The Ryan Leak Podcast: Episode Summary - "Yeah, It's Called The Big Leagues"

Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: Ryan Leak
Podcast: The Ryan Leak Podcast
Episode Title: Yeah, It's Called The Big Leagues

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this inspiring episode, Ryan Leak delves into the significance of striving for excellence and refusing to settle for mediocrity. Using the behind-the-scenes journey of creating his book cover for the upcoming release, "How to Work with Complicated People," Ryan illustrates the broader life and professional lessons about pushing beyond comfort zones to achieve greatness.

2. The Challenge of Choosing a Book Cover

Ryan begins by sharing his experience in selecting the perfect book cover for his new book. He acknowledges the difficulty of ensuring that the cover truly represents the essence of his work without merely opting for something "good enough."

"Choosing a book cover, well, it shouldn't be complicated, right? I know it's easy to think a cover like Ryan, it's just a book cover. It's not that big of a deal."
— Ryan Leak [00:00]

Despite having several solid and clean options, Ryan felt an internal dissatisfaction, sensing that these choices were merely satisfactory rather than exceptional.

3. Encountering the Temptation to Settle

Ryan openly discusses the universal struggle of accepting "good enough" solutions, recognizing that while external perceptions might deem it adequate, internally, one often feels there's room for improvement.

"Have you ever been there? That place where you know something could be better but you convince yourself that it's fine just as it is? It'll work."
— Ryan Leak [04:30]

He emphasizes that settling often disguises itself as practicality but is fundamentally rooted in fear—fear of change, fear of inadequacy, or fear of investing more resources.

4. The Influence of Supportive Friends

Acknowledging the importance of a strong support network, Ryan recounts how his friend Whitney played a pivotal role in challenging his complacency.

"Then I had one friend, Whitney. She challenged me. She said, these are all crap, Ryan."
— Ryan Leak [05:30]

Whitney doesn't just offer criticism; she provides actionable solutions by introducing Ryan to Rodrigo, a world-class designer renowned for his work, including Dr. Peter Attia's best-selling book.

5. Embracing the "Big Leagues" Mentality

The term "the big leagues" becomes a central theme, symbolizing a commitment to excellence and a refusal to settle for mediocrity. Whitney's poignant remark underscores this mindset shift.

"Yeah, it's called the big leagues."
— Whitney [06:00]

Ryan reflects on this phrase, recognizing it as a call to elevate his standards and invest in top-tier quality, even if it requires significant effort and resources.

6. The Cost of Excellence and Delaying for Quality

Ryan candidly discusses the financial and emotional investment required to achieve exceptional quality. Despite initial hesitations about the costs associated with Rodrigo's team, Ryan's commitment to excellence prevails.

"For a book cover. Like. Like for a book cover. This is what we want for a book cover. Wow."
— Ryan Leak [07:00]

The journey wasn't smooth. Ryan admits feeling tempted to settle again due to fatigue and logistical challenges, especially when Rodrigo pointed out that the current cover wasn't up to standard.

"If we push back or made any more adjustments, it would mean delaying the book launch again."
— Ryan Leak [14:30]

Ultimately, Ryan decides to delay the book launch by six weeks to ensure the cover met his elevated expectations, a decision he considers crucial for upholding the "big leagues" ethos.

7. Lessons on Growth and Avoiding Complacency

Drawing from Jim Rohn's motivational insights, Ryan emphasizes that true growth stems from embracing challenges and stepping outside one's comfort zone.

"Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."
— Jim Rohn [16:00]

He advocates for setting ambitious goals that not only push boundaries but also foster personal and professional development. This approach ensures that individuals continually evolve rather than remain stagnant.

8. Practical Steps to Avoid Settling

Towards the episode's conclusion, Ryan offers actionable advice for listeners aiming to elevate their standards and embrace the big leagues mentality:

1. Identify Areas of Settling: Reflect on aspects of your life where you've accepted "good enough."
2. Seek Feedback: Consult trusted individuals who can provide honest insights into where you might be compromising.
3. Take Bold Steps: Commit to actions that stretch your capabilities and foster growth, such as investing in better resources or stepping into challenging projects.

"Set goals that force you to become someone better in the process."
— Ryan Leak [20:00]

9. The Power of Supportive Relationships

Ryan underscores the invaluable role that friends and peers play in preventing complacency. By surrounding yourself with individuals who challenge and inspire you, you create an environment conducive to continuous improvement.

"Perhaps the bigger takeaway from today now isn't about book covers, but it's actually about friends who don't let you play small."
— Ryan Leak [19:30]

10. Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up, Ryan encourages listeners to adopt the big leagues mindset in their daily lives, pushing beyond mere adequacy to strive for excellence in all endeavors. He invites listeners to share the episode, pre-order his upcoming book, and engage with his weekly encouraging texts for ongoing inspiration.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Ryan Leak [00:00]:

  "Welcome to the Ryan Leak podcast where we keep things short and sweet and practical for you. Just try to give you a little small nugget of inspiration for your week."

• Ryan Leak [04:30]:

  "Have you ever been there? That place where you know something could be better but you convince yourself that it's fine just as it is? It'll work."

• Whitney [06:00]:

  "Yeah, it's called the big leagues."

• Ryan Leak [07:00]:

  "For a book cover. Like. Like for a book cover. This is what we want for a book cover. Wow."

• Ryan Leak [14:30]:

  "If we push back or made any more adjustments, it would mean delaying the book launch again."

• Jim Rohn [16:00]:

  "Don't wish it were easier, wish you were better."

• Ryan Leak [19:30]:

  "Perhaps the bigger takeaway from today now isn't about book covers, but it's actually about friends who don't let you play small."

• Ryan Leak [20:00]:

  "Set goals that force you to become someone better in the process."

Final Thoughts

"Yeah, It's Called The Big Leagues" serves as a compelling reminder of the importance of striving for excellence in all aspects of life. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, Ryan Leak motivates listeners to challenge their limitations, seek superior quality, and surround themselves with supportive, growth-oriented individuals. This episode is a testament to the belief that playing in the big leagues isn't just about achieving success; it's about the relentless pursuit of personal and professional betterment.