Inside the Sphere

Hosted by James and Alex

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Join hosts James Taylor and Alex Thomas on Inside the Sphere as they unpack real-world events, explore the issues shaping our culture, and ask honest questions through the lens of faith. Through every conversation, discover what it means to put Jesus first and live in the center of God’s will.

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60 recent

February 5, 202532 min

Educating Across Decades (Lizzy Sutton)

In the latest episode of the Joy of Leadership Podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Lizzy Sutton, a legendary math teacher at HCA with 52 years of teaching experience. As she prepares to step into a new chapter of life this summer, Lizzy shares how she knew she wanted to teach early in life, discusses her family and future plans for retirement in Montana, reflects on how the landscape of education has changed, and talks about the impact she has had on students over the years and her personal faith journey. Breakdown (0:00) Introduction (2:17) Early life and interest in teaching (5:22) Family life (8:06) The reality of retirement (10:17) How education has changed (13:24) Leaving a lasting impact (18:26) Being called to teach (21:04) Faith journey (25:08) Jacksonville to Dacula (25:51) Serving the Village of Hope (27:54) Looking forward to Montana (30:03) Closing If 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 23, 202628 min

Meta Settlement & Healthy Social Media Use

On this episode: (0:00) Introduction (0:51) Meta settlement & the impact of social media on teens (12:04) Standing boldly for Christ in public (19:48) Problematic ads during playoff baseball

June 3, 202653 min

Discipleship Through Drama (Lee Glover)

In the latest episode 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. 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) Closing

May 6, 202647 min

The Weight of Excellence (Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix)

In the latest episode of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix, the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026 at Hebron Christian Academy. Both are headed to Emory University in the fall. They reflect on their combined 23 years at HCA, sharing the successes and challenges they experienced throughout their academic journeys. They also discuss the cost of success they observed during their high school careers. Breakdown Sophia (0:00) Introduction (1:50) High school experience (4:33) Favorite teachers (7:09) What’s next? (10:45) The cost of success (12:33) Impactful failures (13:37) Leadership goals (15:58) “What would you do differently?” (17:28) A life well-lived Sarah (19:12) Introduction (20:25) Passion for French (23:09) Debate Club (25:27) Mock Trial (27:15) What’s next? (30:54) Educational path (35:54) “Who are you becoming?” (38:00) The risks of excellence (39:44) Faith through disappointment (43:07) Advice to younger self (46:06) Closing

April 24, 202654 min

More Than Basketball (Coach Christi Thomas)

In the latest episode 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. 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 HCA

April 1, 202648 min

Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)

Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow) In the latest episode 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. 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 trafficking

March 4, 202653 min

The Chapter After Football (Malcolm Mitchell)

In the latest episode 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. 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) Closing

February 4, 202654 min

What’s Important Now? (Coach Quentin Davie)

In the latest episode 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. 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) Closing

December 3, 202548 min

Seeking Authenticity in the Music Industry (Garrett Adair)

In the latest episode 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. 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 music

November 5, 20251 hr 2 min

Faith, Family, and 31 Acres (Pastor Anson McMahon)

In the latest episode 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. 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 Ministries