The Kubik Report

With Michael Wilkinson: Facilitation that Leads to Transforming Churches

Michael Wilkinson is Founder and Manager of Leadership Strategies, the largest provider of professional facilitators in the country. He has helped tens of thousands of people find their way to success through collaboration, discernment, and a proven process.  His Website is"
https://www.leadstrat.com/
In this podcast, Michael and I share a personal conversation that spans our two-decade-old relationship in the United Church of God. He first helped us formulate a major Strategic Planning overhaul in 2008, which I used as President of UCG for nine years.
In this podcast Michael Wilkinson speaks about the DRIVERS MODEL and the Three Reasons People Disagree and how to solve them.  More information here
https://www.leadstrat.com/leadership-strategy-resources/executive-guide-to-facilitating-strategy-sample-chapter/ - The Drivers Model Explained (first chapter of The Executive Guide to Facilitating Strategy)
https://www.leadstrat.com/the-three-reasons-people-disagree/ - The three reasons people disagree
Here are more resources:
www.leadstrat.com - Leadership Strategies - The Facilitation Company, training and other resources
www.MichaeltheFacilitator.com - Michael's speaker website for keynote addresses and other presentations

Greg Thomas: Continuing 250 Anniversary series - John Adams part 1

Continuing in our series of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Greg Thomas describes the second President, John Adams.  He was Vice-President under George Washington.  Each of the Founding Fathers was distinct from one another, yet they wove a mosaic of leadership that has endured to this day.

Robin Webber/Darris McNeely: Fifty Years of Ministry: Lessons from a Lifetime of Service

“Fifty Years in the Ministry — Lessons from a Lifetime of Service”
What does fifty years of ministry teach a person?
In this deeply personal and reflective episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik is joined by longtime pastors Darris McNeely and Robin Webber for an honest conversation about the joys, struggles, lessons, and enduring purpose found in a lifetime of serving God and people.
Together, these three ministers represent more than 150 years of combined pastoral experience. They discuss what first inspired them to enter the ministry, the mentors who shaped them, and the moments that confirmed their calling along the way.
The conversation explores both the highs and lows of ministry life—memorable baptisms, Feast experiences, counseling moments, friendships, heartbreaks, disappointments, and seasons of deep personal testing. The discussion also turns toward how ministry has changed over the decades and the unique pressures faced by leaders today.
Listeners will hear thoughtful reflections on humility, grace, perseverance, emotional intelligence, leadership, and the importance of compassion in serving others. Darris shares insights from years in media and education through Beyond Today and Ambassador Bible College, while Robin reflects on decades of pastoral counseling and personal connection with congregations. Victor guides the discussion with warmth, perspective, and heartfelt honesty.
This episode is not simply a look backward. It is a conversation about endurance, spiritual growth, and the lessons that only time and service can teach.
Whether you are involved in ministry, leadership, or simply seeking encouragement for your own spiritual journey, this discussion offers wisdom, perspective, and hope.
In This Episode:
What first inspired each man to enter the ministry
The greatest joys and most difficult seasons of pastoral service
Lessons learned after fifty years
How ministry and leadership have changed over time
Advice for younger pastors and leaders
What truly matters most in the end

With Mike Mansoori: Understanding Iran Through the Eyes of an Iranian-American

I speak frankly with Mike Mansoori, an Iranian who now lives in Indianapolis on May 18, 2026.  What is happening in Iran, and what do  Americans need to know about the Iranian people and the current situation in the Middle East.  

Victor Kubik: Ruth, the Church and Pentecost - A Beautiful Story

This is a message that I gave to the Indianapolis United Church of God on May 9, 2026, about the Book of Ruth.  A book of four chapters and only 85 verses that tells a story that's deeper than a love story.  It's a story of God's love for His Church, His love for all mankind.  Ruth was a foreigner who was in the direct descent to Jesus Christ.

Part 3 Greg Thomas: Lessons of the American Founding Fathers - 7 Most Important Leadership Qualities of George Washington

This is the third in an ongoing series by Greg Thomas about the leadership lessons of America's Founding Fathers.  This is the final segment about George Washington, where we discuss the most important leadership lessons.
 
1. Character/Integrity
2. Power should be held lightly
3. Adaptability leads to perfection
4. Surround yourself with strong independent thinkers
5. Unity  requires humility
6. Symbolism matters
7 A leader keeps growing!   
 
 

Greg Thomas: Emotional Quotient (EI) is more important than IQ. Why??

There is a growing concern across many workplaces that emotional intelligence—often called EQ—is becoming less common or less developed in professional settings, especially among younger or newly hired employees. While broad generalizations should be avoided, many managers, educators, and organizational leaders are noticing shifts in communication style, conflict resolution, resilience, and interpersonal awareness.
Part of this change comes from the environment in which people have grown up and learned to work. Digital communication has replaced much face-to-face interaction. Remote work, texting, social media, and online education have created efficiency, but they have also reduced opportunities to develop the subtle human skills that come from reading body language, handling awkward conversations, listening deeply, and navigating disagreement in person.
Another factor is that modern education and hiring systems heavily reward measurable cognitive performance—grades, certifications, technical competence, analytical ability, and productivity metrics. These emphasize IQ. Yet organizations increasingly discover that high IQ alone does not guarantee effectiveness in leadership, teamwork, or long-term contribution.
Emotional intelligence includes qualities such as:
Self-awareness
Self-control
Empathy
Social awareness
Ability to receive correction
Adaptability
Conflict management
Encouragement of others
Humility and maturity under pressure
These are difficult to quantify on a résumé, but they often determine whether a person succeeds over time.
A workplace can survive a lack of brilliance more easily than it can survive chronic emotional dysfunction. One highly intelligent but emotionally volatile employee can damage morale, create division, exhaust leadership, and reduce trust across an entire team. By contrast, a person of moderate technical skill but high emotional maturity often becomes invaluable because they stabilize relationships, solve problems collaboratively, and inspire confidence.
Daniel Goleman, whose work popularized emotional intelligence, argued that EQ becomes increasingly important as people rise into leadership. A company may hire someone for IQ, but they are often promoted—or dismissed—because of EQ.
This does not mean IQ is unimportant. Intelligence quotient reflects reasoning ability, memory, analysis, and problem-solving capacity. Modern organizations absolutely need technically competent people. But IQ without emotional intelligence can produce arrogance, impatience, poor listening, relational blindness, and inability to lead people effectively.
The strongest leaders tend to combine both:
intellectual clarity and emotional steadiness,
analytical skill and empathy,
competence and character.
In many ways, emotional intelligence is what allows intelligence itself to become constructive rather than destructive.
There is also a spiritual dimension to this discussion. Wisdom is not merely accumulation of knowledge. The book of Proverbs repeatedly distinguishes between knowledge and wisdom. A person may know many things and still lack discretion, restraint, kindness, or understanding.
The modern workplace increasingly rewards speed, efficiency, and technical expertise, yet human organizations still function on trust, respect, emotional stability, and relational maturity. Machines can process information. Human beings must still inspire, reconcile, encourage, and lead.
The future may belong not merely to the smartest people in the room, but to those who can combine intelligence with emotional depth, humility, and wisdom.

Melvin Rhodes: King Charles Visit, Another Trump Assassination Attempt, Anti-Semitism

In this episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik speaks with journalist and columnist Melvin Rhodes about a remarkable convergence of world events: King Charles III’s address to the United States Congress, rising tensions involving Iran, and troubling reports of another assassination attempt involving the President of the United States.
Melvin brings a unique transatlantic perspective, having lived in the United States for many years while maintaining deep roots in England. Together, Victor and Melvin explore how events may be viewed differently on each side of the Atlantic and what these differences reveal about national identity, media interpretation, and global stability.
The conversation begins with King Charles’ visit and its symbolic importance. Does the monarchy still carry diplomatic influence? Is the “special relationship” between the United States and the United Kingdom still strong, or is it becoming more ceremonial than practical?
Victor and Melvin also examine the growing tensions with Iran and whether the U.S. and U.K. remain closely aligned in their foreign policy goals, especially in a post-Brexit world.
The discussion then turns to political instability in America and how assassination attempts are perceived internationally. What effect do such events have on America’s image as a stable democracy?
Finally, Melvin reflects on the role of media narratives, the fragility of alliances, and what thoughtful observers should be watching beyond the headlines.
In uncertain times, this episode invites listeners to step back, think deeply, and seek understanding through informed conversation.

40th Anniversary of Chernobyl Disaster April 26, 2026 - Lessons with Michael Snyder

April 26, 2026 marks the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster—one of the most catastrophic man-made events in history. The explosion released more than 400 times the radioactive fallout of the Hiroshima bomb, leaving a lasting scar on the environment and on human lives.
In this episode, we reflect on how Chernobyl was not just a technical failure, but a profound moral one—where flawed systems, suppressed truth, and human error converged with devastating consequences. Yet amid the chaos, stories of courage emerged: firefighters, plant workers, and ordinary citizens who risked—and often gave—their lives to contain the disaster.
Michael Snyder offers sobering insights into what Chernobyl reveals about the trajectory of human systems and the vulnerabilities we still face today.
Join us as we explore the lessons of Chernobyl—lessons about leadership, accountability, resilience, and the enduring capacity for courage when it is needed most.

Greg Thomas: President Washington Founding Father, General, Leader, Retirement (part 2)

In this series on the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Declaration of Independence, Greg Thomas and I discuss more about the leadership qualities of our Founding Fathers. This is part two of three-part series about Washington. Other leaders to follow.  

Mark Kellner: Spiritual Formation in History and in Our Time

Mark Kellner: Spiritual Formation in History and in Our Time
In this episode, I sit down with veteran journalist Mark Kellner for a thoughtful and wide-ranging conversation on the meaning of spiritual formation—both historically and in today’s rapidly changing world.
Mark brings decades of experience covering faith and culture, including his work with The Washington Times, The New York Post, and, currently, The Epoch Times. His perspective offers a unique lens on how religious life and personal belief are evolving in our time.
🔍 What We Discuss
What is Spiritual Formation?We explore this increasingly used term—how it describes the journey of coming to faith and developing a deeply personal, internalized relationship with Jesus Christ.
God’s Work in Human LivesA discussion on how God calls individuals and how we, as believers, can help guide others—step by step—toward deeper understanding and commitment.
A “Ladder” of GrowthWe talk about the process of nurturing faith: from initial interest to active involvement, and ultimately toward the promise of eternal life.
The Search of Gen ZAn insightful look at how younger generations are searching for meaning—often outside of their upbringing—and what that means for the future of faith and the Church.
Spiritual formation is not just a concept—it is a lifelong journey. In a world full of uncertainty, people are still searching for truth, purpose, and connection with God. Understanding that process helps us better serve, teach, and connect with others.

Steve Buchanan: Are End-Time Events Converging? Where Are We? Who Are We?

In this episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik sits down with longtime colleague Steve Buchanan to discuss the convergence of significant world events and their prophetic implications. Steve, known for his work with the World News in Prophecy Review newsletter, brings thoughtful insight into global trends through a biblical lens.
Together, they explore rising tensions in the Middle East—particularly around the strategically vital Straits of Hormuz—and consider how these developments may fit into the broader framework of end-time prophecy. A key part of the discussion centers on the Five Pillars of Prophecy, which provide a structured framework for understanding how major prophetic themes align with current world conditions.
The conversation moves beyond headlines into deeper, timeless questions: Where are we in the flow of history? Who are we as God’s people in this moment?
Links:
https://worldnewsandprophecyreview.com/2026/04/06/are-two-end-time-trends-converging/
Subscribe to Steve Buchanan's World News and Prophecy at https://worldnewsandprophecyreview.com/home/
 
 

Carole Emerson Hill: Retirement and the Feelings You Will Experience

Carol Emerson Hill and I, who have both officially "retired," discuss how we personally have fared through this transition.  In our careers we have counselled many people about retirement and now have to go through it ourselves. 
Carol's credentials are stellar as she worked in aspects of career management. Here are just some of her skills and experience:
Senior Consultant, Career Management, Executive Coach | Career Coach | Resume & Interview   Consultant, Career & Retirement Management, Executive Coach | Career Coach | Resume & Interview Coaching.
Right Management, global leader in talent and career management workforce solutions within Manpower Right Management, global leader in talent and career management
Senior Career Consultant, Career Management, Silicon Valley 2011- 2019.
Carol can be reached at 
lilacjean55@gmail.com 

Stories of Faith: Joanna Bradford and Her Father, Bob Fahey

In this episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik speaks with Joanna (Fahey) Bradford about the life and legacy of her father, Bob Fahey—a respected minister who served congregations across the United States, South Africa, Canada, and Australia.
Through personal stories and heartfelt reflections, Joanna shares what it was like to grow up in a ministry family, the challenges and blessings of international service, and the enduring lessons her father left behind.

Howard Davis: AI, Logic, and the Origin of the Human Mind

In this thought-provoking episode of The Kubik Report, Victor Kubik sits down with AI researcher and theologian Howard Davis to explore a bold and controversial claim:
The science behind artificial intelligence challenges the idea that the human mind evolved by random processes.
Drawing from hands-on experience in AI development and decades of theological reflection, Howard presents a series of logical and mathematical arguments that raise profound questions about the origin of intelligence, the nature of thought, and the limits of evolutionary theory.
This conversation bridges science, philosophy, and faith—inviting listeners to reconsider assumptions about how intelligence begins.

Howard Davis: Introduction -- Artificial Intelligence, Logic and more

Discussion with a longtime friend for more than 40 years who is an AI scientist, theologian and philosopher. He explains that AI is built on the foundations of mathematics, logic, and pattern recognition. It is also the culmination of mathematics, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, and theology.  

Passover 2026: A Time For Resilience, Repentance, Repair and Restoration

The Christian Passover is a profound time of self-examination to align ourselves with the nature of Jesus Christ.  I earlier said these words in the midst of the COVID Pandemic where we were greatly troubled.  We are troubled now with different kinds of tribulation.  Take time to make this a robust new start with Jesus Christ.

Natasha Teague: 40 years after living nearby Chernobyl catastrophe and more...

Natasha Teague has been the coordinator of Russian-language literature at the United Church of God since 2011, when Senior Pastor Johnnie Lambert arranged for her to come to the United States to work at the Home Office.  I have known her since meeting her in Estonia in 2000.  We have worked together on Russian projects through the years.  She discusses weathering the Chornobyl crisis and her coming to know God.

Greg Thomas: USA 250: Lessons in Leadership - George Washington part 1

Greg Thomas starts a series on Leadership during our 250 Anniversary as a nation.  Today we discuss the Life and Leadership George Washington part 1.  What can we learn? 
Hear all of Greg's The Kubik Report Podcasts at 
https://vkubik.podbean.com/category/greg-thomas
 

Daria Jmill: War in Ukraine, St. Paul, MN, Childhood Memories

Daria Jmill is an acquaintance of mine going back 70 years in St. Paul, MN.  Both our parents were WWII refugees who fortunately, found their way to the United States in 1949 with us as children who were born in the camp.  We talk about Ukraine, St. Paul, MN, Somalis, and other things that you may find interesting.