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.

In life, we are constantly caught up in keeping score. How do we measure up? The truth is, there is only one scorecard that counts.

Customer service has become an oxymoron. But it is in our power to change that.

Today we examine two common sayings about fairness. You decide whether fairness exists or not.

Linda Churchwell is an award-winning author, speaker and devoted advocate for animals. In our interview, Linda discusses her past experiences with abuse and drug use. Linda is a new person today, thanks to her redemption through Jesus Christ.

You must do the prep work to be at your best when opportunities arise.

Be yourself no matter the crowd you are in. It's the only way to feel genuine.

The grass will always be greener where you water it. The same can be said for how we spend our time. What are we focusing on? If it gets you where you want to go, keep going. If not, it's time to adapt.

Enigmas are mysteries, things that logic and reason don't apply to. In today's episode I explore a few of them.

Strength and resilience are built in the dark, not when life is easy.

Rebellious behavior is a good thing sometimes. In today's episode, we consider the story of the greatest rebel to ever live: Jesus Christ.

Sometimes this world seems crazy and out of control to me. Yet, nothing surprises God. He sees everything. We need to trust God more and Washington DC less.

Never allow anyone into your inner sphere who robs you of your peace and well-being. Set healthy boundaries.

Every decision we make will lead us somewhere. Let's make sure we are deciding wisely. And if we end up in the wrong place, the responsibility is ours and ours alone.

Being an optimistic person is considered to be a good thing. But that path is fraught with danger, too.

Today I am on a rant about people who are constantly late.

Our phones are remarkable instruments we can use to save time. But let's not forget that people are more important than technology.

Make no room for negative people in your sphere. Work on yourself to be a better version of you and the right people will find you. It starts with self-talk.

It's not weak to ask for help. There are times when everyone needs a lifeline.

Be judicious about what you allow into your mind. It affects your thinking which translates into your beliefs. Take the time to test what you believe.

In today's episode, I borrow from Star Trek to talk about the heart of man.

There's a little devil inside all of us. The only problem is, he's not little.

The evil Iranian regime is being toppled as I type this. Pray for a peaceful, prosperous path forward for the wonderful Iranian people.

Everything has its price. But what value are you placing on your life?

We learn as we age. At least we are supposed to. Well, that's what I've been told! Life is sorta like a minefield. Walk deliberately but choose your path wisely.

In today's episode, I share with you a way of applying gratitude.

The CDC has recognized connection as a core part of health and wellbeing. Our brains are wired for this. Change the wiring and the results may be harmful.

In today's episode, I deviate from my usual message of encouragement, strength and hope to talk about Mexico. The country desperately needs our prayers.

The Spirit is constantly talking to us. But are we listening?

We have been given a book that tells us how to navigate this life. But you gotta read it to know what's in it.

Power and control are strong motivators, especially when there is money involved. Jesus taught differently. Let's follow him and not the "rules of religion."

It's here again! In today's episode I dive a little further into the beginning of Lent, and how it might be perceived to be negative. It's anything but negative.

Bring your dreams for your life back to life. They aren't dead. Your dreams are merely lying dormant.

Henry David Thoreau wrote, "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation and die with their song still in them." Fear has killed more dreams than lack of talent ever has. The world needs to hear your music.

How we feel about something doesn't make it fact. We must find the way to separate the two.

The past is full of wonderful memories, and there may be some painful ones, too. It's okay to visit the past, but don't stay too long. You might miss something in the present.

It's always good to use good manners and be respectful of others.

Humility doesn't mean thinking less of yourself. Practicing humility will open your mind to new possibilities. Be a lifelong learner.

There is always a reason to be happy, even when life doesn't go our way.

There is nothing random about your life. There is a reason and a purpose for you being here.

We have been blinded by outside forces. Open your eyes and live!

We fall. We fail. We beat ourselves up unnecessarily on repeat. But here's some good, no, great news! God never runs out of forgiveness. All we have to do is ask.

Stay true to yourself no matter the crowd you are in. Be who you are, who you were created to be...

We are wrong on complex issues more than we are right. And that's okay.

Make your mark on the world. Leave it better than when you entered it.

It's almost time for the Super Bowl. But in today's episode I am talking about the biggest game of all: the game of life.

Do you feel near God or does He seem like He's nowhere to be found? Who moved? Hint...it wasn't God.

It's time to take the challenges our world faces and put them in the hands of the faith and philanthropic communities. More government is not the answer. The politicians created much of the mess we are in. But there are solutions.

Not everything we try will be a success. But we learn from the setbacks and the failures. Everything can be used...

When the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change, you will change. You have reached you breaking point.