The RISE Leadership Podcast

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael wrap up 2025 with a discussion on the personal prayer life of the leader. As part of this episode they will dive deep into 3 specific prayers every leader should be praying persistently, and how taking those prayers to the Lord will impact their effectiveness as a leader in the new year. Send us a text

Coach Houston Nutt—one of the most beloved Razorback coaches of all time—joins Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael to talk about the power of positivity in leadership. From his days as a three-time SEC Coach of the Year to guiding players toward grit, mental toughness, and academic excellence, Coach Nutt shares the principles that fueled his career and still inspire leaders today. In this episode, you’ll hear about the impact of his parents on his leadership style, the art of motivating a team through highs and lows, and why belief in people can change everything. Whether you’re leading in sports, business, ministry, or any field, this conversation will help you lead with passion, positivity, and purpose.Send us a text

In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael our back in our Introduction to Ministry series with a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most influential—and often least understood—areas of church life: Media Ministry. They’re joined by Brian Dunaway and Justin Hume, two of the key leaders shaping the creative, technical, and storytelling engine of Cross Church. From weekend services to online engagement, from production to photography to livestream strategy, Brian and Justin unpack how media amplifies the gospel, serves our people, and strengthens every ministry across all campuses. Whether you’re a Dream Teamer, staff member, resident, or simply curious about how Cross Church brings ministry to life each week, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the unseen ministry that moves the mission forward. Send us a text

What do you do when you inherit something broken? Most leaders will eventually step into a role they didn’t start—whether it’s a ministry, a team, or an organization—and face the challenge of rebuilding trust, culture, and vision. In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Dr. Nick Floyd sit down with Dr. Jon Chasteen, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Dallas, former President of The King’s University, and author of ReLeader: How to Fix What You Didn’t Break. Jon shares powerful lessons from leading through crisis, stepping into broken systems, and rebuilding with humility, patience, and faith. He unpacks what it means to be a “ReLeader”—someone who runs toward broken places others might avoid—while offering practical wisdom on honoring what came before, discerning what to change and when, and celebrating small beginnings. This conversation is honest, faith-filled, and full of leadership gold for anyone leading in the real world, not just the ideal one.  Send us a text

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