The Ryan Leak Podcast

In a world where it’s normal to match attitude for attitude and shade for shade, what if you chose a different route? In this episode, Ryan unpacks why matching someone else’s energy might be the most overrated move you’re making — and how setting the standard can change your relationships, your leadership, and your peace of mind. From sibling fights to toxic work cultures, this one’s got real-life stories, a little humor, and a reminder that you don’t have to reflect the room — you can lead it. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re doing a full Expectations Detox. Because let’s be honest—some of us are walking into work, home, and life expecting people to be simple, perfect, and just like us… and we’re constantly disappointed. Why? Because people are complicated. Quirky. Moody. Late. And wildly different.Ryan unpacks why the key to working with (and loving) complicated people isn’t lowering your standards—it’s resetting your expectations. From Target people vs. Walmart people, to snackers vs. nibblers, to that one coworker who’s always bringing the foolishness, this episode will help you stop being shocked by humanity and start preparing for it.If you’ve ever said, “I can’t believe they would…”—this one’s for you.🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on Amazon today.📲 Want to stay encouraged every week? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to Ryan's weekly encouraging text.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re going behind the scenes of my upcoming book—specifically, the story of the book cover. Sounds simple, right? Not even close. This episode is about what it really means to stop settling for “good enough” and start living with Big League standards. I share how a challenge from a friend, an introduction to a world-class designer, and one unforgettable sentence—“Yeah, it’s called the Big Leagues”—completely shifted my perspective on excellence.We’ll talk about impatience, the temptation to settle, and why you need to surround yourself with people who push you to grow. If you’ve ever coasted, played it safe, or convinced yourself something was “fine,” this one’s for you. It’s not about being the best—it’s about giving your best. Every time.🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on ⁠Amazon⁠ today.📲 Want more weekly encouragement from Ryan? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get his weekly inspiring text.

You’ve heard the advice: “Just stop caring what people think.” But if it were that easy, you would’ve done it by now. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks what’s really holding most people back—not fear of failure, but fear of what other people might think. From the thoughts we imagine others are having to the strangers we give way too much power, this episode is a wake-up call to stop living life based on imaginary opinions. Ryan explores the truth about judgment, the trap of social media fear, and two key questions that could unlock your next brave move: Do you really want to give them that much power? And what if they’re not thinking about you at all?

Have you ever met someone who gave you the shirt off their back… or someone who kept score every time they did something for you? In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we explore the powerful difference between givers and takers and why generosity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way of life. Ryan shares one of his favorite Proverbs, a jaw-dropping story from a funeral director, and insights from Adam Grant’s Give and Take that reveal how givers ultimately win. Whether it’s in your marriage, job, social media, or friendships, this episode will challenge you to live with open hands and think about the legacy you’re creating—one generous act at a time.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan flips the script on the classic glass-half-full vs. glass-half-empty debate and introduces a third, more powerful mindset: being grateful for the glass. Whether you're naturally optimistic, a self-proclaimed realist, or somewhere in between, this episode will challenge you to shift your perspective and find gratitude in what you do have—no matter how much or little that may be. From work and relationships to parenting, politics, and everyday struggles, Ryan offers practical ways to embrace gratitude in every area of life. Because sometimes, the key to joy isn’t in what’s in your glass, but in simply having one at all.Short, sweet, and packed with inspiration—this is one you’ll want to share with a friend.Rate, review, and subscribe to help spread the word!

For years, people have fixated on how much money LeBron James spends on his body—chefs, trainers, hyperbaric chambers, and state-of-the-art recovery techniques. The number floating around? $1.5 million a year. But in a recent interview, LeBron made one thing clear: it’s not about the money. It’s about the time.In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we break down why time—not talent, not luck, not even money—is the real key to greatness. LeBron isn’t dominating the NBA at 40 because he’s rich. He’s dominating because he consistently invests his time in ways most people won’t.And that brings us to your time. People say they don’t have time to build a business, get in shape, grow their influence, or strengthen their relationships. But what do you have time for? Social media? Binge-watching? Another round of golf? If you want to go to the next level, you need a next-level schedule.This episode is a wake-up call. No more excuses. No more “I don’t have time.” The reality is, you’re going to spend the next five years doing something—the question is, will it be something that moves you forward?If you're ready to put your schedule where your mouth is, hit play. Let’s talk about what it actually takes to be great. 🎙🔥

It’s easy to get along with people who think like us, act like us, and see the world like us. But what happens when we find ourselves working, living, or engaging with people who aren’t like us? In this episode, we unpack the reality of navigating differences—whether it’s political, religious, personality-driven, or even just lifestyle choices.From serious divides to everyday annoyances (Mac vs. PC, early birds vs. night owls), we explore the four ways people handle differences:1️⃣ Ignore them2️⃣ Try to change them3️⃣ Cancel them4️⃣ Understand themThe first three? They’re easy. The fourth? That’s where growth happens.If you’ve ever struggled to work with someone who challenges you, my new book, How to Work With Complicated People, is for you. It’s packed with practical tools to help you communicate, collaborate, and thrive alongside people who think nothing like you. Pre-order your copy today!🎧 Tune in now and let’s talk about what it looks like to truly understand the people who are not like us.

Success comes with a price—and most people don’t realize what they’re signing up for when they say, “I want to build a business,” “I want to be a leader,” or “I want to make an impact.” In this episode, we unpack the good problems that come with chasing greatness—the late nights, the tough decisions, the criticism, the pressure. Inspired by a powerful moment from Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, we’re flipping the script on struggle and embracing the fine print of ambition. Because when you declare, “I want to be great,” you’re also saying, “Bring me the weight that comes with it.”You asked for this—and trust me, you’re going to be just fine.

Valentine’s Day has a way of making us reflect on our relationships—whether you’re happily married, single, divorced, or somewhere in between (hello, situationships). But no matter your relationship status, today’s episode is all about how we can grow together instead of growing apart.I’ve been married for 12 years this June, and one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my wife is this: relationships thrive when we stay in tune with what the other person needs in every season. What I needed in 2008 is completely different from what I need now—and the same is true for the people in your life.So, when was the last time you checked in on your spouse, your friends, your colleagues, or even yourself? Today, I’m sharing the power of asking the right question and how it can transform the way you connect with the people who matter most.

What if the key to thriving at work isn’t about loving your job—but about loving the people you work with? In this episode, I’m unveiling my brand-new book, How to Work With Complicated People: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Nearly Anyone, dropping on April 15.Our national research study revealed something game-changing: job satisfaction has less to do with what you do and more to do with who you do it with. You can power through a tough job with people you enjoy, but even a dream job can feel like a nightmare with the wrong team. And here’s the reality—complicated is in the eye of the beholder. What makes someone complicated to you might not be complicated to someone else.I’m sharing the biggest insights from our research, breaking down why learning to work with complicated people is a superpower, and giving you a roadmap to mastering this skill. Imagine if you could work with nearly anyone. Not just tolerate them—but actually thrive alongside them. That’s what this book is about.Pre-order now at ryanleak.com/complicated or Amazon, and get ready to unlock a whole new level of leadership, collaboration, and success.

"Even if we win the next three championships, I'll never forgive them for trading Luka."I heard a fan say that, and it hit me—winning isn’t everything.This trade isn’t just about basketball. It’s a reminder that sometimes, success comes at a cost, followers don’t always equal impact, and the ripple effects of our decisions go deeper than we realize. We chase the “win,” but at what price?In this episode, I break down what this trade taught me—not just about sports, but about life. How do our decisions impact the people around us? Are we too focused on the outcome to see the relational consequences?This one isn’t just for basketball fans—it’s for anyone who's ever had to make a tough call and wondered if they truly counted the cost. Let’s talk it out. Because honestly, as a Dallas native, I still need a support group.

It’s not self-promotion—it’s stewardship. Too many of us shrink back, afraid of looking like we’re bragging, when in reality, we’re just hiding.In this episode, we’re tackling the mindset that keeps people playing small—the fear of putting themselves out there, the hesitation to own their gifts, and the excuse of “I don’t want to self-promote.” But here’s the truth: If you have something valuable to offer the world, it’s not arrogance—it’s responsibility.We’ll unpack how to shift from insecurity to confidence, why visibility isn’t vanity, and how embracing your worth can create opportunities for others. It’s time to step up, show up, and bring your best to the table.Quit playing small. The world needs all of you.

We’ve all heard the phrase “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” But what if the real problem isn’t learning new tricks—it’s actually using the ones we already know?In this episode, we’re flipping the focus from more information to more application. 2025 isn’t about chasing the next big idea—it’s about putting what you already know into action. You’ve read the books, listened to the podcasts, and sat through the seminars. Now, it’s time to execute.We’ll break down why knowledge without action is useless, how to bridge the gap between what you know and what you do, and why this could be the year everything finally clicks.New year, same you—just better execution. Let’s make 2025 the year of application.

The Ryan Leak Podcast is back! After taking a hiatus, I’m bringing this show back with a fresh perspective, a simpler format, and one goal: to give you something practical, inspiring, and thought-provoking in every episode. No fluff. No wasted time. Just one idea—one nugget—to help you be more intentional, courageous, and hopeful about your life, work, and relationships.In this first episode back, I share the real reason I hit pause, what I learned from stepping away, and why now is the perfect time to return.

Get ready—Season 6 of The Ryan Leak Podcast is here, and it’s packed with the short and sweet nuggets of inspiration you love. This season, we’re tackling real-life pressure, complicated people, and the gap between good and great—all with practical wisdom you can apply today.Expect honest conversations, counterintuitive insights, and bite-sized motivation to help you level up in your leadership, relationships, and personal growth. Whether you’re chasing failure, navigating tough conversations, or learning to lead yourself first, this season is designed to push you forward and keep you moving.Hit subscribe, share it with a friend, and let’s dive in—because Season 6 is all about helping you become who you were meant to be.

For this episode, Ryan sat down with executive coach and sports broadcaster, Laura VandeBerg to have an honest conversation about anxiety, panic attacks, and parenting. To connect with Ryan or Laura for coaching, check out ryanleak.com.

Elliot Davis knows what it takes to stand out having had roles at significant companies doing talent development. Join Ryan and Elliot for this episode of Followership!

In this episode, Ryan dives into the topic of overcoming personal challenges, emphasizing the belief that everyone can achieve seemingly difficult tasks. He speaks with guest "G" about personal experiences, leadership, and strategies for pushing past adversity. **Key Takeaways:** 1. **Mental Strength**: The conversation starts with the importance of mental strength and determination in facing challenges. 2. **Starting Point**: G shares a personal story about witnessing a man swimming 60 laps in a pool, emphasizing the significance of each individual's unique starting point and the journey to improvement. 3. **Consistency Over Time**: G advises listeners to give themselves time to develop and grow, likening business ideas to scribbles on a napkin that eventually turn into something significant. 4. **Mindset**: Ryan introduces the issue of facing change and the difference between saying "I can't" versus actually not wanting to. G suggests that with determination, grit, and willpower, we can achieve things we once thought were impossible. 5. **Visualizing Success**: G shares his motivation for pushing through tough times by visualizing the finish line and the accolades waiting for him. 6. **Taking The First Step**: The most challenging part of any task, according to G, is the initial step into the unknown. 7. **Championing Ideas and Vision**: G cites a book by Adam Grant called "Give and Take" and discusses the concept of "disagreeable givers". He emphasizes the importance of championing someone else's vision with full sincerity, leaving disagreements behind. 8. **Non-Verbal Communication**: Ryan and G highlight the importance of body language in meetings and the messages it can convey. 9. **Balancing Multiple Challenges**: Ryan praises G's ability to balance multiple responsibilities, such as leading a growing church, running a business, and managing a family. G stresses the importance of being present wherever he is and strategically planning his week to allocate time for various tasks. 10. **Systematic Thinking**: One of G's strategies is understanding when he does his best work and dedicating those times to important tasks. This engaging discussion not only provides listeners with insights into handling individual challenges but also offers strategies for juggling multiple tasks effectively. The recurring theme is the power of mental fortitude and the belief that with determination and proper planning, one can overcome any challenge.

In this episode, Ryan Leak interviews Dr. Julia Wiener, a leadership and organizational development expert. They discuss topics related to culture, leadership, followership, and navigating challenges within the workplace. Dr. Wiener shares insights on how to create a positive impact on culture while working from home, the concept of intelligent disobedience, and the dynamics between leaders and followers. If you're looking for a culture coach, there's no one better than Dr. Julia. You can connect with her at ryanleak.com/coaching.