Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

What do you do when your dream is within reach — then suddenly, everything changes? In this powerful continuation of their conversation, host John Merkus sits down once again with Survivor contestant Paul Dee, exploring what it means to stay strong when your body breaks down, your plans unravel, and the only way forward is to adapt, pivot, and keep going. From the fire pit to the final tribal, Paul opens up about the injury that shifted his entire game, the mindset that kept him from giving up, and the deeper truths about leading yourself when there's no one coming to rescue you. This episode isn't just about surviving a TV show — it's about how we rise after the fall, and how greatness is forged not in comfort, but in courage. Through John's thoughtful questions and Paul's grounded honesty, you'll walk away with practical lessons on grit, contribution, identity, and why “Why not me?” might just be the most powerful question you ever ask yourself.

✨ Welcome to Another Powerful Episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Hosted by the ever-insightful and energising John Merkus, this episode is a game-changer for anyone ready to stop playing small and start living with purpose and confidence. In this dynamic and heart-led conversation, John welcomes Nick Batchelder — author of Crush Your 20s, founder of Hive Mentors, and a rising star in the personal growth space — for an uplifting, wisdom-packed episode that delivers on inspiration and real-world strategies.

Journey to Freedom: Rising and Thriving

Welcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness with your host, the inspiring and transformative John Merkus. In this episode, John sits down with the brilliant Dr. Julia Ashton-Sayers, an optimist, disruptor, and social change facilitator. Julia brings a wealth of knowledge in creating thriving, people-centric workplaces through the integration of neuroscience, psychological safety, and human resources practices.

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Karina Murphy, the driving force behind Next Level Results Accelerator. In this inspiring and uplifting episode, we continue our journey towards greatness, diving into the transformative concepts of the Drama Triangle and the power of choice. If you missed Part 1, we covered Karina's powerful approach to self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the first two sides of the Drama Triangle. It was a game-changer! But now, in this episode, we're taking it to the next level. ✨ What You'll Learn in This Episode ✨ Karina brings invaluable wisdom on how the roles of victim, persecutor, and hero-rescuer shape our experiences, often leaving us feeling stuck. With her expert coaching, we explore how to break free from these unconscious patterns, shifting from limitation to empowerment.

Welcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of reintroducing Karina Murphy, the amazing high-performance coach and founder of Next Level Results Accelerator. Karina is back on the show, and her insights are more impactful than ever before. As someone who has empowered countless individuals over her 18-year career, Karina is the real deal when it comes to coaching, growth, and achieving your dreams. In this first part of the episode, Karina and I dive deep into the drama triangle—a game-changing concept that will transform the way you view conflict and the roles we unconsciously play when we're stuck in the middle of it. Whether you're the rescuer, the persecutor, or the victim, Karina breaks down these roles and explains why they can hold you back from living your best life. Through her own personal journey of balancing coaching, homeschooling her daughter Savannah, and navigating life's ups and downs, Karina offers valuable insights on how to recognize and shift these patterns. You'll hear about: The power of coaching and how it can create rapid transformations in your life. Karina's own story of working with her daughter and how she's practicing what she teaches—meeting people where they're at. The concept of the drama triangle—why we unconsciously step into roles that limit our power and how to break free from them. The value of listening—both as a coach and in your own relationships. And of course, the importance of backing yourself in every decision you make. This episode is packed with practical tools that will help you reframe the way you think, communicate, and show up for yourself. Karina is living proof that coaching works, and having someone by your side to keep you on track can make all the difference. If you're ready to unlock your inner power and take your growth to the next level, you won't want to miss this episode. It's the perfect way to gain clarity and motivation for the year ahead. Karina's warmth and wisdom shine through every word, and I promise, this conversation will leave you thinking long after you've finished listening. Be sure to tune in to the next episode where we continue our conversation with Karina, complete the drama triangle, and introduce her exclusive 5-day challenge that will help you kickstart your year with purpose and confidence. About Karina Murphy With over 18 years of experience in corporate Australia, Karina has helped countless individuals and professionals transform their lives through tailored coaching that focuses on self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and unlocking their highest potential. Her Next Level Results Accelerator program has empowered people to break free from limiting patterns and achieve the life they've always wanted. Karina's insights have been instrumental in both my personal growth and the way I approach my own coaching. Connect with Karina: Website: Karina Murphy Coaching Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode where we dive even deeper into how you can make empowered choices, free yourself from the drama triangle, and take the first step toward a transformative year. Want to take control of your mornings and fuel your mindset for success? Download John's Mindset Meditation App now and start your journey today!

In this episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we continue our inspiring conversation with Michael McLean, exploring his no-nonsense approach to success, discipline, and living with purpose. Michael's insights are full of actionable advice, and if you're looking for a shift in mindset or a way to get more out of your business and life, this episode is for you! In Part 1, Michael shared his journey from coaching hockey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. He spoke about how surrounding himself with high-performance people, living with a mission, and committing to daily rituals have been key to his success. His philosophy on taking full responsibility for everything in his life has truly transformed both his personal and professional life. In this episode, part 2, Michael goes even further, unpacking his approach to creating a life you don't need to escape from and the importance of discipline in building a legacy. We discuss how structuring your day for ultimate success—by focusing on what really matters—can help small business owners avoid burnout. You'll hear Michael's perspective on being a truth-teller in business, the transformative power of generosity, and why clear communication and leadership are essential for success. This episode is packed with powerful insights that can shift your mindset and elevate your life and business to new heights. If you're ready to take control of your frequency and become a high performer, this episode will give you all the tools you need. You don't want to miss it!   In This Episode You Will Learn: How to structure your day to win the morning, conquer the chaos of the afternoon, and build a lasting legacy in the evening. The importance of being a truth-teller and how clear communication can foster high-performance teams. How focusing on generosity and service can transform both your personal and business life. Michael's approach to maintaining a high-frequency mindset and why it's essential for success. Why entrepreneurship should be about building your business around your life—and not the other way around. Key Takeaways: Win the Morning: Start each day with purpose and intention, creating momentum to carry you through the day. Conquer the Chaos: Structure your afternoon for the less demanding tasks and manage them when you're not at your peak. Legacy Building: Family time and meaningful relationships are at the heart of true success. Building your legacy starts with your actions today. Be the Source of What You Seek: Want more kindness, wealth, or success? It starts with you—give it, and it will come back to you in abundance. Key Takeaways: Want to take control of your mornings and fuel your mindset for success? Download John's Mindset Meditation App now and start your journey today!

Welcome to another exciting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Your host, John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy – brings you another powerful conversation to help you elevate your life and business. With over 20 years of experience in leadership, change management, and personal development, John is on a mission to help individuals and organisations embrace change, build resilience, and thrive. Whether as an inspiring keynote speaker, dynamic MC, or trusted advisor, John continues to ignite positive transformation in everyone he works with. In this episode, John is joined by the unstoppable Michael McLean, a true powerhouse in business, entrepreneurship, and coaching. Michael shares his journey from coaching pro hockey teams to becoming a multi-millionaire business owner and transformational leader. Together, John and Michael dive into the crucial mindset for success – the victor mentality. Michael offers his wisdom on the importance of taking full responsibility for your life, the power of surrounding yourself with high-performance people, and how to live with purpose to achieve unshakable success. You'll hear: The secret to achieving greatness by surrounding yourself with high-performance people. Why taking 100% responsibility for your wins and losses is the key to being a victor. How daily rituals keep Michael productive and fulfilled, no matter the challenges. Why people-pleasing will hold you back and how to take charge of your day with intention. The incredible story of how Michael's conversation with his father shifted the course of his life. The importance of building a mission that drives you – and how that mission can lead to success. Michael's no-nonsense approach and practical strategies for success will ignite your motivation and help you achieve more, both personally and professionally. And don't forget, before we jump into today's episode, check out John's Mindset Meditation App, designed to help you win the morning and fuel your mindset for success throughout the day. With the Fluid Reality VIP Access feature, you'll get exclusive tools to take your growth to the next level! Stay tuned for part 2 of this episode where we continue the conversation on Michael's powerful mindset, the importance of discipline, and how to build a life you don't need an escape from. Want to take control of your mornings and fuel your mindset for success? Download John's Mindset Meditation App now and start your journey today!

This week, we're exploring a transformative yet simple concept: the power of small wins. These tiny victories might seem insignificant on their own, but when stacked together, they create unstoppable momentum that can completely transform your mindset, habits, and progress.

In this inspiring episode, John Merkus takes you on a journey through five spiritual principles to help you step into your best self in 2025. Building on the transformative actions from last week's episode, this is your guide to a more joyful, intentional, and abundant year. If you're ready to rise, thrive, and embrace greatness, this episode is for you! Here's what you'll discover: Practicing Gratitude – Unlock the power of gratitude to shift your mindset, fuel resilience, and attract abundance. Learn simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine. Aligning with the Divine Flow – Let go of resistance and trust in life's sacred rhythm to find clarity and ease. Align with the flow of the universe for effortless growth. Creating Joy – Discover why joy is a necessity, not a luxury. Explore ways to bring more laughter, light, and happiness into your everyday life. Reflecting Regularly – Gain clarity and direction with the power of self-reflection. Learn how weekly reflection can help you align your actions with your values and goals. Inspiring Others – Be a beacon of positivity and lead by example. Explore how lifting others can create a ripple effect of greatness for everyone around you.

Welcome to the final episode of 2024! As the year draws to a close, John Merkus, your host of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, shares five transformative actions to unlock your best self in 2025. This inspiring and uplifting episode is packed with practical wisdom, a dash of humour, and the perfect energy to carry you into the new year with purpose and momentum. Discover how to show up every day, invest in growth, nurture meaningful relationships, embrace fear as a compass for growth, and celebrate progress—even the smallest wins. John breaks down each of these actions with relatable stories, actionable tips, and his signature passion for personal development. Whether you're tuning in on New Year's Eve or catching up later, this episode will give you the tools to rise and thrive in 2025. Plus, John shares exciting updates about his Fluid Reality Mindset Meditation App, including meditations for goal setting, stress relief, and cultivating a millionaire mindset! Key Takeaways from the Episode: Your Best Self Shows Up Every Day Discipline over motivation is the key. Showing up for your family, career, and dreams sends a powerful message: I am worth the effort. Your Best Self Invests in Growth Growth doesn't happen by chance—it's a choice. Take courses, hire coaches, and invest in learning to unlock your potential. Your Best Self Puts People First Relationships are the foundation of a meaningful life. Check in with loved ones, be kind, and cherish the joy of connection. Your Best Self Embraces Fear Fear is a signal for growth. Face it with courage and take small steps toward the challenges that will lead to your biggest breakthroughs. Your Best Self Celebrates Progress Progress, not perfection, is the goal. Honour your wins, no matter how small, and let gratitude fuel your momentum. Exclusive Offer: John's Fluid Reality Mindset Meditation App is available at just $4/month—less than a cup of coffee! Email him at john@johnmerkus.com to claim your discount and start 2025 with guided meditations designed to enhance your mindset and unlock your best self. Listen Now: Don't miss this transformative episode to set yourself up for success in 2025. Subscribe and leave a 5-star review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to help spread the message and inspire others. Connect with John: Email: john@johnmerkus.com Meditation App: Fluid Reality Mindset Meditation Follow on Spotify or Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Let's rise and thrive together in 2025! What are the five things your best self would do or be in 2025? Write them down, post them where you can see them daily, and start living them today. Stay awesome, and remember—Rise and Thrive in 2025!

In this festive season special of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, Aaron Holesgrove steps in as host to flip the script on the podfather himself, John Merkus. This engaging episode dives deep into John's personal story, from his transformative mindset shifts to his approach to resilience and empowerment. Here's what you'll discover in this episode:

In this week's special festive episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, the tables are turned as guest host Aaron Holesgrove interviews the podcast's very own host, John Merkus. Known as "The Positive Change Guy," John opens up about his incredible journey, sharing the moments, lessons, and philosophies that have shaped his life and career. From being an enterprise leader, keynote speaker, and change management specialist to a loving family man and creator of the Fluid Reality Meditation Series, John inspires us all to embrace change and live life with purpose. Here's what you can expect from this heartwarming and inspiring episode: What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Show Notes for "Confidence, Clarity, and Charisma with Dale Stevens"

✨ Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this inspiring episode, join hosts John Merkus and Matt Cordner as they dive into the art of resilience. Learn practical tools for not just surviving but thriving—navigating life's storms with optimism, gratitude, and a smile. This isn't just about getting through; it's about embracing each challenge as an opportunity to grow!

In this inspiring and uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, co-hosts John Merkus and resilience expert Matt Cordner dive deep into how to thrive in today's VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world.

John uses NotebookLM to review the 1st episode of season 2 (Resilience Radio) This  AI tool did an outstanding job.  Key Takeaways: Resilience is Learnable: Contrary to the myth that resilience is something you either have or you don't, John and Matt explain that resilience is a skill that can be developed with practice. Focus Matters: Resilient people are deliberate about what they focus on, choosing to direct their energy toward positive and constructive thoughts instead of spiraling into negativity. Limit Negative News Exposure: Being mindful of how much negativity you consume is crucial. Overexposure can erode your mental well-being. Optimism is Key: A positive outlook empowers individuals to tackle challenges head-on. It's not about ignoring difficulties, but believing that solutions exist. Gratitude is a Superpower: Practicing gratitude can regulate your nervous system and combat anxiety, enhancing your emotional resilience. Ask Yourself: Is This Helping or Harming?: Use this simple question to filter your thoughts and actions, ensuring that you prioritize growth and well-being. Memorable Quotes: “Resilience is not about bouncing back. It's about rising strong, adapting, and growing through every challenge. Embrace your inner strength and let every setback be a setup for an incredible comeback.” “All will be well in the end, and if all is not well, it's simply not the end yet.” “The more gratitude you have in your life, the more of life there is to be grateful for.” – Oprah Winfrey Segments Breakdown: Kickstart the Week: Personal stories of resilience, setting the tone for the episode. Resilience Reboot: Revealing three secrets of resilient people—Optimism, Focus, and Perspective. Toolbox Time: Practical tips for building resilience, such as gratitude practices and focus exercises. Mindful Minute: A short, guided exercise to center and calm the mind. Motivational Quote: An inspiring thought to carry you through the week. The Joke: Ending on a light-hearted note to uplift the mood. Recommended Resource: Check out the Center for Optimism for articles, videos, and groups dedicated to cultivating optimism in daily life. Call to Action: If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs a little resilience boost today! Want to go deeper into building your own resilience superpower? Join our Resilience Revolution community and get access to exclusive resources, live Q&A sessions, and more. Stay Connected:

Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this episode, titled "Navigating Life: Mastering Resilience to Achieve Greatness," we're diving into the power of resilience and how you can harness it to rise above life's toughest challenges. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to push forward, this episode is exactly what you need!

Welcome to another episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where your host John Merkus, aka "The AI Change Guy," and resilience expert Matt Cordner share insightful tips on building resilience for personal and professional success.

Welcome to another empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where we continue our Resilience Revolution series.

Welcome to the grand finale of Season 1 of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this special episode, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over 37 inspiring episodes. From personal growth and motivation to tales of resilience and leadership, this season has truly been a testament to the potential within us all to rise and thrive. Episode Highlights:

Welcome back to Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness! In this exciting episode, host John Merkus continues the enlightening discussion with Aaron Holesgrove on the transformative power of the permission model. If you missed Part 1 Episode 34, be sure to check it out for foundational insights that will enhance your approach to conversations.

Today, we are thrilled to welcome back a remarkable guest who embodies the essence of continual personal development and effective communication. Aaron Holesgrove joins us once again to share his insights on enhancing personal development and honing communication skills.

In this profound discussion, our host John Merkus is joined by the insightful Karim Boktor, a leader in the field of personal development, who delves deep into the power of reshaping our lives by addressing the subconscious narratives we carry. Episode Highlights:

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, your host John Merkus dives deep into the transformative journey of Karim Boktor, from a struggling immigrant child to a renowned TedX speaking leadership coach. This episode uncovers the power of the unconscious mind and the personal growth that leads to profound life changes.