The L3 Leadership Podcast with Doug Smith
Self-Improvement
About
The L3 Leadership Podcast is focused on leadership development and personal growth. We are obsessed with helping you grow to your maximum potential and maximizing the impact of your leadership. We release a new episode every week to help you grow and develop as a leader. You will hear a mix of personal lessons from our Founder, Doug Smith, and conversations Doug has with world-class leaders from around the world. Doug interviews leaders like Pittsburgh Steelers Coach, Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Penguins Coach, Mike Sullivan, Tony Horton, Liz Wiseman, Brian Tome, John Mark Comer, Mark Batterson, Ryan Hawk, Nona Jones, Claude Silver, Ken Coleman, Christy Wright, Rachel Cruze, Mark Cole, and many more. Our hope is that you will not only learn great leadership lessons but that you will catch great leadership from the lives of the leaders that we expose you to.
Episodes
- How Great Leaders Accelerate the Next Generation with Pastor John Nuzzo
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Pastor John Nuzzo, founder of Victory Family Church and author of The Acceleration Mandate. Pastor John is also one of the most influential voices in…
- Take Control of Your Health: A Leader's Guide to Finishing Strong
Send us Fan Mail Only 2% of Christian leaders make it to their finish line with their families, faith, and calling intact — and Doug Smith believes your health is one of the biggest reasons why. In this powerful talk, Doug shares his perso…
- Advice for the 60+ Crowd
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful message titled Advice for the 60+ Crowd: How to Make the Most of the Final Season of Your Life. After speaking to a group of seniors at a local chu…
- Most People Don’t Build a Great Life—They Accept One (Here’s How to Change That)
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a powerful talk he gave for Keller Williams titled How to Build a Great Life. Doug walks through the principles that have shaped his own journey—from a diffic…
- Why 90% of Leaders Plateau (And How to Break Out of It) | Chris Robinson
Send us Fan Mail Most leaders think they’re growing—but in reality, they’re just repeating the same year over and over again. In this powerful conversation, Doug sits down with Chris Robinson, Executive Vice President of Maxwell Leadership…
- 7 Leadership Lessons I Learned at the Most Powerful Memorial Service I’ve Ever Attended
Send us Fan Mail What would people say about your life at your memorial service? In this deeply personal episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares the powerful leadership lessons he learned after attending the memorial servic…
- How to Lead Generation Z: 9 Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know | Dr. Tim Elmore
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Dr. Tim Elmore, founder of Growing Leaders and bestselling author of The Future Begins with Z: 9 Strategies to Lead Generation Z as They Disrupt the W…
- 5 Hard Leadership Lessons 2025 Taught Me
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast , Doug Smith shares Part 2 of his annual reflection series , unpacking the final ten lessons he learned in 2025 and how they are shaping his leadership moving into 2026. Drawing…
- 15 Leadership Lessons I Learned in 2025 (That Will Change How I Lead in 2026) Part I
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith kicks off part one of his annual reflection series, sharing the most significant lessons he learned in 2025 and how they’re shaping his leadership in 2026. Drawing f…
- How to Build a Family That Rules for Generations | Jeremy Pryor
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith sits down with returning guest Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, family, faith, and legacy. Jeremy shares ho…
- How to Conduct a Year-End Review
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone…
- 🎁 Holiday Gift Guide 2025: What Every leader Should Give (and Get!)
Send us Fan Mail Holiday Gift Guide Link In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith delivers a reflective, practical lesson on leadership gifts worth sharing—especially when life gets busy. Using the backdrop of the holiday s…
- Creating Spaces for Men to Thrive with Peter Ostapko
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith talks with Peter Ostapko, co-founder of Kinsman Journal and leader of the growing Kinsman community in Springfield, Missouri. Peter shares his journey from a career…
- Offering No-Cost Adoptions with Matt Higgins, CEO of Hope Children's Home
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug sits down with Matt Higgins, Executive Director of Hope Children’s Home in Tampa, Florida. Matt shares the powerful mission of providing a loving home and education to chi…
- 9 Ways to Develop Your Character
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith shares a personal lesson on 9 Ways to Develop Your Character. As Doug explains, character development is the most important development for any leader—because withou…
- Rob Dube on How to Achieve True Entrepreneurial Freedom
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Rob Dube, author of Shine: How Looking Inward is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom , co-written with Gino Wickman. Rob shares powerful ins…
- Are Leaders Made or Born?
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith flips roles as he is interviewed by Ron Moore on the Living Grounded Podcast. The conversation delves into a variety of leadership topics, including whether lea…
- Reflections on Turning 40!
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares personal reflections and insights gained from turning 40. From expressing gratitude for life, emphasizing the importance of personal growth, to highlight…
- Inside the NFL: Leadership Lessons from the Pittsburgh Steelers Chaplain
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Kent Chevalier, Chaplain of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Kent discusses his journey from a campus pastor to serving in the NFL, emphasizing the unique role he…
- Giving Firm Feedback in a Fragile World with Jeff Hancher
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Jeff Hancher, author of 'Firm Feedback in a Fragile World.' Jeff shares his journey from growing up in poverty to a successful 24-year career, emphasizing…
- How to Create a Life Plan that Drives Your Growth
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Doug Smith joins Nick Poole on the Calvary Leadership Podcast. Doug shares his journey from being unaware of personal development to becoming a champion of continuous growth is highlighted through his impa…
- When Your Family Can't Compete with Standing Ovations with Ryan Leak
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith and guest Ryan Leak discuss Ryan's journey as a New York Times bestselling author and speaker. Ryan shares his extensive experience of speaking at over 120 events an…
- Breaking the Cycle: Larry Hagner on Healing Father Wounds and Building an Epic Family Legacy
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Larry Hagner, founder of the Dad Edge, about his mission to create legendary marriages, epic relationships with kids, personal financial mastery, optimize…
- Running for Office While Raising a Family: Lessons from Team Mercuri
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith sits down with Rob and Kelsey Mercuri to discuss their experiences in politics, leadership, and parenting. Rob, a former State Representative and candidate for Congr…
- From Drug Dealer to Nonprofit Leader: Doug Smith's Remarkable Journey of Transformation
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Doug Smith, host of the L3 Leadership Podcast, joins the Lunch Break series of the Boss Juice Podcast to discuss his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful podcaster and leader in th…
- The Critical Impact of Fathers: Dr. Meg Meeker on Why Dads Matter More Than They Know
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug Smith interviews Dr. Meg Meeker, a pediatrician and author who focuses on the critical role of fathers in parenting. Dr. Meeker discusses the impact of fatherhood on child…
- Family Team Meetings: The Weekly System That's Transforming Marriages
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith is interviewed by Dave D'Angelo on Northway Christian Community's Project 167 Podcast. They discuss various topics, including Doug's impactful work at Light of…
- From Part-Time to C-Suite: Christiana Smith Shi's Blueprint for Women's Career Advancement
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Christiana Smith Shi, discussing her new book 'Career Forward: Strategies for Women Who've Made It.' Christiana shares her extensive career journey f…
- MORE DEATHS THAN ALL THE AMERICAN WARS: Dr. Robert Marbut Reveals on the Fentanyl & Homelessness Crisis
Send us Fan Mail Guest: Dr. Robert Marbut, former Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness Key Topics: Dr. Marbut's journey to becoming the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness under…
- The Power of Being a Helper: MLB Manager Clint Hurdle on Legacy and Leadership
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith welcomes back Clint Hurdle for his third appearance. They discuss Clint's journey since leaving Pittsburgh, including his retirement, challenges during COVID-19…
- Greg Furer on Why Mistakes Are a Good Thing
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Greg Furer, President and CEO of Beratung Advisors. They discuss the origins of their friendship, the transformative power of personal growth and ref…
- Why You Need Friends that will Literally Slap You in the Face
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, you’ll hear Doug Smith being interviewed by Tom O’Boyle and Nate Devlin. The conversation originally aired on the Scattered Seeds Podcast . You'll hear me talk about: The state…
- Jeremy Pryor on Multi-Generational Family Leadership and the Greatest Business Book of All Time
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Jeremy Pryor, founder of Family Teams. They discuss the influence of the traditional fairy tale 'Jack and the Beanstalk,' offering surprising insight…
- Doug Smith on How to Conduct a Year-End Review
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith shares his year-end review process, which has been a cornerstone of his personal growth since 2004. Doug discusses the importance of reflecting on the year gone…
- Dr. Josh Axe: How to Break Limiting Beliefs and Become the Person You Were Meant to Be
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, host Doug Smith interviews Dr. Josh Axe about his new book 'Think This, Not That,' which addresses overcoming limiting beliefs to unlock one’s greatest potential. Dr. Axe share…
- ANNOUNCEMENT: The L3 Leadership Podcast is Back!
Send us Fan Mail After 9 months away from the podcast, Doug Smith is back with more guests, more exciting leadership content, and brand new episodes. Join us on December 10 for our interview with Dr. Josh Axe on overcoming limiting beliefs…
- Leon Ford on Brutality, Forgiveness, and Building a Better Future for His Son
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Leon Ford shares his profound journey from the brink of death due to police brutality to becoming a symbol of forgiveness and activism. About Leon Ford: Leon F…
- Anne Bieler, Founder of Auntie Anne's Pretzels, on Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose in the Pain
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Anne Beiler joins Doug to discuss her upbringing, Auntie Anne’s, and shares advice with listeners who may be struggling on how she navigates life’s more diffic…
- Doug Smith on Overcoming Mental Health Issues, Parenting, and How to be Good with People
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug is interviewed by his friend Zack Blair. Together, they discuss various topics, such as mental health, leadership, confidence, and parenting. About Doug S…
- Mark Miller on Uncommon Greatness: 5 Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership
Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Mark Miller, the former VP of High-Performance Leadership at Chick-fil-A, joins us to reveal the core principles of "Uncommon Greatness." About Mark Miller: Mark started over 4…
- William Vanderbloemen on Finding Unicorns, The Importance of Responding Quickly, and How to be as Likeable as Bill Clinton
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, William Vanderbloeman joins Doug to share the groundbreaking insights he’s gained from conducting over 30,000 interviews and shares strategies that will equip…
- Jade Warshaw on Getting out of $460,000 in Debt, Lessons Learned from Dave Ramsey, and How You Can Get Free Financially
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Jade Warshaw, a Ramsey personality, shares her journey to financial freedom and the importance of following the Baby Steps to get out of debt. About Jade Warsh…
- Doug Smith on My Father-in-Law Pranking Me + Overcoming My Mental Health Battle
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Doug is interviewed by his long-time friend, Dan Herod for his podcast, Hope Between The Lines. They delve into relationships, mental health, grief, and more.…
- Jordan Raynor on The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, bestselling author Jordan Raynor discusses his new book, The Sacredness of Secular Work: 4 Ways Your Job Matters for Eternity. About Jordan Raynor: Through his…
- Maggie Berghoff on Functional Medicine, Optimizing Your Health, and Raising Healthy Kids
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Maggie Berghoff joins us to share her wealth of knowledge on functional medicine and personalized health. About Maggie Berghoff: Maggie Berghoff is a visionary…
- George Kamel on on How to Break Free from Broke
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, we are joined by George Kamel, Ramsey personality and author, as he recounts his climb from being burdened by debt to securing a seven-figure net worth. About…
- Esther Fedorkevich: What it Takes to Write a Book, Get it Published, and Get it out to the World
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Esther Fedorkevich is joins us to discuss her journey in entrepreneurship and publishing, offering valuable advice for aspiring authors. About Esther Fedorkevi…
- Rob Luna: Closing Your Wealth Gap
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership Podcast, Rob Luna, a seasoned expert in wealth management joins us. Our chat traces Rob's path from his early days in the challenging streets of L.A. to his present rol…
- Our Most Played Episode of 2023: Jamie Winship on Living Fearless
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Jamie Winship shares a wild story of how he solved a crime, why living out of our true identity enables us to live a fearless life, and more. About Jamie Winsh…
- Doug Smith: How to Conduct a Year-End Review
Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: In this episode of the L3 Leadership podcast, Doug talks about how he does a year-end review, why he believes every leader needs to do their own, and how to do your own. About Doug: Doug Smith is the Direc…