No Regrets Leadership Podcast

Matt Erickson, pastor at Eastbrook Church with over three decades of ministry experience, joins Nate Gruber to explore what it really means to lead faithfully in a complex and changing world.

Drawing from his new book The Pastor as Gardener, Matt unpacks how the metaphors we live by shape the way we lead, pastor, and follow Jesus. In a culture that often pushes for results and performance, he offers a different vision—one rooted in presence, trust, and long-term growth.

Matt reminds us that fruitful ministry doesn't come from striving—it flows from a deep, ongoing relationship with God. Like a gardener planting seeds, we are called to be faithful with what we've been given, trusting God to bring growth in His timing.

If you're feeling the weight of expectations in leadership, this episode offers a grounded and hope-filled perspective: stay rooted, stay faithful, and let God do what only He can do.

Get Matt's book: The Pastor as Gardener → https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/

Learn more: https://mwerickson.com

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Dr. Gary Gregg to continue the series on mental health and leadership, focusing on how to understand and manage leadership anxiety.

Dr. Gregg explains that anxiety isn't something we can—or should—eliminate. At a healthy level, it shows we care and are invested. But when it grows too strong, it can rob us of joy and impact our leadership. Rather than ignoring it, anxiety can be a signal pointing to something that needs our attention.

They discuss how many leaders carry hidden fears of not being enough, and how trying to suppress anxiety often makes it worse. Instead, leaders need to reflect, be honest, and invite trusted people into their lives. We are responsible to others, not for them—and we don't have to lead alone.

Dr. Gregg also shares practical habits for staying healthy: do your own work, avoid shortcuts in growth, and build strong relationships that help you stay grounded.

Resource Mentioned: Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Dr. Dan Green, Clinical Director of New Life Resources and a long-time partner of No Regrets, for an important conversation on the mental health of the men we lead—and the men we are becoming.

Dr. Green brings practical insight for leaders who feel stuck or are facing roadblocks in their own lives or on their teams. As mental health becomes more widely discussed, many men are still unsure what to do with what they're feeling. Labels can sometimes increase isolation rather than bring clarity, especially when men struggle to express their needs.

Nate and Dan explore the reality that men today are often more psychologically drained than physically exhausted—and more disconnected than ever. In a world filled with constant information, they emphasize the importance of real, face-to-face connection and intentional relationships. Every man carries a unique story and set of pressures, and understanding those demands is key to leading well.

They also discuss how leaders must first care for their own health before they can care for others. As Dr. Green shares, every man needs a few trusted relationships—men who aren't impressed by him, but who will challenge, support, and walk with him honestly. When leaders model vulnerability and authenticity, they create space for others to do the same.

This episode offers practical tools for understanding your own needs, recognizing what's being blocked when frustration arises, and learning how to lead with greater awareness, care, and connection. Ultimately, as we grow in knowing God, we begin to understand ourselves more fully—and lead others more effectively.

Resource Mentioned: Overcoming Guilt and Shame by Daniel Green and Mel Lawrenz

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by David Delk for a thoughtful conversation about navigating leadership transitions and finding success through inevitable change.

David spent 22 years leading Man in the Mirror and now coaches faith and business leaders through seasons of transition through Delk Consulting. In this conversation, David shares his own journey—from serving in ministry leadership to stepping into a new calling at age 56 when God began opening doors for him to launch Delk Consulting.

David explains that relationships are the glue that holds ministries together, especially during seasons of change. Healthy transitions require humility, honesty about what isn't working, and a willingness to surrender outcomes to the Lord. Leaders must focus on building authentic, Spirit-filled relationships where people feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Albo and David also discuss the importance of raising up new leaders—even when they may not feel fully ready. Passing responsibility to others, discipling them, and inviting them to step into leadership is part of how ministries grow. Ultimately, leadership is about obedience to God rather than controlling the results.

David also offers wisdom for caring for your soul during times of transition—reminding leaders to slow down, listen to God, and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty.

Learn more about David and Delk Consulting at https://www.delkconsulting.com

Find more resources at https://www.noregretsmen.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined again by Steve Sonderman for Part Two of the series: 10 Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience leading men's ministry, Steve shares practical wisdom that will encourage and strengthen anyone investing in men.

In this episode, Steve continues unpacking five more lessons that have shaped his ministry:

• Follow me as I follow Christ. Men need more than words—they need an example. Demonstrate what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

• Let God break your heart. Ask God to give you a vision for what breaks His heart. Often our own brokenness becomes the fuel for our purpose.

• Use the Word. Jesus is our model for ministry, and Scripture is our guide. Keeping the Word of God central helps men grow deeper in their faith.

• Catch and release. Get men into the field serving. Everyone has a role to play, and ministry grows when men step into action.

• Meet with a purpose. Take time to understand where a man is in his journey and encourage him to take the next step in following Christ.

This conversation is filled with encouragement and practical insight for anyone leading men or looking to help others grow in their walk with Jesus.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by No Regrets Founder, Steve Sonderman for Part One of a powerful two-part series: Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from 37 years of ministry experience, Steve shares wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone leading or investing in men.

The conversation begins by celebrating the incredible momentum from this year's No Regrets Conference—159 host sites, a sold-out gathering of 3,000 men at Elmbrook Church, and countless stories of surrender, prayer, and life change. The movement continues, and you can still access conference sessions and sign up for the follow-up study.

In this first episode, Steve unpacks five foundational lessons he's learned over nearly four decades:

• What we are doing matters. Ministering to men is challenging, but when a man's life changes, it impacts his family, workplace, church, and community.
• Become friends and change the world. Men are lonely. Relationships are transformative. Ministry was never meant to be done alone—Jesus had a team, and we need one too.
• Have a big enough vision to think small. Bigger isn't always better. Real movements begin with a few men committed to discipling others.
• Prayer is the front lines. The walls around men's hearts are high, and only prayer can soften them.
• Lead with humility. True leadership begins with listening and serving, following the example of Jesus.

This episode is filled with perspective, encouragement, and practical direction for anyone serious about helping men grow.

You can still watch the conference sessions and join the follow-up study at: https://noregrets.pathwright.com/library/surrender-follow-up-study-242034/749353/about/

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Brett Clemmer, CEO and President of Man in the Mirror, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about community, loneliness, and the urgent need for men to thrive together.

Brett brings both deep research and personal experience to the discussion, offering insight into how different generations of men have been shaped—and why today's men are more isolated than ever. While Brett shares about the strong foundation he received growing up—particularly the confidence instilled in him by his father—he also speaks candidly about a season in his own life when success and busyness came at the expense of his family. Traveling constantly for work and filling weekends with ministry, Brett realized he was doing what he thought was "for" his family, but in reality, he was neglecting them. It was through joining a small group and opening up that he discovered he wasn't alone—many other men were struggling with the same issues.

In this episode, Brett challenges men to become catalysts for creating communities where others can flourish. He addresses the frustration of living in an algorithm-driven culture that keeps us divided and distracted, and he speaks directly to the loneliness epidemic facing men today. If loneliness is the problem, relationships are the solution.

Albo and Brett discuss the powerful movement happening among young men—particularly on college campuses—where many are boldly rediscovering Christian faith and speaking truth with conviction. They explore how simple gatherings—men slowing down, sharing hobbies, and having real conversations—can become fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work.

The message is clear: when men come together in authentic community, God moves. Create the space. Trust the Spirit. Watch what happens.

Learn more about Man in the Mirror at https://maninthemirror.org/ Discover more about community initiatives like Sons United at https://sonsunited.org/

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Mike Young, founder of Noble Warriors and a leader with decades of experience in men's ministry. Mike shares his powerful journey of faith—how the pull of the Holy Spirit and encouragement from his wife led him into full-time ministry, and how discipleship transformed his life and calling.

Mike reflects on the reality that he wasn't truly discipled until he was 30 years old. Though he was sitting in the pews and secure in his salvation, he never had someone walk alongside him in spiritual formation. That experience changed everything and ultimately led him into ministry focused on helping men grow deeper in Christ.

Together, Nate and Mike discuss how the simple, consistent practice of discipleship can fuel and reset a men's ministry. When ministries feel stuck—same people, same conversations, no progress—it may be time to shift from an addition mindset to a multiplication mindset. Growth requires spiritual discomfort, intentional time in God's Word, and investing deeply in a few men who can then disciple others.

Mike shares practical encouragement for leaders: start by asking a man his story. Look for the guy who seems disconnected. Spend time with those who think differently than you. Young men today are curious and hungry to learn about Jesus—they're looking for seasoned men who will walk beside them and help them live out their faith.

This episode is both an opportunity and a challenge to step up, invest intentionally, and help launch a new movement of discipleship in your church.

Learn more about Noble Warriors at https://noblewarriors.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Kenny Luck, Lead Pastor of Mariners Church in Trabuco Canyon and Founder and CEO of Every Man Ministries. Kenny shares powerful leadership insights and reflects on the moments that shaped his calling and faith.

Kenny talks about how hearing a message from Billy Graham changed the trajectory of his life, leading him to take bold risks to bring the gospel to those who didn't yet know Jesus. Saying "yes" to the adventure of following Christ eventually led him into missions, the marketplace, and continued service within the local church. Along the way, Kenny saw how one transformed man can begin transforming many—ultimately leading to the launch of Every Man Ministries.

In this conversation, Kenny unpacks what surrender truly means: being with Jesus to become like Jesus, trusting God enough to "get in the boat," and embracing the mystery of following Christ. He also shares his heart for mentoring, calling out the lies that keep men stuck, and speaking truth into the lives of younger men so they can bear spiritual fruit.

Kenny encourages listeners to reflect on where they are placing their trust—are we surrendering to what we see, or to the unseen work of God? This episode is an invitation to continue surrendering to Jesus, again and again.

Listen to Kenny's Ultimate Surrender message from the 2026 No Regrets Conference and join the follow-up study on the No Regrets App.

Learn more about Kenny and Every Man Ministries at https://www.everymanministries.com

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Steve Carter is joined by host Nate Gruber for a powerful conversation about leading through drastic change and remaining faithful in the middle of life's storms.

Steve shares how Jesus radically transformed his life and the lives of his family—beginning with his early coming to Christ when a group of friends took him under their wing and taught him what it meant to follow Jesus. Those same friends encouraged him to share his faith with his parents, leading to the remarkable experience of baptizing them. He also reflects on how a pastor intentionally sought him out to mentor him, shaping his calling and leadership.

The conversation turns to a defining season of hardship, when a scandal forced Steve to wrestle deeply with what he truly believed. Choosing to stand with victims came at great personal cost, testing his faith, his forgiveness, and his trust in God.

Steve also previews his message as a platform speaker at the No Regrets Conference, centered on the invitation adversity provides. When we face what we don't deserve, God can use those moments to shape our character and draw us deeper into His power. As Steve reminds us, surrender opens us up to what God longs to do in and through our lives.

This episode is an encouragement to men who feel like they're carrying the weight alone. Steve challenges listeners to stay open, honest, and connected—to invite other men into the deeper streams of life where real growth happens.

Learn more about Steve at https://www.stevecarter.org/

Hear more from Steve Carter at the No Regrets Conference—register at https://www.noregretsconference.org.