The Self-Leadership Lab

Is work-life balance even possible?

According to leadership steward Roxanne Shapiro, the better question is whether we're living in harmony.

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, Bobby sits down with Roxanne for a conversation that challenges many of today's assumptions about leadership. Together they explore why self-awareness, emotional intelligence, relationships, and personal harmony shape every decision we make as leaders.

Roxanne explains why burnout often begins long before we recognize it, why many leaders unknowingly sacrifice themselves for success, and why true leadership starts with leading yourself well.

If you've ever felt like you're succeeding professionally while falling behind personally, this conversation offers a refreshing, and practical, perspective.

In This Episode

Why balance is an impossible goal

Harmony vs. hustle

Self-awareness as the foundation of leadership

Stewardship versus traditional coaching

Emotional intelligence in leadership

Why leaders burn themselves out

Competition versus collaboration

Building healthier organizational cultures

The importance of reflection

Leading from alignment instead of exhaustion

About Roxanne Chaput

Roxanne Chaput explores the architecture of leadership, discernment, and the

responsibility of influence through a philosophy centered on the Ecology of

Intelligences. Her philosophy brings language to the intelligible order

entrusted within human existence, cultivating a deeper remembrance of the

coherence, discernment, and integrity already entrusted within each of us.

Through her writing, speaking, and private advisory conversations, Roxanne

explores the patterns, relationships, and intelligible order woven throughout

leadership, human existence, and the responsibility of influence, bringing a

multidimensional perspective that continues unfolding well beyond the

conversation itself.

Connect with Roxanne

Media and Conference Inquiries: [email protected]

Community Inquiries: www.roxanne-chaput.com

Connect with Bobby

Newsletter: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton

We spend nearly one-third of our lives asleep, yet many of us sacrifice it in the name of productivity.

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, I sit down with sleep medicine physician Dr. Benjamin Long to explore why sleep may be the most overlooked pillar of physical health, mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual well-being.

Together we discuss the science behind REM sleep, deep sleep, recovery, wearable technology, sleep tracking, and why so many high achievers ignore one of the greatest performance enhancers available. We also explore a fascinating biblical perspective: What if sleep isn't just a biological necessity—but a gift from God?

Whether you're trying to improve your health, sharpen your mind, strengthen your faith, or simply wake up feeling better, this conversation offers practical insights that will change the way you think about sleep.

In This Episode

• Why sleep is essential for health and performance

• Deep sleep vs. REM sleep

• Sleep trackers: helpful or harmful?

• Can you really "catch up" on sleep?

• Why entrepreneurs often neglect sleep

• Circadian rhythms explained

• The relationship between sleep and mental health

• Biblical insights on sleep

• Why Scripture calls sleep a gift

• Practical habits for better sleep

About Dr. Benjamin Long

Dr. Benjamin Long is a board-certified sleep medicine physician, pediatrician, and seminary student exploring the intersection of sleep science, theology, and human flourishing. His work helps people better understand both the medical and spiritual dimensions of healthy sleep.

Connect with Dr. Benjamin Long

Website: https://www.SleepHabitsJournal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewholeheartedmd/?hl=en

Connect with Bobby

Newsletter: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton

What if the biggest obstacle to personal growth isn't a lack of discipline—but a lack of awareness?

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, I sit down with leadership coach and co-author of Live Fully. Lead Authentically, Kurt Bush, to explore how our everyday encounters reveal the patterns that quietly shape our lives.

Kurt introduces a powerful framework for recognizing the moments that trigger us, reflecting on why they happen, and intentionally choosing a different response the next time. We discuss authenticity, emotional maturity, self-compassion, leadership, and why transformation isn't about becoming someone new. it's about becoming more aligned with who you truly want to be.

If you've ever wondered why you continue reacting the same way despite your best intentions, this conversation will give you practical tools to begin changing from the inside out.

In this episode:

• What authentic leadership really means

• Why self-awareness is the foundation of growth

• Understanding life's daily "encounters"

• Reflection as a leadership practice

• Responding instead of reacting

• Why shame prevents transformation

• Practice over perfection

• Self-compassion and emotional maturity

• Breaking automatic behavior patterns

• Living fully and leading authentically

About Kurt Bush

Kurt Bush is a leadership coach, speaker, and co-author of Live Fully. Lead Authentically. Through Brimstone Coaching Group, he helps leaders increase self-awareness, navigate life's challenges with greater intentionality, and lead with authenticity.

Connect with Kurt

Website: https://brimstonecoachinggroup.com

Book: Live Fully. Lead Authentically

Connect with Bobby

Newsletter: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton

In a world obsessed with networking, what if we've been building relationships all wrong?

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, I sit down with executive coach and business strategist Jaclyn Strominger to explore the concept of Relationship Capital; the idea that meaningful relationships are one of the greatest assets we can build, both personally and professionally.

Jaclyn shares why traditional networking often feels transactional, how to become someone people genuinely remember, and why playing the long game creates opportunities that no elevator pitch ever will.

Whether you're leading a team, growing a business, or simply wanting deeper connections, this conversation offers practical ways to become more intentional in how you build relationships.

Topics Discussed

• What Relationship Capital really is

• Networking vs. genuine relationships

• The power of follow-up

• How to become memorable

• Building trust before business

• Connect. Engage. Offer.

• Why generosity compounds over time

• Leadership through relationships

• Playing the long game

About Jaclyn Strominger

Jaclyn Strominger is an executive coach and business strategist who helps leaders and entrepreneurs build stronger relationships, grow their influence, and create lasting business success through Relationship Capital.

Connect with Jaclyn

Website: https://jaclynstrominger.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jstrominger/

Connect with Bobby

Newsletter: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton

What happens when you faithfully follow God's calling and life still falls apart?

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, I sit down with author, coach, musician, and former pastor Dustin Kleinschmidt to discuss burnout, depression, expectations, faith, and finding God in the wilderness seasons of life.

Dustin shares his remarkable journey from a difficult childhood to ministry leadership, church planting, burnout, and ultimately discovering a deeper understanding of God's presence in suffering. We explore how unmet expectations can damage our faith, why God often does His deepest work in difficult seasons, and how taking the "next first step" can transform our lives.

If you've ever wondered where God is in the middle of hardship, this conversation will encourage you to stop focusing on escaping the wilderness and start looking for what God is doing within it.

Topics Discussed

• Burnout and recovery

• Faith during difficult seasons

• Depression and anxiety

• Church leadership challenges

• The Wilderness Way

• Target fixation and spiritual growth

• The power of community

• Psalm 37 and faithful living

• Dwelling in the land

• Taking the next first step

About Dustin Kleinschmidt

Dustin Kleinschmidt is an author, coach, musician, and former pastor. He is the author of The Wilderness Way and creator of the music project Wild Days. Through coaching, writing, and speaking, Dustin helps people navigate life's challenges with faith, honesty, and hope.

Connect with Dustin

Website: DustinKleinschmidt.com

Book: The Wilderness Way

Music: Wild Days

Connect with Bobby

Newsletter: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drbobbyshelton

What if the key to a better relationship isn't changing your partner but becoming more aware of yourself?

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, I sit down with therapist, coach, and men's development expert Michael Ostrolenk to discuss self-awareness, emotional regulation, relationships, resilience, and personal growth.

We explore why so many people react instead of responding, how unconscious patterns shape our relationships, and why Michael believes men need to "earn their trident" every day by continuing to show up for the people they love.

This conversation goes far beyond marriage. It's about becoming the type of person who can listen, grow, and lead themselves through life's challenges.

Topics discussed:

• Emotional regulation

• Self-awareness

• Relationship dynamics

• Men's development

• Personal responsibility

• Resilience 2.0

• Building a personal ethos

• The connection between physical and emotional health

• Learning to respond instead of reacting

• Why growth starts with curiosity

Connect with Michael

Website: https://michaeldostrolenk.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelostrolenkresiliencemastery/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/resilience-redefined-with-michael-d-ostrolenk/id1866454273

Subscribe to my Newsletter

Weekly reflections on self-leadership, personal growth, faith, and flourishing where you are.

https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

What happens when the habits that made you successful become the very things holding you back?

In this episode, Susan Collins joins me to discuss what she calls the Success Trap ...the point where high performers begin to plateau because they continue relying on the same approaches that created their earlier success.

We explore leadership growth, identity, networking, self-awareness, and why curiosity may be one of the most important skills for navigating change.

If you've ever felt stuck despite doing everything "right," this conversation will challenge you to think differently about success and what comes next.

Topics discussed:

• The Success Trap

• Career plateaus

• Leadership development

• Identity and work

• Networking with purpose

• Self-awareness and growth

• What got you here won't get you there

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." - Ecclesiastes 3:1

Why do we spend so much of our lives waiting for the next thing?

In June, people are already talking about summer. In August, stores are preparing for fall. Before Thanksgiving arrives, Christmas decorations appear everywhere.

We rush the calendar.

But we also rush our lives.

The young professional wants the promotion.

The manager wants the next title.

The parent wants the next stage.

The retiree wishes for younger days.

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, Bobby reflects on the seasons we experience both on the calendar and throughout our lives. He explores how our obsession with what's next often prevents us from fully experiencing what's happening right now.

What if the season you're in is exactly where you're supposed to be?

What if the lesson you're looking for exists in the present moment?

If you've been feeling restless, impatient, or focused on the future, this episode offers a reminder to slow down, pay attention, and flourish where you are.

Scripture:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Quote:

"Do not disturb yourself by imagining your whole life at once." — Marcus Aurelius

The Self-Leadership Lab is dedicated to helping you govern your inner world so your outer life reflects your convictions.

#SelfLeadership #PersonalGrowth #Mindfulness #LeadershipDevelopment #ChristianLeadership #Ecclesiastes #Stoicism #PersonalDevelopment #Purpose #Presence

What is keeping men from stepping into the lives they were created to live?

In this powerful conversation, Bobby Shelton sits down with former prosecutor, law enforcement leader, speaker, and host of the Warrior Servant Leader Podcast, Pat Welsh, to explore one of the most important challenges facing men today: the battle between faith, fear, and ego.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, personal tragedy, and deep faith, Pat shares why he believes men are being called to rise, lead with courage, and serve their communities with purpose. Together, Bobby and Pat discuss self-leadership, servant leadership, masculinity, faith, personal responsibility, and the importance of living a life that positively impacts others.

Whether you're a leader, father, husband, business owner, veteran, or simply someone trying to become a better human being, this conversation will challenge you to examine your fears, confront your ego, and live with greater intention.

In This Episode

• Why fear prevents people from stepping into their purpose

• The difference between reacting and intentionally responding

• How ego quietly sabotages leadership

• The relationship between faith and self-leadership

• What modern men are getting wrong about masculinity

• Why community is essential for growth and resilience

• Lessons from Peter, Jonah, Thomas, and other biblical figures

• The power of defining your "life sentence"

• How to positively impact the people around you

• What it truly means to be a Warrior Servant Leader

Memorable Quotes

"Fear and faith are both belief in things we cannot see."

"Do the right thing, at the right time, the right way, and for the right reasons."

"Comparison is the thief of joy and often the creator of fear."

"You don't need stars, stripes, titles, or credentials to be a servant leader."

Connect with Pat Welsh

Warrior Servant Leader Podcast: https://www.thewarriorservantleaderpodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-welsh-jd-82b79490/

Connect with Bobby Shelton

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbAUhnH37eodhRKlVu7B--g

Instagram: @theselfleadershiplab

LinkedIn: ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/dr-bobby-shelton-dsl-pmp-acc-124502b⁠

Podcast: The Self-Leadership Lab (Available on Apple, YouTube, or Spotify)

Website: ⁠www.battlecatcoaching.com⁠

Book: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FT68RCB1⁠

Substack: https://bobbyshelton.substack.com/

Want to be a guest on The Self-Leadership Lab?

Send Bobby Shelton a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/17641667851977069fa15a161

faith over fear, self-leadership, servant leadership, Christian leadership, leadership podcast, masculinity, men's development, warrior servant leader, Pat Welsh, Bobby Shelton, faith and leadership, overcoming fear, defeating ego, personal growth, Christian men, leadership development, purpose driven life, leadership mindset, biblical leadership, modern masculinity, men's ministry, spiritual growth, leadership lessons, self improvement, podmatch

What can a toad trapped in a swimming pool teach us about leadership, burnout, and asking for help?

In this episode of The Self-Leadership Lab, Dr. Bobby Shelton shares a simple but powerful story from a visit to his parents' home in Alabama. After discovering a toad struggling in a swimming pool, he learned something surprising:

The problem wasn't that the toad couldn't swim.

The problem was that it couldn't get out.

Many of us find ourselves in the same situation. We are capable. We are talented. We are hardworking. Yet we often take on challenges without the support systems, boundaries, or relationships needed to sustain us.

In this episode, Bobby explores:

Why capability alone is not enough

The hidden causes of burnout and exhaustion

How self-awareness helps us avoid getting in over our heads

Why asking for help is a leadership skill

How to recognize when others need support

The leadership lessons hidden in everyday observations

Galatians 6:2 and carrying one another's burdens

If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted despite doing everything "right," this episode is for you.

Scripture Referenced Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

The Self-Leadership Lab helps successful professionals stop postponing their lives, reconnect with who they truly are, and flourish where they are through the practice of self-leadership.

#SelfLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Burnout #PersonalGrowth #ChristianLeadership #LeadershipPodcast #MentalHealth #FaithAndLeadership #SelfAwareness #HighPerformance