The Today Counts Show

Hosted by Jim Piper Jr.

Entrepreneurship Education Religion Spirituality ChristianityInterviews guests

Website RSS feed

Episodes

224

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

The Today Counts Show is about leadership. It’s about shaping healthy leaders, relationships, and workplaces. It’s about re-imaging leadership within three dimensions: your person, your people, and your place. This triad of thought and life is informed by theology, psychology, biology, philosophy, sociology, and any discipline that contributes to the shaping of leadership character.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 10, 2026Episode 22548 min

The Darkest Leadership Lesson in Genesis? | Genesis 34 | The Genesis Project| Episode 225

Send us Fan MailGenesis 34 is one of the most difficult and emotionally complex chapters in the entire Bible. In this episode of The Genesis Project, Jim Piper, Matt Martin, and Winston Harris walk through the story of Dinah, Shechem, Jacob, Simeon, and Levi to uncover powerful lessons about leadership, responsibility, justice, passivity, and the devastating ripple effects of sin.Why does Jacob remain silent when his daughter is violated? Were Simeon and Levi justified in their response? What happens when leaders fail to act? And what can modern leaders learn from one of the darkest chapters in Scripture?Throughout this conversation, the team explores the dangers of passive leadership, the consequences of revenge, the misuse of sacred things for personal agendas, and the importance of standing for what is right. Most importantly, they discuss how God continues to work through broken people and broken situations to accomplish His purposes.Whether you're a business leader, ministry leader, parent, mentor, or someone seeking to grow in faith and character, this episode offers timeless biblical wisdom for navigating difficult decisions and leading with courage, integrity, and conviction.In This Episode:✅ Genesis 34 explained verse-by-verse✅ Leadership lessons from Jacob's silence✅ Dinah, Shechem, Simeon, and Levi analyzed✅ The dangers of passivity and poor leadership✅ How sin impacts families, communities, and future generations✅ Biblical leadership principles for today's leaders✅ Why character matters more than strategyKey Takeaway:"A leader's greatest failures often come not from what they do—but from what they refuse to do."If this episode challenges or encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. New episodes of The Genesis Project are released regularly as we journey through the book of Genesis and discover leadership, faith, and life lessons that still apply today.Support the show

August 3, 2026Episode 22439 min

What Does Masculinity Look Like in 2026? | Biblical Manhood, Leadership & Purpose Ep. 224

Send us Fan MailWhat does it mean to be a man in 2026?In a culture filled with competing definitions of masculinity, many men are searching for clarity, purpose, and direction. Some voices equate manhood with power and dominance. Others encourage passivity and the avoidance of responsibility. But what does healthy, biblical masculinity actually look like?In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris explore one of the most important leadership conversations of our time: manhood, character, and purpose.Together they discuss:• Why masculinity has become such a debated topic in modern culture• The growing challenges of loneliness, identity, and purpose among men• How the decline of mentorship has impacted younger generations• The influence of social media on expectations of masculinity• Why healthy masculinity isn't found in aggression or passivity• The difference between strength and intimidation• The role of courage, integrity, and emotional maturity in leadership• What servant leadership teaches us about becoming a trustworthy man• Practical advice for young men, husbands, fathers, and older mentorsThe conversation centers around five key characteristics of healthy masculinity:✅ Responsibility✅ Courage✅ Integrity✅ Emotional Maturity✅ Servant LeadershipOne of the most powerful insights from this episode:"Masculinity isn't about proving you're a man. It's about becoming the kind of man others can trust."Whether you're a young leader trying to find your footing, a husband seeking to lead your family well, a father shaping the next generation, or a mentor investing in others, this conversation offers practical wisdom rooted in biblical principles and real-world leadership.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders to grow in character, purpose, and impact while leading with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.Key Question:When people experience your life, do they feel safer, stronger, and more encouraged because you were there?👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, personal growth, discipleship, and purpose-driven living.Support the show

August 3, 2026Episode 22341 min

Could Islam Overtake America? Separating Fear from Reality | Ep. 223

Send us Fan MailCould Islam overtake America?It's a question that's increasingly discussed in the media, on social platforms, and in conversations about culture, religion, and the future of the United States. But is the concern rooted in reality—or in fear?In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris, explore the differences between Christianity and Islam, and discuss how Christians should respond with wisdom rather than panic.Together they discuss:• Why so many people are asking this question today• Immigration, global conflicts, and changing religious landscapes• What the demographic data actually says about Islam in America• The rise of secularism, individualism, and spiritual apathy• Why Christianity's greatest challenge may not be another religion• Key worldview differences between Christianity and Islam• The role of Jesus in Christianity and Islam• Salvation, Scripture, and foundational beliefs• How Christians can engage people of other faiths with truth and love• Why fear is a poor substitute for faithful discipleshipOne of the most powerful insights from this conversation is that the future of Christianity in America may depend less on what other groups are doing and more on whether Christians remain committed to living out their faith.As Jesus taught in Matthew 5, believers are called to be salt and light—preserving truth, demonstrating love, and influencing culture through faithful living.Whether you're a business leader, ministry leader, student, or someone trying to understand the cultural and spiritual shifts happening around us, this episode offers a thoughtful and biblical framework for navigating these important questions.Key Takeaway:The greatest threat to Christianity isn't necessarily opposition from the outside—it's apathy from within.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with biblical principles, practical wisdom, and thoughtful conversations that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact while leading with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, culture, discipleship, and personal growth.#ChristianLeadership#ChristianPodcast#FaithAndCulture#BiblicalWorldview#DiscipleshipSupport the show

August 3, 2026Episode 22243 min

Genesis 33: What Happened to Esau? | Forgiveness, Grace & Reconciliation The Genesis project Ep. 222

Send us Fan MailWhat happened to Esau?After twenty years of separation, betrayal, anger, and broken trust, Genesis 33 records one of the most powerful reconciliation stories in Scripture. Jacob returns home expecting conflict, yet encounters something completely unexpected: grace.In this episode of The Genesis Project, host Jim Piper, co-host Winston Harris, and guest Matt Martin walk through Genesis 33 and explore the reunion between Jacob and Esau.Together they discuss:• Why Esau's response is one of the most surprising moments in Genesis• What may have happened during the twenty years between the brothers' separation• The role forgiveness plays in restoring broken relationships• How God works in people's lives even when we cannot see it• Why understanding someone's story creates compassion and better leadership• The connection between grace, reconciliation, and spiritual maturity• How family conflict can be healed through humility and forgiveness• Leadership lessons hidden within one of the Bible's most emotional reunionsOne of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that we often judge people based on a single chapter of their story while God is still writing the rest. Just as Jacob was transformed through wrestling with God, Esau appears to have experienced a transformation of his own. The result is a powerful picture of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the kind of grace that changes generations.Whether you're navigating conflict, leading a team, restoring a relationship, or seeking biblical wisdom for life and leadership, this conversation offers timeless insights on character, compassion, and redemption.Key Question: If someone who hadn't seen you in ten years met you today, what would they say has changed?👉 Subscribe for more conversations that equip leaders to grow in character, purpose, faith, and impact through the wisdom of Scripture.Support the show

July 13, 2026Episode 22136 min

Know Thyself: Using Personality & Self-Awareness to Become a Better Leader

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris explore one of the most overlooked leadership skills: self-awareness.Many leaders spend years trying to improve their influence, communication, and decision-making without first understanding themselves. But the reality is that leadership starts with self-leadership.Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Jim and Winston discuss how understanding your personality can help you identify your strengths, recognize your blind spots, and become a more intentional leader.In this episode, they discuss:• Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership• How personality influences decision-making, conflict, and communication• Common misconceptions about introverts, extroverts, thinkers, and feelers• The difference between understanding your personality and being limited by it• How strengths can become weaknesses when left unmanaged• Why comparison creates confusion but self-awareness creates confidence• Practical leadership applications for different personality types• How understanding your wiring can improve your marriage, parenting, ministry, and leadership.They also dive into their own personality types and reflect on lessons they've learned through years of leadership experience.One of the most powerful ideas from this conversation:You don't become a better leader by becoming someone else. You become a better leader by understanding who you are and stewarding it well.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ministry leader, manager, or emerging leader, this episode will help you better understand how you're wired—and how to lead yourself more effectively.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with practical wisdom and biblical principles that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, self-awareness, and purpose-driven living.#LeadershipDevelopment#SelfAwareness#MyersBriggs#PersonalGrowth#BusinessLeadershipSupport the show

July 6, 2026Episode 22035 min

How to Build a Winning Team: Hiring, Onboarding & Leadership Culture. Episode 220

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris tackle one of the most important responsibilities of leadership: building the right team.Whether you're leading a business, ministry, nonprofit, or growing organization, your success is ultimately limited by the people you surround yourself with. Great teams aren't built by accident—they're built through clarity, intentional hiring, strong culture, and purposeful development.In this conversation, Jim and Winston discuss:• Why leaders should start with mission and clarity before hiring• The importance of defining outcomes before filling positions• How to identify the right people for your team• Why character, chemistry, and competency all matter• Common red flags leaders should watch for during the hiring process• How to avoid costly hiring mistakes• Questions that reveal the true character of a candidate• Why onboarding is one of the most overlooked leadership opportunities• How culture is communicated during a team member's first 90 days• The difference between simply managing people and truly developing themThey also unpack key leadership principles such as:✅ Hiring for mission alignment✅ Building healthy organizational culture✅ Creating clarity around expectations✅ Developing coachable team members✅ Retaining great people through growth and purposeOne of the biggest takeaways from this episode:Your leadership legacy won't be what you accomplished alone—it will be the people you developed and the team you built.Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ministry leader, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with biblical principles, practical tools, and leadership insights that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership development, business growth, team building, and purpose-driven leadership.Support the show

June 29, 2026Episode 21942 min

The Art of Difficult Conversations: Conflict, Leadership & Trust | Ep. 219

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris tackle one of the most important—and most avoided—skills in leadership: handling conflict and navigating difficult conversations.Most people view conflict as something to avoid. But conflict isn't the problem. Poorly handled conflict is.Whether you're leading a business, a team, a ministry, a family, or a relationship, your ability to navigate tension often determines the quality of your influence and the health of your relationships.In this conversation, Jim and Winston discuss:• Why leaders avoid difficult conversations• How delaying conflict often turns small issues into major problems• Why confrontation doesn't have to be negative• The CARE framework for approaching difficult conversations• How to challenge ideas without attacking people• The difference between debate and discussion• Why healthy teams disagree more openly than unhealthy teams• How to create psychological safety in leadership environments• The art of negotiation and finding win-win outcomes• Why understanding interests matters more than arguing positionsThey also unpack practical leadership principles for:✅ Team conflict✅ Workplace communication✅ Marriage and family conversations✅ Ministry leadership✅ Peer-to-peer disagreements✅ Negotiation and influenceOne of the most powerful ideas from this episode is simple:Conflict handled poorly destroys trust. Conflict handled well builds trust.Great leaders don't avoid hard conversations. They learn how to have them with courage, humility, and clarity.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with practical wisdom and biblical principles that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, ministry leader, or emerging leader, this episode will help you communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and navigate conflict with confidence.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, communication, and faith-driven influence.Support the show

June 22, 2026Episode 21842 min

Surviving WWII: An Untold Story of Courage, Leadership & Faith | "A Long Way Home" Ep.218

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper sits down with author Gordon Goetsch to discuss his newly released book, A Long Way Home—the remarkable true story of his father, Clemence Goetsch, a teenage soldier who forged his father's signature to enlist in World War II and embarked on a journey that would change generations.From the battlefields of North Africa to the brutal conditions of German prisoner-of-war camps, Clem endured unimaginable hardship, loss, and suffering. But as Gordon shares throughout this conversation, the most important battles weren't fought with weapons—they were fought in the heart.Together, Jim and Gordon explore:• The incredible true story behind A Long Way Home• Leadership lessons forged through adversity and suffering• The power of resilience when circumstances seem impossible• How friendship, sacrifice, and loyalty can shape generations• Why surviving a war doesn't necessarily end the struggle• The spiritual battles that often follow life's greatest victories• The role faith, grace, and redemption play in healing deep wounds• How one man's story continues to impact leaders, families, and communities todayThis conversation is about much more than World War II.It's about courage in uncertainty.Character under pressure.Leadership through hardship.And the redemptive power of God's grace.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, ministry leader, veteran, history enthusiast, or someone navigating your own difficult season, this episode offers timeless wisdom on perseverance, purpose, and faith.If you've ever wondered how great leaders are formed—or how God can bring redemption from even the darkest chapters—this conversation is for you.📖 Learn more about A Long Way Home and the incredible story behind it by reading it here: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Home-Memoir-ebook/dp/B0GX2VPQ6V/ref=sr_1_1?crid=17BU3XJ97WS6D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OBjmlbOBdJhf7b-bsLeXNnoko4vv7k4fVOaokyTn64iV0NItlMJvldOJIiRDEQbDMV6VXKZG_kXzKnfBgJDaLjMaUQTw31QNB3LrzRF5LkPkUNzYg_d-K3D9Ac42u3tuRY2aNilGRQZsAMTj7b2PXk1U3eZfL8Rx8GmHj0M1mbo.dJpr2syZas6otIGMWdxqJ3qLnb5fZVnL-EUo5PWDtog&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+long+way+home+gordon+goetsch&qid=1781885745&sprefix=a+long+way+home+gordon+%2Caps%2C210&sr=8-1👉 Subscribe for more conversations that equip leaders to grow in character, purpose, integrity, and impact.Support the show

June 21, 2026Episode 21743 min

Leadership Under Pressure: Lessons from Herb Brooks, Tiger Woods & Bill Belichick. Ep. 217

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris explore three unforgettable moments from sports history—and the timeless leadership lessons hidden within them.From hockey to golf to football, this conversation reveals how great leaders are forged long before the spotlight arrives. Because whether you're leading a team, a business, a ministry, or a family, the principles that create success under pressure remain the same.In this episode, they discuss:• The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" and how great leaders build belief before results exist• Why culture and identity matter more than talent alone• How leaders can transform what a team believes is possible• What Tiger Woods teaches about preparation, composure, and carrying pressure well• Why confidence isn't built in the spotlight—but in the unseen work beforehand• The leadership lessons behind Bill Belichick and decision-making under pressure• How to make difficult decisions when the outcome isn't guaranteed• Why trust, credibility, and process matter more than immediate results• The difference between being liked and being effective as a leaderThroughout the conversation, three leadership qualities emerge:Conviction. Composure. Clarity.These aren't traits that appear overnight. They're developed through preparation, adversity, and the daily choices leaders make when nobody is watching.Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, coach, ministry leader, or aspiring leader, this episode will challenge you to think differently about influence, preparation, and leadership under pressure.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with practical wisdom and biblical principles that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, faith, and purpose-driven living.Support the show

June 8, 2026Episode 21655 min

Why People Leave the Church | Faith, Doubt & Spiritual Formation Explained Ep.216

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris tackle one of the most important conversations happening in faith communities today: deconstruction, spiritual formation, and why people walk away from their faith.This isn't a debate. It's a conversation.Together, they explore how our beliefs are formed, what happens when those beliefs are challenged, and why so many people find themselves wrestling with questions they can no longer ignore. They discuss the difference between inherited faith and owned faith, the role of doubt in spiritual growth, and what leaders often misunderstand about people who are deconstructing.In this episode, they discuss:• What spiritual formation is and why it matters• The difference between inherited faith, examined faith, and abandoned faith• Common triggers that lead people to deconstruct their beliefs• How legalism, performance-based belonging, and unprocessed doubt can create fragile faith foundations• Why questions aren't necessarily the enemy of faith• The impact of culture, technology, and institutional distrust on modern belief systems• What leaders, churches, and communities often get wrong when someone begins questioning their faith• How healthy reconstruction and resilient faith are possible after doubt and struggle• Why relationships are often the key factor in helping people navigate difficult seasons of beliefOne of the most powerful ideas from this conversation is that resilient faith is not faith without questions—it's faith that has been tested, wrestled with, and chosen again.Whether you're personally wrestling with faith, love someone who is, or lead people navigating these questions, this episode offers a thoughtful and compassionate framework for understanding the journey.The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with biblical principles, practical wisdom, and meaningful conversations that help them lead with character, purpose, and integrity at work, at home, and in their communities.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, spiritual growth, and purposeful living.#Deconstruction#SpiritualFormation#ChristianLeadership#FaithAndLeadership#BiblicalWorldviewSupport the show