Podcasts about monday moment

"Why didn't you go to Jack Buck's funeral?" That was the very first question asked during a Q&A after I spoke in New Jersey last month. I bought a little time by responding, "Well, not exactly the softball opener I had hoped for!" The audience laughed awkwardly, I smiled nervously, and then I answered honestly: "Because I didn't think I belonged there." Let me explain.

Most of us believe making a difference requires something big. A big platform. A big title. A big personality. A big story. Trust me, I understand why. For much of my life, people have introduced me through the lens of having a big story. They know about the burns, the explosion, the hospital rooms, the visits from celebrities, the comeback story, the Hall of Fame baseball, the Hollywood ending. And while I'm grateful my story has encouraged others, I've learned something important over the years: It is rarely the brightest lights or biggest personalities that change the world most profoundly. Far more often and far more importantly, it's ordinary people quietly choosing to use whatever gifts they have to lift the lives around them. That's why I want you to meet Amy McMaken. Let me explain.

While heading to the final speaking event of a very full, very hectic year, I found myself doing what so many of us do this time of year: rushing. It was a tight connection through a crowded terminal at DFW. As I hurried from one gate to the next, weaving through travelers, rolling suitcases, coffee cups, and glowing phone screens, I happened to glance out the window. There on the tarmac stood a white hearse beside an arriving plane. Let me explain.

It's difficult when a chapter that once felt endless suddenly comes to an end. Sixteen years ago, Beth and I stood nervously outside a little school in St. Louis called Holy Redeemer Catholic School. We were young parents then, with a five-year-old, a three-year-old, a one-year-old, and another child on the way. Life was chaotic and like most parents stepping into something new, we wondered if we were making the right decision. Let me explain.

At a recent speaking engagement, I asked the audience to turn to a neighbor and share what they were grateful for in the moment. On this morning, hundreds of new friends turned away from me and toward the person seated nearest them. Voices elevated, tears fell and smiles returned. It was awesome to observe this from stage. But off to the side stood one woman. Alone. I came down from the stage, walked over, knelt beside her, and said, "I love you…and there's nothing you can do about it! Now, tell me, what are you grateful for?" She looked back and said, "Nothing." Let me explain what happened next.

In this Monday Moment episode of the Kreatures of Habit podcast, Michael Chernow shares a real-world look at entrepreneurship as a constant cycle of ebbs and flows, where even successful businesses face moments that feel close to the end. He explains that business is ultimately about solving problems for people, but that the work is often harder than it is easy, requiring relentless hustle, fast problem-solving, and sometimes major pivots—something he's experienced across all of his business endeavors. Michael breaks down why money and communication matter, how building a network of believers can keep a business moving, and why mindset is the deciding factor in performance. His core message: the only thing you have to do perfectly is get back up—and never quit.

Four astronauts recently returned from space. Part of the Artemis II mission, they went up as pilots, engineers, and explorers. They came back entirely changed; their perspective on life altered forever. Their professional insights will undoubtedly shape the future of our space program, our return to the moon, and exploration beyond. But perhaps their most important discovery isn't about space at all. Perhaps it's about our life right here on Earth. After launching from Earth and traveling at speeds approaching 25,000 miles per hour, the crew journeyed hundreds of thousands of miles through space. When they returned ten days later, the world leaned in, eager to hear what they had learned. And yet, in interview after interview, the crew of Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen struggled to find the words. Awkward silences filled press conferences. Not because they lacked intelligence or clarity, but because they experienced something too big for language. Let me explain.

Self-assured. Self-made. Quick to decide. Successful. Sarcastic. Snarky. Recently, I asked a classroom of high school students studying leadership to describe the traits they most often see in leaders- in politics, in media, and in social settings. This was their list. (I'll admit, I had to look up that last word.) But let's not confuse common with effective. So, let me ask you: What defines the very best leaders. Most would agree descriptors like selfless, humble, sacrificial, other-focused and loving aren't just admirable traits for leaders, but transformational ones. And each of those traits describe my friend, Amy Ruzicka. Let me explain.

Recently, 130,000 graduates of Saint Louis University received a magazine in the mail. Inside was a story about one of their own making a difference in the world. The feature wasn't about a speaker, a business owner or a corporate executive. It was about a graduate who chose a different path: serving when no one is watching, modeling love in a world longing for it, and showing up fully and faithfully for others. The story was about my wife, Beth. Let me explain.

Recently, Mom and I shared coffee with a man who helped shape our lives decades ago. He wasn't a celebrity. He didn't make headlines. He was a caregiver at Mercy Hospital's burn unit, and we came to know him as Nurse Roy. Let me explain.

“Send Coach John a message”Listening to John O'Leary's podcast yesterday (find his website HERE), I was drawn to a piece of it where he was talking about Travis Sanders, an amputee who is a barber and so many other things. The biggest and best thing that he is, is that he is a difference-maker to so many people. I had the fortune to be on an online call yesterday, where Travis was the guest. It was a very uplifting conversation to see live, and hear from him on some of the things he's been through, his attitude for getting through the tough times and his calling to help others. Listen for yourself for the episode that connected some of this as John O'Leary shares on his Monday Moment segment - Listen HERE.  The little piece that I shared with you reminds all of us that we have incredible opportunities to help others through what we are going through. Thanks for listening.  Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on Apple Podcasts and ITunes or other services where you find this show.  Find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter / “X”:  @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at:  @coachjohndaly  - My YouTube Channel is at: Coach John Daly.   Email me at: CoachJohnDalyPodcast@gmail.com     You can also head on over to https://www.coachtoexpectsuccess.com/ and get in touch with me there on my homepage along with checking out my Top Book list too.  Other things there on my site are being worked on too.  Please let me know that you are reaching out to me from my podcast.  ** I would appreciate anyone to try clicking on the top of the show notes where it says "Send us a text" to leave a few thoughts / comments / questions.  It's a new feature that I'd like to see how it works. **

On any given day in Marietta, Georgia, men line up for a haircut from Travis Sanders. But what draws them in and liberates them to wait isn't simply getting their hair styled.  It's connection, encouragement and a powerful reminder that hardship does not get the final word. Let me explain.

What would you do if you knew today was your last? At nine years old, that wasn't a hypothetical question for me. It was my reality. After being burned on 100% of my body in a gasoline explosion, I was given less than a 1% chance to survive the first night. Although I survived that night, and the following five months in the hospital, the prospect of death never faded. It felt closest, though, on the nights before surgery. Because burned skin doesn't grow back, doctors had to take skin from one part of my body and graft it onto another. In my case, the only usable donor site was my scalp. So more than a dozen times, they took skin from my scalp and transplanted it, piece by piece, across my body. Each surgery carried the very real risk that this could be the last. To alleviate my anxiety and sadness, the night before became a celebration. My parents and siblings would come, we'd eat pizza, drink milkshakes, stay up late. Sometimes they'd bring gifts. On those nights, they did everything possible to diminish the fear and elevate me. So let me ask you again: If tonight were your last, how would you spend it?

In a world overflowing with pessimism, cynicism, and negativity, what might happen if we chose something different? What might change if we instead stepped into life with hope, optimism, faith? I get to see what that looks like almost every day through the life of my daughter, Grace. She lives with a powerful posture toward every aspect of life: Yes. Let me explain.

Ten years ago this week, ON FIRE was released. When the book first went out into the world, I wasn't expecting bestseller lists, translations into a dozen languages, or a feature film. My hope was far simpler: to honor the people who saved my life. In sharing their stories, my hope was simple: to remind readers that they, too, could be part of someone else's miracle. Because what made these heroes remarkable wasn't supernatural power. It was their decision to use their lives to elevate someone else's. A superpower available to all of us. My hope was that readers would recognize the heroes in their own story—and then choose to become one in someone else's. And yet, something remarkable happened. Let me explain.  

Years ago, I spoke with 40 business owners. The goal of the event was to bring together some of the highest achievers, connect them with one another, and expand their businesses and their lives. Wondering what success even meant to them, I kicked off the session by asking what they would do professionally if they could achieve anything and knew they could not fail. After a moment of reflection, a brave gentleman stood and proudly announced, "I'd make it big. I mean, like really, really big!" He wanted to increase sales, expand personal accomplishments and significantly achieve more success than any of his friends or former classmates. This conversation was eerily similar to one I was part of almost a decade earlier with another gentleman. He, too, had strived to "make it big. Really, really big." The difference was that the conversation with him wasn't taking place in a boardroom with a lifetime of possibility in front of him. No, this conversation took place in a hospital room with a lifetime of regrets staring back at him. Let me explain.

Nearing the end of a hectic week of speaking, I could feel it coming. What began as a raspy voice at the start of one talk turned into a whisper by the end. As a sinus infection intensified, my throat swelled, swallowing hurt and my body ached, but the hardest part wasn't the pain.  It was the silence brought on by laryngitis. For a man who makes his living with words, losing my voice felt like losing a part of myself. After a week of quiet, though, as my voice slowly returned, I realized something unexpected: Losing my voice gave me gifts I didn't know I needed. Let me explain.

Early in life, I learned an important truth that would guide the rest of my life: growth rarely happens in comfort. It happens in supply closets when scarred knees are stretched, at dinner tables when you're forced to relearn how to pick up a fork, and on screen porches when you're reminded that the can of gasoline isn't chasing you anymore. Growth doesn't begin when the path is clear and the circumstances are perfect. It begins when we step forward anyway into situations where we feel uncertain, unqualified, even afraid. And when we live like that, it not only changes our lives, but also the lives of those we encounter. Jonathan Babcock lives this truth. Let me explain.

"John, everything is going to work out fine." With these words my sweet dad was trying to encourage me and cheer me up. It wasn't working, though. Let me explain.

Recently I shared a story online about a flight delayed because of the arrogance of one person. Thousands of people liked the post. Hundreds more commented. And the vast majority agreed that the man in first class was profoundly arrogant. Here's what I learned after that post went live:  It turns out, I was the arrogant one. Let me explain.

In this Monday Moment episode of the Kreatures of Habit Podcast, Michael Chernow discusses the significant impact of maintaining a clutter-free environment and establishing a solid routine on mental clarity and overall productivity. He emphasizes the importance of setting a go-to-bed alarm, ensuring sufficient sleep, and starting the day with key habits like making your bed. By implementing these practices, Michael shares how anyone can create structure and set themselves up for success. Tune in for practical tips and inspirational advice to kickstart your week.

Some stories don't gently ask for your attention. They demand it. Rhonda Bear's story is one of them. Like so many lives lived on fire for good, her story doesn't begin with comfort or clarity. It begins in brokenness. In a childhood marked by chaos, addiction, and uncertainty. By the age of twelve, Rhonda was already searching for something—anything—that might make her feel whole. That search led her down a long and painful road. And yet, what happened next is where her story becomes extraordinary. Let me explain.

As a kid, meeting someone new often sent my heart racing. You see, I worried they'd judge me by the scars on my face, the burns on my arms, or the fingers that were no longer there. My mom- always able to read her kids' thoughts and then directly coach them up- observed my pained hesitation when meeting new people. One day she knelt down, looked me in the eye, and shared life-changing wisdom. Let me explain.

Two years ago, Beth and I anxiously dropped off our oldest son, Jack, for his first year of college. The school Jack chose- Indiana University- is renowned for its strong business schools, a gorgeous campus, and a long heritage of winning basketball. What it was not known for, however, was its football program. So, it's fair to say our astonishment is real that the most losing program in college football history is chasing its first-ever national championship just 18 months later. And as unlikely as that story is, the story of their quarterback makes it even more remarkable. Let me explain.

A friend said this about a show he'd spent dozens of hours watching, and what struck me wasn't his patience, but his willingness to endure something that never truly moved him. Most of us do the same, filling our nights with noise simply to avoid the quiet. And yet, what we repeatedly allow into our lives shapes the way we see the world. This week, watch SOUL ON FIRE, now streaming on Netflix.

As we stand at the start of a new year, with to-do lists drafted, words chosen and intentions set, I want to offer you a question to consider. One that has a way of slowing us down, sharpening our focus and gently but firmly calling us to do more. That question? Are you a turkey person? Not in the holiday-meal sense, but in the way you show up for others. Years ago, that question changed the trajectory of a football team, a community and a life. And years later, when I heard it, it did the same for me. Let me explain.

One of the great joys of On Fire For Good is celebrating people who change lives through a kind word or a quiet act. And every so often, we meet a leader who has figured out how to do that—at scale. Miren Oca is one of those leaders. Let me explain.

With Christmas just days away, excitement fills our homes… twinkling lights, festive music, and hardly any sleep. Growing up, every tradition seemed to build toward Christmas morning and the thrill waiting just beyond my bedroom door. But before the presents, before the surprises, there was one simple ritual that mattered most. Let me explain.

I've held many titles in my life, and I'm grateful for all of them. But my favorite job title, by far, has always been Dad. As Patrick moves through his senior year of high school and toward a future that looks a little different than I once imagined, that role has never meant more. Let me explain.

In preparing to close the chapter on another year, I find myself reflecting on the innumerable ups and downs of 2025. If your year looked anything like mine, it held moments of soaring joy but also heartbreaking loss. Let me explain.

Have you ever had a holiday hangover? No, I am not referring to the kind you might get from staying out too late or having one too many drinks. I mean how you feel after all the build-up of Christmas- the preparation, the cooking, the eating, opening of presents, and racing to parties- comes to an end often leaving you a little tired, a good bit in debt, and emotionally beat down. Several years ago, a woman with nine and a half decades of experience gave me some advice to help prevent that type of hangover from starting in the first place. Let me explain.

Some people carry a light within them that's impossible to miss. It isn't loud or showy — it's steady, warm, and contagious. That's how I felt the first time I learned about James Chalmers. One of five children, James' parents noticed early on that he was a little different than his siblings. He was born with Cri-du-chat Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects development and communication. As he grew up, James wrestled with questions many of us ask: Why am I different? Do I matter? What am I supposed to do with my life? Then one spring day in 1992, everything changed. Let me explain.

In this week's Monday Moment, Michael Chernow opens up about his 21-year journey of sobriety, and how recovery became the ultimate tool for life optimization, clarity, and purpose.Speaking directly to anyone struggling with alcohol, marijuana, or substance addiction, Michael shares a message of hope and transformation: change is possible, and you are capable of so much more than you think.Through faith, discipline, and a commitment to daily growth, he's discovered that sobriety isn't about giving something up — it's about gaining everything.If you're on your own path of recovery, or know someone who needs to hear this, this short episode will remind you that the comeback is always stronger than the setback.If this story inspired you, share it with someone who needs hope today.Leave a 5-star review to help us keep sharing these powerful conversations.Subscribe for weekly episodes that feed the mind, body, and soul.Follow Michael Chernow:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernowKreatures of Habit → https://kreaturesofhabit.com/ #sobriety #addictionrecovery #michaelchernow #Kreaturesofhabit #motivation #faith #discipline #mindset #mondaymotivation00:00 Introduction: The Power of Sobriety05:30 Life Beyond Addiction07:05 A Message of Hope and Support

Everywhere we look the world highlights everything separating us. From our news headlines, social media feeds, even across the dinner table, differences are magnified, divisions are emphasized and it can leave us feeling distant, isolated, discouraged. And yet, what I've learned is that despite everything seemingly pulling us apart, we're far more alike than we realize. In fact, our hope with SOUL ON FIRE was simple: to remind people of our shared humanity, to encourage moviegoers to embrace the beauty of their life story, and to inspire audiences to bravely live with faith, hope and love. Since release, we've received hundreds of correspondences from veterans, widows, pastors, addicts, business owners, retirees, and students that the film delivered on those goals. One of my favorites arrived three weeks ago. Let me explain.

Looking back at last month, I'm in awe of all we've been a part of. I had the honor of speaking at dozens of events around the country, participated in more than 100 media interviews, and shared SOUL ON FIRE with nearly half a million new friends at movie theaters nationwide. It was a month overflowing with goodness, gratitude and grace. And yet in the midst of that race, if I'm honest, I occasionally felt exhausted, a little lost and in need of others to guide me forward. One of those moments occurred at Midway Airport. Let me explain.

It's time to stop blaming others and start taking control of your life. In this powerful Monday Moment, Michael Chernow delivers a raw and honest message about personal responsibility, discipline, and self-motivation. If you've been feeling stuck, lazy, or waiting for the “right moment” to start changing, this is your wake-up call.Michael breaks down the habits and mindset that separate successful people from those who keep making excuses. It's not luck, it's consistency, hard work, and the courage to hold yourself accountable.

I listened to John O'Leary's podcast yesterday, entitled “Breaking Down The Walls” for his Monday Moment episode #825 (click the link HERE to listen to it - really gets us thinking about things.)  Please, check out the movie - Soul On Fire.  You will walk away fired up for connecting to things a bit differently in your life's journey.  Having a bit more gratitude in life in place of connecting to cynicism, anger, complaining and hate; can take us into a much better direction. From this episode - “My friends, any fool can criticize, complain and condemn. It's common and trends among the critics of the world. But in choosing gratitude instead, walls crumble, hope is restored and lives are transformed. Today, let's release our bend toward cynicism and instead ignite a spirit of gratitude. It will change not only your world, but those you encounter in it.”  In a time where there are so many troubles - many created to divide - let's find some ways of not only leaning more on gratitude but also to take a look at our perspective on things in life. This can help us to see our lives differently. Maybe with more hope, passion, energy, willingness to not quit, along with wanting to help others along with helping ourselves to simply do better in all that we do.  I listen to all of John's podcasts and they always get me to not only think differently, but to also see things a bit differently too. I am inspired after every episode and with that inspiration, I am trying to put action into living my best life.  Thanks for listening.  Please take a few moments to subscribe & share this with someone, also leave a 5 Star rating on Apple Podcasts and ITunes or other services where you find this show.  Find me on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/coachtoexpectsuccess/   on Twitter / “X”:  @coachtosuccess   and on Instagram at:  @coachjohndaly  - My YouTube Channel is at: Coach John Daly.   Email me at: CoachJohnDalyPodcast@gmail.com     You can also head on over to https://www.coachtoexpectsuccess.com/ and get in touch with me there on my homepage along with checking out my Top Book list too.  Other things there on my site are being worked on too.  Please let me know that you are reaching out to me from my podcast.

A few critics said SOUL ON FIRE couldn't possibly be true: that no one survives burns that severe, that Jack Buck wouldn't visit a stranger's hospital room, that the "O'Reily" home could never be rebuilt. But every bit of it happened. And if you think that's unbelievable… wait until you hear what happened inside the prison. Let me explain.

Alcohol is everywhere, but what if it's quietly stealing your energy, health, and happiness?In this week's Monday Moment, Michael Chernow shares the real truth about alcohol and the life-changing benefits of sobriety. After being sober for over 21 years, Michael opens up about how quitting alcohol completely transformed his health, mindset, and relationships.Whether you're sober-curious, ready for change, or just wondering what life looks like without alcohol, this episode will show you why removing it (even for 90 days) can unlock your full potential.

Throughout the promotion of SOUL ON FIRE, one name kept coming up around our office- Jan Roseberry! She was booking theaters, posting constantly on social media, even sending “you got this” notes to my team during one of the busiest seasons of our professional lives. And it made me wonder: what kind of person gives so freely of their time and heart for something bigger than themselves? Over the past few weeks, I've gotten to know Jan even better than I previously did. And what I've discovered is that what makes her remarkable isn't one big moment. It's a lifetime of saying yes to growth, even when the next step wasn't clear. And Jan's story reminds each of us that purpose often begins with a single, small yes.   Let me explain.

Loneliness is at an all-time high, especially among men. But what if the cure was as simple as saying hello?In this week's Monday Moment, we dive into the loneliness crisis and reveals how one small act of connection can transform your relationships, your mood, and even your health. Michael shares personal stories and simple, real-life ways to start connecting again, whether it's at the gym, on the street, or in your own neighborhood.Be the one to say hello. It might just change your day, and someone else's too.

In this Tactical Dent Tech Monday Marketing Moment you will learn some new innovation in CRM Systems and AI... 

The past few weeks have been humbling and joy-filled. Interviews, headlines, sold-out theaters, and messages from around the world have celebrated SOUL ON FIRE. But the greatest joy has been watching how this story has lifted the people I love most. My sisters glowed on the red carpet after years of cheering from behind the scenes. Mom hasn't stopped smiling, and Beth's quiet grace is being recognized everywhere. But my favorite hero to celebrate is the one who likes attention the least: my brother Jim. Let me explain.

In this Monday Moment, we slow down and get real. Together, we explore what it truly means to make it not just in business, but in life.I open up about a recent health scare that shook my perspective. It reminded me (and maybe it will remind you too) that success isn't just about grinding 24/7 or chasing the next win. It's about showing up fully for the people we love.We talk about what it means to be a great father, husband, friend… and how easy it is to lose sight of that in the hustle. I share how I'm setting personal boundaries, carving out time for family, and redefining success on my terms so you can do the same.Let's challenge grind culture together. Let's build a life that feels good on the inside, not just one that looks good on the outside.

Returning to school after the fire 38 years ago, I worried if I'd still belong. That day, my classmates embraced me, and last Thursday they again showed up in love, reminding me just how much has changed… and how much hasn't. Let me explain.

None of it really makes sense. Last Thursday, a black SUV picked up the O'Leary family and transported us to the gorgeous Powell Hall in St. Louis, MO. As the car doors opened, flashbulbs blinded our eyes and cheers filled our ears. Beth and I hopped out, followed by our boys and our daughter. We stood together by the car, waved confidently as if we had done this before, then made our way onto the red carpet and into the world premiere of SOUL ON FIRE. Let me explain.

In just over a week and a half, SOUL ON FIRE will light up theaters across the country. And last week, as part of The Voices of SOUL ON FIRE podcast series, you heard from one of the people who helped to bring this story to life, Stephanie Szostak. For me, Stephanie's role in this film is especially personal. She portrays one of the greatest heroes of my life: my mom, Susan O'Leary. Let me explain.

Often the most beautiful parts of our lives are the very ones we tuck away. We hide them in closets, leave them in boxes, store them in corners, push them back into the shadows. We forget about them, all they meant, and the beauty they still possess until something draws those pieces of our lives back into the light. I saw this on full display during the final day of filming SOUL ON FIRE. Let me explain.

I'm too busy. I'll get back to them later. I'll just ignore it. These are common ways to respond to life's interruptions. But while filming SOUL ON FIRE, I was reminded by some remarkably busy people just how powerful it is to say yes instead. Let me explain.