In this episode of Thrive, I sit down with my good friend Pastor Ulysses Diaz to talk about what it looks like when God calls you back—no matter how far you’ve gone.

We dive into his powerful testimony, from growing up in a faith-filled home to walking through years of rebellion, addiction, and distance from God. Pastor Ulysses shares honestly about the struggles he faced, the choices he made, and the moment he heard God's voice calling him back to a life of purpose and truth.

We also talk about parenting with conviction, why discipline and love go hand in hand, and how to raise kids who know and serve the Lord. He shares a deeply moving story about his daughter’s miraculous healing during pregnancy and how trusting God through trials has shaped his family’s faith.

Whether you’re walking closely with God or feel like you’ve wandered far, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to come home—and that God is always ready to receive you with open arms.

Welcome to another episode of Thrive—I’m so glad you’re here.

This week, I’m sharing the heart behind what it really means to lead well. We dive into leadership principles shaped by faith and rooted in the example of Jesus.

I talk about the importance of being a leader who knows—someone who understands the season, puts people first, and leads with humility and vision. From personal stories to powerful Scripture, my hope is that this episode encourages and equips you to lead where you are, with what you have, for who matters most.

Thrive started as a tool for our church leaders, but it’s become so much more. It’s now a space for anyone hungry to grow, lead, and live with intention.

Whether you’re just stepping into leadership or have been in it for years, I believe God has called you to thrive. Let’s grow together.

In this episode of Thrive, we’re joined by Pastor Philip Mion to talk about the importance of youth ministry in today’s world. We discuss the challenges facing today’s youth, the need for solid biblical teaching, and why investing in youth programs is essential for the future of the church.

We also share practical insights on how to create a youth ministry that is fun, engaging, and spiritually impactful, and how to equip the next generation to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

If you're passionate about empowering young people and building strong youth ministries, this episode is for you!

In this episode, I talk about the reality of leading while carrying pain. Pain is part of life, but it doesn’t have to define us or keep us stuck. Through faith, community, and staying connected to God, we can continue to lead, grow, and make an impact even in difficult seasons.

I share some lessons from my own experiences and from Scripture that show how pain, when surrendered to God, can actually strengthen our leadership and deepen our character. No matter what we walk through, God is able to use it for our good and for His glory.

In this week’s episode of Thrive, I’m joined by Pastor John and Pastor Adam for a meaningful conversation all about leadership—what it really looks like, the challenges that come with it, and the responsibility it carries.

We dive into the idea that true leadership starts with leading yourself well—practicing discipline, living with intentionality, and being someone others can genuinely look up to. We talk about the difference between managing people and truly inspiring them, and how influence is earned through consistency, character, and care.

Throughout the episode, we share personal stories about the mentors who shaped us, the lessons we’ve learned through experience, and the sacrifices that leadership often requires. We also open up about distractions that can pull leaders off course and how to stay focused on what really matters—serving others, building people up, and thinking beyond the moment.

Whether you’re leading a team, your family, or just trying to grow into who you’re called to be, this conversation is packed with insight, encouragement, and real talk about what it means to lead with purpose.

In this episode of Thrive, I share a message called “Just Like Water” where we explore how leaders can respond to challenges with strength, clarity, and faith. Inspired by Joshua 7:5, we talk about what it means when our hearts “melt like water” and how to move forward when fear, pressure, or discouragement sets in.

We’ll look at common leadership struggles, how to recognize them, and the steps we can take to recover and lead well. I also share four key principles that help us stay grounded in courage, faithfulness, and purpose—especially in tough seasons.

Whether you're leading in ministry, at work, or in your everyday life, this episode is all about staying strong, focused, and faithful in your leadership journey.

This week on Thrive, we’re diving into five key things that every leader needs to watch out for—and eliminate. We’re talking about unawareness, unwillingness, forgetfulness, disbelief, and isolation. These may seem small at first, but left unchecked, they can grow and seriously impact your leadership.

We also look at a moment from Mark 8, where Jesus talks about the “yeast of the Pharisees,” and how that warning applies to the influences we allow in our lives and leadership.

I’ll share some personal takeaways, stories, and practical tools to help you lead with greater intention and impact—whether you’re leading in ministry, at work, or at home.

This week on Thrive, I’m joined by my friend Kenny Blanco, a worship pastor at Calvary Church. We talk about his incredible transformation—both physically and spiritually—over the past few years. Kenny shares how he went from weighing 300 pounds and living undisciplined to challenging himself with yearly commitments like cutting out pizza, fries, and soda for an entire year.

But more than that, we dive into what really fueled his change: surrendering to God. Kenny introduces the idea of ‘sacred struggle’—embracing the difficulty of living a disciplined Christian life—and explains why true transformation isn’t about willpower, but about faith. We also get into his decision to leave social media, the power of fasting, and how physical and spiritual discipline go hand in hand.

If you’ve ever struggled with self-discipline or felt stuck in your own journey, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Thrive, I’m sharing seven key leadership corrections that can help you grow and lead with greater purpose. Leadership isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about constantly refining how we lead, knowing when to stop certain habits, and embracing new ones that create real impact. I talk about the power of leading with love, staying humble through continuous learning, and why celebrating wins is essential for building a thriving culture.

I also dive into the importance of embodying the values you want to see in your team, practicing spiritual disciplines to stay grounded, and truly caring for people without enabling unhealthy patterns. Plus, I share personal insights from my own leadership journey, including how letting go of certain responsibilities allowed me to focus on writing my book.

No matter where you lead—in ministry, business, or your community—these corrections can help you grow into a stronger, more effective leader. Thanks for watching!

On this episode of Thrive, I sit down with Arnold Delgado to hear his powerful story of transformation. From a turbulent childhood and chasing success at a young age to getting caught up in Miami’s party scene, Arnold seemed to have it all, but deep down, he felt empty.

Everything changed when a series of events led him back to faith, setting him on a new path. Now a devoted husband, father, and pastor, he shares how surrendering to God gave him a fresh start and a purpose greater than he ever imagined.

This episode is all about second chances, personal growth, and the impact of faith. If you need encouragement or a reminder that change is always possible, you won’t want to miss this conversation.