Grief, loss, and change touch every life—and leaders are no exception. In this moving episode, April Yamasaki returns to discuss her book Hope Beyond Our Sorrows and what it means to live with sorrow while holding on to hope.

Chris and Tracy explore April’s reflections on loss, her pastoral experience walking with those who grieve, and the kind of hope that grows slowly and honestly in the midst of pain. This conversation offers compassion, depth, and encouragement for anyone navigating sorrow—or supporting others through it.

https://aprilyamasaki.com/

In a world that rarely slows down, this episode invites leaders to rediscover the spiritual power of pause. Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds welcome pastor and author April Yamasaki for a reflective conversation about writing, stillness, and spiritual formation.

April shares her journey as a writer, how the practice of pausing has shaped her life and ministry, and why intentional stillness is essential for spiritual growth. This episode offers gentle wisdom and practical guidance for leaders longing to listen more deeply, live more attentively, and lead from a place of quiet faithfulness.

https://aprilyamasaki.com/

Money can be one of the most difficult topics for leaders to talk about—yet it’s deeply connected to faith and discipleship. In this episode, Travis Lowe returns to explore stewardship, finances, and meaning in ministry.

Chris and Tracy talk with Travis about his new role in denominational financial leadership, the common struggles pastors face with money, and how stewardship can be practiced with grace rather than guilt. With honesty and wisdom, Travis offers practical insights for leaders seeking healthier financial habits and a deeper understanding of generosity rooted in faith.

IPHC Extension Loan Fund - https://www.facebook.com/iphcelf

HopeWords Writers Conference - https://www.hopewords.org/

What does faithful pastoring look like in a changing world? In this episode of the Next Step Leadership Podcast, Chris Maxwell and Tracy Reynolds sit down with pastor and writer Travis Lowe for a thoughtful conversation about ministry, leadership, and hope.

Travis shares his personal journey into pastoral life, the lessons he’s learned through years of serving people, and how the landscape of ministry continues to shift. He also talks about the heart behind the HopeWords Writers Conference and why writing and storytelling matter for pastors and leaders today. This episode offers encouragement, perspective, and hope for anyone committed to leading well.

IPHC Extension Loan Fund - https://www.facebook.com/iphcelf

HopeWords Writers Conference - https://www.hopewords.org/

In this deeply moving follow-up episode, Kathleen Norris guides Tracy and Chris into the heart of her newest book, Rebecca Sue: A Sister’s Reflection on Disability, Faith, and Love. Hear the reflections from Kathleen’s latest work, which will be a great story for today’s pastors and leaders to learn from. Kathleen shares stories of her sister—her personality, her struggles, her joy—and the ways her sister’s life reshaped Kathleen’s spirituality and expanded her understanding of love, dignity, and what it means to bear God’s image. This episode offers pastors and leaders a compassionate and practical conversation about disability in the church, family grief, hope in suffering, and the spiritual insights that rise from honoring the lives of those society too often overlooks. It is tender, honest, and beautifully pastoral. Rebecca Sue's story from Kathleen Norris reminds listeners that faith, disability, love, and death are part of life and ministry.

https://www.ivpress.com/Search?q=Kathleen+norris

https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Sue-Sisters-Reflections-Disability/dp/1514011409

In this opening conversation with acclaimed writer Kathleen Norris, Chris and Tracy welcome one of Chris Maxwell’s all-time favorite authors into the Next Step Leadership studio. Kathleen shares the story behind her vocation—her upbringing, her journey of faith, and the experiences that shaped her distinctive voice as a poet, memoirist, and spiritual writer. The conversation explores the contemplative rhythms that have guided her life, the monastic influences woven through her work, and the deep connections she sees between faith and the ordinary moments of daily existence. Listeners are invited into a reflective, gentle, and profoundly human conversation with one of the most beloved Christian writers of our time. Welcome to the life and words of Kathleen Norris: a journey of faith, writing, and spiritual reflection.

https://www.ivpress.com/Search?q=Kathleen+norris

https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Sue-Sisters-Reflections-Disability/dp/1514011409

Episode 2 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age

In this insightful and highly practical episode, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell dive with Todd Korpi into the central ideas of his book, AI Goes to Church: Pastoral Wisdom for Artificial Intelligence. Todd unpacks the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations facing today’s church leaders as AI becomes part of everyday life and ministry. He offers grounded, pastoral guidance for how pastors can use AI responsibly, protect their communities, and remain deeply rooted in Christ while leading in an increasingly digital age. This episode is hopeful, actionable, and essential listening for leaders preparing for the future. The practical and pastoral applications for today’s leaders need to be heard.

https://www.toddkorpi.com/

Episode 1 — Todd Korpi / AI Goes to Church: Wisdom for a Digital Age

Learn in this episode about a leader’s journey and why the church must talk about artificial intelligence. Chris and Tracy begin their two-part series with Todd Korpi by exploring his story—his spiritual journey, his ministry path, and the moments that drew him into the world of technology, culture, and pastoral leadership. Todd shares why he believes the Church cannot afford to ignore the influence of artificial intelligence and how pastors can thoughtfully engage emerging technologies without fear. This episode helps set the stage for a broader, needed conversation about the intersection of faith, wisdom, and the digital world shaping the next generation.

https://www.toddkorpi.com/