Phil Cooke Podcast

Are you passionate about Christian storytelling and dreaming of a career in faith-based filmmaking? Join media executive Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com and Ryan Grow, Executive Producer and Head of Lifeway Films, for a powerful and practical conversation that dives deep into the world of Christian movies and documentary filmmaking.

From pitching your first project to navigating story structure and the unique challenges of faith-driven media, Ryan shares industry insights, personal stories, and what it truly takes to create films that impact both hearts and culture. Learn how filmmakers can bridge the gap between church and cinema—an...

Church doesn’t have to be boring! In this interview, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com talks with Executive Pastor Ben Stapley of Zarephath Christian Church to uncover creative, practical ways to revitalize your worship experience. Whether you're running a traditional or contemporary church service, these creative strategies will boost engagement, improve sermon retention, and help your congregation connect with God on a deeper level. 

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career!Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more tips on creative leadership.

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What does it take to thrive in church media ministry? Join Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com for an inspiring conversation with Will Chapman, Online Minister at Cottonwood Creek Church and seasoned media director. Gain valuable insights on church media leadership, team building, communication, and the use of AI for church teams that can help you build an impactful media ministry within your church.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:✅ Bridging the gap between pastors and media teams for better communication✅ Building and training a volunteer media team (why students make the best camera operators!)✅ Maximizing church technology—from lighting design to AI...

Ever wondered how reality TV and game show careers work behind the scenes? In this interview, showrunner-producer Sean Kelly and editor-producer Matthew McCartie with host Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com dive into the fascinating world of television production, sharing insider secrets about working on reality shows, game shows, and the creative process behind some of your favorite unscripted television programs, like Shark Tank, Biggest Loser, and Big Brother. If you're aspiring to break into the industry as a producer, editor, or showrunner, this video offers valuable insights from industry veterans.

Find out how to break into a...

Improv is not just for actors! Find out how improvisation skills can elevate your ability to land on your feet in any situation as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews Kelsey Cooke and Chris Guerra of thisishardtoread Productions and Oddity Improv. Together, they break down the values of improv classes for spontaneity, team collaboration, self-confidence, speaking skllls and for boosting creativity in any environment. 

Join Chris and Kelsey as they share how improv can change the way you communicate, build teams, and approach creative challenges. 

👉 Watch now and transform your creative career! Don't forget to like...

Drone cameras, cable cameras (Spidercams) and jibs are showing up more and more in church services. Are they enhancing the worship experience or distracting the congregation? Church media consultant Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares best practices for church media directors and production teams on introducing new technology while capturing God-moments in meaningful ways.

👉 Watch now to gain skills in creative leadership. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

👉 New MasterclassesChurch on Trial—Crisis Management with Phil Cooke https...

Media matters! Even if you’re a small church or nonprofit, a qualified church media team can help you get your message out in a more impactful way. If you’re wondering where to start and who to hire first, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares detailed information on roles, qualifications and even pay scale to help you build a dynamic media team. Excellence matters, and having the right person in the right role for a tech person, media director and media consultant will help you make your media ministry a success.

👉 Watch now to gain skills in cris...

A crisis does not have to break your church or nonprofit organization. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers an overview of crisis management based on his book and masterclass titled, “Church on Trial: How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis.” Find out how to failsafe your ministry from a crisis with leadership tips on vetting employees, creating a healthy work culture, developing a crisis plan, and offering your employees crisis management training. A crisis can be an opportunity to strengthen your church to weather the storm.

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and t...

Leading creative teams and managing projects often means balancing your artistic vision with the needs of clients, audiences, or stakeholders. In this video, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com dives deep into how to release creative control while staying true to your creativity and navigating the demands of business culture.

Whether you’re a young creative or an experienced leader, understanding the dynamics of collaboration is essential. From graphic design to filmmaking, creativity is often a team effort, and releasing creative control is often part of the process. 💡 Includes Pro Tips for leading creative teams.

Get your...

How early is too early to plan your church Christmas pageant or program? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares the “best of” Christmas podcasts for church media directors, choir directors and their teams to produce the best Christmas pageant or program ever! Go behind the scenes of the “The Gift of Christmas” stunning multi-media event as Phil interviews Prestonwood Church creative leaders Michael Neale, Andy Pearson, and Bryan Bailey to discuss the mindset, collaboration and planning of a successful church Christmas program. Then, get Phil’s nine-point church media checklist to help your team produce a holiday prog...

Is your church prepared for a crisis? In this 700 Club Interactive show, host Andrew Knox sits down with Phil Cooke, author of “Church on Trial” https://philcooke.com/crisis to discuss ways churches can effectively respond to a crisis while staying true to the organization’s core mission. Phil offers a proactive and comprehensive approach to crisis management to help leaders respond appropriately to victims and perpetrators while strengthening the church for the future. 

👉 Listen now to gain skills in crisis management.Find out more about CBN and The 700 Club here: https://www2.cbn.com/

NEW MASTER...

Shocking scandals, sudden emergencies – church leaders face all sorts of unpredictable challenges. In this episode of The 700 Club, host Ashley Key interviews Phil Cooke, author of “Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission and Reputation During a Crisis.” https://philcooke.com/crisis  In today’s digital culture, the opportunities for crises in a church or organization are amplified. Knowing how to respond quickly and appropriately is critical.

Cooke states, “It’s not if a crisis will happen; it’s when a crisis will happen.” His latest book, “Church on Trial,” offers church leaders the tools they need to manage the...

Have you been asked to present a short motivational speech or inspirational devotional before an event? Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers five tips to make it memorable! Opening a conference or gathering is an honor. It can be a powerful catalyst for both the audience and your career.

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

NEW BOOK! “Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis”With the recent highly publicized stories of promine...

Dealing with a bad boss can make your workplace feel like a battleground. If you’re trying to survive a toxic work environment, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers creative and positive ways to deal with the Micromanaging Boss, the Inconsiderate Boss, and the Unsupportive Manager. Bonus: Phil shares 5 tips to survive a difficult boss! 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

**NEW BOOK! “Church on Trial – How to Protect Your Congregation, Mission, and Reputation During a Crisis”With the recent...

Accelerate your career! Becoming a skilled public speaker can open doors and advance your career quickly as you position yourself as an expert. If you’re serious about speaking, Phil Cooke’s https://philcooke.com list of six tools that a conference planner needs can help you get hired as a speaker. The easier you make it for the people who can book you for an event, the better your chances of getting selected. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

How do you deal with rejection? What do you do after a failure? Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers five “next steps” that can be the key to moving past failure and on to success in your career. If you’re in business, media production or content creation – and especially if you’re in the film industry as a filmmaker, actor or writer – you’ll gain new resiliency to help you bounce back from failure and secure your future. Includes bonus tips on having a day job while working towards your dream job.

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform...

Jumpstart your career in Hollywood! If you’re looking for a job in LA or New York, Phil Cooke’s https://philcooke.com interview with Sommerly Simser will help you succeed in the film industry. Highlighted as a new leader to watch in Variety Magazine, Sommerly has gone from assistant to associate in Hollywood and now works in Feature Film Production Finance at Netflix. Find out how to get your first job in LA, navigate interviews with skill, make quality industry connections, and apply your faith as a Christian in Hollywood. 

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your...

Is there a book inside you, but you don’t know where to start? Maybe it’s time to consider a ghostwriter! Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com welcomes writer and ghostwriter Jordan Loftis to explore book writing options and a strategic publishing process that can help pastors, leaders, and Christian entrepreneurs go from “idea to impact.” Founder of Story Chorus, Jordan shares what it’s like to work with a ghostwriter, the importance of sharing your origin story, and the impact you can have for generations to come. There’s somebody out there that needs to hear your story!

Get m...

Are there issues in your ministry or organization that everybody knows about but nobody talks about? It’s time to address the elephant in the room and build towards a healthier work culture. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com offers six effective strategies to be part of the solution without losing your job.

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

Get my book “One Big Thing: Discovering What You Were Born to Do” https://amzn.to/2M2maTr

Get my...

Welcome to a revolutionary discussion on adapting preaching for the digital age! In this episode, online preaching coach David Murrow, joins Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com to delve into the art of engaging with your online congregation effectively. Discover invaluable insights to transform your preaching style and create sermons that are watchable, memorable, and sharable as an evangelistic tool. Elevate your communication skills with practical tips you can apply to your next sermon.

🔗 Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

...

Public speaking gigs are a powerful way to advance your career, plus they offer opportunities to get your message heard. Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares five tips to help you book your first speaking gig while becoming a great speaker. Elevate your speaking skills and find out how to get invited to speak at conferences, small groups, workshops, and more to expand your influence today.

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/ 

Get my new book: “Ideas on a D...

Evangelism and Reaching Gen Z | Dr. Billy Wilson, President, Oral Roberts University

You can change the world! Join Phil Cooke in this conversation with Dr. Billy Wilson, president of Oral Roberts University, as they discuss the importance of reaching Gen Z with the gospel. https://philcooke.com In this thought-provoking discussion, you’ll find out how this rising generation thinks and how to effectively share the message of Christ with them. Author of “Generation Z: Born for the Storm” and “The Power of One: Reaching Every Person on Earth,” Wilson also shares about the E21 global initiative for evangelism and ways yo...

Are you struggling in your creative career as an artist, musician, filmmaker, writer or director? Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares the two levels of success you need to achieve to earn a living as a creative and gain success doing what you love to do.

Watch the interview with Howard Kazanjian here: https://youtu.be/xXGmRmMtxV0

Get my FREE DOWNLOAD and transform your creative leadership skills when you sign up for my newsletter here: https://www.philcooke.com/subscribe/

Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadl...

With a career that spans 50 years, he’s collaborated with Hollywood legends such as Alfred Hitchcock, George Lucas and Frances Coppola. Phil Cooke welcomes Emmy award-winning film and television producer Howard Kazanjian to share behind the scenes of a producer’s role in both the studio system and independent film with credits including “Raiders of the Lost Ark, Star Wars “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi.” His stories on some of the biggest blockbusters in film history will inspire new filmmakers in their careers.

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 Get my new book: “Id...

Does your pastor have a vision for media? If you’re feeling stifled as a church media producer or communications director, Phil Cooke offers eight tips to help you “lead from the middle” and win your pastor over to see the potential for media. In today’s digital age, the opportunities for sharing the gospel through media are tremendous. Here’s how to communicate this opportunity to senior leadership while advancing your career as a media professional.

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Order my book for your pastor! “Maximize Your Influence: How to Make Digital...

The Spanish-speaking community is exploding in growth in the U.S. Find out how your local church can engage the Latino community more effectively as Phil Cooke interviews Angel Jordan, director of Hispanic Initiatives at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Join them as they explore the varying aspects of Latino culture, the needs represented, and the opportunities for outreach and discipleship within the Hispanic community. Bonus topic includes ways you can partner with a Spanish-speaking church to empower them to reach the Hispanic community.

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Interested in a directing career? Find out how to succeed as Phil Cooke welcomes live multi-camera director and executive producer Micah Bickham to discuss his approach to capturing live events and filming music videos and his career pathway from media ministry to freelance director. 

Micah has directed performances of some of today’s biggest names in music, including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Ed Sheeran, and Demi Lovato, and his work can be seen on all major streaming platforms. Formerly the executive producer and creative director for VEVO in New York and previously the senior live director for Joe...

How do acts of kindness factor into the new visitor experience in your church? Phil Cooke welcomes author, speaker and church consultant Greg Atkinson to explore ways to reach your community and transform your church guest services with kindness and authentic hospitality. Founder of the First Impressions Conference, Greg offers practical ways pastors can create welcoming environments for their congregations.

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Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking” Order today and get bonus resource materials to instantly elevate your creat...

Since the pandemic, most churches live livestream their church services. Now it’s time to take your online worship service to the next level. In this episode, Phil Cooke welcomes Jason Moore, co-founder of Midnight Oil Productions and author of “BOTH/AND: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for In-Person and Online Engagement.” Pastors, communication leaders and church media teams will gain insight on how to engage congregations in powerful and purposeful ways in today’s digital age.

Get Jason’s book “BOTH/AND: Maximizing Hybrid Worship Experiences for In-Person and Online Engagement" here: https://amzn.to/48XX929

Please li...

It’s never too late to unlock your creative genius! Join Phil Cooke in an insightful interview with Dawn Nicole Baldwin, the founder and lead strategist of Mavericks. Discover how to leverage your creativity as a church, ministry, nonprofit organization or individual as Dawn shares invaluable advice on rethinking creativity, identifying your “sweet spot,” and crafting a strategic growth plan. Whether you’re moving into a creative career or seeking to amplify your creative impact, this conversation will ignite your creative journey.

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Get free resources from Dawn Baldwin and Maver...

Want to know how to engage people with your ideas? In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com shares five active listening skills to help you gain respect when leading a team or entering a pitch meeting. These communication strategies will level up your people skills and help you become the most fascinating person in the room.

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Get “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” with a gift to The Influence Lab here:  https://InfluenceLab.com/donate

Or find it and my other books at https://www.p...

Blast through the myths of creativity that are holding you back! Phil Cooke welcomes David Burkus, organizational psychologist and best-selling author of the book, “The Myths of Creativity—The Truth About How Innovative Companies and People Generate Ideas.” In this interview, you’ll find out the truth about brainstorming ideas and increasing your creativity, plus gain ideas for team building and remote leadership.

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Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking”  https://www.philcooke.com/ideasonadeadline/
#Audiobook available now!  https...

A visually stunning multi-media event, The Gift of Christmas at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Dallas has become a community tradition attended by thousands each year. Go behind the scenes of production as Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews the Prestonwood creative leaders Michael Neale, Andy Pearson, and Bryan Bailey to discuss the mindset, collaboration and planning of a successful church Christmas program. Church media creatives of both large and small churches will glean inside tips to tailor your next Christmas event for the talents within your congregation. 

Sharing on this podcast:Michael Neal, Worship Pastor In-Residence, Prestonwood C...

If you're interested in filmmaking, Phil Cooke's interview https://philcooke.com with Alexandra Boylan is a must-watch! Alexandra shares her experiences and insights as a Hollywood writer-producer, providing valuable advice on how to make a movie from start to finish. From developing your idea to getting feedback from experts, building your tribe and gaining distribution, this video contains valuable advice for new filmmakers and will inspire you to "just do it" and produce your film.

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Get my book “One Big Thing—Discovering What You Were Created to Do” here: ...

Tap into the potential of YouTube for your ministry or your next dream job! Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com welcomes YouTube expert Sean Cannell on this episode to explore YouTube tips and tricks to get more subscribers and grow your YouTube channel in 2023. Get expert advice on YouTube strategies plus the inspiration to lead in this powerful digital marketplace with video.

🎯 Discover the secrets to YouTube success with Sean Cannell's FREE on-demand webclass. Register today: https://courses.seancannell.com/a/2147510103/SiFjJA7i

Learn more about Sean's YouTube course Video Ranking Academy here: ht...

Creativity is collaboration! It takes effective communication skills for leaders and creatives to work well together. In this episode, Phil Cooke https://philcooke.com interviews coach, consultant and executive pastor Ben Stapley, (The Life Christian Church) on ways to build positive work relationships that will advance your career and make each project the best it can be.

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Get my planner: “Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals” https://amzn.to/2M2ixNo(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support my channel and allows us t...

Level up your voice acting career! If you’ve ever considered voice over work, Phil Cooke’s interview with voice artist Joel Weldon will give you the confidence you need to start! With a long-term professional career in film, television and commercial voice over and narration, Joel offers tips on developing vocal range, warming up, stretching your voice muscle, and working with directors for your best work. And, if you’re a new director, he includes techniques you can use to help VO talent produce the sound you’re looking for.

As a highly respected voice coach, Joel has...

Phil Cooke welcomes author and leadership consultant Brian Dodd to the podcast to discuss his latest book, “Mighty: 7 Skills You Need to Move from Pandemic to Progress.” As a senior consultant for INJOY Stewardship Solutions founded by John Maxwell, Dodd offers insight for pastors, ministry and business leaders. If you’re ready to elevate your leadership skills, this interview will equip you to approach your position with greater faith and wisdom. 

Get Phil’s Unique: The Ultimate Planner for Creative Professionals here: https://www.philcooke.com/unique-creative-planner/ Available now with your generous gift to support the mission of The Inf...

Are you obsessing over social media analytics? Using social media as your megaphone? Most of us are involved in social media at some level, whether you’re a leader, business executive, pastor or professional social media content creator. In an effort to help all of us do better on social media, here are my five pet peeves about social media content creators.

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Get my new book: “Ideas on a Deadline: How to Be Creative When the Clock is Ticking” Order today and get bonus resource materials to instantly elevat...