Episodes

  • #430: Faith, Purpose, & The Extra Mile: With Award-Winning Musician Evan Craft

    #430: Faith, Purpose, & The Extra Mile: With Award-Winning Musician Evan Craft
    Nov 25 2025
    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
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    52 mins
  • #429: Building Bold Community: How Delight Ministries is Inspiring a Generation of Women to Lead with Faith

    #429: Building Bold Community: How Delight Ministries is Inspiring a Generation of Women to Lead with Faith
    Nov 18 2025
    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
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    48 mins
  • #428: Leading Through Growth: Chris Freeman, Lead Pastor of City Church (the second fastest growing church in the US)

    #428: Leading Through Growth: Chris Freeman, Lead Pastor of City Church (the second fastest growing church in the US)
    Nov 11 2025
    In this powerful episode of Follow 2 Lead, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Chris Freeman, pastor of City Church, one of the fastest-growing churches in America. Together they unpack the remarkable story behind the church’s explosive growth and the lessons learned along the way. Chris shares how empowering high-capacity leaders, protecting character, and cultivating accountability have been foundational in City Church’s success. He opens up about the creative methods used to keep young men engaged and responsible—yes, including pushups—and the daily disciplines that help leaders stay faithful to their calling. This conversation is a masterclass in leading through rapid growth without losing sight of humility, integrity, and God’s heart for diversity. Whether you’re a pastor, ministry leader, or entrepreneur, you’ll walk away inspired to dream bigger, lead better, and build teams rooted in faith and character. https://www.forthecity.com/about-us https://www.instagram.com/chris.s.freeman/ https://youtu.be/kwEqJOlsN04?si=Q9ryXTUE8i1sBMz1 ⁠⁠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
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • #427: Faith Meets Innovation: Bobby Gruenewald on the YouVersion Story and Mission-Driven Leadership

    #427: Faith Meets Innovation: Bobby Gruenewald on the YouVersion Story and Mission-Driven Leadership
    Nov 4 2025
    In this inspiring conversation, Tony Miltenberger talks with Bobby Gruenewald, founder of the YouVersion Bible App, about the intersection of faith, innovation, and leadership. Bobby shares his remarkable journey from entrepreneur to pastor and app creator, highlighting how a simple idea turned into one of the most widely used Bible tools in the world. He discusses the importance of mission alignment, celebrating milestones, and embracing failure as part of growth. The conversation also explores how technology can be leveraged to serve God’s mission—and not the other way around. Bobby’s perspective on personal growth, team leadership, and the future of digital discipleship will encourage leaders to think big while staying grounded in faith. If you’re passionate about ministry, innovation, or the Bible’s role in modern culture, this episode will challenge and inspire you to keep growing and leading with purpose. https://www.instagram.com/bobbygwald/ https://www.bible.com/ https://www.bible.com/billion ⁠⁠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
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    50 mins
  • #426: From Addiction to Purpose: Former Ohio State Tight End Rory Nicol on Faith, Gratitude, and Redemption

    #426: From Addiction to Purpose: Former Ohio State Tight End Rory Nicol on Faith, Gratitude, and Redemption
    Oct 28 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Rory Nicol shares his journey from being a top recruit at Ohio State to facing life-altering challenges, including addiction and injury. He discusses the importance of mentorship, gratitude, and resilience, emphasizing how his experiences have shaped his mission to help others. Through his story, Rory illustrates the power of faith and the significance of holding onto hope, even in the darkest times. Takeaways Emerge is a vital resource for those struggling with addiction. Rory was a top recruit, showcasing the pressures of college sports. Coach Tressel emphasized gratitude and discipline in training. Injury led to a pivotal change in Rory's life. Addiction became a significant challenge during his college years. Rory found purpose in helping others after overcoming addiction. Gratitude plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive mindset. Rory's mission is to prevent others from making similar mistakes. The rope symbolizes connection and support in life. It's never too late to start a meaningful life. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rory-nicol-7b9a8b61/ https://www.emergerecoverytrade.com/ https://rorynicol.org/ ⁠⁠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
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    32 mins
  • #425: How to Build Engagement with Dillon Smith, Marketing Executive and Founder of CMO.Church

    #425: How to Build Engagement with Dillon Smith, Marketing Executive and Founder of CMO.Church
    Oct 21 2025
    In this engaging episode of Follow 2 Lead, Tony Miltenberger reconnects with Dillon Smith, founder of CMO.Church, to talk about leadership, communication, and the power of unity in the church. Dillon shares lessons learned in his journey as a new dad, insights into email marketing for churches, and why unity in the Big C Church begins with personal relationships. Together, they unpack how to balance business strategy and spiritual mission, the importance of hiring for both culture and competence, and the value of collaboration across ministries. If you’re a church leader, marketer, or simply someone passionate about seeing the church work together more effectively, this conversation offers practical wisdom for growing your influence and impact with purpose. Engagement Requires Strategy – Effective church communication starts with clarity and audience-specific engagement. Unity Starts Small – Building meaningful relationships across ministries and denominations fosters genuine church unity. Balance Spiritual and Strategic – Integrate business-minded tools like email marketing without losing sight of the Great Commission. https://cmochurch.replit.app/ https://www.instagram.com/dillon_m_smith/ ⁠⁠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
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    41 mins
  • #424: Intentional Love: Monica Tanner on Strengthening Marriage and Communication for Entrepreneurial Couples

    #424: Intentional Love: Monica Tanner on Strengthening Marriage and Communication for Entrepreneurial Couples
    Oct 14 2025
    Summary In this engaging conversation, Monica Tanner shares her journey from a happy childhood to becoming a relationship coach, emphasizing the importance of intentionality in marriages, especially for entrepreneurial couples. She discusses the skills necessary for effective communication, the significance of regular connection, and insights from her book 'Bad Marriage Advice'. Monica also touches on parenting and the challenges of giving advice to married children, ultimately encouraging couples to trust the process of growth and repair in their relationships. https://www.monicatanner.com/ ⁠⁠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
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    46 mins
  • #423: Leading with Vulnerability: A Conversation with Counselor Trey Tucker

    #423: Leading with Vulnerability: A Conversation with Counselor Trey Tucker
    Oct 7 2025
    In this engaging conversation, Trey Tucker and Tony Miltenberger explore the journey of finding one's calling, the importance of pivoting in careers, and the integration of faith and therapy. They discuss the challenges of navigating social media as a Christian, the significance of building internal habits for leadership, and the role of responsibility in masculinity. The conversation also touches on overcoming the fear of seeking help and embracing imperfection in leadership, providing valuable insights for personal growth and development. https://www.ruggedcounseling.com/?utm_source=hoobe&utm_medium=social https://www.instagram.com/ruggedcounseling/ ⁠⁠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
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    42 mins