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.
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...
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.
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