How can you learn to distinguish between compliance to authority versus a genuine, heart-level decision to obey out of trust?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the amazing connection between obedience and freedom, defining true obedience as a heart-level response to trust and a trustworthy God, rather than rigid compliance. They discuss how acting on God's direction transforms knowledge into lived truth, while equipping people to influence others authentically. Scott and Bill encourage us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God by learning to trust His leading, and experience the freedom that follows obedience.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:
(00:04) The surprising relationship between obedience and freedom.
(03:34) Truth only transforms lives when it is trusted and acted upon.
(07:42) Practicing obedience gives us the freedom to teach truth.
(12:54) How obedience gives us the credibility to encourage others.
(17:01) Discerning God's voice requires faith. It’s worse to miss God's direction than to mistakenly step out in faith.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.
Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:
* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast
* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2
* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:
* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast
* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast
* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you trying to change people before earning access to their hearts?

In this episode, Bill and Scott challenge common misconceptions about submission by defining it as the voluntary choice to let trusted people love, guide, and influence your life. They discuss that permission and trust are essential for meaningful relationships, as genuine influence never comes through control or manipulation. Scott and Bill also emphasize that grace addresses the person first with affirmation before dealing with brokenness or sin. It’s important that we believe people so they can dwell in the reality of their own answer. Once they come to that reality, we’ll be available to talk and show true, Biblical grace.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(01:05) Submission simply means "to let" and points to Jesus as the perfect model of willingly letting God lead Him.

(02:57) How the church has historically misused and abused the concept of submission with women.

(07:12) How mutual submission allows trusted friends to speak truth into each other's lives and strengthen character.

(10:49) The principles of submission and trust to leadership, explaining how healthy organizational culture grows through mutual influence.

(12:34) Permission is granting another person access to your life and explains why even God seeks permission rather than forcing change.

(16:26) Affirming a person's value before addressing their behavior removes fear of condemnation, and opens the door for meaningful transformation.

(19:14) You should never ask for permission to speak into someone's life if you are not willing to receive a "no".

(21:05) Respecting a person’s refusal to submit, demonstrating that honoring another person's freedom builds greater trust than manipulation.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you using your freedom to pursue trivial desires, or are you letting it become the outward voice of your love for others?

In this episode, Bill and Scott begin a new series exploring Galatians 5:13-15 and the freedom that Jesus gives us. This freedom is intended to build trust and serve others, rather than satisfy selfish desires. They discuss how unresolved personal issues and shame distort our view of God and others, keeping us isolated and afraid of being fully known. Forgiveness and repentance allow us to resolve the past, experience healing, and live without being defined by old pain. Bill and Scott encourage us to move beyond self-protection and discover that genuine freedom naturally produces healthy, trusting relationships.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(01:08) Galatians 5:13-15 - freedom is given to be used in loving and serving others, rather than pursuing selfish desires.

(02:51) Unresolved shame distorts the way people view themselves, God, and others, making trust impossible to experience.

(05:47) Freedom from unresolved sin is never meant for self-centered living but is intended to build trust with other people.

(09:06) Don’t reduce freedom to getting what you want but to use it as an expression of love that helps free others.

(10:55) Living in fear because of past hurts vs choosing to enter relationships because genuine love makes trust possible.

(13:15) Nothing from a person's past is beyond redemption, and experiencing this freedom naturally produces trust in relationships.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Why is isolation the single greatest threat to your effectiveness as a leader?

In this episode, Bill and Scott continue their discussion on maturity by explaining that the ability to love others begins with first allowing yourself to be loved. They talk about the vital roles that trust, vulnerability, and receiving care play in healthy relationships, parenting, marriage, and leadership. Isolation is the greatest cause of failure in leadership. Meaningful feedback and influence into your life transforms both you and those around you. Also, receiving love - from God and from trusted people - is what empowers someone to genuinely care for, serve, and influence others.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(01:35) Why people who have never truly received love often struggle to genuinely love those around them.

(05:09) Allowing trusted people to make significant contributions to your life as the foundation for influencing others.

(12:19) Competency can never satisfy relational needs nor can leaders lead from isolation.

(14:20) Bill shares a personal story about receiving honest feedback from his children and discovering how his impatience affected them.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are you allowing others to speak into your life, serve you, and reveal what you cannot see?

In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature leaders must continuously choose vulnerability by remaining lifelong learners who are open to receiving from others. They explore how allowing others to speak into your life, correct you, care for you, and meet your needs requires humility and vulnerability. It also requires not feeling the obligation to repay what is received. Allowing others to meet your needs, serve you, and offer care is a vital leadership principle that directly fosters growth and maturity in the person giving.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:04) Mature leaders demonstrate vulnerability by remaining open learners who let others speak into their lives.

(03:12) The danger of ceasing to learn, noting that refusing to learn and receive from others halts a leader's personal maturity.

(05:47) Becoming a receiver is a critical part of maturity because growth comes through what people receive, not just what they know.

(07:28) How receiving care without feeling indebted is difficult, but necessary because love is not meant to be transactional.

(10:47) Many people find it easier to receive critique than care because critique focuses on actions while care focuses on who they are.

(13:16) Vulnerability is not about exposing everything publicly but about allowing others to speak, serve, and meet needs.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What happens when another person's strengths feel encouraging instead of threatening?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore one of the defining characteristics of healthy leadership: the ability to appreciate, trust, and submit to the strengths of other people instead of competing with them, or fearing them. Leadership reaches a new level when people begin to appreciate and empower the unique strengths that others bring to the table. Bill and Scott discuss how empowering capable people creates healthier organizations, stronger teams, and better decisions. They challenge leaders to replace insecurity with trust and discover the freedom that comes from leading alongside others instead of above them.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:04) Mature leaders do not fear other people's strengths; they understand, appreciate, and submit to them.

(02:17) Growing organizations can outgrow leaders who become threatened by stronger team members instead of developing them.

(05:43) The Biblical model of Saul and David illustrates that fear of another's strengths is evidence of leadership immaturity.

(10:36) Leadership roles and titles do not automatically provide the capacity to make every decision. There is freedom found in sharing responsibility.

(13:50) Honoring people for who they are and trusting their abilities strengthens both individuals and the entire organization.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

What changes when relationships become more important than behavior?

In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature leaders protect others through love, grace, and relational honor rather than through control or authority. They explore the importance of seeking permission before offering guidance, emphasizing that meaningful influence only occurs when people willingly grant access to their lives. Ultimately, by examining how Jesus modeled vulnerability and grace, the discussion challenges us to honor others by prioritizing relationships over performance. What a powerful thing to consider. Do we consider a relationship with another more important than their performance? Wow. Mature leaders, parents, and friends come alongside others in their vulnerability, creating environments of grace, rather than judgment.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:04) Mature Christians protect and honor people by seeking permission before attempting to influence them.

(03:03) Protection is honoring people by coming alongside them in their vulnerability rather than judging them.

(05:12) When people experience true grace, relationships will always take priority over outward behavior.

(07:36) Permission is a person's decision to allow someone else to affect their life and heart.

(12:11) Jesus led strictly from His person in humility rather than relying on position or knowledge.

(14:30) Parents can protect teenagers more effectively by seeking relational access rather than relying on authority alone.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

How can sharing your reality with a trusted person strengthen every area of life?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the consequences of hidden struggles, and how secrecy affects trust, relationships, and leadership. They explain that people cannot fully honor the trust of others while hiding significant parts of their reality, because hiddenness creates distance and false perceptions. They give us hope by encouraging us to find trusted people that we can share honestly with, creating opportunities for deeper trust, authentic love, and healthier relationships.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:40) How hidden struggles create separation from others and cause people to trust a version of someone that is not fully real.

(04:06) Trust carries hope and people who remain hidden ultimately rob others of that hope and connection.

(09:22) Human beings possess an innate, profound need to both receive love and be trusted by others.

(11:41) A reference from Ephesians about how openness and grace allow relationships to fit together properly and grow.

(13:16) Whatever a person attempts to hide will ultimately define them until they choose to break the cycle by trusting someone.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

How does vulnerability change workplace culture and performance?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore how true integrity is not merely behavioral consistency or rule-following, but the honoring of trust within relationships. They discuss how authentic leadership and integrity creates environments where people feel safe enough to acknowledge mistakes, seek help, and grow together. Our challenge is to bring our weaknesses into the light, allowing for deep, protective relationships both in the workplace and at home.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:04) Mature leaders demonstrate integrity by honoring the trust placed in them through authentic relationships and vulnerability.

(01:39) How organizations often reduce integrity to rules and regulations, which can undermine the relational nature of true integrity.

(06:06) How vulnerable leadership creates cultures where mistakes are surfaced quickly instead of hidden.

(13:58) Applying the principles of relational integrity and vulnerability to parenting, urging parents to let their children know their real self.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/

Are life decisions being driven by convictions or opportunities?

In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature decisions are rooted in convictions rather than simply reacting to opportunities or “open doors”. They explore how truth, obedience, and identity work together to shape wise choices and keep us aligned with God’s purpose instead of being distracted by attractive circumstances. Additionally, as Christians saved by Grace, we should be seeing ourselves as “saints” and a new creation, so that Scripture “affirms” us, rather than condemns us. True leadership maturity requires us to establish deep, internal convictions that dictate our choices before circumstances even arise, ensuring we are not easily derailed from our higher purposes.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:

(00:04) Mature life choices should be grounded in convictions instead of reacting to opportunities and open doors.

(01:33) Opportunities can sometimes derail people from the purposes of God if they are pursued without discernment.

(03:02) Jesus being offered the kingdoms of the world and why opportunity alone is not a trustworthy guide.

(06:34) The difference between viewing the Bible as condemning law versus affirming truth.

(11:08) How a person’s unhealthy self-view can cause them to hear even healthy teaching as condemnation.

(14:12) Identity shapes convictions, decisions, and the opportunities people ultimately choose to pursue.

This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team.

Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/

Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast:

* YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast

* Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2

* Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI

Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books

Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media:

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast

* TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast

* Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527

This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/