The Ryan Leak Podcast: Episode Summary – "Lifequakes"
Podcast Information
- Title: The Ryan Leak Podcast
- Host: Ryan Leak
- Episode: Lifequakes
- Release Date: May 26, 2025
- Description: Ryan Leak, a dynamic speaker, executive coach, and best-selling author, shares insights on leadership, personal growth, and professional development. This episode, titled "Lifequakes," delves into disruptive life events and how to navigate them with resilience and support.
Introduction to Lifequakes
In the opening moments of the episode, Ryan Leak introduces the concept of a "lifequake," a term popularized by Bruce Fieler in his book Life is in the Transitions. Ryan explains that a lifequake is akin to an earthquake—a massive, disruptive event that fundamentally alters the foundation of one's life, requiring a significant rebuild.
Ryan Leak [00:00]: "A life quake, as you can imagine, similar to an earthquake. He describes it as a massive disruptive life event that shakes your world. Not just a bump in the road, but a full-on earthquake that cracks the foundation of your life and demands a rebuild."
Reflecting on his personal experience, Ryan shares his lifequake from fifth grade when his father suffered a stroke, drastically changing his family's dynamics and outlook.
Ryan Leak [00:47]: "I had my first life quake when I was in the fifth grade. My dad suffered a stroke and in an instant our whole world changed."
Identifying Your Lifequake
Ryan invites listeners to contemplate their own lifequakes, ranging from personal losses, relationship breakdowns, mental health struggles, to professional setbacks. He emphasizes that lifequakes are unpredictable and often leave individuals feeling directionless amid the chaos.
Ryan Leak [02:10]: "The interesting thing about life quakes is they don't announce themselves. They don't give a warning. They just show up. And suddenly everything that you thought was solid starts shaking."
Navigating Lifequakes: Two Essential Tools
1. Anchoring Your Soul
The first tool Ryan discusses is the importance of having an "anchor for your soul." He underscores the inevitability of facing both highs and lows in life and the necessity of having a steadfast foundation to rely on during turbulent times.
Ryan Leak [03:20]: "You need an anchor for your soul. Because life is going to give you highs and life is going to give you lows. There will be sunshine and storms."
For Ryan, his anchor is his faith in Jesus Christ, which provides stability and hope when everything else seems to be falling apart.
Ryan Leak [04:05]: "For me, it's Jesus Christ. My faith in him has been the steady hand on my back through it all. When I cannot stand on my own, he holds me up."
He encourages listeners to identify their own anchors, which could be faith, personal values, or other sources of strength that keep them grounded.
Ryan Leak [05:00]: "At some point, I think you have to ask yourself, what's going to be the anchor for your soul?"
2. Having Someone to Sit with You in the Dark
The second essential tool Ryan highlights is the presence of someone who will "sit with you in the dark." Drawing inspiration from the Marvel movie Thunderbolts, he narrates a powerful scene where a character named Yelena reaches out to another character, Sentry, during his darkest moments.
Ryan Leak [07:15]: "She doesn't run away from his darkness. She steps into it. She moves toward him. While everyone else is backing away, she is the one stepping in."
This act of companionship and unwavering support resonates with Ryan, illustrating the profound impact of having someone who won't shy away from your struggles but instead stands by you, offering comfort and solidarity.
Ryan Leak [09:30]: "We all have days and months and even years when the darkness just feels louder than the light. And we all could use someone like Yelena, someone who won't flinch at our worst."
A Call to Action: Offering Support and Seeking Help
Towards the end of the episode, Ryan extends a heartfelt invitation to listeners who may be experiencing a lifequake. He offers personal support through prayer and encourages listeners to reach out if they need someone to lean on.
Ryan Leak [13:45]: "Would you text me? I send out an encouraging text every single week to about 22,000 people as of today's recording. And if you are going through a lifequake right now and you need somebody to pray for you, I got you."
Additionally, Ryan advises against trying to fix others during their darkest times. Instead, he advocates for being present and offering unwavering support, akin to Yelena's role in Thunderbolts.
Ryan Leak [16:20]: "Don't fix them. Don't rush them. I would encourage you to just be with them. Sit with them. Dare I say walk toward the darkness, not away from it."
Conclusion
Ryan wraps up the episode by reinforcing the importance of sharing inspiration and support. He encourages listeners to pass on the episode to someone in need and to engage with his supportive community through subscribing and receiving encouraging text messages.
Ryan Leak [19:10]: "If today's episode inspired you, don't keep it to yourself. If you have a friend that's going through something and you need to pass this on, I think this would be the perfect episode to do that."
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding Lifequakes: Recognize that lifequakes are significant, unexpected events that disrupt your life, necessitating a strong foundation to rebuild upon.
- Anchor Your Soul: Identify and cultivate a source of stability—be it faith, values, or personal strengths—to navigate through life's upheavals.
- Seek and Offer Support: Whether seeking help or supporting others, the presence of a compassionate companion can make a profound difference during challenging times.
- Be Present, Not Just a Fixer: Offer unwavering support without the pressure to solve others' problems, simply being there in their moments of darkness.
Notable Quotes:
- "You need an anchor for your soul." – Ryan Leak [03:20]
- "Don't fix them. Don't rush them. I would encourage you to just be with them." – Ryan Leak [16:20]
- "We all have days and months and even years when the darkness just feels louder than the light." – Ryan Leak [09:30]
Support Ryan Leak:
- Subscribe: To receive more inspiring episodes and text messages, text "podcast" to 469-880-91201.
- Connect: For personal support or to share your lifequake story, text "prayer" to 469-809-1201.
Final Thoughts "Lifequakes" is a compelling episode that offers deep insights into coping with life's unexpected disruptions. Ryan Leak masterfully intertwines personal anecdotes, relatable examples, and actionable advice, making it a valuable listen for anyone seeking strength and support during tumultuous times.