The Ryan Leak Podcast

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.

Most people say they work with someone who’s complicated—but almost no one thinks they are the problem. In this episode, Ryan Leak dives into brand-new national research revealing just how widespread (and underestimated) complicated people are in today’s workforce.

Spoiler: the numbers don’t add up.

With vulnerability and humor, Ryan admits his own complexities and shares a true story about being labeled “too complicated” by a PR firm. He unpacks the self-awareness gap uncovered in the study, why nearly half of workers would take a lower-paying job to avoid difficult coworkers, and how real leadership starts with asking one powerful question:
Could it be me?

Whether you're leading a team, working through culture challenges, or just trying to be less judgy—this episode will challenge you to look in the mirror and lead with empathy.

In this episode, Ryan shares a behind-the-scenes story about his journey with John Maxwell’s team—a relationship that took over a decade to build. When Ryan once asked if he could be featured on John’s podcast, he was met with an honest and challenging response: “I don’t think we’re there yet.” Rather than taking offense, Ryan took it as fuel for growth.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes the best thing someone can say to you is not yet. Because growth doesn’t come from empty compliments—it comes from honest feedback, faithful effort, and staying committed to the opportunities right in front of you. If you’ve ever been tempted to fast-forward your way to success, this one’s for you. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla: The Debate That Builds Better Teams

Could 100 men take down 1 gorilla—with no weapons? It’s the internet’s favorite argument right now, and in this episode, Ryan breaks it down with NFL linemen, sumo wrestlers, UFC fighters, and a whole lot of imagination. But this episode isn’t really about gorillas. It’s about connection.

In How to Work With Complicated People, Ryan talks about improving relationships by asking better questions—and sometimes, the questions that build the most connection are the ones that spark laughter.

Use this episode to stir up your next team meeting, dinner table, or awkward offsite conversation. Because funny debates make people talk—and talking builds trust.

Here are a few questions to ask your team this week:

• If our team was trapped on a deserted island, who’s leading us… and who’s getting eaten first?

• Who’s most likely to accidentally “reply all” and cause total chaos?

• If you had to swap jobs with someone on this team for a week, who would it be and why?

• What’s a small tweak that would make our meetings 10x better?

• If we had an unlimited budget for a team retreat, where are we going and how long are we staying?

• What’s the most annoying thing the people we serve deal with—and how could we fix it?

• What’s a hill you're willing to die on that has nothing to do with work?

• If our workplace were a genre of movie, what would it be?

• Who’s the teammate you’d want in a zombie apocalypse—and who’s definitely getting bitten first?

Ever caught yourself mid-rant and thought… “Wait, that’s not me talking—that’s my tired”? In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re getting real about the voices that hijack our conversations—tired, insecurity, anxiety, anger, pride, jealousy, even disappointment. Sometimes the loudest person in the room… isn’t even you. Before you send the text, quit the job, confront the friend, or make a big life decision—pause and look who’s talking. Because when your emotions grab the mic, they don’t always speak the truth. But when you show up? That’s when everything changes. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

In a world where it’s normal to match attitude for attitude and shade for shade, what if you chose a different route? In this episode, Ryan unpacks why matching someone else’s energy might be the most overrated move you’re making — and how setting the standard can change your relationships, your leadership, and your peace of mind. From sibling fights to toxic work cultures, this one’s got real-life stories, a little humor, and a reminder that you don’t have to reflect the room — you can lead it. To subscribe to encouraging text from Ryan, text PODCAST to 469-809-1201.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re doing a full Expectations Detox. Because let’s be honest—some of us are walking into work, home, and life expecting people to be simple, perfect, and just like us… and we’re constantly disappointed. Why? Because people are complicated. Quirky. Moody. Late. And wildly different.

Ryan unpacks why the key to working with (and loving) complicated people isn’t lowering your standards—it’s resetting your expectations. From Target people vs. Walmart people, to snackers vs. nibblers, to that one coworker who’s always bringing the foolishness, this episode will help you stop being shocked by humanity and start preparing for it.

If you’ve ever said, “I can’t believe they would…”—this one’s for you.

🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on Amazon today.
📲 Want to stay encouraged every week? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to subscribe to Ryan's weekly encouraging text.

In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we’re going behind the scenes of my upcoming book—specifically, the story of the book cover. Sounds simple, right? Not even close. This episode is about what it really means to stop settling for “good enough” and start living with Big League standards. I share how a challenge from a friend, an introduction to a world-class designer, and one unforgettable sentence—“Yeah, it’s called the Big Leagues”—completely shifted my perspective on excellence.

We’ll talk about impatience, the temptation to settle, and why you need to surround yourself with people who push you to grow. If you’ve ever coasted, played it safe, or convinced yourself something was “fine,” this one’s for you. It’s not about being the best—it’s about giving your best. Every time.

🔥 Order Ryan’s new book, How to Work With Complicated People, releasing April 15, on ⁠Amazon⁠ today.📲 Want more weekly encouragement from Ryan? Text “Podcast” to 469-809-1201 to get his weekly inspiring text.

You’ve heard the advice: “Just stop caring what people think.” But if it were that easy, you would’ve done it by now. In this episode, Ryan Leak unpacks what’s really holding most people back—not fear of failure, but fear of what other people might think. From the thoughts we imagine others are having to the strangers we give way too much power, this episode is a wake-up call to stop living life based on imaginary opinions. Ryan explores the truth about judgment, the trap of social media fear, and two key questions that could unlock your next brave move: Do you really want to give them that much power? And what if they’re not thinking about you at all?

Have you ever met someone who gave you the shirt off their back… or someone who kept score every time they did something for you? In this episode of The Ryan Leak Podcast, we explore the powerful difference between givers and takers and why generosity isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a way of life. Ryan shares one of his favorite Proverbs, a jaw-dropping story from a funeral director, and insights from Adam Grant’s Give and Take that reveal how givers ultimately win. Whether it’s in your marriage, job, social media, or friendships, this episode will challenge you to live with open hands and think about the legacy you’re creating—one generous act at a time.