Shows
The Unshakeable LifeIs AI Stealing Your Voice? (A Reality Check for 2026)Episode Summary: It’s 2026. The novelty of AI has worn off, and the fear that robots would "take our jobs" turned out to be wrong. They didn't take our manual labor—they started taking our voice.In this episode, Jim Burgoon draws a hard line in the sand between using a tool and surrendering to it. We are drowning in "good enough" content, but we are starving for human connection. Jim breaks down why "fast" content often leads to shallow impact and shares a wild personal story about the moment he had to "rebuke" ChatGPT for...
2026-01-2719 minThe Unshakeable Life5 Subtle Mistakes That Keep You Stuck (and What to Do Instead)Episode Summary: Most people who feel stuck aren't lazy. They aren't faithless. And they aren't broken. They are usually repeating a few quiet patterns that feel responsible but are actually killing their momentum.In this episode, Jim comes to you fresh from Podfest 2026 with a "Real Talk" update. He breaks down the 5 subtle mistakes that keep high-achievers circling the same mountain—from "waiting for clarity" to the spiritual bypass of "false peace."If you feel like you are constantly starting, stopping, praying, and planning—but never actually moving—this episode is your wake-up call...
2026-01-2123 minThe Unshakeable LifeFrom "Weird Kid" to Agency Owner: Finding Success in a NicheEpisode Summary: We live in a world of noise. Marketers tell you to build a 5-step funnel, hustle harder, and cancel your Netflix. But what if the secret to success isn't doing more, but finding the specific path that works for you?In this episode, Jim sits down with Jamie Samples, owner of Yellow Barn Media. Jamie has spent 15 years running a successful marketing agency in a super-specific niche (the horse industry) while managing a hobby farm, a family, and high-functioning ADHD.They have a raw, "clear as mud" conversation about the messy...
2026-01-1328 min
Heat Up Your Retreats with Amanda HietterWhat do you do when your voice has been taken from you?In this deeply honest and powerful episode of Heat Up Your Retreats, I sit down with Jim Burgoon, founder of Lead with Jim, to talk about leadership, identity, healing from trauma, and what it really means to lead from a place of authenticity.Jim shares his personal story of growing up in constant struggle, walking through trauma, and being diagnosed with complex PTSD — and how, for much of his life, his voice was silenced. Not just ignored… but actively taken from him. Through his journey of faith, healing, and growth, Jim discovered that one of the biggest batt...
2026-01-0829 minThe Unshakeable LifeWhy Resolutions Fail (And the 90-Day Plan That WorksEpisode Summary:Did you know that most resolutions die by January 17th? The reason is simple: Resolutions are just wishes attached to a calendar date. We treat January 1st like a magic portal that will change our personality, but by week three, the motivation fades and the old habits return.In this first episode of 2026, Jim Burgoon breaks down why "hype" fails and gives you a boring, tactical plan that actually works. We are ditching the year-long promises and building a 90-Day System based on clarity, tiny actions, and real accountability.If you...
2026-01-0722 minThe Unshakeable LifeBreaking the Cycle: 5 Lessons From 2025 to Leave BehindEpisode Summary: We usually end the year with a victory lap. We talk about the wins, the revenue, and the growth. But if we’re being honest, the most important lessons usually come from a face-plant.In this final episode of 2025, Jim Burgoon shares the "Ugly Truths" of the past year. From realizing that his "discipline" was actually fear dressed up as productivity, to a major health crash that came from ignoring his body's limits, Jim holds nothing back.If you want to walk into 2026 with a new foundation instead of just a ne...
2025-12-3023 minThe Unshakeable LifeWhy Christmas Isn't a Hallmark Movie: The Untold TruthsEpisode Summary: We have sanitized the Christmas story. We’ve turned it into a cozy postcard with silent nights, clean stables, and a glowing baby that never cries. But the real Christmas story wasn't cozy—it was chaotic, confusing, and messy.In this special Christmas episode, Jim Burgoon offers a fresh perspective on the nativity. We dive into five principles hidden in the chaos of Christmas—from why God chose the night shift workers first, to why obedience often requires confusion.If you are frantically trying to finish...
2025-12-2318 minThe Unshakeable LifeGod Did Not Hire You: Breaking the Cycle of Spiritual Burnout.Episode Summary:We often feel exhausted in the name of serving God, yet strangely far from His heart. We pray, we serve, and we show up for everyone, but inside, we are slowly burning out. We assume this exhaustion is just the cost of faithfulness, but what if it’s actually a sign of a deeper disconnection?In this episode, Jim Burgoon unpacks the critical difference between Working FOR God and Working WITH God. While one preposition leads to strain and bitterness, the other leads to steadiness and increase. Jim dives deep into the "Employee Mi...
2025-12-1725 minThe Unshakeable LifeStop Feeling Guilty for Doing Less: The "Minimum Viable" StrategyEpisode Summary:We live in a culture that equates Volume with Value. We believe the lie that if we aren't giving 100% intensity, we shouldn't show up at all. This "All-or-Nothing" mindset is killing our consistency and fueling an epidemic of burnout.In this episode, Jim Burgoon tackles the "Guilt of Doing Less" head-on. Whether you are navigating a health flare-up, grief, or just plain exhaustion, Jim offers a specific framework to stop the shame spiral. You’ll learn the 5 Guilt Triggers that keep you trapped, the theology of the Widow’s Mite (and why Jesus valu...
2025-12-0923 minThe Unshakeable LifeWhy Your Feelings Might Mislead You: A New PerspectiveEpisode Summary:We live in a culture that disciples us daily with the advice to "follow your heart" and "live your truth." But for a leader carrying real responsibility, this advice is dangerous. If you only did what you felt like doing, your inbox, your marriage, and your walk with God would likely be a dumpster fire.In this episode, Jim challenges the cultural mantra of "follow your heart" and breaks down why your emotions are meant to be gauges, not guides. Jim dives into the theology of the heart, the psychology of self-sabotage, and...
2025-12-0221 minThe Unshakeable LifeGratitude Breaks Anxiety: How Christian Leaders Leverage Thankfulness for BreakthroughEpisode Summary:Leading a business or ministry often feels heavy. The human brain is wired for survival, meaning we default to detecting threats rather than seeing blessings. In this episode, Jim dives into why gratitude isn't just a mood—it is a spiritual safeguard and a leadership strategy.Jim breaks down the science of the "negativity bias," the theology of thanksgiving as warfare, and the four major pressures every leader faces that gratitude can disarm. If you are struggling with anxiety, feeling like you haven't "done enough," or carrying the crushing weight of outcomes, this ep...
2025-11-2624 minThe Unshakeable LifeLeading on Empty: Showing Up on Low-Energy DaysEpisode SummaryOn the days when your mind is foggy, your body is tired, and your energy runs thin, leadership feels heavier than usual. In this honest, unpolished, and deeply human episode, Jim speaks from a place of real exhaustion to answer a question every faith-driven creator and leader faces: What do you do when your capacity is low, but responsibilities remain?If you're navigating chronic illness, mental fatigue, autoimmune flare days, or simply the weight of life, this conversation will steady your spirit. Jim unpacks the cultural pressure to be “always on,” the internal guil...
2025-11-1822 minThe Unshakeable LifeIt's Okay Not to Be Okay: Embracing Radical Acceptance and Building Your Life with Richard KaufmanEpisode Summary:What does it take to lead when you feel like you're falling apart? In this raw and unfiltered conversation, Jim sits down with Richard Kaufman—The Comeback Coach, a veteran, and a Christian leader who has navigated a 36-year recovery journey, bipolar disorder, and a past suicide attempt to build a life of profound impact.This episode is a masterclass in resilience for any leader who feels broken, burnt out, or alone. Richard shares his powerful story of how a moment of crisis became the catalyst for his calling, how he manages his me...
2025-11-1124 min
School of Influence4 Essential Habits of HUMBLE Leaders You Can't IgnoreWhat if true influence isn’t built on platforms—but on people? In this powerful conversation, Devin Schubert (The Man in Orange) sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and entrepreneur Jim Burgoon, to unpack the raw truth about identity, leadership, and the healing journey behind authentic influence.Jim shares his powerful transformation story—from atheist and witch to faith-filled leader—and how decades of ministry, business, and personal hardship taught him what real leadership looks like: healing while leading, not waiting until you’re perfect to start. Together, they explore how to stay grounded in charact...
2025-11-061h 00The Unshakeable LifeWhy We Self-Sabotage and How to Break Free!Episode Summary:Do you have a brilliant idea or a clear calling from God, only to find yourself stuck in a cycle of procrastination and perfectionism? This isn't a character flaw—it's self-sabotage, and it's one of the most common struggles for Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators. Jim Burgoon reveals that this behavior is often a symptom of a much deeper wound: self-abandonment.In this episode, discover why it feels safer to control your own failure than to risk public success. Learn to spot the three biggest warning signs in your life and uncover a si...
2025-11-0420 minThe Unshakeable LifeFrom Burnout to Bliss: Reclaiming Your Life One Step at a TimeEpisode Summary:Are you living in "functional burnout"—doing the motions but feeling empty inside? This episode is a lifeline for Christian leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators caught in the cycle of hustle culture and over-functioning. Jim Burgoon breaks down the signs of burnout, shares his personal experience with trauma and C-PTSD, and reveals why you can't just "rest your way" out of exhaustion.Discover a powerful 4-part framework for recovery, learn why Jesus is the ultimate model for stress management, and understand the difference between being "fixed" and being "made whole." The antidote to burnout is...
2025-10-2815 minThe Unshakeable LifeFinding Your Rhythm: The Biblical Alternative to Work-Life Balance💡 Episode SummaryAre you tired of chasing the myth of "work-life balance"? In this game-changing episode, Jim Burgoon reveals why this popular concept is a perfectionist trap that leads to exhaustion, and offers a powerful, biblical alternative: living in your divine rhythm. Blending psychology and scripture, Jim explains how to shift from a life of anxious control to one of surrendered peace. This episode is a lifeline for any leader, entrepreneur, or creator who is ready to stop juggling and start living with purpose, presence, and a sustainable pace.🧭 Key TakeawaysBalance is a myth...
2025-10-2216 min
Taboo Talk with SarahEpisode 39 Overfunctioning, Faith & Fighting to Stay: A Real Talk with Jim Burgoon🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways:How chronic illness and high-functioning depression go unseen for decades The unspoken reality of being a caregiver to someone with mental illness How faith, rest, and community became lifelines for Jim and his family The danger of religious labels and why identity must start with Christ Why the Church needs to step up and talk about mental health What it really means to rest, surrender, and live anchored in hope 💬 Quotes to Remember:“I don’t like you, God… but...
2025-10-2146 min
The Laptop Lifestyle Dad ShowEpisode 1 Legacy Over Applause: Becoming a Leader Who Lasts with Jim Burgoon🔑 Top Takeaways:🔥 True leadership is forged in the trenches, not on the stage. 🛠️ Evaluated experience, not just experience, produces wisdom. 👣 Legacy is created through daily, intentional decisions, not grand gestures. 🚫 The villain in leadership is often ego, consumerism, and character neglect. 🌱 You can’t grow a healthy community if you’re not growing as an individual. 💬 Memorable Quotes:"Your gift might get you on the stage, but your character is what keeps you there." – Jim Burgoon "Legacy isn’t what people say when you die. It’s ho...
2025-10-1647 minThe Unshakeable LifeWhen God Says “Go”: How to Lead with Wholeness and Faith with Shylla Webb💡 Episode SummaryWhat happens when God asks you to walk away from everything safe and start over?In this deeply honest conversation, leadership coach and consultant Shylla Webb joins Jim to share her powerful story of waking up at 3 a.m. with a clear word from God: “Resign.” That single moment launched a journey from burnout and fear to holistic, Spirit-led leadership.Together, they unpack what it means to integrate faith into your leadership, navigate the unknown with courage, and transform betrayal and heartbreak into gratitude and growth...
2025-10-1426 minThe Unshakeable LifeStop Running from Your Pain: The Truth About Healing and LegacyEpisode SummaryIn this raw and deeply personal episode of The Unshakable Life, Jim shares his talk from The Mountain Summit, where he opened up about grief, trauma, and the cost of running from pain. Through faith-filled storytelling and practical truth, Jim reveals how avoidance keeps us stuck, how grief really works, and how healing becomes the foundation of the legacy God wants to build through us.If you’ve been numbing out, overworking, or pretending you’re okay when you’re not — this message is for you. It’s an invitation to stop ru...
2025-10-0727 minThe Unshakeable LifeThroat-Punched by Life? Here's How to Get Up Again!Episode SummaryWhat do you do when life throat-punches you for the 50th time and you feel like staying down? In this episode of The Unshakeable Life, Jim Burgoon gets brutally honest about exhaustion, burnout, and failure—and the one thing that keeps us standing when everything else crumbles.Drawing from personal stories of ministry wounds, entrepreneurial failures, and even the grief of losing his mom, Jim shares why falling doesn’t disqualify you from God’s calling. Instead, Scripture reminds us we may be struck down, but not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:9). With raw ho...
2025-09-3018 min
Today's Business Leaders with Gabe ArnoldHealing Your Inner Self to Achieve External Success with Jim Burgoon (Episode 157)What does it take to build a business (and a life) that actually makes a difference?In this episode of Today's Business Leaders, Gabe Arnold sits down with long-time entrepreneur Jim Burgoon. Jim shares lessons from his journey through early entrepreneurship, personal setbacks, and the hardest year of his life—ultimately leading him to his true calling: helping others become the best version of themselves.Today, Jim runs “Lead With Jim,” a faith-based creative strategy business where he helps creators move from idea to execution—whether it’s launching a podcast, building a platform, or creating t...
2025-09-2338 minThe Unshakeable LifeThe Unshakable Life: Why This Podcast Exists and Who It’s ForEpisode Summary:In this kickoff manifesto episode, Jim shares the story behind The Unshakable Life, why burnout and people-pleasing are crushing leaders, and the five pillars to build a life that cannot be shaken.Episode Description:Everything isn’t falling apart—it’s falling into place.In this manifesto episode, Jim Burgoon unpacks the journey behind The Unshakable Life podcast and why he felt called to rebrand and refocus. From pastoral ministry to marketplace missions, from failures in business to building resilience throug...
2025-09-2317 minThe Unshakeable LifeFaith-Driven Resilience: Bouncing Back from SetbacksEpisode SummarySetbacks don’t just drain your bank account or momentum—they hit your identity. In this raw and practical episode, Jim unpacks the hidden weight of setbacks, the emotional and psychological toll they take, and how faith reframes the entire story.From surviving trauma to navigating chronic illness and failed business attempts, Jim shares how resilience isn’t about pretending you’re unshakable—it’s about learning to wrestle with shame, cut loose the anchors of the past, and step into the identity God speaks over you.If you’ve ever...
2025-09-1720 minThe Unshakeable LifeFaith and Focus: Staying Committed in a Distracted WorldEpisode SummaryWhat’s the #1 tactic the enemy uses when he can’t defeat you? Distraction. In this episode, Jim explores why distractions are more than just lost time—they rob you of clarity, creativity, and calling. From the “rocking chair effect” of busyness that feels like progress but goes nowhere, to perfectionism and the fear of being seen, Jim unpacks both the psychological and spiritual sides of distraction. Anchored in Hebrews 12 and Ephesians 5, this conversation will challenge you to refocus, lay down your shiny objects, and take one step closer to your God-given mission.
2025-09-0918 minThe Unshakeable LifeBoundaries Aren't Just Buzzwords: Practical Ways to Protect Your PeaceHow to set healthy boundaries without guilt, protect your peace, and create with freedom as a faith-driven leader.Episode OverviewWhat is something every creator needs, many talk about, but few actually enforce? Boundaries.In this episode, Jim unpacks why boundaries are essential for your mental, emotional, and spiritual health—and why defining them isn’t enough. You’ll discover what it looks like to actually enforce your non-negotiables, how to handle resistance (especially from family), and how saying “no” without guilt frees you to say “yes” to God’s calling.
2025-09-0221 minThe Unshakeable LifeInfluencer Secrets: What They Won't Tell You!Episode Summary:Influence looks shiny on Instagram—but what you don’t see are the hidden costs. In this episode of Online Business for Christian Creators, Jim exposes 7 dark realities of chasing influence—from applause addiction to curated vulnerability, clout-chasing, burnout, and brand silencing.But this isn’t just a takedown of influencers. You’ll also hear the flipside: how to build influence that actually lasts, rooted in relational leadership, Kingdom purpose, and integrity.If you’ve ever wondered “Am I chasing influence the wrong way?”—this episode will give you the clarity and courage to lea...
2025-08-2620 minThe Unshakeable LifeLife Feels Too Heavy? What Nobody Tells You About Burnout & CallingDescription:If you’ve ever felt like life was unbearably heavy—so heavy you wanted to quit—you’re not alone. In this raw and practical episode, Jim Burgoon opens up about depression, burnout, and what Scripture and psychology both reveal about navigating soul-tired seasons.Through biblical truth, psychological research, and lived experience, Jim shares why heaviness doesn’t disqualify you from your calling—and the surprising truth nobody tells you about depression and burnout.This isn’t a pep talk. This is a roadmap to rise again.🔑 E...
2025-08-1923 minThe Unshakeable LifePeople Pleasing Is Hurting Your Calling: How to Say No & Chase God’s PurposeDescription:People pleasing isn’t kindness — it’s often a slow drain on your calling, your health, and your walk with God. In this episode, Jim unpacks the psychology behind approval addiction, the biblical truth about boundaries, and why saying “no” might be the most spiritual word in your vocabulary.You’ll discover how to protect your alignment, break free from chains of constant “yes,” and move from earning love to living loved — so you can step fully into the purpose God designed for you.Key Insights:The Psychology o...
2025-08-1222 minThe Unshakeable LifeBroken Anchors, Renewed Minds: How Biblical Truth Shattered My ‘No Talent’ Lie and Unlocked My PotentialDescription:Ever wonder why the stories you keep telling yourself seem to hold you back? You’re not alone.In this milestone episode, Jim Burgoon digs deep into the anchor points—the repeated stories that shape your mindset and ultimately your life. From battling the lie “I have no talent” to confronting scarcity and performance traps, Jim unpacks three faith-based mindset shifts that unlock your God-given potential.If you’re a Christian creator, entrepreneur, or leader struggling with insecurity, scarcity, or feeling stuck, this episode is your call to break free and step fully into...
2025-08-0523 minThe Unshakeable LifeLeading when Life Feels Like a MessyDescription:Ever feel like your life is too messy to lead anything meaningful? You’re not alone.In today’s raw and timely episode, Jim Burgoon gets honest about what it really looks like to lead, create, and build when your behind-the-scenes life feels like chaos. From chronic illness and burnout to self-doubt and spiritual fatigue, Jim unpacks why your imperfections don’t disqualify your mission—they may actually refine it.This one is for the leader who’s still healing. The entrepreneur who’s still battling. The creative...
2025-07-2923 minThe Unshakeable LifeYou’re Not Lazy—You’re Just MisalignedDescription:What if your exhaustion isn't because you're lazy… but because you're misaligned?In this raw and eye-opening episode, Jim Burgoon challenges the productivity-obsessed mindset so many faith-driven leaders carry—and offers a better way. Through Scripture, real talk, and lived experience, Jim unpacks the 3 types of misalignment that keep Christian creators burned out, unfocused, and disconnected from God’s rhythm.Whether you feel like you're failing your calling, falling behind, or just plain tired… this episode is your permission to pause—and recalibrate with God.🔑 Key I...
2025-07-2220 minThe Unshakeable LifeLeading on Empty – A Survival Guide for the Leader Who Can’t Stop🎧 Episode DescriptionHave you ever looked at your calendar and realized you booked every minute—even your rest? Jim Burgoon shares his own burnout story and introduces REST, a four-step framework to help leaders recognize red flags, evaluate energy gaps, schedule micro-rests (and mini-Sabbaths), and team up for accountability. If you’re leading on empty, this episode gives you practical, Scripture-anchored habits to reclaim your strength and lead with purpose.🔑 Key TakeawaysREST Framework: Remember R.E.S.T. – Recognize, Evaluate, Schedule, Team.Recognize Red Flags: Watch for exhaustion that won’t break and a...
2025-07-1521 minThe Unshakeable LifeThe Lie of More — Why Doing Less Leads to Greater Impact🔥 Episode Summary“If the algorithm is your master, then burnout will be your reward.”In this raw and timely episode, Jim Burgoon exposes the hidden cost of hustle culture for Christian creators—and offers a better way. You’ll discover why doing less, with more intentionality, leads to deeper impact, greater clarity, and Spirit-led momentum in your business.Whether you're overwhelmed by content pressure, burned out by trying to "stay consistent," or wondering if rest is even allowed—this episode gives you permission to stop striving and start building from a place of pe...
2025-07-0820 minThe Unshakeable LifeFrom Deconstruction to Redemption – Julie Chenell’s Journey Through Faith, Failure, and the building of Funnel GorgeousWhat if God never left—even when you did?In this raw and redemptive episode, I sit down with Julie Chenell, co-founder of Funnel Gorgeous, to talk about the real story behind the funnels, the faith, and the fire.We go far beyond business into the depths of postpartum depression, divorce, church trauma, spiritual deconstruction, and how God pursued Julie even when she walked away. From building a multi-million-dollar business in survival mode to rebuilding her spiritual foundation through logic, AI, and grace—this conversation is everything.If y...
2025-06-3028 minThe Unshakeable LifeIs Your Business Idea GOD-Approved, Or Just a Good Idea with Christian Flavoring?💡 Episode SummaryHalf of all new businesses fail within the first 3–5 years—not because the idea was bad, but because it wasn’t from God.In today’s episode, Jim breaks down the difference between a “good idea” and a “God idea.” Using a four-part spiritual checklist grounded in Scripture and personal experience, you’ll learn how to discern whether your business idea aligns with God's purpose—or just your personal ambition. Plus, Jim shares a powerful testimony of when he got it wrong and what it cost him.If you're a faith...
2025-06-2322 minThe Unshakeable LifeStuck? Let’s Talk About Why You Feel Not Ready (But You Are!)👋 About This EpisodeWhat if you’re not stuck because you’re unprepared… but because you’re zoomed in too close?In this episode of Online Business for Christian Creatives, Jim challenges the lie that you're not ready and reveals how overthinking, fear, and perfectionism cloud our view of what God is doing. You’ll learn how to trust God's bigger picture, take bold action in your business, and shift from anxiety to alignment—even when the path feels unclear.This one’s for every Christian entrepreneur feeling pressure to figure it all out before moving...
2025-06-1624 min