What's the invisible poison that turns workplaces into war zones even Christian ones?

In this episode, Tom Nelson uncovers the hidden toxin destroying workplaces from the inside out. Through a raw conversation with a veteran Christian leader and the Biblical story of Absalom who used his position to manipulate, undermine, and ultimately tear apart King David's leadership. Tom reveals that workplace toxicity isn't about incompetence or poor systems. It's about the human heart.

Drawing on James 3:13–17 and the cautionary tale of 2 Samuel 15, you'll discover how jealousy and selfish ambition - or "the Absalom spirit" - unleash chaos and destruction and most importantly, what single quality can transform toxic cultures into thriving ones.

You'll learn:

-Why jealousy and selfish ambition are the real poison in toxic workplaces and how to spot them in yourself and others.

-How to identify the "Absalom spirit" before it destroys relationships and organisations.

-The surprising antidote: humility, gentleness, and Christlike character.

-Three practical disciplines that neutralise jealousy and build healthier, more collaborative teams.

Toxic workplaces aren't fixed by better policies or stronger management. They are transformed when people choose humility over ambition, collaboration over competition, and celebrating others' success over advancing their own.

Released on 12 Jul 2026