Libsyn Directory

416: Bold Moves, Big Dreams & the Power of Journaling Author, Entrepreneur & Multilingual Content Creator - Jo Franco

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

Release Date: 02/20/2025

438: Creating Stuff That Matters [and What to Do When It Falls Apart] An Interview with Entrepreneur, Author & Founder of LoveSac Shawn D. Nelson

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

We’ve got an inspiring and eye-opening conversation for you this week as Mitch sits down with Shawn D. Nelson - the founder and CEO of LoveSac. If the name sounds familiar, it should. LoveSac has become a billion-dollar disruptor in the furniture space, known for their ultra-comfy bean bags and their game-changing modular couches that are built to last a lifetime. But long before LoveSac became a publicly traded company with hundreds of retail stores… it started in Shawn’s parents’ basement with a roll of vinyl, some foam, and a wild idea. Since then, Shawn’s story has included...

437: 3 Ways to Get Clear on Your Dreams & Goals - [Even If You Feel Stuck]

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews shares an honest, behind-the-scenes story that started with a season of struggle, turned into a desperate idea… and accidentally launched a movement that’s now inspired thousands of people to get clear on their big dreams and goals and move forward with courage and clarity. You’ll hear about the surprising origin of the very first Big Dream Gathering - an experiment that started in their living room and eventually led to events hosted around the country. These events have helped people to get clear and get connected and get big dreams...

436: Rewriting Your Money Story: How to Shift Your Mindset and Build Real Wealth John Kennedy, CFP & Host of the Above Board Podcast

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

What if you could actually feel good about money? Not just make more of it - but feel less stress, more clarity, and a sense of freedom around your finances? That’s exactly what we’re talking about this week with our guest, John Kennedy. He’s a Certified Financial Planner, yes… but his superpower is helping people unpack the emotional side of money, build simple systems that work, and finally take control of their financial life - without shame or overwhelm. John is a partner and senior wealth advisor, and the co-host of the Above Board Podcast, which ranks in the top 2% of...

435: Dealing with Difficult People? Try THIS Science-Backed Leadership Strategy Speaker, Elite Coach & Leadership Expert - Vanessa McNeal

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

In this powerful episode, Mitch reconnects with Vanessa McNeal - a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed life coach, and certified elite coach who's changing the way leaders think about difficult people, burnout, and team culture. Vanessa’s mission? To help high achievers ditch burnout, quiet the noise of overwhelm, and lead from a place of inner alignment. She’s not about surface-level fluff - her strategies are rooted in science, her story is authentic, and her presence is transformative. In this conversation, Mitch and Vanessa dive deep into the neuroscience behind stress, conflict, and...

434. Unapologetically You: Courage, Calling, and Reinventing Yourself Author, Entrepreneur & US Marine Raider Veteran Nick Koumalatsos

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

What does it take to fully step into the life you were meant to live? What happens when you lose a big part of your identity… and have to rebuild from the ground up? That’s what we’re talking about in this raw and real episode with Nick Koumalatsos. Nick is a former Marine Raider, turned multi-passionate entrepreneur, coach, and author. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of Johnny Slicks, a fast-growing premium grooming brand. He's also the author of Excommunicated Warrior: 7 Stages of Transition - a powerful book that explores how to navigate major life shifts without losing yourself in...

433: What’s REALLY in Your Way? 6 Keys to Break Through & Build Habits That Last An interview with Elite Athlete, Olympic Coach, Author & Speaker Steve Mellor

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

What if the thing standing between you and your growth… is you? In this episode of Dream Think Do, Mitch sits down with Steve Mellor - who went from being one of the top 50 swimmers in the world to coaching Olympic athletes, and now, speaking to audiences across the country. Steve flips the script on how we think about progress. From early‑morning swim practices in England to empowering leaders at the highest levels, he dives deep into the tension between dreaming big and doing the work. Expect powerful stories, fresh strategies, and a compass for navigating the inner resistance that...

432: What To Do When The Plan Falls Apart [A faith-based episode!] A deep dive with DREAM THINK DO creator Mitch Matthews

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

What do you do when the plan… completely unravels? In this powerful and faith-filled deep dive, Mitch Matthews shares a message that will help… especially in those times when your plan seems to fall apart. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're the only one without a clear path… this episode is for you. Mitch unpacks one of his all-time favorite stories from the Bible - buried deep in the Old Testament - to explore what happens when things don't go the way we expected. And more importantly, what we can do next. You'll hear real talk about plans falling...

431: When Noticing Sparks a Movement - How one leader turned compassion into global impact An interview with Sleep In Heavenly Peace Founder - Luke Mickelson

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

What if one small moment - something most people would walk past - could change your life and the lives of thousands? That’s exactly what happened when Luke Mickelson saw a child sleeping on a “nest” of clothes on the floor. What followed was messy, imperfect, but undeniably powerful. In this episode, you’ll see how compassion + action + leadership can birth a movement. Whether you’re a leader, someone craving purpose, or just someone who believes big starts small - Luke’s story will inspire you to notice what others don’t, act even when you’re unsure, and...

430: ADHD as a Superpower: Parenting, Purpose, and Possibility

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

In this powerful episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with Jheri South - a certified master coach, ADHD specialist, and mom of seven neurodivergent kids. Jheri opens up about her own adult ADHD diagnosis and how it completely changed the game for her - personally and professionally. She shares how ADHD can be a superpower when we learn to understand it and work with it, not against it. Whether you’re walking through ADHD yourself… helping a kiddo… leading a team… or you just want more insight into how neurodivergence impacts dreaming, thinking, and doing - this is an...

429: The Science of Grit: 4 Simple Strategies to Grow Resilience & Mental Strength Daily

DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

In this energizing episode of Dream Think Do… Mitch Matthews tackles something we all need: more GRIT and resiliency. And not in some drill sargent… mad at the world… sort of way. But instead using science-backed strategies to grow your ability to focus and bring your best… even when you’re tired. Whether you're leading a team, chasing a dream, or just trying to keep up with life… this episode offers researched-backed concepts and real-world inspiration to help you dig deep, stay strong, and find your momentum - even when the tank feels empty. Plus, Mitch shares a...

More Episodes

Jo Franco is a powerhouse multilingual content creator, writer, and entrepreneur who’s all about turning curiosity into action.

You might know her as one of the lead travel presenters on Netflix’s The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals, where she helps us to explore the globe through the lens of understanding… cultural connection… and crazy cool rentals. But that’s just the beginning!

Jo’s a self-taught language maestro who’s conquered seven languages—yep, seven!

AND she’s used her love of words, language and culture to inspire over a million subscribers on YouTube and countless listeners through her hit podcasts: Not Your Average Jo and Money Baggage.

NOW… she’s also the bestselling author of Fluentish - a wildly innovative language learning planner and journal.

And speaking of journaling… Jo’s also the founder of JoClub—a journaling school… that’s become a global movement. She’s a relentless advocate for blending creativity, community, and curiosity to live a bold and intentional life.

Jo’s story is a testament to what happens when you dream big, think differently, and DO the work.

CONNECT WITH Jo Franco:

🔗 Website: JoClub.world
📸 Instagram: @jo_franco
🎙 Podcasts: Not Your Average Jo & Money Baggage
📖 Book: Fluentish

ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS:

Remember… you can now check out Mitch’s OTHER podcast called “ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS” anywhere you listen to podcasts.

It’s specifically designed for Coaches, Speakers and Content Creators and provides a quick dose of inspiration, strategy AND… of course… encouragement!

Find it on Apple Podcasts: Click here

Find it on Spotify: Click here

Find it on Anchor: Click here

Find it on Google: Click here

IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

✅ How Jo went from immigrating to the US at a young age to become a global content creator
✅ The surprising lesson she learned from seven internships (and why she chose to never work for someone else!)
✅ The "golden handcuffs" of success and how she knew it was time to walk away
✅ Her unexpected journey to hosting a Netflix show (after getting rejected countless times!)
✅ The power of journaling—why it’s been her secret weapon for clarity, courage, and big moves
✅ How she built Joe Club, a global journaling movement that’s changing lives
✅ Practical tips for starting (and sticking with!) a journaling habit

TAKE ACTION:

👉 What’s one bold move you’ve been putting off? Get it on paper and start planning your next step!
👉 Comment below and let us know something that stuck with you (big or small) from this fun episode!

👉Try Jo’s free journaling workshop! JoClub.world/dreamthinkdo
👉If you loved this convo, leave a review! It helps more Dream Think Doers find the show!

Connect with Jo Franco:

🔗 Website: JoClub.world
📸 Instagram: @jo_franco
🎙 Podcasts: Not Your Average Jo & Money Baggage
📖 Book: Fluentish

**Here’s the link for Journaling 101 workshop coming up on
Feb 22: https://joclub.world/dreamthinkdo/

Episode Recap:

0:00 Introduction to Episode 416 and the powerful question: What if you had to start over from scratch?
1:00 Mitch introduces Jo Franco, a multilingual content creator, Netflix host, entrepreneur, and author of Fluentish.
2:00 Jo’s story of immigrating from Brazil to the U.S. and her early struggles with learning English.
5:00 The childhood moment when Jo realized the power of language to connect and help others.
7:00 Jo shares how she learned seven languages and the pivotal role curiosity played in the process.
10:00 The impact of a high school French teacher who challenged her to go from good to great.
15:00 How Jo’s early experiences sparked her passion for helping others through language and connection.
18:00 The start of Shut Up and Go and her journey into YouTube content creation with a friend.
22:00 Jo’s bold move to New York without a financial safety net and her entrepreneurial mindset.
25:00 The "aha moment" when she recognized the untapped potential of social media for storytelling.
30:00 The decision to move to LA and take a leap into full-time content creation.
35:00 Jo's insights on how fear of complacency drove her to take bold risks.
40:00 The transition from YouTube success to hosting Netflix's World's Most Amazing Vacation Rentals.
45:00 The transformative power of journaling and why Jo sees it as a life-changing tool.
50:00 How journaling helped her recognize when she was living out of alignment.
55:00 Jo explains how her journaling practice eventually evolved into Jo Club, a global journaling community.
58:00 Practical tips on how to use journaling for decision-making, creativity, and clarity.
1:02:00 Mitch’s Minute: Reflecting on the courage it takes to listen to your inner voice, the power of journaling to guide life's bold moves, and how taking action—even without guarantees—can lead to incredible opportunities.

CONNECT WITH Jo Franco:

IN THIS EPISODE WE COVER:

TAKE ACTION:

Connect with Jo Franco:

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