Even Though: Leadership Stories That Shaped Us

Matthew Efird
  • 5.0 (29)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Weekly

Every leader has a version of their story they don't put on LinkedIn. This is where they tell the real one. Even Though is a leadership podcast built on honest conversations, not polished talking points. Each week, Matthew Efird sits down with leaders across industries to get past the highlight reel into the mistakes, risks, and choices that actually shaped how they lead. Shaped by his own story of tragedy and triumph, Matthew helps leaders see how their stories are shaping them too. Matthew is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and national keynote speaker.

  1. 6d ago

    Christian Encouragement for Chronic Illness - #158 David Heflin

    What happens when chronic illness changes the life you thought you would have? How do you hold on to your faith, find support, and rediscover purpose when pain becomes part of your everyday reality? In this episode of Even Though, David Heflin shares how his personal journey with ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn's disease, and chronic pain led him to create Broken and Mended, a Christian ministry supporting people living with chronic illness. David opens up about the loneliness and uncertainty he experienced, the moment he recognized a need for Christian chronic illness support, and how a small local ministry grew into an international community with groups throughout East Africa. We also discuss his book, Purpose in Pain: Rediscovering God's Purpose Through the Pain of Chronic Illness. Through the themes of lament and rediscovery, David helps readers consider how to grieve the losses illness can bring while recognizing where God may still be at work in their present circumstances. In this conversation, we explore: -David's journey from injury and diagnosis to a new sense of calling. -Why people with chronic illness can feel isolated, even within a loving church. -How Broken and Mended creates space for people to share their stories and be understood. -What 2 Corinthians 12 teaches about God's grace being sufficient in weakness. -Why the church needs to hear the testimonies of people living with chronic illness. -How to grieve the loss of dreams, relationships, identity, and familiar routines. -How churches can better support people with chronic illness and their families. -The hope of continuing to live faithfully even when healing has not come. If you or someone you love is navigating chronic illness or chronic pain, we hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone. And if you're a pastor or church leader, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how your community can come alongside those who are suffering. Watch the full episode, subscribe to Even Though for more meaningful conversations, and share your thoughts in the comments. What has helped you find support or hold on to hope during a difficult season? LEARN MORE Broken and Mended: https://brokenandmended.org Register for the free Broken and Mended Conference 2026: https://brokenandmended.networkforgood.com/events/102571-2nd-annual-broken-and-mended-conference-2026 Get David Heflin's book, Purpose in Pain, through Amazon, Wipf and Stock Publishers, and other major retailers. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    Christian Encouragement for Chronic Illness - #158 David Heflin

  2. Sep 22

    Your Story Matters More Than You Think (Here's Why) - #157 Bill Blankschaen

    Have you ever thought your story wasn't interesting enough to share? What if the experiences you've been overlooking are exactly what someone else needs to hear? In this episode of Even Though, Matthew Efird sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder of Story Builders, to explore the power of storytelling, why your story matters, and how to share it in a way that genuinely serves others. Bill explains why we often fall into the “normalcy trap,” underestimating our experiences because they feel ordinary to us. He also unpacks the “confidence trap” and why we tend to admire other people's stories while questioning the value of our own. From leaving a school leadership role to building a storytelling business, Bill shares lessons about taking the next step without having every answer, staying focused on what you do best, and trusting that your story isn't over yet. Whether you're an entrepreneur trying to clarify your brand message, an aspiring author with a book idea, or a leader looking for a more meaningful way to connect with people, this conversation will challenge you to look at your experiences differently. In this episode, we discuss: -Why every story matters -The normalcy trap and the confidence trap -How to identify the one message you want people to remember -Why your brand story should serve your audience -Taking action when the future is uncertain -Knowing when to focus and when to pivot in business -Ways to extend a book's message through courses, coaching, and training Watch the full conversation and reflect on this question: If someone remembered only one thing from your story, what would you want it to be? If this episode gave you something to think about, subscribe to Even Though, leave a review, and share the conversation with someone who needs to hear it. We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Learn more about Bill and Story Builders: https://mystorybuilders.com/story Discover Bill's book, Your Story Advantage: https://yourstoryadvantage.com You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    Your Story Matters More Than You Think (Here's Why) - #157 Bill Blankschaen

  3. Sep 15

    Are You Living Up to Your God-Given Potential? - #156 Caleb Guilliams

    What if the greatest risk isn't failing—but never stepping into the potential God gave you? In this episode of the Even Though Podcast, Matthew Efird sits down with Caleb Guilliams, founder of BetterWealth, for a conversation about faith, entrepreneurship, mentorship, leadership, and what it really means to pursue your God-given potential. Caleb shares the story behind starting his business at just 21 years old, leaving a secure career, and taking a leap of faith toward what he believed God was calling him to do. He opens up about growing up homeschooled, navigating dyslexia, learning the importance of being proactive, seeking out mentors, and choosing opportunities to learn and become more valuable—even when they didn't immediately pay more. The conversation also dives into Caleb's approach to value leverage and why entrepreneurs eventually need to stop being the person who does everything in the business and start focusing on the areas where their time, skills, and leadership can create the greatest impact. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Faith and entrepreneurship • Discovering your God-given potential • The power of being proactive • Finding mentors and learning from people ahead of you • Why Caleb was willing to work for free early in his career • Taking risks and stepping outside your comfort zone • Growing a business beyond yourself • Moving from being the doer to becoming the visionary • Understanding value and leverage • Using your time and resources where they create the greatest impact Whether you're a Christian entrepreneur, business owner, leader, or simply trying to figure out what your next step looks like, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about your potential, your purpose, and the way you're investing your life. Learn more about Caleb Williams and BetterWealth at BetterWealth.com and on YouTube by searching BetterWealth. 🎙️ Even Though Podcast — honest conversations about faith, purpose, business, leadership, and the moments that shape who we become. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    Are You Living Up to Your God-Given Potential? - #156 Caleb Guilliams

  4. Sep 8

    #155 Chris Fordinal - How to Scale a Business Without Losing Your People, Family, or Faith

    What happens when your business is growing faster than your leadership can handle? Christopher Fordinal, co-founder of Rise Real Estate, has experienced explosive growth—scaling from about 30 agents to roughly 600 agents across four states in just 2.5 years. But instead of simply pushing for more growth, Chris and his partner made a counterintuitive decision: slow down. In this episode of Market Mavericks, Chris shares why sustainable business growth requires more than adding people and increasing revenue. At 100 agents, the founders realized they were becoming the bottleneck. By 250–300, they needed more empowered leaders. And at 500+, they recognized that hiring more “doers” wasn't enough—they needed a strategy for multiplying leaders. Chris also shares his unconventional hiring philosophy, including his “let me scare you” interview approach, why radical honesty and speed are non-negotiables, and how he distinguishes between the right person in the wrong seat and someone who violates the organization's core values. But this conversation goes beyond business. As a man of faith, Chris sees his company as an opportunity to steward people well and live out his faith in the workplace. He draws surprising parallels between church planting and scaling teams—and shares how his ministry experience has shaped the way he leads. Chris and Matthew also talk honestly about protecting marriage and family while building a rapidly growing company, including time-blocking, weekly planning with their wives, intentional date nights, and a monthly exercise based on the five love languages. If you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader trying to grow without sacrificing your people, your family, or what matters most, this conversation is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: * Why sometimes the best move for business growth is to slow down * How leadership needs change as an organization scales * Why founders eventually have to stop being the person who does everything * How to hire for culture, character, and leadership potential * What a “let me scare you” interview looks like * How faith can shape leadership in a non-Christian workplace * How to protect marriage and family during seasons of rapid growth * Why intentional systems matter in both business and relationships * What it means to steward the opportunities and people God has entrusted to you Guest: Chris Fordinal, Co-Founder of Rise Real Estate This is a conversation about leadership, faith, business growth, family, and the courage to build something that lasts. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #155 Chris Fordinal - How to Scale a Business Without Losing Your People, Family, or Faith

  5. Sep 1

    #154 Gary Pinkerton - How to Build Family Wealth, Financial Control & Legacy

    What happens when you realize you've been trusting other people with your financial future—but haven't taken the time to understand how your money actually works? For Gary Pinkerton, that realization came after serving 25 years in the U.S. Navy, including commanding a nuclear submarine and serving at the Pentagon. After experiencing significant losses during the Great Recession, Gary began asking a different question: How can I take greater ownership of my financial future? In this episode of Pillars of Purpose, Matthew Efird sits down with wealth strategist, veteran, entrepreneur, real estate investor, and author Gary Pinkerton for a practical conversation about building wealth, taking financial control, betting on yourself, and creating a lasting family legacy. Gary explains why successful business owners need to understand the basics of their finances instead of completely outsourcing their financial decisions. He also breaks down the concepts of family banking, infinite banking, whole life insurance, term life insurance, liquidity, and generational wealth in a way that's designed to be practical rather than complicated. You'll also hear Gary's perspective on: -Why taking ownership of your financial future matters -The danger of FOMO when investing -Why business owners should understand their tax situation -How liquidity can protect a family or business -Family banking and the idea behind infinite banking -The difference between term and whole life insurance -Using wealth to create opportunities for future generations -Why betting on yourself can be one of the most important financial decisions you make Ultimately, this conversation isn't just about money. It's about agency, stewardship, family, purpose, and building something that can outlive you. If you're a business owner, real estate investor, or someone who wants to become a better steward of what you've been given, this conversation with Gary Pinkerton is worth your time. - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #154 Gary Pinkerton - How to Build Family Wealth, Financial Control & Legacy

  6. Aug 25

    #153 Cindra Kamphoff - Confidence Isn't Something You Have—It's Something You Build

    What if confidence isn't something you're born with—but something you practice every day? In this episode of Pillars of Purpose, Matthew Efird sits down with performance psychologist and bestselling author Cindra Kamphoff to explore why so many entrepreneurs struggle with confidence, self-doubt, and fear—and how to overcome them. Cindra shares practical mental performance strategies she's taught to Olympic athletes, Fortune 500 leaders, and business owners, showing that confidence isn't a personality trait—it's a habit anyone can develop. You'll discover how to quiet your inner critic, recover from mistakes faster, define your purpose, and lead others with greater confidence. Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or simply trying to become the person you're called to be, this conversation will give you practical tools you can apply immediately. In this episode: -Why confidence comes after action -The Truth Meter for defeating self-doubt -How purpose becomes your North Star -Learn, Burn, Return: a framework for moving past mistakes -How great leaders build confident teams -Why confidence directly impacts business growth -Practical mindset habits for entrepreneurs and leaders If this episode encouraged you, subscribe for more conversations that help you build your business, strengthen your leadership, and live with greater purpose. - You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #153 Cindra Kamphoff - Confidence Isn't Something You Have—It's Something You Build

  7. Aug 18

    #152 Tony Dixon - Most Entrepreneurs Are Losing Wealth Without Realizing It

    Most entrepreneurs work incredibly hard to build wealth—but very few know how to protect it. In this episode of Market Mavericks, Matthew Efird sits down with Tony Dixon, founder of Advanced Tax Group, to unpack the strategies every entrepreneur should understand before it's too late. Tony introduces his powerful LID Principle—a simple framework for protecting your wealth from lawsuits, unnecessary taxes, and costly estate mistakes. You'll learn why an LLC alone isn't enough, how proactive tax planning can legally save thousands of dollars, and why having only a will may leave your family facing an expensive probate process. Whether you're launching your first business, scaling your company, or planning the legacy you'll leave behind, this conversation offers practical financial wisdom that could save you years of costly mistakes. In this episode: -Why every entrepreneur needs more than just an LLC -The missing legal document that protects your business -The LID Principle for preserving wealth -Smart tax strategies business owners should know -The difference between a will and a trust -How to build a business that creates lasting generational wealth -Tony's advice on perseverance, delegation, and growing as a leader If you're serious about building wealth—not just earning income—this episode is for you. Website: https://advancedtaxgroup.com Subscribe for more conversations with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts helping you build a business with purpose. -- You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #152 Tony Dixon - Most Entrepreneurs Are Losing Wealth Without Realizing It

  8. Aug 11

    #151 Justin Roethlingshoefer - How God Used Burnout to Reveal My Calling

    What if your greatest setback is actually preparing you for your greatest calling? In this episode of Pillars of Purpose, Matthew Efird sits down with health performance expert, entrepreneur, and author Justin Roethlingshoefer to share the incredible journey that transformed his life. After battling childhood obesity, anorexia that led to liver and kidney failure, and later a life-threatening health diagnosis while leading at the highest level of professional sports, Justin realized something life-changing: Health isn't just an athlete issue—it's a human issue. Justin shares how God used burnout, failure, and an unexpected moment alone in a kayak to completely redirect his purpose. That moment eventually became the foundation for OwnIt Coaching and inspired his new ministry and upcoming book, Holy Health. Whether you're leading a business, serving your family, or simply trying to steward your life well, this conversation offers practical wisdom about health, leadership, faith, and living with greater purpose. In this episode, you'll discover: -Why burnout may be revealing something deeper -The connection between health and your God-given calling -How "Who, Not How" transformed Justin's business -Why obedience matters more than immediate success -The surprising story behind the "Kayak Manifesto" -How Scripture and science work together to support whole-person health If this episode encouraged you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs hope today. Connect with Justin: • Holy Health: https://holyhealth.org • OwnIt Coaching: https://ownitcoaching.com You can subscribe to the podcast at https://matthewefird.com. Check out Matthew's Book "Even Though, We Will" : https://a.co/d/0aRocHpq Check out Morgan’s AI course to start using AI confidently in your business: https://knoxoutai.com Are you a seasonal business owner who's struggling to make ends meet during the winter months? Do you hate losing great staff when the weather turns cold because you don't have enough work to keep them employed year-round? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Would you consider yourself a corporate refugee or portfolio investor looking to get into business ownership in the emerging market of outdoor lighting? Would you be interested in an award-winning system focused on permanent holiday lights, landscape lighting, and temporary Christmas lights? Did you know that you can do outdoor lighting all year long? You could be a perfect fit for a Lighting Pros Franchise location! Learn more about Lighting Pros Franchise here: https://lightingprosfranchise.com Interested in having Matthew speak at your upcoming Event? Go here: https://matthewefird.com Looking for the best AI Notetaker? Check out my link to FathomAI and get a month of premium for free! https://fathom.video/invite/UT2ZaQ

    #151 Justin Roethlingshoefer - How God Used Burnout to Reveal My Calling
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About

Every leader has a version of their story they don't put on LinkedIn. This is where they tell the real one. Even Though is a leadership podcast built on honest conversations, not polished talking points. Each week, Matthew Efird sits down with leaders across industries to get past the highlight reel into the mistakes, risks, and choices that actually shaped how they lead. Shaped by his own story of tragedy and triumph, Matthew helps leaders see how their stories are shaping them too. Matthew is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and national keynote speaker.

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