Living Influence with Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd

Епизоди

• 
  The Healing Power of Intentional Love and Acceptance 13.08.2026 18мин

  2 Questions this week! How would your relationships change if you defined love as actively meeting the inherent needs of others? AND, how did your life change by someone else loving you unconditionally? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore what it means to practice love by intentionally meeting the needs God designed into every person. Genuine love provides security, acceptance, affirmation, and commitment, allowing people to experience freedom and healing. This also means meeting those needs unconditionally rather than requiring individuals to change before being loved. Scott and Bill challenge us to both receive love deeply, and then intentionally extend that same love to others in practical, life-giving ways. Even the difficult people and “enemies” in our lives. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:22) Practicing love and freedom by defining love as the process of meeting human needs. (03:37) Commitment and affirmation are powerful expressions of love that build trust, significance, and healthy relationships. (08:17) How God accepts people with an unearned love, and why believers should extend that same love. (12:43) How we can love God by serving the weak and hungry. (15:02) How we and the church should teach people how to love, even as sinners, rather than focusing on how to deal with our sins. (16:24) Practicing genuine love requires both receiving love from others, and reaching out to meet the needs of others, including enemies. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  What True Obedience Actually Looks Like 06.08.2026 18мин

  How can you learn to distinguish between compliance to authority versus a genuine, heart-level decision to obey out of trust? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the amazing connection between obedience and freedom, defining true obedience as a heart-level response to trust and a trustworthy God, rather than rigid compliance. They discuss how acting on God's direction transforms knowledge into lived truth, while equipping people to influence others authentically. Scott and Bill encourage us to cultivate an intimate relationship with God by learning to trust His leading, and experience the freedom that follows obedience. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) The surprising relationship between obedience and freedom. (03:34) Truth only transforms lives when it is trusted and acted upon. (07:42) Practicing obedience gives us the freedom to teach truth. (12:54) How obedience gives us the credibility to encourage others. (17:01) Discerning God's voice requires faith. It’s worse to miss God's direction than to mistakenly step out in faith. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Truth Without Permission Destroys Trust 30.07.2026 22мин

  Are you trying to change people before earning access to their hearts? In this episode, Bill and Scott challenge common misconceptions about submission by defining it as the voluntary choice to let trusted people love, guide, and influence your life. They discuss that permission and trust are essential for meaningful relationships, as genuine influence never comes through control or manipulation. Scott and Bill also emphasize that grace addresses the person first with affirmation before dealing with brokenness or sin. It’s important that we believe people so they can dwell in the reality of their own answer. Once they come to that reality, we’ll be available to talk and show true, Biblical grace. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:05) Submission simply means "to let" and points to Jesus as the perfect model of willingly letting God lead Him. (02:57) How the church has historically misused and abused the concept of submission with women. (07:12) How mutual submission allows trusted friends to speak truth into each other's lives and strengthen character. (10:49) The principles of submission and trust to leadership, explaining how healthy organizational culture grows through mutual influence. (12:34) Permission is granting another person access to your life and explains why even God seeks permission rather than forcing change. (16:26) Affirming a person's value before addressing their behavior removes fear of condemnation, and opens the door for meaningful transformation. (19:14) You should never ask for permission to speak into someone's life if you are not willing to receive a "no". (21:05) Respecting a person’s refusal to submit, demonstrating that honoring another person's freedom builds greater trust than manipulation. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Living in the Freedom That Jesus Promises Us 23.07.2026 14мин

  Are you using your freedom to pursue trivial desires, or are you letting it become the outward voice of your love for others? In this episode, Bill and Scott begin a new series exploring Galatians 5:13-15 and the freedom that Jesus gives us. This freedom is intended to build trust and serve others, rather than satisfy selfish desires. They discuss how unresolved personal issues and shame distort our view of God and others, keeping us isolated and afraid of being fully known. Forgiveness and repentance allow us to resolve the past, experience healing, and live without being defined by old pain. Bill and Scott encourage us to move beyond self-protection and discover that genuine freedom naturally produces healthy, trusting relationships. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:08) Galatians 5:13-15 - freedom is given to be used in loving and serving others, rather than pursuing selfish desires. (02:51) Unresolved shame distorts the way people view themselves, God, and others, making trust impossible to experience. (05:47) Freedom from unresolved sin is never meant for self-centered living but is intended to build trust with other people. (09:06) Don’t reduce freedom to getting what you want but to use it as an expression of love that helps free others. (10:55) Living in fear because of past hurts vs choosing to enter relationships because genuine love makes trust possible. (13:15) Nothing from a person's past is beyond redemption, and experiencing this freedom naturally produces trust in relationships. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why We Struggle to Receive Love (And Why It Matters) 16.07.2026 19мин

  Why is isolation the single greatest threat to your effectiveness as a leader? In this episode, Bill and Scott continue their discussion on maturity by explaining that the ability to love others begins with first allowing yourself to be loved. They talk about the vital roles that trust, vulnerability, and receiving care play in healthy relationships, parenting, marriage, and leadership. Isolation is the greatest cause of failure in leadership. Meaningful feedback and influence into your life transforms both you and those around you. Also, receiving love - from God and from trusted people - is what empowers someone to genuinely care for, serve, and influence others. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:35) Why people who have never truly received love often struggle to genuinely love those around them. (05:09) Allowing trusted people to make significant contributions to your life as the foundation for influencing others. (12:19) Competency can never satisfy relational needs nor can leaders lead from isolation. (14:20) Bill shares a personal story about receiving honest feedback from his children and discovering how his impatience affected them. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why Mature Christians Never Stop Receiving 09.07.2026 17мин

  Are you allowing others to speak into your life, serve you, and reveal what you cannot see? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature leaders must continuously choose vulnerability by remaining lifelong learners who are open to receiving from others. They explore how allowing others to speak into your life, correct you, care for you, and meet your needs requires humility and vulnerability. It also requires not feeling the obligation to repay what is received. Allowing others to meet your needs, serve you, and offer care is a vital leadership principle that directly fosters growth and maturity in the person giving. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) Mature leaders demonstrate vulnerability by remaining open learners who let others speak into their lives. (03:12) The danger of ceasing to learn, noting that refusing to learn and receive from others halts a leader's personal maturity. (05:47) Becoming a receiver is a critical part of maturity because growth comes through what people receive, not just what they know. (07:28) How receiving care without feeling indebted is difficult, but necessary because love is not meant to be transactional. (10:47) Many people find it easier to receive critique than care because critique focuses on actions while care focuses on who they are. (13:16) Vulnerability is not about exposing everything publicly but about allowing others to speak, serve, and meet needs. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why Great Leaders Celebrate Other People's Strengths 02.07.2026 16мин

  What happens when another person's strengths feel encouraging instead of threatening? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore one of the defining characteristics of healthy leadership: the ability to appreciate, trust, and submit to the strengths of other people instead of competing with them, or fearing them. Leadership reaches a new level when people begin to appreciate and empower the unique strengths that others bring to the table. Bill and Scott discuss how empowering capable people creates healthier organizations, stronger teams, and better decisions. They challenge leaders to replace insecurity with trust and discover the freedom that comes from leading alongside others instead of above them. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) Mature leaders do not fear other people's strengths; they understand, appreciate, and submit to them. (02:17) Growing organizations can outgrow leaders who become threatened by stronger team members instead of developing them. (05:43) The Biblical model of Saul and David illustrates that fear of another's strengths is evidence of leadership immaturity. (10:36) Leadership roles and titles do not automatically provide the capacity to make every decision. There is freedom found in sharing responsibility. (13:50) Honoring people for who they are and trusting their abilities strengthens both individuals and the entire organization. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  The Power of Permission 25.06.2026 15мин

  What changes when relationships become more important than behavior? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature leaders protect others through love, grace, and relational honor rather than through control or authority. They explore the importance of seeking permission before offering guidance, emphasizing that meaningful influence only occurs when people willingly grant access to their lives. Ultimately, by examining how Jesus modeled vulnerability and grace, the discussion challenges us to honor others by prioritizing relationships over performance. What a powerful thing to consider. Do we consider a relationship with another more important than their performance? Wow. Mature leaders, parents, and friends come alongside others in their vulnerability, creating environments of grace, rather than judgment. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) Mature Christians protect and honor people by seeking permission before attempting to influence them. (03:03) Protection is honoring people by coming alongside them in their vulnerability rather than judging them. (05:12) When people experience true grace, relationships will always take priority over outward behavior. (07:36) Permission is a person's decision to allow someone else to affect their life and heart. (12:11) Jesus led strictly from His person in humility rather than relying on position or knowledge. (14:30) Parents can protect teenagers more effectively by seeking relational access rather than relying on authority alone. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  The Cost of Hiding From People Who Trust You 18.06.2026 15мин

  How can sharing your reality with a trusted person strengthen every area of life? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the consequences of hidden struggles, and how secrecy affects trust, relationships, and leadership. They explain that people cannot fully honor the trust of others while hiding significant parts of their reality, because hiddenness creates distance and false perceptions. They give us hope by encouraging us to find trusted people that we can share honestly with, creating opportunities for deeper trust, authentic love, and healthier relationships. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:40) How hidden struggles create separation from others and cause people to trust a version of someone that is not fully real. (04:06) Trust carries hope and people who remain hidden ultimately rob others of that hope and connection. (09:22) Human beings possess an innate, profound need to both receive love and be trusted by others. (11:41) A reference from Ephesians about how openness and grace allow relationships to fit together properly and grow. (13:16) Whatever a person attempts to hide will ultimately define them until they choose to break the cycle by trusting someone. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why Mature Leaders Choose to Be Vulnerable 11.06.2026 17мин

  How does vulnerability change workplace culture and performance? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore how true integrity is not merely behavioral consistency or rule-following, but the honoring of trust within relationships. They discuss how authentic leadership and integrity creates environments where people feel safe enough to acknowledge mistakes, seek help, and grow together. Our challenge is to bring our weaknesses into the light, allowing for deep, protective relationships both in the workplace and at home. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) Mature leaders demonstrate integrity by honoring the trust placed in them through authentic relationships and vulnerability. (01:39) How organizations often reduce integrity to rules and regulations, which can undermine the relational nature of true integrity. (06:06) How vulnerable leadership creates cultures where mistakes are surfaced quickly instead of hidden. (13:58) Applying the principles of relational integrity and vulnerability to parenting, urging parents to let their children know their real self. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why "Open Doors" Are Not Always From God 04.06.2026 14мин

  Are life decisions being driven by convictions or opportunities? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how mature decisions are rooted in convictions rather than simply reacting to opportunities or “open doors”. They explore how truth, obedience, and identity work together to shape wise choices and keep us aligned with God’s purpose instead of being distracted by attractive circumstances. Additionally, as Christians saved by Grace, we should be seeing ourselves as “saints” and a new creation, so that Scripture “affirms” us, rather than condemns us. True leadership maturity requires us to establish deep, internal convictions that dictate our choices before circumstances even arise, ensuring we are not easily derailed from our higher purposes. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:04) Mature life choices should be grounded in convictions instead of reacting to opportunities and open doors. (01:33) Opportunities can sometimes derail people from the purposes of God if they are pursued without discernment. (03:02) Jesus being offered the kingdoms of the world and why opportunity alone is not a trustworthy guide. (06:34) The difference between viewing the Bible as condemning law versus affirming truth. (11:08) How a person’s unhealthy self-view can cause them to hear even healthy teaching as condemnation. (14:12) Identity shapes convictions, decisions, and the opportunities people ultimately choose to pursue. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Maturity Is Measured Through Healthy Relationships 28.05.2026 18мин

  How is your spiritual maturity connected more to your relational health than your disciplines? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how spiritual and personal maturity are not primarily measured by discipline, performance, or self-improvement, but by the quality and health of relationships with God, self, and others. They explore how grace transforms identity, reshapes relational dynamics, and frees people from shame-driven living into authentic love and trust. Believing that Christ is in each of us allows us to shift from a "me-centered" focus on self-improvement to a "we-centered" focus on loving and benefiting others. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (03:41) Maturity is not about self-improvement, but about living in meaningful relationship with God and others. (05:35) Discovering “Christ in you” from Galatians 2. (07:50) A mature leader is someone who makes significant life decisions for the benefit of others. (09:16) The best way to know if you are loving someone is to ask them if they are experiencing your love. (15:28) How shame and “sin management” trap people in immaturity when identity is centered on being a sinner. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  What Makes Someone Worth Following? 21.05.2026 19мин

  Do you blame others for your lack of success? Or do you use your position and authority for the benefit of others? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the difference between authority gained through position versus influence earned through character. They discuss how mature leaders prioritize humility and serving and developing others, rather than using power for themselves. True leadership influence comes from the maturity, humility, and trustworthiness of the person, which leads to helping others grow, succeed, and flourish! Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:22) Humility and how true authority is modeled through laying aside power rather than demanding it. (03:38) Position gives opportunity, but what someone does with that opportunity depends on the maturity of their person. (05:41) Leaders who misuse authority often blame others when results fall short. (07:44) Comparing workplace leadership to parenting, and that compliance without trust eventually creates rebellion. (13:53) Annual reviews became conversations about growth, gratitude, and future goals instead of criticism. (16:31) Mature people increasingly live for the benefit of others. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Mature People Delight in the Success of Others 14.05.2026 18мин

  How do you react when someone around you is honored, succeeds, or surpasses your own influence? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how maturity is the ability to sincerely delight in the growth and influence of those around you. Bill and Scott share stories of people around them who affirmed them throughout their lives. Affirming another person’s potential can transform their life and even organizations. We hope this conversation encourages you to create environments where others can flourish, and leaders can transform their organizations into thriving communities where every individual is valued for their unique contribution. We also hope this encourages you to experience the joy of celebrating others and their success. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:23) The idea that mature people delight in the influence and growth of others rather than competing with them. (01:45) Immature leaders often need to remain number one and get upset and jealous when others are honored. (04:17) Confronting hatred or a deep rooted trauma can become a turning point in your healing journey. (07:41) Scott explains how realizing employees were building their lives around his company changed his leadership mindset. (10:15) Shifting the company mission toward providing growth opportunities rather than just seeking profit. (16:09) Organizations and communities are, essentially, a body or a family where every individual is an essential necessity. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Receiving Love Changes Everything 07.05.2026 20мин

  Do you feel that you deserve love? Do you struggle to accept love from others? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the process of spiritual maturing, defining it as the shift from doing more for God to trusting what God says is already true about our identity in Christ. They discuss how shame-based beliefs distort identity and influence behavior, especially in emotional triggers. Bill invites us to be loved, regardless of how we feel. Receiving love from God and from others can result in true transformation. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:33) The theme of spiritual maturity and how it involves believing who we are in Christ. (03:43) Shame creates false self-messages that people often learn to trust as reality. (08:35) Challenging performance-based thinking by suggesting maturity is about trusting truth instead of doing more. (14:58) Realizing a huge problem can be not knowing how to be loved. (16:49) Bill highlights how experiencing love in relationships is essential for growth and transformation. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  The Impact of Expectations on Maturity 30.04.2026 20мин

  What expectations have you had to live up to? Has it helped you grow and mature, or has it actually hindered you? In this episode, Bill and Scott discuss how living up to others’ expectations, especially in leadership, parenting, and relationships, can actually hinder genuine growth. They talk about how people tend to perform in order to meet expectations, rather than develop true transformation rooted in trust. Instead of growing in maturity, expectations often produce performance-based behavior that masks deeper issues and prevents us from learning how to trust truth for ourselves. Real maturity comes through trust, not effort or compliance. When we can learn to trust truth rather than conform to expectations, we have the amazing opportunity to experience authentic transformation, rather than surface-level behavior change! Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (01:32) True maturity is rooted in trust rather than personal effort or striving. (02:21) Allowing others to live by your expectations can hinder their development. (05:14) Leaders can unintentionally create performance-based followings instead of mature individuals. (08:05) Contrasting competency-based leadership with human-centered leadership. (12:05) A story about leaders resisting mutual expectations, revealing deeper leadership issues. (17:54) How unmet expectations serve as a deep source of emotional pain. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  Why Knowledge Alone Doesn’t Lead to Maturity 23.04.2026 20мин

  What would change if you acted on what you already know? In this episode, Bill and Scott explore the critical difference between simply knowing truth and trusting it, emphasizing that real maturity comes through experience, not information. They challenge us to shift from trying to change ourselves on our own power, to learning to trust truth in everyday life. They also highlight how love and trust create powerful environments for growth, both personally and in leadership. Transformation happens when truth is experienced through action, not merely understood intellectually. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:38) Maturing is a process that should not push people beyond their pace of growth. (01:12) Teaching without experience leads to knowledge without true maturity. (04:07) Transformation comes through experiencing truth, not just knowing it. (09:14) How traditional systems of theology often fail to help individuals truly mature. (12:30) Loving others is the primary way to practice righteousness. (14:47) Leadership lesson question… the answer - lasting success is built on loving people. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  How Trust Transforms Relationships More Than Accountability Ever Can 16.04.2026 14мин

  How would your life change if you were trusted and loved in spite of your behavior? In this episode, Scott and Bill discuss the detrimental effects of behavior-based accountability groups, which often act as shame incubators, rather than places of healing and growth. They explain how true Christ-like maturity stems from being fully known and loved in a safe community where judgment is replaced by grace. They challenge each of us to rethink Church and community as a safe place where we can be fully known, in spite of what is true about us. A place without fear of judgment. A place where we don’t have to fear losing fellowship. Topics Bill Thrall and Scott Boyd discuss in this episode: (00:53) Heart for a grace-based theology that focuses on love and trust, rather than legalism. (01:50) A listener’s letter describing a behavior-focused accountability group that became a “shame incubator.” (04:42) Accountability is helpful for business and tasks, but harmful when applied to relationships. (05:40) Trust, not failures, is what creates true safety between people. (08:33) A safe place values the person over their behavior, and removes the need to hide. (12:54) A vision for Churches to become places of love and trust, regardless of what is known about a person. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  How to Rebuild Your Faith When It’s Been Shaken 09.04.2026 19мин

  Imagine you could stop working on your life, and step into a life that was already yours. We’re talking about how to rebuild your faith if your faith has been rocked. What do you think of this statement? In this episode, Scott, Bill, and Waldemar explore how to rebuild faith when it has been shaken by life’s challenges. They discuss the concept of rebuilding faith by shifting from a performance-based lifestyle to stepping into the life and identity God has already provided. They also talk about the dangers of "sin management theology,” which traps us in a cycle of shame and self-effort. Remember that circumstances don’t define you… God does. Let Him transform your person. Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (01:50) The question of how to rebuild faith when life circumstances shake belief. (02:21) The concept of “imagine” is introduced as a parallel to faith—believing in what is not yet seen. (03:07) The “upside-down mountain” in the Living Influence logo emphasizes trust over accumulating principles. (05:43) The difference between trusting God for forgiveness versus trusting Him with one’s identity. (10:48) Feelings of inadequacy, shame, and worth are connected to environments that reinforce performance-based identity. (14:10) Adding personal responsibility to spiritual growth undermines grace. (18:11) The power of authentic storytelling in building trust and creating environments of grace. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, Waldemar Kohl, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/
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  The Message Young Adults Are Desperate to Hear 02.04.2026 23мин

  Can you imagine finding a community where it is actually safe for you to be fully known? In this episode, Bill, Scott, and Waldemar explore the struggles young adults face as they wrestle with shame, confusion, and questions about identity. They explain why behavior-focused thinking often leaves people trapped in hiding and why discovering the true significance of one’s person brings freedom. They emphasize embracing a message of grace and the life-changing power of safe relationships where young adults can be fully known and guided toward hope and a real identity in Jesus. Topics Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, and Waldemar Kohl discuss in this episode: (01:28) Young adults feel overwhelmed by shame, confusion, and uncertainty about how life and belief actually work. (04:36) The story of a young man who asked, “What do I do now?” after becoming a believer, which changed how Bill viewed responsibility for guiding others. (06:40) The goal is not to fix young adults but to come alongside them and honor the significance of their person and who God says they are. (10:55) The tension many young adults feel between their sense of failure and the possibility of a completely new way of living. (19:14) Today’s young adults are highly sensitive to what is fake and are searching for something real and authentic. This episode was brought to you by Bill Thrall, Scott Boyd, Waldemar Kohl, and the Living Influence team. Learn about Living Influence: https://www.livinginfluence.com/ Subscribe to the Living Influence podcast: * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LivingInfluencePodcast * Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4kP9Mm2 * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2F2RSvXKfU08Q5LVTCyIYI Learn about Bill Thrall’s books: https://www.livinginfluence.com/books Follow and like the Living Influence podcast on social media: * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livinginfluencepodcast * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@livinginfluencepodcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61576202821527 This episode was produced by Story On Media: https://www.storyon.co/