Calling in Seasons: Miles Larson on Leadership, Identity, and Holy Discontent | Caller ID

On Caller ID, host B. Davis Wells talks with Miles Larson, executive director of the Brethren Church, about calling as seasonal rather than permanent and how work matters without defining identity. Miles shares his curiosity-driven hobbies, early leadership lessons managing a catering hall at 14, and an unexpected career path from higher education and career services to pastoral ministry after experiencing “holy discontent.” He describes discernment through community, wise counsel, and practical signs like a seminary scholarship, and explains success as “fruitfulness” rather than metrics. They discuss moving toward new roles versus running away, guarding against titles becoming identity, the need for rest and sabbatical, challenges like cynicism and rigid processes, cultural shifts driving bivocational ministry, and his hoped-for legacy of rebuilding trust, clarifying key terms, and cultivating joy in the church.

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New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

Sarah Johnson joins the Caller ID Podcast to talk about her path from healthcare marketing to Case Western Reserve and now Chief Communications Officer for the City of Cleveland under Mayor Justin Bibb, overseeing everything from media and social to internal messaging for 8,000 employees—plus crisis communications during incidents like shootings and a cyberattack. She shares why she initially resisted government work before being pushed to meet the campaign and buy into the mayor’s vision, and why the role is both chaotic and deeply fulfilling because of resident impact. Sarah also opens up about imposter syndrome, the power of relationships over “networking,” and having a long-term mentor who validates and challenges her. As a Black woman in high-stakes rooms, she describes being scrutinized, navigating biased comments with grace, and showing up confidently in “male, pale, and stale” spaces.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.

In this episode of Caller ID, Brandon Davis Wells talks with Dr. Mohsine Bensaid—Ashland University assistant professor and TESOL program director—about identity beyond the usual “what do you do?” question. Bensaid shares how growing up in Morocco, dreaming of pro soccer, and discovering English through an influential teacher shaped his path into language, education, and intercultural exchange. He recounts navigating rigid schooling, pursuing English linguistics and literature, and seizing opportunities that eventually brought him to the U.S., where he experienced higher education as a global “melting pot.” They discuss why language learning and intercultural understanding matter, the value of exploring in college, and how his Islamic faith frames work as worship rooted in integrity and service. The core takeaway: your job shouldn’t carry the full weight of your worth—balance means not losing yourself in any one role.

00:00 Burnout And Balance
00:24 Meet Dr Bensaid
01:00 Beyond What You Do
02:05 Soccer And Family Joy
03:16 Injury Ends The Dream
03:49 Morocco School Choices
05:03 Finding English Passion
09:46 University Culture Shock
12:26 Chasing Exchange Opportunities
15:18 Fulbright And The US Leap
17:39 Higher Ed Melting Pot
19:44 Making Intercultural Priority
20:20 Small Town Initiative
20:54 Why Languages Matter
22:17 Morocco vs US Schools
23:37 Back Home Teaching
26:28 Returning to Ashland
28:20 Networking Lands ACCESS
30:21 Exploring Careers
33:46 Faith and Work
36:43 Final Career Wisdom
39:34 Closing Thanks

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Caller ID.

You can follow Caller ID wherever you listen to podcasts, and if you’re enjoying the show, a quick rating or review helps more people find it.

New episodes drop weekly, featuring conversations with people across disciplines who are thoughtful about their work and honest about the cost of doing it well.

I’m Brandon Davis Wells and thanks for answering the call.