Hi Reader,

Ever felt like the very thing that fuels your calling could also take you out?

In this episode of the podcast, I sit down with my friend Levi Lusko for one of the most raw and unfiltered conversations I’ve ever recorded. We talk leadership wounds, navigating midlife crisis, and what happens when your platform becomes your identity.

Levi opens up about anxiety, panic attacks, and the ticking time bomb that almost derailed his life and ministry. He also shares the powerful story behind his new book, Blessed Are the Spiraling, and how healing begins when you stop pretending everything’s fine.

If you’ve ever wrestled with burnout, hidden wounds, or the pressure to keep performing 👉 this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward healthier leadership.

You’re not alone in this.

That's why I loved today's podcast conversation.

Levi Lusko opens up about navigating a mid-life crisis in ministry at 38, identifying wounds that become a ticking time bomb, and explores the mixed motives and gifting of preachers.

Watch it on YouTube or tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.

This episode is brought to you by...

Compassion

Did you know that partnering with Compassion helps fulfill your church's call to The Great Commission? Bring this mission focus to YOUR church, and then watch God use YOUR church to impact the world.

Podcast Shownotes

My #1 takeaway from this conversation.

The motives that drove you in your 20s and 30s won't sustain you in your 40s and beyond.

Episode questions.

Here are 3 questions you can ask yourself as you listen to the episode. You can also use these as discussion starters with friends, a mentor, or staff.

1. Am I leading from a place of fullness or from a need to be seen?
2. Have I truly addressed the hidden wounds in my story—or just buried them under ministry success?
3. Is my pace of life and leadership sustainable—or am I headed for a crash I can't see yet?

Transcript and links.

​Levi Lusko's Website​

​Levi Lusko's Facebook​

​Levi Lusko's Instagram​

​Levi Lusko's X​

​Levi Lusko's YouTube​

​Blessed Are The Spiraling by Levi Lusko​

​The Fight to Flourish by Jennie Lusko​

​Article on Lingchi, death by a thousand cuts​

​Louie Giglio​

​Grok​

​Claude.ai​

​Eight Sleep Pod​

​Garmin Health Trackers​

​Oura Ring​

​Apple Watch​

Take Action

Your calling is still there—but is the drive?

If you’re wrestling with mid-life ministry struggles, you’re not alone.

Check out the Team Training Vault inside The Art of Leadership Academy, where you have access to practical resources like How to Build Life-Giving Friendships in Leadership, How to Recognize and Recover from Burnout, and Finishing Well: How to Avoid Failure.

Don’t wait for a crisis—get the tools and coaching you need to lead with strength for the long haul.

If you enjoy the podcast, please consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. It truly helps other leaders like you discover these conversations.

Cheering for you,

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Carey Nieuwhof Communications, PO Box 160, Oro Medonte, Ontario L0L 2X0