Walking Through Life-Changing Defeat with The Toughest Man in Baseball, Mike Matheny
What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Mike to talk about walking through injury, forced retirement, job loss, and seasons of identity shift. Mike shares powerful stories from behind the plate and the dugout, along with how scripture shaped his faith through those defining moments. Whether you’re a leader facing transition, a pastor walking through uncertainty, or simply someone in a hard season, this conversation will pour hope into your soul and give you practical steps to keep your faith steady when life hits hard. Books by Mike Matheny:The Dad Coach: How to Lead Kids to Succeed On and Off the Baseball FieldThe Matheny Manifesto: A Young Manager's Old-School Views on Success in Sports and LifeSend us a text
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Building a Culture of Resilience
Real leadership isn’t tested in calm waters—it’s forged in the storms. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael talk with Dr. Keith McDaniel, Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School and seasoned military veteran, about what resilience really looks like, why it matters, and how to grow it—both in yourself and in teams. Keith shares stories from his 17 years in uniform, leading schools through change, and building strong environments where young leaders don’t just survive but thrive. If you’re a young leader feeling stretched, a volunteer trying to carry too much, or someone who wants to help your team grow grit in faith and function, this conversation is for you.Keith’s Favorite Books on Resilience: The Book On Leadership - John MacArthur12 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership - John C. MaxwellThe Advantage - Patrick LencioniWhy Do I Do What I Don't Want To Do - Jonathan PokludaThe Sweaty Startup - Nick HuberCourage Is Calling - Ryan HolidayExtreme Ownership - Jocko WillinkGrit - Angela DuckworthShackleton's Way - Margot Morrell and Stephanie CapparellOur Civilizational Moment - Os GuinnessSend us a text
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Developing Talent... & When to Look for Staff Externally
Discover insights with Tim Stevens, Founder and CEO of Leading Smart, a leading consulting firm dedicated to empowering business and church leaders to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Tim shares proven strategies for developing your team from within, key indicators for when to seek external talent, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're scaling your organization or nurturing your current staff, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to lead more effectively and build a stronger, more resilient team.Send us a text
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Maintaining a Culture of Purpose, with John Rausch
John Rausch, Chairman and CEO of Rausch Companies, joins the podcast to discuss expanding a business begun by his grandfather, leading toward and through a major transition, and maintaining team and organizational culture. Send us a text
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Faith in the Spotlight
How do you live out your faith when the cameras are always on? 5News anchor Tiffany Lee joins The RISE Leadership Podcast to share her journey of following Christ while working in the public eye. She opens up about the importance of Biblical community, the challenge of balancing faith with a demanding work schedule, and how she maintains and communicates hope in a profession that often highlights tragedy and darkness.Send us a text
The RISE Leadership Podcast is a resource for leadership development within Cross Church, specifically created to equip and inspire our dream team volunteers, seminary residents, and staff members, though other churches may find value as well. In each episode, we offer insights and actionable takeaways to help you grow spiritually, lead with confidence, and make a Christ-centered impact in your ministry and life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your leadership skills, deepen your faith, or navigate challenges with grace, The RISE Leadership Podcast provides the tools you need to lead yourself and empower those around you.
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