Follow 2 Lead: A Christian Leaders Podcast

#437: Burn the Blueprint: Carlos Whittaker on Leadership, Grief, and Choosing Light Over Heat

Have you filled out our benchmark yet? https://follow2leadbenchmark.com/# Check out Carlos! https://www.carloswhittaker.com/ https://www.instagram.com/loswhit In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Carlos Whitaker for a thoughtful and timely conversation about leadership, personal growth, and the ways life experiences—especially grief—shape how we lead. Carlos shares why leadership isn’t reserved for those with titles, but is something every person carries through influence and presence. Throughout the conversation, Carlos reflects on the evolution of his own leadership journey, including how seasons of loss and reflection have reshaped his priorities, pace, and posture. Together, Tony and Carlos explore what it looks like to lead with steadiness in a world driven by noise, urgency, and reaction—choosing to bring light instead of heat. The episode also touches on Carlos’s passion for supporting parents, the importance of balancing new hobbies with real-life responsibilities, and why stepping back can sometimes be the most powerful leadership move. Carlos introduces themes from his upcoming book, Burn the Blueprint, which challenges traditional definitions of success and invites leaders to rethink the scripts they’ve been handed. This conversation is an encouragement for leaders who feel tired of striving, unsure of the next step, or quietly carrying influence without recognition. It’s a reminder that some of the most impactful leadership is steady, reflective, and rooted in authenticity. ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠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

#436: 12 Questions to Transform Your Leadership In 2026 AND A Special Look at What's In Store!

Fill out our leadership benchmark assessment here! https://follow2leadbenchmark.com/# In this solo episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger pulls back the curtain on a pivotal season of transformation—both personally and professionally. Tony shares the clarity he’s gained around his true calling: not simply building a media company, but helping transform the lives of leaders in meaningful, lasting ways. Tony outlines his vision for 2026, revealing a strategic shift in the podcast’s direction. Rather than chasing trends, he plans to focus on answering the most Googled leadership questions, partnering with trusted subject‑matter experts to deliver practical, relevant insights leaders are actively searching for. This approach reflects Tony’s belief that real growth doesn’t come from consuming information alone, but from applying wisdom in everyday leadership. The episode also looks ahead to an ambitious and inspiring 2027 project, where Tony will climb Mount Kilimanjaro and release a companion book shaped by the conversations and leadership principles explored on the podcast. This journey serves as a powerful metaphor for the climb leaders face in their own lives—growth, endurance, and transformation through intentional action. This episode is an invitation for listeners to reflect on their own calling, redefine success, and commit to becoming the kind of leader who doesn’t just learn—but lives out transformation. ⁠⁠Please check out our sponsors EBEB Solutions⁠ ⁠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

#435: Tomorrow’s Church: Kristin Thomas Miller on Residencies, Mentorship, & Developing Leaders

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Kristin Thomas Miller, co‑founder of Leadership Pathway, for an inspiring conversation about raising up the next generation of church leaders. Together, they unpack why intentional development, mentorship, and hands‑on ministry experiences are essential for the long‑term health of the church. Kristin shares her personal journey into leadership development and the vision behind launching Leadership Pathway—a residency‑based model designed to prepare young leaders for real‑world ministry. Tony and Kristin explore the challenges of bridging generational gaps, the importance of modeling healthy leadership, and why churches must move from hoping young leaders show up to actively building them. This episode casts a hopeful vision for the future of the church and offers practical guidance for pastors, mentors, and congregations who want to invest meaningfully in emerging leaders. ✅ Three Actionable Takeaways 1. Create intentional pathways for young leaders.Don’t wait for leaders to emerge—build structured residency or apprenticeship experiences that give young adults real responsibility and real support. 2. Bridge generational gaps through relationship, not assumption.Young leaders thrive when older leaders listen, mentor, and invite them into meaningful conversations rather than expecting them to adapt alone. 3. Invest early, often, and personally.The future of the church depends on today’s leaders prioritizing mentorship, modeling healthy leadership, and creating environments where emerging leaders can grow and belong. https://www.leadershippathway.org/ https://www.youtube.com/@leadershippathway8924/videos 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 ⁠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

#434: Reclaiming Presence: Joey Odom on Parenting, Technology, and Building a Life That Truly Connects

In this episode of the Follow 2 Lead Podcast, Tony Miltenberger sits down with Joey Odom, co‑founder of a technology‑health company and a leading voice on digital wellness, to explore how technology shapes our relationships, parenting, and spiritual lives. Joey offers honest insight into the tension between a tech‑driven world and the desire to be fully present with the people who matter most. Together, Tony and Joey unpack the importance of modeling healthy tech habits for our children, cultivating meaningful daily disciplines, and creating memories that outlast any digital distraction. Joey shares the story behind launching a tech‑health company and reflects on redefining success—not by financial metrics, but by impact, transformation, and deeper relational connection. This conversation is both challenging and hopeful, offering parents, leaders, and communities practical guidance for building a healthier relationship with technology while strengthening the bonds that make life meaningful. https://reclaimwell.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joeyodom/ Please support our partners! 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 ⁠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

#433: Pastor to Pro-Narrator: Tom Parks on Storytelling, Communication, & Leading w/ Relationships

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