Are you a woman who leads? Maybe you don’t see yourself as a leader, but God has you leading someone right where you are. Maybe it’s your kids, your friends, or the teenager next door. Maybe it’s a Women’s Ministry, a team at work, or a small group. This series—led by our women’s ministry specialist, Kelly King—will help you no matter where you lead and whether you’re leading one or one thousand.
Most weeks, I spend three days commuting to downtown Nashville. Depending on the time of day, time of year, or unexpected traffic situation, my commute can last from 45 minutes to an hour and 45 minutes.
Over the past couple of years since moving to this ever-expanding city, I’ve gotten creative with how I spend that time in the car. There are days when I listen to passages from Scripture on the Bible App; connect with friends, family, and business associates through phone calls or using the Marco Polo video chat app; or find creative ways to use the time for leadership learning.
As someone who strives to continue learning from leaders, I have found several podcasts that I’ve incorporated into my weekly routine. There are some I look forward to hearing every week and some of them are rotated on a cycle depending on the topic or guest.
While there’s a bit of a debate on who invented podcasting, most timelines point to 2004 as the year when this audio medium officially launched. It didn’t take long to grow, and in May 2005, Apple launched its native support of podcasts. In June 2019, Apple released statistics that more than 750,000 podcasts are available on their platform, and there doesn’t seem to be an end in its growth.1
So, while there is an enormous amount of content readily available for your consumption, here are some of my top picks in regards to learning how to be a better leader:
{MARKED} Podcast and 5 Leadership Questions Podcast: Both produced at Lifeway, these podcasts provide information and interviews with outstanding leaders in ministry. In addition, another Lifeway podcast to consider is the In This Together podcast with Dr. Josh and Christi Straub, which is dedicated to topics helping you live, love, and lead well—as a spouse, a parent, and a human being.
Ministry Leadership: There is one podcast that I consistently listen to in regard to leadership and it’s The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast. I’ve gleaned much wisdom from the men and women Carey interviews as well as learned the art of asking good questions. Another one is Watermark’s Church Leadership Podcast. Whether it’s on the subject of communication, building a team, or leading through change, I find this podcast offers practical and helpful advice for ministry leaders. Finally, The Craig Groeschel Leadership Podcast is excellent, but many times, you’ll find the guests Groeschel interviews parallel those being interviewed by Nieuwhof. Knowing Faith is a great podcast to help you think through foundational faith topics and features Jen Wilkin, one of Lifeway Women’s Bible study authors.
General Leadership: If you want to hear female voices in this space, try The Jenni Catron Leadership Podcast or The Alli Worthington Show. For marketplace leadership, try GiANT’s Liberator Podcast, where you’ll find helpful tips on being a leader worth following.
Current Topics and News: Seminary president Dr. Albert Mohler’s The Briefing provides daily podcast news from a biblical worldview as well as The Daily Article by Dr. Jim Denison. Both of these podcasts will connect your leadership with current events.
Didn’t see your favorite on my list? I’m always looking for something new and fresh, so share your favorite podcast on leadership. We’re all looking for ways to learn—and to pass the time during traffic!
Let us know in the comments what your favorite podcast is!
Are you ready to lead well? Sign up for the ministry to women newsletter to get monthly content specifically for leaders here. Get training at events like YOU Lead around the country and Women’s Leadership Forum this November in Nashville, TN.
Kelly King is the Manager of Magazines/Devotional Publishing and Women’s Ministry Training for Lifeway Women. She has a Master of Theology degree from Gateway Seminary. She has been involved in women’s ministry and led Bible studies for more than 30 years. A native Oklahoman, Kelly and her husband Vic enjoy kayaking and exploring their new state of Tennessee. She is the author of Ministry to Women: The Essential Guide to Leading Women in the Local Church and Living By Faith: Women Who Trusted God.
