"Brick by brick": Building an ordered life through grit with Chris Spangle on Leading Adam

Hosts Adam Binkerd and Erika Crabtree open season three of Leading Adam with a deeply personal conversation with Chris Spangle—director of digital content at IBJ, former Bob & Tom digital lead, and longtime host of The Chris Spangle Show. Spangle shares his journey from early success in radio and podcasting to a season of loss, depression, and faith that reshaped his life. He talks candidly about therapy, breaking unhealthy cycles, and choosing family over workaholism. A podcast editor, co-host of The Patdown and featured juror on BET’s Ms. Pat Settles It, he shares where he thinks media is heading. This episode sets the tone for a season focused on “leading inward,” exploring grit, resilience, and the quiet work of building an “ordered life” brick by brick. Follow him on YouTube here: @ChrisSpangleShow⁠00:00 Intro & New Season Kickoff01:07 New Set, New Energy02:04 Introducing Chris Spangle05:56 Why Chris? Production & Connection08:30 Season 3: Leading Inward13:01 Chris's Journey: Podcasting & Growth20:53 The Granular Skills That Built a Career24:53 Getting Personal: Lessons from Childhood31:31 Finding Grit in Insecurity38:56 Faith, Recovery, and Second Chances44:52 Formulas for Values & the Ordered Life50:59 Balance, Vocational Choices & Family01:00:10 Building Community & The Future of Relationships01:13:02 Parenting, Role Models & Generational Growth01:18:10 Authenticity, Judgment, and Social Barriers01:21:31 Lessons Learned & Season Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.chrisspangle.com/subscribe