader’s effectiveness. They also discuss what it means to lead with vulnerability, the courage required to “go first,” and how creating safe, honest spaces can transform both teams and relationships. This conversation is filled with practical takeaways for leaders who want to grow not just in what they do—but in who they are. This episode is a powerful invitation to examine what you’re carrying, lead with greater self-awareness, and build deeper, more meaningful connections in every area of your life. Coaching Question: Who in your life has earned the right to hear what you’re really carrying—and when did you last let them in? Connect with Jason VanRuler: • Website: jasonvr.com • Instagram: @jason.vanruler • Book: Get Past Your Past https://www.amazon.com/Get-Past-Your-Past/dp/1400238060 Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/twmilt/ Check out our YouTube page https://www.youtube.com/@twmilt Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/follow-2-lead-a-christian-leaders-podcast/id1429933082 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it look like to lead when no one has handed you permission? Willow Weston has been answering that question her whole life, and this conversation is one of the most honest and Spirit-filled we have had on the podcast. Willow is a speaker, podcaster, author, and ministry leader whose newest book, Collide, is already changing lives, and today she brought every bit of that gift to this conversation. We talked about what it really means to lead without title or authority, why God's power shows up most clearly in our weakness, and how faithfulness in the small things is always the path to more. Willow shares what it was like to be handed a microphone before she felt ready, and the word God gave her that changed everything: never say no to what I can do through you. We also go deep on pain. Willow walks through the framework behind Collide, why avoidance does not heal us, and what it actually looks like to create space for Jesus to meet us in the hard places. If you have been carrying something unresolved, this conversation is going to land somewhere important for you. Willow also talks about intergenerational ministry, the discipline of staying curious, and what seven years of podcasting has taught her about following the Spirit instead of the script. This one is worth a second listen. https://www.willowweston.com/ https://www.instagram.com/willowanneweston ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠That Sounds Fun Network: ⁠ ⁠Follow 2 Lead Coaching⁠ ⁠Tony on Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube page⁠ ⁠Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts⁠ Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 448 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Mike Foster for a powerful conversation about how to lead effectively without a formal title or position of authority. Mike reframes leadership around influence rather than title, challenging listeners to stop waiting for permission and start creating impact where they already are. Together, Tony and Mike explore how curiosity, empathy, and strong questions help leaders influence others in a healthy way without forcing an agenda. The conversation also dives into Mike’s Seven Primal Questions framework and how understanding the deeper question driving your life can transform the way you lead, relate, and communicate. Mike explains why self-awareness matters, how primal questions shape marriages and team dynamics, and why great leaders learn to answer the deeper needs of the people around them. Tony and Mike also discuss the transition from ministry into executive coaching, discerning when it’s time to make a big change, and the simple but essential disciplines that keep leaders grounded: sleep, movement, hydration, and nourishment. This episode is a practical and deeply insightful guide for leaders who want to grow their influence, understand themselves better, and lead with clarity, health, and intention. https://www.primalquestion.com/ https://www.mikefoster.tv/ https://www.instagram.com/mikefoster2000/?hl=en ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠That Sounds Fun Network: ⁠ ⁠Follow 2 Lead Coaching⁠ ⁠Tony on Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube page⁠ ⁠Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts⁠ Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 447 of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Dr. Chris McKinney to explore the intersection of leadership, emotional health, and authentic community. Chris shares insights from his work helping individuals and leaders develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, and relational strength. Together, Tony and Chris discuss why healthy leadership begins internally—through emotional maturity, empathy, and a willingness to grow. The conversation explores how leaders can create cultures where people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Chris highlights the importance of intentional relationships, strong communication, and cultivating environments where honesty and care are valued. Listeners will also gain practical perspective on managing the emotional demands of leadership while staying grounded in purpose, identity, and community. This episode offers valuable wisdom for leaders who want to lead with clarity, compassion, and long‑term impact. Connect with Dr. Chris McKinney: Instagram: @crmckinney Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadbenchmark.com Tony on Instagram   / twmilt   Check out our YouTube page    / @twmilt   Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Alli Patterson to explore how leaders can build meaningful influence—even without a formal title or position of authority. Alli shares how understanding our identity in Christ unlocks confidence and empowers leaders to serve, guide, and influence others authentically. Rather than striving for titles or recognition, she encourages leaders to embrace the gifts God has given them and step into leadership through service, humility, and courage. Tony and Alli also discuss the role of listening to the Holy Spirit in everyday leadership decisions, the importance of creating environments where people feel safe to be real, and how community spaces—like church camps and spiritual gatherings—can spark transformative moments of growth and connection. The conversation dives into practical ways leaders can discover their unique leadership presence, navigate imposter syndrome, and develop a Spirit‑led approach to engaging Scripture and leading others. Alli also highlights the power of low‑control environments where the Holy Spirit is free to move, reminding leaders that authentic leadership often looks less like control and more like trust. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or everyday life, this episode offers encouragement and practical insight for anyone who wants to lead with confidence, faith, and influence—even without a title. https://www.allipatterson.com/ ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠That Sounds Fun Network: ⁠ ⁠Follow 2 Lead Coaching⁠ ⁠Tony on Instagram⁠ ⁠Check out our YouTube page⁠ ⁠Be sure to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts⁠ Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices