Right-side Up Leadership Podcast

We have a great two-part series for you this week about creativity. With all that is going on right now, we believe that this crisis has created a lot of new creative opportunities.  On today's episode, Alan sits down with Allen Arnold for part 1 of a great two-part discussion about creativity and how it is blossoming right now. There's a lot of encouragement and inspiration to be found in this episode.  About Allen Arnold Allen is author of the popular allegory on creativity, The Story of With. His mission is to help people to pursue their dreams and gifting with God. He mentors and speaks to the larger creative community – including one of the most successful Shark Tank companies and Dave Ramsey's core marketing team. From the mountains of Colorado, he leads Content for Ransomed Heart – a ministry founded by the New York Times Bestselling Author of Wild at Heart, John Eldredge. Before that, Allen was the founding Publisher of Thomas Nelson Fiction where he oversaw the launch of more than 500 novels and r

We're all experiencing big paradigm shifts right now and many of us are asking questions about things we just have no control over right now. It seems like we're living in an "I don't know moment" which wages war against control we don't have but want. On today's episode, Alan has a very raw conversation with British investment banker and author Ken Costa about fear, opportunity, and how to navigate this season of life.  About Ken Ken Costa is an internationally renowned banker, having worked as Chairman of UBS Investment Bank for EMEA and Chairman of Lazard International. He is the Chairman Emeritus of Alpha International, Emeritus Professor of Commerce in Gresham College London and Dean of the Leadership College London. He and his wife, Dr Fiona Costa, live in London. They have two sons and two daughters. He is the founder of God at Work and author of three books. Ken has made two film series, the God at Work Conversations and Strange Kingdom - meditations on the cross. Connect with Ken For more in

If we are going to be a redemptive agent in the world. If we are going to bring justice. If we are going to bring mercy. If we are going to present truth in a way the world will hear it, we simply have to come together as males and females.  On today's episode, Alan sits down with Danielle Strickland to talk about her new book Better Together: How Women and Men Can Heal the Divide and Work Together to Transform the Future. This is a great conversation about how God created males and females to be part of His restorative mission in the world.  About Danielle Danielle Strickland is currently based in Toronto, Canada. Her aggressive compassion has served people firsthand in countries all over the world. From establishing Justice Departments for The Salvation Army to launching Global anti-trafficking initiatives, to creating new movements to mobilize people towards transformational living. Danielle trains, advocates, and inspires people to live differently.  Danielle is the author of 5 books with her mo

A crisis divides but it also has the ability to bring us together. Our first thought is scarcity, we're compelled to compete with one another, and yet, people are coming together to work together and collaborate with one another in amazing ways.  We've got a unique episode for you today. Alan recently talked with a group of business leaders about the need for more collaboration versus competition and the abundance mindset versus the scarcity mindset.  Let's connect   Interested in coaching? StoreHouse Facebook Instagram: @stayforthdesigns

Everyone's lives have been changed because of COVID-19. Almost overnight we experienced a huge amount of change all at once that has been traumatizing for many people.  This is a very timely episode and we really encourage you to sit with this one, slow down and really take it in.  On today's episode, Alan sits down with author, teacher, counselor, and president of Ransomed Heart, John Eldredge.  This is a very real and raw conversation about John's book Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad. John shares his burnout process and how he got through it. About John John Eldredge is an author (you probably figured that out), a counselor, and a teacher. He is also president of Ransomed Heart, a ministry devoted to helping people discover the heart of God, recover their own hearts in God's love, and learn to live in God's Kingdom. John grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles (which he hated), and spent his boyhood summers on his grandfather's cattle ranch in eastern Oregon (which he loved). J

How are you utilizing social media right now? Everyone has some degree of influence and now more than ever, we need to be careful how we're stewarding that influence especially when it comes to engaging social media.  On today's episode, Kirby Minnick stops by the podcast to talk about the good and not so good sides of social media. Kirby and Alan have a great conversation about how social media can be used to have a positive, gospel impact on people, and how to navigate the pitfalls of social media.  About Kirby Kirby Minnick is a Christ-centered content creator and influencer. She runs the Bought + Beloved podcast along with a YouTube channel, Instagram, and Twitter where she delivers weekly content that’s meant to inspire, encourage and provide joy to all who stumble upon it. She has a passion for preaching and teaching the truth of God on stage, in front of a camera, and through writing. She desires to see this generation and culture flourish in freedom and confidence in their identity, and to walk in

On today's episode, Alan sits down with MelindaJoy Mingo for a great discussion. You may remember that MJ was the recipient of our Resilliant Leader award from our Right-Side Up Leader Awards earlier this year. MelindaJoy shares her leadership journey and how God turned heartbreak into great influence that has allowed MJ to have a tremendous impact in the community and on those she leads.    This is a rich episode with practical leadership gold from someone leading from the trenches. These are uncertain times and there is great encouragement in this episode.  Partner with us: StoreHouse 

Do you have someone in your life that can be truly honest with you?  Today on the podcast we have another crucial conversation. Alan sits down with Darrin Patrick and the two have a very rich conversation about honesty, honor, accountability, and coming under the submission of others. Darrin shares his story of being removed from his church, the process of restoration he went through, and what God taught him along the way. About Darrin  Darrin Patrick is a teaching pastor at Seacoast Church. He is the founding pastor of The Journey Church and is the author of multiple books including the Dude’s Guide to Marriage. Darrin is the former chaplain to the St. Louis Cardinals and former vice-president of the Acts 29 church planting network. He has appeared in the New York Times, The Today Show and Fox and Friends for his innovative approach to reaching the un-reached. Darrin is married to Amie and they have four children. He enjoys reading, writing and coaching his kid’s sports teams. Connect with Darrin Twit

If you are a communicator in any sense of the word, this is a great episode for you. There's gold here when it comes to communicating well, and how to say a lot with a little.  On today's episode, David sits down with Timothy Mackie and Jonathan Collins from The Bible Project. They have a great discussion about how to communicate in a way that is meaningful, full of value, and this idea of intellectual empathy.  About Tim and Jon Timothy Mackie and Jonathan Collins (long-time friends and one-time roommates at Multnomah University) were tossing around ideas on how to help people read through Scripture while avoiding these common pitfalls and misunderstandings. How could complex themes of the Bible be presented in a way that was real and unapologetic but approachable? Combining Tim’s deep biblical understanding and Jon’s passion for visual storytelling, they created their first two videos in 2014 and put them online for free. The Bible Project has over 140 videos and 200 podcasts, which can all be viewe

If you're someone who listens to podcasts on 1.5x speed, this is definitely an episode you want to slow down and really listen to.  On today's episode, Alan sits down with William Paul Young for a very deep and rich conversation about hurt, healing, and restoration. You may not know Williams's name, but many of you have heard of, read or seen the movie adaptation of his book, The Shack. Alan and William have a very rich discussion about his real-life struggles, being found out, and his journey to redemption and restoration, which is the story behind The Shack.  About William William P. Young (Paul) was born a Canadian and along with three younger siblings was raised among a stone-age tribe by his missionary parents in the highlands of what was New Guinea (West Papua). The family returned to Canada where his father pastored a number of churches for various denominations. By the time he entered Canadian Bible College, Paul had attended a dozen schools. He completed his undergraduate degree in religion at W

So many people have a message they're deeply passionate about but they never take it anywhere except to the grave. We live in a time where it's never been easier to get your message into more eyes, ears, and hearts, you just have to take your next right step. On today's episode, we have Drew Dyck back on the podcast and he and Alan have a great discussion about what it takes to write, getting published, and platforms.  Drew is an editor at Moody Publishers and former managing editor of Leadership Journal.   If you have a message in you that you're deeply passionate about but you just aren't sure how to get it out there, then listen to this great conversation with Drew Dyck. Follow along with Drew Twitter: @drewdyck Grab his book: https://amzn.to/2umzrxO Partner with us: www.storehouse.world/rightsideup  Interested in coaching? www.stayforth.com/coaching

On today's episode, Alan has a very rich discussion with Dr. Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International. Wess shares his story, the story of Compassion International, as well as valuable leadership lessons he's learned throughout his life. Wess often says, “Everything I really need to know to lead a multinational organization I learned from the poor, growing up in an African village.” About Wess: Dr. Wess Stafford, President Emeritus of Compassion International, is an internationally recognized advocate for children in poverty. As the son of missionaries to the Ivory Coast, Wess grew up as one of the village children cared for by a wise and loving African “extended family.” But his young heart was often broken as he watched his African friends die from the cruel ravages of poverty. Wess felt privileged to continue his parents’ commitment to the poor through the ministry of Compassion International. Wess joined the staff of Compassion International in 1977 and worked with the ministry, bo

On today's episode, Alan talks to Author and Pastor Greg Holder about conflict and how church leaders can lead with a posture of unity in mind in an age of divisiveness.  Greg Holder is an author, speaker, story-teller and lead pastor of The Crossing, a multi-site church in St. Louis, Missouri that reaches over 8,000 people. Greg is passionate about the local church and how God designed us to thrive in healthy community. His leadership and influence has taken him around the globe, helping communities, churches, pastors, and leaders work towards spiritual, relational, and organizational health. He is the author of The Genius of One, author/co-creator of Advent Conspiracy, and translator of the book of Jeremiah in The Voice Bible. He is also the host of Needledrop interviews on YouTube which showcase different Christian thought leaders as they discuss the culture, current events, and the Church. Connect with Greg Twitter: @gregholder_ Instagram: @gregholder_ Books: https://amzn.to/39flQXZ www.gregholder

Our Stay Forth team has a partnership with Compassion International. A few times a year Alan travels with pastors to a Compassion project to see what God is doing and introduce their work to new leaders. On this episode, Alan comes from the streets of Nicaragua and interviews a few leaders about their experience and highlights some music and poetry too. If your church is interested in sponsoring children or planting churches reach out to Alan at alan@stayforth.com and he can connect you with the appropriate person at Compassion International.  

Happy Friday!  As you're probably well aware, church leaders all across the country are having to figure out how to continue gathering in the wake of the Coronavirus. Using technology as a means to bring people together is now a necessity and is requiring many leaders to adapt in ways that until very recently were uncommon.  On today's bonus episode, Alan sits down with Garrett Gerhart, who serves as communications pastor at Life Bible Fellowship Church in Upland California. Alan and Garrett have a great conversation about how the church can use technology to continue being the church and engage in ministry despite our current situation.  Connect with Garrett Facebook  

Everyone has an idea they're passionate about that they want to reach as many eyes, ears, and hearts as possible. But what do you do when you have a message that you can't afford not to share, but at the same time, you can't afford to go broke telling it? On today's episode, Alan and Jonathan have a conversation about what it takes to get a message in front of as many people as possible while being good stewards with the resources you have at your disposal. They also share how they accidentally started High Touch Marketing to help businesses, non-profits, and ministries invest in practical marketing in a meaningful way.  Whether you're a business leader, church leader, or non-profit leader, you'll find great information that will help you add more reach to your idea and connect with more people in your context.  Connect with Alan and Jonathan High Touch Marketing Jonathan Alan Marketing Monthly

We are more jacked up than we could ever dare to admit but we're also more loved than we could ever imagine. Both of these things are true at the same time and that's where we should live. On today's episode, Alan and David have a great discussion on the topic of identity and David unpacks 5 identity lies every leader faces at some point in their journey.  We need to be self-aware of these lies and continually come back to them and assess where we're finding our identity.  What's the one thing in your life that you have to have in order to feel fulfillment? 

Many businesses and organizations are implementing remote work policies in response to the Coronavirus and for many, working from home is a new experience full of challenges.  On today's episode, Alan and Jonathan Collier, the creative producer at Stay Forth Designs, have a very practical conversation about what it's like to work on a remote team and how to navigate the challenges that come with remote work as many people find themselves working remotely. They address several challenges associated with remote work and offer practical tips and tools that anyone working from home can use to become more disciplined and focused during this season We created a free resource to help you make the most while you navigate working from home.  Download it here: www.rightsideupleader.com 

On Today's episode, we have Part 2 of our amazing conversation with Dean Williams who is the Executive Director of Corrections for the state of Colorado. In part 2, Dean the problem with the current system that is not bringing dignity humanity and redemption to those who have been behind bars. He talks about the tensions that come leading in this situation, and how to lead with justice and mercy.  Dean also shares some of the reforms that are being instituted and how art, music, and the local church are making a positive impact.  If you know someone that has been impacted by incarceration please share this with them.  If you have a heart for prison reform and want more information on how you can get involved, send us an email to hello@stayforth.com  

There's something about a leader who has the ability to change the hearts of skeptical people even in the heardest situations.  On Today's episode, Alan sits down with Dean Williams, who is the Executive Director of Corrections for the state of Colorado. Dean has spent 35 years in the justice and public safety sector. He led Alaska's unified correctional system that includes small community jails, large prisons, probation, parole, and a pre-trial enforcement division. I was hired to make extensive reforms within the prison system and initiated major changes to improve safety. Dean also led new efforts to reduce the high recidivism rate in Alaska. Dean has extensive experience in juvenile corrections as well and initiated reform efforts to curb the school to the prison pipeline issue. Dean recently took over the Colorado Department of Corrections and is deeply honored to now serve the good people of Colorado.  Dean has a tough job, from stewarding a 1 billion dollar budget to overseeing over 6,000 employe