Hello! Welcome to The Determined People Podcast, hosted by John Harrell, bestselling author, inspirational speaker, blogger and now podcaster.The Determined People Podcast is a two-pronged approach to podcasting. Every day I will offer a short, 1-2 minute inspirational message designed to start your day the right way. It’s not rah-rah stuff or fluff. The messages are designed to make you think, to inspire you, and to sustain you as you face the unknown challenges of the day. Weekly I will interview real people with honest, relatable stories. People who are willing to share their experience, strength and hope from their own life’s difficulties. When you listen to their stories, it is my hope you think, if they made it, so can I. Our world needs hope, and everyone I meet has a story. All of us have faced difficulties. In fact, we are facing one now…the global pandemic which has compromised our lives, our mental health and has impacted all of us uniquely. By sharing our stories, we connect at the heart level. We are unguarded. And through podcasting, these stories are available whenever you need them. So let’s get started.

It seems like God uses the most unqualified among us. But He sees things we don't see. God sees the heart of mankind...

There are more ways to take the measure of another person than by just what they say.

Life requires effort and contact if you want to live fully. You will only be fulfilled by engaging.

We have a choice: we can approach life with a faith-filled mindset or one of fear and trepidation. Both faith and fear cannot coexist. You choose one or the other.

Your mind is more powerful than anything you might fear. Use it to overcome whatever fears you may have.

Willingness will get you started on pursuing your purpose. A strong, resolute attitude will keep you going.

There are some things we need to forget but we are not able to. But we don't have to let them hold us back.

Every day is a new opportunity to use our gifts to make our world better.

In today's episode, I pay tribute to one of the greatest comedians ever, Don Rickles. Rickles was one of a kind. Funny, but never mean spirited. Quick, but never scripted.

Did you know there is a guidebook for life? There really is! But you gotta pick it up and read it to make it work in your life.

Being open to considering the attitudes and beliefs of others creates connection. Listening, really listening to people who see the world through a different lens expands your worldview. And that's a good thing...

Learn to listen to others without judgement. You might learn something new!

Sometimes life is easy and sometimes it's really hard. Keep a positive attitude through all periods of life. It's your choice always...

Being part of something bigger than yourself is something we all desire. Just don't lost who you are in the process for the sake of fitting in.

Remember to thank God for all the good in your life. But thank Him for the challenges He allows, too. Everything can be used...

September has arrived! And I have a challenge for you over the next 30 days. Don't worry. It's an easy challenge to accomplish, but the rewards will be astronomical.

It's all about the heart. When you get your heart right, worthwhile actions follow...

Here's some truth for you: Not everyone is going to like you or accept you. And guess what? That's okay...

In today's episode, I suggest a new approach to organizing your day's priorities.

Surround yourself with people who encourage you, the people who tell you what you need to hear.

Humility is hard to find in today's culture. But it's still not overrated. We admire the people who go about their business, doing their work quietly without calling attention to themselves.

The New Testament lists the word faith about 300 times. It is a central theme. But what does faith really mean? In today's episode we examine applied faith.

Reliable information is vital for good decision making. There is a lot of information that misleads us out there. Some of it is just blatant lies. Find out what is relevant and true. Leave the rest behind.

For the past few days, I have had some technical difficulties with my computer. But I'm back!As success floods into your life, stay humble about it. Give thanks to the Creator for all the good you have.

Have you noticed that there are hundreds of television channels, but it seems like nothing is on? Make solitude a priority in your life. The TV can wait

The younger generations fill me with an optimistic outlook. They spend more time experiencing life than my generation did. And guess what? They won't miss out on anything. Turn the news off and take time to engage a young person. Actively listen to them. You will be filled with optimism, too.

If you are fortunate enough to have a major platform, and you earn money from the number of clicks you receive, I believe you have an obligation to be an influencer for good.

It takes a lot of patience to become a patient person. For some of us, this is a lifelong pursuit.

We were never promised that life would be easy. Life is gonna be hard if you try. It's gonna be hard if you give up. Find your courage...

In today's episode we consider the story of Philo Farnsworth. You may not know who Philo was, but you use his invention every day. And by the way, he invented his device when he was only 21 years old. Never discount a young person with a big dream.

Speaking one's mind is good, to a degree. Make sure your knowledge base is solid, and your words are filled with kindness.

We are living in the most digitally connected era ever. But there are tradeoffs. Serious tradeoffs...

Human beings have a choice! We can do good in this world, or we can create chaos and havoc.

In today's episode I tell you a bit about my Spiritual life. Jesus got ahold of me and didn't let go, no matter how much I resisted. I'm eternally grateful he didn't let go.

If you have lived in the shadows all your life, it's time to shine. It's time to develop the warrior mindset.

This world is full of people living lives of mediocrity. They are drifting along without purpose to their existence. But everyone has a purpose, whether they are living it or not.

In today's episode, I describe an event that happened to me recently. The sequence of events can only be described as true Divine intervention.

Our time on this side of eternity is limited. But God gives us exactly enough time to accomplish the purpose(s) He gave us.

Fatalism would have helped me argue my way out of why I did poorly in school. But it might have been because I was bored!

Apple products seem to dominate the markets. But it wasn't always that way. Creative thinking and tenacity saved the company from being an also-ran.

Mistakes and setbacks are part of this life. Don't let them stop you from fulfilling the dreams you have for your life.

When asked what kind of government was formed, Benjamin Franklin replied, "it's a republic, if you can keep it." Franklin's words were a harbinger of threats to the United States that still exist today.

Change can be difficult. But it is required when you want to grow. Discontent fosters growth.

Every two minutes someone moves out of California. In a satirical piece, The Babylon Bee named Governor Gavin Newsom as "U-Haul's Employee of the Year." But in this case satire is close to the truth.

There are many offers for free food online. Make sure you are buying from a reputable company before you commit.

Two heads are usually better than one, but only if they are cooperative.

In today's episode I discuss how to discern the good from the bad that surrounds us all the time.

Talking tough might work with some people, but most people respond more to gentle talk.

Lifting weights has many benefits beyond just building muscle. In today's episode I discuss a different type of strength building: inner strength.

The political theater will really ramp up this fall. As it does, remember what is important...