In this episode of Conversations, I sit down with my longtime friend Ty Headley to talk about creativity, ambition, rest, and what it looks like to live a spirit-led life in a chaotic world. Ty shares his journey from aspiring dancer to creative strategist and reflects on how embracing his story, identity, and limitations shaped who he is today. We talk about navigating feedback and criticism as a creative, the pressure to produce, and the tension between ambition and rest. Ty offers honest insight on discouragement, lost time, God’s timing, alignment, and why rest and self-love are not optional if you want to live and lead well. This conversation is especially for young leaders, creatives, and anyone feeling stretched thin by expectations. If you’re trying to build something meaningful without losing yourself in the process, this episode will help you slow down, refocus, and lead from a healthier place.

📝 Weekly Newsletter I send a free monthly newsletter where I share honest thoughts on leadership, ministry, faith, and building something that actually lasts. Subscribe here: https://conversations-with-josh-andrew.beehiiv.com/

🎙️ Editing & Production I use Descript to edit and produce this podcast. It makes audio and video editing simple, fast, and clean. 👉 https://descript.cello.so/5I4MealWKa2

🔗 Connect with Josh Andrew Instagram: @joshnandrew TikTok: @joshnandrew Website: https://joshandrew.org

More links: https://linktr.ee/Joshnandrew

In this episode of Conversations, I talk about one of the most subtle leadership traps: leading for approval instead of conviction. Over time, the desire to be liked, affirmed, or accepted can quietly replace obedience and integrity, even in well-meaning leaders. I break down three common ways approval replaces conviction, including editing yourself, delaying obedience, and confusing peace with popularity. We also look at the real cost of approval-driven leadership and walk through four marks of leaders who lead from conviction rather than crowd response. If you’re a pastor, church leader, entrepreneur, or anyone carrying responsibility for others, this conversation will help you identify where approval may be shaping your decisions and how to return to conviction-led leadership that is faithful, clear, and healthy.

📝 Weekly Newsletter I send a free weekly newsletter where I share honest thoughts on leadership, ministry, faith, and building something that actually lasts. Subscribe here: https://conversations-with-josh-andrew.beehiiv.com/

🎙️ Editing & Production I use Descript to edit and produce this podcast. It makes audio and video editing simple, fast, and clean. 👉 https://descript.cello.so/5I4MealWKa2

🔗 Connect with Josh Andrew Instagram: @joshnandrew TikTok: @joshnandrew Website: https://joshandrew.org

More links: https://linktr.ee/Joshnandrew

In this episode of Conversations, I talk about the often-overlooked tension between spiritual maturity and emotional health in leadership. Many leaders are faithful in prayer, Scripture, and ministry responsibilities, yet still struggle with emotional dysfunction that quietly affects how they lead. I unpack three common patterns found in emotionally unhealthy leaders, including spiritualizing avoidance, defensiveness disguised as conviction, and control masquerading as stewardship. We also walk through four key habits of emotionally healthy leaders, focusing on self-awareness, managing emotional triggers, inviting honest feedback, and pursuing healing beyond ministry environments. If you’re a pastor, church leader, or anyone in spiritual leadership, this conversation is an invitation to look inward with honesty. Emotional health is not optional for effective leadership. It shapes how we love people, make decisions, and sustain our calling over time.

📝 Weekly Newsletter I send a free monthly newsletter where I share honest thoughts on leadership, ministry, faith, and building something that actually lasts. Subscribe here: https://conversations-with-josh-andrew.beehiiv.com/

🎙️ Editing & Production I use Descript to edit and produce this podcast. It makes audio and video editing simple, fast, and clean. 👉 https://descript.cello.so/5I4MealWKa2

🔗 Connect with Josh Andrew Instagram: @joshnandrew TikTok: @joshnandrew Website: https://joshandrew.org

More links: https://linktr.ee/Joshnandrew