The Deep Dive With Jose St. Phard

Jose St. Phard

Welcome To The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard. This is a podcast for leaders, dreamers, and changemakers who want to make a lasting impact in the Church, in Business, and in Culture. Every episode is a conversation—sometimes with guests, sometimes just heart to heart—about what it means to lead well while staying rooted in faith. Take a breath. Lean in. Let’s dive deep together.

  1. YOUR PERSPECTIVE IS LYING TO YOU; IT'S COSTING YOU YOUR LEADERSHIP

    Jun 10

    YOUR PERSPECTIVE IS LYING TO YOU; IT'S COSTING YOU YOUR LEADERSHIP

    What if the problem is not the pressure you are under, but the perspective you are leading from? In this episode of The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard, Jose explores one of the most expensive blind spots in leadership: perspective. Drawing from a childhood memory of experiencing snow for the first time, the psychology of perceptual contrast, the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 6, and the wisdom of Philippians 4:12, Jose unpacks how the lens through which we see our circumstances shapes the way we lead through them. Two leaders can face the same crisis, carry the same pressure, and work with the same level of talent. Yet one sees a threat while the other sees an opportunity.  In this episode, you’ll learn how perspective can distort your reality, why discouragement often begins with a misread situation, and how to reframe what you are facing without denying the difficulty of it. You’ll also be introduced to practical tools like the Perspective Audit, the Jonathan List, and a simple prayer that can help you begin to see what God is already doing in the middle of your situation. This episode is for executive leaders, pastors, healthcare leaders, organizational change-makers, and anyone who has ever looked at their circumstances and thought, “It’s over.” It is not over. You may just need a new lens. In this episode: Why perspective is one of the most overlooked leadership issues How perceptual contrast shapes the way we interpret reality The danger of overestimating problems and underestimating God Why your identity is not your performance What Elisha teaches us about seeing beyond the surface How to build a support system that helps recalibrate your perspective The prayer every leader needs when fear starts winning Referenced in this episode: Philippians 4:12 2 Kings 6 Influence by Robert Cialdini Reflection Question: What is one area of your leadership where your perspective may be lying to you? Connect with Jose St. Phard: Website: www.thedeepdivewithjose.com Instagram: @iamsaintphard Podcast Instagram: @thedeepdivewithjose Speaking and Coaching Inquiries: jose@deepdivewithjose.com Subscribe to The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard for conversations on leadership formation, innovation & organizational change.  Chapters (00:00:00) - The difference between snow and heat(00:01:14) - Why Perspective Matters for Leaders(00:07:44) - Philippians 4: Content in Any Situation(00:08:52) - What is Perspective in Leadership?(00:11:54) - Elisha's Perspective(00:17:08) - Perspective Shift: How to Win When Things Are Falling Apart

    22 min
  2. Leading on Empty? What Jesus Knew That Most Leaders Miss

    May 22

    Leading on Empty? What Jesus Knew That Most Leaders Miss

    Leadership can slowly disconnect you from yourself. Most leaders are not dealing with a strategy problem or a culture issue. They are dealing with a formation problem. They are leading from empty. And no amount of hustle, productivity, or better planning fixes a leader who is running on fumes. In this episode of The Deep Dive, Jose St. Phard unpacks what it means to become a Word-Shaped Leader. This is more than reading the Bible. This is about letting Scripture form you from the inside out. Using Matthew 4 as the foundation, we explore how Jesus modeled something most leaders desperately need but rarely practice. He entered the wilderness full. He faced pressure from a place of identity, not insecurity. He led from fullness, not exhaustion. That sequence is intentional formation. In this episode you will learn: Why leadership burnout is often a formation problem and not just a workload problem. Why leaders are tempted to lead from authority instead of responsibility and why that distinction changes everything. How Scripture forms your identity, stabilizes your perspective, and builds resilience from the inside out. How to write a personal identity statement rooted in Scripture so you know who you are before the pressure tells you otherwise. How to build a resilience list, a collection of verses that anchor you in hard seasons. The simple daily rhythm that quietly separates leaders who last from leaders who break. Whether you are a pastor, executive, healthcare leader, entrepreneur, or caregiver, this episode is for anyone who has been pouring out for others and quietly wondering how much longer they can keep going at this pace. Contrary to popular believe, the answer is not more hustle; rather it is deeper formation. It is time to dive deep. Follow Jose on Instagram: @iamsaintphard If this episode helped you, share it with one leader who has been running on empty. That is the most generous thing you can do. Chapters (00:00:02) - Who is the One Leading us?(00:00:54) - Becoming a Word Shaped Leader(00:03:51) - How to Be Shaped by the Word(00:11:22) - How to Become a Word Shaped Leader(00:18:12) - Build a Word Shaped Leader Resilience List

    24 min
  3. You’re Not Consistent Because You Don’t Have a System (0→10K in 5 months Framework) | Alex Portillo

    12/17/2025

    You’re Not Consistent Because You Don’t Have a System (0→10K in 5 months Framework) | Alex Portillo

    Episode Description If you’re trying to grow on social media but you keep falling off, it’s not a motivation problem. It’s a system problem. In this episode, pastor and creator Alex Portillo shares the framework that helped him grow from 0 to 10K in 5 months and post consistently without running out of ideas. We break down the “no weeks off” rule, why growth often plateaus after early momentum, and how to create content that serves the person scrolling instead of making it about you. If you’re a leader or faith leader building trust online, this conversation will reset your approach. In this episode, you’ll learn: The “no weeks off” rule that protects consistency How to build a repeatable content system so you don’t rely on inspiration Why 10K → 20K can take longer than 0 → 10K (and how to stay steady) The viewer first mindset that builds trust Why short form content is disposable and why that should relieve pressure, not add to it About The Deep Dive: The Deep Dive helps leaders lead from a healed heart and create high impact in the church, in business, and in the world. Follow + Connect Jose St. Phard (Host): @thedeepdivewithjose on Instagram & TikTok Guest: Alex Portillo: @SanBertoAlejandro on Instagram Website: https://deepdivewithjose.com Chapters (00:00:00) - Social Media: The Need for Self-Recovery(00:01:11) - The Deep Dive: Alex Portillo(00:01:52) - Alex the Pastor on His Journey(00:05:48) - How to get to 10k subscribers in a year(00:06:52) - How to Reach Your 30k(00:08:42) - Prince of Peace: The System of Content Creation(00:13:45) - In the Search for the Creative(00:14:29) - Samberto Alejandro on Instagram(00:15:32) - Unpacking Hebrew Scripture for People(00:21:57) - How to Remember the Bible(00:27:43) - Alex's Intro to the Bible(00:28:09) - Growth in the Internet(00:34:11) - The Deep Dive: Show Up For Others

    38 min
  4. Season 2 Episode 1: If AI can do everything, do we humans still matter?

    11/06/2025

    Season 2 Episode 1: If AI can do everything, do we humans still matter?

    In this powerful episode of The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard, Jose sits down with Dr. Kessia Reyne Bennett, a theologian and thinker who helps us wrestle with one of the most critical questions of our time: What does it mean to be human in the age of artificial intelligence? Together, they explore how generative AI is reshaping the conversation around creativity, technology, and human consciousness. Whether you're a pastor, leader, entrepreneur, creator, or dreamer, this episode will challenge how you think about what truly makes us human. In the age of AI, Jose & Dr. Bennett remind us that human presence and human connection are still humanity's most incredible superpowers. Watch on YouTube → https://youtu.be/WK0FDkWPaIs Connect with Jose: Instagram: @iamsaintphard Instagram: @ThedeepdivewithJose Website: www.thedeepdivewithjose.com BIO: Jose St. Phard is a pastor, executive coach, and speaker. Through his work in leadership and personal growth, he’s guided thousands of people to strengthen their spiritual lives and lead with greater confidence. He’s the host of The Deep Dive Podcast and serves as Lead Pastor at Oasis Christian Center in Vancouver, Washington, where he lives with his wife, Tiffany, and their two children. Subscribe for more conversations on faith, leadership, and what it means to be human in a changing world. Chapters (00:00:00) - Human Being: Coram Deo Before God(00:01:40) - Deep Dive: What Does It Mean to Be Human in the Modern(00:06:58) - A New Technology: Human Blessing(00:14:20) - Will AI Replace Poets?(00:18:57) - The Need for Personal Human Presence(00:23:28) - Does a Social Relationship Make Us More Human?(00:25:07) - The Human Value of the Digital Age(00:29:52) - Preachers Preaching AI Gospel(00:31:40) - Habakkuk on AI(00:35:35) - Holiness and the New Humanity(00:37:46) - Dr. Essiarane Bennett

    39 min
  5. Episode 8: NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS PART OF LEADERSHIP

    08/06/2025

    Episode 8: NO ONE TALKS ABOUT THIS PART OF LEADERSHIP

    THIS IS THE PART NO ONE TALKS ABOUT:  Growth as a faith leader is directly tied to your capacity to carry and process pain well. What you don’t transform, you will inevitably transmit. It will come out in your church, your team, or your family. In this episode, we go beneath the surface of leadership success and explore the real, raw process God uses to shape your soul. Episode Summary: Leadership isn’t just about vision-casting, strategic planning, or building platforms. It's about learning to lead through pain. In this episode, Jose shares personal reflections on leadership wounds, the loneliness of responsibility, and how God uses pain as a crucible for transformation. Drawing from Samuel Chand’s Leadership Pain, scripture, and real-world experience, this conversation exposes the often-ignored truths of the leader’s journey and how to make peace with pain instead of running from it. Whether you're a pastor, coach, creative, or organizational leader, this episode is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “I didn’t know it would hurt this much.”   Takeaways: 1. The Deeper the Pain, the Greater the Potential. “You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.” — Samuel Chand Pain is not the enemy of your calling; it’s often the pathway God uses. Every level of leadership requires a new level of dying to self, and many leaders quit because no one prepared them for the pain. Reflection Question: Are you resisting what God is using to refine you? 2. Pain Is a Part of the Process. Pain reshapes your identity. Loss, betrayal, and chronic pressure force us to redefine what success really means. As Dr. Chand writes, “Pain is the classroom where God teaches His deepest lessons.” Transformation is always personal before it’s public. While God doesn't waste your pain, He won’t bypass it either. 3. You Can’t Lead Well if You Don’t Lament Honestly Church culture often rushes to “hope” while bypassing “hurt.” Leaders need to reengage the lost discipline of lament. David wrote his most powerful psalms from caves, not castles (Psalm 142). Jesus wept before He resurrected Lazarus. True leadership honors emotion without being ruled by it. Takeaway Practice: Try a 5-minute journaling exercise where you write honestly about your leadership wounds as a form of prayer. Bonus Resources: From Leadership Pain by Samuel Chand: “You’ll grow only to the threshold of your pain.” “Discomfort can be a catalyst for growth. It makes us yearn for something more. It forces us to change, stretch, and adapt.” “Pain is a part of progress. Anything that grows experiences some pain. If I avoid all pain, I’m avoiding growth.”   Spiritual Practices for Processing Pain: Pray Lament Psalms: Start with Psalm 13, 77, or 88. Soul Check-ins: Ask yourself weekly, “What’s bleeding in me that I’m trying to lead through?” This is the Perfect Listen For: Pastors and spiritual leaders battling burnout Visionaries navigating disappointment Emerging leaders asking, “Is this normal?” Anyone carrying silent wounds while trying to lead well Send this to a leader who needs to hear this. Leave a review if this hit deep. And most importantly, don’t walk through pain alone. Let us journey with you. Chapters (00:00:00) - A Deep Dive Into The Pain of Being a Leader(00:00:59) - Leaders Who Are in Leadership Pain(00:08:22) - Jesus' Love for Leaders(00:14:06) - 1. Letting Go of the Pain(00:18:37) - Leadership Pain

    24 min
  6. If It Makes Everyone Comfortable, It’s Probably Not From God: How to protect your God-given vision in a world that doesn’t get it!

    07/25/2025

    If It Makes Everyone Comfortable, It’s Probably Not From God: How to protect your God-given vision in a world that doesn’t get it!

    If It Makes Everyone Comfortable, It’s Probably Not From God Welcome to The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard! The podcast created specifically for dreamers, leaders, and changemakers. In this episode, we're tackling a topic every dreamer faces but rarely talks about openly: criticism and misunderstanding. When you're pursuing a God-sized vision, you'll inevitably encounter skeptics, doubters, and critics. But here’s the powerful truth—it’s meant to be that way. We dive deep into the life of Joseph (Genesis 37–50), a visionary whose God-given dreams took him on a journey filled with misunderstanding, betrayal, setbacks, and ultimately into extraordinary purpose. His story will help you understand why critics are often a sign you're on the right path, how setbacks can be setups for your purpose, and why it’s essential to believe boldly even when no one else sees your vision. If you've ever felt pressure to shrink your dreams to fit other people's comfort zones, let this episode empower you to dream bigger, louder, and more boldly than ever before. Key Episode Highlights: Why Criticism Confirms Your Calling: Discover why pushback is often proof you're dreaming big enough. Turning Setbacks into Setups: How Joseph navigated betrayal and prison, turning them into stepping stones toward his destiny. Time, Chance, and Favor (Ecclesiastes 9:11): Success isn't determined solely by speed, strength, or smarts—learn the deeper truths that shape your dream’s journey. Believing Before Others See It: The critical importance of owning your dream fully, even when it's misunderstood. Leading Today for Tomorrow: Practical ways to show up now as the visionary leader God created you to become. Scriptures Explored: Genesis 37–50: Joseph’s transformational journey from dream to destiny. Ecclesiastes 9:11: "The race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong… but time and chance happen to them all." Genesis 39:20–23: Experiencing God's favor even in life's lowest moments. 1 Samuel 17: David's boldness in the face of criticism and opposition. Isaiah 60:22: "At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen."   Reflection for Dreamers: Ask yourself: "Where have I been shrinking my dream to fit other people's comfort zones?" Remember—your dream isn’t just about you. It’s about all the people God will impact through you. Action Steps: Declare it: Clearly write down your dream and speak it aloud this week. Own it: Start acting today like the leader your dream demands you to become. Trust it: Embrace setbacks as purposeful steps toward your God-given vision. Connect & Engage: Instagram: @iamsaintphard | @thedeepdivewithJose Subscribe & Review: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe and leave a rating or review—it genuinely helps us reach more dreamers like you. Share: Know someone who needs this message? Send them this episode today! Remember—if your dream makes everyone comfortable, it’s probably not from God.   Let’s keep diving deep! Chapters (00:00:00) - Dreams Are Made Under Criticism(00:00:47) - The Secret to Dreamers(00:02:09) - What determines success in life? Time and Chance(00:09:03) - Dreamers: How to Make Your Dream a Reality(00:15:17) - Your Environment Will Not Limit Your Dreams(00:22:31) - The Dream of Joseph

    27 min
  7. Episode 6: STOP CHASING WORK-LIFE BALANCE! It’s a trap—embrace God’s rhythm instead.

    06/26/2025

    Episode 6: STOP CHASING WORK-LIFE BALANCE! It’s a trap—embrace God’s rhythm instead.

    We’ve all chased the myth of “work-life balance” — juggling career, home, faith, and impact with a constant sense of guilt and fatigue. But what if that whole idea is upside down? Are you exhausted chasing this impossible dream? What if everything you’ve heard about balancing work and life is actually holding you back? In this episode of The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard, we uncover why work-life balance is a trap—and reveal the powerful rhythm God designed for you instead. Drawing from Scripture and real-life leadership experience, Jose shows how embracing a rhythm of rest hard, work easy can transform your productivity, creativity, and relationships. What You’ll Learn: Why “work hard, play hard” leads to burnout The biblical foundation for seasons and rhythms (Ecclesiastes 3) Practical ways to schedule rest before work to increase effectiveness How to prioritize what truly matters in your work and home life The power of partnering with God and community for sustainable leadership If you’re a leader, parent, or change-maker longing for rest while creating meaningful impact, this episode is for you.   Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for weekly insights to help you live and lead with intention. Share this episode with someone who needs a fresh perspective on work and rest! Connect with Jose St. Phard: Instagram: @iamsaintphard Podcast Website: thedeepdivewithjose.com Join the Community: Podcast IG & TikTok: @thedeepdivewithjose Chapters (00:00:00) - Seeking Rhythm in Your Life(00:00:42) - The Pursue of Work-Life Balance(00:01:33) - Ecclesiastes 3: Rhythm vs Balance(00:04:45) - Work-Life Rhythm(00:10:20) - 3 Rules for More Productivity This Week

    15 min
  8. EPISODE 5:Your Story Is the Strategy God Wants to Use| Kevin Spencer Wilson

    06/12/2025

    EPISODE 5:Your Story Is the Strategy God Wants to Use| Kevin Spencer Wilson

    Episode Overview: In this powerful episode, Jose sits down with author, digital storyteller, and cultural bridge-builder Kevin Spencer Wilson—better known as Cross Culture Kev—to explore the truth that your story isn’t just part of your journey—it’s the strategy God wants to use. From arriving in the U.S. alone at 18 to becoming the CEO of Chai and author of The Way of Chai, Kevin shares a deeply personal journey of reinvention, resilience, grief, and grace. Together, they dive into how suffering shapes the soul, how to reclaim your story as a leader, and why the very things you once saw as liabilities might be the superpowers God intends to use for impact. If you’re navigating change, healing from pain, or searching for your voice in leadership—this conversation will remind you: God doesn’t waste your story. He works through it. Topics Covered: The sacred practice of reinvention Grief as the strongest memory of joy Leading with story and presence in a world addicted to pressure Taking up space with humility Why your identity is your greatest asset Embracing your leadership voice as someone from the global majority Scriptures Referenced Hebrews 2:10 – “For in bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was entirely appropriate that God… should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings.” Psalm 34:18 – “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” C.S. Lewis Quote – “Pain is God’s megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Romans 8:17 (Implied) – “...we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him.” Quotes “Grief is not the absence of joy. It’s the strongest memory of joy.” “Art plus story equals trust.” “You were created because you were loved—not to be loved.” “Leadership isn’t about usefulness; it’s about belovedness.” “Practice curiosity. Lean into community. See every person as an invitation to wonder.” Extra Resources Kevin’s Book: The Way of Chai by Kevin Wilson Follow Kevin: @CrossCultureKev on Instagram | Website Follow Jose on Instagram → @iamsaintphard Kevin’s Newsletter: Monday Masala Book Mentioned: The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich  How to Go Deeper Listen Anywhere You Get Podcasts Search The Deep Dive with Jose on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or your favorite platform—and subscribe so you never miss an episode. Watch the Full Episode on YouTube Catch the visuals and full conversation on YouTube at @thedeepdivewithjose—and hit the notification bell so you’re first to know when new episodes drop. Follow and Engage on Social Media Join the conversation on Instagram and TikTok at @thedeepdivewithjose, and follow Jose personally at @iamsaintphard for more behind-the-scenes and bonus insights. Action... Chapters (00:00:00) - In the Elevator With Jose St. Fard(00:00:37) - Deep Dive: What Does It Mean to Lead Well With Resil(00:01:34) - Kevin on Why He Came to the US at 18(00:05:59) - The Need for Reinvention(00:11:59) - The 3 Rules of Community(00:12:29) - In the Land of Suffering(00:17:40) - The Ultimate trajectory of human life(00:19:55) - TikTok: Stories Through Chai(00:24:46) - "A Story Is a Tale of Transformation"(00:28:01) - The Greatest Blessing of Leadership Is the(00:31:24) - Inventors and the institution(00:34:46) - The Concept of Taking Up Space(00:36:06) - Taking Up Space and Storing Space(00:39:25) - Bookmark Review: The Way of Chai(00:43:32) - Writing The Way of Chai(00:45:04) - Crossclosure: The Deep Dive With Jose St. Bard

    48 min

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About

Welcome To The Deep Dive with Jose St. Phard. This is a podcast for leaders, dreamers, and changemakers who want to make a lasting impact in the Church, in Business, and in Culture. Every episode is a conversation—sometimes with guests, sometimes just heart to heart—about what it means to lead well while staying rooted in faith. Take a breath. Lean in. Let’s dive deep together.