The Discerning Leader Podcast

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Mark Buchanan
This episode originally aired on June 17, 2021 as Episode 3 of Season 11.
"The premier physical activity for spiritual formation is walking." — Mark Buchanan
In this REWIND episode, Steve Macchia welcomes Mark Buchanan to explore God Walk and what it means to move at "the speed of your soul"—the speed of love and grace. They reflect on Sabbath, attentiveness, companionship with God, and walking faithfully with him.
Mark suggests that walking is a deeply embodied practice of spiritual formation. Unlike a race or a march, a pilgrimage is paced by the slowest person, inviting us to accompany one another and resist the hurried, competitive patterns that so easily shape our lives and churches.
This episdoe invites you not just to consider "Where are we going?" but, "At what pace are we getting there?"
Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Amy Murgatroyd
This episode originally aired on October 14, 2021 as Episode 4 of Season 14.
"I'm not creating these moments. I'm bearing witness to them." – Amy Murgatroyd
 
What would change if we slowed down enough to really see?
In this episode, Steve Macchia talks with photographer and filmmaker Amy Murgatroyd about the spiritual practice of noticing. After a health crisis awakened Amy to the fragility and beauty of ordinary life, she began seeing the world differently—and eventually picked up a camera to capture the "glory moments" she encountered.
Together, Steve and Amy explore Exodus 33 and Moses' audacious prayer, "Now show me your glory," and consider what it means to develop an "eye of the heart" that notices God's presence in the people, relationships, beauty, and stories right in front of us.
Amy describes creativity not simply as a gift, but as a spiritual discipline—an invitation to co-create with God, slow down, listen for inspiration, and receive the sacred moments He places before us. They also explore empathy, spiritual friendship, the power of story, and what it means to become "story catchers" who bear witness to the beauty and ache of another person's life.
Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Rich Plass
This episode originally aired on August 19, 2021 as Episode 2 of Season 13.
"Every leader needs someone who can hear their story without judgment." - Rich Plass
Steve Macchia welcomes longtime friend Dr. Richard Plass, author of The Relational Soul, to explore how our earliest relationships form us and why healing often begins when we have the courage to tell our story to a safe companion. Together they discuss the difference between sin and woundedness, the power of spiritual friendship, and how God's presence meets us in the places we've tried to hide.
If you've ever felt isolated, burdened by your past, or unsure how to move toward greater freedom, this conversation offers hope. Healing is possible—not through striving or pretending, but through trusted relationships, honest around our story, and abiding in the healing presence of Christ.
Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Alice Fryling
This episode originally aired on October 28, 2021 as Episode 6 of Season 14.
"Aging faithfully isn't about holding onto what once was—it's about trusting the God who remains faithful in every season." - Alice Fryling
In this thoughtful conversation, Steve Macchia welcomes author and spiritual director Alice Fryling to explore the holy invitation of aging faithfully. Together they reflect on moving from productivity to fruitfulness, letting go of the false self, embracing vulnerability, and discovering God's transforming presence in every season of life.
Whether you're navigating retirement, caring for aging parents, experiencing significant life transitions, or simply wondering how to age with grace and purpose, this episode offers wisdom, hope, and encouragement. Rather than fearing what is lost, you'll be invited to notice what God is lovingly forming within you.
Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.

Host: Steve Macchia, Guest: Sara Singleton
This episode originally aired on November 4, 2021 as Episode 1 of Season 15.
"We have a cultural assumption that fast is good and slow is bad…how might slow be good for your soul?" – Alan Fadling
In this episode, Steve Macchia welcomes author, spiritual director, and Unhurried Living founder Alan Fadling for a rich conversation about slowing down to the pace of God's grace. Together they explore why so many leaders find themselves exhausted, how brokenness and weariness can become invitations to deeper communion with Christ, and why Jesus remains the ultimate model of an unhurried life.
From the practice of extended personal communion with God to the countercultural rhythms of rest, silence, and trust, this conversation offers practical wisdom for anyone longing to exchange striving for abiding. Whether you're leading others, caring for your family, or simply trying to keep up with life's demands, you'll discover that God's invitation has never changed: Come to me... and you will find rest for your soul.
Join the conversation about spiritual discernment as a way of life at www.LeadershipTransformations.org and consider participation in our online and in-person program offerings. Additional LTI spiritual formation resources can be found at www.SpiritualFormationStore.com and www.ruleoflife.com and www.healthychurch.net.