We’re back for Season Two, and we couldn’t be more excited! This season comes with some fun changes, including a brand-new voice on the mic: welcome our new co-host, Van-Neisha Burton!

 

Together, we’ll be diving into conversations with Christian leaders from every corner of the Uptick community. Our theme this season? Family & Friends.

In this episode, host James Wilson Jr. speaks with Kenny Daniel, the operations and pastoral director at CrossRoads Camp to explore The Semicircle Lifeshape. They discuss how rhythms of work and rest are crucial for healthy leadership that can go the distance. Kenny shares his journey from pastoral ministry to camp leadership, emphasizing the value of moments over metrics and the need for godly optimism in challenging times. 

 

Need a refresher on the Semicircle Lifeshape?
Watch a short video by Brittney Rossie and download the Semicircle Lifeshape at uptick.org/Semicircle.

 

Meet Kenny Daniel
Kenny was recently featured in our Uptick Alum Spotlight. Read his story here. Learn more about CrossRoads Camp and Conference Center at crossroadscamp.com.

In episode two, Uptick Alum Shanicka House takes us on her journey of learning to hear and respond to God’s voice through the Circle Lifeshape. Together, we dig into Kairos moments and the many surprising ways God speaks. As both a mom and an entrepreneur, Shanicka brings a refreshing perspective on trust, obedience, and communal discernment in living a Jesus-shaped life.

 

Need a refresher on the Circle Lifeshape?
Watch a short video by Cheryl You and download the Circle Lifeshape at uptick.org/TheCircle.

 

Meet Shanicka House
Shanicka Vail House (2024 Uptick Alum) is a devoted wife to Worship Pastor Chris House and proud mother of Raegan Leigh, Rhian Elise, and rainbow baby, Raine Christiann Ruth. A graduate of Valdosta State University, she is the founder of My TransParent (MOM)ents, where she encourages and equips moms through her ministry of transparency, and The MTM Store – an online store selling faith-based apparel. Shanicka also founded The R.U.T.H. Foundation for Women, supporting mothers in need, and most recently launched That’s Bible For Kids, teaching families the importance of instilling God’s Word in children.

Kicking things off, we sit down with Josh Hayden to talk about what it really looks like to lead with spiritual integrity, embrace vulnerability, and find resilience in the tough seasons of life.

 

Need a refresher on the Triangle Lifeshape? Watch a short video by Vernon Gordon and download the Triangle Lifeshape.

 

Meet Josh Hayden

Josh Hayden is an Uptick alum and the Director of Remissioning with `Iwa Collaborative, which helps leaders fly high and live low as they lead through change processes in their community. He is the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church in Ashland, Virginia. For over 20 years, Josh has worked and led ‘remissioning’ trainings in nonprofit organizations, church plants, and established churches. He has a doctorate in leadership and organizational change from Duke Divinity School. Josh is the author of Remissioning Church: A Field Guide to Bringing A Congregation Back to Life (2025), a new release in the Missio Alliance & IVP Book Series. The Haydens live near Richmond, Virginia.