250 Conversations That Changed Leadership, One Episode at a Time

Conversations are powerful.

They can open doors, close deals, restore relationships, and change the trajectory of your leadership.

And sometimes, they change lives.

This week, as we celebrate the 250th episode of the Speak with People Podcast, I’ve found myself reflecting on just how powerful meaningful conversations can be.

Not just in business. Not just in leadership. But in everything.

Over the past several years, I’ve had the privilege of hosting conversations with CEOs, communication experts, authors, TEDx speakers, coaches, athletes, teachers, and change-makers from every walk of life. Some were known around the world. Others were quietly changing the world in local, extraordinary ways.

And you know what I’ve realized?

Every transformational leader is shaped by transformational conversations.

What 250 Conversations Have Taught Me

When we launched the Speak with People Podcast, we hoped it would help leaders become healthier communicators. I had no idea how much it would stretch, challenge, and grow me.

Because every episode isn’t just content.

• It’s a front-row seat to wisdom.
• It’s mentorship in real-time.
• It’s leadership development, disguised as a conversation.

And the more I listen (yes, I listen to every episode too!), the more I see how much growth is possible for leaders who stay curious and keep showing up.

Here’s How the Podcast Fuels Leadership Growth

Whether you’ve been with us since episode 1, or you just stumbled into the Speak with People tribe this week, here’s how this show is built to serve your leadership:

1. It Sharpens Your Self-Awareness

You can’t lead others well if you’re unaware of how you come across. From tone to timing, our guests challenge you to take a hard look at your own communication patterns and commit to growth.

Healthy leadership starts with healthy self-leadership, and that starts with how you speak.

2. It Teaches You to Think Like a Listener

You’ll hear leaders unpack the art of active listening, asking better questions, and reading the room with emotional intelligence. These episodes train you to stop performing, and start connecting.

3. It Helps You Lead Better Conversations

Team meetings. One-on-ones. Conflict resolution. Sales calls. Hard feedback.
If you lead people, you have conversations every day that either build trust, or break it. This podcast arms you with frameworks, stories, and real-life strategies that make your conversations matter.

4. It Reignites Your Purpose

Let’s be real, leadership can burn you out.
But when you hear passionate, mission-driven people share how they’re changing the world through their words? You remember why you started.
You remember that what you say matters.

Your voice is one of the most powerful tools you have. Use it well.

Not Every Podcast Is for Everyone, But Find One That Is

I get it. Podcasts aren’t everyone’s favorite medium.
But if you’re a leader, you need voices in your ear that challenge and stretch you.

If Speak with People isn’t your go-to, that’s okay. But please, find one that is.

Here are a few incredible shows I’ve been learning from lately and they’re all past Speak with People Podcast Guests:

🎙 The Learn It All Podcast – Damon Lembi

🎙The Sales Gravy Podcast - Jeb Blount

🎙 The Rising Leader Podcast – Mark J. Silverman

🎙 Deep Listening – Oscar Trimboli

🎙 Creating Superfans – Brittany Hodak 

🎙 We’re All In This Together – Mike Robbins 

🎙 The Wealthy Speaker Podcast – Jane Atkinson 

🎙 Builders of Authority – Adam McChesney 

🎙 Mindset Zone – Dr. Ana Melikian

🎙 The Ryan Leak Podcast – Ryan Leak 

🎙 No More Mondays – Angie Callen

🎙 Mentally Stronger – Amy Morin
🎙 Productive Joy – Dr. Christie McMullen
🎙 The Confident Podcast – Lisa Tarkington

🎙The EurkeaMoment Podcast - Curtis Sprouse

🎙The Phil Cooke Podcast - Phil Cooke

Each of these podcasts offers a unique lens on leadership, communication, mindset, and influence. And each one has the potential to unlock something new in your leadership if you give it a listen.

The Real Secret to Becoming a Great Communicator?

You don’t become exceptional by accident. You grow by staying curious, seeking wisdom, and showing up, conversation after conversation.

Your next breakthrough might not be in a book, a course, or a conference.
It might be in a single conversation.

So don’t just consume content. Engage with it. Reflect. Apply. Share it with your team. Let it stretch your thinking.

Because when you grow as a communicator, you grow as a leader. And when your words get healthier, your relationships, and your results, do too.

Thank You for Listening

If you’ve listened to even one episode of the Speak with People Podcast, thank you.

If you’ve shared it, rated it, reviewed it, or sent it to a friend, thank you.

If you’ve ever been a guest, invited me onto your show, or simply cheered us on, thank you.

This podcast exists to serve you. To sharpen you. To remind you that you were made to speak with people, not at them.

Start Your Growth Conversation Today

Catch our special 250th episode and celebrate with us:
🎙️ Speak with People Podcast – Episode 250

Then pick one new podcast from the list above and give it a listen this week. Send the link to someone you lead and talk about what you learned.

Want More Conversations That Transform?

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By Jason Raitz - CEO, Speak with People  With over 25 years of experience, Jason has spoken from stages across the country, inspiring and motivating his audiences with stories, laughter, and practical tools to succeed. Book Jason for your next conference or workshop.