Advertise on podcast: Eagle Brook Church Leadership Podcast

In this episode, John and Don sit down with Dean Hager, retired technology executive, former CEO of Jamf, and author of PROOF: Undeniable Evidence of God Found in the Bible’s Most Unbelievable Story. Dean shares the unexpected turns that took him from a small-town Minnesota kid who stumbled into coding to leading one of the state’s biggest tech success stories. He also shares the surprising story that brought him to Eagle Brook and why he and Bob Merritt say they saved each other's lives. Plus, they talk AI and the future of work.

What does it look like to lead well in the business world while staying rooted in your faith? John and Don sit down with Dan Stoltz, President and CEO of Blaze Credit Union, and Deb Schoneman, President of Piper Sandler, to talk about leadership, overcoming mistakes, and using your workplace as your mission field.

In this episode, John and Don sit down with Nate Hilgenkamp, who grew up in Minnesota and now serves at Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Together, they discuss his call to ministry, what it takes to reach young adults in their 20s and 30s, and what gives Nate hope for the future of the Church. Plus, hear the books, leaders, and lessons that continue to inspire and shape his leadership and ministry.

Conversations about money have a way of making people uncomfortable—especially in the church. In this episode, John and Don sit down with Jim Johnson, the executive director of global and generosity partnerships at Eagle Brook, for an honest conversation about why money and generosity matter and how we can talk about both in ways that feel normal, practical, and approachable.

In this episode, John and Don sit down with Maita Troje, campus pastor at our Minneapolis campus, to discuss leading through complex cultural and political circumstances. They chat about lessons learned from a challenging year for the city of Minneapolis, women in leadership in the church, and how to trust your leadership despite facing barriers and insecurities.

In this episode, John and Don sit down with Andrew Hermann to explore what it means to be an effective communicator using the FLOP method—Focus, Listen & Link, Own/Others’ Stories, and Preparation. They break down each element with practical insight and real-life application, helping you communicate more clearly, connect more deeply, and lead conversations with purpose.

In this episode, John and Don talk with Steve Johnson and break down the inner workings of prison ministry—what it looks like, how it operates, and the role it plays in reaching incarcerated individuals. They also share meaningful stories that highlight the impact and momentum of ministry efforts within prisons today.

Do you know someone who might be curious and open to learning more about Jesus? Don and John walk through a biblical model called the Four Circles of Transformation to give insight into how to share your faith, engage in conversations with others who are exploring their faith, and how to help lead them to a relationship with Jesus.

As a leader, how do you help develop future leaders vs. simply managing people? In this episode, Don and John talk with TJ Palme about how to coach your team to reach their full potential. Learn how to recognize individual strengths and weaknesses, provide constructive feedback, and establish practical leadership frameworks.

Many characteristics can contribute to a healthy workplace culture, but self-awareness stands out as one of the most impactful. Don and John sit down to explore why it matters and how to strengthen it within yourself and your team.

Don and Jon talk with Madison Gulley, the Online Viewing Groups pastor, and Randon Ruggles, a Viewing Group host, about what viewing groups are, how they work, and why they matter. They go through the challenges, the meaningful moments, and the impact of people gathering to watch church from anywhere in the world—and practical ways you can get involved.

From 8 years of services in a high school to finally launching a new permanent location—the Plymouth campus is finally here! Don and John sit down with the Plymouth campus pastor, Mike Emmert, and worship pastor Chris Mason to tell the story behind it all. They talk through the challenge and setbacks, the small wins that kept them going, and the moments that make it all worth it.

From the business world to full-time ministry, Michelle Nelson—the Executive Director of Operations at Eagle Brook—sits down with John and Don to talk about what it's like to transition careers...from the positives to the challenges and everything in between. If you feel called to a career in ministry, this one's for you.

Did Don get inducted into the White Castle Hall of Fame?! You know it. He and John discuss how to create extraordinary experiences out of ordinary moments, sharing helpful insights and reminders for leaders. If you believe in something, make it count!

Ever feel drained or stuck in a mental fog? Don and John take a seat with Kyle Idleman, a bestselling author and senior pastor at Southeast Christian Church. Based on Kyle's book, Every Thought Captive, they discuss how to take control of your thoughts by identifying and reframing unhealthy patterns to calm the mental chaos that keeps you stuck, drains your hope, and holds you back.