The Daily LEAD

Hosted by Brad Otto

Business Education Health Fitness

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Episodes

334

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

A leadership podcast for any leader who is passionate about leadership development and self-care, and relationships. It consists of two segments a week: Mental Health Mondays, and Everyday Leaders on Thursdays.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 54617 min

Episode 546-When Memories Fade: The Hidden Mental Health Impact of Alzheimer's and Dementia

June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month. In this episode, we explore the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, what happens in the brain, the emotional impact on families and caregivers, and practical ways to support brain health while caring for yourself.ResoucesAlzheimer's Association-24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900 Books for CaregiversThe 36-Hour DayCreating Moments of JoyLoving Someone Who Has Dementia

June 11, 2026Episode 54515 min

Episode 545 Don't Take the Bait: Leading Through Criticism

In this episode we explore one of the greatest challenges leaders face: bring misunderstood. Bob Iger writes about the temptation to get caught up in the rumors, criticism, and opinions of others. For pastors and deacons and non-profit leaders this is especially real. Leaders often find themselves carrying the weight of the perceptions of others. This episode explores how leaders can stay focused on their mission, avoid the trap of defensiveness, and develop the resilience to lead well.

June 8, 2026Episode 54423 min

Episode 544 Beyond Survival Mode: Understanding PTSD and CPTSD

June is PTSD Awareness Month. In this episode, we explore the differences between PTSD and Complex PTSD, how trauma impacts the brain and nervous system, and why survival strategies often remain long after the danger has passed. If you've ever wondered why certain experiences continue to affect you years later, this conversation offers insight, understanding, and hope for healing.ResourcesThe Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in The Healing of Trauma - Paperback by Bessel Van der Kolk M.D.The Complex PTSD Workbook for Self-Healing: A Practical Guide to Understand Trauma, Calm Emotional Flashbacks, Manage Dissociation, and Rebuild Identity After Abuse, Neglect, or Chronic Stress-Alex J. CarterWaking the Tiger: Healing Traumaby Peter A. Levine (Author), Ann Frederick (Contributor) Format: Paperback

June 4, 2026Episode 54316 min

Episode 543 When Good Enough Isn't Good Enough: Why Excellence Matters

In this episode we explore a leadership principle that applies to every church and nonprofit organization: Excellence matters. Reflecting on Iger's belief that great organizations earn trust by creating work people are proud of, we discuss why churches and organizations should never settle for "good enough," what excellence really means, and how persuing excellence honors God and inspires others.

June 1, 2026Episode 54228 min

Episode 542 Financial Stress Is Real (And You’re Not Alone)

Feeling stretched thin, stressed about bills, or wondering how everyone is making it work right now? In this episode, we’re talking about the mental and emotional weight of financial stress, inflation, and trying to keep up when life feels expensive. We’ll explore why money stress feels so personal, how it affects your nervous system, and practical ways to care for your mental health when things feel heavy. If you’ve been doing everything right but still struggling, this conversation is for you.

May 28, 2026Episode 54117 min

Episode 541 If Everything Matters Nothing Does

In this episode, we continue the series on The Ride of a Lifetime by Bob Iger, exploring one of the most critical leadership responsibilities:Clarifying priorities.Bob Iger argues that great leaders must communicate priorities clearly and repeatedly—and that organizations function best when they focus on just a few key strategic goals.When priorities are unclear, teams become distracted, energy gets wasted, frustration rises, and morale suffers.This episode explores why focus matters, why too many churches and nonprofits try to do everything, and how leaders can create healthier, more effective organizations by identifying and communicating what matters most.

May 25, 2026Episode 54024 min

Episode 540 You’re Finally Off… So Why Are You Still Exhausted?

Summer is here… so why are you still exhausted? In this episode, we explore why time off doesn’t always fix burnout, what happens when your nervous system finally slows down, and why rest can sometimes feel surprisingly uncomfortable. If you’re a helper, parent, leader, educator, or simply someone carrying too much—this conversation is for you.

May 21, 2026Episode 53915 min

Episode 539 Respect the Past Don't Worship It

In this episode we unpack a powerful leadership lesson: How to honor the past without getting stuck in it. This episode explores why organizations resist change, how nostalgia can become quietly unhealthy, and what leadership looks like when guiding people into the future while still respecting the legacy that came before them.

May 18, 2026Episode 53829 min

Episode 538 Why Criticism Feels Crushing

What if rejection doesn’t just feel uncomfortable… but emotionally overwhelming? In this episode, we explore Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), the connection to ADHD, autism, trauma, and why some nervous systems experience criticism, exclusion, and feedback so intensely. We’ll also talk about cognitive distortions, emotional regulation, and practical tools to quiet the rejection spiral.Resources:Self-Compassion by Kristin NeffADDitude Magazine — articles on ADHD, RSD, neurodivergence, and coping tools

May 14, 2026Episode 53717 min

Episode 537 The Power of Optimism: Why Tone Matters

In this episode we continue our journey through Bob Iger's book: The Ride of a Lifetime. Today we explore an often overlooked leadership trait: Optimism. Today we define what optimism really is and how tone shapes culture during times of pressure and uncertainty.