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.

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...

Our brains are capable of so much. Going through the motions can cause your brain to atrophy. We must exercise our brains to keep them healthy. We gotta keep the machine hydrated, too!

Many people have been led astray by following the wrong people. But there is one person who will lead us into the light.

In today's episode I show you how to eliminate worry from your life. It's not me talking. It comes from Scripture.

One of the reasons I have a podcast is because I am insatiably curious about people's stories. Here's one for you.

We are given talents by God to use for the benefit of mankind. It we don't use them, then it's just a waste. Take inventory of what you are good at. Then, get after it.

Sometimes we hear about laying something at God's feet. I see it differently. In today's episode I discuss putting a problem I was having on God's shoulders. The way I see it, He can carry it when I am not able.

Habits are either helping us get to where we want to be or they might be holding us back. In today's episode I discuss a way to start good habits.

This life can be hard. But the challenges of life strengthens us. We can learn and grow from the difficulties, if we refuse to quit.

This past weekend saw unprecedented celebrations across country. But there were some who were not celebrating. Once again, they are only happy when they are trying to tear down what is good.

How do you handle a crisis? It turns out, growing up in a violent and abusive home has some benefits.

God protected young George Washington in battle in ways that can only be described as supernatural. He does the same in our lives whether we know it or not.

Happy Birthday to the United States of America!

Abraham Lincoln, in an acceptance speech after he won his seat in the Senate, famously said, "A house divided against itself cannot stand." But Honest Abe wasn't the first person to say those words.

God uses all of us, believers and nonbelievers, to accomplish His will on this side of eternity. We just need to recognize it.

Most people mind their own business and are happy when things work out. But there are some who love to tear others down.

We are halfway through the year. It's hard to believe. Perhaps it is a good time review the first half.

We are hardwired to be connected with others. No technology can replace that.

When life is easy, we aren't growing. Inner strength and resilience are built in the fire.

"Nothing but net" is a basketball term. In today's episode I am talking about something much bigger than basketball.

Some people are just plain miserable. They have gotten so wrapped up in their politics that they have no joy or peace in their lives.

You have to believe that people want to do a good job. But when dealing with teenagers, it's a whole different ballgame.

Our foods have been modified to increase yield, but at what expense? On Wednesday I began a new eating protocol designed to eliminate inflammation from my body. As you have heard me say, pain is a powerful motivator. I'm motivated! Keep me in your prayers as I do this. Part of the protocol is eliminating many foods I like.

There are some people who challenge our ability to live the Golden Rule. In today's episode I share with you what to do when you encounter those people.

We may not be famous, but that doesn't mean that eyes aren't on us all the time.

There is good and bad all around us. But why does there have to be bad? In today's episode I give you some perspective on this...

Scripture is God-breathed. Lives are transformed when we take what we learn from Scripture and apply it in our lives. This is especially true with the teachings of Jesus.

In yesterday's episode I talked about the benefits of discipline. There's more to the story.

A goal without discipline and commitment is just a daydream. But when you combine discipline with commitment, you have already won the battle.

My liberal arts education shaped my thinking. It allowed me to see the world through different perspectives. My worldview was opened to the possibilities that are out there.

Sometimes we want to blend in with the crowd. That is, until we don't. It's in those moments when it's your time to lead. Embrace it. Don't run from it.

Forgiveness frees you from past hurts. But it comes with a little sadness, too.

Our bodies are meant to be in motion. Taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. You have everything you need at home. Just get started!

Elon Musk recently became the world's first trillionaire. At least he is on paper. I think it's pretty cool! Already the feckless politicians are calling for more taxes from his success. Elon still holds the record for the largest payment to the IRS in history, about $11-12 billion.

When we purchase an item, it comes with an instruction manual. If we don't read the instructions, we have to learn the hard way. Life is the same. God gave us a manual to guide us through this life. It's called the Bible. But you gotta read it and apply it to reap the benefits.

Some things never go out of style: listening well, showing true compassion, and here are a few more.

Allen Banks was playing Division I basketball, then opportunity struck that changed his life forever.

Social media posts are nice, but how many of the images posted are genuine? We find our self-worth by seeing ourselves through the eyes of our Creator.

There are a lot of lies on the internet. I'm not sure why this is happening, but today's message is a reminder that we should question anything that seems too good to be true.

Technology is a wonderful tool for saving time and making our lives more efficient. We mustn't become so dependent on our phones and social media to replace human connection. We are better together...

Every day is an unknown. You might even call it an adventure. But there is no need for worry or concern. God is already ahead of us today and every day.

It seems like many people are searching for fame, the spotlight. But there is one who knows us best, even if we don't really know Him.

We are in a fight every day of our lives. Many people don't realize there is an invisible battle going on all around them.

When we exercise, we should stretch before and after. But today's episode is about a different kind of stretching...stretching our faith. Take a moment to listen.

In today's episode, I share my own story of how I became a faithful tither. God showed up when I was in my worst financial position in my adult life.

Our worship should not be rote or scripted. We find meaning when we have a relationship with our Creator. And don't worry! Having a relationship with God will not turn you into a religious freak standing on the street corner holding a sign. But God will use you in a different, better way.

The success of a company depends on the quality of the people. Great people produce exceptional results.