Start Your 2026 Reading With Purpose — How to Build a List That Builds You

The first episode of the year drops with energy, honesty, and a whole lot of encouragement for ministry leaders who want to grow with intention in 2026. Rich kicks off the conversation with a confession that sets the tone — he’s a full‑blown book nerd. From Civil War collections to the BookBuddy app to custom bookplates, he’s all in on reading. But this episode isn’t about collecting books. It’s about becoming the kind of leader who is shaped shapedby what they read.

In this extended conversation, Rich invites listeners to rethink their relationship with reading. Not as a hobby. Not as a luxury. But as a spiritual, personal, and leadership discipline that forms us over time. He shares candid stories from his early ministry years, the seasons when reading fell off the radar, and the turning point that brought intentional reading back into his life — leading to 32 growth‑focused books read in 2025.

This episode explores two major themes:

1. Why reading matters more than ever
2. How to build a reading list — and a reading habit — that actually sticks

Whether you’re a seasoned reader, someone who used to read but drifted, or a leader who wants to grow but feels stuck, this episode will give you the clarity, motivation, and structure you need to build a reading list that truly builds you.

If you’re ready to step into 2026 with purpose, depth, and a renewed commitment to your own growth, this conversation is the perfect place to begin.

Resources Mentioned

· BookBuddy App – https://www.kimicoapps.com/bookbuddy/

· Full Focus Planner (Michael Hyatt & Company) – https://fullfocus.co/

· The Power to Change by Craig Groeschel – https://www.craiggroeschel.com/books

· YouVersion Bible App – https://www.youversion.com/

· The Bible (Scripture references in order: Daniel 1:3-5; 2 Timothy 4:13)

Timestamps

• 0:00–5:45 – Confessions of a book nerd & why books matter personally
• 5:46–12:30 – The vision: building a reading list that builds you
• 12:31–19:55 – Five reasons why reading matters for leaders
• 19:56–24:45 – Reading as discipline, growth, and spiritual formation
• 24:46–27:35 – Biblical foundations: Paul, Daniel, and lifelong learning
• 27:36–33:45 – Five practical tips to build a reading habit that sticks
• 33:46–38:20 – Systems, scheduling, and making reading visible
• 38:21–40:55 – Call to action & closing encouragement