In this episode, Ryan shares why one of the best days of your life is the day you stop playing the blame game. He unpacks how blaming others,even when they’re truly at fault, won’t move your life forward.

With a powerful story, some surprising research, and real-talk motivation, Ryan challenges you to take back the pen and start writing your next chapter. Because someone else might be responsible for how you got here, but only you can decide where you go next. Text ‘podcast’ to 469-809-1201 to start receiving weekly motivational texts from Ryan.

What makes someone complicated to work with? Is it their politics? Their generation? Their role? According to our nationwide study, none of those even came close. The number one answer, by a long shot, was attitude.

In today’s episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, I’m unpacking why your attitude matters more than you think. You can’t change your coworker’s personality, your boss’s behavior, or your client’s demands, but you can change your attitude. And the powerful part? When you do, it doesn’t just shift you. It shifts the entire atmosphere.

We’ll talk about emotional contagion, the science behind how your vibe affects your environment, and why your attitude might be the most overlooked leadership tool you have. You don’t get to control every situation, but you do get to choose your stance. And that one choice might be the game-changer.

Grab your copy of How to Work With Complicated People on Amazon. If you’d like to read the full research study, visit ryanleak.com/complicated.

Want an encouraging text from me every week? Text “podcast” to 469-809-1201.

In this episode, Ryan breaks down the hilarious but honest concept of an "ask hole", someone who constantly asks for advice but never takes action. Inspired by a phrase he heard from a friend, Ryan dives into why learning something and actually applying it are two very different things. He unpacks the psychological reasons people confuse knowledge with growth and offers practical steps to stop the cycle. If you want to be the kind of person mentors are excited to pour into, this episode is for you. It's a no-fluff call to execute, follow through, and show up ready to grow. To subscribe to weekly encouraging texts from Ryan, text "podcast" to 469-809-1201.

You’ve got dreams. Big ones. But fear? It’s loud. That voice in your head says, What if it doesn’t work out? This episode is for anyone who's ever felt underqualified, overwhelmed, or just plain scared. Spoiler alert: You can still move forward.

From launching a business to going to therapy, applying for the job to starting the podcast—this one’s all about giving yourself permission to show up anyway. Not polished. Not fearless. Just present.

Inspired by a quote from Glennon Doyle, Ryan shares what it means to live with courage, not comfort, and why fear doesn’t get the final vote. Whether you’re writing a book with shaking hands or walking into the gym with popping knees, this episode reminds you: courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you show up scared and do it anyway.

You don’t need more confidence. You need movement.
So go ahead.
Do it scared.

Text "podcast" to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to weekly encouraging texts from Ryan Leak.

Ryan reveals why your calendar is more than just a schedule; it's a scoreboard that lays bare your priorities, patterns, and untapped potential. He challenges you to look beyond the "have-tos" of professional life and identify the "get-tos"—the opportunities for growth, learning, and genuine fulfillment. On the personal front, he calls out the common pitfalls of endless distractions, urging listeners to get "uber intentional" about how their time is spent. If family or personal growth truly matter, Ryan asks, are they making it onto your sacred schedule?

Through compelling examples, including a pivotal business meeting he almost skipped and his non-negotiable family time, Ryan illustrates the powerful principle that your life is the result of what you consistently make time for. Discover why his calendar is a "not-so-secret sauce" to success, both professionally and personally. This episode isn't just about scheduling; it's about shaping your destiny. Learn how to transform your calendar from a mere record of obligations into a roadmap for a future you're genuinely excited about.

Join Ryan Leak in this episode as he tackles the critical difference between those who "crush it" and those who merely "wish they would've." It all comes down to being ready—not just thinking about it, but doing the deep, consistent work long before opportunity knocks.

Ryan challenges the common "if I had..." fantasy, arguing that true growth happens in the quiet moments of preparation, not when circumstances magically change. He shares powerful insights from Olympian Chaunté Lowe, whose record-breaking public performance was merely the culmination of countless private victories. This is the essence of "private discipline meets public opportunity": a powerful reminder that you don't rise to the occasion, you fall to the level of your preparation.

This episode is a practical call to action, urging you to make deposits into your "future opportunity account." Learn why having your "stuff" ready, practicing your pitch, and refining your craft now are non-negotiable. Ryan pushes listeners to stop wishing and start doing, emphasizing that the best version of you isn't surprised by success—they've been practicing for it in the dark. Discover how to ensure that when your big break arrives, it finds you ready, not regretting.

You've heard the success stories, but what's the real secret to getting into the rooms you've always dreamed of? Ryan Leak spills the beans on his short-and-sweet podcast: it's rarely a solo climb. In "The Room Where It Happens," Ryan shares his personal "breadcrumb slide," highlighting the unexpected mentors who didn't just open doors, but taught him how to thrive within those spaces. This isn't just about personal achievement; it's a powerful call to action. Learn why true legacy and fulfillment come from being the person who holds the door open. Find out how your simple introduction, encouragement, or belief can be the access someone desperately needs to step into their future. To get encouraging text from Ryan, text "Podcast" to 469-809-1201.

Ever been misunderstood? We all have. In this episode, Ryan shares how to be the kind of person who reduces misunderstandings... at work, at home, and in marriage. From switching up communication channels to leading with curiosity instead of assumptions, this episode will challenge you to slow down, seek clarity, and build stronger connections in every area of your life.

In this episode, I did something I’ve never done before.
I asked ChatGPT to give me feedback—not just a one-time evaluation, but based on hundreds of prompts and conversations we’ve had over time.

I asked:
“What’s it like to be on the other side of me?”
“How can I get better?”
“What’s the thing I need to hear that I probably wouldn’t want to hear?”

The answers were honest.
Insightful.
And a little uncomfortable—in the best way.

We talk about the gift of feedback, how even AI can hold up a mirror, and how blind spots get smaller when you’re brave enough to ask better questions.

If you’re willing to grow, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Ryan shares the concept of a “lifequake” — those unexpected, seismic moments that shake your world and change everything. From his own story of childhood lifequake to the struggles many quietly carry today, this episode is full of empathy, hope, and real talk. Ryan unpacks two things every person needs when the ground gives way: an anchor for your soul and a friend who won’t run from your darkness. With a powerful illustration from Marvel’s Thunderbolts, this episode is for anyone going through a hard time — and anyone who loves someone who is.

If you’re in the middle of a lifequake, you’re not alone. Ryan would love to pray for you.
Text “prayer” and what’s going on to 469-809-1201.