Shows / Unconventional Leaders
Unconventional Leaders
Conversations with creators, storytellers, and thinkers shaping culture through their work, exploring the craft, perspectives, and deeper forces behind what we create.
Episodes
- Unconventional Leaders
Do You Have What It Takes? | The Solo Episode
This episode shares Steven Pressfield’s powerful lesson on storytelling: the moment you decide to step into your calling—even with fear—you begin to transform…
- Unconventional Leaders
What Happens After America's Got Talent? | Learnmore Jonasi
When Learnmore Jonasi used to travel by bus for hours just to get five minutes on stage, he had huge dreams of becoming a global comedian…and he was willing to…
- Unconventional Leaders
Struggling with Promoting Yourself? Listen to This | The Solo Episode
If you struggle with promoting yourself or your work, listen to this. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady CONNECT WITH HEATHER…
- Unconventional Leaders
How Early Birdz FILLED their First Event | Noro Kocharyan
Noro Kocharyan spent a decade building brands for Red Bull, Jameson, and Absolut Vodka, learning how global companies create consistency, culture, and…
- Unconventional Leaders
Give Yourself Permission To Evolve | The Solo Episode
If you feel like you're in a season where it's time to evolve and change, but you feel massive resistance, this is for you. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE…
- Unconventional Leaders
The Storytelling Blueprint for Viral Videos | Jenny Hoyos
Jenny Hoyos built 10 million YouTube subscribers by age 20, not through luck, but by mastering storytelling craft. She's a content strategist who studies story…
- Unconventional Leaders
From Weapon to Healing: Better Ways to Read the Bible | Zach W. Lambert
At 13, Zach W. Lambert was kicked out of youth group for asking too many questions. Years later, the church he leads was removed from its denomination for…
- Unconventional Leaders
Strengthen Your Spiritual Life with THIS | Alex Portillo
Today’s guest is Alex Portillo, a pastor and content creator who is on a mission to help folks read the Bible with new eyes. Instead of clinging to…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Pick the Right Story to Tell
There are stories we “think” we should tell… and then there are the ones that won’t stop tapping us on the shoulder. From raw advice by singer-songwriter…
- Unconventional Leaders
How do I Reconstruct Faith? The Story of Ray Edwards
Ray Edwards is one of the world’s top copywriters. His words have generated over $500 million for clients like Tony Robbins, Michael Hyatt, and Jack Canfield…
- Unconventional Leaders
Best Ways to Begin a Story (Advice from Experts)
What’s the BEST way to capture attention…and keep it? I asked pro storytellers in Atlanta, content creators in Austin, and even sat down with a Pixar…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Partner with Creativity (Lessons from a World Traveler) | Fredrik Haren
Fredrik Haren has spent the last 25 years traveling to more than 75 countries asking one question: How does creativity differ around the world? He’s…
- Unconventional Leaders
Use LISTENING to be a Better Storyteller
Want to become a better storyteller? You HAVE to master the science and art of LISTENING. Today, I’m sharing 4 clips from 4 different storytelling experts…
- Unconventional Leaders
Is Hell Even Biblical? Brian Recker on Queer-Affirming, Fear-Free Faith | Brian Recker
Brian Recker is a former evangelical pastor turned public theologian who's challenging the very foundations of Christianity. In his viral content and new book…
- Unconventional Leaders
Make Stories Better Using Weakness
Here are three clips from storytelling experts on why showing weakness not only improves your stories…but also builds your credibility. WATCH EPISODES ON…
- Unconventional Leaders
Storytelling Expert: Science of Emotions and Backstory | Lisa Cron
Story coach and author Lisa Cron (Wired for Story, Story Genius, Story or Die) joins us to unpack the neuroscience behind powerful storytelling—and to…
- Unconventional Leaders
I Cussed Out an Angel
I want to share a personal story about the time I cussed out a real-life angel. Sometimes we think our message isn’t landing…but we never really know the…
- Unconventional Leaders
Christian Rock Star to LGBTQ Advocate: Trey Pearson on Rediscovering His Calling After Deconstruction
Trey Pearson, front man of the Christian rock band Everyday Sunday, sold hundreds of thousands of records, amassed millions of streams, and toured all over the…
- Unconventional Leaders
Discovering Your Calling (It's Not Where You Think)
I asked Michael Gungor how to find your calling…and I loved his response. Enjoy this short clip featuring singer-songwriter Michael Gungor. Watch our full…
- Unconventional Leaders
Reconstructing Through Creativity | Michael Gungor
Michael Gungor is a Grammy nominated singer-songwriter, producer, author, and co-founder of The Liturgists. Once known for leading worship in megachurches and…
- Unconventional Leaders
How Suffering Unlocks Purpose | Voice Contestant: Lauren-Michael Sellers
Lauren-Michael Sellers is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose music I first heard on Season 26 of The Voice. But it wasn’t just her voice that struck…
- Unconventional Leaders
STORYTELLING TIP: The Hidden Power of UNHEALED Stories | Renee Frojo
When it comes to sharing our story, we’ve all heard the advice: “share from your scars, not from your wounds.” But Renee Frojo, a brand and content strategist…
- Unconventional Leaders
Niche Down is BAD Advice | Amie McNee
In this episode, we have with us Amie McNee (@inspiredtowrite), the author of We Need Your Art and the voice behind the wildly popular community, Inspired to…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Be Braver Sharing Your Story | Terry Rice
Terry Rice is a keynote speaker, author, and coach for high performers and teams, specializing in storytelling for influence, impact, and income. He had a…
- Unconventional Leaders
Tips on Increasing Imagination | Feat. Matthew Luhn & Todd Herman
Today we’re revisiting two conversations, one with Matthew Lunn from Pixar and another with Todd Herman, author of The Alter Ego Effect, to explore how we can…
- Unconventional Leaders
Using Physical Energy in Storytelling | Mike Ganino
Powerful storytelling is not just about what you choose to say, but HOW you say it. Mike Ganino, the secret weapon behind some of your favorite professional…
- Unconventional Leaders
Leaving Security and Going ALL IN as a Creative | Mark Shiiba
If you feel a deep calling but are absolutely terrified to switch careers, this is for you. Mark Shiiba was working on nuclear reactors aboard an aircraft…
- Unconventional Leaders
Creativity: The New Church
Can you rediscover a relationship with God through your creative work? Maybe even find a community of people who are truly tapped in? After leaving the church…
- Unconventional Leaders
Reconstructing Faith (Christians who Don't Suck) | Jeremy Alder
Reconstructing your faith can be tricky. It can take years to unravel what was indoctrinated into you and it can be scary leaning back into the Christian world…
- Unconventional Leaders
Confession: I Was Offended By This
Worried about offending others? Conditioned to be offended yourself? I’ve got a story, a confession, and a few challenging thoughts. The truth doesn’t need…
- Unconventional Leaders
Weirdness as a Superpower | James Victore
The thing that made you weird as a kid makes you great today. James Victore, graphic designer, art educator, and in-demand speaker on creativity joins us to…
- Unconventional Leaders
Can you REALLY make a difference in your work?
If you have ever asked yourself as a creator, “Is anyone even listening?” This is for you. WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady…
- Unconventional Leaders
Discipline is Hurting your Goals | Craig Ballantyne
Today you're going to learn why discipline might be the reason you're failing at your goals. Craig Ballantyne, known as the world's most disciplined man, is…
- Unconventional Leaders
I lost my daughter (When good people do nothing)
In today’s episode, I’m sharing an embarrassing story and what a horrible experience taught me about humanity and our role as creators. WATCH EPISODES ON…
- Unconventional Leaders
AI, Humanity, & What No One is Saying | Tony Berardo
Content is changing…but are we losing our soul in the process? Tony Berardo, founder of a content agency and host of the podcast Humanity and Hashtags, joins…
- Unconventional Leaders
What’s Really Affecting Your Energy and Focus? | Singing Vegan Chef, Gabrielle Reyes
Gabrielle Reyes is known as the Singing Vegan Chef. Her videos are fun, her voice is soulful, and her message? Unapologetically rooted in joy, healing, and…
- Unconventional Leaders
Multiple passions? Here's how to make them work together | Ace Anderson
Today you're going to learn how to take all of your passions, the things that you love and create a cohesive, badass brand. Ace Anderson has done this not just…
- Unconventional Leaders
Young People CAN'T Focus? Think Again.
Why are we telling young people they can’t focus? What if there’s something else to blame? WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady IN…
- Unconventional Leaders
Brand Deals for Creators (Deep Dive) | Justin Moore
Have you dismissed the possibility of getting sponsors or brand deals because your brand is “too small”? Think again. Even if you don’t have a massive…
- Unconventional Leaders
Anti-Hero in Storytelling
Today, we’re talking about how embracing your flaws can build more connection and why audiences root harder for the anti-hero. TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE…
- Unconventional Leaders
Creatives: Get more DONE by thinking like a Producer | Tara Mewis
Creativity and business can often feel like two opposing forces, one requires flow and emotion, while the other demands strategy and structure. But to move…
- Unconventional Leaders
This is Killing Your Social Media Content
WATCH EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/heatherparady Today, we’re talking about why outsourcing your content might be destroying it. TOPICS COVERED…
- Unconventional Leaders
AFRAID TO TAKE RISKS? TRY THIS | Ty Allan Jackson
How many times would you let the world tell you no before you gave up on your dream? After submitting his manuscript to 147 agents and being rejected 147…
- Unconventional Leaders
Limits I Use in My Instagram Reels (Listener Question)
A listener recently asked how I personally apply creative constraints in my short-form content. Here is my answer along with a lesson from Project Runway…
- Unconventional Leaders
Blow Your Business Up with YOUTUBE | Ken Pozek
When Ken Pozek started his YouTube channel, he wasn’t trying to build a media company, he was just looking for new ways to get leads. But after posting 100…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Stop Feeling Self-Conscious Sharing Your Art | Feat. Garrain Jones & Reward Sibanda
Putting your art out into the world can feel like you are standing in front of everyone you know completely butt naked. In this episode, we explore why taking…
- Unconventional Leaders
You Can Have Two Careers! Tips for Creative Entrepreneurs | Natasha Pearl Hansen
Have you ever been told that in order to succeed, you need to pick one lane and narrow your focus? Meet Natasha Pearl Hansen. She’s a touring comedian and…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Beat Overwhelm (Secrets from Creative Professionals) | Brendan Kane, George Sidiropoulos, Adam Rose
Feeling Overwhelmed by Too Many Ideas? Try This Trick Used by Professional Creatives TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: How innovation thrives within structure Why…
- Unconventional Leaders
Celebrity Interviewer: How to Ask Better Questions, Be Yourself, and Have Fun | Jenelle Riley
A year ago, I started watching a ton of celebrity interviews, hoping to understand how actors, directors, and producers built successful careers in such an…
- Unconventional Leaders
Top 3 Ways to Feel More Confident Sharing Content Feat. Todd Herman, Shira Lazar, René Rodriguez
Putting yourself out there—sharing your content, your ideas, your voice—can feel terrifying. Over the past several years, I’ve interviewed over 1,000 people…
- Unconventional Leaders
Shadow Work and Creativity | Rivky Gross
If you've ever felt like you're on the sidelines, cheering for others while knowing deep down you're holding yourself back—this episode is for you. I sat down…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Simplify a Big Story (Without Losing Its Impact)
How can you tell a BIG Story in Less Time? Here are three tips from experts. TOPICS FROM THIS EPISODE: How to break down big ideas using the “watermelon”…
- Unconventional Leaders
Introverted Creatives: How to Win in Business | Margaret Soraya
Introverts, did you know you have a competitive advantage—not just as a creative, but even in your business? Today, I connected with Margaret Soraya, an…
- Unconventional Leaders
3 Storytelling Myths DEBUNKED by Experts | Episode 72
Here are 3 Storytelling Myths DEBUNKED by Experts. EPISODES MENTIONED: How to be a Better Storyteller | @matthewjohndicks | Author of Storyworthy Storytelling…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Make More SPACE in Your Life for Creativity & Impact | Tyler Moore (Tidy Dad)
To make space for something new, we first need to clear the clutter. In this episode, I connected with Tyler Moore, famously known online as Tidy Dad. An…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Tell a Story in 60 Seconds (Without Losing Impact) | The Solo Episode
Do you feel like you need to dumb down your message to grow your social platforms? Think again. In today’s episode, I’m breaking down why that thought pattern…
- Unconventional Leaders
Feel Behind? Listen to This | The Solo Episode
Feeling behind in your business or creative work? As the year wraps up, it’s easy to feel down if you didn’t meet your goals or feel off track from where you…
Unconventional LeadersHow to Tell Your Personal Story (Like a Pro) Irene’s Entropy
If you struggle with telling your story—whether it’s fear of being judged or labeled, or maybe exposing others that you love—this episode is for you. Today, I…
- Unconventional Leaders
How to Get Your Creative Work Seen (Feat. Jay Worsley) | The Solo Episode
In today’s episode, we are answering a question from Conner: “How do you get your creative work ‘out there’?” I had a few thoughts and then brought in my…
Unconventional LeadersHealthy Relationships for Ambitious People | Stefanos Sifandos
If you are ambitious, it can sometimes be challenging to relate to others who don’t share that ambition. You may also wonder how to maintain healthy…