Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 13: Why Positive Leadership Matters
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode of Positive Leadership Wednesday, I explore why positive leadership is the true competitive advantage in any team or organization. Drawing from real-world stories and history’s greatest change-makers, I explain how optimism and belief empower leaders to overcome adversity and inspire those around them. Positive leadership isn’t about ignoring challenges, it’s about seeing what’s possible and rallying your team toward that vision with resilience, grit, and hope. I hope this message encourages you to choose positivity in your leadership journey. If it resonates with you,...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 13: Think Like a Rookie
The Jon Gordon Podcast
Start off your week with a new perspective on this Positive Mindset Monday! This episode dives into the power of thinking like a rookie, embracing big dreams, asking bold questions, and believing that anything is possible. You’ll hear a motivating story about how approaching challenges with curiosity and optimism, instead of limiting beliefs, can lead to surprising wins and new opportunities. Discover how to balance the wisdom of experience with the hungry, hope-filled attitude of a beginner. If you’re ready to shake off the “curse of experience” and create your own good old days, this...
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Can Faith and Evolution Coexist?
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Samuel Wilkinson from Yale for a truly fascinating and thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of science, faith, and evolution. Dr. Wilkinson shares the journey that inspired his book, , and together we dig into some of life’s deepest questions: Can science and spirituality really go hand in hand? How do evolution and faith both help shape our understanding of human purpose? We unpack everything from the “dual potential” within human nature, our capacities for both selfishness and sacrificial love, to...
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 12: Caring Trademark
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode for Positive Leadership Tip Wednesday, we dive into the concept of a "caring trademark", that unique, personal way leaders show their team they truly care. Hear real-life examples, from handwritten thank you notes to incredible acts of kindness, and discover why having your own caring trademark sets you apart as a leader. You’ll be inspired to find and nurture your own authentic way to connect with others, lift your team, and make a lasting impact. If this message resonates with you, feel free to share it and help spread the power of positive leadership! Here’s a few...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 12: Shark or Goldfish?
The Jon Gordon Podcast
Kick off your week with a dose of motivation in this Positive Mindset Monday episode! This time, the focus is on an empowering question: Are you a shark or a goldfish? Explore the difference between waiting for opportunities to come to you and taking bold, proactive steps to chase them down. You'll hear insights on why it's more important than ever to develop a “shark” mindset, one that’s driven, energetic, and resilient, even when times get tough. Discover what it means to seek out success with integrity, work hard, and believe in a sea of possibilities. Whether you’ve been coasting...
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How to keep your Kids Safe Online: The Real Dangers of the Online World
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, Jon sits down with Caleb Altmeyer for an eye-opening and urgent conversation about the realities of online safety, human trafficking, and what it truly takes to protect the people we love. Caleb shares personal stories from the front lines, including the shocking truth about how 80% of human trafficking cases now begin online, the tactics predators use to groom victims, and why the relationships we build at home are the first line of defense. You’ll learn practical strategies every parent needs to know, including monitoring tools, the crucial...
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 11: Connected at the Top
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode, I talk about the power of connection at the top of every great team. Inspired by a conversation with Miami Heat coach Eric Spoelstra, I’ll share why a united and committed leadership team is essential, not just for each other, but for the whole organization. When leaders are connected, they can better serve their people, build strong relationships, and create a culture that lifts everyone to new heights. If you find this message helpful, pass it along to encourage others to strengthen their own leadership teams! Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me...
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Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 11: LOSS
The Jon Gordon Podcast
Start your week with a fresh boost of encouragement on this Positive Mindset Monday! In this episode, we’re exploring the powerful perspective of turning loss into opportunity. Whether you’re facing a setback at work, navigating personal challenges, or just dealing with the everyday frustrations (like losing your keys!), you’ll discover how each loss can actually open the door to growth and resilience. Learn why staying strong through adversity doesn’t just help you bounce back, it helps you bounce forward, coming out even stronger and wiser. If you’re looking for inspiration to turn...
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Six Dimes and a Nickel: From Prison to Purpose, Life Lessons with Damon West
The Jon Gordon Podcast
On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I’m joined by my friend and co-author of Damon West for a raw and inspiring conversation you don’t want to miss. Damon shares the remarkable journey that took him from a 65-year prison sentence to bestselling books and national speaking stages, revealing the real-life lessons behind his newest book, . We explore the Coffee Bean message that sparked Damon’s transformation, his experiences navigating life on parole, and the principles of resilience, faith, and service that continue to shape his life. Together, we dive into the power of...
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Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 10: Negativity Fills The Void
The Jon Gordon Podcast
In this episode, I explore a key principle of positive leadership: the importance of filling communication gaps before negativity takes hold. Just as silence can fuel uncertainty and doubt, proactive leaders step in with transparency, authenticity, and clarity. When you address miscommunication and keep your team informed, you create an environment of trust, alignment, and connection. I hope this message empowers you to lead with open, honest communication. If this episode resonates with you, consider sharing it with someone who could use an encouraging reminder! Here’s a few...
info_outlineOn this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Glenn Ellison, a man whose life story could fill a movie script. From growing up in poverty with six siblings and an alcoholic father, to channeling his pain and anger into football and earning a full scholarship to the University of Arkansas, Glenn's early journey is as inspiring as it is raw. He shares how an illegal hit and an unexpected twist in NCAA eligibility rules cut short his college career, but his determination led him to play for the Marine Corps team and ultimately earn a spot in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders under legendary coach John Madden.
But Glenn's story doesn’t stop on the football field. After his sports career, he faced more adversity and found purpose in helping others. For the past 24 years, Glenn has dedicated his life to restoring peace in families through The Parent Help Center, working with parents and at-risk youth to turn chaos into hope and healing. He opens up about how faith, hard lessons, and relentless work ethic shaped his mission to make an enduring impact.
This is a candid, powerful conversation about resilience, redemption, and the transformative power of believing in others, and yourself, even when the odds are stacked against you. Glenn’s journey reminds us that no matter where you start, it's never too late to change the game and make a difference.
Learn more about Glenn and his mission at theparenthelpcenter.com, and get ready to be inspired by a true comeback story.
About Glenn,
Glenn Ellison is a former NFL player, United States Marine, and now a certified Jon Gordon Trainer helping leaders and families create positive change. His inspiring journey took him from high school football star to being kicked out of college, from $35-a-game semi-pro leagues to the Marine Corps football program—where he became a two-time MVP. Against 10,000 to 1 odds, Glenn walked on to the NFL, proving that grit, faith, and perseverance open impossible doors.
Today, Glenn is the founder of a non-profit dedicated to building stronger families, the author of Tackling Life's Challenges, and the real-life inspiration behind the film Success Camp, which tells the story of struggling families finding hope. His life is proof that detours often lead to your true purpose—and that with commitment and belief, even the wildest dreams are within reach.
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