No one is immune from making a stupid decision. Not even a pastor from one of the country’s largest churches. Let me introduce you to Lee Coate.

Lee is an executive pastor at The Crossing Church in Las Vegas. He’s a sought-after speaker and consults other churches and ministries all across the country. And his advice is based on experience — painful experience at that.

At one point in his career, Lee was so burned out he “pulled the ripcord,” as he puts it. That decision led to a lot of pain, but also a lot of growth.

That growth has now culminated in a new book called “Being Peter,” where Lee unpacks what it means to be a “Type I” (Intense, Innovative, Instigator, Impulsive) leader, and why God doesn’t demand those who are Type I to “quiet down,” but rather uses their bold personalities for good.

In Episode 11 of “That Was Stupid,” Lee joins to talk about:

-His truly stupid decision made out of burn-out

-How he found healing from his past

-Mental health and taking medication

-Being adopted

-What it means to be a “Type I” leader

-His new book, “Being Peter,” and how people who lead loudly and largely don’t have to hide who they are

-And more!

If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available at readdearjon.com.

There’s a good chance that we might not have one of the most recognizable names in faith journalism if he would have listened to his detractors.

Billy Hallowell is one of the country’s premier reporters, focusing on issues of faith, politics, and culture. He’s interviewed everyone from the president to leading atheists. He’s also the author of four books. But when he was trying to decide what to do with his life and expressed an interest in journalism, more than one person told him, “that was stupid.”

Luckily for us, Billy didn’t listen.

In Episode 10 of “That Was Stupid,” Billy joins to talk about

• His wild journey to the top, including taking a 40% pay cut

• How he dealt with the doubters

• His favorite story

• Listening to God’s voice

• How someone you might recognize actually helped turbo his career

• The time he “manifested a demon”

• And more!

You’ve got to hear these stories!

And if you’re interested, you can read Billy’s work at Faithwire or on his Substack.

If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available to paid supporters here.

Did you hear about the Christian musician who became a #1 realtor?

“That Was Stupid” is back, and our first guest of the season is a former Christian musician who gave up music to be a… real estate whiz? Yup!

Logan Walter spent all his life in music. He recorded albums, he toured, and he made it his life. It’s what he was known for and it’s what he did. It even was the “family business,” so to speak.

So when he decided after the pandemic to completely pivot and become a realtor, a lot of people said, “that was stupid.” But interestingly, Logan’s time on stage and connecting with people set him up for success. But not just success, major success. Within a short time of getting into real estate, he became the #1 agent in his company in the nation and even won "rookie of the year" nationally.

He joins “That Was Stupid” to talk about his pivot, how he’s found success, his love for the band Steely Dan, and offers advice for others looking to pivot as well.

If you’d like to watch the video version of the podcast, it’s available to paid supporters at readdearjon.com. As always like, RATE, and share!

Read more about Logan and use him as your agent in the North Texas / DFW area by visiting https://loganwalter.com.

Season 1 was a blast. We interviewed Miss America about leaving America; we talked to an ESPN star who gave it all up to work for a non-profit; and we even talked to a successful businessman who drank sewage in order to bring the world clean water.

We took a break last May to work on some other things; most importantly I took a break to work on myself. You’ll actually be getting that story very, very soon. But now we’re back!

For Season 2, we have some great guests lined up, including a worship pastor who left ministry to become one of the top realtors in Texas, the story of the top faith journalist in the country, and more.

Join us!

Just like Ross and Rachel, we're officially on a break! In fact, we've called a wrap on Season 1 of That Was Stupid. We're taking the summer to book more great guests, hire more people, and prepare for an incredible Season 2. Here's an update from our host, Jon Seidl. Get ready!

Sydney Pritchard Benson (Sydney Michelle Benson) is an influencer. That might make some people cringe. After all, an influencer's job is to, well, influence people. And there are plenty of "influencers" who confirm the stereotypes. Sydney, though? She's different. In fact, she did something really stupid when it came to her wedding. She refused to be influenced by the closest people to her. Instead of throwing a massive Texas wedding (where everything is bigger) she eloped. That caused a lot of strife. So how does an influencer get to the point where she throws the smallest wedding possible instead of the biggest? Well, you'll just have to listen...

Megan Alexander has been an NFL reporter as well as a correspondent for Inside Edition. You've seen her face, even if you don't realize it. She also has several "that was stupid" stories. Stories that led her to the pinnacle of the NFL, and those that meant she could lose her job. Every story has a common theme: she stood up for what she knew was right and was honest. Now you get to hear all of them, while also being armed with some pretty incredible advice when it comes to taking your own stand for what's right.

Brett Seidl went to college to study Spanish and marginalized communities. She even lived in the Latin American bush for a time. So how did she end up starting a multi-million dollar interior design firm? It began as a passion, and that passion turned into a big leap of faith after she had her first child. She shares the inspiring story of going from being the strategic director at a non-profit to starting an interior design business with no degree in the industry. Her advice for not only moms but entrepreneurs is invaluable. And her stories? Well, you won't believe those...