Podcast
The Worship Catalyst Podcast
Hosted by Worship Catalyst · EN
The Worship Catalyst Podcast is a podcast designed to train and inspire you to be a more godly leader. Each season, Austin and a co-host dive into different topics about worship.
Season 1: Sports & Worship Leading w/co-host Stephen Handley
Season 2: From Attending to Encountering God w/co-host Corey Coogan
Season 3: What Worship Leaders Need to Know from Seminary w/co-host Stephen Handley
The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches through training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams.
For more information:
Website: www.worshipcatalyst.com
Facebook: facebook.com/worshipcatalyst
Instagram: instagram.com/worshipcatalyst
Youtube: youtube.com/worshipcatalyst
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The Worship Catalyst Podcast used to be called the Worship Leader Essentials podcast! You can still find all previous episodes here!
13episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Engaging the Congregation in Worship
1w ago00:24:28Tap to summarizeLeading worship isn’t just about singing songs—it’s about engaging people with God.In this final episode of the season, Austin Ryan and Jaren Mooring talk about what it really means to lead a congregation in worship that connects, moves, and points people toward Jesus.You’ll learn:-How to recognize real engagement in a congregation-Ways to prepare spiritually and practically for leading-Tools for connecting from the platform (speaking, prayer, Scripture)-How relationships off the platform impact leadership on it-The role of song selection in engagement-How to involve your team in the responsibility of leading peopleIf you want your worship leadership to go beyond performance and truly connect with people, this episode is for you.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →Leading Worship Band Practice Well
3w ago00:24:15Tap to summarizeBand practice happens every week—but not every rehearsal is effective.In this episode, Austin Ryan and Jaren Mooring break down what it actually takes to lead a productive, engaging, and spiritually healthy worship rehearsal.They cover: How to prepare for band practice as a leader How to get your team to come prepared Structuring rehearsals for efficiency and growth Balancing musical excellence with discipleship Creating space for creativity while maintaining direction Keeping your team motivated and improving If you’ve ever felt like rehearsals could be better—or you’re not sure what “good” looks like—this episode gives you practical tools you can apply immediately.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →A Week in the Life of a Worship Leader
Apr 2200:23:46Tap to summarizeWhat does a worship leader actually do all week?In this episode of The Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan sits down with worship leader Jaren Mooring to walk through a real, behind-the-scenes look at his weekly schedule—from service planning and rehearsals to meetings, family life, and personal rhythms with God.You’ll get practical insight into: How a typical worship leader structures their week When and how services are planned The balance between church responsibilities and personal life Daily rhythms that help prevent burnout What drives long-term faithfulness in ministry Whether you’re leading in a church, volunteering on a team, or just curious what happens behind the scenes, this episode gives you an honest look at the life of a worship leader.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →How Jesus Cared for His Team
Mar 2400:25:22Tap to summarizeJesus didn’t just preach truth—He cared deeply for the people He led.In the final episode of the season, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood look to Jesus as the ultimate example of soul care and leadership. By examining key moments from the Gospels, they uncover how Jesus taught, served, rested, corrected, empowered, and loved His team.This episode explores:How Jesus invested deeply in peopleWhy compassion drove His leadershipHow He balanced mission and careWhat modern leaders can copy from His exampleWhy soul care has always been God’s designIf you lead people anywhere, this episode reframes leadership through the life of Jesus.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →10 Ways Leaders Can Care for Their Own Soul
Mar 1000:27:33Tap to summarizeIf leaders aren’t healthy, teams eventually suffer.In Episode 4, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood turn the conversation inward, exploring 10 non-negotiable ways leaders must care for themselves spiritually, emotionally, physically, and relationally.This honest conversation addresses:Why neglecting health leads to burnout and failureWhat “healthy leadership” really looks likeDaily, weekly, and seasonal practices that fill your tankThe difference between guilt-driven leadership and grace-filled leadershipWhy self-care isn’t selfish—it’s stewardshipIf you want to finish strong instead of flaming out, this episode is essential.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →When Your Team Spans Generations: How to Lead Well
Feb 2400:28:08Tap to summarizeMost leaders don’t lead uniform teams—they lead beautifully messy ones.In this episode, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood tackle one of the biggest leadership challenges today: caring for teams made up of wildly different ages, backgrounds, personalities, and experiences.From teenagers to retirees, new believers to seasoned saints, this conversation offers practical wisdom for leading diverse teams with unity and grace.You’ll discover:How to lead both older and younger team members with honorWays to cast vision across generationsHow to foster real relationships on diverse teamsWhy humility and excellence build unityPractical steps to help people value one anotherIf your team feels more like a family reunion than a staff meeting, this episode is for you.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →23 Proven Ways to Keep Your Team Healthy
Feb 1000:23:51Tap to summarizeHealthy teams don’t happen by accident—they’re built with intentional care.In Episode 2 of The Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan and Lane Wood get incredibly practical, sharing 23 (plus!) proven ways to keep teams spiritually healthy, connected, and thriving. Whether you lead staff, volunteers, creatives, or a small group, these ideas are designed to work in real life with real people.You’ll learn:Whose responsibility team health really isSimple ways to pastor people without being overwhelmedHow prayer, encouragement, Scripture, and community shape cultureCreative ways to build connection beyond rehearsals and meetingsWhy caring for yourself is the starting point for caring for othersNo fluff. Just tested practices that help leaders protect people and build momentum.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →Soul Care for Leaders: Why It Matters More Than You Think
Jan 2700:25:48Tap to summarizeSoul Care is a phrase leaders hear often—but few truly understand or practice.In this opening episode of Season 6 of The Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan sits down with worship leader Lane Wood to define what soul care really is—and why it matters for every leader. This isn’t self-help or self-indulgence. It’s learning to live and lead by grace, using the strength and resources God provides.Together, Austin and Lane unpack:What soul care actually means (and what it doesn’t)Why caring for your soul is essential to healthy leadershipThe biggest gaps worship leaders and team members face todayFour foundational practices that help leaders live by graceWhy rest and growth must coexist—or leadership suffersIf you lead anyone—on a church staff, volunteer team, business, or family—this conversation will reframe how you think about leadership health and longevity.Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: Co-Leadership Builds Stronger Teams
Dec 200:27:38Tap to summarizeSeason 5: How to Build the Team of Your DreamsEpisode 4: How Co-Leadership Builds Stronger Teams | The 3 CovenantsWhat if leadership didn’t have to be lonely?In this final episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast series Building the Team of Your Dreams, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield unpack what it looks like to lead together without losing unity. Drawing from nearly 20 years of co-leading churches and organizations, they reveal the 5 biggest benefits of co-leadership—and practical ways to make it work.If you’ve ever wrestled with questions like “Who really makes the final decision?” or “Can shared leadership actually work?”—this conversation is for you.You’ll discover how co-leadership:✅ Creates accountability and prevents burnout✅ Builds humility and trust among leaders✅ Makes teams stronger and more resilient✅ Frees each person to lead in their strengths✅ Demonstrates healthy leadership to your organizationWhether you lead in ministry, business, or education, this episode shows how applying the 3 Covenants to co-leadership can transform not just your relationships—but your results.Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW! https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team! Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →How to Build the Team of Your Dreams: Building a Healthy Team Culture that Lasts
Nov 1800:25:30Tap to summarizeSeason 5: How to Build the Team of Your DreamsEpisode 3: How to Build a Healthy Team Culture That Lasts You’ve heard what the 3 Covenants are—now it’s time to learn how to actually live them out.In this episode of the Worship Catalyst Podcast, Austin Ryan and Ben Barfield share practical ways to implement and reinforce the 3 Covenants in your ministry, business, or organization. If you’ve ever wondered how to build trust that lasts or how to create a culture of unity on your team, this episode gives you the step-by-step roadmap.You’ll learn how to:✅ Introduce the 3 Covenants to your team with confidence and clarity✅ Keep them alive in weekly meetings and daily interactions✅ Handle broken trust and rebuild relationships quickly✅ Create a culture where honesty, humility, and loyalty thrive✅ Multiply covenant relationships throughout your entire organizationThis episode is packed with actionable tips you can use right away to start building the team of your dreams—one that communicates clearly, trusts deeply, and thrives on mission.Our NEW Book, The 3 Covenants: Building Team Loyalty is AVAILABLE NOW! https://the3covenants.com to order a copy for you and your team! Watch the VIDEO Podcast HEREDid you enjoy this episode? Do us a favor and share with worship leaders & pastors around you! Also, leave a rating and review so it makes it easier for other worship leaders to find us! Follow Us on Facebook and Instagram for more content on worship leading every week. The Worship Catalyst Podcast is produced by Worship Catalyst. A non-profit ministry that serves churches by training, mentoring and coaching worship leaders and their teams. For more information about Worship Catalyst or for more resources to help you become a better worship leader, visit worshipcatalyst.com.
Transcribe →