Thought Leader Podcast

Thought Leader

The Thought Leader Podcast goes beyond the gear, the stage, and the weekend service. This interview-style show features people from the church production community, focusing not on what they do, but on who they are. We talk about childhood, school, and the life experiences that shaped them long before they stepped into a production role. Each episode traces the personal path that led them into ministry and service within the church. Honest, reflective, and deeply human conversations that remind us every role in ministry starts with a story. If you’ve ever wondered how people end up behind the console, in the booth, or leading creative teams—this podcast is for you.

Episodes

  1. From ESPN to Ministry: Why Neil Zimmerman Walked Away

    9h ago

    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.

    1h 9m
  2. Built Through Every Season - Jeff Watkins

    May 3

    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.

    1h 42m
  3. Becoming Who You Were Meant to Be - Walter Wilson

    Apr 5

    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.

    58 min
  4. Before the Console - Griffin McCravy

    Mar 8

    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.

    59 min
  5. Story Always Wins - Chris Pyron

    Feb 1

    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.

    1h 20m
  6. Every Role Starts with a Story - Daryl Sutton

    Jan 8

    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.

    1h 34m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The Thought Leader Podcast goes beyond the gear, the stage, and the weekend service. This interview-style show features people from the church production community, focusing not on what they do, but on who they are. We talk about childhood, school, and the life experiences that shaped them long before they stepped into a production role. Each episode traces the personal path that led them into ministry and service within the church. Honest, reflective, and deeply human conversations that remind us every role in ministry starts with a story. If you’ve ever wondered how people end up behind the console, in the booth, or leading creative teams—this podcast is for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Thought Leader
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Thought Leader 2026
  • Show Website
    Thought Leader Podcast