Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really ...
Oct 20, 2025•7 min•Season 6Ep. 41
In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.
Oct 13, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 40
Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying. Here are a few of the studies...
Oct 06, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 39
Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life. I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re cri...
Sep 29, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 38
In a week filled with tragedy and nonstop scrolling, many of us felt the weight of collective triggering . Do I post? What do I post? Do I delete it? How do I keep relationships intact when emotions are running high? In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the art of disagreeing without disrespect, why friendships shouldn’t dissolve in 20 seconds over one post, and how respect and humility can change the tone of even the hardest conversations. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be kind... ev...
Sep 22, 2025•22 min•Season 6Ep. 37
In the final episode of the Success Series, Ryan Leak unpacks the most sobering truth of all: success doesn’t last. From viral moments to bestselling milestones, the applause fades faster than you think. Whether it’s leading a Fortune 50 company, playing in the NBA, or hitting a career high, success often disappears like a mist... visible for a moment, then gone. But what does last? How you treated people. The impact you made. If you’ve ever chased success only to find it didn’t satisfy, this ep...
Sep 15, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 36
In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , we’re talking about the addiction of success. There’s a fine line between being driven and being dependent—and far too many people cross it without even knowing it. From the pressure to keep up appearances to chasing validation through likes, shares, and applause, Ryan unpacks what it looks like when success stops being a blessing and starts becoming a burden. You’ll learn the difference between healthy contentment and complacency, and walk away with a ...
Sep 08, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 35
Everyone wants success… until they feel the pressure that comes with it. In this episode, Ryan unpacks what happens after you win: the pressure to stay on top, to outperform your last big moment, and to keep everyone impressed. Drawing from fresh research led by Dr. Angela on stress and "stressure" (stress + pressure), Ryan gets real about what success can do to your peace, your pace, and your purpose. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in expectations while trying to keep it all together,...
Sep 01, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 34
In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , Ryan breaks down what most people won’t tell you about success... it’s not just hard to get, it’s even harder to manage . From losing your edge to losing your people, success can quietly sabotage the very things that matter most if you’re not paying attention. Ryan shares the subtle ways success can shift your mindset, mess with your relationships, and make you play it safe when you used to dream big. If you’re on the path to something great, or already...
Aug 25, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 33
In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , Ryan asks a bold question: What does it cost to be you? Success often looks easy from the outside, but the behind-the-scenes story usually includes late nights, tough decisions, and sacrifices no one ever sees. Whether it's private jets, real estate empires, or viral influence, there's always a price tag success doesn't advertise. This kicks off a short series on success we'll be unpacking over the next few weeks... so if you're chasing a dream, this on...
Aug 18, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 32
In this episode, Ryan unpacks why most people confuse a bad moment with a bad day, and how that simple mix-up can hijack your peace. He shares a personal story about spiraling over book reviews, breaks down the science of negativity bias, and reminds us that we don’t have to give a rude email, a low-like post, or a traffic jam that much power. One moment doesn’t define your mindset. You do. Each week, Ryan sends out an encouraging text. If you'd like to subscribe to those, just text podcast to 4...
Aug 11, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 31
In this episode, Ryan explores the underrated power of boring. He breaks down how NBA players, elite entrepreneurs, and even happy couples all rely on boring routines to achieve extraordinary results. While most people chase what’s flashy and exciting, Ryan makes the case that consistency, the kind that feels repetitive and unglamorous, is actually the secret to success. From vending machines to funeral homes, from writing talks to managing budgets, Ryan shares how embracing boring is what unloc...
Aug 04, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 30
In this episode, Ryan shares why one of the best days of your life is the day you stop playing the blame game. He unpacks how blaming others,even when they’re truly at fault, won’t move your life forward. With a powerful story, some surprising research, and real-talk motivation, Ryan challenges you to take back the pen and start writing your next chapter. Because someone else might be responsible for how you got here, but only you can decide where you go next. Text ‘podcast’ to 469-809-1201 to s...
Jul 28, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 29
What makes someone complicated to work with? Is it their politics? Their generation? Their role? According to our nationwide study, none of those even came close. The number one answer, by a long shot, was attitude. In today’s episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, I’m unpacking why your attitude matters more than you think. You can’t change your coworker’s personality, your boss’s behavior, or your client’s demands, but you can change your attitude. And the powerful part? When you do, it doesn’t jus...
Jul 21, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 28
In this episode, Ryan breaks down the hilarious but honest concept of an "ask hole", someone who constantly asks for advice but never takes action. Inspired by a phrase he heard from a friend, Ryan dives into why learning something and actually applying it are two very different things. He unpacks the psychological reasons people confuse knowledge with growth and offers practical steps to stop the cycle. If you want to be the kind of person mentors are excited to pour into, this episode is for y...
Jul 14, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 27
You’ve got dreams. Big ones. But fear? It’s loud. That voice in your head says, What if it doesn’t work out? This episode is for anyone who's ever felt underqualified, overwhelmed, or just plain scared. Spoiler alert: You can still move forward. From launching a business to going to therapy, applying for the job to starting the podcast—this one’s all about giving yourself permission to show up anyway. Not polished. Not fearless. Just present. Inspired by a quote from Glennon Doyle, Ryan shares w...
Jul 08, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 26
Ryan reveals why your calendar is more than just a schedule; it's a scoreboard that lays bare your priorities, patterns, and untapped potential. He challenges you to look beyond the "have-tos" of professional life and identify the "get-tos"—the opportunities for growth, learning, and genuine fulfillment. On the personal front, he calls out the common pitfalls of endless distractions, urging listeners to get "uber intentional" about how their time is spent. If family or personal growth truly matt...
Jun 30, 2025•8 min•Season 6Ep. 25
Join Ryan Leak in this episode as he tackles the critical difference between those who "crush it" and those who merely "wish they would've." It all comes down to being ready —not just thinking about it, but doing the deep, consistent work long before opportunity knocks. Ryan challenges the common "if I had..." fantasy, arguing that true growth happens in the quiet moments of preparation, not when circumstances magically change. He shares powerful insights from Olympian Chaunté Lowe, whose record...
Jun 23, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 24
You've heard the success stories, but what's the real secret to getting into the rooms you've always dreamed of? Ryan Leak spills the beans on his short-and-sweet podcast: it's rarely a solo climb. In "The Room Where It Happens," Ryan shares his personal "breadcrumb slide," highlighting the unexpected mentors who didn't just open doors, but taught him how to thrive within those spaces. This isn't just about personal achievement; it's a powerful call to action. Learn why true legacy and fulfillme...
Jun 16, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 23
Ever been misunderstood? We all have. In this episode, Ryan shares how to be the kind of person who reduces misunderstandings... at work, at home, and in marriage. From switching up communication channels to leading with curiosity instead of assumptions, this episode will challenge you to slow down, seek clarity, and build stronger connections in every area of your life.
Jun 09, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 22
In this episode, I did something I’ve never done before. I asked ChatGPT to give me feedback—not just a one-time evaluation, but based on hundreds of prompts and conversations we’ve had over time. I asked: “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?” “How can I get better?” “What’s the thing I need to hear that I probably wouldn’t want to hear?” The answers were honest. Insightful. And a little uncomfortable—in the best way. We talk about the gift of feedback, how even AI can hold up a mirror...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 21
In this episode, Ryan shares the concept of a “lifequake” — those unexpected, seismic moments that shake your world and change everything. From his own story of childhood lifequake to the struggles many quietly carry today, this episode is full of empathy, hope, and real talk. Ryan unpacks two things every person needs when the ground gives way: an anchor for your soul and a friend who won’t run from your darkness. With a powerful illustration from Marvel’s Thunderbolts , this episode is for any...
May 26, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 20
Most people say they work with someone who’s complicated—but almost no one thinks they are the problem. In this episode, Ryan Leak dives into brand-new national research revealing just how widespread (and underestimated) complicated people are in today’s workforce. Spoiler: the numbers don’t add up. With vulnerability and humor, Ryan admits his own complexities and shares a true story about being labeled “too complicated” by a PR firm. He unpacks the self-awareness gap uncovered in the study, wh...
May 19, 2025•10 min•Season 6Ep. 19
In this episode, Ryan shares a behind-the-scenes story about his journey with John Maxwell’s team—a relationship that took over a decade to build. When Ryan once asked if he could be featured on John’s podcast, he was met with an honest and challenging response: “I don’t think we’re there yet.” Rather than taking offense, Ryan took it as fuel for growth. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the best thing someone can say to you is not yet . Because growth doesn’t come from empty compliments...
May 12, 2025•13 min•Season 6Ep. 18
100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla: The Debate That Builds Better Teams Could 100 men take down 1 gorilla—with no weapons? It’s the internet’s favorite argument right now, and in this episode, Ryan breaks it down with NFL linemen, sumo wrestlers, UFC fighters, and a whole lot of imagination. But this episode isn’t really about gorillas. It’s about connection. In How to Work With Complicated People , Ryan talks about improving relationships by asking better questions—and sometimes, the questions that build th...
May 05, 2025•11 min•Season 6Ep. 17
Ever caught yourself mid-rant and thought… “Wait, that’s not me talking—that’s my tired ”? In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , we’re getting real about the voices that hijack our conversations—tired, insecurity, anxiety, anger, pride, jealousy, even disappointment. Sometimes the loudest person in the room… isn’t even you. Before you send the text, quit the job, confront the friend, or make a big life decision—pause and look who’s talking. Because when your emotions grab the mic, they don’...
Apr 28, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 16
In a world where it’s normal to match attitude for attitude and shade for shade, what if you chose a different route? In this episode, Ryan unpacks why matching someone else’s energy might be the most overrated move you’re making — and how setting the standard can change your relationships, your leadership, and your peace of mind. From sibling fights to toxic work cultures, this one’s got real-life stories, a little humor, and a reminder that you don’t have to reflect the room — you can lead it....
Apr 21, 2025•9 min•Season 6Ep. 15
In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , we’re doing a full Expectations Detox . Because let’s be honest—some of us are walking into work, home, and life expecting people to be simple, perfect, and just like us… and we’re constantly disappointed. Why? Because people are complicated. Quirky. Moody. Late. And wildly different. Ryan unpacks why the key to working with (and loving) complicated people isn’t lowering your standards—it’s resetting your expectations . From Target people vs. Walmart pe...
Apr 14, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 14
In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast , we’re going behind the scenes of my upcoming book—specifically, the story of the book cover. Sounds simple, right? Not even close. This episode is about what it really means to stop settling for “good enough” and start living with Big League standards. I share how a challenge from a friend, an introduction to a world-class designer, and one unforgettable sentence— “Yeah, it’s called the Big Leagues” —completely shifted my perspective on excellence. We’l...
Apr 07, 2025•12 min•Season 6Ep. 13
You’ve heard the advice: “Just stop caring what people think.” But if it were that easy, you would’ve done it by now. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks what’s really holding most people back—not fear of failure, but fear of what other people might think. From the thoughts we imagine others are having to the strangers we give way too much power, this episode is a wake-up call to stop living life based on imaginary opinions. Ryan explores the truth about judgment, the trap of social media fear, a...
Mar 31, 2025•14 min•Season 6Ep. 12
