Why are so many pastors and leaders burning out? And more importantly—how can you avoid it?

In this episode, Levi and Jennie Lusko sit down with Carey Nieuwhof, a former pastor, leadership expert, and best-selling author, to discuss the real reasons pastors and leaders face burnout. Carey shares his personal experience with burnout, the biggest warning signs to watch for, and the practical steps that can help you lead with health, balance, and longevity.

Whether you're in ministry, business, or just feeling exhausted, this conversation is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice you won’t want to miss.

Connect with us on social!
Carey: @careynieuwhof
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast: https://bit.ly/4hJj6pg
The Art Of Leadership Academy: https://bit.ly/40ZbPw0
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Win a VIP Trip for two to Nashville: https://www.blessedarethespiraling.com/pre-order-bundle

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Time stamps
00:50 - Why pastors are burning out at an alarming rate
02:15 - Carey Nieuwhof’s personal burnout story
09:33 - The biggest warning signs you’re headed for burnout
22:10 - How Carey transitioned out of pastoring the right way
36:20 - How to create friendships that actually last
47:50 - Practical ways to prevent burnout before it’s too late

Jabin Chavez brings humor, heart, and deep wisdom to this episode as he joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for a conversation about life, ministry, and the unexpected twists of following God’s call. From growing up in New Mexico to planting a thriving church in the heat of Las Vegas, Jabin opens up about his personal journey of faith, the challenges of portable church life, and the miracles that paved the way. He shares the story of how God spoke to him about moving to Vegas, his experiences juggling worship leading and preaching, and how his new book was born out of a powerful sermon series.

Along the way, the three discuss hilarious late-night pastor hangouts, the beauty of family and tradition, and why cold plunges and saunas are non-negotiables. Packed with practical insights for leaders, laugh-out-loud moments, and heartfelt reflections, this episode will inspire you to embrace the hills and valleys of your own journey.

Connect with us on social!
Jabin: @jabinchavez
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

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Timestamps:
10:45 - Hearing God’s Call to Vegas
18:20 - Planting a Church in Las Vegas
24:40 - Writing a Book Born in a Valley
31:55 - Late-Night Hangouts with Pastors
38:10 - Balancing Worship and Preaching
44:25 - Building a Church in the Desert
52:00 - Diversity in Vegas and the Church

YouTube sensations JStu—Justin Stuart and Andrew Scites—join the Luskos alongside young Lennox for a deep dive into creating whimsical, family-friendly content. From overnight Walmart pranks to building submarines, hear their journey of faith, creativity, and teamwork. Plus, Lennox co-hosts for the first time, adding his charming curiosity. Don’t miss this joyful, inspiring episode!

Connect with us on social!
Justin: @ItsJustinStuart
Andrew: @AndrewScites
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
The Jstu Survival Guide: https://bit.ly/4g2jX3o
Jstu Youtube Channel: https://bit.ly/4joFWEj
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

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Timestamps
01:15 - JStu’s Whimsical World of YouTube
05:30 - Laugh Daily: The Power of Joyful Content
10:40 - Adventures in DIY: A $30,000 Submarine
16:10 - Prank Fails and Creative Triumphs
21:00 - Parenting, Faith, and Fun in JStu’s World

Carlos Whitaker joins Levi and Jennie Lusko for a heartfelt and hilarious discussion about the parenting wisdom hidden in the beloved kids' show Bluey. From unexpected tears during "Sleepy Time" to lessons on savoring the little moments, this episode explores how simple joys can change everything. Plus, hear about Carlos’ bold screen-free experiment, Amish e-bike adventures, and his reflections on family, faith, and connection.

Connect with us on social!
Carlos: @loswhit
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Register for MVMNT Conference at MVMNT25.com

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Time Stamps
06:00 – Carlos cries over Bluey.
10:50 – Parenting lessons from Bluey.
16:30 – Carlos’ family life updates.
32:07 – Living screen-free with monks and Amish.
44:08 – Reconnecting with faith and family.

Join Lacy Abercrombie as she shares her powerful testimony of overcoming childhood trauma, finding healing through Jesus, and walking in freedom from addiction. From stories of resilience and redemption to hilarious takes on Texas life, Chili’s fandom, and TikTok fame, this episode is a heartfelt blend of humor, inspiration, and grace. Whether you’re seeking hope in hard times or want to hear a life-changing story of God’s healing power, this episode will leave you inspired to trust in His redemption and purpose.

Connect with us on social!
Lacy: @abercrombielacy
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Download the Free Habit Tracker: https://bit.ly/40p53Q9

Register For MVMNT Conference 2025: https://bit.ly/407QTS4

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Time Stamps
04:37 – Texas pride, TikTok fame, and a life of laughter
12:45 – Chaos, trauma, and the road to healing
20:06 – Psalm 139: The moment everything changed
32:18 – Hot biscuits, hard truths, and finding hope
46:40 – Surrendering alcohol and stepping into freedom
55:19 – From TikTok to teaching the Bible

Kick-off 2025 with Levi and Jennie Lusko in their first-ever live Q&A episode of Hey! It’s The Luskos! They explore setting a vision for 2030, balancing faith with family and sports, and share practical tips for aspiring writers. Discover their favorite family traditions, how they navigate big life changes, and the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of it all. Whether you're seeking motivation for the New Year, advice on Christian parenting, or insights on personal growth, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and fun. Don’t miss it!

Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Download free Vision Map: https://bit.ly/3Dz5CxA

"You in 5 Years" Sermon Series: https://bit.ly/41WX2Tr

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Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Timestamps:
07:13 - Starting the Live Q&A with Audience Questions
08:12 - Thoughts on the Moon and Mars Race​
09:21 - Where to Start When Writing a Book
​14:29 - Managing Kids, Sports, and Keeping Jesus First​
20:52 - Balancing Family Traditions and Spiritual Priorities​
30:51 - Should Tattoos and Piercings Affect Ministry Roles?​
34:51 - How to Decide When It’s Time to Move Jobs or Cities​
49:55 - The Three Most Influential People in Our Lives​
53:03 - The Esau Syndrome and Trading Lifelong Gifts​
31:08 - Plans for Writing Fiction in the Future​
32:20 - Navigating Family Members Passing Away Gracefully​
36:15 - Re-preaching a Sermon Series with New Perspective​

Celebrate the holiday season with The Hey! It's The Luskos Christmas Special! Join Levi and Jennie Lusko for a family-filled episode packed with laughs, meaningful Advent reflections, and favorite Christmas traditions. From snowy mountain adventures and stop-motion movies to reading the Christmas story, this cozy, faith-filled podcast is perfect for the holiday season. Whether you're looking for family-friendly inspiration, reflections on faith and parenting, or just a dose of holiday cheer, this episode has it all. Merry Christmas from the Luskos!

Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Give to reach inmates with the Gospel: https://bit.ly/41CbAHV

Join us for Fresh Life Christmas Services Online, Find times at: https://bit.ly/3ZHqcn2

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Time Stamps:
02:15 - Stop-motion films & snowy fun
05:10 - Levi’s wild sunrise ritual
08:45 - Favorite Christmas movies revealed
12:30 - Hot chocolate, laughter & family moments
16:28 - Advent: the beauty of waiting
22:27 - Reading the Christmas story

What happens when the creators of The Chosen take on Christmas? Dallas and Amanda Jenkins join Levi and Jennie Lusko to talk about their hilarious and heartwarming new film, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. From a wild 20-year journey to bringing this childhood favorite to life, to behind-the-scenes antics on a frozen Winnipeg set, this episode is packed with laughter, inspiration, and the timeless message of Jesus. Dive into the Jenkins’ passion for storytelling, their take on community, and the power of seeing Christmas through fresh eyes. Don’t miss this festive double date!

Connect with us on social!
Dallas: @dallas.jenkins
Amanda: @Amandaleejenkins
TBCPE Movie: @bestchristmaspageantevermovie
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Tickets: https://bit.ly/4g7Plhm
Announcements from Chosen Con '24: https://bit.ly/3Va7nXW

Lusketeer Mission Trip: https://bit.ly/4dH8NzT

Give a Year-End Offering: https://levilusko.com/donate-ye

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

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02:30 - Why The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Had to Be Made
09:15 - Real Snow or Movie Magic?
14:45 - Capturing Nostalgia
21:20 - A 20-Year Prayer Answered:
27:55 - The Funniest Moments (and Actors!) on Set
33:40 - How This Movie Brings the Gospel to Life

Dive into this heart-to-heart with John Eldredge, author of Wild at Heart. Levi explores the transformative power of intentional fatherhood, the healing of the masculine soul, and building resilience in a fast-paced world. From life lessons to practical tips on nurturing our families and finding joy in simplicity, this episode will inspire men and women alike. Plus, hear John’s Thanksgiving traditions and why wild game holds a special place at his table.

Connect with us on social!
John: @wildatheart
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Wild At Heart Ministries: https://bit.ly/3Oncdxh
Pre-Order John's New Book: https://bit.ly/4g4R46L
The Sacred Romance: https://bit.ly/4g2lAhA
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Lusketeer Mission Trip: https://bit.ly/4dH8NzT

Give a Year-End Offering: https://levilusko.com/donate-ye

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Time Stamps
08:01 - Beauty and Awe Heal the Soul
16:25 - Fatherhood and Masculine Wounds
22:45 - Raising Resilient Kids
30:57 - Margin and Recovery Tips
37:20 - The Secret to a Life with God
42:30 - Embrace Your Warrior Heart

Dysfunctional family dynamics? You're not alone! Levi and Jennie Lusko explore the beauty of God's grace through the messy, complicated, and broken stories in Jesus's family tree. From Tamar to Rahab and Bathsheba, this episode dives into hope, redemption, and how God can use even the wildest of family histories to bring glory. Perfect as we prepare for Advent and a season of waiting!

Connect with us on social!
Levi: @levilusko
Jennie: @jennielusko
Fresh Life Church: @freshlife

[Links]
Get the 5 Gallon Bucket: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY
Get the Lusketeer Sticker: https://bit.ly/sdl4sHY

Give a Year-End Offering: https://levilusko.com/donate-ye

Subscribe for more exclusive content: https://levilusko.com/hitl-subscribe

Want to be on the next Q&A episode? Send us your questions! https://bit.ly/3RonhJI

Timestamps:
02:15 - Jesus’s Genealogy: Hope for Dysfunction
05:42 - Why Tamar’s Story Matters
12:16 - Rahab: From Prostitute to Progenitor
18:55 - Ruth and the Law of Redemption
26:12 - What Jesus’s Family Tree Says About Grace