Everyone loves to talk about having that “dog” in them... the hunger, the grit, the relentless drive that separates high performers from the rest. But what happens when that same fire goes unchecked? In this episode, Ryan unpacks the fine line between passion and chaos and why real greatness requires more than just drive... it requires discipline. You’ll learn why strength without control can lead to self-destruction, how to channel your ambition instead of being ruled by it, and what it really means to be a dog with discipline.

In this episode, Ryan Leak breaks down ten practical ways to share your faith at work—without preaching a sermon. From showing up on time to going the extra mile, Faith At Work reminds us that the loudest message you’ll ever preach doesn’t come from your mouth—it comes from your work ethic, your attitude, and how you treat people when no one’s watching.

Forgiveness isn’t just a church thing. It’s not just a faith thing. It’s a science thing. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks the astounding research from both Eastern and Western medicine on how unforgiveness, bitterness, and resentment impact your physical, emotional, and mental health. From impaired liver function in Chinese medicine to reduced risk of heart disease in Western studies, the evidence is clear: your body keeps the score of what your soul is carrying.

Here are a few of the studies mentioned:

• World Journal of Gastroenterology on liver function and chronic anger: link

• Johns Hopkins Medicine on the health benefits of forgiveness: link

• Journal of Behavioral Medicine study on forgiveness and mental health: link

• Mayo Clinic on forgiveness and stress relief: link

But science can only take you so far. If you’re wondering how to actually forgive, Ryan points to the model and the power found in Jesus Christ. If you’d like to take the next steps in your faith journey or receive prayer, text “Jesus” to 469-809-1201, and Ryan’s team would love to connect with you.

And if you want to dive even deeper into this topic, check out Ryan’s full message on forgiveness here: Watch on YouTube

Most of us don’t know what to do with criticism. We either ignore it, pretend we don’t care, or rush to discredit whoever said it. But the truth is, words hurt... and if you don’t learn how to process them, they’ll either spiral you or shut you down. In this episode, I get personal about how I deal with criticism every day, from social media unfollows to tough feedback in real life.

I’ll share why defensive mode never brings out the best in us, what actually happens in your brain when you’re criticized, and a practical framework you can use to process tough feedback with a trusted voice. You’ll learn how to ask the right questions, sift what’s true from what’s noise, and turn criticism into a tool for growth instead of a weapon against your worth.

If you’ve ever struggled with a negative comment, a bad review, or a hard word from someone you love... this episode will give you a healthier, more empowering way to approach it.

Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get encouraging text from me every week!

In a week filled with tragedy and nonstop scrolling, many of us felt the weight of collective triggering. Do I post? What do I post? Do I delete it? How do I keep relationships intact when emotions are running high?

In this episode, Ryan Leak explores the art of disagreeing without disrespect, why friendships shouldn’t dissolve in 20 seconds over one post, and how respect and humility can change the tone of even the hardest conversations. It’s about learning to pause, breathe, and be kind... even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

In the final episode of the Success Series, Ryan Leak unpacks the most sobering truth of all: success doesn’t last. From viral moments to bestselling milestones, the applause fades faster than you think. Whether it’s leading a Fortune 50 company, playing in the NBA, or hitting a career high, success often disappears like a mist... visible for a moment, then gone.

But what does last?
How you treated people.
The impact you made.

If you’ve ever chased success only to find it didn’t satisfy, this episode is for you. Ryan brings real stories, hard truths, and a powerful reminder that true success isn’t about the spotlight... it’s about your legacy.

Text PODCAST to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouragement sent straight to your phone.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re talking about the addiction of success. There’s a fine line between being driven and being dependent—and far too many people cross it without even knowing it. From the pressure to keep up appearances to chasing validation through likes, shares, and applause, Ryan unpacks what it looks like when success stops being a blessing and starts becoming a burden. You’ll learn the difference between healthy contentment and complacency, and walk away with a better question to ask yourself: Do you have success… or does success have you?

If you’d like to get weekly encouraging texts from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

Everyone wants success… until they feel the pressure that comes with it. In this episode, Ryan unpacks what happens after you win: the pressure to stay on top, to outperform your last big moment, and to keep everyone impressed. Drawing from fresh research led by Dr. Angela on stress and "stressure" (stress + pressure), Ryan gets real about what success can do to your peace, your pace, and your purpose. If you’ve ever felt like you’re drowning in expectations while trying to keep it all together, this one's for you.

You don’t just need strategies for success. You need systems to survive it.

Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get weekly encouragement straight to your phone.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan breaks down what most people won’t tell you about success... it’s not just hard to get, it’s even harder to manage. From losing your edge to losing your people, success can quietly sabotage the very things that matter most if you’re not paying attention. Ryan shares the subtle ways success can shift your mindset, mess with your relationships, and make you play it safe when you used to dream big.

If you’re on the path to something great, or already living in what you once prayed for, this episode is your reminder to stay grounded, stay growing, and stay grateful. Because success isn’t just about what you build; it’s about who you become.

If you want weekly encouragement sent straight to your phone, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, Ryan asks a bold question: What does it cost to be you?  Success often looks easy from the outside, but the behind-the-scenes story usually includes late nights, tough decisions, and sacrifices no one ever sees. Whether it's private jets, real estate empires, or viral influence, there's always a price tag success doesn't advertise.

This kicks off a short series on success we'll be unpacking over the next few weeks... so if you're chasing a dream, this one's for you.

Want to get a weekly dose of encouragement straight to your phone? Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201 to join the list.