Episode Summary:

Influence looks shiny on Instagram—but what you don’t see are the hidden costs. In this episode of Online Business for Christian Creators, Jim exposes 7 dark realities of chasing influence—from applause addiction to curated vulnerability, clout-chasing, burnout, and brand silencing.

But this isn’t just a takedown of influencers. You’ll also hear the flipside: how to build influence that actually lasts, rooted in relational leadership, Kingdom purpose, and integrity.

If you’ve ever wondered “Am I chasing influence the wrong way?”—this episode will give you the clarity and courage to lead differently.

🗝️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why applause and vanity metrics can rob you of purpose.
• How curated vulnerability is often a trap—and what true vulnerability looks like.
• Why clout-chasing erodes your identity (and how to root yourself in Christ).
• The connection between success and isolation—and how to fight it.
• How monetizing morality can corrupt your cause.
• The reality of performance burnout (and why rest is a Kingdom principle).
• How sponsorships can silence your convictions—and what freedom looks like.
• 4 practical flipside practices for building influence God’s way.

📖 Scripture Referenced

• Proverbs 29:25 – “The fear of man lays a snare.”
• Romans 12:2 – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world.”
• Matthew 6:1 – “Do not practice your righteousness before men to be seen by them.”
• John 8:32 – “The truth will set you free.”

🌐 Resources & Links

👉 Main site: https://www.leadwithjim.com

👉 Free resources & tools: https://www.leadwithjim.com/links

📩 Join 400+ leaders in my free weekly newsletter: https://www.leadwithjim.com/nl

✨ Key Insight for Creators

Influence isn’t evil—it’s powerful. But if you chase it without integrity, it will eat you alive. The good news? You can build influence that heals, restores, and points people to something greater than yourself.

That’s relational leadership. That’s Kingdom purpose.

🎁 Resources & Links:

🔗 Join the Newsletter: www.leadwithjim.com/nl

🎧 Catch more episodes + extras: https://www.leadwithjim.com/podcast-2

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question?

Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

Never miss an episode of Online Business for Christian Creators. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app—and if this resonated, share it with a friend who needs to hear the truth about influence.

Description:

If you’ve ever felt like life was unbearably heavy—so heavy you wanted to quit—you’re not alone. In this raw and practical episode, Jim Burgoon opens up about depression, burnout, and what Scripture and psychology both reveal about navigating soul-tired seasons.

Through biblical truth, psychological research, and lived experience, Jim shares why heaviness doesn’t disqualify you from your calling—and the surprising truth nobody tells you about depression and burnout.

This isn’t a pep talk. This is a roadmap to rise again.

🔑 Episode Highlights

• Why depression and heaviness are human responses, not weakness.
• The connection between chronic stress, burnout, and your nervous system.
• What Scripture shows us through David, Elijah, and Jesus about soul-heaviness.
• The R.I.S.E. framework: 4 steps to remember when you want to give up.
• A simple Mind–Heart–Body check-in to reset your life.
• Why hobbies, novelty, and creativity can actually rewire your brain with hope.

📝 Key Takeaways

1. Heaviness ≠ brokenness. It’s a human response to prolonged stress.
2. You are still called—even when you feel soul-tired.
3. Small steps stack into momentum. Don’t underestimate the power of one action.
4. Healing comes through community, faith, and radical acceptance.
5. Your mind, heart, and body all need regular check-ins.

📖 Scripture References

• Psalm 42:5 – “Why, my soul, are you downcast? … Put your hope in God.”
• Hebrews 12:2 – “For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 – “Two are better than one…”
• Philippians 4:8 – “Whatever is true, noble, right, pure…think on these things.”
• Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened…”

💡 For the Listener

If you’re walking through a heavy season right now, you’re not broken—and you’re not disqualified. God’s call on your life has not changed. Take one small step today, invite God and others into it, and remember: you are still called.

🎁 Resources & Links:

🔗 Join the Newsletter: www.leadwithjim.com/nl

🎧 Catch more episodes + extras: https://www.leadwithjim.com/podcast-2

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question?

Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

#peoplepleasing #purposeoverapproval #christianleadership #faithandbusiness #boundaries #livingloved #leadwithjim

Description:

People pleasing isn’t kindness — it’s often a slow drain on your calling, your health, and your walk with God. In this episode, Jim unpacks the psychology behind approval addiction, the biblical truth about boundaries, and why saying “no” might be the most spiritual word in your vocabulary.

You’ll discover how to protect your alignment, break free from chains of constant “yes,” and move from earning love to living loved — so you can step fully into the purpose God designed for you.

Key Insights:

• The Psychology of People Pleasing: How it’s rooted in childhood patterns, trauma, and low self-worth.
• The Spiritual Perspective: God says “no” to protect and redirect; Jesus modeled healthy boundaries.
• The Cost: Mental, physical, and spiritual burnout when your “yes” isn’t aligned.
• The Yuck Factor: Why discomfort when saying no is a sign of growth.
• From Earning Love to Living Loved: Shifting your motivation from seeking approval to fulfilling your calling.

Faith Connection:

Boundaries are a biblical principle. Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work “as for the Lord, not for human masters.” This episode encourages listeners to put God’s approval above all else, making “no” an act of obedience.

For Multipassionate Creators:

If you’re an author, speaker, coach, or content creator juggling opportunities, this episode will help you discern which “yeses” are truly yours to carry — and which “nos” will set you free to do your best Kingdom work.

Scriptures referenced in this episode:

• Romans 8:1
• 2nd Corinthians 12:7-10
• Deuteronomy 3:23-27
• Mark 1:35-38
• Colossians 3:23-24

🎁 Resources & Links:

🔗 Join the Newsletter: www.leadwithjim.com/nl

🎧 Catch more episodes + extras: https://www.leadwithjim.com/podcast-2

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question?

Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

#peoplepleasing #purposeoverapproval #christianleadership #faithandbusiness #boundaries #livingloved #leadwithjim

Description:

Ever wonder why the stories you keep telling yourself seem to hold you back? You’re not alone.

In this milestone episode, Jim Burgoon digs deep into the anchor points—the repeated stories that shape your mindset and ultimately your life. From battling the lie “I have no talent” to confronting scarcity and performance traps, Jim unpacks three faith-based mindset shifts that unlock your God-given potential.

If you’re a Christian creator, entrepreneur, or leader struggling with insecurity, scarcity, or feeling stuck, this episode is your call to break free and step fully into your calling.

“Your mindset isn’t just about thinking positive—it’s about renewing your mind daily with truth that anchors you in who God says you are.”

🔑 Episode Highlights:

• What anchor points are and how they form your mindset
• Why renewing your mind daily is crucial to breaking strongholds
• The three transformative shifts: identity over insecurity, stewardship over scarcity, partnership over performance
• Jim’s personal story of carrying the “no talent” anchor for decades—and how scripture rewrote his story
• Practical steps to speak scripture daily and meditate to realign your mind
• How to find a Barnabas friend who will lovingly keep you accountable

🙌 Scripture Anchors:

• Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind”
• Ephesians 2:10 — “You are God’s workmanship”
• Philippians 4:19 — “God will supply every need”
• John 15:5 — “Apart from Me you can do nothing”

✨ Faith-Driven Application:

• Mindset renewal is a spiritual daily practice, not positive thinking
• Lies about your worth and ability must be confronted with scripture truth
• Your value flows from identity in Christ, not your performance or circumstances
• God partners with you—don’t try to carry your calling alone

🧭 Multipassionate Moment:

If you’re juggling multiple callings and feel overwhelmed, this episode reminds you that clarity and courage come from anchoring in God’s truth daily, not from mastering everything at once. Start where you are, with what you have.

🎁 Resources & Links:

• 🔗 Join the Newsletter: www.leadwithjim.com/nl

• 🎙️ Catch more episodes + extras: www.leadwithjim.com

Referenced GPT Bible Study Video: https://youtu.be/VflG29Hx_Xw

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question? Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

Description:

Ever feel like your life is too messy to lead anything meaningful? You’re not alone.

In today’s raw and timely episode, Jim Burgoon gets honest about what it really looks like to lead, create, and build when your behind-the-scenes life feels like chaos. From chronic illness and burnout to self-doubt and spiritual fatigue, Jim unpacks why your imperfections don’t disqualify your mission—they may actually refine it.

This one is for the leader who’s still healing. The entrepreneur who’s still battling. The creative who’s still showing up even when it hurts.

“God isn’t waiting for your life to be polished before He puts purpose on your shoulders.”
🔑 Episode Highlights:

• Why your mess doesn’t disqualify your mission
• The trap of “performance perfectionism” in Christian entrepreneurship
• Jim’s personal story of podcasting through a chronic illness flare
• The biblical truth: God moves in the middle, not after the mess is cleaned up
• What to do when your emotions tell you to quit
• Reframing leadership as alignment over adrenaline
• Encouragement for leading in weakness, not pretending to be whole

🙌 Scripture Anchors:

• Galatians 6:9 — “Let us not grow weary in doing good...”
• Judges 6 — The story of Gideon, called while hiding
• Exodus 3 — God meets Moses in exile
• Daniel 3 — The fourth man in the fire (God shows up in the middle)

✨ Faith-Driven Application:

• You’re not too broken to be used by God
• You don’t need to wait until you’re “ready” to start
• Biblical leaders led from the middle of their battles—not after the victory parade
• It’s okay to rest. But don’t quit what God has called you to.

🧭 Multipassionate Moment:

If you’re a creative with too many ideas and not enough energy—this episode reminds you that clarity doesn’t come from control—it comes from trust. Lead what you can, with what you have, from where you are.

🎁 Resources & Links:

• 🔗 Join the Newsletter: www.leadwithjim.com/nl

• 💬 DM “MESSY” on Instagram/Threads to @leadwithjim for a personal word of encouragement

• 🎙️ Catch more episodes + extras: www.leadwithjim.com

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question? Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

Description:

What if your exhaustion isn't because you're lazy… but because you're misaligned?

In this raw and eye-opening episode, Jim Burgoon challenges the productivity-obsessed mindset so many faith-driven leaders carry—and offers a better way. Through Scripture, real talk, and lived experience, Jim unpacks the 3 types of misalignment that keep Christian creators burned out, unfocused, and disconnected from God’s rhythm.

Whether you feel like you're failing your calling, falling behind, or just plain tired… this episode is your permission to pause—and recalibrate with God.

🔑 Key Insights:

• Why tying your worth to productivity is destroying your peace
• The spiritual cost of operating in the wrong season
• The silent burden of misaligned expectations
• How Jesus offers rest—not hustle—in Matthew 11
• The real definition of discipline for faith-driven creators

📖 Faith Connection:

Jim unpacks Matthew 11:28–30 (MSG) to reframe rest, work, and calling through the lens of grace—not grind. God's way isn’t hustle culture—it’s alignment culture.

🎯 For the Multipassionate:

This is a must-listen if you:

• Feel guilty for not doing more
• Can’t tell if you need to push or pause
• Struggle with clarity, energy, or focus in your business
• Want to build your business with peace, not pressure

🛠️ Practical Tools:

• 3 Misalignment Types: Values, Seasons, Expectations
• Reflection questions to reset your rhythm
• Biblical and psychological insight into why you’re exhausted
• How to choose Spirit-led discipline over cultural hustle

✍️ Reflect + Reset:

1. What feels heavy now that used to feel light?
2. What are you saying “yes” to that’s draining you?
3. If Jesus walked in right now, what would He say needs to go?

🔗 Resources & Links:

• 💌 Join the newsletter for deeper reflections: https://www.leadwithjim.com/nl

• 🎁 Get your free guide: https://www.leadwithjim.com

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question? Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!

🎧 Episode Description

Have you ever looked at your calendar and realized you booked every minute—even your rest? Jim Burgoon shares his own burnout story and introduces REST, a four-step framework to help leaders recognize red flags, evaluate energy gaps, schedule micro-rests (and mini-Sabbaths), and team up for accountability. If you’re leading on empty, this episode gives you practical, Scripture-anchored habits to reclaim your strength and lead with purpose.

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. REST Framework: Remember R.E.S.T. – Recognize, Evaluate, Schedule, Team.
2. Recognize Red Flags: Watch for exhaustion that won’t break and a hollow prayer life.
3. Evaluate Energy Gaps: Track cortisol spikes vs. true recovery minutes.
4. Schedule Rest: Use short, frequent micro-rests and protect a weekly mini-Sabbath.
5. Team Up: Build a triad for mutual accountability, support, and growth.

📖 Scripture Anchors

• Mark 6:31 – "Come away... and rest a while."
• Hebrews 4:9–10 – The promise of Sabbath rest.
• Galatians 6:2 – "Carry one another’s burdens..."

📣 Connect & Engage

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question? Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

Thanks for listening!



Remember: Leading on purpose, not on empty.

🔥 Episode Summary
“If the algorithm is your master, then burnout will be your reward.”

In this raw and timely episode, Jim Burgoon exposes the hidden cost of hustle culture for Christian creators—and offers a better way. You’ll discover why doing less, with more intentionality, leads to deeper impact, greater clarity, and Spirit-led momentum in your business.

Whether you're overwhelmed by content pressure, burned out by trying to "stay consistent," or wondering if rest is even allowed—this episode gives you permission to stop striving and start building from a place of peace, purpose, and partnership with the Holy Spirit.

Whether you’re burned out, overwhelmed, or caught in hustle mode, this episode is your invitation to shift from obligation to overflow.

💬 What You'll Learn

• Why social media burnout is so common for Christian creators
• How hustle culture masks itself as “progress” but drains purpose
• What the Bible says about rest and work
• Why doing less, with the Holy Spirit, can lead to deeper impact
• How to shift from chasing metrics to creating Spirit-led conversations

🧠 Key Takeaways

• More content doesn't equal more impact—often it dilutes your voice
• You weren't created to serve the algorithm—you were created to partner with God
• Rest is not laziness—it's obedience
• One post with anointing can do more than 100 clever ones
• Chase conversations, not clicks

📖 Scripture References

• Genesis 2:2
• Matthew 11:28
• John 14:15
• 1 Peter 2:9

🛠️ Apply This

• Ask the Holy Spirit what to create before scrolling for inspiration
• Focus on 1 high-quality piece of content and repurpose it
• Build daily and weekly rhythms of rest into your workflow
• Let your content start conversations, not just impressions
• Trust God to promote what’s aligned with His purpose for you

🎯 Take the Next Step

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🎙️ Got a question? Leave a voice message at leadwithjim.com/ask

#FaithDrivenCreator #HolyHustle #ChristianEntrepreneur #ContentWithPurpose #RestIsObedience

What if God never left—even when you did?

In this raw and redemptive episode, I sit down with Julie Chenell, co-founder of Funnel Gorgeous, to talk about the real story behind the funnels, the faith, and the fire.

We go far beyond business into the depths of postpartum depression, divorce, church trauma, spiritual deconstruction, and how God pursued Julie even when she walked away. From building a multi-million-dollar business in survival mode to rebuilding her spiritual foundation through logic, AI, and grace—this conversation is everything.

If you’ve ever wrestled with whether your story is still usable… you need this episode.

💡 For the Listener Who’s...

• A Christian creator feeling stuck between calling and chaos
• Deconstructing faith, rebuilding hope, and craving something real
• Trying to lead, build, or parent while healing quietly behind the scenes
• Wondering if their past disqualifies their purpose

This is your permission to be in process—and still be powerful.

🔍 Topics We Explore:

• The pressure of building a business during trauma
• Why Julie refused alimony and support—and what God did instead
• When success and spiritual disconnection collide
• How AI helped Julie rediscover Jesus (seriously)
• Breaking cycles of people-pleasing and burnout
• Reconciling faith with intellect and healing
• Why shame doesn’t get the last word in your story

📌 Resources Mentioned:

• funnelgorgeous.com
• julieschannel.com
• milliondollargrit.com
• 🧭 Free Guide: https://www.leadwithjim.com

📺 Watch the Visual Episode on YouTube

Catch this episode in full video format, plus bonus content and upcoming tutorials like:

🧠 How to Use ChatGPT for Deep Bible Study

🎥 YouTube Channel – Lead With Jim

🙏 Support the Show

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

💡 Episode Summary

Half of all new businesses fail within the first 3–5 years—not because the idea was bad, but because it wasn’t from God.

In today’s episode, Jim breaks down the difference between a “good idea” and a “God idea.” Using a four-part spiritual checklist grounded in Scripture and personal experience, you’ll learn how to discern whether your business idea aligns with God's purpose—or just your personal ambition. Plus, Jim shares a powerful testimony of when he got it wrong and what it cost him.

If you're a faith-driven entrepreneur, content creator, or coach seeking divine clarity before launching your next thing, this episode is your wake-up call.

🧭 What You’ll Learn

• The 4 spiritual checkpoints to discern a God-given idea
• Why peace isn’t the absence of chaos—but confidence in the storm
• How motives, anxiety, and striving can lead you off-track
• What it means to build in alignment versus building for approval
• The real difference between good at and anointed for
• How to practically invite God into every part of your business plan

✝️ Anchor Scriptures

• Proverbs 3:5–6 — “In all your ways acknowledge Him…”
• Proverbs 11:3 — “Honesty guides good people…”
• Psalm 46:10 — “Be still and know that I am God.”
• Psalm 139:23–24 — “Search me, O God, and know my heart.”
• Philippians 4:7 — “Peace that surpasses all understanding.”
• 1 Corinthians 14:33 — “God is not the author of confusion.”

📝 Divine Download Challenge

Take 30 minutes with God this week.

Journal through these 4 questions:

1. Does this idea align with Scripture and God's character?
2. Is there peace, or is it driven by anxiety and striving?
3. What’s the real motive beneath the surface?
4. Does it require God-sized faith—or just your grind?

Then reply to The Wisdom Dispatch newsletter and tell Jim what God revealed to you.

📬 Get the Full 8-Point Spiritual Checklist

Subscribe to The Wisdom Dispatch newsletter for the full version of the checklist plus exclusive insights not shared on the podcast or YouTube.

👉 www.leadwithjim.com/NL

📺 Watch the Visual Episode on YouTube

Catch this episode in full video format, plus bonus content and upcoming tutorials like:

🧠 How to Use ChatGPT for Deep Bible Study

🎥 YouTube Channel – Lead With Jim

🙏 Support the Show

• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeartRadio

• Leave a review on Apple Podcasts

• Share this episode with a friend

• Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube

• Join our newsletter → www.leadwithjim.com

🙏 Final Blessing

“May the Holy Spirit give you revelation, clarity, and peace. May He expose distractions, align your heart with His vision, and give you wisdom on what to build, when to build it, and how to walk it out. In Jesus’ name.”