The conversation with Brandon McDaniel continues as Tracy and Chris move deeper into his reflections—lessons learned, people who influenced him, his obedience to God’s call into ministry, the adjustments he’s had to make, and the rhythms he’s discovered for leading well. Brandon’s words are honest, practical, and encouraging. If Part 1 stirred your curiosity, Part 2 will speak even more clearly to where you live today. We need more young leaders like Brandon—caring for people, walking by true faith in God, and taking time to live with integrity.

https://www.mytc.org/our-team

Brandon McDaniel brings a story worth hearing. From his younger years, through his time at Emmanuel University, to life with his wife and children, to serving on a church staff, and now leading as a pastor—everyone can learn from his journey. In this conversation, Tracy Reynolds and Chris Maxwell begin unpacking the experiences that have shaped Brandon—his faith, his calling, and his desire to invest in others. You’ll hear not just information, but inspiration. This first part of the interview will make you lean in closer and reflect on your own story. How does Brandon’s story connect with yours? What lessons can you carry forward?

https://www.mytc.org/our-team

In this second conversation, Chris and Tracy talk with Brianna Edwards—a licensed child therapist, mom, and author of the children’s book The Little Roo Who Stuffed Her Stuff. Designed as a tool for parents, counselors, and educators, the book encourages self-awareness and healthy conversations on difficult topics, with resources to help adults guide children well. Brianna shares lessons from her years as a caregiver, her work as a therapist, and her role as a mom. Together, they explore how to lead with compassion through seasons of sadness, grief, disability, and loss, and how ministries like Nathaniel’s Hope offer vital support. Her insights challenge us to see, serve, and walk alongside families living with special needs.

https://nathanielshope.org/

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DHWF4CFF?ingress=0&visitId=3d7ac8d2-5089-4f0b-a941-5af71c4fa978&ccs_id=43465036-05d2-4280-8b6f-2f05b806884a

When Brianna Edwards was almost 5 years old, life changed drastically. Her family welcomed the birth of her brother Nathaniel, but he was born with special needs—and her mother nearly died giving birth. From ages 5 to 9½, Brianna’s “normal” became hospital visits, medical procedures, and nonstop caregiving. For many families, this is everyday life, though it’s often forgotten by others. In this conversation, Brianna reflects on how those years shaped her, how she learned to lead and care well, and how her family now serves the special-needs community through Nathaniel’s Hope. Her story invites us to consider: What is your role in caring for families who are exhausted, uncertain, and desperate for help as they share God’s love in difficult seasons?

https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DHWF4CFF?ingress=0&visitId=3d7ac8d2-5089-4f0b-a941-5af71c4fa978&ccs_id=43465036-05d2-4280-8b6f-2f05b806884a

https://nathanielshope.org/

In this second conversation with Terry Ross, you’ll hear even more of his heart—not just his past, but his hurts and hopes. He speaks with honesty about weakness and wounds, his mission endeavors, and his decades in ministry. His story reminds us how God works uniquely in each of our lives. Tracy and Chris invite you to listen closely, learn from Terry’s experiences, and take away truths you can apply to your own journey.

https://www.facebook.com/terry.ross.712

Tracy and Chris invite you to sit back and hear the remarkable story of Terry Ross. His journey weaves through years of business ventures, risky decisions, music, mission work, ministry, family, and miracles—each with lessons for all of us. Terry was climbing the ladder of business success while his deeper life was falling apart. But then, God intervened. Terry and Tracy share a long history in music, ministry, and friendship. They’ve learned how true, enduring relationships help us navigate life’s highs and lows. As you listen, think about your own journey: How has God met you? How has He directed your steps? And in this season, how might He be working in and through your life?

https://www.facebook.com/terry.ross.712

In Part 2 of their conversation with Peter Rosenberger, Chris and Tracy continue to be inspired—and believe you will be, too. Peter’s deep love and care for his wife Gracie serve as a powerful reminder of Christ’s love for us all, and of how each of us can grow in caring for those in need.

Peter does whatever he can—whatever she needs—with steady, selfless commitment. The life of a caregiver carries a unique mix of sorrow, strength, humor, and hope. How can we respond when life brings long-term burdens? What does healthy mourning look like when the pain doesn’t go away? How can we faithfully show up for others when the needs keep coming?

Peter’s story teaches us how to love well, endure with grace, and serve like Jesus. Listen, learn, and be encouraged to love like Peter—and even more, like our Savior. We should be elbows deep in the sufferings of this world. That is how we must love.

https://peterrosenberger.com/

Few conversations on Next Step Leadership have been as honest, funny, serious, and inspiring as this week’s episode. Chris and Tracy cherished both of their conversations with Peter Rosenberger—and they believe you will too. Peter has a remarkable ability to be both hilarious and convicting in the same moment. As the longtime caregiver for his wife Gracie—who has endured nearly one hundred surgeries—Peter knows the deep realities of pain, perseverance, and love. He’s also an author, musician, songwriter, and host of the podcast Hope for Caregivers. He understands medical bills, disappointments, and ongoing stress—but he lives to serve those who serve others. His compassion shines through in every word he speaks and writes.

What can we learn from Peter’s decades of walking through suffering with Gracie? How do we care well when everything seems to be going wrong? What wounds in the lives of those we love remain unhealed? In this powerful conversation, Peter reminds us that God continues to teach us—right in the middle of whatever we’re experiencing.

https://peterrosenberger.com/