Matt Scott

J.R. Briggs | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 12

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: J.R. Briggs

“We don’t know how to ask good questions and point to another because we’re just so fixated on ourselves.” – Steve Macchia

Steve Macchia and J.R. Briggs remind leaders that transformation begins by asking better, more honest questions. Their conversation invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and cultivate curiosity that leads to wiser, Spirit-led discernment. Receive the invitation to shift from having all the answers to pursuing the right questions.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

J.R. Briggs

J.R. Briggs (Season 36 Guest)
J.R. has written, co-written, and contributed to 15 books on a wide variety of topics and published over 50 published articles, both online and in print, with Christianity Today, Huffington Post, Preaching Today, American Bible Society, N.T. Wright Online, Missio Alliance, Boundless.org and Relevant Magazine, and several others. His most recent book, The Art of Asking Questions (InterVarsity Press, 2025) is his passion project, as he is driven to help leaders grow to become better question askers. He hosts the Resilient Leaders podcast, a weekly podcast equipping leaders in a wide variety of backgrounds to grow in their health and effectiveness.

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Gary Thomas | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 11

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Gary Thomas

“A simple definition of spiritual formation is that the pathway to a deeper walk with God is alignment of a deep understanding of the truth about God and the truth about ourselves.” – Steve Macchia

In this week’s episode of The Discerning Leader Podcast, Steve Macchia shares a conversation with long-time friend Gary Thomas. In Gary’s most recent book, The Life You Were Reborn to Live, he exposes twelve subtle but powerful deceptions that quietly drain joy and block intimacy with God. Steve and Gary offer practical ways we can dismantle the false beliefs that keep us from the abundant, joy-filled life God has already placed within reach.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Gary Thomas

Gary Thomas (Season 36 Guest)
Gary Thomas is a bestselling author and international speaker whose ministry brings people closer to Christ and closer to others. He unites the study of Scripture, church history, and the Christian classics to foster spiritual growth and deeper relationships within the Christian community. His unique message is designed to help you enjoy God with a new sense of freedom and delight, embrace the unique way that you interact with God, partner in the spiritual growth and character formation of your spouse and build a closer, grace-based family. His newest book, The Life You Were Reborn To Live, is available everywhere books are sold.

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Alison Cook | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 10

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alison Cook

“To have a healthy sense of identity and focus intently on what matters most, that’s what we’re all longing for.” – Steve Macchia

Curiosity, boundaries, healing, and integration. In Episode 10 of Season 36, Steve Macchia interviews Dr. Alison Cook as she shares wisdom and insight from these themes in her recent book “I Shouldn’t Feel This Way.” A psychotherapist, author, online educator and the host of “The Best of You” podcast, Alison helps other heal painful emotions, develop confidence from the inside out, forge healthy relationships, and fully live out their God-given potential.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Dr. Alison Cook (Season 36 Guest)
Dr. Alison Cook is a therapist and host of the top-ranked The Best of You podcast. She is the author of the ECPA bestselling book The Best of You and coauthor of Boundaries for Your Soul. Widely recognized as an expert at the intersection of faith and psychology, Dr. Alison empowers individuals to heal from past wounds, develop a strong sense of self, forge healthy rela­tionships, and experience a loving God who is for them.

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Bill and Kristi Gaultiere | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 9

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guests: Bill and Kristi Gaultiere

” Relational health and vitality is based on our ability to be empathetic toward one another as God has been empathetic toward us.” – Steve Macchia

In Episode 36.09 of The Discerning Leader podcast, Steve Macchia interviews Bill and Kristi Gaultiere of Soul Shepherding as they share wisdom from their recent book, Deeply Loved. Together, they discuss how the life-giving and life-changing power of empathy raises emotional intelligence, cultivates healthier emotions, heals relationships, and draws us closer to Jesus.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Bill Gaultiere (Season 36 Guest)
Bill is a psychologist (PhD; PSY12036 in CA) and ordained pastor, specializing in ministry to pastors. He and Kristi are the authors of Journey of the Soul, which was #1 on Amazon in Christian Counseling. He was personally mentored for many years by Dallas Willard and Ray Ortlund Sr. His earlier book Your Best Life in Jesus’ Easy Yoke tells the story of his spiritual renewal from anxious living and burnout and introduces the message and way of Soul Shepherding. Bill and Kristi’s newest book is Deeply Loved: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Great Empathy for You.

Kristi Gaultiere (Season 36 Guest)
Kristi is a psychotherapist (Psy.D.; LPC4 and MFT29887 in CA) and spiritual director for women in ministry and pastors’ wives. She co-leads Soul Shepherding with Bill. She was personally mentored by Jane Willard and Dr. Jan Stoop. As a pastor’s wife, mother, and ministry professional, Kristi offers empathy and wisdom from her experience personally and as a therapist who has spent many thousands of hours caring for people. Kristi enjoys speaking, training, teaching, consulting, counseling, and retreat leading with Bill. You can listen to Bill and Kristi’s weekly Soul Talks podcast or read their Soul Shepherding devotional emails.

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Jeff Crosby | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 8

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Jeff Crosby

“Reading is yet another way we can notice and discern the work of God in everyday life.” – Steve Macchia

Why should we read? It’s a question Jeff Crosby both poses and beautifully answers through engaging personal stories, literary reflections, and spiritual insights, within this rich, thought-provoking book. Tune into this podcast conversation, hosted by Steve Macchia, to explore how reading can be an act of worship and spiritual formation.

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations,
Steve Macchia is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Jeff Crosby (Season 36 Guest)
Jeff Crosby is the President of ECPA, the trade association of Christian publishing, and has worked in bookselling and publishing roles for more than four decades. His written work has been published in Publishers Weekly, Books & Culture, CRUX Journal, Conversations Journal, Living Lutheran, Marriage Partnership, CRA Today, and Urban Faith. His newest book, World of Wonders, is a heartfelt tribute to the power of books and reading’s ability to unfurl the glory of God, transform our lives, open windows to the world, inspire our imaginations, and help us be more faithful Christ followers. He resides in the Chicago area with his wife, Cindy Crosby.

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Ashley and Bryce Hales | Discerning God’s Invitations, Episode 7

Discerning God's Invitations, The Discerning Leader Podcast / /

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Ashley and Bryce Hales

“There’s so much of us that is yet to be explored because we don’t access our imagination.” – Steve Macchia 

Is it possible to experience a life of fruitful obedience when we’re exhausted, anxious, and busy? In their book A Fruitful Life, Ashley and Bryce Hales help readers dive deep into the Sermon on the Mount and discover Jesus’ vision of a good and fruitful life. This podcast episode, hosted by Steve Macchia, offers a rich conversation around Jesus’ most famous teaching as well as the surprising and renewing power of Christian imagination. 

Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Steve Macchia (Podcast Host)
Founder and President of Leadership Transformations
Steve is the author of The Discerning Life,  Becoming a Healthy Church, Broken and Whole, Crafting a Rule of Life and several other titles. Steve has over 40 years in ministry and two postgraduate degrees from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

Ashley Hales (Season 36 Guest)
Ashley Hales (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is editorial director, print for Christianity Today. She is the author of Finding Holy in the Suburbs and A Spacious Life, and her work focuses on the surprising and renewing work of a Christian imagination. She is a Kirby Laing Centre Academic Fellow, an advisor to the Covenant College board of trustees, and a cofounder of The Willowbrae Institute.

Bryce Hales (Season 36 Guest)
Bryce Hales (BTh, University of Glasgow) is the pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church (PCA) in San Luis Obispo, California. A cofounder of the Willowbrae Institute, he has been a pastor since 2006 and has served in college ministry and church planting in California, Utah, and Colorado. Bryce is completing his DMin at Covenant Theological Seminary, studying secularism and church leadership. He lives on the central coast of California with his wife, Ashley, and their four children.

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Mitzi Mak

Selah-West Faculty & Emmaus Faculty

Mitzi started her professional life as a high school social studies teacher. She and her husband Jerry then served cross-culturally for ten+ years, living abroad first in India and then Kurdistan, N. Iraq. In addition to being a Spiritual Director, she now serves as a Formation and Care pastor in her local church in Houston, TX. She has graduated from LTI’s Selah Spiritual Direction training as well as LTI’s Emmaus Formational Leadership Program.

Mitzi enjoys engaging conversation, reading fiction, doing jigsaw/crossword puzzles, ocean gazing and exploring the world with Jerry through food and travel.

God has two main callings in Mitzi’s life: to care for those who care for others and to be a guide in helping others have a healthy relationship with the Trinity – recognizing God’s loving presence and activity in their lives and how to faithfully respond.

“Selah was a transformative experience for me – allowing the contemplative within to emerge and to beautifully co-exist with my extraverted personality.“