Podcast
The Joy of Leadership
Hosted by Dr. James Taylor · EN
Welcome to the Joy of Leadership Podcast with your host, Dr. James Taylor. On this podcast, we explore the passion and purpose of leadership. We do so by talking with recognized leaders who do not merely have jobs, but men and women who are called to their chosen sphere of influence.
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep. 62 – Discipleship Through Drama (Lee Glover)
4d ago00:53:12Tap to summarizeIn Episode 62 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Lee Glover, drama teacher at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss the remarkable year of productions that have graced the stage, then explore Lee’s faith and professional journey that led her to HCA. They conclude their conversation by looking ahead to the future of the drama program.Ep. 62 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:41) 2025-26 shows(4:54) Discipleship at the forefront(13:46) Upheaval and finding Jesus(26:15) Finding direction(34:35) Path to HCA(42:21) Future of drama at HCA (51:45) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 61 – The Weight of Excellence (Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix)
May 600:47:21Tap to summarizeIn Episode 61 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sophia Burnet and Sarah Mix, the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026 at Hebron Christian Academy. Both are headed to Emory University in the fall. They reflect on their combined 23 years at HCA, sharing the successes and challenges they experienced throughout their academic journeys. They also discuss the cost of success they observed during their high school careers.Ep. 61 BreakdownSophia(0:00) Introduction(1:50) High school experience(4:33) Favorite teachers(7:09) What’s next?(10:45) The cost of success(12:33) Impactful failures(13:37) Leadership goals(15:58) “What would you do differently?”(17:28) A life well-livedSarah(19:12) Introduction(20:25) Passion for French(23:09) Debate Club(25:27) Mock Trial(27:15) What’s next?(30:54) Educational path(35:54) “Who are you becoming?”(38:00) The risks of excellence(39:44) Faith through disappointment(43:07) Advice to younger self(46:06) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 60 – More Than Basketball (Coach Christi Thomas)
Apr 2400:54:10Tap to summarizeIn Episode 60 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Christi Thomas, the new Head Girls Basketball Coach at Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Christi’s extensive basketball background, including her time playing at Buford High School, the University of Georgia, and professionally in the WNBA and overseas. They also explore her faith journey and how God worked in her life after she stepped away from basketball. Finally, Christi shares her excitement about stepping into a role where she can place her faith at the forefront of her coaching.Ep. 60 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:37) Life is more than basketball(4:50) Early life and upbringing(10:36) College recruitment process(18:02) Balancing athletics and academics(22:58) Path to the WNBA(25:44) International experiences(36:42) Finding purpose after basketball(41:01) Turning point in faith(49:50) The next chapter at HCAIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)
Apr 100:48:28Tap to summarizeEp. 59 – Hope Against Trafficking (Emily Leatherbarrow)In Episode 59 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Emily Leatherbarrow, President and Founder of Sisters of Grace, a ministry in Northern Thailand that provides a safe haven for girls at risk of human trafficking in the surrounding region. They discuss the mission and vision of Sisters of Grace, her personal calling into ministry, Hebron Christian Academy’s partnership with the organization to open a Christian school in Thailand, and the sobering reality of human trafficking around the world today.Ep. 59 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:54) About Sisters of Grace(10:58) Emily’s upbringing and background(24:00) Entering the mission field(30:56) Operations in Thailand(34:03) Future plans for expansion(40:20) Combatting human traffickingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 58 – The Chapter After Football (Malcolm Mitchell)
Mar 400:53:57Tap to summarizeIn Episode 58 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Malcolm Mitchell, former UGA football standout, NFL Super Bowl Champion, author, and literacy advocate. They discuss his journey from a football-centered childhood in Valdosta, Georgia, to becoming a Super Bowl champion and passionate advocate for literacy. Malcolm shares how faith, family, and key mentors shaped his life, how learning to love reading transformed his future, and why setbacks and injuries opened the door to a deeper purpose beyond sports.Ep. 58 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:25) Promoting literacy for kids(1:52) Upbringing and early life(6:11) Faith’s impact(19:28) College recruitment & experiences(26:50) Joining a book club(30:42) NFL stories(47:00) Share the Magic Foundation & current projects(51:26) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 57 – What’s Important Now? (Coach Quentin Davie)
Feb 400:54:41Tap to summarizeIn Episode 57 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Quentin Davie, the new Head Football Coach of Hebron Christian Academy. They discuss Coach Q’s upbringing and background as a college and professional football player, as well as his experience coaching at the high school level. The conversation also explores his spiritual life and his desire to point young men to Jesus through football. Finally, they examine his transition into this new role and the future of Hebron football.Ep. 57 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:39) Upbringing and athletic background(7:16) College recruitment process(15:26) High school & college football career(22:35) Faith journey(25:01) NFL Draft disappointment(32:30) Career after football(36:13) Stepping into the head coach role(45:42) Looking ahead to next season(51:18) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 56 – Seeking Authenticity in the Music Industry (Garrett Adair)
Dec 300:48:41Tap to summarizeIn Episode 56 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Nashville-based musician and recording artist Garrett Adair. They discuss life in Nashville and the grind of launching a music career in today’s industry, as well as the growing desire for authenticity in a world increasingly shaped by AI-generated music. Garrett also shares insights into his creative process and explains how his faith in Christ is woven into every part of his journey as he writes, records, and tours.Ep. 56 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:34) Life in Nashville & Marriage(6:26) Crafting a career in music(17:01) Craving authenticity(21:19) Embracing vulnerability(26:50) Garrett’s songwriting process(34:32) Touring and the music industry(40:21) Faith and musicIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 55 – Faith, Family, and 31 Acres (Pastor Anson McMahon)
Nov 501:02:42Tap to summarizeIn episode 55 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Anson McMahon, Lead and Planting Pastor of Emmaus Church. They discuss Emmaus’ recent purchase of 31 acres for the construction of their new church home, the steps Anson takes to avoid burnout and protect his family relationships as a pastor, and his personal faith journey and path to ministry.Ep. 55 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:46) Constructing a new church home(11:11) God’s hand in growth(18:06) Staying fresh(20:45) Honoring the Sabbath(28:12) Guarding against pitfalls(31:46) Prioritizing family(37:02) Anson’s testimony(45:25) Steps to ministry(57:04) Involvement with InTouch MinistriesIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 54 – Water Driven By Purpose (Joel Cobb & Nick Cornwell)
Oct 800:59:30Tap to summarizeIn episode 54 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Joel Cobb and Nick Cornwell, cofounders of H2ALL and Generation U. They discuss the mission of H2ALL and Generation U to address the African water crisis, share their personal backgrounds and journeys, and explore their current operations as well as their vision for the future.Ep. 54 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:36) Founding H2ALL(10:38) Humanitarian efforts(13:56) Nick’s background(21:22) Living with purpose(31:34) Joel’s background(35:35) Operations in Africa(52:00) Vision for the future(54:53) ClosingIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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Ep. 53 – Protecting and Leading (Sgt. Tim Walker)
Sep 300:27:10Tap to summarizeIn episode 53 of The Joy of Leadership podcast, Dr. James Taylor sits down with Sgt. Tim Walker, former Gwinnett County Police officer, current Barrow County Commissioner, and HCA’s Security Supervisor. They discuss his career in law enforcement, his current roles in leadership and service, and the ways faith has guided his life.Ep. 53 Breakdown(0:00) Introduction(0:41) Beginning a political career(6:14) Campaigns he’s participated in(8:50) Key initiatives in Barrow County(12:55) Background and early life(17:04) Serving as a police officer(19:44) The role of faith in his life(21:59) Life as a public figure(23:14) Looking ahead: future plans(24:54) Lessons in leadershipIf you would like to comment on the show or if you know someone who would be a perfect guest, contact us at thejoyofleadership@gmail.com.
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