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.
Every school has different groups of students who hang around each other. What group were you in?
Our diets and exercise regimens must improve. America has become fat and out of shape. It's reversible, but we must be willing.
Some people make rude comments about what I say and write. My focus is on spreading encouragement and hope. I guess some people just can't handle that.
We are in the most serious spiritual battle in our lives. We must continue to pray relentlessly.
There are some commemorative events I wish we didn't have. September 11th is one of those.
The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus by bringing him into the battle against Rome. He wasn't having any of their foolishness. In today's society, both the Republicans and Democrats want you to think Jesus was one of them. What do you think?
Unsolved mysteries are better for your mind than working crossword puzzles. They require in-depth thinking about the possibilities.
There are only Ten Commandments, and I can't even keep the first one. Fortunately, we serve and worship a merciful, forgiving God.
Are you holding onto something you just can't get rid of? Maybe you aren't considered a hoarder, but perhaps you can loosen your grip a little.
There are a lot of things in this world to distract us. Don't become so focused on the trinkets and toys around us that you forget about people.
Two-thirds of 2025 have passed. Many people set some goals at the beginning of the year but abandoned them before February. In today's episode, I encourage you to set a new goal for the end of the year. The only thing stopping you from reaching your goal is you.
Learning a new skill or language is both exciting and challenging. Here's a practical way to learn without tiring you out.
It's okay to feel down when life knocks you around. Just don't stay there!
Smiling is good for you. So, find something to smile about every day.
I'm not a runner, but for a long time I tried to run away from myself. Even if I was a runner, I couldn't run that fast.
Growing up in a home where chaos and violence ruled the day seems crazy when I look back on it. Yet, so much good has come from it.
You are worth so much more than you may believe you are. God created you exactly as he wanted you. He gave you talents that are unique to you and only you. Make a move outside your comfort zone and use them. It's time to shine!
Team sports are excellent teaching tools. But there are options available for those who aren't athletes.
Scammers and charlatans have been taking our money since the days of Jesus. There is a way to get healthy and build wealth.
Going along to get along is a hollow ambition. Speak up for those who feel like they don't have a voice. Stand firm in the truth.
Most people believe in God or a universal power. But are we acting like it when we are outside the church walls?
Listening is an art form. It takes effort, but it is worth it.
Are you curious about why you believe what you believe? Sometimes our beliefs are worth an investigation. It's not a threat to what we believe.
Tunnel vision is oftentimes an indicator that something is wrong. But there is a good kind of tunnel vision for your consideration.
This life is not about us. We are here to make a difference in the lives of others. Use your talents. Don't waste them.
Greed can get in the way of charity. God wants us to take care of the poor, the marginalized and disenfranchised. Everyone can help someone.
Courage is built on the inside. Every challenge we face builds our strength and resilience. Welcome the challenges. Don't avoid them.
Take care of your health and wellness! This includes getting an annual checkup.
There is one word in the English language you must eliminate from your vocabulary and your thoughts. By doing so, you will change your mindset.
If you have never volunteered your time for a worthy cause you believe in, I encourage you to do so. You will get more in return than you could ever calculate.
We talk to ourselves constantly. But are we believing the lies we tell ourselves, or only the truth? Have a listen.
Mistakes are part of life, a part we cannot avoid. Yet, we need to make mistakes because they allow us to learn. Don't let the fear of making a mistake keep you from pursuing your dreams.
Evil is everywhere. God gives us a choice on how we respond to it.
Football has been called a momentum game. Life is much the same. Never allow setbacks or hurdles stop you. They are merely short-term distractions that can strengthen you and build your resilience.
The introduction of the mobile phone changed our lives. Did we change for the better?
In today's episode, I talk about the brain and how we process information.
Kim Gatlin is an entrepreneur, author and executive producer of multiple television shows. We packed a lot into this short interview. And Kim is funny as hell!
Anyone who has ever struggled with addiction or knows someone who does should listen to this interview with Dr. Robb. His remarkable story of going from homeless to success will offer everyone hope.
Doing the easy thing is, well, easy. Doing what is good and right is the better alternative. In today's episode, we consider The Book of James.
One of the smallest organs in the body is a Weapon of Mass Destruction. That's right!
If you are trying to effect change in your life, consider this before you begin. Embrace it and you are guaranteed to succeed.
Have you ever wished you could trade places with someone else? Consider today's episode.
We mess up. We make mistakes. People forgive others and offer a second chance. Even more sometimes. Yet, there are people whom you need to remove from your life because they have run out of second chances. You can forgive them but keep them far away. Forgiveness is for you anyway, not the offender.
What comes to mind when you think of doing chores? In today's episode, I examine a different way to look at them.
You are an original creation. Use your God-given talents to benefit others. Stop hiding them.
In today's episode I ask you to consider the inspiring story of Walt Disney.
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