The Jon Gordon Podcast

Positive Mindset and Leadership Strategies to Help You Overcome Challenges and Make a Greater Difference! Hosted by bestselling author, Jon Gordon.

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 13: Why Positive Leadership Matters 08/13/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 13: Think Like a Rookie 08/11/2025

Can Faith and Evolution Coexist? 08/08/2025

Can Faith and Evolution Coexist? 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 the mysteries of free will, consciousness, and whether our brains are actually wired to tune into higher frequencies like love, positivity, and connection. We also challenge some big assumptions about the origins of humanity, what really drives our instinct to help others (even at great personal cost), and why strong family bonds are central to both our biology and our society. If you’ve ever wondered how science and spirituality might fit together, or questioned whether there’s purpose woven into the process of evolution, this conversation is going to open your mind and encourage your spirit. Don’t miss it! About Dr. Samuel Wilkinson, Samuel T. Wilkinson is Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University, where he also serves as Associate Director of the Yale Depression Research Program. He received his MD from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. His articles have been featured in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. He has been the recipient of many awards, including Top Advancements & Breakthroughs from the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation; Top Ten Psychiatry Papers by the New England Journal of Medicine, the Samuel Novey Writing Prize in Psychological Medicine ( Johns Hopkins); the Thomas Detre Award (Yale University); and the Seymour Lustman Award (Yale University). Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37536325

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 12: Caring Trademark 08/06/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 12: Shark or Goldfish? 08/04/2025

How to keep your Kids Safe Online: The Real Dangers of the Online World 08/01/2025

How to keep your Kids Safe Online: The Real Dangers of the Online World 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 importance of knowing who your children talk to online, and how deep conversations about value and trust can change lives. Caleb also unpacks the myths and hard facts about sex trafficking in America, If you care about family, community, and making a lasting difference, this powerful episode is a must-listen! About Caleb, Caleb Altmeyer is the Founder and CEO of Helping Captives, an anti-trafficking organization headquartered in the Pacific Northwest, and Bikers Helping Captives, a motorcycle ministry bringing trafficking awareness and hope to the streets. In 2006, Caleb was an addict, a high school dropout, and unable to hold a job or relationship. But after a life-changing encounter with God in 2007, everything shifted. For over 15 years, he has dedicated his life to ministry and nonprofit leadership—helping over 500 sex trafficking survivors, raising millions to fund Gospel-centered initiatives, and leading thousands into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has launched successful enterprises for the ministry, including a coffee company, thrift store, and large-scale outreach events. Caleb has also helped provide transitional housing, food distribution to families in need, and the remodeling of a schoolhouse to house trafficking survivors. He’s currently working to transform a closed-down strip club into a center for emergency and stabilization care for victims. Caleb is a Christian, husband, father, speaker, and community leader. His greatest passion is helping people discover their calling to impact culture for Christ. Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37535985

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 11: Connected at the Top 07/30/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 11: LOSS 07/28/2025

Six Dimes and a Nickel: From Prison to Purpose, Life Lessons with Damon West 07/25/2025

Six Dimes and a Nickel: From Prison to Purpose, Life Lessons with Damon West 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 forgiveness, the importance of paying it forward, and the pivotal moments that led to Damon building a new life and giving back to his family. If you love stories of redemption, practical wisdom, and the kind of mindset shifts that lead to true change, this episode is a must-listen! Pre-Order his newest book About Damon, Damon West, M.S. Criminal Justice, is a college professor, internationally known keynote speaker, 3x Wall Street Journal bestselling author and former crime boss in Dallas, who was sentenced to Life in prison for Organized Crime. USA Today calls him the “modern day Shawshank Redemption and the most in-demand speaker in America.” At 20 years old, he was a Division 1 starting quarterback at the University of North Texas, when he suffered a career ending injury and turned to hardcore drugs to cope with disappointments of life. After graduation, he worked in the United States Congress and trained to be a stockbroker for United Bank of Switzerland (UBS). One day at UBS, he was introduced to methamphetamines; he became instantly hooked—and the lives of so many innocent people would forever be changed by the choices he made in order to feed his insatiable meth habit. After a fateful discussion during his incarceration with a seasoned convict, Damon had a spiritual awakening. He learned that, like a coffee bean changing with the application of heat and pressure, he was capable of changing the environment around him. Armed with a program of recovery, a renewed faith, and a miraculous second chance at life, Damon emerged from over seven years of prison a changed man. On parole in Texas until 2073, his story is one of hope, redemption, grit and the resilience of the Human spirit. Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37535680

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 10: Negativity Fills The Void 07/23/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 10: Attack A New Opportunity 07/21/2025

Unlocking Resilience: 5 Keys to Leading Through Turbulent Times 07/18/2025

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 9: Lead With Integrity 07/16/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 9: 5 Ways to Stay Positive 07/14/2025

Reset in 60 Seconds: Rapid Relief Techniques with Dr. Caroline Leaf 07/11/2025

Reset in 60 Seconds: Rapid Relief Techniques with Dr. Caroline Leaf On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Caroline Leaf, a true pioneer in the science of the mind, brain, and body connection. Caroline’s work has changed how we think about mental health, self-regulation, and transformation and today, she joins me to share insights from her latest book, We dive right into what inspired this new book: those frantic moments when you feel like you’re about to lose it, stuck in regret, overwhelmed, people-pleasing, or on the verge of snapping in the middle of a tough meeting. Caroline unpacks the real science behind why those first 60 seconds matter so much, and she gives practical—often life-changing—techniques you can use to take back control in the heat of the moment. Caroline walks me through her process for validation, mind shifting, and conscious breathing, sharing stories from her own life (yes, even the experts lose their cool sometimes!) and the research that led to this 63-second miracle. We talk burnout, pressurized living, the myth of waiting for a vacation to “restore” yourself, and how just a one-minute “thinker moment” can completely reset your brain and body. We get into the difference between the mind and the brain (Caroline makes this fascinating and easy to grasp!) and the importance of tuning into your soul and spirit to find genuine peace even quoting some powerful scripture along the way. Whether you’re struggling in your relationships, facing chronic burnout, or just want to bring more mental strength and peace to your day-to-day, this conversation is filled with accessible strategies, inspiration, and hope. Caroline’s wisdom will help you reclaim the next moment (and maybe the next 63 days), moving you from chaos and helplessness to clarity and empowerment. If you’ve ever felt like you need “” or you want a 911 strategy for your thoughts and feelings, this episode is your go-to guide. About Dr. Caroline Leaf, Dr. Caroline Leaf is a communication pathologist, audiologist, clinical and research neuroscientist with a Masters and PhD in Communication Pathology and a BSc Logopaedics, specializing in psychoneurobiology and metacognitive neuropsychology. Since the early 1980s she has researched the mind-brain connection, the nature of mental health, and the formation of memory. She was one of the first in her field to study how the brain can change (neuroplasticity) with directed mind input. Pre-Order Dr. Caroline's book, , out August 5th here! Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my VIRTUAL Day of Development JULY 23rd! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37370345

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 8: You Have to be Selfless 07/09/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 8: Grateful Instead of Stressed 07/07/2025

Richard Childress on Racing, Business, and Family | Lessons from a NASCAR Icon and Legend 07/04/2025

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 7: Leadership is a Transfer of Belief 07/02/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 7: Live With Purpose! 06/30/2025

Finishing Strong | Glenn Ellison 06/27/2025

Finishing Strong | Glenn Ellison On 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 , 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 , 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. Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37169920

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 6: Leaders Commit First 06/25/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 6: Feed The Positive Dog 06/23/2025

Inside the Seven Commitments: Stories, Struggles, and Success 06/20/2025

Inside the Seven Commitments: Stories, Struggles, and Success On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Chad Busick, one of my top certified trainers who lives, breathes and shares the principles of championship teams. Chad interviews me as we do a deep dive into my latest book, The Seven Commitments of a Great Team, the journey that shaped it, and why these lessons matter for everyone looking to build something great together. Chad leads me through an honest exploration of what a true “championship mindset” really means, why it’s not about chasing a trophy, but becoming the kind of teammate and leader who lifts up others and shows up with purpose, grit, and positivity, no matter the circumstances. I share parts of my personal journey, including the struggles with negativity that almost cost me my marriage and ultimately pushed me onto this path of teaching positive leadership. We go behind the scenes on the writing of Seven Commitments, touching on the coaches and mentors who inspired me, like the unforgettable Coach Richie Moran (whose words “teammates are forever” are at the heart of this story). Together we break down why valuing each other is the foundation of any great team, how individual goals and a shared mission fuel real success, and why staying positive, together, matters most when adversity strikes. You’ll hear why these commitments have already struck a chord with so many coaches and business leaders, how simple frameworks like LIGHT and VALUE can unlock stronger teams, and why I believe this might be my most meaningful work yet. There are practical takeaways and authentic stories for anyone who wants to lead, connect, and get better, whether you’re building a winning culture in sports, business, education, or at home. Check out more from Chad! Chad Busick the VP of Athletics and Workshop Leader with Jon Gordon Companies...He does workshops on Energy Bus, Power of Positive Leadership, Power of a Positive Team and more with Athletic Departments, Coaches, Staff, Student Athletes and Teams across the country. He has worked with schools including Ole Miss, Arizona St., Boise St., Harvard and many programs at the DI, DII, DIII and NAIA levels. He is also the host of the Championship Mindset Podcast and author of The Rock Tumbler. Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37050820

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep: 5 Principles and Practices 06/18/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 5: Get To VS Have To 06/16/2025

Talking Smack: the surprising benefits of “Trash Talk” with Rafi Kohan 06/13/2025

Talking Smack: the surprising benefits of “Trash Talk” with Rafi Kohan On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Rafi Kohan, author, cultural observer, and the mind behind What started as a casual Zoom between new friends quickly turned into a lively deep dive into the world of competitive banter, all captured here in real time. Together, Rafi and I explore the fascinating, untold science and history of trash talk. He breaks down why trash talk is more than just gamesmanship on the field, it’s a fundamental part of human behavior, threaded through ancient stories from the Bible to the Homeric poems, and alive in everything from politics to playgrounds. We get into how trash talk manipulates attention, anxiety, motivation, and even performance, and why some of the world’s greatest athletes and public figures use it to their advantage. Rafi shares wild stories, including some next-level antics from a soccer goalie who turned mental distraction into an art form, reveals why even the most positive folks can’t resist a little friendly ribbing (looking at you, Ken Blanchard), and reflects on how the lessons of trash talking stretch far beyond sports, touching on politics, performance, resilience, and even moral character. We also riff on modern-day masters of the craft (think Muhammad Ali to Donald Trump) and the fine line between competition that lifts us up versus rivalry that tears us down. If you’ve ever wondered why we talk smack, how to handle it when it happens, or what it really says about us, you’ll find insight and plenty of laughs in this episode. Whether you’re a serious competitor, a sports fan, or someone who’s just curious about why people do what they do, this conversation brings fresh perspective, energy, and practical takeaways on embracing pressure, building grit, and becoming the kind of rival that makes everyone better. And yes, there’s a little trash talk between us too. If you want to rethink the way you handle challenges, on the court, at work, or in life, this episode is for you. Rafi Kohan is an award-winning sports journalist and dynamic keynote speaker. He is the author, most recently, of , which explores the phenomenon of verbal gamesmanship in sports, and everywhere, and what it reveals about our ability to perform under pressure. About Rafi, Kohan's first book, , is a wide-ranging examination of the modern American sports stadium and was a finalist for the 2018 PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing. Previously, Kohan has served as deputy editor at the New York Observer and as executive editorial director for the Atlantic's creative marketing studio. His writing has appeared in numerous publications, including GQ, the New York Times, Men's Journal, Rolling Stone, and the Wall Street Journal, among many others, and his thought leadership on the surprising benefits of trash talk has been featured on Fast Company, Scientific American, NPR's Science Friday, BBC's Unexpected Elements, and Re:Thinking with Adam Grant. Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/37001710

Positive Leadership Tip | Ep 4: No Complaining Rule 06/11/2025

Positive Mindset Monday | Ep 4: Talk To Yourself 06/09/2025

The Cost of Commitment: What It Really Takes to Build a Great Team 06/06/2025

The Cost of Commitment: What It Really Takes to Build a Great Team What’s the true difference between a team that just sets goals and one that actually succeeds? I recently joined my friend to unpack the mindset shift that turns talent into teamwork and goals into greatness. We talked about the core message from my latest book, The 7 Commitments of a Great Team—and why commitment always costs something. As I told Ed, “You have to ask yourself, what are you willing to give, and what are you willing to give up?” That’s the starting line for every great team. We dove into: Why you’ll never get commitment without connection The secret that holds strong teams together (hint: it’s not just strategy) What to do when emotional fatigue sets in and passion starts to fade We also explored the power of love and purpose on a team—yes, even in business. Because when people care, they don’t just show up. They fight for each other. That’s the truth. This conversation was real, raw, and personal. Whether you're leading a company, a classroom, or a family, this episode will fuel your fire. Thank you, Ed, for having me on! Here’s a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: Order my new book today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You’ll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You’ll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It’s time to Create your Positive Advantage. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare! /episode/index/show/jongordon/id/36885125

The Jon Gordon Podcast

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