The Today Counts Show

Jim Piper Jr.

The Today Counts Show is about leadership. It’s about shaping healthy leaders, relationships, and workplaces. It’s about re-imaging leadership within three dimensions: your person, your people, and your place. This triad of thought and life is informed by theology, psychology, biology, philosophy, sociology, and any discipline that contributes to the shaping of leadership character.

  1. 16h ago

    Lebron James to the 76ers' - A Leadership Lesson. Ep. 226

    Send us Fan Mail The health of your relationships is the truest measure of your leadership. In this episode of The Today Counts Show, Jim Piper and Winston Harris explore what happens when leadership moves beyond self-development and into the relationships that shape our teams, families, churches, businesses, and communities. Great leadership isn't simply about managing people. It's about learning to connect with people, understand people, collaborate with people, and intentionally choose the people who shape your life and leadership. Jim and Winston unpack the difference between being able to lead from a stage and actually being able to connect with someone one-on-one. They explore how temperament, conditioning, and character influence the way we relate to others—and why leaders need to understand their own emotional tank if they want to lead people well. In this episode, they discuss: • Why strong leaders must learn to connect up close, not just communicate from a distance • How temperament, conditioning, and character shape our relationships • The emotional tank and how relationships can either fill or drain a leader • The difference between relationships that are filling, neutral, and draining • Why compliance is only the floor—and ownership is where healthy leadership begins • How great leaders choose their people with intention • The role of an inner circle, team, family, and friendships • Why collaboration requires believing people are capable of more • How to deal with difficult relationships and the people you didn't necessarily choose • Why leaders need to replace the monologue with a meeting of minds • How our relationships can become part of our Wall of Gratitude—even when they were difficult seasons One of the most important challenges in this episode is simple: Who are the people in your life by intention—and who is there simply because you've drifted into the relationship? The goal isn't to build a larger network. It's to build healthier relationships, stronger teams, and deeper trust. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, pastor, ministry leader, manager, or young leader trying to build something meaningful, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about the people you lead and the people you allow to influence you. Because your leadership isn't measured only by what you accomplish. It's also measured by who you help become stronger because you were in their life. The Today Counts Show exists to equip leaders with biblical principles and practical wisdom for life and leadership—helping you grow in character, purpose, and impact so you can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in your community. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership development, relationships, personal growth, faith, and purposeful living. Support the show

  2. Aug 10

    The Darkest Leadership Lesson in Genesis? | Genesis 34 | The Genesis Project| Episode 225

    Send us Fan Mail Genesis 34 is one of the most difficult and emotionally complex chapters in the entire Bible. In this episode of The Genesis Project, Jim Piper, Matt Martin, and Winston Harris walk through the story of Dinah, Shechem, Jacob, Simeon, and Levi to uncover powerful lessons about leadership, responsibility, justice, passivity, and the devastating ripple effects of sin. Why does Jacob remain silent when his daughter is violated? Were Simeon and Levi justified in their response? What happens when leaders fail to act? And what can modern leaders learn from one of the darkest chapters in Scripture? Throughout this conversation, the team explores the dangers of passive leadership, the consequences of revenge, the misuse of sacred things for personal agendas, and the importance of standing for what is right. Most importantly, they discuss how God continues to work through broken people and broken situations to accomplish His purposes. Whether you're a business leader, ministry leader, parent, mentor, or someone seeking to grow in faith and character, this episode offers timeless biblical wisdom for navigating difficult decisions and leading with courage, integrity, and conviction. In This Episode: ✅ Genesis 34 explained verse-by-verse ✅ Leadership lessons from Jacob's silence ✅ Dinah, Shechem, Simeon, and Levi analyzed ✅ The dangers of passivity and poor leadership ✅ How sin impacts families, communities, and future generations ✅ Biblical leadership principles for today's leaders ✅ Why character matters more than strategy Key Takeaway: "A leader's greatest failures often come not from what they do—but from what they refuse to do." If this episode challenges or encourages you, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with a friend. New episodes of The Genesis Project are released regularly as we journey through the book of Genesis and discover leadership, faith, and life lessons that still apply today. Support the show

  3. Aug 3

    What Does Masculinity Look Like in 2026? | Biblical Manhood, Leadership & Purpose Ep. 224

    Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to be a man in 2026? In a culture filled with competing definitions of masculinity, many men are searching for clarity, purpose, and direction. Some voices equate manhood with power and dominance. Others encourage passivity and the avoidance of responsibility. But what does healthy, biblical masculinity actually look like? In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris explore one of the most important leadership conversations of our time: manhood, character, and purpose. Together they discuss: • Why masculinity has become such a debated topic in modern culture • The growing challenges of loneliness, identity, and purpose among men • How the decline of mentorship has impacted younger generations • The influence of social media on expectations of masculinity • Why healthy masculinity isn't found in aggression or passivity • The difference between strength and intimidation • The role of courage, integrity, and emotional maturity in leadership • What servant leadership teaches us about becoming a trustworthy man • Practical advice for young men, husbands, fathers, and older mentors The conversation centers around five key characteristics of healthy masculinity: ✅ Responsibility ✅ Courage ✅ Integrity ✅ Emotional Maturity ✅ Servant Leadership One of the most powerful insights from this episode: "Masculinity isn't about proving you're a man. It's about becoming the kind of man others can trust." Whether you're a young leader trying to find your footing, a husband seeking to lead your family well, a father shaping the next generation, or a mentor investing in others, this conversation offers practical wisdom rooted in biblical principles and real-world leadership. The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders to grow in character, purpose, and impact while leading with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities. Key Question: When people experience your life, do they feel safer, stronger, and more encouraged because you were there? 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, personal growth, discipleship, and purpose-driven living. Support the show

  4. Aug 3

    Could Islam Overtake America? Separating Fear from Reality | Ep. 223

    Send us Fan Mail Could Islam overtake America? It's a question that's increasingly discussed in the media, on social platforms, and in conversations about culture, religion, and the future of the United States. But is the concern rooted in reality—or in fear? In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris, explore the differences between Christianity and Islam, and discuss how Christians should respond with wisdom rather than panic. Together they discuss: • Why so many people are asking this question today • Immigration, global conflicts, and changing religious landscapes • What the demographic data actually says about Islam in America • The rise of secularism, individualism, and spiritual apathy • Why Christianity's greatest challenge may not be another religion • Key worldview differences between Christianity and Islam • The role of Jesus in Christianity and Islam• Salvation, Scripture, and foundational beliefs • How Christians can engage people of other faiths with truth and love • Why fear is a poor substitute for faithful discipleship One of the most powerful insights from this conversation is that the future of Christianity in America may depend less on what other groups are doing and more on whether Christians remain committed to living out their faith. As Jesus taught in Matthew 5, believers are called to be salt and light—preserving truth, demonstrating love, and influencing culture through faithful living. Whether you're a business leader, ministry leader, student, or someone trying to understand the cultural and spiritual shifts happening around us, this episode offers a thoughtful and biblical framework for navigating these important questions. Key Takeaway:The greatest threat to Christianity isn't necessarily opposition from the outside—it's apathy from within. The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with biblical principles, practical wisdom, and thoughtful conversations that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact while leading with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, faith, culture, discipleship, and personal growth. #ChristianLeadership #ChristianPodcast #FaithAndCulture #BiblicalWorldview #Discipleship Support the show

  5. Aug 3

    Genesis 33: What Happened to Esau? | Forgiveness, Grace & Reconciliation The Genesis project Ep. 222

    Send us Fan Mail What happened to Esau? After twenty years of separation, betrayal, anger, and broken trust, Genesis 33 records one of the most powerful reconciliation stories in Scripture. Jacob returns home expecting conflict, yet encounters something completely unexpected: grace. In this episode of The Genesis Project, host Jim Piper, co-host Winston Harris, and guest Matt Martin walk through Genesis 33 and explore the reunion between Jacob and Esau. Together they discuss: • Why Esau's response is one of the most surprising moments in Genesis • What may have happened during the twenty years between the brothers' separation • The role forgiveness plays in restoring broken relationships • How God works in people's lives even when we cannot see it • Why understanding someone's story creates compassion and better leadership • The connection between grace, reconciliation, and spiritual maturity • How family conflict can be healed through humility and forgiveness • Leadership lessons hidden within one of the Bible's most emotional reunions One of the biggest takeaways from this conversation is that we often judge people based on a single chapter of their story while God is still writing the rest.  Just as Jacob was transformed through wrestling with God, Esau appears to have experienced a transformation of his own. The result is a powerful picture of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the kind of grace that changes generations. Whether you're navigating conflict, leading a team, restoring a relationship, or seeking biblical wisdom for life and leadership, this conversation offers timeless insights on character, compassion, and redemption. Key Question: If someone who hadn't seen you in ten years met you today, what would they say has changed? 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that equip leaders to grow in character, purpose, faith, and impact through the wisdom of Scripture. Support the show

  6. Jul 13

    Know Thyself: Using Personality & Self-Awareness to Become a Better Leader

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris explore one of the most overlooked leadership skills: self-awareness. Many leaders spend years trying to improve their influence, communication, and decision-making without first understanding themselves. But the reality is that leadership starts with self-leadership. Using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, Jim and Winston discuss how understanding your personality can help you identify your strengths, recognize your blind spots, and become a more intentional leader. In this episode, they discuss: • Why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership • How personality influences decision-making, conflict, and communication • Common misconceptions about introverts, extroverts, thinkers, and feelers • The difference between understanding your personality and being limited by it • How strengths can become weaknesses when left unmanaged • Why comparison creates confusion but self-awareness creates confidence • Practical leadership applications for different personality types • How understanding your wiring can improve your marriage, parenting, ministry, and leadership. They also dive into their own personality types and reflect on lessons they've learned through years of leadership experience. One of the most powerful ideas from this conversation: You don't become a better leader by becoming someone else. You become a better leader by understanding who you are and stewarding it well. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ministry leader, manager, or emerging leader, this episode will help you better understand how you're wired—and how to lead yourself more effectively. The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with practical wisdom and biblical principles that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, self-awareness, and purpose-driven living. #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfAwareness #MyersBriggs #PersonalGrowth #BusinessLeadership Support the show

  7. Jul 6

    How to Build a Winning Team: Hiring, Onboarding & Leadership Culture. Episode 220

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris tackle one of the most important responsibilities of leadership: building the right team. Whether you're leading a business, ministry, nonprofit, or growing organization, your success is ultimately limited by the people you surround yourself with. Great teams aren't built by accident—they're built through clarity, intentional hiring, strong culture, and purposeful development. In this conversation, Jim and Winston discuss: • Why leaders should start with mission and clarity before hiring • The importance of defining outcomes before filling positions • How to identify the right people for your team • Why character, chemistry, and competency all matter • Common red flags leaders should watch for during the hiring process • How to avoid costly hiring mistakes • Questions that reveal the true character of a candidate • Why onboarding is one of the most overlooked leadership opportunities • How culture is communicated during a team member's first 90 days • The difference between simply managing people and truly developing them They also unpack key leadership principles such as: ✅ Hiring for mission alignment ✅ Building healthy organizational culture ✅ Creating clarity around expectations ✅ Developing coachable team members ✅ Retaining great people through growth and purpose One of the biggest takeaways from this episode: Your leadership legacy won't be what you accomplished alone—it will be the people you developed and the team you built. Whether you're a business owner, entrepreneur, ministry leader, manager, or aspiring leader, this conversation offers practical leadership wisdom you can apply immediately. The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with biblical principles, practical tools, and leadership insights that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership development, business growth, team building, and purpose-driven leadership. Support the show

  8. Jun 29

    The Art of Difficult Conversations: Conflict, Leadership & Trust | Ep. 219

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, host Jim Piper and co-host Winston Harris tackle one of the most important—and most avoided—skills in leadership: handling conflict and navigating difficult conversations. Most people view conflict as something to avoid. But conflict isn't the problem. Poorly handled conflict is. Whether you're leading a business, a team, a ministry, a family, or a relationship, your ability to navigate tension often determines the quality of your influence and the health of your relationships. In this conversation, Jim and Winston discuss: • Why leaders avoid difficult conversations • How delaying conflict often turns small issues into major problems • Why confrontation doesn't have to be negative • The CARE framework for approaching difficult conversations • How to challenge ideas without attacking people • The difference between debate and discussion • Why healthy teams disagree more openly than unhealthy teams • How to create psychological safety in leadership environments • The art of negotiation and finding win-win outcomes • Why understanding interests matters more than arguing positions They also unpack practical leadership principles for: ✅ Team conflict ✅ Workplace communication ✅ Marriage and family conversations ✅ Ministry leadership ✅ Peer-to-peer disagreements ✅ Negotiation and influence One of the most powerful ideas from this episode is simple: Conflict handled poorly destroys trust. Conflict handled well builds trust. Great leaders don't avoid hard conversations. They learn how to have them with courage, humility, and clarity. The goal of this podcast is to equip leaders with practical wisdom and biblical principles that help them grow in character, purpose, and impact—so they can lead with integrity at work, at home, and in their communities. Whether you're a business leader, entrepreneur, manager, ministry leader, or emerging leader, this episode will help you communicate more effectively, build stronger relationships, and navigate conflict with confidence. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, personal growth, communication, and faith-driven influence. Support the show

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

The Today Counts Show is about leadership. It’s about shaping healthy leaders, relationships, and workplaces. It’s about re-imaging leadership within three dimensions: your person, your people, and your place. This triad of thought and life is informed by theology, psychology, biology, philosophy, sociology, and any discipline that contributes to the shaping of leadership character.