Thought Leader Podcast

Thought Leader Podcast

by Thought Leader

When Your Work Becomes Your Identity | Caleb Darago

What happens when your identity becomes wrapped up in your work? Caleb Darago, Director of Lighting at Life.Church, opens up about a season when his performance, outcomes, and role in church production became too closely tied to how he saw himself. In this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast, Caleb shares his journey from an 18-year-old intern learning how to coil cable to leading lighting across 45 Life.Church locations and the leadership lessons he learned along the way.

Stop Chasing the Next Gig | Andy Rushing

What happens when success stops being about the next tour, the next artist, or the next big opportunity? Andy Rushing of The Belonging Co shares the story of his unlikely journey into church production—from turning down college football, to discovering lighting almost by accident, to touring professionally, and ultimately finding where he believes God was calling him all along. Andy shares what he learned about ambition, obedience, calling, and becoming content with building what God has put in front of you. Subscribe for more conversations from the Thought Leader Podcast and stories from the church production community. Come join the conversation: TL-Connect.com #ThoughtLeader #TLConnect #ChurchProduction #WorshipProduction #ChurchTechnology #ChurchLighting #LightingForWorship #LightingDesign #StageLighting #LiveProduction #Leadership #ProductionTeam #Worship #Church #ChauvetProfessional #ChauvetLighting #ChauvetWorship

Why Church Production IS Ministry | Kyle Bowman

Is church production really ministry? Kyle Bowman believes it absolutely is. In this episode, Kyle shares how God redirected his calling, why production leaders are pastors first, and how investing in people transformed his team and his own leadership. If you lead volunteers, production teams, worship ministries, or church staff—you'll find encouragement in this conversation.

Building People Before Building Production - Bryan Bailey

Technology supports ministry—but people ARE the ministry. Bryan Bailey shares his journey through church production, volunteer development, and leadership while explaining why the greatest investment a church can make isn't its equipment...it's its people. If you serve in church production, this conversation will challenge and encourage you.

From ESPN to Ministry: Why Neil Zimmerman Walked Away

What would make someone leave a dream career in sports broadcasting for church production ministry? In this episode of the Thought Leader Podcast, Neil Zimmerman shares his journey from engineering major to broadcast television, and ultimately finding a deeper sense of purpose serving at Christ Fellowship Church. We discuss mentorship, leadership, church production, systems engineering, and what it means to build technology that serves people.

Built Through Every Season - Jeff Watkins

Every season leaves a mark. Jeff Watkins reflects on how different seasons—both highs and lows—contributed to his growth and identity. This episode is a powerful look at how consistency in the journey builds something lasting. Note: Recorded during Jeff’s time at Without Walls Church in Mesa, AZ. He now serves at Long Hollow Church in Nashville, TN.

Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be - Walter Wilson

Before the lights, the console, or the weekend service—there’s a story. The Thought Leader Podcast explores the personal journeys of people serving in the church production community, focusing on the experiences that shaped them long before their careers in ministry. In this episode, Walter Wilson, Lead Production Director at Church Unlimited, shares the journey that shaped his identity, leadership, and sense of purpose—and the moments that helped him step into who he was meant to be.

Before the Console - Griffin McCravy

Before the lights, the console, or the weekend service—there’s a story. The Thought Leader Podcast explores the personal journeys of people serving in the church production community, focusing on the experiences that shaped them long before their careers in ministry. In this episode, Griffin McCravy, Broadcast Lighting Director at Church of the Highlands, reflects on the life experiences that led him into lighting and the heart behind serving the church through creativity and technology.

Story Always Wins - Chris Pyron

This is the Thought Leader Podcast—a conversation with people serving in the church production community, focused not on what they do, but who they are. In this episode, Chris Pyron, Associate Director of Thought Leader and Worship Marketing Manager for Chauvet Lighting, joins the conversation to talk about creativity, calling, and the story that led him to serve the church through his work.

Every Role Starts with a Story - Daryl Sutton

This is the Thought Leader Podcast—a conversation with people serving in the church production community, focused not on what they do, but who they are. In our very first episode, we hear from Daryl Sutton, Director of Thought Leader and Senior Marketing Manager for Chauvet Lighting. Daryl shares his journey, the moments that shaped his leadership, and the values that continue to guide his work and calling today.