In this episode, TJ shares four leadership principles that have been shaping his heart through seasons of church growth, staff transitions, and personal reflection. From learning to appreciate the past without living in it, to navigating uncertainty with vision, determining the kind of leader you're becoming, and embracing the personal cost of leading others well, this conversation is both practical and biblical.

What happens when addiction doesn't get the final word?

In this deeply honest conversation, TJ sits down with Beverly Vance Aikens to discuss her remarkable journey from childhood trauma and opioid addiction to lasting sobriety, restored relationships, and a life dedicated to helping others find freedom.

Beverly shares the painful realities of growing up in an abusive home, how addiction took hold, the rock-bottom moment that changed everything, and the role that faith, prayer, community, and recovery played in her healing. Together, they explore difficult but necessary conversations about shame, forgiveness, rebuilding trust with family, and why recovery is about so much more than simply breaking free from substance abuse.

Whether you're battling addiction yourself, walking alongside someone who is, or simply wondering if redemption is still possible after life's darkest seasons, this episode offers a powerful reminder: your past does not have to define your future.

God's grace reaches into the deepest brokenness, hope is never out of reach, and sometimes the darkest winter is simply preparing the ground for new life to bloom.

TJ dives deep into “The Gift of Pain,” exploring how suffering, grief, setbacks, disappointment, and even physical pain can produce growth, resilience, empathy, gratitude, and ultimately hope.

Using personal stories, biblical truth, and a moving illustration from NFL coach Tony Dungy’s life, TJ unpacks how pain can:
• Create healthy boundaries
• Cultivate appreciation
• Foster empathy and compassion
• Build resilience and endurance
• Strip away the unnecessary
• Refine our hope in Christ

This episode is for anyone walking through a difficult season, battling emotional or physical pain, grieving loss, or trying to understand how God can use suffering for good.

What if the next 30 days could change the trajectory of your life?

In this episode, TJ shares four foundational practices that have given him staying power in every season—on the mountaintop and in the valley. These aren’t abstract ideas or “churchy” concepts. They’re simple, actionable rhythms that anchor your faith, sharpen your perspective, and strengthen your relationships.

TJ lays out a bold challenge: commit to these four things for 30 days and watch for a discernible difference in your life.

• Spend time in the Word of God
• Spend time in prayer
• Ask for constructive criticism
• Invest in meaningful community

Whether you’re firmly rooted in your faith, feeling stuck, or just curious, this episode is an invitation to reset, refocus, and rebuild on a foundation that lasts. With practical insight, personal stories, and real-life application, TJ walks you through how small, intentional steps can lead to lasting transformation.

Give it 30 days—and see what changes.

In this episode, TJ unpacks a powerful analogy inspired by a cello concerto. Each of us is uniquely created with purpose, yet designed to function in harmony with others. From being “out of tune” to trying to live like a solo act, he explores the subtle ways we drift from our calling and ways to realign. 

This episode is a reminder that:
You are one of one
You are needed
And your life makes the most sense when you’re in sync with the right “conductor.”

Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or figuring out your next step, this conversation will challenge and encourage you to step back into rhythm.

Country music artist turned minister Granger Smith joins the TJ Mauldin Leadership Podcast for a powerful conversation about life, faith, suffering, and true conversion.

In this episode, Granger shares his story growing up around Christianity, pursuing a successful music career, and living what he now describes as a “nominal” faith, knowing the language of belief without truly surrendering to Christ. Everything changed in 2019 after the tragic loss of his three-year-old son, River. In the depths of grief and despair, Granger found that the foundation he had been standing on couldn’t hold the weight of his suffering.

Through a desperate cry to Jesus, a season of searching, and a life-changing encounter with Scripture, God began transforming Granger’s heart and understanding of the gospel. What followed was a deep hunger for God’s Word, a renewed understanding of salvation, and a calling to pursue ministry.

Welcome back to Season 5 of the TJ Mauldin Leadership Podcast. TJ dives into the qualities of a C.O. (Chief Officer) and what it really takes to lead with influence, integrity, and humility.

Leadership isn’t about titles; it’s about position, character, and presence.

If you want to grow as a leader who opens doors for others, not just yourself, this conversation will challenge and equip you to lead from the inside out.

Because great leadership isn’t about making an island… It’s about building a team.

Join TJ in this episode as he unpacks biblical truths and real-world lessons that prove the need for community in our lives. Four key points from this episode:

1. Community Matters - and how God designed us to thrive together.
2. The Right People - surrounding yourself with wise, faith-filled voices that sharpen your purpose.
3. The Detriment of Deterioration - and how division, gossip, and selfishness can destroy what God intends for good.
4. Characteristics of Good Community -  modeled after the unity and generosity found in Acts 2:42-47.

Who is in your community?

TJ’s back from the mountain! If you’ve been listening for a while, you know he takes some time away every September, and he always comes back with something to share.

In this episode, he talks about seeing lightning strike the tallest trees and what that moment sparked in him. It's all about how life’s storms can leave marks but also help us grow. Are you carrying the scars, or are you blooming right where you’ve been planted?

In this episode, TJ  sits down with Shannon Farley and Laurie Veazey, the founders of Soles by Grace, a ministry born out of a life-changing mission trip to Africa. What began with the simple act of providing shoes to children in need has grown into a powerful platform to share the gospel and demonstrate God’s love.

Listen as they share their journey of faith, the mission behind Soles by Grace, and how stepping into God’s calling can open doors for transformation. 

Whether you're considering your own mission, looking for ways to serve, or simply need encouragement to take your next leap of faith, this conversation will challenge and uplift you.