Best UYWI Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep. 49 How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis Pt. 1 34:15

6d ago34:15

34:15

In Part 1 of our “How Great Leaders Respond to Crisis” podcast, we explore how great leaders rise above chaos with clarity, compassion, and courage. Whether you’re leading in ministry, business, or community, a crisis doesn’t just test your skills—it reveals your character. In this video, we’ll cover: ✅ How to lead with wisdom and spiritual resilie…

1
Final Reflections and New Beginnings - The Final Episode 17:46

6M ago17:46

17:46

In this final episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal take a heartfelt look back at their journey over 50 episodes, reflecting on the podcast’s origins and the purpose that shaped it. Created to foster conversations around complex social and church issues, the podcast sought to promote dialogue and mutual unders…

1
Authenticity in Church Leadership - is being too nice hurting the church? 30:39

7M ago30:39

30:39

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal dive into a crucial topic affecting today’s Christian communities—the impact of excessive niceness. Could this culture of "niceness" be one of the reasons young people are drifting away from the church? Tommy and Lenmarie discuss how this overly polite approach oft…

1
Ep. 48: Leadership Landmines: Avoiding Leadership Pitfalls and Growing Through Mistakes 28:35

7M ago28:35

28:35

Mistakes are inevitable—we all make them. But great leaders know how to break the cycle of repeated missteps and grow from both their own mistakes and those of others. In this episode, Robert and Tommy explore some of the critical mistakes leaders often fall into, especially in high-pressure urban environments. We discuss the risks of relying too h…

1
Sexual Ethics 28:45

7M ago28:45

28:45

In this episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal explore sexual ethics, critiquing both conservative purity culture and progressive attitudes towards sexuality. They discuss the impact of these teachings on different generations and stress the need for balanced, scripturally-informed discussions on intimacy and s…

1
Ep. 47: The Art of Decision-Making in Leadership 25:52

7M ago25:52

25:52

In this episode, we dive deep into the complex world of decision-making in leadership, focusing on what it means to lead with intention in the fast-paced and dynamic environments of today’s world. As leaders, you know the importance of not just making decisions but making the right ones—decisions that align with your mission, values, and the commun…

1
Bridging Generational Gaps: How Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z Shape Leadership and Society 32:27

7M ago32:27

32:27

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall are joined by their intern, Taitem Brown, for an insightful discussion on the dynamics and tensions between Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z. They delve into how these different generations shape societal norms, influence leadership styles, and impact cultural values…

1
Ep. 46: 5 Leadership Hacks to Boost Your Productivity and Focus 34:20

8M ago34:20

34:20

Everyone strives to be a more productive leader, but finding the right strategies to enhance efficiency can be challenging. In our latest podcast episode, we explore five essential leadership hacks that can transform the way you lead, helping you to become more focused, effective, and impactful in your daily work. The first key to productivity is l…

1
Faith Meets Politics: Navigating the Radical Middle in a Polarized Political Climate 31:25

8M ago31:25

31:25

In this episode of The Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall dive into the complex intersection of politics and Christianity, especially during the heightened tensions of the political season. They emphasize that the "radical middle" isn’t about taking a neutral or passive stance, but rather about engaging deeply and though…

1
Ep. 45: Your Paycheck is not your purpose: Uncover the 3-Fold Path to Fulfillment 34:35

8M ago34:35

34:35

Have you ever found yourself wondering, "Why am I here?" or more specifically, "What is my purpose in this world?" These questions are at the heart of our journey leaders, especially in the fast-paced, dynamic environments we navigate daily. In today’s episode, Robert & Tommy dive deep into the essential topic of discovering your God-given purpose—…

1
What is the Radical Middle? 30:16

8M ago30:16

30:16

The Radical Middle Podcast, hosted by Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, explores the concept of the "radical middle," which emphasizes living out the teachings of Jesus in a genuine, thoughtful way. Unlike a centrist approach, the radical middle involves deeply wrestling with Christian truths and engaging in meaningful dialogue to understand and ap…

1
Ep. 44: Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 2 - Praise, Imposter, Fear, & Perfectionism 38:04

9M ago38:04

38:04

In the second part of our series, "The Internal Struggle of Leadership," we dive into four challenges every leader faces: praise, impostor syndrome, fear, and perfectionism. Praise: Recognition feels great, but how we handle it defines our character. Proverbs 27:21 says praise is a test. Accepting it humbly or crediting our team shows true leadersh…

1
Embracing Healthy Conflict: A Path to Growth in Christian Leadership 30:26

9M ago30:26

30:26

In this episode, Tommy and Lenmarie take a deep dive into the reasons why Christians, particularly those in leadership and institutional roles, often struggle with conflict. They explore how the reluctance to confront disagreements head-on has led to a widespread phenomenon known as "church hurt," where unresolved issues create rifts within congreg…

1
Ep. 43: Overcoming the Inner Struggles of Leadership: Part 1 - Humility, Self-Confidence, and Vulnerability 53:56

9M ago53:56

53:56

As a leader, have you ever felt inadequate, questioned your own motives, or been paralyzed by the fear of failure? If so, you're certainly not alone. Leadership isn't merely about guiding others—it's also about confronting and overcoming the inner battles we face within ourselves. These struggles can be daunting, but understanding them is crucial t…

1
Navigating Masculinity: A Christian Perspective on Toxic Masculinity and True Leadership 35:58

9M ago35:58

35:58

In this episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, Tommy and Lenmarie dive deep into the complex and often contentious topic of masculinity, viewed through the lens of Christian faith. The discussion begins with a provocative question: If you were alone in a forest, would you feel safer with a man or a bear? Surprisingly, many choose the bear, a respon…

1
Ep. 42: Inspiring Urban Youth: An Interview with Amy Williams on Leadership and Transformation 58:15

10M ago58:15

58:15

In today's podcast, Robert Aboites sits down with Amy Williams, author of Worth Seeing: Viewing Others Through God’s Eyes. With 30 years of experience serving youth involved in gangs, incarceration, probation, and parole, Amy shares her profound insights and leadership principles for working with urban youth on the margins of society. Amy recounts …

1
Rethinking Megachurches: Authenticity and Impact in Modern Congregations 34:35

10M ago34:35

34:35

In this compelling episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall engage in a thorough examination of a significant question facing the religious community today: Should megachurches continue in their current form? With a keen eye on the evolving landscape of modern faith, they highlight several critical issues that m…

1
Ep. 41: Mastering Time Management: Essential Strategies for Growing Leaders 34:27

10M ago34:27

34:27

Time management has challenged leaders for centuries. As William Penn, the founder of Philadelphia, said, “Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” In today’s episode of The Future Is Here Leadership Podcast, Robert & Tommy delve into effective time prioritization, starting not with your calendar, but with your “why.” Prioritizing means f…

1
Balancing Justice and Well-Being: Navigating Activism Fatigue with Faith and Authenticity 25:25

10M ago25:25

25:25

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall take a deep dive into the concept of "justice fatigue." They explore the multifaceted challenges of staying actively engaged in social justice amidst the backdrop of overwhelming global crises. The conversation touches on the intense pressures faced by public advo…

1
Ep. 40: Handling Underperformance with Compassion: Strategies for Faith Leaders 36:02

10M ago36:02

36:02

As leaders, we've all faced team members who aren't meeting expectations. How do you guide these individuals without jumping straight to reprimands? In our latest podcast episode, Robert & Tommy explore how to handle underperformance by creating a culture of support and growth. Learn how to navigate tough conversations with grace and empathy, recog…

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Why We Suck at Grieving - Transforming Grief Through Faith 42:59

11M ago42:59

42:59

In this episode of the Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie delve into the profound challenges of properly addressing grief, particularly within the church. They are joined by guest Angel Maldonado, who shares his personal journey through grief, from the loss of his father to his move to California. Maldonado sheds light on the of…

1
Ep. 39: Mastering Consensus Leadership: Unlocking Team Innovation and Trust 38:35

11M ago38:35

38:35

Ever faced challenges in getting your team on board with major changes, ideas, or direction? Struggling to reach consensus? In this episode, Robert & Tommy dive into how to lead your team through a consensus-driven approach. Discover how to achieve collective agreement by considering diverse viewpoints and landing on the best solution—what we call …

1
Reviving Bible Engagement: Is The Church Illiterate 44:57

11M ago44:57

44:57

In the latest episode of the Radical Middle Podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascall, along with Esteban Shedd from Streetlights, explore the transformative power of the Bible when it is made accessible through modern methods like hip-hop beats. They discuss the troublingly low engagement levels among Christians, which they attribute to digi…

1
Ep. 38: Mastering Pacing: A Guide to Sustainable Leadership That Avoids Burnout 42:09

11M ago42:09

42:09

At UYWI we frequently connect with leaders who are either teetering on the brink of burnout or already engulfed in its flames. Sadly, it seems that burning out has become all too common in ministry circles, almost glorified as a badge of honor that says “if you’re not burnt out, are you even doing anything?!’. But is this truly what God desires for…

1
“Church is wack!” - Why old skool methods aren’t working in a Relational Generation 31:23

12M ago31:23

31:23

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into the evolving landscape of Church practices in the wake of the pandemic, focusing on innovative approaches tailored to young adult ministry. They advocate for transformative changes that prioritize authenticity, community engagement, and discipleship. T…

1
Ep. 37: Sacrificial Leadership: Gaining Trust, Influence, and Intimacy 34:58

12M ago34:58

34:58

When you hear the word "Sacrifice," what comes to mind? For us, it immediately brings to mind Jesus, the ultimate Sacrificial Leader who gave everything, even his life, for us. But as leaders in youth ministry, what does sacrificial leadership really look like for us? In this episode, Robert and Tommy are diving deep into the heart of Sacrificial L…

1
Navigating Charisma vs. Character in Christian Leadership: A Critical Discussion 35:05

12M ago35:05

35:05

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal delve into critical questions facing young adult leaders in Christian ministry. They examine the nuanced differences in cultural, ethnic, and church contexts and how these factors influence authenticity in leadership. The discussion probes the challenge of discer…

1
Ep. 36: The Gift of Resistance: Navigating Challenges in Leadership & Allowing Them to Make You Better 36:38

1y ago36:38

36:38

As leaders we've all faced our fair share of challenges and pushback, am I right? In our latest podcast episode, Robert and Tommy are here to unwrap the "Gift of Resistance" and show us how to turn those hurdles into stepping stones. Join us as we dive into the why behind embracing, rather than fighting, the resistance that comes our way. From cult…

1
"Just Be Honest": Navigating Faith and Authenticity While Balancing the Sacred & Secular 40:16

1y ago40:16

40:16

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Lenmarie Pascal welcome Alexander James, a poet, pastor, and author, to delve into his latest book, "Just Be Honest." Join the conversation as they explore the delicate balance between faith and conformity, particularly in urban settings. With a focus on integrating spirituality…

1
Ep. 35: Unlocking Potential: Understanding Our Team Members 43:01

1y ago43:01

43:01

Connecting with our team is like uncovering hidden treasures! It's all about digging deeper to understand their unique stories, backgrounds, values, cultures, talents, and dreams. This lays the groundwork for a vibrant organizational culture where everyone can flourish. When we truly know our team members, magic happens—retention rates soar, produc…

1
Inclusion: Balancing Belief and Relevant Media Consumption 33:13

1y ago33:13

33:13

Join hosts Tommy Nixon, Vanessa, and Joseph Adam Cruz on The Radical Middle podcast as they delve into the complex interplay between faith and engagement with secular music and media. In this thought-provoking episode, they tackle the tension of maintaining one's beliefs and truths while navigating the landscape of inclusion and tolerance. Through …

1
Ep. 34: The Trustworthy Leader - How to foster trust as a ministry leader 39:07

1y ago39:07

39:07

In a recent Gallup poll, clergy's trustworthiness hit a concerning low, prompting much needed discussions about the trust we have - or don’t have, in leadership. Join us on "The Future Is Here" as we dive into the vital topic of trust. With trust levels declining, it's crucial for leaders to grasp how to build trust effectively. By prioritizing car…

1
Reviving Evangelism: Embracing Modern Approaches to Share the Gospel 34:45

1y ago34:45

34:45

In this episode of The Radical Middle podcast, hosts Tommy and Vanessa invite special guest Joseph Adam Cruz to explore the evolution of evangelism, discussing the changing tides of gospel outreach, acknowledging the fading effectiveness of traditional methods - championing a shift towards more personal, relational approaches that emphasize genuine…

1
Ep. 33: Navigating Leadership Vision: What is your leadership lens? 31:01

1y ago31:01

31:01

In today's episode, we're diving into the world of leadership vision and how leaders shape the future of their organizations. We'll introduce three distinct leadership types: the "Then and Now" leader, the "Now and Next" leader, and the "Near and New" leader. Each type offers a unique take on scalability, innovation, and organizational growth. The …

1
Exploring Truth: Navigating Complexity in Youth Leadership 27:43

1y ago27:43

27:43

In this episode of the "Radical Middle" podcast, hosts Tommy Nixon and Vanessa Cruz dive into the fascinating realm of truth as perceived by today's young leaders. They highlight an intriguing shift that's been happening since around 2016—a move towards a more nuanced understanding of truth, one that's less black and white and more about shades of …

1
Ep. 32: Unlocking Strategic Leadership: The Power of Strategic Thinking and Planning 41:28

1y ago41:28

41:28

Are You Just Keeping Busy or Making Real Change Happen? Ever wonder what makes some leaders truly strategic? It's all about knowing the difference between just doing stuff and actually making a plan. A lot of leaders are used to being busy bees, but they might not be thinking strategically. Sure, it looks good to be super active, but is anything ac…

1
Navigating Toxicity: Leading in Challenging Church Environments 33:13

1y ago33:13

33:13

Welcome to The Radical Middle - In this episode, we tackle the crucial issue of toxicity within church organizations. Join us as Len, a seasoned leadership development expert, joins forces with Tommy - together sharing invaluable insights gleaned from their diverse experiences. We will be discussing the following: How do you discern the toxicity le…

1
Ep. 31: The Empowered Leader: Navigating Delegation and Ownership 33:21

1y ago33:21

33:21

In our journey working with leaders, especially in churches and ministries, we’ve noticed "empowerment" is a hot topic. You've probably seen it thrown around a lot – but how often does it really happen? In today's episode, we're diving deep into what empowerment truly means. We'll chat about the difference between empowerment and just passing off t…

1
Navigating Urban Culture: Balancing Relevant Ratchetness and Holiness 49:20

1y ago49:20

49:20

In urban settings, we often find ourselves caught between two worlds: the raw authenticity of our surroundings and the call to live lives that reflect God's holiness. It's a tension we can't ignore. We're faced with the challenge of staying relevant to our community while also striving to live lives that honor God. How do we reconcile the ratchetne…

1
Ep. 30: Exploring Leadership: Definitions, Responsibilities, and Development 30:06

1y ago30:06

30:06

What does it really mean to be a leader? Is it something anyone can do, or is it reserved for a special few? And what does the Bible have to say about all this? In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of leadership with Tommy and Robert. We'll be taking a look at 1 Peter 5:2-3 to get some insight into the essence of leadership, particular…

1
Christian Violence: Questioning the Idea of Fighting Fire with Fire 50:05

1+ y ago50:05

50:05

Let's talk about something that can cause a lot of division in Christian circles – the whole idea of using violence to make things right. Take a look at what's happening in Israel and Palestine – it's a hot topic, right? One side fiercely believes Israel has the right to do whatever they need to to “handle” Palestine… Others vehemently defend the p…

1
Ep. 29: Success without Burnout: Of Trees & Temples, Wisdom from Mark 11 34:12

1+ y ago34:12

34:12

Feel like you are doing a whole lot of work, but instead of being impactful, you just feel BUSY??? Sometimes being a leader - especially in ministry, feels like we have multiple jobs… And for some of us, it actually IS something we do voluntarily in addition to our 9 to 5. If that’s you (or if it’s not but you don’t want it to be), check out our la…

1
Leader Worship - Navigating the Boundaries of Honoring Leaders 51:41

1+ y ago51:41

51:41

How far should one go when it comes to showing honor to leaders? When does it cross the line into cringe-worthy territory, or worse, into a sinful or outright wrong practice? And who bears responsibility in this dynamic—the leaders who manipulate and demand honor, or the individuals who freely offer it, sometimes at their own expense? In this discu…

1
Ep. 28 Our New Reality: Demographic Shifts and What’s Imperative for Innovative Leadership 34:40

1+ y ago34:40

34:40

Ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of leading the next generation in a world that's rapidly transforming? Join Tommy Nixon and Robert Aboites in this game-changing episode as they kick off an exciting series of leadership conversations. As young leaders coming up in spaces that have never been navigated before, how can we adapt to the e…

1
Death by Production - Balancing Expectations and Well-being 41:58

1+ y ago41:58

41:58

Unless you've experienced working or volunteering in an understaffed, under-resourced, or poorly-led organization, you may not fully grasp the challenges it entails. It can be a daunting prospect, and sometimes, downright frustrating! In this episode, we step back to examine the competitive landscape of Christmas productions across various ministri…

1
Navigating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: A Holistic Perspective 43:11

1+ y ago43:11

43:11

The concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can elicit various reactions, from enthusiasm to resistance, based on individual ideologies. In this episode, we explore a nuanced perspective on DEI, emphasizing that it is not the ultimate goal but rather the vehicle that can lead us to fulfill the will of God. We delve into the tensions that…

1
Power Dynamics - Understanding the Persistence of Organizations with Poor Leadership 46:07

1+ y ago46:07

46:07

Have you ever pondered why organizations with questionable leadership or unethical practices manage to maintain their grip on power? It can be baffling to witness influential organizations thrive while others struggle to access even basic resources. In this discussion, we delve into the critical role of power dynamics in various aspects of our live…

1
Navigating the Political Landscape: A Christian Perspective on Voting 37:49

1+ y ago37:49

37:49

The question of how to cast our votes is increasingly on the minds of young leaders today. Voting is often portrayed as our civic duty, a way to have our voices heard by those in power. However, in a world where politics has become intertwined with individual identity, it's challenging to strike a balance between participating in the electoral proc…

1
Christianity as a Weapon - Examining the Misuse of Faith for Political Ends 46:37

1+ y ago46:37

46:37

January 6th has gained infamy, being likened to other dark days in U.S. history. Among the distressing scenes witnessed on that day, one that stands out is a leader of the insurrection holding up a Bible and leading a prayer. This raises questions about how individuals can exploit Holy Scriptures to sow chaos and believe they are fulfilling a divin…

1
Family Business - Addressing Nepotism in Churches & Its Impact on Ministries and Families 49:15

1+ y ago49:15

49:15

Nepotism, a concerning issue within church organizations, has become increasingly evident. It is disheartening to witness leaders favoring their relatives without considering merit or suitability for positions. In this episode, we delve into the reasons behind this phenomenon and explore why churches often refrain from scrutinizing leadership trans…

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