Next Up with Grant Skeldon

When a leader falls publicly, the usual move is to disappear. Carl and Laura Lentz chose to do the harder thing. In this episode of Next Up, Grant sits down with Carl and Laura, co-authors of Overcoming Infidelity and cohosts of the Lights On podcast, to talk honestly about betrayal, shame, and what it actually takes to rebuild a marriage and a family. They break down why "you can't save your life and save your face at the same time," why restoration means getting two people healthy before trying to save a marriage, and how they now parent from presence instead of busyness. If you're a young leader stepping into ministry, building a marriage, or just trying to follow Jesus without wearing a mask on Sunday, this conversation is a necessary reality check. They get into: From Shame to Ownership: Shame keeps your head down and still makes it about you, while ownership gives you something to actually build. Checking the Evidence: Why Carl lives on "one-day contracts" and why every big claim (family first, present husband, good dad) needs proof you can point to. Fight for Your Healing: Healthy people rebuild healthy marriages, so the real win isn't staying together, it's two people getting well. Honesty Over Accountability: Your accountability group is only as good as your honesty, and why therapy should be a normal part of a leader's life, not a last resort. Buy Overcoming Infidelity: 10 Conversations to Help You Heal the Hurt here: https://a.co/d/0hq2erhW Check out Carl's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carllentz/ And Laura's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauralentz/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ Check out Chichi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chichionyekanne/ And his website: https://www.worshipwithchichi.com/ ================================================================================= ➡︎Join us at THINQ Summit 2027 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/thinq-summit-2027 ================================================================================= MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Welcome back to a new season of Next Up! This time we're starting off strong. In this episode, Grant and Chi-Chi sit down with Mark Batterson, lead pastor of National Community Church in Washington, D.C. and New York Times bestselling author of The Circle Maker, to talk about his 27th book, Not My Circus. After 30 years of pastoring in one of the most divided cities in the world, Mark knows that whatever you say is "never enough and always too much." He breaks down how culture slides from politicizing to polarizing to demonizing to dehumanizing, and why followers of Jesus are called to theologize instead: to see the image of God in everyone, even the people who don't vote like us. From when "not my circus" becomes an excuse for silence, to the secondhand stress older generations are passing down, to the ruthless elimination of information in a doomscrolling world, this conversation is packed with wisdom for leading with both grace and truth. If you're a young leader trying to figure out when to speak up, how to stay non-anxious, and how to live for the applause of nail-scarred hands instead of the crowd, this conversation is a must-watch. They get into: ✅ Politicize vs. Theologize: Why filtering your theology through your political ideology is idolatry, and how to start treating people the way Jesus would. ✅ The Sin of Silence: When "not my circus" is a healthy boundary against overfunctioning, and when it's a cover for staying quiet on what God is pressing you to say. ✅ Secondhand Stress: How anxious reactions to culture bleed into the next generation, and why leaders need to become a non-anxious presence who stands up in the boat. ✅ Grace Plus Truth: Grace without truth is weak sauce, truth without grace is hot sauce, and grace plus truth is the secret sauce for leading through hard conversations. 👉 Buy Not My Circus here: https://a.co/d/0ep2XT68 👉 Check out Mark's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markbatterson/ 👉 And his website: https://www.markbatterson.com/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ Check out Chichi's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chichionyekanne/ And his website: https://www.worshipwithchichi.com/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2027 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/thinq-summit-2027 ================================================================================= MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ MORE FROM THE THINQ MEDIA PODCAST NETWORK: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

There is a quiet shift happening right now. The next generation isn't looking to just check religious boxes or live out a lifeless, mechanical faith; they're hungry for real authenticity, a true fear of God, and a genuine return to biblical holiness. But with this openness to the Holy Spirit comes an undeniable reality: young leaders are up against a very intense, modern spiritual battle. In this conversation, Grant sits down with Jennifer Barnett, author and ministry leader at Freedom Prayer, to talk about what it actually looks like to navigate spiritual warfare, anxiety, and identity distortion in today's culture. They break down why tightening personal boundaries isn't about rigid legalism, but about protecting our hard-won intimacy with God. From protecting the imagination to tracing negative scripts back to their original entry points, this discussion offers a refreshing, holistic look at finding real freedom and walking firmly in the light. They get into: The Shift in Gen Z: Why younger leaders are moving past a "conveyor belt" church experience and stepping into an authentic hunger for holiness and the unseen realm. Holiness vs. Legalism: Legalism tries to publicly earn standing; true holiness sets strict boundaries behind the scenes simply to protect a close relationship with Jesus. Rooting Out False Identities: How to help young people put their negative scripts into the light, uncover where those lies started, and let God speak the true script over their lives. Mental Health & Spiritual Roots: Navigating the complex intersection of clinical mental health struggles and the spiritual warfare happening simultaneously beneath the surface. Get a free print copy of Jennifer Barnett's book Next Generation Prayer: Helping Youth Overcome Their Struggles — just pay shipping! Just click on https://oakspress.com/nextup/ to check out. If you want to buy in bulk (as few as two copies can be "bulk") to give this book away, click on https://oakspress.com/nextgenbulk to check out. MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Grant sits down with authors, teachers, and great friends Chichi and Tracy Onyekanne to tackle a topic that many next gen leaders and pastors completely avoid: end-times prophecy and eschatology. For a generation that has seen end-times teaching either overhyped with timeline dates or totally ignored out of fear, Chichi and Tracy want to offer a refreshing, biblical approach. They break down the biblical framework of Numbers 19, the mystery of the red heifer, and what it actually means to observe prophetic developments without losing our cultural sanity. If you're a young leader trying to figure out how to navigate the noise of the world and lead your people with urgency, discernment, and scriptural clarity, this conversation is a must-watch. In this conversation, they explore: ✅ The Prophetic Domino: Why they believe the red heifer is a critical historical marker for the third temple and how it helps us understand the timeline of Scripture. ✅ Jesus as the Final Sacrifice: Unpacking the distinction between modern Jewish rituals and standing firm on the complete, finished work of Christ on the cross. ✅ Ditching the Fear of Revelation: How next gen leaders can move past the intimidation of end-times theology towards the urgency of personal repentance and mission. ✅ A Basic Roadmap for Big Topics: Why leadership requires us to stop ignoring the confusing parts of the Bible and instead start asking honest, foundational questions. Buy, Holy Cow: End Times Prophecy Just Got Real Here: https://a.co/d/0ckwyNen/ Subscribe to Faith & Friction: https://www.youtube.com/@FaithandFriction Check out Chichi's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chichionyekanne/ And his website: https://www.worshipwithchichi.com/ Check out Tracy's Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tracyonyekanne/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this episode of Next Up, Grant sits down with pastor Jonny Ardavanis to break down a massive shift happening in ministry: the next generation isn't looking for entertainment they are hungry for truth. Jonny shares his personal journey from wanting to avoid ministry entirely to embracing a rigorous, 10-chapter-a-day Scripture reading plan that radically transformed his life, his walk, and his preaching. If you are trying to reach, lead, or disciple young adults today, this is a necessary reality check on why topical, seeker-sensitive methods are losing their grip on Gen Z, and why letting the text speak for itself is where the real power lies. They Discuss: The Hunger for Depth: Why young adults are moving away from surface-level topical talks and craving real biblical substance. Scripture Interprets Scripture: How to move past hobby-horse preaching to understand the Bible as one cohesive story pointing directly to Jesus. Ditching the Performance: Dropping the pressure to compete with the world for "cool" and stepping into true, conviction-led biblical authority. The Intelligence Gap: Why modern ministry needs to stop underestimating the intelligence of the next generation. Subscribe to Dial In Ministries: https://www.youtube.com/@dialinministries/ Buy Jonny's new book, Get To Work, here: https://a.co/d/0biyb0jW/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Why are so many young leaders burning out, exhausted, and frankly, a little miserable? In this episode, Grant sits down with pastor, mentor, and author Ray Ortlund to uncover why next-gen Christians so easily fall into the trap of a grim, transactional "pay-as-you-go" faith. Ray breaks down why living with gusto and having a saintly blast isn't a compromise on holiness, but biblical wisdom from Ecclesiastes designed for longevity and resilience. If you've been slogging through ministry under the heavy weight of performance, this conversation is the perspective shift you need to find true rest in the finished work of Christ. In this episode, they talk about: Breaking free from the grim moralistic trap that makes some Christians miserable. Why Jesus' call to "Come to me and rest" is a radical, punk-rock declaration. Handling over-scheduling and learning when to say no to protect your family and health. What it means to budget for sin when you are physically and spiritually depleted. Ray's personal life goals for maintaining deep, 50-year friendships. Letting go of your own self-importance and letting God make your life count. 👉 Get Ray's Book, Eat Drink and Be Merry: https://www.crossway.org/books/eat-drink-and-be-merry-tpb/ 👉 Check out Renewal Ministries: https://renewalministries.com/ 👉 Follow Ray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayortlund/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this episode, Grant sits down with pastor and author Matt Chandler to unpack a massive shift happening in youth culture and what it really looks like to lead with prophetic clarity today. Fresh off an incredible move of God at his church, Matt shares why Gen Z and Gen Alpha are craving raw confession and holy transcendence over more comfortable, "cool" churches. They dive into the reality of modern paganism rising in the suburbs, how to navigate the noise of online critics without losing your pastoral edge, and why true spiritual formation looks more like a slow-growing tree than a quick light switch. If you're a young leader trying to figure out how to serve the church faithfully without burning out or compromising, this conversation is a must-watch. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Expectation vs. Agenda: Why 5,000 hours of unbroken prayer set the stage for an authentic move of God led by the youngest generations. ✅ The Death of Secularism: How the failure of secular worldviews is driving people toward spiritual power—and why old-school paganism is growing right next door. ✅ Guarding Your Prophetic Edge: Why Matt refuses to let online labels like "woke" or "Christian nationalist" steal his focus from local pastoral ministry. ✅ The Tree and the Light Switch: A refreshing take on sanctification, the pitfalls of modern church metrics, and why we need to return to the wisdom of the church fathers. 👉 Get Matt's Book, Awake and Alive: https://a.co/d/0j3RPSwU/ 👉 Matt's Website: https://www.pastormattchandler.com/ 👉 Matt's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattchandler74/ 👉 Subscribe to Matt on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PastorMattChandler/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this episode, Grant sits down with pastor and author Tyler Staton to tackle a massive tension facing the next generation of leaders: the desire for worldly influence versus the call to a more private hiddenness and prayer. When you're young, you want to change the world, but it is easy to overestimate our own capacity and underestimate the slow, humble work of God. Tyler opens up about his battle with advanced cancer, how suffering shifted his soul's perspective on ministry, and why true kingdom movement starts in the secret place, not on a platform. They dive into how young leaders can navigate the pressures of platform growth without losing their intimacy with Jesus, and what it looks like to honestly and regularly surrender our motives. In this episode, you'll learn: The Prayer Gap: Why young leaders naturally gravitate toward high-profile strategies like church planting while often overlooking quiet, global prayer movements. The Illusion of Pure Motives: How to regularly surrender your ego and distinguish between serving the church out of love versus using the bride of Christ to fuel your platform. Kingdom Hiddenness: Why Jesus frequently ran from worldly economics and power, and why the true kingdom grows in humility and hiddenness. The Deathbed Perspective: How a life-threatening crisis reframes your priorities and forces you to focus on what will actually matter in the end. Subscribe to Tyler's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tyler_staton / Tyler's website: https://www.tylerstaton.com/ Tyler's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tylercstaton/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

We've all heard the lie that leadership is lonely, but does it have to be? In this episode, Grant sits down with author and visionary Jennie Allen to dismantle the myth that ministry requires isolation. As a generation of leaders often thrust into influence early, many of us have traded deep personal connection for artificial digital content. Jennie shares why the Western experiment of independence is failing and offers a practical framework to fight back—starting with her five miles, five friends rule. From navigating the complexity of couple-friendships to the one question that makes anyone feel truly known, this conversation is a roadmap for any young leader ready to move past small talk and start building a ride or die community. It's time to stop looking for a platform and start looking for your people. In this conversation, they explore: Why proximity is the greatest catalyst for deep relationship. The 911 approach to friendship and why initiation is king. How to lead out of a place of emotional health and vulnerability. 👉 Jennie's Website: https://www.jennieallen.com/ 👉 Jennie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennieallen/ 👉 Jennie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jenniesallen/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this week's episode, Grant sits down with legendary author and marriage expert Dr. Emerson Eggerichs (author of Love and Respect) to dive into the messy, but necessary work of resolving conflict in relationships. After 52 years of marriage, Emerson has realized that even the most influential leaders often default to teenager behavior the moment they walk through their front door. They break down the clashing preferences that lead to heated fellowship and how the next generation of leaders can build a marriage that doesn't just survive leadership, but fuels it. Using the A.R.T. framework, Emerson explains how to stop stepping on each other's air hoses and start fighting for—not against—your spouse. In this episode, they discuss: The Myth of Right vs. Wrong: Why most marriage fights are actually about clashing preferences rather than biblical mandates. The A.R.T. of Fighting Fair: A deep dive into Awareness, Restraint, and Turnaround. Own and Hone the Tone: Why you can be right, but still be wrong at the top of your voice. The Power of the Bedroom: Why getting it right in the bedroom is the bedrock for decision-making outside of it. Leading with Prayer: How 90 seconds of inviting Jesus into a stalemate can change the trajectory of an argument. 👉 Love & Respect Website: https://www.loveandrespect.com/ 👉 Check out Dr. Emerson's Podcast: https://www.loveandrespect.com/podcast/the-a-r-t-of-fighting-fair-in-marriage/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this conversation, Grant Skeldon sits down with author and speaker Riley Kehoe to discuss a topic that often feels like a four-letter word in Christian dating culture: waiting. For many in the next generation, the advice to, "just work on yourself," can feel like a platitude. But Riley challenges this perspective, sharing how a radical year of singleness let her become a God-sustained vessel of love and not put her life on hold like so many expected. Riley and Grant dive into why we often over-spiritualize dating and how to discern if you are in a season of pulling back like a bow and arrow to be flung forward into what God has next. Whether you're currently dating or intentionally single, this episode offers practical wisdom on how to steward your heart and your self-esteem before diving into a relationship. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ The Bow and Arrow Analogy: Why taking time off isn't a setback, but a necessary preparation for your future. ✅ Dating Your Self-Esteem: Why we tend to attract the level of health (or brokenness) we believe we deserve. ✅ The Inside Life: Insights from The Emotionally Healthy Leader on addressing the iceberg of our internal world before bringing it into a relationship. ✅ Practical Intentionality: How to use a season of singleness to pursue healing, find mentors, and host the presence of God. Riley's website: https://www.rileywithcourage.com/ Riley's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileywithcourage/ Riley's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rileywithcourage/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this second installment of the Dating Challenge 2-part series, Grant is joined by friends JJ and Kait Tomlin, the powerhouse couple behind the Heart of Dating ministry. Kait, a dating coach and author, and JJ, a dating counselor, share their own unconventional story; from meeting on a Zoom call during the covid pandemic to navigating a long-distance relationship built on character over chemistry. They unpack practical wisdom on: The Dating Challenge: Why the best setups often come from trusted mentors like Dr. Henry Cloud. Intentionality: How to move past the infatuation phase and take things one date at a time. Leading in Singleness: Why your current season isn't a waiting room, but a training ground for your calling. Whether you're currently dating or just trying to navigate singleness with purpose, this conversation offers a refreshing, godly roadmap for navigating the exciting road ahead. 👉 Subscribe to Heart of Dating: https://www.youtube.com/@HeartofDating 👉 Heart of Dating Website: https://www.heartofdating.com/ 👉 Kait's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaitness/ 👉 JJ's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jjtomlin/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In the first half of a 2-part series on Dr. Henry Cloud's Dating Challenge, Grant sits down with Alec and Maddie Bevere for a raw, funny, and deeply practical look at what it means to steward your dating life for the sake of the Kingdom. For a generation of leaders often stuck in the waiting trap—hoping God will drop a spouse on their doorstep while they stay passive—Alec and Maddie's story is a masterclass in intentional action. From Maddie's leap of faith moving from a journalism career in Australia to a mattress on a living room floor in Colorado, to the taboo dating of a Bevere boy, they share how God used their relationship as a laboratory for growth. Applying the Dating for Growth framework from Dr. Henry Cloud's How to Get a Date Worth Keeping, they pull back the curtain on the internal barriers and anxieties that often hold us back from our full calling. If you're navigating the tension between your personal life and your mission, this conversation is your roadmap to moving forward with wisdom and discernment. In this conversation, they dive into: The Aussie Leap: Why Maddie left everything behind for a calling she didn't yet see. Dating as Leadership Prep: Why your relational health is the foundation for your future impact. The Power of a Model: How following a proven framework can lead to a miracle. The stakes are too high for us to get dating wrong. It's time to stop waiting for "the one" and start becoming the leader God has called you to be. 👉 Check out Alec and Maddie's new venture: Alpha Shake 👉 Alec's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alec_b/ 👉 Maddie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madeleinebevere/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

In this episode of NextUp, Grant sits down with world-renowned psychologist and author Dr. Henry Cloud to dismantle the confusion surrounding modern Christian dating. For a generation that grew up in the shadow of the "I Kissed Dating Goodbye" movement, many young leaders find themselves stuck in a cycle of waiting on God, ditching faith in Him in the process. Dr. Cloud shares why he moved from being a psychologist to a dating coach for a season, uncovering the specific reasons why healthy, mission-minded singles aren't finding each other. They discuss the Dating for Growth framework—the idea that dating isn't just a search for "the one," but a laboratory where God uncovers the internal barriers and anxieties that might be holding you back from your full calling. If you're a young leader navigating the tension between your personal life and your mission, this conversation offers a much-needed roadmap to move from passive waiting to intentional action. In this conversation, Grant and Dr. Cloud discuss: ✅ The Waiting Trap: Why sitting at home waiting for God to bring someone to your door might be keeping you from the very growth you need. ✅ The 5-People-a-Week Challenge: The radical advice Dr. Cloud gave to a woman who hadn't dated in years, and the internal healing that followed. ✅ Dating as a Growth Path: How to use the dating process to look under the hood of your own character and spiritual maturity. ✅ The Exclusivity Problem: Why we often rush into serious labels too quickly and how to protect your heart while staying open. ✅ The Six-Month Guarantee: How a shift in perspective can lead to a healthy relationship faster than you think. Check out Dr. Cloud's book: How to Get a Date Worth Keeping MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Are we just talking about the next generation, or are we actually giving them the keys? In this episode, Grant sits down with his longtime friend and the founder of Pulse, Nick Hall, for a high-stakes conversation about what it looks like to be a missionary maker in today's culture. Nick is known for his unique ability to spot young leaders in their teens and put them on the world's biggest stages—from Viking Stadium to local mission fields. Together, they pull back the curtain on why the fire and passion of Gen Z is exactly what the global Church needs right now and why we have to stop policing where young people can go and start accelerating where God is calling them. If you're a young leader wondering if you're ready or an older leader looking to multiply your impact, this conversation is your roadmap for moving from personal platform to kingdom legacy. In this conversation, they dive into: ✅ The Kingmaker vs. Missionary Maker: Why Nick chooses to platform teenagers for major initiatives and how that shifts the trajectory of their leadership. ✅ Leading from Scars, Not Wounds: The vital importance of emotional health and why the most effective leaders lead from a place of healed-over scars rather than open, unaddressed wounds. ✅ The Normal Evangelist: Breaking the awkwardness of sharing your faith and why Nick believes the Bible doesn't actually support a private faith. ✅ Invitation Over Condemnation: Understanding that God's voice is always an invitation to change, never a tool for shame. ✅ Gen Z Fire: Why this generation's hunger for the Gospel is different and how to steward that passion without burning out. Check out Nick's Website: https://www.nickhall.com/ Nick's Instagram: ​​ https://www.instagram.com/nickhallpulse/ Nick's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickHallpulse/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Are you building a platform, or are you being formed by the Presence? In this episode of NextUp, Grant sits down with Pastor Derwin Gray for a raw, high-stakes conversation about the Platform Gospel and the subtle idolatry that often creeps into next gen leadership. Derwin—who walked away from the fame of the NFL to follow Jesus—shares how many young leaders today are inadvertently using Jesus to heal their own internal traumas or bolster their self worth. If you've ever felt the pressure to perform, the pull of the spotlight, or the spiritual insanity of using ministry to fix a broken identity, this conversation is for you. Grant and Derwin dive into: ✅ The Trap of Celebrity Christianity: Why a platform can't heal the parts of you that only the Father's love can. ✅ Identifying the Drift: How to tell when your ministry has shifted from an overflow of intimacy to a machine of self promotion. ✅ Practical Stewardship: What it looks like to honor God with the roses of success without letting the praise go to your head. ✅ The "Why" Behind the Work: Moving from being seen by people to being known by God. The stakes are too high for us to get this wrong. We don't need more celebrities; we need more disciples who find Jesus beautiful enough even if no one ever knows their name. Check out Derwin's Website: https://www.derwinlgray.com/ Transformation Church: https://transformationchurch.tc/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎ Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎ Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎ Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎ Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎ Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎ The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

We've all been there—wondering if we're actually called to the pulpit or if we're just good at talking. In this episode, Grant sits down with friend Faith Cho for a raw conversation on what it looks like to find your voice without losing your soul to the platform of online comparison and vainglory. Faith opens up about her first time preaching at 17 and the hard lesson she learned along the way: being a natural communicator is a gift, but being an effective one requires something much deeper than talent. If you're a young leader navigating a wilderness season or trying to figure out how to lead well when nobody is watching, this one is for you. They dive into: The Transition: Moving from natural ability to Holy Spirit dependency. The Wilderness: Why the seasons where you feel "unseen" are actually where your calling is forged. The Harvest: Shifting our focus from our own performance to the people God is trying to set free. The stakes are too high for us to just be good enough at ministry. It's time to be formed by His presence so we can actually move the needle for the Kingdom. Connect with Faith Cho: Preorder Never Alone: https://sites.prh.com/never-alone-faith-eury-cho/ Website : https://www.faitheurycho.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faitheurycho/ The Honor Summit: https://www.thehonorsummit.com / Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: ➡︎Watch Grant's THINQ talks here: https://thinqmedia.com/speakers/grant-skeldon ➡︎Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at: https://thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Take our assessment to see how you apply the THINQ Framework to your everyday life: https://thinqmedia.com/assessment/ ➡︎Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ ➡︎Lead a THINQ-guided conversation with your family or small group: https://thinqmedia.com/engage/ ================================================================================= ➡︎Join us at THINQ Summit 2026 in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee: https://events.thinqmedia.com/summit26 ================================================================================= More from the THINQ Podcast Network: ➡︎Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons/ ➡︎The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ ➡︎UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ ➡︎NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/

Most of us spend our twenties feeling a massive amount of pressure to be someone or change the world, but we often end up feeling more crushed than crushing it. In this conversation, Grant sits down with his friend and Pastor of Way Noah Herrin to talk about what it actually looks like to lead well in your twenties and how to move from chasing a platform to being formed by the presence of God. Noah shares some hilariously humbling stories (including the time he told 3,000 students to make some love for Jesus) and dives deep into why our biggest failures are often the very things God uses to shape us into who He's called us to be. They also tackle the George Bailey approach to leadership: learning to be a local missionary in your own backyard rather than waiting for a global stage. In this episode, they discuss: ✅ The Romans 8:28 Reality: Why God's "good" is more about your character than your comfort. ✅ Defining Your World: How to win on your local basketball court before you try to win the world. ✅ The Discipline Gap: Why the boring, daily habits are the real separators for next-gen leaders. ✅ Taking Big Risks: Why your 20s are the season to fail forward and take the risks others are too afraid to try. Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework/ Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships/ Join us at THINQ Summit 2025 in Nashville, October 1-2: https://events.thinqmedia.com/2026summit Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent/ UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons/ NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148/ THINQ Media Podcast with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinq-media-podcast/id1072608281

In this episode, our own Grant Skeldon sits down with Grant & Madi Troutt for a raw conversation on what it looks like to follow Jesus when the world—and even the church—is obsessed with platform. Are we using God as a stepping stone to build our own influence, or is He truly our cornerstone? Grant and Madi open up about their whirlwind of transition moving to Nashville and the counter-cultural rhythms they're leaning into to stay grounded in the Spirit. In this conversation, they dive into: ✅ How silencing the digital noise helps us become more present to the Holy Spirit and the people right in front of us. ✅ How letting the Word dwell richly in their life has become the Troutts' ultimate defense against the comparison trap we all face. ✅ The beauty of prioritizing being known in their own living room and by their neighbors rather tha n just being a face on a stage. ✅ The tension between our personal ambitions and the actual leading of the Spirit, especially in the gray areas of life. If you're a young leader feeling the weight of performing your faith, this episode is a much-needed reminder to stop looking at the jumbotron and start looking at the One we're actually running the race for. Follow Madi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madiprew/ and Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@madiprew/ Madi's Website: https://www.madiprew.com/ Follow Grant on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantskeldon And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships Unlock the THINQ Summit 2025 All-Access Pass: https://thinqmedia.com/access25 Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@rebekah_lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips: https://www.youtube.com/@InFormedParent UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons: https://www.youtube.com/@gabe_lyons NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/neurofaith-with-curt-thompson-md/id1613240148 THINQ Podcast with Gabe Lyons: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thinq-media-podcast/id1072608281

What happens when you reach the peak of cultural influence and realize it's actually a cage? To start off this new season of NextUp, podcaster and former OnlyFans star Nala Ray joins the conversation to pull back the curtain on the platform world. From navigating the relentless microscope of social media to finding a deeper identity in Christ, Nala shares with us the raw reality of leaving behind a massive platform to find true surrender. Listen as she explores the tension between building a name for yourself and discovering a calling in Christ that actually lasts. In this episode, we discuss: ✅ The trap of "living your truth" and the search for objective reality. ✅ Navigating public scrutiny without losing your soul. ✅ Why surrender is the most courageous move a leader can make. ✅ Practical discernment for the next generation of leaders. Nala's journey offers a powerful framework for what it means to lead with a servant's heart and finish well, whether you're leading a business, a ministry, or simply crafting your own digital footprint. More Nala Ray Instagram TikTok Facebook X Follow Grant on Instagram : And at his website: https://www.grantskeldon.com/ MORE RESOURCES: Create a free THINQ Account and download the THINQ Media app on your smart TV to access more trusted content like this on topics from all channels of culture at https://thinqmedia.com Apply the THINQ Framework as you think through cultural topics: https://thinqmedia.com/videos/thinq-framework Attend THINQ events where you can gather with like-minded leaders, ask better questions and have conversations that lead to wisdom: https://events.thinqmedia.com/ Lead the "Let's Talk Relationships" conversation with your family or small group: https://events.thinqmedia.com/relationships Unlock the THINQ Summit 2025 All-Access Pass before it's released to the public: https://thinqmedia.com/access25 Get more from the THINQ Podcast Network: Rhythms for Life with Rebekah and Gabe Lyons The InFormed Parent with Suzanne Phillips UnderCurrent with Gabe Lyons NeuroFaith with Curt Thompson