Lead Stories Podcast

Latest Episodes:

S04: Episode 6 Breaking The Mold - Jo's Story Feb 05, 2018

Show notes

It's Jo's turn to talk about how her life has unintentionally and then over time, intentionally broken molds. Jo discusses how her cultural background has meant she has always broken molds and caused her to question her identity. However, as she has become increasingly comfortable with being uncomfortable she has been able to accept the calling God has given her and accept God's invitations to break molds.

Discussion questions:

- Do you feel comfortable in the armor that God has given you to wear or are you constantly trying to put someone else's on?

- Which things, which felt very uncomfortable at the time, do you now recognize were God-given situations God used you in to break the mold and advance His kingdom?

- Where do you need to embrace the uncomfortableness of being salt and light right now?

Check out the following books:

Shonda Rhimes: Year of Yes.

Jo Saxton: Dream of You (out now!!)

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S04: Episode 5 - Breaking The Mold Steph's Story Jan 29, 2018

Show notes

Steph shares stories from her life about how she has unintentionally broken the mold on many occasions by standing up for what she feels is right or following God's calling.

Listen in to hear how not to stand up to a gym teacher like teenage Steph did, but how God used it to grow her capacity and for God's truth to be proclaimed. Steph also shares how being a female pastor (and previously a single one) also unintentionally broke molds and brought conflict but also breakthrough.

Discussion questions:

1) Where have you broken the mold in your life without intentionally setting out to do so?

2) Where have you been afraid to do something right or stand up for someone because you fear breaking a mold?

3) Think of some specific situations where Jesus broke the mold.

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S04: Episode 4 - Breaking The Mold Jan 22, 2018

Show notes

What does the phrase 'breaking the mold' mean? Is it a good thing? In this introductory episode to a new series, Jo and Steph talk about the limitations of molds, how we can be blind to them and how they hold us back as leaders - both by keeping us from stepping into things and also stopping us from helping others to step into things.

Discussion questions:

1) What are ways which we are being held back because of the molds society, church etc has placed on us?

2) Which molds are we blind to because we fit the mold, and so we are blind to how that mold is holding other people back?

3) Who are some people or leaders in your life who you have seen break the mold in ways that have been really meaningful to you?

Don't forget to check out Jo's new book - The Dream of You - it's out now!

And you are invited to the launch party on February 1st in Minneapolis. Check out Jo's social media to get the link code to sign up. It's a free but ticketed event.

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S04: Episode 3 - The Dream of You Podcast! Jan 15, 2018

Show notes

Lead Stories listeners get the privilege of hearing one of the new 'The Dream of You' podcast episodes right here on Lead Stories!

In this first episode of the 7-part mini-podcast you can hear Steph interview Jo on her new book, also called 'The Dream of You' and hear Jo talk candidly about the writing process, the reasons why she wrote the book and how it feels to have her personal journey of rediscovering her identity in print for all the world to read. Listen in to hear more about the book and find out why rediscovering your identity is so important to how you live your life.

To listen to the rest of this 7 part 'The Dream of You' podcast series then search for 'The Dream of You' in iTunes or wherever you listen to your podcasts! (And if you enjoy it then don't forget to leave a review so that others can find it too!)

Don't forget to grab your copy of Jo's new book: 'The Dream of You' now!

S04: Episode 2 - Hello/Goodbye Our Stories Jan 08, 2018

Show notes

Want a sneak peek into Jo and Steph's hello/goodbye process? Listen in to hear Jo talking about what last year's word 'flourish' ended up looking life for her and why she feels that 'focus' is the word for 2018. Find out what saying goodbye to other people's expectations looked like for Steph and what she thinks God may be saying to her through the phrases: 'Keys of the Kingdom' and 'Break the Mold.'

Discussion questions:

1) Where are you at in your goodbye/hello process? When can you separate some time this week to work on your goodbyes and hellos? (Don't forget to download the workbook - link below)

2) How does it make you feel to know that God's word is often like a seed? How can you practically water the seed of the word God is giving you for this year?

Check out the new 7-episodes of The Dream of You podcast. They will all be out on January 10th!

Get your hello/goodbye workbook at:

www.leadstoriesmedia.com/resources

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S04: Episode 1 Hello/Goodbye 2018 Jan 01, 2018

Show notes

Welcome to Season 4!

In today's episode Jo and Steph talk Hello / Goodbye and share how we can examine the past year well and embrace 2018 intentionally.

There is an accompanying Hello / Goodbye workbook which you can pick up www.leadstoriesmedia.com/resources - check it out!

Steps for Hello / Goodbye:

1. Meditate

Try Proverbs 4:4-19

2. Review

Look at the highs and lows of the year.

3. Release

Let go of the accomplishments, failures, etc of year.

4. Reveal

Ask God to show you what to say goodbye to

5. Receive

Ask God to show you what to say hello to and step into in 2018

6. Respond

Share your ideas with others. It builds towards your plan.

7. Record

Write it down!

Workbook available at www.leadstoriesmedia.com/resources

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S03: Episode 22 - The Final Episode of the Season Dec 18, 2017

Show notes

Jo and Steph pull the curtain on Season 3 of Lead Stories by looking back over the past season and forward to the next one. Listen in to find out more!

Check out the new hello-goodbye resource and the feedback tool: https://www.leadstoriesmedia.com/resources/

Steph's article on Imposter Syndrome at Christianity Today:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/women-leaders/2017/october/beat-imposter-syndrome.html

Which has been your favorite podcast of the season? Let Jo or Steph know:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S03: Episode 21 - Lead Voices with Osheta Moore Dec 13, 2017

Show notes

Writer and podcaster Osheta Moore is talking shalom with Jo and Steph today as they discuss what it means to be intentional about wholeness and peace in our relationship with God, others and the world and its broken systems.

Listen in to here Osheta's dramatic testimony and her manifesto to help women pursue shalom in their lives and make a difference in the world around them.

Check out Osheta's book: Shalom Sistas: Living wholeheartedly in a broken world.

Podcast: Shalom Sistas

Instagram: @OshetaM

Shalominthecity.com

Discussion questions:

1) In which areas of your life are you experiencing wholehearted shalom and which areas are lacking?

2) Where are you angry about injustice right now and what practical steps can you take to do something about it?

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S03: Episode 20 - Lead On: Practical Ways to Deal With Anxiety and Stress Dec 11, 2017

Show notes

Steph and Michelle Steffenhagen are talking about becoming more aware of where our thoughts automatically go when we are anxious or stressed and how to take greater control over our reactions.

In this episode they discuss 5 types of self-defeating thoughts and how we can identify them and stop them in their tracks:

1) All or nothing thinking

2) Catastrophizing

3) Unrealistic thinking - oughts and shoulds.

4) Fortune telling

5) Mind reading

Listen in to also hear why scheduling your worry and mind dumping can be helpful tools for anxiety as well as meditation and breath prayers.

Guide to the 'be still' breath prayer:

https://gravitycenter.com/practice/be-still/

Check out Michelle's website:

Www.lifecoachingwithmichelle.com or find her on Facebook: Michelle Steffenhagen.

Discussion questions:

1) Do you let other people help you put your oxygen mask on? Who do you expect to help you when they themselves may be struggling? Who else could you ask for help?

2) What do you think about scheduling your worry? How can you be intentional about taking time this week to examine and sort through some of your worries and to action plan what you are going to do?

3) The next time you identify the physical effects of stress or anxiety in your body stop and identify the thoughts you are thinking. Are any of the 5 self-defeating thoughts listed above present? What is the truth you need to embrace?

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com

S03: Episode 19 - Leading On Through Failure with Sarah Bessey Dec 06, 2017

Show notes

Sarah Bessey is chatting to Steph about the reality of leading on in the midst of difficulty, failure and seasons on healing and resurrection.

In a candid interview, Sarah shares how this year started with a major car accident and how that has impacted her ability to work, write and lead, has led to failures and meeting with God in a new way in the midst of it.

You can find Sarah over at www.sarahbessey.com where you can sign up for her regular 'Field Notes' as well as check out her latest gift and book list to empower women and girls.

Check out Sarah's books: 'Jesus Feminist' and 'Out of Sorts'.

Discussion questions:

1) Be honest. Where are you not 'okay' right now? Do a post-mortem on the reasons why and make a self-care plan. Be accountable with someone about it.

2) Where do you need to ask for help? Who are the people God has positioned around you in this season to partner with you towards wholeness, renewal and redemption?

Follow Lead Stories Podcast to interact with Steph and Jo:

Twitter: @LeadStoriesVox

Instagram: @LeadStoriesPodcast

Facebook: LeadStoriesPodcast

Connect with Jo at www.josaxton.com @josaxton

Connect with Steph at www.pastorsteph.com @pastorsteph

Subscribe on iTunes to have the podcast automatically download to your device every week or listen at www.leadstoriespodcast.com

www.leadstoriesmedia.com