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Phil Cooke Podcast

Phil Cooke Podcast

Hosted by Phil Cooke

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Episodes

182

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN

About the show

Helping leaders navigate their career and calling in today's distracted media-driven culture. Do you have a message or story that could influence the world? Get expert tips from Hollywood producer and media consultant Phil Cooke on creative leadership, digital media, branding and marketing strategies, film and TV production and more – and the faith to make it happen. Find out more at PhilCooke.com. His philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process.

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60 recent
August 4, 2026Episode 18113 min

Failed? Here's How to Bounce Back Stronger

Failure can knock you down or move you forward! If the bottom just dropped out in your creative career, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers 5 keys to help you gain resilience and come back stronger. Many of your ideas are going to fail – but if you're not failing on a regular basis, you're not pushing the envelope very hard. Here's how to turn failure into success. "Don't let failure derail your dream. Your failure does not define you." —Phil Cooke Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly!Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ Get the book: Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU *More About This Episode* Failed? Here's How to Bounce Back StrongerIf you're dealing with failure, these 5 tips will help you gain resiliency in your career: 1. Don't overthink the failure. Whether you're an actor who didn't get the role you auditioned for or a filmmaker whose pitch fell flat, you may never know what went wrong. Don't overthink it; move on. 2. Don't take it personally. Try to separate the failure of your project from who you are as a person. 3. Get objective advice. Get a third-party objective with the maturity and professionalism that you can trust. 4. At the moment of rejection, keep a cool head. If possible, see if you can ask questions about what you could have done better. That information you acquire can help set you up for future success. 5. Don't let rejection or failure derail your dream. Your career is much bigger than any single project. You never know when tweaking a concept could work for something else. Change your thinking about failure: Read Phil's blog: "Gain a Better Perspective on Failure" https://www.philcooke.com/failure/  (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Intro with Phil Cooke: How to recover from a failure.00:42 Many of your ideas will fail.01:50 Resiliency matters.02:14 1. Don't overthink failure.02:44 Actors and auditions: how to deal with rejection.03:32 2. Don't take failure personally.04:52 3. Get objective advice.05:43 4. Keep a cool head.06:49 5. Don't let failure derail your dream.07:53 The truth about day jobs.10:14 Daily rituals to stir creativity.10:45 Understand the power of your story.12:30 Get Phil's book, "Ideas on a Deadline" at https://philcooke.com

July 14, 2026Episode 1808 min

Work Cultures: How to Build a Creative Team that Thrives

In today's design-driven world, creativity is more important than ever before. If you're leading a creative team, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com highlights five ways leaders can create a work culture where ideas flow and creatives thrive. Inspire and challenge your creative team and they'll do amazing things for your organization. Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide.  👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com   🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly!Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis **More About This Episode** Work Cultures: How to Build a Creative Team that ThrivesBuild a creative team that does their best work! Here's Phil's five to make it happen: 1. Create stability. Creative people need stability to thrive. If they're worried about losing their job, financial problems, or excessive turnover, they'll never release their best ideas.   2. Be flexible. Be open to different hours or working conditions for your creative team. Give your team some flexibility and it will revolutionize their attitude.   3. Get them the tools they need. Don't hold your creatives back with outdated equipment. Think about it: The less time and energy they spend overcoming technical and equipment problems, the more time and energy they can spend on developing amazing ideas.  4. Understand the difference between organizational structure and communication structure. Hierarchy is important within your organization, but when it comes to communication, I recommend you throw the organizational structure out the window. Your creative team should be able to call anyone to ask questions and discuss ideas. Create a free-flowing communications system, and the ideas will grow.  5. Give them credit. A great creative culture allows everyone to be noticed for their accomplishments.  Let them have credit for their ideas and they will do amazing things for your team!  Bonus: Don't be afraid to push creative people out of their comfort zone! While they probably won't admit it, creative people love deadlines because it gives them perspective on the project.  Read more about building a creative culture here: https://www.philcooke.com/ten-critical-keys-for-designing-a-creative-culture/    (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic on the importance of building a creative culture.01:04 1. Create stability in your organization.01:28 2. Be flexible with your creatives.02:04 3. Provide the right tools for your team to do their best work.02:47 4. Understand the difference between organizational structure and communication structure.04:13 5. Give credit where credit is due!05:45 Don't be afraid to push creatives out of their comfort zone. Creative people love deadlines.07:12 Building a creative culture in your nonprofit or ministry is important to allow brilliant ideas to happen.

July 1, 2026Episode 17932 min

Rebuilding After Your World Falls Apart: Helping Leaders Heal with Steve Robinson

Trauma can be a one-time event or a cumulation of crisis events – but most leaders ignore the symptoms that lead to post traumatic stress. In this conversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Steve Robinson, pastor of Church of the King in New Orleans, to talk about his book, "Soul Leadership: Rebound from Crisis, Grow in Resilience, Live from Wholeness." Based on Steve's personal journey of healing after a meltdown, this interview will help leaders struggling with mental health and emotional trauma to find the pathway to recovery through the integration of theology, therapy and neural science.  If you're dealing with stress, trauma, crisis, and adversity, you'll find out how to experience post traumatic growth and weather the challenges of leadership with more resiliency.  "When you're tired, you take a nap. When you're traumatized and your brain has actually been restructured by constant pressure and stress, there's a different pathway to recovery." —Steve Robinson, Pastor, Church of the King  👉 Listen now and transform your creative leadership career!  Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis LeadershipPhil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide. 👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  🔥 MasterclassesChurch on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1  ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis  More About This Episode: Rebuilding After Your World Falls Apart: Helping Leaders Heal with Steve RobinsonPastor Steve Robinson is a pastor, speaker, and author whose ministry impacts lives across the globe. He is the founder and senior pastor of Church of the King—a growing multi-site church with six locations across the United States, a thriving online campus, and an expanding international presence—including a newly launched campus in Cape Town, South Africa. His weekly television and digital broadcasts further extend the mission of reaching people and building lives.  A graduate of Tulane University, Pastor Steve also holds a Doctorate in Ministry from Southeastern University with a dissertation focus on leaders and trauma. He serves on the board of Equip, the global leadership organization led by John Maxwell, and has authored several books, including "Soul Leadership,"Decide to Thrive," and "Perspective Shift."  With a deep passion for reaching people far from God, Pastor Steve is committed to helping individuals grow into fully devoted followers of Christ. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in the Greater New Orleans area and are blessed with four children and a son-in-law—Isabelle and her husband, Stone, Conrad, William, and Annaliese. Find out more and get the book: https://steverobinson.com Find out more about Church of the King: https://churchoftheking.com (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil introduces the topic of mental health for leaders01:00 Meet Pastor Steve Robinson, Church of the King02:19 Steve shares about "Soul Leadership: Rebound from Crisis, Grow in Resilience, Live from Wholeness"05:45 Hurricane Katrina and the stressors that led to Steve's meltdown08:04 Neuroplasticity and the brain's role in crisis response09:37 The pressure on pastors and leaders13:25 Neuroplasticity of the brain and mind, dealing with PTSD16:30 Five factors that lead to leadership breakdowns19:40 Bible examples of unprocessed pain and trauma23:08 Crisis situations and the role of gratitude25:21 Hope and the possibility of post traumatic growth27:45 Find out more and get the book at https://steverobinson.com28:00 The role of the cross of Jesus Christ in your healing31:15 Phil shares more about Church of the King https://churchoftheking.com

June 17, 2026Episode 17835 min

Church on Trial: Legal Lessons Every Leader Needs | David Middlebrook, The Church Lawyers

Does your church have a crisis communication plan? In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with David Middlebrook, one of the country's leading practitioners in religious nonprofit organizations law and founder of The Church Lawyers. David's team provides legal support to churches, ministries and nonprofits, domestically and internationally, with years of experience helping churches with crisis planning and crisis management. In this interview, you'll gain practical wisdom on how to:  👉 Prepare a crisis communication plan👉 Develop a crisis communication team👉 Implement risk management, spot red flags and avoid a crisis👉 Manage media relations during a crisis and...👉 Make sure you have the legal resources in place to handle any crisis—external, internal and child related A crisis doesn't have to break your church. This interview will help you navigate through it.  👉 Watch now and transform your leadership career!Like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for executive pastors, nonprofit leaders, and church media and communications creatives. ⚡️Get Phil's book: "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis 🔥 Prepare yourself and your team with these masterclasses:Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide.  👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 Subscribe and hit the Notification bell to be notified when they go live. **More About This Episode**David Middlebrook is one of the country's leading practitioners in religious nonprofit organizations law, both domestic and international.  Mr. Middlebrook has an in-depth knowledge of risk management for charities, religious organizations, private schools, and universities.  He is a frequent conference speaker, an award-winning author, and has published numerous articles on nonprofit topics.  Mr. Middlebrook founded Middlebrook | Group, PLLC ("The Church Lawyers"). Find out more at https://www.thechurchlawyers.com/    (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Phil Cooke introduces the topic of crisis communication and crisis management00:51 Meet David Middlebrook, founder, The Church Lawyers07:20 The importance of legal matters for churches – bylaws, background checks, child abuse reports12:25 Creating a crisis communication plan15:27 Developing a crisis communication team18:10 Example of a crisis management plan20:21 Media relations in a crisis and reputation management22:49 Telling the truth in the age of AI25:17 Why you need a church lawyer27:39 Prepare for a crisis30:26 Contact David Middlebrook at https://www.thechurchlawyers.com/

June 3, 2026Episode 17730 min

No Burn Out! How Pastors Can Flourish in Ministry | Josh Turner, The 10Ten Project

"When guys have moral failure, I always ask them, 'What got you there?'" Helping pastors and ministry leaders avoid burnout is the topic of today's conversation as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Josh Turner, founder of the 10Ten Project. Josh has dedicated his life to helping Christian men flourish in their calling and in every area of life. If you're a pastor or ministry leader, the 10Ten project offers connection, coaching and care for spiritual, emotional and mental health as you serve the Lord. "We give pastors a safe place to say dangerous things — to be honest, open." —Josh Turner, Founder – 10Ten Project 👉 Watch now and find out if the 10Ten Project is for you!⚡️Who do you know who needs to hear this episode? Please share this! Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide.  👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly!Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 ⚡️ BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis  **More About This Episode** No Burn Out! How Pastors Can Flourish in Ministry | Josh Turner, The 10Ten ProjectAbout Dr. Josh TurnerWith more than two decades of ministry experience, Josh has dedicated his life to helping leaders flourish — not just in their calling, but in every area of life. He holds a Doctorate of Ministry in Spiritual Formation from Southeastern University, where his work focused on leadership longevity, spiritual formation, and the practices that sustain healthy, impactful ministry over time. Throughout his career, Josh has served churches and ministries across the country, teaching, coaching, and walking alongside leaders as they navigate both the challenges and the calling of ministry. Josh is also the author of "Into the Storm," a book that weaves together personal story, biblical insight, and hope for those walking through life's hardest seasons. His passion is to see leaders stay grounded in their identity, connected in community, and deeply rooted in Christ — so they can lead with clarity, courage, and joy. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife, Becca, and their two children, Ayden and Riley. Follow Josh: https://www.instagram.com/joshuaturner/ Find out more about The 10/Ten Project: https://www.10tenproject.com/ Get Josh's book, "Into the Storm: How to Face Down Any Crisis with Deep, Unshakeable Faith" here: https://amzn.to/3RMpSmC   (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Meet Phil Cooke and this episode's topic: helping pastors avoid burnout and moral failure02:35 Meet Josh Turner, founder of the 10Ten Project05:08 A pastor's suicide and the beginnings of the 10Ten Project09:46 The 10Ten Project's connection with Biola University and Notre Dame16:28 Testimonies from Christian leaders and the impact of the 10Ten Project22:50 How to connect with Josh Turner and the 10Ten Project24:57 Josh's special needs daughter and his new book, "Into the Storm"28:40 Phil shares about his book and masterclass for pastors and leaders: "Church on Trial"

May 20, 2026Episode 1766 min

3 Rules for Pitching: Connecting with the People Who Can Make Your Dream Happen

If you're having trouble getting your ideas heard, media executive Phil Cooke's https://philcooke.com three rules for pitching will help you share your creative vision with clarity and confidence. Whether you're pitching a film idea, business idea, creative project or ministry vision, these pro tips will help you connect with the people who can make your dream happen. 👉 Listen now and transform your creative leadership career! Rate and subscribe for more tips on faith, media and culture for executive pastors, nonprofit leaders, and church media and communications creatives.  Get the book: "Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking"Print and Kindle: https://amzn.to/3Lj9gNU Audio: https://amzn.to/3ywcINP Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis LeadershipPhil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide.  👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input delivered to your inbox: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/  ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 Masterclasses – Elevate your leadership and creative skills quickly!Church on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 **More About This Episode** Read more about pitching: "Why You Need an Elevator Pitch for Your Life" https://www.philcooke.com/elevator-pitch-for-your-life/ (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!) #PitchingIdeas #ElevatorPitch #PhilCooke #CreativeLeadership #CommunicationSkills #PersonalBranding #Storytelling #LeadershipDevelopment #CreativeEntrepreneur #PublicSpeaking ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 What not to do in a pitch meeting00:33 Rules for pitching your ideas01:43 Rule 1: Start with the idea02:24 Rule 2: Practice clarity. Read Phil's blog on elevator pitches02:58 Rule 3: Tell me why your idea matters03:23 Practical tips to practice your pitch with confidence05:02 Get the book, "Ideas on a Deadline"

May 6, 2026Episode 17542 min

Why Pastors Fail: Christian Leadership & Accountability with Larry Stockstill, Pastors University

What should Christian leadership and accountability look like in today's church? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for this insightful conversation with Larry Stockstill, founder of Pastors University, as he shares hard-earned wisdom from over 50 years in ministry. This conversation dives deep into leadership accountability, crisis communication, pastoral integrity, and mentoring the next generation of leaders. If you're a pastor or ministry leader, this episode will equip you to lead with integrity and build sustainable leadership structures that last. Larry Stockstill is the founder of Pastors University and former pastor of Bethany Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. His global ministry has helped plant thousands of churches and train leaders worldwide through mentoring and multiplication strategies. 🔑 In This Episode: Why accountability in leadership is essential to prevent failure Crisis communication essentials for churches The importance of mentorship in Christian leadership How to restore leaders after failure (and when it's appropriate) Why every pastor needs trusted overseers who can ask hard questions 🔗 Resources & Links: 👉 Learn more about Pastors University: https://pastorsuniversity.org 👉 Larry Stockstill Ministries: https://larrystockstill.com 👉 Get the book Honor: The Secret of All Relationships: https://amzn.to/4eZUeLN Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis Leadership Phil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he works with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. Author of "Church on Trial" and several other books on leadership and creativity, he has produced award winning media projects seen worldwide.  👉 Get weekly strategy and creative input: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ ⚡️Join the conversation with Phil Cooke: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com 🔥 MasterclassesChurch on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  Prefer video? Subscribe to my YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1   **More About this Episode**About Larry Stockstill, Founder – Pastor's UniversityLarry Stockstill was raised in a ministry family, where he witnessed the strength of his parents' 63-year marriage and commitment to faith. After college, he spent two years as a missionary in West Africa, followed by five years as an associate pastor at his father's church before becoming Lead Pastor in 1983. During his tenure, Stockstill placed a strong emphasis on missions. In 1993, he implemented a small group structure that became a national model and the basis of his first book, "The Cell Church." In 2001, he founded Surge, a church planting movement that, by 2015, had helped plant more than 22,000 small, rural churches across twelve global regions. Stockstill is the author of multiple books including "The Remnant," and his newest, "Honor: The Secret of All Relationships." His latest initiative, Pastors University, distills his "50 lessons from 50 years" to equip the next generation of church leaders. Learn more at https://larrystockstill.com (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!)  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Phil Cooke introduces Larry Stockstill, Pastors University09:00 Crisis communication for churches and pastors11:50 The importance of leadership integrity13:35 Accountability for pastors17:00 The importance of overseers in a pastor's life20:58 How to assess a crisis situation28:00 How to spot red flags34:45 More about Larry Stockstill's books41:02 Get Phil Cooke's book, "Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" available here: https://philcooke.com/crisis For bulk purchases, email info@cookemediagroup.com for pricing.

April 8, 2026Episode 17430 min

🎬 Indie Film Distribution: How to Submit Your Film to Angel Studios | Jared Geesey Interview

Want to get your film distributed by Angel Studios? In this in-depth conversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with Jared Geesey (EVP of International Distribution at Angel Studios) to break down the Angel Studios submission process, how the Angel Guild works, and what filmmakers need to know to secure a distribution deal. If you're an indie filmmaker looking for film distribution opportunities, this episode reveals how Angel's audience-driven model is changing the industry—giving YOU the chance to get your project reviewed, improved, and potentially released in theaters. Watch now and transform your filmmaking career! 🚀 FREE Film Submission (Limited Time!)Filmmakers can submit their project to the Angel Guild for FREE (normally $250):👉 https://angel.com/filmmakers🎟 Promo Code: ANGELPHIL ⚡ First 25 filmmakers only – act fast! ======================================== Phil Cooke, Ph.D. — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis LeadershipPhil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he has worked with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. He is the author of Church on Trial and several other books on leadership and creativity, and has produced media projects seen worldwide.  Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com  👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/  Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1 =========================== **More About This Episode** 🎬 Indie Film Distribution: How to Submit Your Film to Angel Studios | Jared Geesey InterviewJared Geesey is Executive Vice President, International at Angel Studios, where he leads global distribution strategy, partnerships, and theatrical expansion for one of the fastest growing independent studios in the world. Jared is known for building innovative distribution models rooted in listening deeply to audiences and creators alike. 🎥 What You'll Learn from this interview: How to submit your film to Angel Studios How the Angel Guild voting system works What kind of films Angel Studios is looking for How to use audience feedback to improve your project What "Torch" submissions are and why they matter How filmmakers can earn long-term residual income Why Angel Studios has one of the highest Rotten Tomatoes audience scores The secrets behind successful indie film distribution  ⏰ Timecodes ⏰00:00 Phil Cooke and how to get your film on Angel01:02 Meet Jared Geesey, EVP International Distribution, Angel Studios07:00 Distribution Case Study: The Chosen09:28 Filmmakers and indie film distribution14:00 Filmmaking tips for creating a Torch for Angel Studios consideration20:40 Distribution for documentaries21:44 Angel Studios business model and payouts for filmmakers26:35 Submit your film for consideration at https://angel.com/filmmakers👉 FREE Film submission! Use promo code: ANGELPHIL    ⚡ First 25 filmmakers only – act fast!

March 3, 2026Episode 17346 min

Why Most Churches Struggle to Grow | Mark MacDonald, Church Branding Strategist

What is your church known for in your community? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with church branding strategist Mark MacDonald to uncover the real reason many churches don't grow and what church leaders can do to fix it. Discover how churches can stop being known for what they're against and start becoming known for what they're for—using practical branding and communication strategies that actually help people find and understand your church. If your church wants to grow, stand out, and truly matter in your community, this conversation will challenge the way you think about church branding, messaging, and outreach. Includes insight on using listening groups and AI to elevate your branding strategy, plus tips on developing your online presence through keywords and Google search. 👉 Watch now and find out how to build a church brand that is clear, meaningful and stands out above the crowd. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ Get Phil's book: "One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do" https://amzn.to/2M2maTr  👉 Prefer audio? Subscribe and listen to the Phil Cooke Podcast here: Apple: https://apple.co/2XbMgDL Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2A0bZ4nw5QstFMt4lE676l ======================================== Phil Cooke — Strategic Advisor | Cultural Influence & Crisis LeadershipPhil Cooke, Ph.D., is a strategic advisor to church, nonprofit, and media leaders navigating crisis, credibility, and cultural influence in a rapidly changing digital world. Founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles and Nashville, he has worked with senior leadership teams globally to strengthen reputation and clarify mission. He is the author of Church on Trial and several other books on leadership and creativity, and has produced media projects seen worldwide.  ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com ===========================  **More About This Episode** Why Most Churches Struggle to Grow | Mark MacDonald, Church Branding Strategist Mark MacDonald is a trusted voice in church communication, with 40 years of experience in branding, marketing, and ministry. As the bestselling author of Be Known For Something and founder of BeKnownforSomething.com, Mark has helped thousands of churches across North America discover their unique thread and communicate it clearly.  A former Pastor of Communication and national creative director, Mark combines research, creativity, and practical insight to help churches grow their impact. His church clients regularly see measurable results, including a recent rebrand that led to 31 new families visiting on launch Sunday.  Mark is a sought-after speaker at national conferences for his engaging, no-fluff style—and he's passionate about helping churches stop sounding like noise and start being known for something that truly matters. 🔗 Learn more about Mark's work in church branding and strategy: https://beknownforsomething.com Find Mark on social media including Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/markmac1023/    (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!) ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Phil introduces the topic of church communication and branding00:43 Meet Mark MacDonald, church branding strategist, and be known for something05:31 Church leaders: what is your church known for?06:40 How important is church branding07:55 Listening sessions and using AI to determine keywords that describe your church09:26 How is your church different?11:42 Strengthening your online presence in Google search with keywords16:00 Growth strategies for small churches24:00 Church marketing and branding for impact34:00 Perception in the community37:00 Communicating honesty and authenticity40:19 Get people in the doors so they can encounter God's power and presence42:25 Connect with Mark MacDonald at https://beknownforsomething.com 44:46 Be known for something in your personal life with Phil's book "One Big Thing" available here: https://amzn.to/2M2maTr

February 17, 2026Episode 17236 min

Starting a Nonprofit? Here's What You Need to Know | Fundraising Consultant David Baker

Launching a ministry or nonprofit — and feeling terrified about fundraising? In this conversation, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com sits down with fundraising strategist David Baker of Giving Design to discuss what truly drives generosity and how to build a strong sustainable funding foundation from day one. This is your Fundraising 101 to gain the mindset behind successful donor development! Find out what motivates giving, the role of story in casting vision and sharing impact, and the biggest fundraising mistake most churches and nonprofits make.  Whether you're launching a brand-new ministry, growing a nonprofit organization, or rethinking your fundraising strategies, this episode will help you build a vision-driven approach that creates lasting impact. This episode is part of the ongoing conversations around faith, media, and culture from Phil Cooke, CEO and founder of Cooke Media Group, and co-founder of The Influence Lab — helping train Christians around the world to share their faith more effectively through media. 👉 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/  🔥 New MasterclassesChurch on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/masterclass Ideas on a Deadline Masterclass with Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline  Subscribe to My YouTube Channel and Expand your Creative Leadershiphttps://www.youtube.com/c/philcookeofficial?sub_confirmation=1  ⚡️ GET MY LATEST BOOK "Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis" Get your copy here: https://philcooke.com/crisis  (As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for the support!) ======================================== Phil Cooke — Media Producer-Writer-Speaker-CoachHelping Creative Leaders Influence the World — Faith, Media & Culture Do you have a message or story the world needs to hear? I offer advice on creative leadership, digital media, branding, marketing, film and television production – and the faith to take you from where you are in your ministry or career to where you want to be.  As a filmmaker, media consultant and co-founder of Cooke Media Group in Los Angeles, my client list includes Hollywood studios, major nonprofit organizations, and many of the most respected churches and ministries in the world. I've produced media programming in nearly 70 countries and created many of the most influential inspirational TV programs in history.  My philosophy? Get your ideas out there and change the world in the process.  ========================== Connect with me on social media: Twitter https://twitter.com/philcooke Facebook https://www.facebook.com/philcookepage/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/philcooke/ TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@philcookeofficial Find out about Cooke Media Group here: https://www.cookemediagroup.com ===========================  **More About This Episode** Starting a Nonprofit? Here's What You Need to Know | Fundraising Consultant David BakerFor more than 27 years, David has served as an Encourager of Remarkable Generosity--equipping ministries to serve and steward donors and advising individuals and families on how they can best accomplish their charitable objectives.   David and the Giving Design Team are committed to making major gifts and planned giving easy for churches and ministries with proven, plug-n-play strategies and responsive coaching. David, together with Dave Stephens, share insights and best practices on The Giving Room Podcast.  Connect with David Baker & Giving Design 👉 https://givingdesign.com/ 🎧 The Giving Room Podcast: https://givingdesign.com/givingroom/  Get the Ministry Fundraising Blueprint Course: https://givingdesign.com/ministry-fundraising-blueprint/ ⏰ Timecodes ⏰ 00:00 Fundraising 101 with Phil Cooke00:58 Meet David Baker, fundraising strategist, Giving Design03:15 The Biblical basis behind fundraising05:08 How to invite donors into the vision09:24 What motivates giving13:44 Giving patterns of this generation – felt needs16:05 Phil's story of working with the Museum of the Bible19:32 Launching a nonprofit? Here's where to start24:30 The role of planned giving in your fundraising strategy28:20 The biggest mistake churches and nonprofits make35:37 Connect with David Baker at https://givingdesign.com and The Giving Room Podcast: https://givingdesign.com/givingroom/36:00 Consider supporting the nonprofit The Influence Lab https://influencelab.com #Fundraising #NonprofitFundraising #HowToStartANonprofit #DavidBaker #GivingDesign #PhilCooke #ChurchFundraising #MinistryFundraising #CharitableGiving #DonorStewardship

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