Pastor Mike, Missions Pastor at Elmbrook Church, joins Albo to talk about what it really looks like to reach men who are close to us—but far from God.

This conversation gets practical. Pastor Mike shares stories, but more importantly, he challenges leaders to rethink how they live on mission. It's not about programs—it's about proximity, authenticity, and obedience.

They also tackle the hard side of leadership: making difficult decisions when people don't align with your values, and why short-term discomfort often leads to long-term health.

If you're leading a ministry, building relationships, or trying to live your faith out in the real world—this episode will push you to take action.

Matt Erickson, pastor at Eastbrook Church with over three decades of ministry experience, joins Nate Gruber to explore what it really means to lead faithfully in a complex and changing world.

Drawing from his new book The Pastor as Gardener, Matt unpacks how the metaphors we live by shape the way we lead, pastor, and follow Jesus. In a culture that often pushes for results and performance, he offers a different vision—one rooted in presence, trust, and long-term growth.

Matt reminds us that fruitful ministry doesn't come from striving—it flows from a deep, ongoing relationship with God. Like a gardener planting seeds, we are called to be faithful with what we've been given, trusting God to bring growth in His timing.

If you're feeling the weight of expectations in leadership, this episode offers a grounded and hope-filled perspective: stay rooted, stay faithful, and let God do what only He can do.

Get Matt's book:
The Pastor as Gardener → https://www.eerdmans.com/9780802884145/the-pastor-as-gardener/

Learn more:
https://mwerickson.com

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by Dr. Gary Gregg to continue the series on mental health and leadership, focusing on how to understand and manage leadership anxiety.

Dr. Gregg explains that anxiety isn't something we can—or should—eliminate. At a healthy level, it shows we care and are invested. But when it grows too strong, it can rob us of joy and impact our leadership. Rather than ignoring it, anxiety can be a signal pointing to something that needs our attention.

They discuss how many leaders carry hidden fears of not being enough, and how trying to suppress anxiety often makes it worse. Instead, leaders need to reflect, be honest, and invite trusted people into their lives. We are responsible to others, not for them—and we don't have to lead alone.

Dr. Gregg also shares practical habits for staying healthy: do your own work, avoid shortcuts in growth, and build strong relationships that help you stay grounded.

Resource Mentioned: Managing Leadership Anxiety: Yours and Theirs by Steve Cuss

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Nate Gruber is joined by Dr. Dan Green, Clinical Director of New Life Resources and a long-time partner of No Regrets, for an important conversation on the mental health of the men we lead—and the men we are becoming.

Dr. Green brings practical insight for leaders who feel stuck or are facing roadblocks in their own lives or on their teams. As mental health becomes more widely discussed, many men are still unsure what to do with what they're feeling. Labels can sometimes increase isolation rather than bring clarity, especially when men struggle to express their needs.

Nate and Dan explore the reality that men today are often more psychologically drained than physically exhausted—and more disconnected than ever. In a world filled with constant information, they emphasize the importance of real, face-to-face connection and intentional relationships. Every man carries a unique story and set of pressures, and understanding those demands is key to leading well.

They also discuss how leaders must first care for their own health before they can care for others. As Dr. Green shares, every man needs a few trusted relationships—men who aren't impressed by him, but who will challenge, support, and walk with him honestly. When leaders model vulnerability and authenticity, they create space for others to do the same.

This episode offers practical tools for understanding your own needs, recognizing what's being blocked when frustration arises, and learning how to lead with greater awareness, care, and connection. Ultimately, as we grow in knowing God, we begin to understand ourselves more fully—and lead others more effectively.

Resource Mentioned:
Overcoming Guilt and Shame by Daniel Green and Mel Lawrenz

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by David Delk for a thoughtful conversation about navigating leadership transitions and finding success through inevitable change.

David spent 22 years leading Man in the Mirror and now coaches faith and business leaders through seasons of transition through Delk Consulting. In this conversation, David shares his own journey—from serving in ministry leadership to stepping into a new calling at age 56 when God began opening doors for him to launch Delk Consulting.

David explains that relationships are the glue that holds ministries together, especially during seasons of change. Healthy transitions require humility, honesty about what isn't working, and a willingness to surrender outcomes to the Lord. Leaders must focus on building authentic, Spirit-filled relationships where people feel known, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Albo and David also discuss the importance of raising up new leaders—even when they may not feel fully ready. Passing responsibility to others, discipling them, and inviting them to step into leadership is part of how ministries grow. Ultimately, leadership is about obedience to God rather than controlling the results.

David also offers wisdom for caring for your soul during times of transition—reminding leaders to slow down, listen to God, and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty.

Learn more about David and Delk Consulting at
https://www.delkconsulting.com

Find more resources at
https://www.noregretsmen.org

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined again by Steve Sonderman for Part Two of the series: 10 Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience leading men's ministry, Steve shares practical wisdom that will encourage and strengthen anyone investing in men.

In this episode, Steve continues unpacking five more lessons that have shaped his ministry:

• Follow me as I follow Christ. Men need more than words—they need an example. Demonstrate what it looks like to follow Jesus in everyday life.

• Let God break your heart. Ask God to give you a vision for what breaks His heart. Often our own brokenness becomes the fuel for our purpose.

• Use the Word. Jesus is our model for ministry, and Scripture is our guide. Keeping the Word of God central helps men grow deeper in their faith.

• Catch and release. Get men into the field serving. Everyone has a role to play, and ministry grows when men step into action.

• Meet with a purpose. Take time to understand where a man is in his journey and encourage him to take the next step in following Christ.

This conversation is filled with encouragement and practical insight for anyone leading men or looking to help others grow in their walk with Jesus.

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, Albo Esilaba is joined by No Regrets Founder, Steve Sonderman for Part One of a powerful two-part series: Lessons in Ministering to Men. Drawing from 37 years of ministry experience, Steve shares wisdom, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone leading or investing in men.

The conversation begins by celebrating the incredible momentum from this year's No Regrets Conference—159 host sites, a sold-out gathering of 3,000 men at Elmbrook Church, and countless stories of surrender, prayer, and life change. The movement continues, and you can still access conference sessions and sign up for the follow-up study.

In this first episode, Steve unpacks five foundational lessons he's learned over nearly four decades:

• What we are doing matters. Ministering to men is challenging, but when a man's life changes, it impacts his family, workplace, church, and community.
• Become friends and change the world. Men are lonely. Relationships are transformative. Ministry was never meant to be done alone—Jesus had a team, and we need one too.
• Have a big enough vision to think small. Bigger isn't always better. Real movements begin with a few men committed to discipling others.
• Prayer is the front lines. The walls around men's hearts are high, and only prayer can soften them.
• Lead with humility. True leadership begins with listening and serving, following the example of Jesus.

This episode is filled with perspective, encouragement, and practical direction for anyone serious about helping men grow.

You can still watch the conference sessions and join the follow-up study at:
https://noregrets.pathwright.com/library/surrender-follow-up-study-242034/749353/about/

Today on the No Regrets Podcast, host Albo Esilaba is joined by Brett Clemmer, CEO and President of Man in the Mirror, for a powerful and thought-provoking conversation about community, loneliness, and the urgent need for men to thrive together.

Brett brings both deep research and personal experience to the discussion, offering insight into how different generations of men have been shaped—and why today's men are more isolated than ever. While Brett shares about the strong foundation he received growing up—particularly the confidence instilled in him by his father—he also speaks candidly about a season in his own life when success and busyness came at the expense of his family. Traveling constantly for work and filling weekends with ministry, Brett realized he was doing what he thought was "for" his family, but in reality, he was neglecting them. It was through joining a small group and opening up that he discovered he wasn't alone—many other men were struggling with the same issues.

In this episode, Brett challenges men to become catalysts for creating communities where others can flourish. He addresses the frustration of living in an algorithm-driven culture that keeps us divided and distracted, and he speaks directly to the loneliness epidemic facing men today. If loneliness is the problem, relationships are the solution.

Albo and Brett discuss the powerful movement happening among young men—particularly on college campuses—where many are boldly rediscovering Christian faith and speaking truth with conviction. They explore how simple gatherings—men slowing down, sharing hobbies, and having real conversations—can become fertile ground for the Holy Spirit to work.

The message is clear: when men come together in authentic community, God moves. Create the space. Trust the Spirit. Watch what happens.

Learn more about Man in the Mirror at https://maninthemirror.org/
Discover more about community initiatives like Sons United at https://sonsunited.org/