Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with acclaimed audiobook narrator Tom Parks, whose journey from pastoring a church to narrating more than 800 audiobooks is as unexpected as it is inspiring. Tom opens up about how he stumbled into audiobook narration, what he’s learned from voicing hundreds of titles, and how strong communication and meaningful relationships have shaped every part of his life. Tom offers a behind‑the‑scenes look at the audiobook production process—from preparation and performance in the booth to the essential collaboration with editors and engineers. Beyond the technical side, he shares how narration has sharpened his leadership skills, especially the ability to adapt communication styles to different audiences. The conversation also touches on balancing demanding creative work with personal life, the joy of cruise‑ship lecturing, and the power of saying “yes” to unexpected opportunities. Tom reflects on the wisdom he’s gained from the books he’s narrated—not in the titles themselves, but in the timeless principles they’ve taught him. This episode is a warm and insightful conversation for leaders, creatives, communicators, and anyone navigating a career pivot or seeking to grow in relational leadership. ✅ Three Practical Takeaways Adapt your communication to your audience. Great leadership isn’t about speaking loudly—it’s about speaking clearly in a way others can receive. Value relationships more than self‑promotion. Whether in narration, ministry, or leadership, long-term success is built on trust, kindness, and collaboration. Trust the process and enjoy the journey. Tom’s career shift shows that unexpected paths often lead to meaningful work—if you stay curious, grateful, and willing to take the next step. Connect with our sponsors: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. Please check out our sponsors: EBEB Solutions https://www.ebebsolutions.com/ Greg Fay Insurance: https://www.gregfayinsurance.com/ That Sounds Fun Network: https://thatsoundsfunnetwork.com/ Follow 2 Lead Coaching https://www.follow2leadcoaching.com/quiz 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 Peter Ostapko, founder of Kinsman, for a deep and insightful conversation on the evolving role of men in today’s culture. As societal expectations shift and confusion around masculinity grows, many men are searching for identity, purpose, and authentic connection. Peter shares how his own desire for meaningful community led to the creation of Kinsman—a ministry focused on helping men grow through faith, fatherhood, work, and intentional brotherhood. https://kinsmen.org/ Connect with our sponsors: Please donate today at MercyShips.org/podcast Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off sitewide during their Sizzle All the Way Sale. And for an extra $35 off, usepromo code FUN at checkout. ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠Greg Fay Insurance ⁠Trent Barga - The Barga Team Real Estate⁠ ⁠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 this inspiring episode, Tony Miltenberger sits down with writer and creator Erica Gwynn to explore her journey of cultivating a community rooted in joy, authenticity, and emotional honesty. Erica opens up about her calling to uplift others, the values that anchor her life, and the intentional way she brings vulnerability into her work. Together, Tony and Erica unpack the creative process, the importance of telling the truth—even when it’s hard—and how content creation has shaped her personal growth. Erica shares the heart behind her latest book, including the dedication to her family, and reflects on how navigating truths and lies has influenced her leadership and spiritual maturity. This conversation offers encouragement for anyone who has ever struggled with consistency, feared the opinions of others, or wondered whether their voice matters. Erica reminds listeners that living authentically, embracing your journey, and showing up consistently can lead to profound impact over time. This episode will inspire you to lean into authenticity, reject comparison, and pursue the work God has placed on your heart. ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠Greg Fay Insurance ⁠Trent Barga - The Barga Team Real Estate⁠ ⁠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 this powerful episode, Tony Miltenberger sits down with award-winning Christian artist Evan Craft to talk about faith, purpose, and what truly matters beyond success. Evan opens up about his journey from chasing achievements to discovering the emptiness of accomplishment without obedience to God. He shares how serving others, forgiving quickly, and building a trusted team have shaped his leadership and spiritual maturity. Tony and Evan dig into the interruptions, detours, and “holy disruptions” that God uses to redirect our lives. Evan reflects on generosity, humility, and the importance of seeking God’s will over personal ambition. Whether you’re a leader, creative, or someone navigating a season of uncertainty, this conversation will encourage you to slow down, pay attention to God’s nudges, and pursue a life defined by purpose—not performance. Topics covered include: • Hearing and obeying God’s calling • How success without purpose leads to emptiness • The role of generosity in spiritual growth • Navigating interruption and redirection • Building a healthy, trustworthy team • Leading with kindness and forgiveness • Learning from mistakes and staying humble • Aligning ambition with God’s will This episode will challenge and inspire you to rethink what real success looks like through the lens of faith, service, and obedience. https://www.evancraftmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/evancraft/ ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠Greg Fay Insurance ⁠Trent Barga - The Barga Team Real Estate⁠ ⁠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 this powerful and inspiring episode, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Kenz Durham and Mac Bridges, the founders of Delight Ministries, to explore how a small college gathering turned into a nationwide movement impacting thousands of young women. They share how faith, friendship, and bold obedience to God led to the creation of a community that helps women grow together in Christ. The conversation dives deep into themes of leadership, partnership, and the importance of authentic community, as well as their newest Bible study, The Wild Invitation. Kenz and Mac offer wisdom on how to lead with courage, trust God through uncertainty, and build ministries rooted in real relationships. https://forthegirl.com/bible-studies https://www.instagram.com/forthegirl___/?hl=en ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠Greg Fay Insurance ⁠Trent Barga - The Barga Team Real Estate⁠ ⁠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