The Leader’s Cut with Preston Morrison

Hosted by Preston Morrison

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184

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Leader’s Cut, hosted by Preston Morrison (Senior Pastor of Pillar Church in Scottsdale, Arizona). Here, we believe you are at your best when you allow God to cut away what’s getting in His way, so He can move through you in powerful, new ways. ”The Leader” refers to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, who guides every believer. ”The Cut” is about allowing the Holy Spirit to precisely remove the ”flesh” – those things in our lives that hinder His movement. Just as the Old Testament marked God’s people with physical circumcision, the New Testament calls for a circumcision of the heart. Join us weekly for new episodes, where we pray the Spirit of God speaks directly to you about that week’s topic. From past experiences to practical tips to cheat codes in life, lean into the ‘cuts’ each week for Biblical principles and practical takeaways that you can apply to become the person God created you to be. Watch the video episode each week on Youtube, just search ’The Leader’s Cut.’ Follow Preston on Instagram @prestonmorrison Learn more about Pillar Church at ThePillar.com

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August 13, 20261 hr 6 min

Your First ‘Yes’ Isn’t Enough (with Tim Ross)

You said yes to Jesus. But which one? Because the first yes was the easy one — and God isn't done asking. In this episode of The Leader's Cut, Preston Morrison and Tim Ross sit down for an honest, unfiltered conversation on what continuous obedience really looks like. We often hear people say, "Thank you for your yes," as if walking with God is defined by a single, one-time decision. But a single "yes" doesn't build something that lasts. From navigating difficult transitions to wrestling with God's timing, Tim and Preston break down the difference between counterfeit, conditional, and true confirmation "yeses". If you feel like God is asking you for a hard, excruciating decision right now, this episode will help you see His request not as an inconvenience—but as a divine compliment. In this episode, we’ll discuss: The Myth of the Single Yes: True discipleship is a string of escalating, daily yeses rather than a blanket decision. The 3 Types of Yeses: Counterfeit yeses (which are actually no’s), conditional yeses ("yes, as long as..."), and confirmation yeses. The Jonah Effect: Why saying "no" to God brings divine opposition, and why his opposition can actually lead us back to the right path. Obedience Escalates: The shift from cutting ties (leaving home), to covenant, to oneself—and how obedience escalates over time. You already know what He's asking for. This conversation is about what happens when you finally answer.

August 6, 20261 hr 5 min

When The Season Changes, The Rules Change

God moves excruciatingly slowly… until He moves supernaturally suddenly. If you've been plowing — head down, hidden, faithful, wondering if anything will ever change — this episode is a right-now word for you. Preston unpacks what he learned transitioning from 12 years of plowing to the season of the double portion, and why so many of us miss what's next. Because here's what nobody tells you about new seasons: the rules that worked in the last one won't work in the next one. What God let slide when you were 17 can cost you everything at 40. The people who carried you through the cave may not be built for the palace. And the God who took a century to send rain can flood the sky from a cloud the size of a man's hand. In this episode, we discuss: Seasons Change : Why God’s sovereignty dictates your timing and how to find beauty in both the hard and harvest seasons. When The Season Changes, The Rules Change : How God shifts the people around you and transitions you from relying on sacrifice to walking in total obedience. You Must Change : Experiencing more of God’s Spirit requires less tolerance for the flesh and a higher standard of maturity — which is why Preston has fired himself as pastor of Pillar Church five or six times. If you've been plowing with no end in sight, this one is for you.

July 30, 20261 hr 20 min

What God’s Voice ACTUALLY Sounds Like (with David Holland)

What does God’s voice actually sound like? And how do you know if it’s Him or just your own thoughts? Most believers spend years waiting for a dramatic, audible sign from heaven. But for author/teacher David Holland, learning to hear God came down to something far more intimate: recognizing the distinct tone, timber, and fragrance of the Holy Spirit operating through his own inner voice. In this episode, Preston sits down with David to break down how to distinguish personal thoughts from divine prompting. After losing everything at age 50, following a supernatural warning he almost ignored, David learned firsthand what it takes to quiet a noisy mind, abandon transactional "laundry list" prayers, and compose the soul in God’s presence. In this episode: The Warning Sign: What happened when David heard God's voice before losing everything. The Ghostwriter's Lens: Lessons from years spent writing behind the scenes for leaders around the world. Is That God or Me? Practical tests to tell the difference between your thoughts and the Holy Spirit. Rethinking Prayer: Why shifting away from "request lists" changes everything about experiencing God. Quieting the Soul: How to cultivate stillness and hear God in a loud, distracted culture. Whether you're facing a major life decision, feeling stuck in your prayer life, or simply wanting to cultivate a deeper daily awareness of God, this conversation provides practical, time-tested tools for clarity in your walk with God.

July 23, 20261 hr 9 min

When The Enemy Attacks (with Amanda Pittman)

Have you ever stepped off a mountaintop moment with God only to crash into complete spiritual emptiness? You gave Him everything, yet suddenly you can’t feel His presence, hear His voice, or make sense of the season you’re in. In this episode of The Leader's Cut, Preston sits down with ministry leader, author, and founder of Confident Women Co., Amanda Pittman. Amanda opens up about navigating a heavy "dark night of the soul"—a disorienting season that hit right after an extraordinary move of God. Together, Preston and Amanda pull back the curtain on how the enemy operates in times of isolation, spiritual fatigue, and waiting. They unpack why scaling back your faith is a dangerous trap, how to go on the offensive when under attack, and why turning the "lights on" by inviting trusted community into your struggle is the key to breaking the enemy’s power. INSIDE THIS EPISODE: The Aftermath of Mountaintop Moments: What to do when you leave a season of revival feeling completely depleted and spiritually numb. Defeating the Lie of Obscurity: Why the enemy tries to convince you that your faithfulness doesn't matter—and how to fight back using the power of remembrance. Flipping the Lights On: How keeping silent prolongs spiritual attack, and why vulnerability with godly community is a lethal weapon against the enemy. Misinterpreting the Vision: Why you shouldn't assume step one is supposed to look like step 100, and how to get God's direct interpretation for the promise He gave you. The Cure for Heartbreak: Why scaling back your expectations won't protect your heart—and why your soul heals when you dare to believe God again. If you feel like you've been fighting in the dark, wondering why things aren't matching the vision God gave you, this episode will re-arm you for battle and remind you that God is not finished with you yet.

July 16, 202656 min

The 7 Principles Of Plowing (And Why Plowing Is Actually A Compliment)

Are you in a season where you're frustrated because you thought you’d be further by now? You thought things would be different, and the harvest you’ve been praying for still hasn't arrived. In this powerful episode of The Leader's Cut, Preston Morrison dives deep into a subject he feels he has earned his doctorate in — the essential, supernatural power of the plow. While the rest of the world is obsessed with the harvest and the blessings, Preston unpacks why God’s most trusted people must first become people of the plow. A plowing season is not a storm. It is marked by crushing, difficult conditions where everything seems harder than it should be, takes longer than it needs to, and is met with intense spiritual warfare. But plowing is not divine punishment. If God has handed you a plow, it is a divine compliment. INSIDE THIS EPISODE: The 7 Principles of the Plow: Why everyone wants to talk about the harvest, but God wants to talk about the preparation. The 4 Types of Fields: Understanding the difference between pavement, potential, already plowed, and plentiful fields. Why Plowing is Hard : How to stop blaming yourself when things take longer than they should, and why plowing doesn't bring immediate fruit, it makes room for it. Never Plow with a Donkey: Unpacking the shocking command of Deuteronomy 22:10 and why you must never team up with talkers who want the harvest without the work. The Trap of Other Fields: Why looking at other people's path will ruin your straight lines. Plowing Your Heart vs. Plowing Your Field: The ultimate danger of stepping into a massive harvest with a heart you never allow God to break up and prune. If you are tired of struggling through "pavement" seasons, tempted to look at other fields, or wondering when the pain of the grind will end, this episode is your urgent reminder to keep your hand on the plow.

July 9, 20261 hr 4 min

How to Stay Consistent (Even When You Don't Feel Like It) with Carly Patterson Caldwell

"You train your body for the games and you're training for a crown that doesn't last. The fame, money, recognition, opportunities... none of it is actually fulfilling." — Carly Patterson Caldwell What happens when you achieve everything the world tells you to chase, only to realize the prize doesn’t satisfy? In this episode of The Leader's Cut, Preston sits down with Olympic All-Around Gymnastics Gold Medalist Carly Patterson Caldwell. At just 16 years old, Carly stood on top of the world podium, carrying the expectations of millions. But behind the gold medals and effortless routines was a grueling education in consistency, failure, and preparation. Carly shares the raw reality of training hours every week, surviving "come-to-Jesus" moments with her coach, and tuning out the massive distractions of a normal teenager to pursue a single goal. Also in this deeply vulnerable conversation, she pulls back the curtain on her grueling journey through infertility. After spending a lifetime training her body to do exactly what she commanded, Carly found herself in a place where she was 100% out of control. Whether you are fighting to stay disciplined in the mundane, facing the taunts of the enemy in a season of waiting, or struggling under the crushing pressure of expectations, this conversation is a vital blueprint for running a race that actually matters. INSIDE THIS EPISODE: The Spark at Six Years Old: How God planted an immediate, unshakeable passion inside a young girl. A Doctorate in Consistency: Carly breaks down why consistency is inherently boring, unglamorous, and absolutely necessary to reach the top. The "Come-To-Jesus" Meeting: The critical turning point six months before the Olympic Games when Carly had to choose between normal teenage distractions and ultimate dedication. Crushing Expectations: How to handle the intense weight of people's expectations without letting them crumble your identity. The Valley of Surrender: Carly opens up about the dark season of infertility and the absolute chaos of losing control over her own body. Chasing a Crown That Lasts: Why Olympic gold, fame, and money fail to fulfill, and how Paul’s athletic imagery applies directly to our daily spiritual walk with Christ.

July 2, 20261 hr 27 min

Stop Making The Enemy’s Job So Easy (with Tim Ross)

What if your greatest spiritual battles aren't actually an attack from the enemy, but an agreement you made with your own flesh? In this episode of The Leader's Cut, Preston sits down with Tim Ross for a conversation that cuts straight to the bone. We love to blame the devil for our exhaustion, our burnout, and our failures. But the uncomfortable question we must ask ourself is — Are we rolling out the red carpet for him? First Peter 5:8 warns that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. He is looking for the easiest, most compromised targets. In this episode, Tim breaks down how our lack of natural disciplines, unmanaged appetites, and self-induced exhaustion are making the enemy's job borderline impossible to fail. If you are tired of feeling defeated, overwhelmed, and completely drained, it’s time to stop blaming the unseen realm and start slamming the door shut on your own flesh. INSIDE THIS EPISODE: The Blueprint of Devouring: Tim unpacks the terrifying, literal definition of what it means to be "devoured" by a python spirit that doesn't just want a bite—it wants to swallow your entire life whole. The Trap of "Godly" Exhaustion: Why burning out might actually be a sin of agreement. The Esau Compromise: How an unmanaged physical appetite or exhaustion will make you subconsciously stand before your life and trade away a divine birthright for temporary comfort. The Elijah Question: When you are exhausted and running alone, God will always ask the ultimate question: "How did you get here?" Learn how to recognize where you truly are before you crash. If you're ready for the knife of heaven to cut away the excuses and give you a real plan of attack to walk in true victory, this episode is your wake-up call.

June 25, 20261 hr 9 min

Walking In A New Assignment (with Demarcus Ware)

In this episode, Preston sits down for a profound, deeply vulnerable conversation with former Dallas Cowboys star and NFL Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware. They explore the intersection of elite athletic success, intense personal pain, and ultimate spiritual transformation. For years, DeMarcus was one of the most feared defenders in NFL history. But his greatest transition didn't happen on the field—it happened in his heart. In this transparent conversation, DeMarcus opens up about moving past a surface-level belief into a life of total surrender, finding his true identity outside of football, and stepping boldly into his new, divine assignment. What You’ll Learn: The Trap of "Believing" vs. "Following": DeMarcus breaks down why simply believing in God isn't enough, and shares the exact moment he realized he was a fan of Jesus rather than a follower. When the Lights Go Out: What happens to your identity when the thing you’ve done your whole life is suddenly gone? DeMarcus gets raw about the quiet, difficult transition out of the NFL spotlight and into the unknown. Spotting the Enemy's Game Plan: DeMarcus shares tactical spiritual wisdom on how the enemy tries to use our greatest strengths and successes against us—and how to spot the trap before it springs. The Ultimate Audible: How do you react when God completely changes your trajectory? Learn how DeMarcus embraced a "new assignment" that required more courage than any situation he ever faced on the gridiron. If you are trying to navigate a transition, trying to figure out your next chapter, or trying to find the courage to fully submit your plans to God, this episode is for you.

June 18, 20261 hr 0 min

5 Keys That Open Closed Doors

Closed doors aren't punishment — they're preparation. Are you tired of banging against locked doors in your life, career, or walk with God? In this episode, Preston breaks down the 5 Keys That Open Closed Doors and reveals why you might be experiencing a season where God seems to be moving excruciatingly slowly. God doesn't just want to hand you a breakthrough; He wants to ensure you have the character to sustain it. This message reveals how small tests of obedience dictate your readiness for major open doors. What You'll Learn: The 5 Keys to Breakthrough: The specific biblical principles required to unlock closed doors. The $350 Suitcase Test: Why small moments of integrity determine your alignment for future success. The "Whole Enchilada" Framework: How to stop waiting for the final product and start stewarding the scattered pieces God has already given you. The Hidden Door You Need to Close: How unforgiveness leaves a backdoor open for the enemy, and how to shut it down. Surviving the Slow Down: Understanding the purpose behind God's agonizingly slow preparation process. If you've been staring at a door that won't budge, this one's for you. Stop staring at the door. Celebrate that He's given you more time to prepare to dominate when you walk through it. Timestamps 00:00 - Intro: The Mystery of Closed Doors 05:20 - Why God Moves Excruciatingly Slowly 14:45 - The $350 Suitcase Integrity Test 23:10 - What a Six Flags Ferris Wheel Teaches Us About Trust 32:40 - The "Whole Enchilada" Stewardship Framework 41:15 - Warning: The Hidden Door of Unforgiveness 50:30 - How to Apply the 5 Keys Today Connect & Subscribe If this message challenged or encouraged you, please Like & Subscribe so you never miss a new episode!

June 11, 20261 hr 6 min

The Place Where Real Battles Are Won (with Brenda Palmer)

We tend to think the “stage” is where we do the most damage to the enemy. But the truth is, the hidden 'cave' is where the real wars are actually won. In this episode of The Leader’s Cut, Preston Morrison sits down with Brenda Palmer for a raw, unfiltered conversation about what happens when you willingly submit to the hidden seasons with God. Together, they dive deep into the mystery of "the cave"—the quiet, intentional space of intimate fellowship with the King where our rough edges are ground off and our flesh is put to death. In a culture obsessed with self-promotion and digital noise, Brenda and Preston don't hold back on where the modern church is dropping the ball. From social media distractions to a devastating lack of deep prayer, they address a holy disruption happening in the earth: a new generation is arising, and they want the true, express glory of God. In this conversation, they explore: The Anatomy of the Cave: Why the hidden place is a non-negotiable requirement for killing your flesh, and how the cave acts as the ultimate litmus test for evaluating people in your life. Fumbling the Bag: A candid look at how modern media trains leaders to talk about themselves rather than pointing people to the Lamb. The Power of The Whisper: Why the quietest, closest prayers are often the most lethal spiritual weapons you can wield. Reclaiming the House of Prayer: Why the Church's inability to satisfy a hungry generation stems from being completely "un-prayed up", and how to realign your daily rhythm around radical, constant dependence on God. This is a direct confrontation to our modern ideas of ministry and influence. It’s a call to return to the secret place where real power is forged. It’s time to settle into the cave.

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