What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. In this episode of...
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What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. In this episode of...
What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. In this episode of...
Real leadership isn’t tested in calm waters—it’s forged in the storms. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael talk with Dr. Keith McDaniel, Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School and seasoned military veteran, about what resilience really looks like, why it matters, and how to grow it—both in yourself and in teams. Keith shares stories from his 17 years in uniform, leading schools through change, and building strong environments where young leaders don’t just survive bu...
Discover insights with Tim Stevens, Founder and CEO of Leading Smart, a leading consulting firm dedicated to empowering business and church leaders to achieve their full potential. In this episode, Tim shares proven strategies for developing your team from within, key indicators for when to seek external talent, and common pitfalls to avoid. Whether you're scaling your organization or nurturing your current staff, this conversation will equip you with the knowledge to lead more effectively an...
John Rausch, Chairman and CEO of Rausch Companies, joins the podcast to discuss expanding a business begun by his grandfather, leading toward and through a major transition, and maintaining team and organizational culture. Send us a text
How do you live out your faith when the cameras are always on? 5News anchor Tiffany Lee joins The RISE Leadership Podcast to share her journey of following Christ while working in the public eye. She opens up about the importance of Biblical community, the challenge of balancing faith with a demanding work schedule, and how she maintains and communicates hope in a profession that often highlights tragedy and darkness. Send us a text
Josh Carson is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Rausch Companies. Josh joins Jeremy & Phil to discuss how he has been able to create avenues for spiritual conversations and encouragement for his team, and how his own walk with the Lord continues to impact his life as a leader. Send us a text
Dave Kinney, our Cross Church Pastor of Operations, discusses layers of organizational, personal and regional crisis he has walked through, and leadership lessons that helped him to navigate those seasons. Send us a text
In this episode, Phil & Jeremy sit down with Eli Laughlin, College Pastor at Cross Church, to discuss the vision, mission & opportunities of C3. If you are a college student interested in finding community and even looking for your own personal mission, or if you are an adult looking for a way to leave a legacy in the lives of college students, this podcast will introduce you to those possibilities with this behind the scenes look at the college ministry at Cross Church. Send us...
In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy and Phil sit down with Brennan Washington—former Cross Church staff member and now a church planter in Kentucky—for a powerful conversation on spiritual leadership that lasts. Brennan shares wisdom on consistency through seasons, the prayer life that anchors a leader, and what it means to honor a legacy while stepping into your own calling. Reflecting on the recent loss of an amazing father-in-law, Brennan opens up about the grief, gratit...
In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeff Crawford—President of Cross Theological Seminary—joins Jeremy and Phil for a special behind-the-scenes look at how CTS came to life. From a simple dream to a thriving seminary, Dr. Crawford unpacks the origin story, the moments of divine confirmation, and the unexpected miracles that marked its inaugural year. More than just a seminary story, this episode is packed with leadership gold. You’ll hear lessons on leading with vision befor...
IMB missionaries Seth & Amanda join our podcast to discuss lessons they have learned from serving and leading large numbers of team members who are stationed in remote locations. Send us a text
How do you influence the leaders above you without overstepping—and empower those below you to speak into your leadership? In this episode, Champion Forest Baptist Church Lead Pastor Jarrett Stephens joins us to unpack the art of “leading up.” With wisdom shaped by decades of ministry, Jarrett shares how humility, longevity, and faithfulness create lasting influence, why trusting your leader is a choice, and how honoring authority ultimately expands your own. If you're eager to grow your lead...
Host Jeremy Dixon is joined by leadership consultant, author, and former Catalyst leader Brad Lomenick. Together, they explore the weighty and essential leadership themes of identity, calling, and assignment—unpacking what it means to steward your influence well, whether you’re leading in the church or the marketplace. Brad shares insights from decades of experience leading thousands of young leaders and working alongside voices like John Maxwell. You’ll hear practical wisdom on discovering y...
En este episodio, Marco y Sonia Hernández, del equipo ministerial de Cross Church, comparten su trayectoria desde el inicio de su matrimonio, cuando ninguno de los dos era seguidor de Cristo, hasta su experiencia de salvación con Jesús, y cómo su relación con Él y su comunidad dentro de la Iglesia ha transformado sus vidas, matrimonio y familia. Send us a text
In this episode, Marco & Sonia Hernandez from our Cross Church ministry team share their journey as a married couple. From the beginning of their marriage when neither was a follower of Christ, to their saving encounter with Jesus, and how their relationship with Him and their community within the Church has transformed their lives, marriage and family. Send us a text
Former Tyson & Foster Farms CEO Donnie Smith discusses the pitfalls of holding onto past successes and disappointments, how to stay focused on what's ahead, and how to run after God's best plans for your future in life and leadership. Send us a text
Author, Pastor and Comedian Ted Cunningham joins Pastor Nick Floyd and Jeremy Dixon to discuss finding joy in the crazy seasons and rhythms of family life. Send us a text
In this episode Wichita State pitcher Caleb Anderson, former Razorback Brandon Moore and guest co-host Rick Schaeffer join Phil McMichael to discuss baseball, leadership, and how to maximize our position and passions for the advancement of God’s kingdom. Send us a text
In this episode, Jeremy and Phil will talk with Ryan Blackwell about navigating conflict as the leader. Join us as Dr. Blackwell discusses biblical and practical wisdom for handling conflict, and how to lead through conflict in a way that strengthens your team culture. Send us a text
Brandon Thomas, Keystone Church The fight to finish well — while every believer is aware of the priority that it should hold in our lives, we can easily lose sight of this fight as a motivational focus. In a recent chapel service with our Cross Church staff and CTS residents, Pastor Brandon Thomas dives into the life of Caleb and the characteristics that enabled him to fight the fight to finish well. Send us a text
What happens when life throws a curveball you never saw coming? Mike Matheny—known as one of the toughest men to ever wear the gear—played 13 seasons in Major League Baseball with the Brewers, Blue Jays, Cardinals, and Giants. After a fastball to the face in 2004, broadcasters began to refer to him as “the toughest player in baseball.” But beyond his reputation for grit, Mike’s story is one of faith, resilience, and learning to trust God when everything changes. In this episode of...
