The Joy of Leadership

Hosted by Dr. James Taylor

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Joy of Leadership Podcast with your host, Dr. James Taylor. On this podcast, we explore the passion and purpose of leadership. We do so by talking with recognized leaders who do not merely have jobs, but men and women who are called to their chosen sphere of influence.

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60 recent

June 3, 202653 min

Ep. 62 – Discipleship Through Drama (Lee Glover)

In Episode 62 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Lee Glover, drama teacher at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss the remarkable year of productions that have graced the stage, then explore Lee’s faith and professional journey that led her to HCA. They conclude their conversation by looking ahead to the future of the drama program.Ep. 62 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:41) 2025-26 shows(4:54) Discipleship at the forefront(13:46) Upheaval and finding Jesus(26:15) Finding direction(34:35) Path to HCA(42:21) Future of drama at HCA (51:45) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

April 24, 202654 min

Ep. 60 – More Than Basketball (Coach Christi Thomas)

In Episode 60 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Christi Thomas, the new Head Girls Basketball Coach at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Christi’s extensive basketball background, including her time playing at Buford High School, the University of Georgia, and professionally in the WNBA and overseas. They also explore her faith journey and how God worked in her life after she stepped away from basketball. Finally, Christi shares her excitement about stepping into a role where she can place her faith at the forefront of her coaching.Ep. 60 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:37) Life is more than basketball(4:50) Early life and upbringing(10:36) College recruitment process(18:02) Balancing athletics and academics(22:58) Path to the WNBA(25:44) International experiences(36:42) Finding purpose after basketball(41:01) Turning point in faith(49:50) The next chapter at HCAIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

April 1, 202648 min

Ep. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)

Ep. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)In Episode 59 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Emily Leatherbarrow, President and Founder of Sisters of Grace, a ministry in Northern Thailand that provides a safe haven for girls at risk of human trafficking in the surrounding region. They discuss the mission and vision of Sisters of Grace, her personal calling into ministry, Hebron Christian Academy’s partnership with the organization to open a Christian school in Thailand, and the sobering reality of human trafficking around the world today.Ep. 59 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:54) About Sisters of Grace(10:58) Emily’s upbringing and background(24:00) Entering the mission field(30:56) Operations in Thailand(34:03) Future plans for expansion(40:20) Combatting human traffickingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

March 4, 202653 min

Ep. 58 – The Chapter After Football (Malcolm Mitchell)

In Episode 58 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Malcolm Mitchell, former UGA football standout, NFL Super Bowl Champion, author, and literacy advocate. They discuss his journey from a football-centered childhood in Valdosta, Georgia, to becoming a Super Bowl champion and passionate advocate for literacy. Malcolm shares how faith, family, and key mentors shaped his life, how learning to love reading transformed his future, and why setbacks and injuries opened the door to a deeper purpose beyond sports.Ep. 58 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:25) Promoting literacy for kids(1:52) Upbringing and early life(6:11) Faith’s impact(19:28) College recruitment & experiences(26:50) Joining a book club(30:42) NFL stories(47:00) Share the Magic Foundation & current projects(51:26) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

February 4, 202654 min

Ep. 57 – What’s Important Now? (Coach Quentin Davie)

In Episode 57 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Quentin Davie, the new Head Football Coach of Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Coach Q’s upbringing and background as a college and professional football player, as well as his experience coaching at the high school level. The conversation also explores his spiritual life and his desire to point young men to Jesus through football. Finally, they examine his transition into this new role and the future of Hebron football.Ep. 57 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:39) Upbringing and athletic background(7:16) College recruitment process(15:26) High school & college football career(22:35) Faith journey(25:01) NFL Draft disappointment(32:30) Career after football(36:13) Stepping into the head coach role(45:42) Looking ahead to next season(51:18) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

December 3, 202548 min

Ep. 56 – Seeking Authenticity in the Music Industry (Garrett Adair)

In Episode 56 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Nashville-based musician and recording artist Garrett Adair. They discuss life in Nashville and the grind of launching a music career in today’s industry, as well as the growing desire for authenticity in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated music. Garrett also shares insights into his creative process and explains how his faith in Christ is woven into every part of his journey as he writes, records, and tours.Ep. 56 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:34) Life in Nashville & Marriage(6:26) Crafting a career in music(17:01) Craving authenticity(21:19) Embracing vulnerability(26:50) Garrett’s songwriting process(34:32) Touring and the music industry(40:21) Faith and musicIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

November 5, 20251 hr 2 min

Ep. 55 – Faith, Family, and 31 Acres (Pastor Anson McMahon)

In episode 55 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Anson McMahon, Lead and Planting Pastor of Emmaus Church. They discuss Emmaus’ recent purchase of 31 acres for the construction of their new church home, the steps Anson takes to avoid burnout and protect his family relationships as a pastor, and his personal faith journey and path to ministry.Ep. 55 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:46) Constructing a new church home(11:11) God’s hand in growth(18:06) Staying fresh(20:45) Honoring the Sabbath(28:12) Guarding against pitfalls(31:46) Prioritizing family(37:02) Anson’s testimony(45:25) Steps to ministry(57:04) Involvement with InTouch MinistriesIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

October 8, 202559 min

Ep. 54 – Water Driven By Purpose (Joel Cobb & Nick Cornwell)

In episode 54 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Joel Cobb and Nick Cornwell, cofounders of H2ALL and Generation U. They discuss the mission of H2ALL and Generation U to address the African water crisis, share their personal backgrounds and journeys, and explore their current operations as well as their vision for the future.Ep. 54 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:36) Founding H2ALL(10:38) Humanitarian efforts(13:56) Nick’s background(21:22) Living with purpose(31:34) Joel’s background(35:35) Operations in Africa(52:00) Vision for the future(54:53) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

September 3, 202527 min

Ep. 53 – Protecting and Leading (Sgt. Tim Walker)

In episode 53 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sgt. Tim Walker, former Gwinnett County Police officer, current Barrow County Commissioner, and HCA’s Security Supervisor. They discuss his career in law enforcement, his current roles in leadership and service, and the ways faith has guided his life.Ep. 53 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:41) Beginning a political career(6:14) Campaigns he’s participated in(8:50) Key initiatives in Barrow County(12:55) Background and early life(17:04) Serving as a police officer(19:44) The role of faith in his life(21:59) Life as a public figure(23:14) Looking ahead: future plans(24:54) Lessons in leadershipIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.

August 6, 20251 hr 0 min

Ep. 52 – The Power of STEM Education (Dr. Brad Christensen)

In episode 52 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Dr. Brad Christensen, Director of STEM at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Dr. Christensen’s background and expertise in STEM education, how project-based learning is transforming the way STEM is taught at HCA, and how the study of science ultimately points us back to God, the intelligent designer behind it all.Ep. 52 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(1:19) Brad’s path to HCA(7:22) The merits of project-based learning(17:44) Guiding other educators(19:56) The application of STEM(23:47) Examples of projects(35:12) Allowing students to fail(38:53) HCA’s STEM philosophy(45:38) Reaching the community(52:16) How science points to God(57:18) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.