Episode 362: Following Jesus the Leader: Christ’s Ultimate Leadership Model with Fr. Brandenburg, LC

Hey Everybody! It's Fr. Edward

What if Jesus is the greatest leadership model of all time—and modern leadership theory has been overlooking Him? Fr. Daniel Brandenburg, LC joins Fr. Edward to discuss how his academic study of leadership led him to a surprising realization: at Catholic institutions, Jesus was rarely studied as a leadership model at all. Yet no leader has shaped history more profoundly. In this conversation, Fr. Brandenburg compares Jesus to the top secular leadership frameworks and thought leaders, explains why asking for the “best leadership model” misses the point, and shares how leading like Jesus leads to flourishing—while failing to do so leads to breakdown. He also reflects on Pope Leo XIV’s leadership style, offers encouragement for those suffering under poor leadership (including a powerful story involving Padre Pio), and explains who his book is written for and why it matters today. Fr. Edward also shares how this discussion challenged and refined his own thinking about leadership. Whether you’re a priest, educator, manager, or parish volunteer, this episode will reshape how you think about leadership—and discipleship. Buy his book: https://www.amazon.com/Leader-Like-No-Other-Leadership/dp/B0DYJJBKMD/

About Podcast

Fr. Edward Looney is a Catholic priest who loves having conversations with guests. They talk about new book releases, various topics related to faith and life, and occasionally he speaks with producers, directors, and actors from the film industry. He has podcasted since 2019, formerly as “How They Love Mary” and “Cup of St. Joe,” conducting over 300 interviews to date. The interview style podcasts from Fr. Edward continues now, as he begins each conversation greeting his audience with “Hey Everybody!” Tune in for inspiring conversations about faith, film, and life.