The Daily LEAD

The weeks leading up to Christmas are some of the most beautiful—and exhausting—moments in the life of a church leader. After the services, the programs, the giving campaigns, the pastoral care, and the emotional weight of the season, many leaders hit what I call “The Post-Christmas Crash.” In this episode, Pastor Brad explores why this crash happens, how it impacts our leadership, and what we can intentionally do to care for our souls and our teams after the busiest season of the year. You’ll walk away with practical rhythms, compassionate insights, and a renewed understanding that rest is not a reward—it’s a responsibility.

December burnout hits helpers hard. This episode explores why the end of the year feels so heavy — and how to care for yourself gently when rest feels out of reach.

Resources:

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle — Emily & Amelia Nagoski

Compassion fatigue & vicarious trauma — National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Therapist Aid (free worksheets on burnout, stress, boundaries)

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — Call or text 988

In this episode, Pastor Brad sits down with LEAD’s Executive Director, Deacon Jessica Noonan, for a powerful conversation about the transformative work LEAD accomplished in 2025 and the bold, Spirit-led steps ahead in 2026. Together, they reflect on how congregations grew, how leaders were equipped, and how LEAD continued to inspire purposeful, adaptive ministry across the church. Jessica also shares what’s on the horizon—new initiatives, new tools, and new opportunities for congregations seeking clarity, vitality, and renewal. As the year comes to a close, we invite listeners to join the momentum by making a year-end gift to LEAD, helping ensure that this vital ministry enters 2026 on strong footing and ready to continue shaping courageous leaders for a changing world.

In this episode, we explore the emotional complexity of December and why joy, grief, overwhelm, and nostalgia can all exist at once. Learn how to hold space for yourself and others with compassion, honesty, and gentleness.

Resources available:

The Gottman Institute – Holiday Emotional Connection Guides

Resources for emotional communication, boundaries, and family dynamics.

Atlas of the Heart By: Brené Brown
 A powerful exploration of emotional vocabulary, emotional nuance, and human experiences.

Common Sense Media – Family Technology & Holiday Stress Guides

For families trying to balance screens, rest, connection, and emotional wellness.

In this episode, Pastor Brad Otto sits down with Pastor Khader Khalilia to explore the remarkable transformation of two churches in Brooklyn. Once facing significant challenges—from dwindling engagement to questions about identity and purpose—the congregations entered the strategic planning process, a transformational process designed to help churches rediscover their “why.” Pastor Khader shares candid reflections on where the congregation struggled, what shifted when they began working with LEAD, and how clarity of purpose sparked renewed energy, mission, and hope. This is a powerful story for any leader asking, “What’s next for our congregation?”

A quick, honest look at the money anxiety that shows up in December—the pressure to give, the guilt, the comparison, and the emotional load behind holiday spending. Learn how to stay grounded, set healthier boundaries, and reconnect with what really matters.

Resources-

NAMI Helpline – support for anxiety, stress, and emotional overwhelm
1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

NerdWallet Holiday Budget Planner – helps people plan December spending intentionally

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Free Online Program – research-backed emotional regulation training

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) – articles on realistic expectations & holiday mental health

In this second episode, we continue our conversation with Pastor Candis O'Meara. In this episode we talk about the new things God did in her congregation after their work with LEAD. We discuss how God made a way and how God is continuing to create new things! 

Your personality is a gift—until it isn’t. In this episode, we explore the patterns that protect us, the moments they get in the way, and simple steps to grow with more awareness and balance.

Resources:

The Holistic Psychologist (Dr. Nicole LePera) – theholisticpsychologist.com
Offers tools around self-awareness, pattern repetition, inner child work, and emotional healing.

"The Mountain is You” by Brianna Wiest
A very accessible book on self-sabotage, patterns, and emotional blocks.

“Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown
Empathy, boundaries, vulnerability, and personal patterns in leadership.

The Enneagram Institute – enneagraminstitute.com
Great for understanding core motivations, stress patterns, and growth paths.

16Personalities – 16personalities.com
A free, approachable introduction to personality traits and cognitive styles.

Personality Hacker Podcast
Deep dives into personality patterns and growth strategies

In this episode we talk to Pastor Candi's O'Meara about her experience with LEAD and how her congregation went from walking in the wilderness to God doing a new thing for their ministry! 

Anger isn’t the problem — it’s what we do with it. In this episode, we explore why we get dysregulated, what’s really happening in the brain during anger, and how emotional regulation helps us respond with calm and clarity instead of reaction.

Resources from This Episode:

·       📄 Download: Anger Action Plan & Emotional Regulation Map (PDF)

·       📚 Further Reading: The Dance of Anger – Harriet Lerner Daniel Goleman — *Emotional Intelligence* (Book) • Dr. Dan Siegel — *The Whole-Brain Child* & *No-Drama Discipline* (Books)

·       🎧 Meditation Apps: Insight Timer, Calm, Headspace

·       🧩 For Educators: Zones of Regulation®, MindUP Curriculum

·       🎥 Watch: TED Talk – Susan David | “The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage”