Leaders Who Create

The Creative Launch
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Leaders Who Create is the podcast where leadership and creativity collide. Each episode is designed for creatives, dreamers, and leaders who believe in the power of idea and the impact of authentic conversation. Hosted by Jason Squires, each episode brings together artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday innovators to explore the intersection of creativity, leadership, and purpose. Whether you’re a worship leader, graphic designer, musician, small business owner, stay-at-home parent, or just someone passionate about bringing ideas to life, there’s a seat for you here. Through real stories and candid conversations, Leaders Who Create equips and inspires creatives to take bold steps, embrace their process, and make meaningful impact. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk creativity, leadership, and everything in between.

  1. 223 More Than Just Coffee with Jonathan Cashman | Identity, Entrepreneur, & Black Coffee

    1D AGO

    223 More Than Just Coffee with Jonathan Cashman | Identity, Entrepreneur, & Black Coffee

    Leaders Who Create Opportunity: In this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Jonathan Cashman, co-owner of Identity Coffee, to talk about how intentional environments create meaningful opportunity. Drawing from his background in ministry, Jonathan shares how that foundation shaped the way he builds spaces, not just for transactions, but for transformation. From the layout of a room to the posture of a barista, every detail matters. Jonathan unpacks the small, often overlooked choices that help people slow down, stay longer, and open up. He also shares how he trains his team to understand that they’re not just serving coffee, they’re creating moments that people carry with them long after they leave. This conversation dives into the power of noticing what others miss, building culture from the ground up, and how everyday interactions can quietly turn into life-giving relationships. Because in the end, people might come for the coffee… but they come back for how they felt. Learn more about Identity Coffee at https://www.identitycoffee.com/.

    40 min
  2. 222 Creating Opportunity in the Midst of Decline with Chris Sonksen | Church Boom, Coaching, & Carnitas

    APR 8

    222 Creating Opportunity in the Midst of Decline with Chris Sonksen | Church Boom, Coaching, & Carnitas

    Leaders Who Create Opportunity: In this episode of Leaders Who Create, host Jason Squires sits down with Chris Sonksen, founder of Church Boom, to talk about what it really means to create opportunity in places that feel like they’re running out of hope. Chris shares the moment that broke his heart enough to take action and how that burden grew into a movement helping churches rediscover health, purpose, and direction. Together, they unpack what happens when he steps into a struggling church, how to discern whether the real issue is leadership, systems, or culture, and why so many churches miss the early warning signs of decline. You’ll also hear how Church Boom’s rescue initiative is giving churches a second chance and what practical first step any discouraged pastor can take today to begin moving toward health again. If you’ve ever felt the weight of leading something that isn’t working, this conversation will remind you: health is still possible, and it might be closer than you think. Plus… a very important church potluck question you won’t want to miss. Find out more at https://www.churchboom.org/

    35 min
  3. 221 From Story to Impact: Building Real Life Opportunities with Ashley Thomas

    APR 1

    221 From Story to Impact: Building Real Life Opportunities with Ashley Thomas

    Leaders Who Create Opportunity: On this episode of Leaders Who Create, Jason Squires sits down with Ashley Thomas of Hope Street Ministries in Milwaukee, WI  to explore how leaders turn challenges into opportunities for others. Ashley shares how her own story, marked by both challenge and resilience, has shaped her leadership and the way she builds community at Hope Street. From helping people who arrive carrying pain and setbacks, to balancing compassion with accountability, she reveals the difference between giving temporary help and creating a real pathway for transformation. This conversation is full of insight for anyone wanting to understand how intentional leadership can empower people to rise, rebuild, and thrive.

    31 min
  4. 220 Your Story Is Your Leadership Advantage with Matt McCoy | CCLI, Deep Dish Pizza, & Leadership

    MAR 25

    220 Your Story Is Your Leadership Advantage with Matt McCoy | CCLI, Deep Dish Pizza, & Leadership

    Leaders Who Create From Story: We often think leadership is about skills, but what if it’s really about story? In this episode join Jason Squires as he sits down with Matt McCoy, President of Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) and founder of Loop Community. Matt shares how life experiences, both good and hard, become the tools we use to lead others well. From lessons learned in ministry to leading at a global level, Matt unpacks how vulnerability, self-awareness, and perspective shape not just how we lead but who we become as leaders. If you’ve ever wondered whether your past disqualifies you, this conversation will challenge that belief and show you how your story might be your greatest strength.

    46 min
  5. 219 Writing the Soundtrack to the Story with Heather Evans: Ai, Songwriting, & Good Coffee

    MAR 18

    219 Writing the Soundtrack to the Story with Heather Evans: Ai, Songwriting, & Good Coffee

    Leaders Who Create From Story: Heather Evans joins Jason Squires to talk about the powerful role music plays in storytelling for television and film. Heather is a multi–award-winning singer-songwriter whose music has been featured on Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, FOX, MTV, and ABC. Heather shares how songwriters craft music to support the emotional arc of a scene, what it really takes to get songs placed on TV, and the balance between creativity and strategy in the world of sync licensing. If you’re a songwriter, creative, or storyteller, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how music helps bring stories to life. Connect with Heather at https://www.heatherevansmusic.com/.

    46 min
  6. 218 Ordinary Story with Extraordinary Impact with Toby Walters | ChurchGear, Road Trips, & Sushi Tacos

    MAR 11

    218 Ordinary Story with Extraordinary Impact with Toby Walters | ChurchGear, Road Trips, & Sushi Tacos

    Leaders Who Create from Story: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with Toby Walters, founder of ChurchGear, to talk about how an ordinary ministry challenge grew into a mission that’s helping churches across the country. Toby shares the story behind ChurchGear, how his ministry journey shaped the company’s purpose, and why the message behind the business eventually became a book called Sacred Spaces. Together they explore stewardship, leadership, and how ordinary stories can create extraordinary impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether your story really matters, this conversation will encourage you to see your potential.

    31 min
  7. 217 Using your Story to Impact Generations with Matt Perkins | Loss, Grief to Growth, & Coffee

    MAR 4

    217 Using your Story to Impact Generations with Matt Perkins | Loss, Grief to Growth, & Coffee

    Leaders Who Create From Story: Join Jason Squires for a powerful conversation with Matt Perkins. Matt is a husband, father, and worship leader whose personal story of loss has become a legacy of impact. After walking through an unexpected and life-altering journey, Matt and his wife Kari found their stories beautifully intertwined in a way only God could orchestrate. What began as deep grief has grown into a ministry that is already reaching lives and is poised to impact generations to come. Together, they now lead Grief to Growth, a ministry born from pain but fueled by purpose. In this episode, Jason and Matt talk about resilience, obedience in the middle of heartbreak, and what it looks like to build something eternal out of unimaginable loss. If you’ve ever wondered whether your hardest chapter could become someone else’s breakthrough, this conversation will remind you: your story isn’t over—and it may be bigger than you think. Learn more about Matt, Kari and Grief to Growth visit https://www.grieftogrowth.org/.

    48 min
  8. 216 From Control to Collaboration: What Producers Teach Us About Leadership with John McJunkin | Trust, Innovation, & a Snapple

    FEB 25

    216 From Control to Collaboration: What Producers Teach Us About Leadership with John McJunkin | Trust, Innovation, & a Snapple

    Leaders Who Create Collaboration: Join Jason Squires as he sits down with producer John McJunkin for an honest conversation about what it really means to create with others. John shares how his understanding of producing evolved from control to collaboration, and what it takes to build trust with artists you’ve never worked with before. Together, they explore how to navigate creative disagreements, what great collaboration actually feels like in the room, and why the principles producers use in the studio apply to leaders in every field, not just music. Whether you’re a creative, entrepreneur, team leader, or builder of ideas, this episode will help you rethink how collaboration fuels innovation and meaningful work. Plus, John reveals his go-to studio snack, where you can connect with him online, and what new projects he has on the horizon. If you care about leadership, creativity, teamwork, and making something meaningful with others, this conversation is for you. If something in this episode stirred an idea, a calling, or a creative step you’ve been putting off, we would love to help you move it forward. Through The Creative Launch coaching, we help business leaders, artists, and communicators turn ideas into impact. You can schedule a free call on our website. There is no pressure, just a conversation to help you gain clarity and momentum. Visit https://thecreativelaunch.com/scheduleacall/.

    41 min
See All (223)

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Leaders Who Create is the podcast where leadership and creativity collide. Each episode is designed for creatives, dreamers, and leaders who believe in the power of idea and the impact of authentic conversation. Hosted by Jason Squires, each episode brings together artists, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday innovators to explore the intersection of creativity, leadership, and purpose. Whether you’re a worship leader, graphic designer, musician, small business owner, stay-at-home parent, or just someone passionate about bringing ideas to life, there’s a seat for you here. Through real stories and candid conversations, Leaders Who Create equips and inspires creatives to take bold steps, embrace their process, and make meaningful impact. Pull up a chair. Let’s talk creativity, leadership, and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    The Creative Launch
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    223
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Creative Launch
  • Show Website
    Leaders Who Create

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