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.

Resilience is built in the dark times, not when life is easy and we are coasting. Find your inner strength when the darkness comes. Light is on its way...

There are a lot of hurting, struggling people in this world. We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Look for opportunities.

Unlike appliances, you are built to last for eternity. What are you doing here on earth to prepare you for it? It matters.

Everyone goes through periods where they lose themselves. Here's a way to reconnect with yourself.

If you want to learn about something, read about it. Do you have an interest in history? Read historical biographies from those who lived it.

Remember to show kindness to everyone. We don't know what lies beneath the surface...

As you are considering your goals for 2026, make sure you commit to them with tunnel vision. Do whatever it takes to keep distractions away.

Stress from the holidays can cause you to get run down. Be sure to do what you need to take care of yourself!

No matter how far or how fast you can run, you can never run away from you...

In this life we can take so many things for granted. But let's never forget the source of everything good.

Entire industries have changed the world by making our lives easier. But the easy way isn't always the best way.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. People are more courteous. They smile more. It is my wish that the light of this season would shine all year long.

We talk to ourselves all day long. Be sure that you are having honest, relevant, helpful conversations.

There may be something about your life you wish to change. You can, but you need more than willpower alone.

Faith is a verb, an action word. What good is it to have faith but always play it safe? Step across the line. Serve your fellow man.

Keep the past where it belongs: in the past. Learn from it. Heal from it. Resolve to move forward.

The road to success is not a straight line. There are many twists and turns along the way. Don't dread them. Instead, welcome them. Look at them as opportunities to grow and learn.

In today's episode, I would like you to consider the tenacity of a child learning to walk. You have it in you.

In today's episode, I talk about what success looks like. It might not be what you think it is.

Deceiving others is an evil act. But God gives us an opportunity to redeem ourselves. The same opportunity exists for those who have deceived us, too.

We cannot legislate evil out of the heart of mankind. We can make a difference in the lives of others through our words and actions.

The future is coming. Are you excited or anxious about it. Talk to God about it. He's already there.

Your mind is powerful. It will work for you or against you. The mind is the portal to the Spiritual world. Remember, you are only as limited as you think you are...

We remove the trash from our homes, so it doesn't begin to smell. We clean out the garage when too much clutter has accumulated. Maybe there are some people who need to be removed from our lives.

Distractions are inevitable. You must develop a laser-like focus in your life. Put your blinders on and get to work!

The Spirit of God is speaking to us all the time. Are we listening?

It's easy to have faith when everything is going well in your life. But God is operating behind the scenes even when we question Him.

In the United States, we celebrate a National Holiday known as Thanksgiving on Thursday. But I believe that every day should be a day of thanksgiving.

Two World Wars brought the United States together in a united front. But what are we going to do about the war within our own country?

The holidays have arrived! Don't stress out. Enjoy them. Be more like Clark and less like Hallmark.

Art and beauty are all around us. Take a moment to notice. The busyness of the world will still be waiting for you...

In today's episode, I share with you how you can turn an enemy into an ally.

The holidays bring on a whole new set of obligations. But you are obliged to yourself, too.

We make our plans, great plans, but God controls our steps on the way to our true purpose.

The holidays are coming whether you are ready or not. But aside from big meals and gifts, there is another important preparation to consider.

The internet is full of lies told by irresponsible people. Think before you believe.

We see the good in people show up to serve the least among us. Find your purpose to serve others and get involved. Everyone wants their life to count. You can make a difference.

You aren't out of living a fully engaged, thriving life until you decide you are. Feel empowered...

The scam artists have gotten better and better. Be alert and be aware. Don't think that it won't happen to you.

We know what the afterlife holds. So why do we hang onto this life so dearly?

Every Sunday is an opportunity to worship God with others. Don't be concerned about how you look. Remember, God is glad you are there. You brought a smile to His face.

When professional athletes join a team, they are issued a playbook. Did you know that we were issued a playbook for life? Every one of us has access to the book.

When we win, let's give the glory to God. He is the one who made it happen.

If someone throws your past in your face, smile and tell them you don't live there anymore.

Knowing the right thing to do and not doing it is wrong. And deep down we know this to be true. Take a lesson from The Book of James.

It's a good idea to challenge our own beliefs. The world is constantly evolving and we should, too. If your beliefs are sound, stay with them. If they have changed, the change.

In my heart, I believe most people are good. There is nothing you can do to convince me otherwise. We see the best in us show up when tragedy strikes. Those are the times we see our true selves...

We aren't required to be busy all the time. Solitude and boredom are not the same thing.

Laughter is good for us. But I see some people have lost their sense of humor.