Welcome to the Coach Approach Ministries Podcast! Coaching is a skillset and a mindset that helps people find focus, discover options and take action. At CAM, we train the very best Christian coaches in the world, and over the last decade, we've trained well over a thousand. Through this podcast, we want to share insights from the Coaching Community and help you to develop a broader understanding of coaching. You can find out more about us at www.coachapproachministries.org and sign up for our proven coach training.
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June 11, 2026Episode 52124 min
The Journey from Insecurity to Freedom with Paul Burns
In this second conversation with Paul Burns, we focus on the "Personal" dimension of his GPS framework for discipleship. Paul explores how spiritual growth involves becoming the person God created us to be rather than remaining trapped in the patterns and insecurities shaped by the world. We discuss: The movement from worldly identity to God-centered identity Emotional maturity and spiritual formation Insecurity, fear, and personal growth What it means to become a child of God The importance of self-differentiation How attachment to God creates internal freedom Why discipleship includes emotional and psychological growth Letting go of unhealthy patterns and mindsets This episode connects discipleship with emotional health and explores how God transforms not only our beliefs, but our identity and way of being in the world. #Identity #Discipleship #SpiritualGrowth #PaulBurns #EmotionalHealth #ChristianLeadership #Faith #Podcast
June 4, 2026Episode 51929 min
Deepening Discipleship Growing in Relationship with God with Paul Burns
In this episode, Paul Burns and I begin a month-long conversation on deepening discipleship. Paul shares his understanding of discipleship as a growing relationship with God rather than merely acquiring religious knowledge or behavior modification. We discuss: Why discipleship is fundamentally relational The difference between knowing about God and knowing God Attachment theory and spiritual formation Moving beyond performance-based spirituality How security in God changes personal growth The role of trust in spiritual maturity Why transformation happens through relationship The connection between discipleship and emotional health Paul introduces the foundational concepts behind his GPS framework — God, Personal, and Social — and explains why a secure attachment to God changes everything else in life. #Discipleship #SpiritualFormation #PaulBurns #ChristianCoaching #Faith #Transformation #AttachmentTheory #Podcast
May 28, 2026Episode 51927 min
Walking the Camino Pilgrimage, Purpose, and Transformation With Rey Spadoni
Podcast Notes — CAP 519 with Rey Spadoni In this episode, Rey Spadoni and I explore the Camino de Santiago and the deeper human longing for pilgrimage, meaning, and transformation. Rey shares insights from his experiences walking the Camino and reflects on why ancient spiritual practices continue to resonate in modern life. We discuss: What draws people to the Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage as both an external and internal journey The role of uncertainty, solitude, and reflection in transformation How walking changes the pace of thinking and awareness The connection between coaching, spirituality, and personal growth Why meaningful conversations emerge differently on the road Ancient practices that still speak to modern challenges The difference between achievement and deeper fulfillment Community, vulnerability, and shared humanity along the Camino This conversation is reflective, practical, and deeply human — whether you've walked the Camino yourself or are simply searching for greater clarity and meaning in your own journey. #CaminoDeSantiago #Pilgrimage #PersonalGrowth #Coaching #Transformation #Spirituality #Meaning #Podcast #ReySpadoni #ConversationsThatMatter
May 21, 2026Episode 51824 min
From Limiting Beliefs to New Identity: Coaching Through Story with Motoki Asai
🎧 Podcast Notes: Narrative Coaching with Motoki Asai Connect with Motoki Asai Find Motoki on LinkedIn to learn more about his work with CAM Japan. Episode Overview In this final conversation, Brian Miller and Motoki Asai explore narrative coaching—a collaborative approach that helps clients examine and rewrite the stories they are living. Rather than starting with goals, narrative coaching begins with story, identity, and meaning, creating space for deeper transformation. Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. What Is Narrative Coaching? A third-generation coaching approach focused on story and identity. Instead of starting with goals, it begins by exploring the client's narrative. Coaching helps clients rewrite the story they're living. 2. Start with Story, Not Goals Traditional coaching often begins with "What do you want to work on?" Narrative coaching asks: What's happening? What story are you living? Goals often emerge later—and are deeper and more meaningful. 3. Step One: Situate the Client in the Story Who are they in their story? The hero? The victim? A side character? This reveals how they interpret their situation and identity. 4. Step Two: Search the Story Explore what the story is saying—and what it might be missing. Identify limiting beliefs and hidden assumptions. Look for alternative interpretations and possibilities. 5. Step Three: Shift the Narrative Collaboratively create a new, more empowering story. Ask: What story do you want to live going forward? This becomes a pathway to transformation. 6. Embody the New Story Clients don't just think differently—they practice the new identity. Role-play and "serious play" help them step into the new narrative. Transformation becomes experiential, not just intellectual. 7. Awareness Changes Everything Many clients discover they are the ones reinforcing limiting stories. Seeing the gap between perception and reality creates breakthrough. Example: A client realizes others believe in her—she just doesn't believe in herself. 8. Coaching as Rewriting Identity Coaching helps people recognize the strength and beauty already in their story. Often, clients don't realize how meaningful their story already is. The coach helps them see—and step into—that truth. Memorable Moments Comparing life to a movie: "What character are you playing right now?" The shift from "I'm not good enough" to "I need to receive what others already see in me." Practicing a new identity in real time through role-play. The reminder: You don't know how great your story is. About the Guest Motoki Asai is the founder and director of CAM Japan, bringing thoughtful, innovative approaches like narrative coaching to leaders and coaches across cultures.
May 14, 2026Episode 51721 min
Beyond Goals: The Rise of Third Generation Coaching with Motoki Asai
🎧 Podcast Notes: Third Generation Coaching with Motoki Asai Connect with Motoki Asai Find Motoki on LinkedIn to learn more about his work with CAM Japan. Episode Overview Brian Miller continues the conversation with Motoki Asai, diving into third generation coaching—a research-based, collaborative approach that shifts coaching from problem-solving to deeper exploration of identity, meaning, and relationship. In a rapidly changing world, this approach emphasizes who a person is becoming, not just what they are trying to achieve. Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. What Is Third Generation Coaching? A collaborative, co-creative coaching approach. Focuses on identity, values, and meaning-making—not just goals. Coach and client create the conversation together, rather than the coach leading it. 2. The Three "Generations" of Coaching First Generation: Goal-focused, problem-solving, linear (GROW model). Second Generation: Adds self-development and emotional intelligence. Third Generation: Centers on identity, narrative, and meaning in a complex world. 3. Coaching for a Complex (VUCA) World Today's world is volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. There are fewer "right answers"—coaching must help people navigate identity and purpose. Anchoring in who you are becomes more important than solving any one problem. 4. Coaching as a Collaborative Space The coach is not just asking questions but co-creating insight. Meaning emerges between coach and client. Presence, energy, and relational dynamics matter in the conversation. 5. Beyond Coaching Sessions: A Way of Being Coaching shouldn't stay in formal sessions—it should shape everyday conversations. The goal is to empower people to have transformative dialogue in daily life. 6. Coaching the Person, Not the Problem Moves beyond fixing issues to understanding the individual. Emphasizes curiosity, care, and genuine interest in others. Reflects a deeper posture of listening and valuing people. 7. Presence and Overflow Effective coaching flows from a place of rest and alignment, not striving. Living from "overflow" allows coaches to bring calm, openness, and encouragement. Who you are matters as much as what you do in coaching. Memorable Moments Motoki connects with Reinhard Stelter (a leading voice in third generation coaching) via LinkedIn—and ends up hosting him in Japan. A shared experience (like attending sumo wrestling) becomes part of relational, meaningful dialogue. The emphasis shifts from "helping people achieve more" to "helping people become who they are." About the Guest Motoki Asai is the founder and director of CAM Japan, equipping leaders and coaches while exploring cutting-edge approaches like cognitive linguistics and third generation coaching.
May 7, 2026Episode 51623 min
Why Language Matters: Unlocking Transformation Through Words
🎧 Podcast Notes: Cognitive Linguistics with Motoki Asai Webinar / CTA (if you want to add one later, place here) Learn more or connect with Motoki Asai via LinkedIn (Motoki Asai). Episode Overview In this conversation, Brian Miller sits down with Motoki Asai to explore cognitive linguistics—the study of how language both reflects and shapes the way we think. They unpack how the words clients use aren't just descriptive—they open a window into their inner world and can become a pathway for transformation. Key Ideas & Takeaways 1. Language Shapes Thought (and Vice Versa) The way people describe their experiences reveals how they interpret reality. Language is not neutral—it actively forms how we see situations and possibilities. 2. Metaphors Unlock Transformation Metaphors are more than illustrations—they create access to deeper meaning. When a client uses a metaphor, it often signals a moment ripe for change. The most powerful coaching move: use the client's metaphor, not your own. 3. The "Inner World" Between Experience and Words There's a gap between what happens and how we describe it. In that gap lies interpretation, belief, emotion, and meaning. Coaching explores this space to create insight and movement. 4. Reframing Creates New Possibilities Changing how a situation is framed can open entirely new outcomes. Example: "I've hit bottom" → "Now the only direction left is up." Reframing doesn't deny reality—it reshapes how we engage it. 5. Expanding Emotional Vocabulary Deepens Awareness Many people default to a few basic emotions (happy, sad, angry). Greater emotional precision leads to clearer thinking and better action. Naming emotions more accurately unlocks new responses. 6. Coaches Listen for Language, Not Just Problems Instead of focusing on fixing the issue, focus on how it's described. Words give access to the person's inner world in ways nothing else can. Observations about language can be more transformative than advice. 7. Language as a Tool for Transformation Language doesn't just create awareness—it can initiate change. Intentional use of metaphor, framing, and wording opens new futures. Coaching becomes less about technique and more about meaningful exploration. Memorable Quotes / Moments "It's hard to transform without a metaphor." "The most powerful use of language is to use the client's language." "When we change how we look at a situation, new possibilities open." "Words give us access to the inner world." About the Guest Motoki Asai is the founder and director of CAM Japan and a deep thinker in coaching, particularly in how language, neuroscience, and culture intersect to shape transformation.
April 23, 2026Episode 51426 min
How Writing Clarifies Your Thinking (and Grows Your Influence) with Laura Stephens-Reed
Big Idea Writing isn't just content creation—it's a tool for clarity, growth, and impact. For coaches and leaders, writing helps you think better, communicate better, and ultimately serve people better. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why writing is a powerful tool for coaches and leaders How writing helps you clarify your thinking The connection between coaching conversations and content creation A simple system for generating endless writing topics Why short, consistent writing often beats writing a book How writing can grow your reach and influence organically Key Conversation Highlights 1. Writing Helps You Think Clearly Laura doesn't think by talking—she thinks by writing Writing is a way to: Process ideas Clarify beliefs Discover what you actually think Key Insight: You often don't know what you think until you write it. 2. Coaching Fuels Content Writing topics come directly from: Patterns across coaching conversations When something shows up repeatedly (like time management): It's worth writing about Practical Takeaway: Your best content is already in your coaching sessions. 3. Consistency Beats Inspiration Laura writes: At least once a week During scheduled time blocks (Tuesday + Thursday mornings) System: Routine + coffee + prepared topics = momentum Key Idea: Don't wait for inspiration—build a rhythm. 4. Short, Accessible Writing Wins Ideal length: ~750 words Why: Easy to read in ~5 minutes More likely to be consumed and shared Shift: From "write something big" → to write something useful 5. When to Turn One Idea Into a Series If a topic has depth → break it into parts Series often emerge: Before writing (planned) Or during writing (discovered) Example: A webinar becomes a multi-part Substack series 6. Writing Expands Your Reach (Without Marketing Tricks) Writing attracts: The right audience Future coaching clients Important Distinction: Don't write to get clients Write to be helpful 7. Writing as Identity (Not Just Output) Over time, writing becomes: Part of who you are Not just something you do Key Idea: "I write to learn—and to become." 8. The Craft of Writing Writing involves: Voice Structure Word choice Flow Important Question: Does this sound like you? 9. Progress Over Perfection Writing regularly helps break: Perfectionism You learn: It doesn't have to be perfect to be valuable Key Insight: Done and helpful beats perfect and unpublished. 10. Why Writing Matters for Coaches Writing helps you: Sharpen ideas Serve more people Extend your impact beyond conversations Key Takeaways Writing is one of the best tools for clarity and growth Your coaching conversations are your content strategy Consistency matters more than creativity bursts Short, helpful content builds trust and reach Writing helps you: Think better Coach better Lead better 🔗 Connect with Laura Stephens-Reed Website: laurastephensreed.com Substack: laurastephensreed.substack.com Laura is a pastor, consultant, and mentor coach helping leaders grow in clarity, coaching skill, and leadership development.
April 16, 2026Episode 51327 min
From Good to Great: What Separates Professional Coaches with Laura Stephens-Reed
Big Idea Great coaching isn't about having the best answers—it's about creating the kind of space where clients discover their own. The difference between average and masterful coaching comes down to mindset, humility, and how deeply you engage the person—not just the problem. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why the coaching mindset requires intentional preparation The surprising role of humility in great coaching The difference between coaching the problem vs. coaching the person What separates ACC, PCC, and MCC-level coaching How to help clients create real ownership and action Why awareness (not advice) drives transformation Key Conversation Highlights 1. Coaching Is a Mindset—Not Just a Skill Coaching requires a deliberate shift in thinking Before each session: Step out of expert mode Step into curiosity and presence Core belief: The client is resourceful and capable 2. The Humility Behind Great Coaching Strong coaching starts with: "Maybe I don't know" Not a lack of knowledge—but a recognition that: The client knows their context best Key Insight: Coaching isn't about being right—it's about helping the client move forward. 3. Why Advice Doesn't Work (and Ownership Does) People rarely act on someone else's solution "No one washes a rental car" → people don't invest in what they don't own Shift: From giving answers → to creating ownership 4. Questions vs. Observations Two powerful coaching tools: Curious questions Neutral observations Goal: Not compliance—but new awareness 5. What Separates Good Coaches from Great Ones ACC-Level (Foundational Coaching) Focus on: The problem Action steps PCC-Level (Professional Coaching) More: Client-led direction Mid-session check-ins Learning awareness MCC-Level (Master Coaching) Focus shifts to: The person Beliefs, motivations, identity Internal transformation Key Shift: From "What should you do?" → to "Who are you becoming?" 6. The Power of Learning in Coaching Great coaches ask: "What did you learn about yourself?" "What did you learn about the situation?" Why it matters: Reinforces growth Builds confidence Fuels better action 7. Coaching the Whole Person (Not Just Words) Master-level coaching includes: Tone Pace Energy Body language Example: "I noticed your pace picked up—what's happening there?" 8. Coaching vs. Therapy (The Line) Coaching may touch the past—but: Doesn't stay there Uses it to move forward Key Idea: You don't ignore deeper issues—you acknowledge them so progress is possible 9. The Goal of Coaching Not: Being right Fixing everything But: Creating value Helping clients take meaningful, sustainable action Key Takeaways Great coaching is built on humility, curiosity, and trust The client must own the solution for it to stick Awareness is more powerful than advice Master coaches focus less on problems and more on people Transformation happens when clients: See clearly Think differently Act intentionally 🔗 Connect with Laura Stephens-Reed Website: laurastephensreed.com Substack: laurastephensreed.substack.com Laura is a pastor, consultant, and mentor coach helping leaders grow in clarity, coaching skill, and leadership development.
April 9, 2026Episode 51227 min
Why Most Churches Feel Stuck (And How Coaching Changes Everything) with Laura Stephens-Reed
Big Idea Healthy churches are not defined by programs or personalities—but by clarity, culture, and conversations. Coaching provides the mindset and structure that helps churches rediscover purpose, develop leaders, and navigate change. Episode Flow & Key Themes 1. The State of the Church Today The church is a mixed bag: Thriving churches: Clear purpose and identity Spiritually grounded Balanced leadership (pastor + laity) Willing to experiment Struggling churches: Operate from scarcity, anxiety, nostalgia Avoid change Lack deep relationships Drift toward apathy or conflict Key Insight: Clarity + courage to adapt separates healthy churches from declining ones. 2. The Shift: From Center to Margin Church is no longer at the center of culture Now operating at the edges Reframe: This is not just a loss—it's an opportunity The church may actually function more faithfully at the margins 3. Why Churches Need Coaching Coaching helps churches move from: Reaction → Intention Maintenance → Development Activity → Clarity 4. Three Key Areas Coaching Transforms A. Leadership Development (Pipeline Thinking) Many churches rely on the same people in the same roles Coaching helps: Identify emerging leaders Develop people before they're "ready" Increase engagement and ownership Shift: From "holding roles" → to developing people B. Clarity of Identity (Purpose, Values, Vision) Most churches lack clarity on: Why they exist Who they're trying to reach What they uniquely offer Coaching Questions: What brought you here? What keeps you here? Deeper Insight: Surface answers: habit, family, invitation Deeper answers: "I recognized Jesus here" "My gifts were called out" "I connected faith with real life" Key Idea: Clarity fuels everything—leadership, outreach, decisions. C. Conflict & Healthy Conversations Conflict is inevitable because people are different Coaching provides tools to: Build trust and safety Listen deeply Surface real issues Disagree in healthy ways Important Distinction: Coaching ≠ mediation But coaching creates the environment where resolution is possible 5. The Power of Agreements (Culture Design) Every healthy team needs a clear agreement or covenant Includes: Expected behaviors Shared values Accountability Shift: From "unspoken expectations" → to shared ownership of culture 6. A Coaching Insight on Church Growth Many churches say: "We want young families" But that's vague and often unhelpful Better approach: Understand who you are first Then identify who you're uniquely called to reach Key Line: You can't find "the lost" if your definition is "anyone." 7. The Role of Self-Awareness Tools like Working Genius or Myers-Briggs reveal: Why people think differently Why conflict happens Awareness creates understanding instead of frustration 8. Final Hope for the Church To be a faithful witness to Jesus Not just about eternity—but about: Bringing heaven to earth Living out faith in real, tangible ways Vision: A church that reflects: Love Clarity Alignment Shared mission Key Takeaways Coaching helps churches move forward with clarity instead of fear Leadership development is essential—not optional Most churches don't need more people—they need better alignment Healthy culture is built intentionally, not accidentally The future church will thrive through: clarity adaptability meaningful conversations 🔗 Connect with Laura Stephens-Reed Website: laurastephensreed.com Substack: laurastephensreed.substack.com Laura is a pastor, consultant, and coach who works extensively with churches on pastoral search, leadership development, and congregational clarity.
April 2, 2026Episode 51127 min
The Gap We Couldn't Cross (and How Jesus Did)
Episode Summary In this Maundy Thursday episode, Brian explores the meaning of the gospel through the lens of forsakenness and belonging. Reflecting on Jesus' cry from the cross—"Why have you forsaken me?"—he reframes the good news not as what we must do, but what Christ has already done. Through personal stories, coaching insights, and biblical reflection, this episode invites listeners to experience the gospel as restoration, not requirement. Key Themes & Takeaways 1. What It Means to Be a Christian Coach First: be a competent, professional coach Second: let your faith naturally shape how you show up The gospel is often seen before it's spoken 2. The Problem with How We Share the Gospel Many presentations focus on: Rules Tribal interpretations "Do this or you're out" But the real gospel is good news—not more pressure The good news isn't that I'm a sinner. That's still bad news. The good news is that Jesus has come. 3. A Story of Being "Left Behind" Brian shares a childhood story: His brother is accidentally left after a game Miscommunication leaves him stranded A stranger steps in and rescues him 👉 The takeaway: The hero isn't the responsible or the irresponsible The hero is the one who steps in and restores 4. Understanding "Forsakenness" Jesus experiences complete separation on the cross This is: Deeply human Deeply painful Spiritually ultimate Forsakenness = total disconnection From God From others From belonging 5. The Big Biblical Pattern: Lost Things Get Found Lost sheep → searched for Lost coin → turned everything upside down Lost son → should have been searched for 👉 The missing piece: Someone must go after the lost 6. Jesus as the True "Rescuer" Humanity lives in a state of low-grade forsakenness Jesus: Enters that experience Absorbs it fully Bridges the gap we couldn't cross He experienced forsakenness… and then filled it. 7. Heaven vs. Hell (Reframed) Heaven = complete belonging, restored relationship Hell = complete separation, no connection 👉 Not just pain—isolation 8. Why This Matters Today We live in a loneliness epidemic Technology hasn't solved it People feel: Left behind Disconnected Forgotten 👉 Coaching becomes a small picture of the gospel: "I'm here" "You're not alone" "Let's move forward together" 9. The Prodigal Son Revisited The point isn't the son's apology The point is the father's joyful restoration 👉 The gospel is: Not about earning your way back But being welcomed home 10. A Humbling Gospel Jesus: Leaves heaven Enters humanity Experiences abandonment Restores connection 👉 Maundy Thursday reminder: Love looks like humility and service (Even foot washing…) Final Reflection The gospel is not: "You're the problem—fix yourself" The gospel is: "You were lost—and I came to get you"
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