Abel Menbrano’s story of finding life on the other side of achievement.

Summary In this episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, Mitch McKinney sits down with filmmaker Abel Membreno to explore his journey of rediscovering faith and purpose after years of resentment toward the church and chasing achievement. Raised in a ministry-driven Latino home, Abel walked away from church as a young adult, only to find himself unfulfilled and unhealthy in the life he thought he wanted. A sudden health crisis became the turning point that forced him to slow down, reevaluate his priorities, and confront the emotional and spiritual patterns he had been avoiding.

Through intentional growth—and a transformative experience at a Thrive360 retreat—Abel learned to release control, prioritize health, and align his work with purpose. His story offers a powerful reminder that God often uses disruption to redirect us, and that true success comes from living surrendered, not striving.

Takeaways

-Abel grew up immersed in ministry but carried deep resentment toward the church.

-Walking away from faith didn’t bring fulfillment—it magnified emptiness.

-A sudden health crisis became the catalyst for reevaluating his life.

-Abel discovered he wasn’t as healthy—emotionally or spiritually—as he believed.

-A Thrive360 retreat revealed blind spots and opened the door to renewal.

-Prioritizing health led Abel to realign his work with God’s purpose.

-Learning to surrender opened unexpected opportunities and clarity.

-God often uses divine disruptions to lead us into deeper purpose.

Chapters

00:00 – Introduction

01:30 – Abel’s upbringing in a ministry-centered home

03:20 – Resentment and walking away from church

04:50 – Chasing achievement and unhealthy patterns

07:00 – The health crisis that changed everything

10:20 – A shift toward purpose, creativity, and calling

13:45 – COVID, burnout, and confronting deeper issues

15:50 – The Thrive360 retreat and the revelation of true health

18:10 – Learning to say no and live from purpose

21:00 – Trusting God without a five-year plan

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Why burnout, pride, and moral compromise don’t happen overnight—and how to course-correct before the crash.

In this episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, host Mitchell McKinney sits down once again with Mark Montemayor for a deeply honest conversation about burnout, moral failure, and redemption in leadership. Together, they confront the painful truth that not all leadership breakdowns are caused by exhaustion—some stem from choices, compromises, and blind spots that slowly erode character and credibility.

Drawing from Scripture, real-life experiences, and decades of ministry, Mitch and Monte unpack what it means to be disqualified—not just from moral scandal, but from unchecked pride, financial compromise, and emotional unhealth. They explore why self-examination and accountability are non-negotiable for leaders who want to finish well.

Whether you’re leading a church, a team, or your own family, this conversation is both a warning and an invitation: to step into the light, seek help, and trust God with your healing and restoration.

Key Takeaways:

-Burnout and moral failure are warning lights—not the end of your story.

-Disqualification isn’t just about sexual immorality; it can stem from pride, greed, or loss of self-control.

-Scripture clearly outlines the qualifications—and heart posture—of leaders.

-Self-examination and confession are vital to prevent moral drift.

-It’s always better to confess than to be caught.

-Freedom begins with transparency and trusted accountability.

-Leaders must learn to trust God with their weakness and the consequences of honesty.

-You don’t drift into health—you have to take a step toward it.

Chapters:

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction with Guest Mark Montemayor

00:47 — Understanding Moral Failure Beyond Sexual Sin

03:49 — What Truly Disqualifies a Leader

07:17 — The Role of Self-Examination and Accountability

09:59 — Finding Freedom Through Confession and Community

Resources:

-Learn more at www.thrivethreesixty.com

-Feeling burned out? Take the free health assessment here: https://thrivethreesixty.com/health-check/

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In this powerful episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, Mitch McKinney sits down with Monte to unpack the often-overlooked danger of drift—the subtle compromises and unchecked habits that slowly lead leaders toward burnout.

Drawing from deeply personal experiences, Mitch and Monte reveal how small neglects—like sacrificing sleep, ignoring physical warning signs, or pushing past healthy boundaries—compounded into crisis. They talk candidly about the shock of hitting a wall, the humbling recovery process, and the lasting impact burnout can have not only on leaders but also on their families.

But this isn’t just a warning—it’s a roadmap. You’ll discover how intentional rest, self-awareness, and faith can reset the course. Whether you’re “redlining” right now or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers wisdom, practical steps, and hope for a healthier future.

Key Takeaways:

-Burnout is a slow drift, not a sudden event.

-Success can mask warning signs and delay necessary changes.

-Sleep, rest, and nutrition are spiritual and physical priorities, not luxuries.

-Ignoring health leads to long-term damage that impacts families too.

-Faith reshapes how we see rest and responsibility.

-Taking action early saves years of recovery later.

-Supporting others through honest conversations may be the most loving thing you can do.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Leader Health

00:01:16 Personal Stories of Burnout

00:03:42 The Role of Faith

00:07:31 Importance of Rest and Recovery

00:09:49 Advice for Leaders Facing Burnout

00:11:43 Helping Others Recognize Burnout

00:12:51 Long-term Effects of Burnout

Resources:

-Learn more at www.thrivethreesixty.com

-Feeling burned out? Take the free health assessment here: https://thrivethreesixty.com/health-check/

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Discover how healing begins when we shift from performance to presence.

In this deeply personal episode of the THRIVE360 Podcast, host Mitch McKinney sits down with Fredy Romero—pastor, leader, and passionate advocate for healing in the Latino church community. Fredy shares about his upbringing as the son of immigrant parents, the pressures he faced in ministry, and how two personal losses in one year forced him to confront the quiet toll leadership had taken on his soul.

Through the THRIVE360 retreat experience, Fredy found something unexpected: space to grieve, freedom from performance-driven faith, and a new understanding of grace. Together, he and Mitch dive into the unspoken weight Latino leaders carry, the generational narratives that shape their leadership, and what it takes to rewrite those stories. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to push through pain or lead on empty—this episode is for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Leadership can carry a hidden emotional toll—especially when grief goes unprocessed.
• Latino cultural values around sacrifice, performance, and duty often create spiritual pressure.
• The Thrive360 retreat offered Fredy a rare space to be fully human, not just a pastor.
• Grief revealed unhealthy habits and coping mechanisms that had gone unchecked.
• Healing doesn’t happen overnight—it requires time, grace, and intentional unlearning.
• Many pastors silently wrestle with burnout, shame, and isolation.
• Sharing tools, stories, and safe spaces can bridge the gap for under-resourced leaders.
• Fredy and THRIVE360 are committed to helping Latino leaders find freedom from works-based faith and reconnect with their identity as beloved children of God.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 – Welcome & Meet Fredy Romero

03:25 – A Personal Invitation to Retreat

05:34 – Grief, Miscarriage & Ministry Pressure

10:07 – From Performance to Presence

12:34 – Latino Culture & the Weight of Expectations

16:15 – Sharing Hope & Rewriting the Narrative

RESOURCES:

-Learn more at www.thrivethreesixty.com

-Feeling burned out? Take the free health assessment here: https://thrivethreesixty.com/health-check/

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How to stay united, healthy, and hopeful when leadership pulls you from every angle

In this candid and hope-filled episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, Mitch McKinney is joined by longtime friend and ministry partner Mark Montemayor to talk about the real-life experiences of couples serving in ministry. Together, they unpack the emotional highs, personal hurts, and ongoing challenges that come with leading while loving your spouse—and why staying proactive is essential to preventing burnout and building a healthy marriage that lasts.

This conversation offers practical wisdom and vulnerability around:

-Misplaced priorities and the myth that “it’s just a season”

-The silent drift that can occur in busy ministry marriages

-Setting boundaries that protect your home life and your heart

-The raw story behind Mitch’s burnout and the moment everything changed

-Why your marriage must outlast your ministry—and how to make sure it does

Whether you’re in the middle of ministry right now or walking with those who are, this episode is packed with honest encouragement, grace, and guidance to help you not just survive—but thrive—together.

Key Takeaways:

-Your marriage is your first ministry—and it needs proactive investment.

-You won’t drift into a better place; health requires intention and action.

-Honest communication creates space for healing and growth.

-Boundaries are not a lack of faith—they’re an act of faithfulness.

-Seasons won’t change unless you change them.

Chapters:

00:00 – Welcome & Why Being Proactive Matters

01:30 – Marriage in Ministry: The Highs and the Hurts

05:15 – Burnout & the Breaking Point

06:45 – Challenges We Face: Expectations, Isolation, and Silent Drift

08:00 – When Ministry Overshadows Marriage

09:25 – Marriage is Our First Ministry

11:45 – Proactive Steps for Staying Healthy in Ministry

13:40 – The Season That Won’t Change Without Action

15:10 – You’re Not Alone: Final Encouragement

Resources:

-Learn more at www.thrivethreesixty.com

-Feeling burned out? Take the free health assessment here: https://thrivethreesixty.com/health-check/

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Summary

In this episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, host Mitch McKinney is joined once again by Enneagram guru and Thrive360 team member Covyn Montemayor for an insightful conversation on the role of personality awareness in leadership and life. Covyn shares how the Enneagram has helped shape her understanding of herself, her relationships, and her walk with God. Together, they explore the importance of identifying blind spots, the value of looking beyond your dominant type, and why self-discovery must happen in community. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ready to use the Enneagram as a tool to move past labels and lean into growth.

Takeaways

• The Enneagram is a powerful framework for understanding aspects of God's character as reflected in people
• Your primary type is important—but your lowest scoring type may hold the greatest invitation for growth.
• The WEPSS Enneagram test gives a full spectrum of your personality across all nine types.
• Growth happens in the presence of accountability—don’t navigate the Enneagram alone.
• Avoid using Enneagram types to stereotype others or excuse behavior; everyone has potential to grow beyond their number.
• Awareness of blind spots is the beginning of meaningful transformation.

• Learn more at thrivethreesixty.com
• Take the WEPSS Enneagram Test
• Feeling burned out? Take the free health assessment here: https://thrivethreesixty.com/health-check/

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In this powerful episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, host Mitch McKinney sits down with licensed acupuncturist and Thrive360 retreat facilitator Covyn Montemayor to unpack a topic that too often gets overlooked: the health of the leader.

Drawing from her experience in clinical well-being and spiritual formation, Covyn offers a practical and compassionate look at the hidden toll leadership can take—and how to recognize the signs before burnout sets in. Together, they explore how your personal rhythms impact your leadership, the difference between peacekeeping and peacemaking, and why solitude and Sabbath are vital tools for longevity in ministry.

Whether you're feeling worn thin or simply sense the need to slow down, this episode is a gentle but powerful reminder: you’re worth the care you give to others.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why your personal well-being is inseparable from your leadership impact
• How “drift” shows up in leaders—and how to catch it early
• The power of Sabbath and solitude to restore clarity How to create reflective space without guilt or shame
• Why presence matters more than perfection
• What it means to be a peacemaker—not just a peacekeeper
• First steps for when you feel alone or unseen in leadership

CHAPTERS

00:00: Introduction to Thrive360 Podcast and Guest

01:45: Covyn Montemayor: Background and Role at Thrive360

03:41: The Importance of Leader Health

05:35: Common Issues in Leadership and Presence

08:57: Guidance for Leaders in Difficult Times

10:48: Impact of Retreats on Leaders' Well-being

In this episode of the Thrive360 Podcast, Mitch McKinney and Mark Montemayor, discuss the importance of self-awareness in leadership. They explore how leaders often lack awareness of how they are perceived by others, the common blind spots that exist, and the challenges of receiving feedback.

The conversation emphasizes the need for leaders to invite feedback, understand the art and science of leadership, and adapt their communication to better connect with their teams. Ultimately, self-discovery and growth in self-awareness are highlighted as essential components for effective leadership.

TAKEAWAYS:

-Self-awareness is crucial for effective leadership.

-Everyone has blind spots that can impact their leadership.

-Receiving feedback is a challenge for many leaders.

-Leaders need to invite feedback and be open to it.

-Understanding how others perceive you is vital.

-Leadership involves both technical skills and relational skills.

-Change is often easier for those who author it.

-Self-discovery requires input from others.

-Language matters in communicating with your team.

-Leaders must adapt their approach to fit their audience.

SOUND BITES:

"We all lack self-awareness."

"How people experience your leadership matters."

"We need help to identify blind spots."

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Introduction to Self-Awareness

03:14 Blind Spots in Leadership

06:05 The Challenge of Receiving Feedback

08:52 The Art and Science of Leadership

12:10 Self-Discovery and Language in Leadership

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