Calm and Confident Leader Podcast

Jason Stonehouse

Lead with Clarity. Conquer Stress. Maximize Your Impact. The Calm & Confident Leader Podcast helps high-performing executives, professionals, and influencers shift from reactive & overwhelmed to intentional & unshakable. The real game-changers in leadership aren’t external, they’re internal: resilience, emotional mastery, & stress-proof leadership. Hosted by Coach, Strategist, and Author Jason Stonehouse, this podcast blends 30 years of leadership with a Master’s in Counseling to deliver real, practical, and sometimes humorous insights to help you lead with clarity, courage, and confidence.

  1. Sep 1

    S4-Episode 13-Way Back to One Another Pt2

    Everybody wants deep relationships. Almost nobody knows how to build them. In part two of this conversation, Jason Stonehouse continues the discussion with Jeff Gailey and Phil Smith, authors of The Way Back to One Another, and this time they get specific about what it actually takes. Part one named the problem. This episode gets practical. In this conversation, you'll hear: Why you have to be the one who creates community, because waiting for someone else to start it means it never starts. The oak tree story that reframes everything you think you know about independence and strength. A dead car battery at the Masters that turned into a two-year friendship, and what it teaches about the cost of showing up. Why relationships built on what you can get out of them always fall apart, and what "others focused" actually looks like in practice. The uncomfortable truth about designing your relational life on purpose instead of letting culture design it for you. If part one made you uncomfortable, this one gives you somewhere to go with it. Listen now, then subscribe so you don't miss what's next. If this one lands for you, send it to someone who needs to hear it. Life is a process. Don't do it alone.

    S4-Episode 13-Way Back to One Another Pt2

  2. Aug 25

    S4-Episode 12-Way Back to One Another-pt1

    You lead teams. You solve problems. You carry pressure other people never see. And somewhere in all of that, you might have forgotten how to actually connect with anyone. This week on the Calm and Confident Leader podcast, host Jason Stonehouse sits down with Jeff Gailey and Phil Smith, authors of The Way Back to One Another, to talk about something most leaders won't say out loud: they're relationally bankrupt. Not lonely in the dramatic sense. Just quietly disconnected, surrounded by people, and starving for real community. Jeff and Phil didn't set out to write a book about loneliness. It happened after years of traveling to developing countries and watching a kind of community most of us have never experienced firsthand. They came home asking the same question over and over: why don't we have that? In this conversation, you'll hear: Why over half of Americans report feeling lonely at least once a week, and why the U.S. ranks near the top globally. How independence, the trait we celebrate most in leaders, quietly wrecks their relationships. The sticky note story that changed how Jeff talks about his own leadership. Why vulnerability isn't the same as being an open book to everyone, and why that distinction matters if you want real friendships. If you've ever felt like you're doing this whole leadership thing alone, even with a full calendar and a full team, this episode is your mirror. Part 2 gets practical. This one gets honest. Listen now, then subscribe so you don't miss part two. And if this hit home, send it to a leader you know who needs to hear it too. Life is a process. Don't do it alone.

    S4-Episode 12-Way Back to One Another-pt1

  3. Jul 21

    S4-Episode 11-Wilderness Wanted-Noel Forlini Burt

    What if your hardest season isn't a detour, but part of your leadership development? Every leader eventually finds themselves in the wilderness. It's the season where confidence feels shaky, the strategies that used to work stop working, and the questions become bigger than the answers. Most of us assume something has gone wrong. But what if the wilderness isn't a sign of failure? What if it's where your leadership is actually being formed? In this episode of The Calm and Confident Leader, Jason Stonehouse sits down with author and spiritual formation expert Noel Forlini-Burt to explore why seasons of uncertainty are often the places where our deepest growth begins. Together they unpack the difference between the false self and the authentic self, why silence and reflection are becoming lost disciplines, and how even failure can become one of our greatest teachers. If you've ever questioned your calling, felt stuck in transition, or wondered why life isn't unfolding the way you expected, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on what may be happening beneath the surface. In this episode you'll discover: • Why wilderness seasons are often a sign of formation, not failure • How uncertainty exposes the difference between who you pretend to be and who you're becoming • Why silence is essential for healthy leadership • Simple practices that help you create space for reflection before burnout forces you to If this episode encouraged or challenged you, would you do me a favor? Share it with another leader who could use this conversation. Your recommendation helps more people discover the podcast and reminds other leaders they don't have to navigate life's wilderness alone. And if you haven't already, be sure to subscribe to The Calm and Confident Leader so you never miss an episode. Every week, Jason Stonehouse brings practical conversations with authors, experts, and leaders to help you lead from the inside out with greater clarity, confidence, and peace. Learn more about coaching, speaking, online courses, and free leadership resources at JasonStonehouse.com.

    S4-Episode 11-Wilderness Wanted-Noel Forlini Burt

  4. Jun 23

    S4-Episode 10-Stories Shape Leaders-Connie Kwan

    Why do smart, successful leaders keep repeating the same patterns even when they know exactly what to do? What if the problem isn't a lack of discipline, motivation, or another leadership framework? What if the real issue is the story you're telling yourself about who you are? In this episode of The Calm and Confident Leader, Jason Stonehouse sits down with Connie Kwan, a five-time Chief Product Officer, former product leader at Microsoft and Atlassian, and author of the upcoming book STORYHabits. Together, they explore how the stories we carry shape our identity, our leadership, and ultimately our habits. Connie shares practical examples of leaders who transformed their behavior not by trying harder, but by discovering the deeper values and beliefs driving their actions. You'll learn why generic advice often falls flat, how emotions can reveal the stories running beneath the surface, and a simple framework for rewriting the narratives that may be holding you back. If you've ever wondered why lasting change feels so difficult, this conversation may help you uncover what's really going on beneath the habits you're trying to change. Connect with Connie:storyhabitsbook.com Connect with Jason:jasonstonehouse.com If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a leader who could benefit from the conversation. Every share helps us equip more leaders to lead with greater calm, confidence, and intention.

    S4-Episode 10-Stories Shape Leaders-Connie Kwan

  5. Jun 9

    S4-Episode 9-Winning at the Wrong Game?-Louis Markos

    What if all your success still doesn't answer the deepest questions you're carrying? Most high-performing leaders know how to solve problems, hit goals, and keep moving forward. But beneath the surface, many wrestle with questions they rarely say out loud: What if I'm winning at the wrong game? What if success still doesn't satisfy? What happens when I can't control the outcome? In this thought-provoking episode of The Calm and Confident Leader Podcast, host Jason Stonehouse sits down with renowned author, professor, and C.S. Lewis scholar Louis Markos to explore the questions that sit underneath leadership, purpose, faith, suffering, identity, and meaning. Drawing from his new book, My Apologetics Dinner Party, Louis shares insights gained from years of hosting conversations with people from every worldview imaginable. Together, Jason and Louis discuss the relationship between confidence and authenticity, why purpose alone may not fully satisfy the human heart, how leaders can remain open without abandoning critical thinking, and what faith offers in the face of pain, loss, and uncertainty. Whether you're a committed Christian, a curious skeptic, or simply a leader wrestling with life's bigger questions, this conversation will challenge you to think more deeply about who you are, why you're here, and what ultimately gives life meaning. In this episode you'll discover: • Why confidence grows from authenticity, not performance• The connection between purpose, fulfillment, and faith• What C.S. Lewis taught about desire and the search for meaning• How leaders can engage difficult conversations with humility and conviction• Why suffering raises important questions about God, purpose, and human nature• What it truly means to follow Christ beyond cultural Christianity Resources Mentioned: My Apologetics Dinner Party by Louis Markos Connect with Jason Stonehouse:https://jasonstonehouse.com If this episode encouraged you, challenged your thinking, or helped you see leadership and life from a fresh perspective, please share it with someone who would benefit from the conversation. And be sure to subscribe to The Calm and Confident Leader Podcast so you never miss an episode filled with practical wisdom, personal growth, and inside-out leadership transformation.

    S4-Episode 9-Winning at the Wrong Game?-Louis Markos

  6. May 26

    S4-Episode 8-Character Before Competence-O Alan Noble

    What happens when your skills outgrow your character? In this episode of the Calm and Confident Leader podcast, host Jason Stonehouse sits down with Dr. O. Alan Noble to explore why so many capable leaders eventually collapse under the weight of success, not because they lacked talent, but because their inner foundation was never strengthened to carry it. Together, Jason and Alan unpack the difference between competency and character, why modern culture rewards efficiency over integrity, and how leaders can rebuild the inner scaffolding needed to lead with wisdom, courage, temperance, and endurance. They discuss the dangers of image management, the pressure to always perform, the paralysis that comes from overthinking decisions, and why suffering is not always a sign that something has gone wrong. This conversation is thoughtful, honest, and deeply practical for leaders who are tired of chasing performance while neglecting the person behind the title. If you’ve ever felt exhausted trying to keep up appearances, uncertain about difficult decisions, or stretched thin by the constant demand for more, this episode will help you slow down and rethink what it actually means to live and lead well. Jason Stonehouse is joined by Dr. O. Alan Noble, associate professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University, fellow at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics, and author of the new book To Live Well. Links mentioned in this episode: • Dr. Alan Noble: OAlanNoble.com• Jason Stonehouse: JasonStonehouse.com• Follow Dr. Alan Noble on Substack: Alan Noble on Substack If this episode encouraged you or challenged your thinking, share it with someone else who could benefit from the conversation. And be sure to subscribe to the Calm and Confident Leader podcast so you never miss an episode filled with practical wisdom, honest conversations, and tools to help you lead from the inside out.

    S4-Episode 8-Character Before Competence-O Alan Noble

  7. May 19

    S4-Episode 7-Emotional Health in Leadership-Randy Lyman

    What if the reason you still feel stuck isn’t your strategy, but the emotional patterns running underneath it? In this episode of The Calm and Confident Leader, host Jason Stonehouse sits down with entrepreneur, physicist, and emotional intelligence expert Randy Lyman for a powerful conversation about the hidden emotional dynamics that shape leadership, decision-making, and fulfillment. After building multiple eight-figure businesses and reaching financial success, Randy realized something surprising. He had achieved the goals, but still felt disconnected and unfulfilled. That discovery launched him into a deeper journey of emotional awareness, authenticity, and what he calls “The Third Element.” Together, Jason and Randy unpack why so many leaders suppress emotions in the name of strength, how unhealed emotional wounds quietly influence our reactions, and why emotional health is not weakness, but one of the greatest leadership advantages available. You’ll also hear practical insights on:• Recognizing emotional patterns before they sabotage relationships• The difference between reacting and responding• Why teams struggle with communication and decision-making• A simple four-step framework for making better decisions as a leader• How emotional awareness creates calmer, more confident leadership• Why vulnerability actually increases trust and influence This conversation is thoughtful, practical, and deeply relatable for leaders who have ever felt successful on the outside while quietly struggling on the inside. Learn more about Randy Lyman and his work at RandyLyman.com You can also connect with host Jason Stonehouse and explore coaching resources at JasonStonehouse.com If this episode encouraged you, share it with someone who could use it, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Calm and Confident Leader.

    S4-Episode 7-Emotional Health in Leadership-Randy Lyman

  8. Mar 24

    S4-Episode 6-Working Together Enneagram-Joey Schewee

    Why is this person so difficult to work with? You've asked it. Every leader has. And the answer probably isn't what you think. Most of us assume difficult people are just... difficult. Wrong personality. Bad fit. Too much drama. But what if the real problem is that you're trying to fix behavior when the actual issue is motivation? Those are two completely different problems, and they require two completely different solutions. In this episode, Jason Stonehouse sits down with Joey Schewee, management consultant, executive coach, and longtime Enneagram expert, to talk about what's actually driving the friction on your team. Joey has spent 30 years helping leaders get past surface-level personality typing and into the harder, more useful question: why do people do what they do? Her new book, When Working Together Doesn't Work, is essentially a field manual for leaders who are tired of the same team problems showing up in different people. In this conversation, Jason and Joey dig into why self-awareness has to come before team awareness, what it means to lead from your dominant center (doing, feeling, or thinking), why those high-action "motor" types rise quickly and sometimes crash hard, and the one practical thing you can do to stop reacting to behavior and start getting curious about motivation. If you lead people, this one is worth your time. Connect with Joey Schewee:LinkedIn: Joey ScheweeInstagram: @EnneagramParentsWebsite: wesolutions.life Get the book: When Working Together Doesn't Work by Joey Schewee, available on Amazon. If this episode added value, do two things: share it with a leader who needs it, and subscribe so you don't miss what's coming next.

    S4-Episode 6-Working Together Enneagram-Joey Schewee
See All (71)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Lead with Clarity. Conquer Stress. Maximize Your Impact. The Calm & Confident Leader Podcast helps high-performing executives, professionals, and influencers shift from reactive & overwhelmed to intentional & unshakable. The real game-changers in leadership aren’t external, they’re internal: resilience, emotional mastery, & stress-proof leadership. Hosted by Coach, Strategist, and Author Jason Stonehouse, this podcast blends 30 years of leadership with a Master’s in Counseling to deliver real, practical, and sometimes humorous insights to help you lead with clarity, courage, and confidence.

Information