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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 in banking to launching gatherings designed to help men find authentic brotherhood, friendship, and faith-driven connection.

Together they discuss the loneliness epidemic among leaders, why local community is essential, and how intentional gatherings can transform lives. Peter also opens up about parenting, navigating career transitions, and the importance of slowing down and creating space for what matters most.

Whether you’re a leader longing for deeper friendships, a father seeking wisdom, or someone discerning your next step, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Introduction and Peter’s passion for community
02:00 How Kinsman gatherings began and why men said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this”
06:00 The power of local connection vs. national networks
09:00 Structuring meaningful gatherings with intentionality
13:00 Friendship, brotherhood, and why men struggle to connect
17:00 Moving beyond transactional relationships
20:00 The annual Kinsman Summit and why environment matters
22:00 Publishing Kinsman Journal and the story behind it
25:00 Fatherhood lessons: being intentional, dealing with your stuff, and prioritizing your marriage
30:00 Discerning career transitions and leaning into curiosity
35:00 Why Kinsman became a nonprofit and Peter’s approach to fundraising
40:00 The importance of slowing down and creating space to rest
42:00 Best advice Peter has ever received
47:00 Bucket list dreams: Italy and visiting every MLB stadium with his kids
48:00 What Peter would tell his younger self
49:00 Legacy: being remembered as a faithful servant, husband, and father

🌐 https://kinsmen.org/ – A high-quality publication for men exploring themes of faith, fatherhood, and work.

🌐 https://kinsmen.org/gatherings – Community events and annual summit hosted by Kinsman to foster brotherhood and authentic friendships.

The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com
to learn more.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7

🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac

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🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473

SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

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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 children from difficult circumstances, along with their new Bundles of Hope initiative that gives mothers in crisis pregnancies the gift of time and support.

Links:

• Hope Children's Home

Episode Highlights:
00:00 Doug introduces Matt Higgins and the story of how they connected
04:00 The mission and model of Hope Children’s Home
08:00 Four pillars: physical needs, family environment, education, and faith
14:00 Stories of transformation from children at Hope
17:00 Aftercare and staying connected with alumni
18:00 Bundles of Hope initiative and no-cost adoption vision
25:00 Matt on taking over as CEO after his father’s leadership
28:00 The unseen weight of leadership and why encouragement matters
31:00 How to become the obvious choice for leadership roles
33:00 Dealing with self-doubt and imposter syndrome
34:00 The power of mastermind groups and surrounding yourself with stronger leaders
39:00 Cutting meetings in half and lessons on leadership rhythms
44:00 What went well and what went wrong in succession planning
47:00 Best advice, parenting wisdom, and Matt’s legacy vision

The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com
to learn more.

📺 WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/VYNKN__xefE?si=Ip8hs24aXl4pAHBG

🎙️ LISTEN ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7HJNhlqphdNFwt7xLTScpH?si=280a2dd8466e46bc

🎙️ LISTEN ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id495751888?i=1000725681604

🎙️ ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17808033

SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive

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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 without integrity, everything else eventually crumbles. Drawing from his own journey and the wisdom of mentors, Doug outlines nine practical and powerful ways to strengthen your character so that you can lead well, finish well, and live with integrity in every area of life.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

00:00 Introduction to Doug’s personal journey in character development
01:00 Why only 2% of leaders finish well—and how to be one of them
02:00 Step 1: Get a vision for your finish line
03:00 Step 2: Follow God and allow Him to shape your character
05:00 Step 3: The most dangerous prayer you can pray for growth
06:00 Step 4: Surround yourself with people of high character
07:00 Step 5: Listen to the small checks and convictions in your heart
10:00 Step 6: Admit it, quit it, forget it
13:00 Step 7: Get some real friends who love you enough to challenge you
15:00 Step 8: Confess temptations before they become failures
17:00 Step 9: Realize you are always an example—whether you want to be or not
19:00 Doug’s hope: that every leader makes it to their finish line intact

The L3 Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Andocia Marketing Solutions. Andocia exists to bring leaders’ visions to life. Visit https://andocia.com to learn more.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/e4o5TLH87yE?si=ur3Ph7a40XzOQFv7

🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6huMUOmGFupQNjvrKALZ6u?si=7a9b9a2e1dcd4eac

🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-l3-leadership-podcast-with-doug-smith/id1569987442?i=1000723571859

🎙️ FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON ALL PLATFORMS: https://www.buzzsprout.com/5082/episodes/17705473

SUBSCRIBE TO: @l3leadership @dougsmithlive