Are your children's reactions revealing unresolved issues within you?

Children often expose the unresolved issues and shame that parents carry, making parenting an unexpected opportunity for personal maturity and growth. In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how listening, trusting God, and confronting the roots of shame can transform the way parents respond to their children. Parents can mature, rather than reacting defensively or passing blame onto them. Scott and Bill also share how forgiving yourself and others will break the cycle of shame by trusting God with your own brokenness. This allows parents to relate to their children with freedom, trust, and emotional healing.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(01:40) Scott shares how repeating his son's words back to him helped diffuse arguments and build trust.

(03:00) Children have a unique way of exposing a parent's unresolved shame and internal issues.

(07:41) Parents need to live out who God says they are, rather than allowing past shame to define them.

(12:34) How shame is connected to unresolved pain. Encouragement to forgive those who hurt you, and forgiving yourself for your past actions.

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/ 

Do your children see you trusting and living out the truth you teach them?

In this episode, Bill and Scott challenge parents to move beyond behavior modification and focus instead on building trust that opens a child's heart to truth. They discuss how parents must personally experience and act upon the truth they teach so it can be authentically passed down to the next generation. Additionally, parents need to allow God to heal their own wounds and regrets, so they can become vehicles of healing for their children. God's grace can break destructive generational patterns and create a different future for the generations that follow.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(01:28) Why an important part of parenting is maturing a child rather than using behavioral techniques to control behavior.

(04:18) Bill discusses the danger of teaching children biblical knowledge without helping them develop genuine trust in the truth being taught.

(05:51) How trust opens the heart to receiving truth that genuinely transforms a person.

(08:14) Parents help children trust truth by actively modeling that they believe that truth, and have acted upon that truth themselves.

(11:32) How the miracle of forgiveness and repentance breaks generational patterns of dysfunction.

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 do you think your child would respond if you were more honest with them about your own imperfections?

In this episode, Bill and Scott begin a new parenting series by asking a foundational question: Do your children trust you? They explore why trust grows when parents are willing to be known, honest about their imperfections, and intentional about earning relational access, rather than only exercising authority. Scott and Bill challenge parents to prioritize connection, share their stories, ask permission to speak into their children's lives, and become people their children can trust enough to receive love, truth, and guidance.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(00:22) One of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child is becoming someone they can trust.

(03:57) The common fear parents hold about admitting past mistakes to their children.

(06:28) Children do not need perfect parents, but need to see how their parents deal with imperfection.

(09:09) How Jesus laid aside His authority to be known as a person serves as a model for authentic parenting.

(15:54) This kind of parenting requires time, intentionality, and a willingness to prioritize children within the life a parent is living.

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 willing to ask the people you influence how you are affecting them?

Each of us has influence, and healthy leadership begins with having the courage to own that influence by asking others how they are being affected. Bill and Scott explore how leaders can protect the people they influence by standing alongside them when their weaknesses and limitations become visible rather than allowing those limitations to define them. They also discuss how creating relational safety can help people honestly examine their experiences, learn difficult lessons, and preserve the strengths that make them valuable.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(01:22) Everyone has influence and that influence is best measured by the effect a person has on others.

(04:48) Owning influence means being willing to receive honest feedback, honor the courage it takes to give that feedback, and respond wisely rather than defensively.

(07:59) People will often hide their limitations when they do not believe they will be protected, causing those limitations to eventually emerge through dysfunction.

(10:51) How leaders can come alongside people after they make mistakes by separating the person's behavior from the relationship.

(15:01) Bringing individuals to a neutral setting, outside the workplace, to reflect on difficult experiences together.

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 are hidden expectations creating unseen conflict and emotional reactions in your interactions?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore how unacknowledged and unmet expectations create relational conflict and emotional disappointment. While expectations are a reality in humans, some become demands that are usually defended as “right”. They discuss creating safe spaces for honest conversation, and moving from a “me” to a “we” mindset. Scott and Bill challenge us to reframe individual demands into shared goals.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: 

(01:19) Expectations are an innate part of being human, but unmet expectations are a major source of wounding and pain.

(02:54) How we can build trust by becoming honest about our expectations while avoiding the temptation to declare those expectations right.

(05:03) Shifting from discussing individual expectations of one another to discussing shared expectations.

(12:40) How hidden expectations remain unspoken, continue to produce disappointment, and can eventually create dysfunction in relationships.

(18:02) Relational freedom does not mean eliminating disappointment, but learning to face the disappointments caused by unmet expectations together.

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/ 

2 Questions this week!

How would your relationships change if you defined love as actively meeting the inherent needs of others?

AND, how did your life change by someone else loving you unconditionally?

In this episode, Bill and Scott explore what it means to practice love by intentionally meeting the needs God designed into every person. Genuine love provides security, acceptance, affirmation, and commitment, allowing people to experience freedom and healing. This also means meeting those needs unconditionally rather than requiring individuals to change before being loved. Scott and Bill challenge us to both receive love deeply, and then intentionally extend that same love to others in practical, life-giving ways. Even the difficult people and “enemies” in our lives.

Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode:
(00:22) Practicing love and freedom by defining love as the process of meeting human needs.
(03:37) Commitment and affirmation are powerful expressions of love that build trust, significance, and healthy relationships.
(08:17) How God accepts people with an unearned love, and why believers should extend that same love.
(12:43) How we can love God by serving the weak and hungry.
(15:02) How we and the church should teach people how to love, even as sinners, rather than focusing on how to deal with our sins.
(16:24) Practicing genuine love requires both receiving love from others, and reaching out to meet the needs of others, including enemies.

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 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/