Positive University Podcast

Bestselling author and top keynote speaker, Jon Gordon, shares a story from one of his talks about how a cup coffee, a traffic ticket and a simple act of kindness led to an unexpected encounter that brought healing and hope.  

Bestselling author and top keynote speaker, Jon Gordon, shares how you too can build a thriving speaking, training, and coaching business using the strategies he himself has used to become one of the most in demand speakers in the world.

You'd think it's just about the music, but what you'll discover is the unexpected story behind their rise to the top, is a lesson in love, accountability, and unity that will leave you speechless. Get ready to uncover the real magic fueling the impactful journey of the American rock band Needtobreate. Join us for an eye-opening conversation on The Jon Gordon Podcast and stay tuned for the big reveal that will change the way you see success, leadership, and the power of teamwork forever. About NEEDTOBREATHE:  Formed in South Carolina in 2001, NEEDTOBREATHE has grown and evolved to occupy a uniqueposition in the modern genre+ landscape. They’ve placed five Number One albums all across theBillboardchart spectrum, from RocktoAlternative. They’ve racked up twobillion career streams andscored multi-Platinum chart topping hits–deep-feeling anthems with a spiritual conscious like“Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” “Let’s Stay Home Tonight” and dozens more. Andthey’ve done it all while filling venues across the globe, either as headliners or with a diverse array ofsuperstars like Taylor Swift, Train and Tim McGraw. With a successful career spanning over two decades, they bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion. Known for their profound understanding of personal growth and team dynamics, they offer practical insights and strategies for achieving harmony and productivity within teams. As accomplished musicians and performers, their perspectives shed light on the importance of impactful leadership and the balance required for sustained growth. Their practical advice and real-world examples are certain to provide valuable takeaways for individuals and teams seeking to foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. 

When you stop hiding, you start healing. - Jon Gordon On this special, Easter Sunday episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, Jon shares with you a powerful message from a talk he gave at Mosiac Church about the importance of growing closer to God and how faith can transform your thoughts and beliefs. 

Salvation is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that lasts until death and beyond. - John Mark Comer On the latest episode of the Jon Gordon Podcast, Jon sits down with New York Times Bestselling author and respected Pastor, John Mark Comer. Their conversation uncovers the power of prayer, the healing of the soul, and the ultimate solution to anxiety and mental health challenges. In this episode, you will: Discover the transformative power of Practicing the Way of Jesus for spiritual growth and personal development. Unlock the Importance of Morning Prayer and how it can bring clarity, peace, and purpose to your day. Experience the Benefits of Digital Sabbath and how disconnecting can rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Explore the Healing of the Soul through Jesus and how it can bring profound peace and emotional restoration. Embrace the Role of Prayer in Mental Health and understand its impact on fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on finding healing and connection through the practice of the way. About Pastor John Mark Comer: John Mark Comer is the New York Times bestselling author of multiple books including The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry (more than half a million sold) and Live No Lies. His new book is the New York Times and USA Today bestseller, Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become like  him. Do as he did. He’s a founding pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, and a teacher and writer with Practicing the Way. After serving as the lead pastor of Bridgetown Church in Portland, Oregon, for nearly two decades, John Mark and his family now reside in Los Angeles, where he serves as a teacher in residence on discipleship and spiritual formation at Vintage Church LA. His podcasts, John Mark Comer Teachings and Rule of Life, have been ranked on top religion and spirituality podcast charts in the US and UK. He and his wife, Tammy, have three children. For more information, visit johnmarkcomer.com, and https://www.instagram.com/johnmarkcomer/

On this episode of the Jon Gordon Podcast uncover the transformative power of adversity and how it can lead to incredible personal growth and achievement with my guest, Eddie George.   From the football field to the board room, Broadway musicals to graduate business schools, Eddie George personifies what we think of when we hear the term Renaissance Man. His football accomplishments are legendary. A Heisman trophy winner (1995) and first round draft choice out of Ohio State University, earning NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1996, it only got better. Starting running back for the Tennessee Titans until 2003, he was selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls, and led his team to Super Bowl XXXIV before retiring after a final campaign in 2004 with the Dallas Cowboys. Business success soon followed. He prepared by first earning an MBA at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. A series of entrepreneurial triumphs included development of a number of successful businesses that benefit people. Most noteworthy, the Edward George Wealth Management  Group where his financial acumen and a people- first approach to clients are redefining investment advisory. A love of acting added still another career dimension. Acclaimed as Billy Flynn in Chicago on Broadway, and in many theatrical productions; Whipping Man, A Raisin in the Sun to Othello to Julius Caesar; feature films including The Best Man Holiday, 7-10, and television roles in Shooters, NCSI: Los Angeles and HBO’s Ballers. His authentic, heartfelt performances have delighted audiences and earned him rave reviews. As Professor Eddie George, he gives back through higher education, developing The Business of  Professional Sports, a game-changing course at the Fisher School of Business at The Ohio State  University. Complemented by industry thought leader presentations, Eddie brings rare insight, holistic perspective, and a Blueprint for Success to meet the challenges and opportunities for aspiring professional athletes and future business executives. Adding to all the roles he has played, Coach Eddie George is now an apt title, as he was announced as the 22nd head football coach at Tennessee State University on April 13, 2021. Anchored by family, Eddie with wife Tamara ‘Taj’ Johnson-George, Grammy® nominated singer with SWV (Sisters with Voices) and their sons, Eriq and Jaire, make Nashville, TN home. Eddie and Taj live a life balanced by commitment to family, community and public service. All anchored by Eddie’s Four Pillars of mental, physical, social and spiritual wellness. We’d expect nothing less from a Renaissance Man      

This week on The Jon Gordon Show, experience a very special conversation that captures Bret Michaels electrifying energy combined with his sincere caring nature and humility. In this episode, you'll uncover the secrets from the past and present that have led to Bret's remarkable career, spanning three decades, and established him as an iconic legend in the music industry. Jon and his wife Kathryn recently went to see Bret perform live in St. Augustine Florida and were truly blown away by his energy, care and commitment to delivering an unforgettable experience for his fans as well as his support of first responders, veterans and local community heroes. Jon knew Bret's life and approach to his craft would provide life-changing lessons for anyone pursuing a dream and seeking to rise to the top of their profession. Bret, as usual, delivered like the Rock Star he is, and you will be encouraged and inspired by this insightful wisdom-filled conversation between two friends.    About Bret Michaels: Bret Michaels is revered as a megastar in the entertainment industry. One of music’s most iconic singer/songwriters, Michaels has sold over 100 million records, digital downloads and streams worldwide and had numerous hit singles including Every Rose Has Its Thorn, Go That Far and Nothing But A Good Time. His record-breaking television shows include Rock of Love with Bret Michaels, Life As I know It, and the Travel Channel’s Bret Michaels ’Rock My RV as well as the audience fan-favorite, Banana in the Fox hit show The Masked Singer. In addition to his music and television successes, Michaels is well-known as a creative entrepreneur. After winning The Celebrity Apprentice, Michaels went on to create the only product to have lived on past the show - his famous Snapple Trop-A-Rocka Iced Tea. Michaels, the son of a veteran and a lifelong diabetic, has always made giving back a priority throughout his career. Having been twice named Humanitarian of the Year by the world-famous Hollywood Christmas Parade, the musician’s Life Rocks Foundation continues to provide support to a myriad of charities and causes around the globe. Find all the latest tour dates, news and more, visit www.BretMichaels.com or on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok

On this episode of Positive University, Join Jon Gordon and special guest Jim Van Allan to discover the profound impact of the Energy Bus for Schools program has on student motivation and engagement. This episode is coming right off the back the release of Jon Gordon's newest book, The Energy Bus for Schools which uncovers the transformative power that positive leadership has with shaping school culture and student success.  During the course of the episode, learn the genesis of The Energy Bus book came to be and how Dr. Jim Van Allan went from being a 20 year old intern driving the actual Energy Bus on Jon Gordon's book tour to the president of The Energy Bus for Schools program and co-author of The Energy Bus for Schools book.  Stay tuned to Positive University to find out how this unexpected journey unfolds and discover the keys to transforming your school culture for the benefit of your students. If you're ready to shift the focus and learn new strategies for creating a positive environment, join us for this inspiring episode. Our special guest, Dr. Jim Van Allan, a renowned educator and speaker, has been a driving force in transforming school culture through the implementation of positive principles. With a background in public speaking and a deep passion for impacting others, Jim's journey began driving the Energy Bus and introducing Jon Gordon's talks. His dedication led him to pursue a Ph.D., with his thesis focusing on the program's impact on school culture, affirming its effectiveness through glowing reviews from teachers. Jim's passion ignited a powerful movement that is reshaping schools and students on a massive scale, and his insights and experiences make him a valuable resource for educators and school leaders seeking to cultivate positivity within their institutions.  Click Here to learn more about the Energy Bus for Schools program. If you want to order your copy of the Energy Bus for Schools book, click here.

Do you want to develop a mindset that sets you up for unstoppable growth and success? Imagine having an unbreakable mental resilience that launches you towards achieving your highest potential. With our guest, Wyndham Clark, Jon and Wyndham will be sharing the solution to help you achieve this level of mental strength and mindset growth. Are you ready to tap into your full potential and overcome mental hurdles? Let's dive in and discover the key strategies for unlocking your mental resilience and achieving unstoppable growth. In this episode, you will: Discover Wyndham Clark's journey to success as a professional golfer, and learn how his story can inspire your own path to greatness. Uncover the impact of mental resilience and a strong mindset on athletic performance, and how it can propel you towards success. Embrace the power of positive thinking and belief in transforming your performance, and unlock the potential to elevate your game to new heights. Learn to overcome obstacles and achieve success through developing mental strength, and gain valuable insights on navigating challenges in pursuit of your goals. Gain mentorship and guidance for navigating mental hurdles, and learn from experienced individuals on how to overcome mental barriers in your journey to success. About Wyndham Clark: Wyndham Clark, a professional golfer, provides a firsthand account of his journey in navigating mental hurdles and developing resilience in the pursuit of success. With a background marked by early excellence in golf and the challenges of transitioning to the PGA Tour, Wyndham's experiences underscore the significance of mastering the mental game. His collaboration with a sports psychologist proved instrumental in unveiling the pivotal role of mental resilience in realizing his full potential, ultimately leading to significant career victories. Through his insights, Wyndham offers valuable lessons for aspiring athletes and individuals striving for success, emphasizing the critical impact of overcoming mental obstacles and cultivating a resilient mindset for sustained performance growth.

What draws out a good story is if you can ask a good question and you ask a better question if you're a little more well prepared. - Don Yaeger In this episode of Positive University, Jon sits down with Don Yaeger, a seasoned writer and storyteller, to explore the profound impact of sports on leadership success. Yaeger's extensive experience in collaborative writing with sports icons like Walter Payton and Deion Sanders provides unique insights into the intersection of sports and business. With a focus on the importance of sports in shaping leadership skills and preparing individuals for future success, Yaeger's conversation with Gordon delves into the power of storytelling, highlighting the transformative impact of individual actions on collective goals. Through shared stories and lessons, this conversation serves as a reminder of the resilience, belief, and preparation required to achieve one's goals, making it a must-listen for leaders in sports and business seeking to gain enhanced leadership skills and success. About Don: As an award-winning keynote speaker, an eleven-time New York Times Best-selling author, host of the top-rated Corporate Competitor Podcast, Executive Leadership Coach, and longtime Associate Editor for Sports Illustrated, Don Yaeger has fashioned a career as one of America’s most provocative thought leaders. He is primarily sought to discuss lessons on achieving Greatness, learned from first-hand work alongside some of the greatest sports and business legends in the world including John Wooden and Walter Payton. Throughout his writing career, Don has developed a reputation as a world-class storyteller, in fact, renowned thought leaders such as John Maxwell and Simon Sinek have called Don the best storyteller they have ever worked with! Because of these achievements, Don has been invited as a guest to every major talk show – from Oprah to Fox Business News, from CNN to Good Morning America.

On this episode of Positive University, we wanted to share the recording of a webinar Jon recently did on the 7 strategies to give you and your team the ultimate competitive advantage. These strategies are perfect for business, sports, education, sales and life! Over the next 65 minutes Jon will coach you on ... Actionable strategies to cultivate positivity within yourself and your team, creating an unstoppable force. Insights into the seven crucial actions that will propel you ahead and set the stage for greater success. The profound impact positivity has on success, backed by solid research and evidence. How to turn challenges into steppingstones for growth, converting adversity into your secret weapon. You are not going to want to miss this! If you would like to watch the webinar replay you can sign up here. If you and your team would like to learn more practical tools or implementation strategies in an interactive setting, dont forget to check out Jon Gordon's Day of Development. Just go to adayofdevelopment.com for more information and upcoming dates!

“I want to break down what we actually can do with our feelings so that, whether you feel a million different things jumbled up or you wonder if your emotions aren’t there because you haven’t felt in so long, you will have something simple to do that helps anyone starting from any place untangle it one step at a time.”  Do you ever feel like you're stuck in a cycle of suppressing your emotions, only to have them resurface in unexpected ways? Maybe you've been told to just tough it out, but deep down, you're feeling the weight of unresolved emotions. It's time to break free from this pattern and embrace the power of your emotions.  In this transformational look at our inner life through the lens of science, scripture, and personal storytelling my guest, Jennie Allen, shows us how instead of trying to conceal or control our difficult emotions, we can notice and name our feelings in ways that lead to deeper relationships, richer faith, and lasting health. Jennie Allen is the founder and visionary of IF:Gathering as well as the New York Times bestselling author of Get Out of Your Head, Find Your People, Made for This, Anything, and Nothing to Prove. Her newest book is Untangle Your Emotions which releases February 13th 2024. As a frequent speaker at national events and conferences, Jennie is a passionate leader, following God’s call on her life to catalyze a generation to live what they believe. She is the host of the Made for This podcast and has been featured in such media outlets as GMA3, 700 Club, Greg McKeown Podcast, Focus on the Family, Women’s World, Christianity Today and many more. 

If you are often dealing with the feeling of pressure to be perfect and are constantly battling with criticism and fear of judgment, then you are not alone! Many professionals struggle to navigate these same feelings which ultimately leads to self-doubt, anxiety and a low state of mind.  Luckily, this week on Positive University, my guest is Michael Gervais, PhD. Dr. Mike Gervais is one of the world's top high-performance psychologists. His clients include world record holders, Olympians, internationally acclaimed artists and musicians, MVPs from every major sport, and Fortune 100 CEOs, helping them navigate the psychological aspects of high performance. He is the co-founder of Compete to Create, a mindset training program created with Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Mike's expertise lies in helping individuals overcome fear of judgment and achieve peak performance by understanding the psychological, sociological, and biological factors that influence our behavior. With a focus on discernment and the balance between caring and worrying about others' opinions, Mike brings a unique perspective to the conversation, offering valuable insights into the mastery of psychological skills for high performers. Dr. Mike Gervais's newest book, THE FIRST RULE OF MASTERY: Stop Worrying about What People Think of You is a groundbreaking guide to unleash your human potential and shows us that the key to leading a high-performance life is to redirect our attention from the world outside us to the world inside us.

This week on Positive University we have the visionary owner of the Savannah Bananas, Jesse Cole. Jesse has bee disrupting the sports world by prioritizing fun, creating an unforgettable fan experience, and challenging the traditional norms of baseball.  Jesse has been a game-changer in the sports industry. His contagious energy and commitment to fan-first entertainment have propelled the Bananas to the forefront of sports branding. By combining the thrill of baseball with elements of circus-like entertainment, Jesse has redefined the fan experience, attracting major league players and celebrities to participate in their shows. With a 2-million-person waitlist and record-breaking ticket sales, Jesse's vision has not only captivated audiences but has also set a new standard for sports entertainment. His dedication to creating unforgettable moments and his relentless pursuit of fun and excitement have solidified his position as a leader in building a successful sports brand. Find out the key to crafting a sports brand that has captured the hearts and minds of audience's nationwide. 

“I LOOKED OVER MY SHOULDER, AND I SAW HIM ... FACE DOWN ... INSIDE OUR GATED LOCKED POOL." "HE WAS LIFELESS ..." “THE DOCTOR CAME IN AND TOLD US THERE WAS ZERO PERCENT CHANCE OF HIS BRAIN EVER FUNCTIONING RIGHT AGAIN …” This week on Positive University, you are going to hear a story of an unimaginable tragedy from renowned country music artist, Granger Smith. Granger shares his inspiring journey and resilience after the tragic loss of his son, River, in 2019. His book, "Like a River: A Father's Story," delves into the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event, offering insights into faith, family, and the power of determination.  In this episode, you will be able to: Discover Granger Smith's inspiring journey of loss and faith. Explore the transformative role of faith in overcoming tragedy. Uncover the resilience of relationships during difficult times. Learn the significance of making meaningful commitments in the face of grief. Find hope and inspiration in the darkest moments. Granger's candid storytelling and unwavering faith provide a beacon of hope, guiding others through the darkest of times. His remarkable ability to find strength and purpose amidst adversity makes his story one of unwavering resilience and unwavering faith. 

This week on Positive University, uncover the unexpected journey of content creator Derral Eaves as he stumbled upon a low-budget short film that forever changed his life. The powerful portrayal of the nativity story from a fresh perspective led to a profound partnership centered on Jesus, drawing in diverse perspectives of those who encountered Him. But what was it about this portrayal that captivated Derral's unwavering commitment and deep belief in the transformative power of Jesus' teachings? Stay tuned as we dive into the profound impact of this unexpected encounter and the unwavering faith that brought 'The Chosen' to life. Derral Eves is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author of The YouTube Formula. He is also the founder of Creatus, a marketing and consulting company and founder of VidSummit, an annual video conference. He has helped 34 YouTube channels go from zero to more than a million subscribers and has generated over 84 billion video views on YouTube. Derral's unique skills in audience development and project distribution account for much of the project's worldwide exposure and success. Derral came across The Chosen, he felt like everything he had done in his career and personal life had been leading to this project. It is his No. 1 career and passion and focus.

On this short but powerful coaching session, Jon walks you through how to make difficult conversations not so difficult with the STAR3 model. This is the perfect tool for both personal and professional application to help navigate difficult conversations with confidence, enhance effective communication within your team and establish clear rules for engagement to foster collaboration. Click here to receive your own PDF copy of the STAR3 model to print or share with your team.

Join Jon as he shares the power of choosing One Word to guide your year.  Instead of creating endless goals and resolutions, choose One Word to be your driving force for the year.   One Word creates clarity, power, passion and life-change. The simple power of One Word is that it impacts all six dimensions of your life – mental, physical, emotional, relational, spiritual, and financial.   Join thousands of people, schools, businesses, churches, and sports teams who have found their one word… and discover how to harness the transformational power for yourself.   You can also join the free One Word Challenge by going to OneWordChallenge.com      

On this episode of Positive University, hear a message from Jon on using your vision and mission to overcome negativity and stay positive. Use these strategies both in your personal and professional life to not only fill yourself with encouragement but to empower and encourage your team and others around you.

On this episode of Positive University Jon sits down with the Founder of Drybar, N.Y. Times Bestselling Author, Canopy President, Co-Founder Squeeze, Brightside and Becket + Quill, Alli Webb. In 2010, Drybar exploded into a nationally recognized and highly sought-after brand growing to over 150 locations and highly successful product line, which sold for $255 million in 2020. Staying true to her signature approach to beauty and self-care, Squeeze, follows suit in the affordable luxury space as innovative massage concept. Webb also proudly serves as a Board member, investor, and advisor.  Webb joined forces with LA based jewelry designer Meredith Quill to build yet another new company now known as Becket + Quill. It's high end, not high spend jewelry company.  Most recently, Webb joined the Canopy team as President. Canopy's super chic, reimagined humidifiers are making big waves in the beauty industry and innovative beauty device category.  Webb currently serves as an Advisor and Investor in The Feel-Good Company’s newest brand, Brightside - A brighter take on infrared yoga & saunas. Brightside’s flagship location is now open in Culver City, CA. Webb is a board member of several other companies including The Onsite Foundation, Ideal Image and The Bardot and also serves as an Advisor for Glowbar and Bumo.  Webb has been on the cover of Inc Magazine’s “How I Did This” issue, named the “100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, featured on Fortune magazine’s “40 Under 40” list, Marie Claire’s “Most Fascinating Women” and recently Inc. magazine recognized her as one of “The 100 Women Building America’s Most Innovative and Ambitious Businesses.”  Webb recently released her second book, "The Messy Truth,” which is a USA Today bestseller, and resides in Los Angeles, CA with her two sons.