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 one's for you.
Want to get a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your phone? Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to join the list.
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 469-809-1201.
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 unlocks the life everyone wants.
Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouraging texts from Ryan.
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 start receiving weekly motivational texts from Ryan.
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 just shift you. It shifts the entire atmosphere.
We’ll talk about emotional contagion, the science behind how your vibe affects your environment, and why your attitude might be the most overlooked leadership tool you have. You don’t get to control every situation, but you do get to choose your stance. And that one choice might be the game-changer.
Grab your copy of How to Work With Complicated People on Amazon. If you’d like to read the full research study, visit ryanleak.com/complicated.
Want an encouraging text from me every week? Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201.
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 you. It's a no-fluff call to execute, follow through, and show up ready to grow. To subscribe to weekly encouraging texts from Ryan, text "podcast" to 469-809-1201.
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 what it means to live with courage, not comfort, and why fear doesn’t get the final vote. Whether you’re writing a book with shaking hands or walking into the gym with popping knees, this episode reminds you: courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you show up scared and do it anyway.
You don’t need more confidence. You need movement.
So go ahead.
Do it scared.
Text "podcast" to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to weekly encouraging texts from Ryan Leak.
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 matter, Ryan asks, are they making it onto your sacred schedule?
Through compelling examples, including a pivotal business meeting he almost skipped and his non-negotiable family time, Ryan illustrates the powerful principle that your life is the result of what you consistently make time for. Discover why his calendar is a "not-so-secret sauce" to success, both professionally and personally. This episode isn't just about scheduling; it's about shaping your destiny. Learn how to transform your calendar from a mere record of obligations into a roadmap for a future you're genuinely excited about.
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-breaking public performance was merely the culmination of countless private victories. This is the essence of "private discipline meets public opportunity": a powerful reminder that you don't rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your preparation.
This episode is a practical call to action, urging you to make deposits into your "future opportunity account." Learn why having your "stuff" ready, practicing your pitch, and refining your craft now are non-negotiable. Ryan pushes listeners to stop wishing and start doing, emphasizing that the best version of you isn't surprised by success—they've been practicing for it in the dark. Discover how to ensure that when your big break arrives, it finds you ready, not regretting.
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 fulfillment come from being the person who holds the door open. Find out how your simple introduction, encouragement, or belief can be the access someone desperately needs to step into their future. To get encouraging text from Ryan, text "Podcast" to 469-809-1201.
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.
In this episode, I did something different. I asked ChatGPT to tell me the truth—what’s it like to be on the other side of me? What followed was some of the most honest, insightful, and slightly uncomfortable feedback I’ve gotten in a while.
We talk about how feedback—even from AI—can hold up a mirror, reveal patterns we miss, and challenge us to grow. If you’re willing to ask the hard questions and sit with the honest answers, this one’s for you.
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 anyone going through a hard time — and anyone who loves someone who is.
If you’re in the middle of a lifequake, you’re not alone. Ryan would love to pray for you.
Text “prayer” and what’s going on to 469-809-1201.
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, why nearly half of workers would take a lower-paying job to avoid difficult coworkers, and how real leadership starts with asking one powerful question:
Could it be me?
Whether you're leading a team, working through culture challenges, or just trying to be less judgy—this episode will challenge you to look in the mirror and lead with empathy.
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—it comes from honest feedback, faithful effort, and staying committed to the opportunities right in front of you. If you’ve ever been tempted to fast-forward your way to success, this one’s for you. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.
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 the most connection are the ones that spark laughter.
Use this episode to stir up your next team meeting, dinner table, or awkward offsite conversation. Because funny debates make people talk—and talking builds trust.
Here are a few questions to ask your team this week:
If our team was trapped on a deserted island, who’s leading us… and who’s getting eaten first?
Who’s most likely to accidentally “reply all” and cause total chaos?
If you had to swap jobs with someone on this team for a week, who would it be and why?
What’s a small tweak that would make our meetings 10x better?
If we had an unlimited budget for a team retreat, where are we going and how long are we staying?
What’s the most annoying thing the people we serve deal with—and how could we fix it?
What’s a hill you're willing to die on that has nothing to do with work?
If our workplace were a genre of movie, what would it be?
Who’s the teammate you’d want in a zombie apocalypse—and who’s definitely getting bitten first?
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’t always speak the truth. But when you show up? That’s when everything changes. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.
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. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.
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 people, to snackers vs. nibblers, to that one coworker who’s always bringing the foolishness, this episode will help you stop being shocked by humanity and start preparing for it.
If you’ve ever said, “I can’t believe they would…”—this one’s for you.
🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on Amazon today.
📲 Want to stay encouraged every week? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to Ryan's weekly encouraging text.
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’ll talk about impatience, the temptation to settle, and why you need to surround yourself with people who push you to grow. If you’ve ever coasted, played it safe, or convinced yourself something was “fine,” this one’s for you. It’s not about being the best—it’s about giving your best. Every time.
🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on Amazon today.📲 Want more weekly encouragement from Ryan? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get his weekly inspiring text.
