The RISE Leadership Podcast

In this episode Pastor Ralph Johnson discusses lessons of leadership and personal growth that the Lord has taught him through an early career in the Navy and his transition into the ministry. From insight on organizational structures, to discipleship, to personal growth and transformation, Pastor Ralph dives into wisdom that will strengthen any lay leader, minister, or man or woman in the military or work force. Send us Fan Mail

You're praying for clarity. You're waiting for God to tell you what to do. But what if that's not actually what He's after? Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Izzy Hoffarth sit down with Dr. Nick Floyd — Senior Pastor of Cross Church and author of When You Don't Know What to Do — for an honest conversation about the seasons where you feel stuck and God seems silent. Nick opens up about why desperation can be the healthiest place you've ever been, the difference between health and perfection, an...

The next generation doesn't need a better show, they need a real home. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon is joined by co-hosts Ben Stoken and Mark Hutchinson to sit down with Noah Herrin, lead pastor of Way Church in Nashville and author of “Holy Habits” and “Welcome to Manhood.” Noah planted Way Church in September 2023, and in under two years has seen over 1,500 people give their life to Jesus, including 53 salvations on launch day alone. In this conversation, Noah gets honest about what th...

Shelley Simpson is the President & CEO of J.B. Hunt Transport Services — one of the largest logistics companies in North America, with over 33,000 employees. She started as an hourly customer service rep. She climbed every rung. And she did it without letting go of her faith, her family, or her character. In this conversation recorded at Cross Church’s Summit Business Luncheon, Senior Pastor Nick Floyd goes deep with Shelley on what it actually looks like to lead at the highest leve...

Most people picture ministry on a stage. But what if real ministry also looks like boardrooms, budgets, and carrying the weight of decisions that affect thousands of lives? In this episode of the RISE Leadership Podcast, Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Jeff Pearson, Executive Director of Compassion 479 and Strategic Initiatives at Cross Church. Before joining church staff, Jeff spent nearly three decades at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, including 15 ye...

What really happens behind the scenes of worship ministry? In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and co-host Phil McMichael sit down with Nick Hardeman, Cross Church’s Associate Worship Pastor/ Springdale Campus Director, to give an inside look at worship ministry at Cross Church. From auditions and development to heart posture and biblical worship, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it means to lead people into God’s presence. Whether you’re a talented musician, someone...

As we kick off Season 2 and step into a new year filled with uncertainty, change, and transition, how do leaders stay steady instead of shaken? In this episode of the RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael sit down with Dr. Nick Floyd, Senior Pastor of Cross Church, to unpack what it really means to not flinch when leadership gets heavy. Rooted in 1 Corinthians 15:58, this conversation explores how the resurrection of Jesus empowers leaders to remain steadfas...

Coach Houston Nutt—one of the most beloved Razorback coaches of all time—joins Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael to talk about the power of positivity in leadership. From his days as a three-time SEC Coach of the Year to guiding players toward grit, mental toughness, and academic excellence, Coach Nutt shares the principles that fueled his career and still inspire leaders today. In this episode, you’ll hear about the impact of his parents on his leadership style, the art of motivating a tea...

What do you do when you inherit something broken? Most leaders will eventually step into a role they didn’t start—whether it’s a ministry, a team, or an organization—and face the challenge of rebuilding trust, culture, and vision. In this episode of The RISE Leadership Podcast, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Dr. Nick Floyd sit down with Dr. Jon Chasteen, Lead Pastor of Victory Church in Dallas, former President of The King’s University, and author of ReLeader: How to Fix What You Didn’t Break. Jon shar...

Real leadership isn’t tested in calm waters—it’s forged in the storms. In this episode, Dr. Jeremy Dixon and Phil McMichael talk with Dr. Keith McDaniel, Superintendent of Shiloh Christian School and seasoned military veteran, about what resilience really looks like, why it matters, and how to grow it—both in yourself and in teams. Keith shares stories from his 17 years in uniform, leading schools through change, and building strong environments where young leaders don’t just survive bu...

John Rausch, Chairman and CEO of Rausch Companies, joins the podcast to discuss expanding a business begun by his grandfather, leading toward and through a major transition, and maintaining team and organizational culture. Send us Fan Mail

Josh Carson is the Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Rausch Companies. Josh joins Jeremy & Phil to discuss how he has been able to create avenues for spiritual conversations and encouragement for his team, and how his own walk with the Lord continues to impact his life as a leader. Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Phil & Jeremy sit down with Eli Laughlin, College Pastor at Cross Church, to discuss the vision, mission & opportunities of C3. If you are a college student interested in finding community and even looking for your own personal mission, or if you are an adult looking for a way to leave a legacy in the lives of college students, this podcast will introduce you to those possibilities with this behind the scenes look at the college ministry at Cross Church. Send us...