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Artwork for The Discerning Leader Podcast
Spiritual Formation
Leadership
Leadership Transformations
Spiritual Discernment
Holy Week
Spiritual Community
Jesus Christ
Community
Advent
Prayer
Jesus
Humility
Rule Of Life
Parables Of Jesus
Gratitude
Discernment
Christianity
Spiritual Direction
Congregational Health
Kingdom Of God

The Discerning Leader podcast is for Christian leaders who are interested in discovering the joy of "practicing a preference for God" in all aspects of their personal lives and relationships, their leadership and service to others. Each episode our host, Steve Macchia, founder and president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (LTI), with friends from the LTI community, will explore one aspect of s... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes322Founded6 years ago
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ChristianityReligionReligion & Spirituality

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Artwork for The Discerning Leader Podcast

Latest Episodes

Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Rick Anderson, Matt Scott

"We all need people who believe the best in us, stand beside us when we feel like falling, and help us keep going." – Steve Macchia

If you've ever longed for deeper connection, wondered how t... more

Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Marcos Leon, Matt Scott

"If we don't go to the place of owning and identifying our feelings and emotions, we won't be able to embrace both our brokenness and wholeness." – Steve Macchia

Why do so many of us struggle t... more

YouTube

Host: Steve Macchia Guest: Suz Skinner, Matt Scott

"Soul care begins by creating space to listen." - Steve Macchia

If you feel spiritually weary, distracted, or hungry for deeper intimacy with God, this episode offers a gentle invitation to creat... more

YouTube

In this reflective episode of the Discerning Leader podcast, Steve Macchia, Matt Scott, and Dr. Kim Alexander explore the deep spiritual practice of Sabbath rest and its impact on the soul. Moving beyond the idea of simply "stopping," they unpack wha... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Marcos Leon
Therapist and educator, part of LTI programs; guest on this episode
Daring Ventures; SILA West faculty; Emmaus/Abide faculty
Episode: Our Emotions Are Not Our Enemies | Season 40, Episode 7
Kim Alexander
Member of the LTI team; founder/director of Deeper Roots Soul Care
Leadership Transformations; Deeper Roots Soul Care
Episode: Exchange Your Striving For Delight | Season 40, Episode 5
Fyfe Blair
Minister with Scottish ministry background; SILA program director in Europe
SILA Europe
Episode: A Disposition Toward Silence And Solitude | Season 40, Episode 4
Brenda Woods
Physician, Emmaus faculty, Abide faculty, spiritual director
Emmaus, Abide, SELA program
Episode: Caring for the Body, Tending the Soul | Season 40, Episode 2
Jennifer Kiefer
Reverend and Anglican priest living out her mission through local church ministry and raising a large family
Episode: From Burnout and Brokenness to Beloved | Season 38, Episode 5
James Hauptman
Colleague and ministry partner at Leadership Transformations
Leadership Transformations
Episode: Weaving Together Your Rule Of Life | Season 38, Episode 03
J.R. Briggs
Founder of Kairos Partnerships, passionate about coaching leaders.
Kairos Partnerships
Episode: J.R. Briggs | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 12
Gary Thomas
Best-selling author and international speaker focused on spiritual formation and connection with God.
Cherry Hills Community Church
Episode: Gary Thomas | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 11
Bill Gaultiere
Co-founder of Soul Shepherding and author.
Soul Shepherding
Episode: Bill and Kristi Gaultiere | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 9

Hosts

Steve Macchia
Host of The Discerning Leader Podcast; founder/president of Leadership Transformations, Inc. (LTI)
Matt Scott
Co-host/Conversation partner; longtime contributor to LTI programs

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 53 ratings
  • Questions

    Love this episode on questions. As a Spiritual Director I find that asking questions allows others to grow in a deeper awareness of their heart and Gods heart for them.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rightonnow
    United States6 months ago
  • Uplifting & nourishing

    This podcast is like a cup of hot, comforting tea for the soul. Thank you, Steve, and guests for your ministry!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Laura12
    United States4 years ago
  • Much Needed Reminder

    Thoughtful, reflective opportunity for leaders to pause & be reminded that we lead best when we discern who we are & how we are being led.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DMin DAC
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Loved how questions opened space for growth and reflection.
A thoughtful reminder that leadership benefits from discernment and soul care.
The show feels like a nourishing and hopeful resource for leaders in faith.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

A Way of Life for Well-Ordered Living | Season 38, Episode 01
Q: How should the rule of life be approached?
It should be fluid and agile, reflecting the reality that life is ever-changing, while also establishing purpose and intention.
Embracing Inefficiency (Slowness) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
Q: Who sets the pace of your life?
Reflecting on influences such as children, spouse, or ministry is important to understanding one's pace.
A Quieted Soul Within (Silence) | An Advent Journey of Attentiveness
Q: What do I do if I can slow it down and quiet it down enough? What do I do next?
It begins with a conscious choice to say, I need silence and understand the value and the importance of silence. It becomes a way to notice what I'm carrying that God wants to carry for me.
Bill and Kristi Gaultiere | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 9
Q: What stands in the way of receiving and giving empathy?
People often have deep-seated barriers such as shame, fear of vulnerability, and a tendency to fix others instead of listening, which inhibits genuine empathetic connection.
Jeff Crosby | Discerning God's Invitations, Episode 8
Q: How can we begin to practice empathy?
The guests outline the importance of listening and asking questions before offering encouragement or advice.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Discerning Leader Podcast

What is The Discerning Leader Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A spiritually focused leadership show that centers on discernment, soul care, and practical spiritual formation for Christian leaders. Across episodes, conversations weave together mind, body, and soul—covering topics like emotional maturity, Sabbath rest, silence and solitude, and the role of wisdom and prayer in leadership. Guests bring expertise from theology, medicine, pastoral care, and spiritual formation, often grounded in LTI programs and practical ministry applications. The format blends personal storytelling, scriptural reflection, and actionable practices (journaling, Lectio/Visio Divina, and Soulcare frameworks) to help leaders cultivate presence, rest, and humility in a demanding world. Notable strengths include a clear emphasi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Discerning Leader Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Discerning Leader Podcast:

1. Life with God: A Renovaré Podcast
2. Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership with Ruth Haley Barton
3. The Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast
4. The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast
5. The Dallas Willard Podcast

How many episodes of The Discerning Leader Podcast are there?

The Discerning Leader Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 322 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on The Discerning Leader Podcast?

Recent guests on The Discerning Leader Podcast include:

1. Marcos Leon
2. Kim Alexander
3. Fyfe Blair
4. Brenda Woods
5. Jennifer Kiefer
6. James Hauptman
7. J.R. Briggs
8. Gary Thomas

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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