Episodes

How do you know when it's time to change something that's always worked? In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Mark MacDonald, founder of Be Known For Something, to talk about brand innovation, recognizing when it's time for a shift, and knowing the difference between a fresh idea and a change that's actually needed. Together, they explore how to know when to start over versus make a few adjustments, how to create room for new ideas without constantly changing direc...

What does it really take to innovate when the world around you keeps changing? This week on Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Ryan Dahl, owner of PraiseCharts, to talk about what it looks like to recognize a need, take a risk, and create something that makes a difference. From the early days of paper charts and binders to the digital resources worship leaders use today, we’re talking about what it means to adapt, when it’s time to pivot, and the difference between simply improving...

What does it actually take to build something from the ground up? This week on Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Randy Sherwood, Church Planter & Lead Pastor of South Hills Church in Eagle, Idaho, to talk about what happens before the idea ever gets launched. Who do you want around the table? How important is it for everyone to believe in the vision? And what’s the difference between building a team that simply works for you and building a team that feels like they own the visio...

What happens after you have the idea? In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Eric Stalter, the creator of String Translator, to talk about what it actually takes to get an idea off the ground. They talk about where String Translator started, what Eric saw when the idea first came together, and the moment he realized that having a great idea was only the beginning. Because innovation isn't always some huge lightning-bolt moment. Sometimes it's doing the work, figurin...

Legacy starts with when we connect with people. Over the last couple of months, we’ve had conversations around the idea of creating connection and creating legacy. Two things that might not seem to go together, but are very much a part of each other. In this episode, Jason Squires brings those two topics together in a short conversation and reflects on some of the conversations we’ve had over the last couple of months. Our hope is that you’ll listen to all the conversations, find some people ...

What does it look like to take an idea that feels a little crazy and actually build it? In 1974, Jack Hamlin founded Woodland Christian School in Woodland, CA. What started as an idea became something that would grow, impact generations of students and families, and eventually become something much bigger than any one person. In this conversation, Jason Squires sits down with Jack as he takes us back to those early days and shares what it was like to build something from the ground up, navigate...

What happens when something you’ve spent your life doing becomes something your whole family gets to experience together? In this episode, Jason Squires sits down with John Waller to talk about music, family, and the legacy we leave behind. John shares what led him to make music with his family, what he’s learned about communication and giving each other space, and how he creates room for his kids to bring their own creativity to the table. They also talk about something bigger than music: what ...

Legacy isn't always about what we build. Sometimes it's about what we pour into people and what they go on to do with it. In this conversation, Jason Squires sits down with Mike Sexton from Awana to talk about the power of investing in leaders and the incredible ripple effect that can happen when those leaders pour into kids. Together they talk about creating an environment where kids know they are seen, believed in, and capable of making a difference, and what it looks like to invest in people ...

What does it look like to build something that can outlast you? Join Jason Squires and Jeremy Willet, founder of The Million Movement, as he shares what inspired him to launch a vision bigger than himself. He also shares what he's learning about building for the future. Jeremy and Jason sit down to talk about developing others to carry the vision, staying faithful when the results may be years away, and what it means to “plant trees you will never sit in the shade of.” And of course, we talk abo...

What does it take to create a place where the next generation feels truly connected? Justin Knowles, Lead Next Gen Pastor at VantagePoint Church in Eastvale, CA , joins Jason Squires to talk about what it looks like to create a culture where students are known, valued, and connected to others. As his ministry grows to the point of separating Junior High and High School, Justin shares how meaningful relationships, intentional leadership, and a strong culture can help students move from simply sho...

What happens when the people on your team have to trust each other with their lives? In this conversation, Jason Squires sits down with Eric Zane, Fire Chief of the Woodland California Fire Department, to talk about the power of connection within a team. For firefighters, trust and communication aren't just important leadership principles, they can be the difference between life and death. Eric shares what he's learned about building trust, creating opportunities for connection, navigating confl...

Music has a unique way of bringing people together. A single song can transport us back to a moment in time, spark a conversation, or create a memory that lasts a lifetime. Join Jason Squires as he sits down with composer, producer, and longtime musical director Jim Daneker to explore the power of connection through music. After spending nearly three decades touring with Michael W. Smith, Jim launched Arcade Orchestra, a one-of-a-kind concert experience that reimagines the iconic songs of the '...

Leaders Who Create Connection: Stories have a way of connecting with us that facts alone never can. Whether it's through a sermon, a song, or a simple conversation, the stories we share often become the moments people remember most. Join Jason Squires as he sits down with pastor, songwriter, and military veteran Luke Eldredge to explore the power of story. Together they discuss why stories help people connect, how vulnerability builds trust, and what it looks like to faithfully steward your own ...

Over the last twelve episodes, we've had conversations about growth, belonging, and healthy rhythms with leaders from a wide variety of creative backgrounds. While every guest brought a unique perspective, we kept hearing the same themes come up again and again. In this solo episode, join Jason Squires as he steps back to reflect on what we've learned together. We'll talk about why talent alone isn't enough, how healthy cultures are built, why belonging matters more than performance, and how the...

Leaders Who Create Healthy Rhythms: Healthy rhythms sound great in theory, but living them out is a different story. Join Jason Squires as he sits down with John Cassetto to talk about what it really looks like to lead well without running yourself into the ground. They discuss how to recognize when a rhythm that once served you is no longer healthy, how to create margin in a world that expects constant access, and why so many leaders wrestle with guilt when they finally slow down. John also sh...

Leaders Who Create Healthy Rhythms: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Brian Taylor for an honest conversation about creating healthy rhythms that last. They discuss why so many leaders feel guilty when they slow down, the difference between being busy and being fruitful, and how to protect your family while faithfully carrying the responsibilities of leadership. If you've ever struggled to find the balance between leading well at work and being fully present at home, this conversation will...

Leaders Who Create Healthy Rhythms: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Dr. Heather Penny to talk about why so many leaders are great at carrying responsibility but struggle to care for themselves. They discuss the rhythms she's learned to protect, how to build healthy habits without becoming legalistic, and why creativity needs margin to flourish. They also have an honest conversation about a culture that often confuses availability with value. If you've ever felt like you have to be "on" a...

Leaders Who Create Healthy Rhythms: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Rory Noland to talk about something every leader needs but few of us do well, creating healthy rhythms. After decades of serving artists and worship leaders, Rory has learned that longevity isn't about talent. It's about building a life that can actually sustain the calling God has given you. We talk about why so many creatives struggle to rest, how to recognize burnout before it takes over, and what separates leaders wh...

Leaders Who Create Belonging: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Bryan Taylor, Executive Director of Tommy Walker Ministries, to talk about the kind of leadership that often happens behind the scenes but leaves a lasting impact. Bryan shares lessons learned from years of serving alongside Tommy, how leaders can help people feel valued even when their contributions aren't visible, and why healthy teams choose celebration over competition. If you're a leader who wants to build a culture wher...

Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Alex Holcomb (@alexonthekeyz) to explore how creative leaders can build environments where people feel seen, valued, and encouraged. Alex shares how navigating seasons of feeling overlooked shaped her leadership, why encouragement is essential for long-term creative health, and how she helps younger creatives develop confidence without tying their worth to performance or platform. They also discuss the importance of continuing to grow as a leader, creating...

Leaders Who Create Belonging- Join Jason Squires as he sits down with legendary vocalist, creative leader, and Disney Vocal Coach Vangie Gunn-Goodwin for a conversation about creating belonging in creative spaces. From decades of work behind the scenes in film, television, and music, to now leading Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band after his passing, Vangie shares what it means to help people feel seen, valued, and connected beyond their talent. Vangie also shares about launching her new podcast co...

Leaders Who Create Belonging: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with worship pastor and songwriter Trent Smith to talk about what it means to create spaces where people truly belong. From songwriting rooms to worship teams, Trent shares how great leaders move beyond performance and intentionally build cultures where creatives feel seen, valued, and safe enough to bring their full selves to the table. We talk about collaboration, humility, creative trust, and why belonging may be one of the most...

Leaders Who Create Belonging: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Nicole Lucas. She is the founder of The Creative Level, Creative Arts Pastor at Christ Community Church, and part of the team behind Slingshot Group. Together they talk about what it really takes to build healthy creative cultures where people can thrive. They explore the mindsets that quietly hold creatives back, why feedback can feel so personal for artists and leaders, and how to create environments that bring out the best ...

Leaders Who Create Growth: Pastor, worship leader, educator, and mentor Dr. Ellington Porter joins Jason Squires for a conversation about what it means to inspire growth in others. With decades of experience developing leaders, creatives, and young people, Ellington shares the difference between leaders who simply manage people and those who truly call people into growth. Together they explore the responsibility of leadership, how culture shapes development, and the impact artificial intelligenc...