Shows
Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus107:Before You Change Anything Ask Yourself This...🎙️ Solo Episode with John Merkus
🌱 What if one quiet question could change the direction of your life?
In this deeply grounding solo episode, John Merkus invites you to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with something many of us avoid. Listening.
This is not about motivation.
This is not about fixing yourself.
This is about creating space for honesty, clarity, and the answers you already carry within you.
With calm presence and gentle authority, John guides you through a series of reflective questions designed to cut through noise, pressure, and self judgemen...
2026-01-0512 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus106:The Inner Power Source: Discovering Purpose, Emotional Intelligence, and True GreatnessWhat if the things that frustrate you most about the world are pointing you straight to your purpose?
What if emotional intelligence is not about control, but about awareness, choice, and values?
This episode invites you to look inward, reflect deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters.
💫 Episode Summary
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, John Merkus continues his thoughtful and energising dialogue with counsellor, executive coach, and author Dr Greg Stewart.
With warmth, curiosity, and clarity, John guides the discussion into purpose, self mastery, leadership, courage, and legacy. Greg shares how lif...
2025-12-1431 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus105:Emotional Intelligence and Healing: Turn Negative Emotions into Inner Strength and PurposeSometimes the feelings we avoid the most are the very ones guiding us back to who we are meant to become.
In this powerful conversation, John Merkus sits down with telehealth counsellor, executive coach, and author Dr Greg Stewart, whose work explores emotional intelligence, leadership, and discovering the strength inside our hardest emotions.
From the first moment, John’s thoughtful, energising presence brings out Greg’s wisdom, humour and raw honesty. Together they unpack how anger, fear and sadness can become powerful tools for personal clarity, deeper connection, and stronger leadership.
This is a so...
2025-12-0731 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus104:Finding Strength in the Hardest Times: Hope, Faith and the Courage to Keep GoingSome conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. This is one of them.
If you have ever felt overwhelmed by life, weighed down by responsibility, or unsure how to keep going through hardship, today’s episode will meet you exactly where you are. Author and chaplain Sam Wegner returns for Part 2 of a powerful conversation that opens the heart and strengthens the spirit.
Sam speaks with honesty and humility about caregiving, fear, the raw edges of faith, and the quiet strength found in community. He shares how he supported his wife Crystal through ye...
2025-11-3033 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus103:How to Find Hope When Life Feels Heavy: Sam’s Story of Waiting, Love and CourageWhat if the hardest seasons of your life were shaping you in ways you cannot yet see? What if the weight you are carrying is not a sign of defeat, but a doorway to courage, hope and quiet inner strength?
In this deeply human conversation, host John Merkus sits down with author, pastor and chaplain Sam Wegner to uncover truths about waiting, hope, grief, love and what helps us keep going through the moments that stretch us.
Sam shares the raw and tender reality of supporting his wife through a decade-long cancer journey, losing his...
2025-11-2335 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus102:How Nature Can Save Us and How We Can Save OurselvesIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the state of the planet or wondered whether meaningful change is still possible, this episode will lift your spirit and strengthen your hope.
In one of the most inspiring conversations yet, John Merkus sits down with Tim Christophersen, a global leader in climate action, to explore how nature heals, how humans can rebuild our relationship with the planet, and why optimism is not naive but necessary.
John guides this conversation with warmth, humility, and an energising sense of possibility. His thoughtful questions help uncover rich insights that move th...
2025-11-1630 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus101:The Relationship Crisis We Forgot: A Conversation with Tim ChristophersenHumanity is in a relationship crisis with nature, and most of us don’t even realise it. This episode opens a doorway to something bigger: the moment we remember that we are not separate from nature. We are nature.
In this uplifting and expansive conversation, John Merkus sits down with global climate leader Tim Christophersen to explore how repairing our bond with the natural world can create a future of balance, beauty, and shared abundance.
John brings his signature warmth, curiosity, and energising presence to this conversation,
✅ Why ecosystems should be treated as e...
2025-11-0930 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus100:Celebrating 100 Episodes of Rise and Thrive: Stories of Resilience and Greatness100 conversations. A thousand insights. One unstoppable community of greatness.
Join host John Merkus as he celebrates 100 episodes of Rise and Thrive filled with powerful reflections, inspiring voices, and a brand-new anthem of resilience and hope.
✨ A hundred conversations. A thousand insights. One unstoppable community of greatness.
In this milestone celebration, host John Merkus reflects on an extraordinary journey 100 powerful episodes of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness.
From the very first spark to a global movement of hope, resilience, and transformation, this uplifting episode is filled with heartfelt reflections, laughter, music, and mes...
2025-11-0226 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus99:Everything Begins with a Thought: How to Reframe Fear, Take Action, and ThriveWhat if the only thing standing between you and your greatest life… was a single thought?
In this electrifying and heartfelt conversation, host John Merkus sits down with Nick Batchelder creator of Building the Blueprint for a powerful exploration of what it really takes to move from fear into freedom, and from thinking into doing.
Together, John and Nick open up about the daily practice of living with intention, the lessons found in rejection, and the quiet courage it takes to show up when doubt creeps in. This episode is an honest, energising, and laughter-filled jour...
2025-10-261h 14Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus98:Purpose Is Fuel: How to Stop Drifting and Start Living With IntentionWhat if you’re not burned out just disconnected from your purpose?
In this powerful continuation of John’s conversation with Mitch Harrison, award-winning speaker, executive coach, and author of Running on Full: A Plan to Beat Burnout and Replenish Your Inner Tank, you’ll uncover how to move from drifting through life to living with intention, clarity, and purpose.
In Part 2, Mitch and John dive deeper into what it means to find your True North that inner compass that keeps you aligned, grounded, and fulfilled no matter what life throws at you.
This i...
2025-10-1934 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus97:Running on Full: How to Refuel Your Life Before You Burn Out💥 What If the Key to Peak Performance Isn’t Doing More But Refuelling Better?
In this powerful and heartfelt episode, John Merkus welcomes Mitch Harrison, award-winning speaker, executive coach, and author of Running on Full: A Plan to Beat Burnout and Replenish Your Inner Tank.
Together, they explore what it truly means to live and lead with a full tank how to recognise the early signs of burnout, why self-care isn’t selfish, and the simple yet profound rhythms that restore your energy, purpose, and joy.
🌟 Episode Highlights
🎧 Mitch shares his personal journey from corporate burnout to glo...
2025-10-1237 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus96:How to Face Fear, Embrace Truth, and Live with Courage. Ken Miller (Part 2)🔥 What does it really take to face fear, embrace truth, and live with courage?
In this powerful continuation of my conversation with resilience expert and author Ken Miller, we go deeper into the mindset shifts and life lessons that turn pain into power.
If Part 1 showed us how compliments, forgiveness, and gratitude shape resilience, Part 2 reveals:
➡️ How courage transforms fear into action
➡️ Why acceptance unlocks peace
➡️ How truth is the foundation for lasting change
Ken shares raw stories of overcoming addiction, self-doubt, and hardship while offering practical wisdom on building courage, practi...
2025-10-0539 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus95:From Ivy League to Rock Bottom: Ken Miller’s Journey of ResilienceWhat does it take to rise after you’ve hit rock bottom?
In this powerful episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus sits down with author, speaker, and resilience expert Ken Miller, whose life journey is nothing short of extraordinary. From Ivy League success to the depths of addiction, incarceration, and despair, Ken has turned adversity into action and now dedicates his life to inspiring others to do the same.
Together, John and Ken dive deep into the truth about resilience, self-esteem, and the courage to change. You’ll hear why the simp...
2025-09-2837 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus94:Jim Cathcart: How to Build Confidence, Find Clarity, and Live with Purpose✨ What if the key to success wasn’t about luck or talent, but about who you choose to become every day?
In this powerful continuation of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus sits down once again with Jim Cathcart Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author of 27 books, and one of the most respected voices in personal development.
In Part 2, John draws out Jim’s wisdom on confidence, clarity, and creating a life that truly matters. From journaling to mentorship, you’ll hear practical lessons and inspiring stories that can shift the way you see y...
2025-09-2131 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus93:Jim Cathcart: The Legend of Speaking Reveals How to Unlock Your Own Greatness🎙️ Jim Cathcart: The Legend of Speaking Reveals How to Unlock Your Own Greatness
✨ What if one simple habit could transform your entire life?
In this powerful episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus sits down with one of the true legends of the speaking world, Jim Cathcart. From humble beginnings as a government clerk with no clear direction, Jim became a Hall of Fame speaker, bestselling author of 27 books, and a mentor to some of the greatest voices in personal development.
With warmth, humour, and unstoppable energy, John draws out Jim’s most li...
2025-09-1430 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus92:Virgos, Vikings, and the Journey to Real Change🎙️ Episode Title: Virgos, Vikings, and the Journey to Real Change
✨ What do birthdays, gratitude, and an ancient sea captain have in common?
More than you think.
In this uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, John Merkus The Positive Change Guy shares stories that blend humour, reflection, and timeless lessons on leadership and change.
🌟 Episode Highlights
🎂 Birthday Reflections – why milestones aren’t just about us, but also about the people who shaped us
🌸 A Gratitude Ritual – the simple, powerful act of sending flowers to your mum on your birthday
⚓ The Captain’s Stor...
2025-09-0812 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus91:Life Is a Conversation: Finding the Words That Shape Your Greatness🌟 Life Is a Conversation: The Words That Shape Your Greatness
What if the quality of your conversations both with yourself and with others was the very thing shaping the quality of your life?
In this powerful solo episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus invites you to pause, reflect, and reimagine the conversations you’re having every single day. From everyday moments in traffic to the dreams that still live inside you, John reminds us that the words we choose can either contract our spirit or expand our possibilities.
With his signa...
2025-08-3126 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus90:John vs. John 2.0: Can an AI Clone Teach Us About Change?🎙️ John vs. John 2.0: Can an AI Clone Teach Us About Change?
✨ What happens when you put a world-class change leader in the same room as his own AI clone?
That’s exactly what unfolds in this episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness.
🌟 John Merkus, The Positive Change Guy takes listeners on a playful yet powerful journey as he introduces “John 2.0,” his AI-powered voice clone. And here’s the fun part you can try it too!
👉 Click here to experience John’s AI voice
Together, John and his AI twin swap lines, test each other...
2025-08-2409 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus89:Why Winners Win: 11 Timeless Traits of Champions
What if the gap between your current life and your dream life came down to just 11 traits?
In this energising and unforgettable episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, John Merkus unpacks the proven habits, mindset shifts, and daily actions that set champions apart in business, sport, and life.
First delivered on stage over 20 years ago, these lessons have stood the test of time inspiring people to dream boldly, believe deeply, and act consistently. John’s passion and energy will leave you motivated to take action right now.
🌟 What You’ll Discover...
2025-08-1724 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus88:Most Loved, Most Listened: Emily on Rising and ThrivingMost Loved, Most Listened: Emily on Rising and Thriving
This is the most listened-to episode in Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness history and for good reason.
In this heartfelt and uplifting conversation, John Merkus sits down with Emily to explore her incredible journey of resilience, hope, and personal transformation. Emily’s openness and courage have touched thousands of listeners, offering a reminder that even in life’s most difficult seasons, it’s possible to rise and thrive.
John’s thoughtful, energising style draws out Emily’s most inspiring insights, making this an episode you’ll carry wit...
2025-08-101h 01Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus87:Break Free. Your Life. Your Power. Your Freedom🎙️ Break Free. Your Life. Your Power. Your Freedom.
💥 Something powerful has been brewing for 20 years and it’s finally ready to meet the world.
In this heartfelt solo episode, your host John Merkus invites you behind the curtain and into the soul of his greatest creative work yet: a transformational book that’s been two decades in the making.
Titled Break Free. Your Life. Your Power. Your Freedom., this isn’t just a book it’s an experience. A journey into the heart of change, courage, and becoming. You’ll meet Johnny Rockstar, a musician on the edge of bur...
2025-08-0311 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus86:The Mindset Shift Behind Real TransformationWhat If You're Not Broken... Just Becoming?
Have you ever felt like something inside you needed fixing?
In this powerful continuation of John Merkus’s conversation with transformational coach Jai Thomas, we flip that belief on its head and show you a much greater truth.
This episode is a journey through mindset, confidence, and what it really takes to create lasting change.
John and Jai uncover the hidden narratives that shape your life and explore how powerful shifts in language, emotion, and belief can unlock who you truly are.
You’ll walk away feel...
2025-07-2731 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus85:Unlock Hidden Power for Positive Change with Jai Thomas
🎙️ Unlock Hidden Power for Positive Change with Jai Thomas
Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness
✨ What if the real reason you're stuck… isn’t what you think?
In this inspiring and thought-provoking episode, John Merkus welcomes mindset expert and Zoho Coaching founder Jai Thomas to reveal the hidden forces shaping your life and how to break free.
From understanding your ‘shadow values’ to learning why your reactions not your circumstances determine your happiness, Jai shares practical strategies to unlock your hidden power and create the life you deserve.
💡 Whether you’re feeling stuck or...
2025-07-2029 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus84:The Success System You’ve Never TriedThe Success System You’ve Never Tried 🚀
What if there was a proven, science-backed system to transform your health, wealth, and relationships—without relying on willpower alone?
In this powerful episode of Rise and Thrive, John Merkus welcomes back John Mitchell, who reveals how a 12-minute daily practice can rewire your subconscious, break autopilot patterns, and help you live with clarity and intention.
If you’ve ever felt stuck or frustrated that you know what to do but don’t do it, this conversation will show you how to turn knowing into consistent action so you can ris...
2025-07-1337 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus83:The Secret Napoleon Hill Didn’t Tell You (And How to Use It)🎙️ The Secret Napoleon Hill Didn’t Tell You (And How to Use It)
Ever felt like you’re capable of so much more but just can’t seem to break through? You’re not alone—and today’s episode might be exactly what you need to change everything.
In this inspiring conversation, host John Merkus sits down with John Mitchell, the man who discovered the missing secret inside Think and Grow Rich and turned it into a simple 12-minute daily practice that helped him multiply his income 25 times. This isn’t about hype it’s about how clear intention, dail...
2025-07-0635 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus82:AI Without Fear: My Conversation on Ticker News with Mike LoderAI Without Fear: My Conversation on Ticker News with Mike Loder
✨ Are you ready to embrace AI without losing your humanity? This episode will inspire you to let go of fear, harness the power of technology, and live your purpose with clarity and courage.
John Merkus joins Mike Loder on Ticker News to unpack how AI can help you fulfil your mission faster, free up your energy to focus on what matters, and support you in making a real difference in the world.
Together, they explore:
✅ How to shift from overwhelm to confident action with...
2025-06-2910 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus81:The Truth Will Set You Free🎙️ Episode Title:
The Truth Will Set You Free
🌟 Episode Show Notes
What if the next step in your growth isn’t adding more but letting go?
In Part 2 of this powerful conversation on Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus reconnects with intuitive wayfinder Colby Wilk to explore the liberating truth about healing, belief systems, and the wisdom already within you.
If you’ve ever felt weighed down by stories that no longer serve you… this episode is your invitation to release them.
You’ll learn how to shift beli...
2025-06-2231 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus80:Your Soul Already Knows: Letting Go, Tuning In, and Living Fully Aligned🎙️ Episode Title:
Your Soul Already Knows: Letting Go, Tuning In, and Living Fully Aligned
🌟 Episode Show Notes
What if you’re not broken just burdened by beliefs that were never yours?
In this soul-awakening episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus sits down with Colby Wilk, an intuitive wayfinder who helps people reconnect to their soul’s wisdom and live in radical alignment. This isn’t a surface-level chat it’s a full-body remembering of who you already are.
Through raw honesty, grounded energy wisdom, and moments of pure...
2025-06-1531 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus79:Ben Legend and Semper Fi: How Grit and Mindset Are Building a Championship Esports Team🎙️ Ben Legend and Semper Fi: How Grit and Mindset Are Building a Championship Esports Team
Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus
✨ What Happens When Grit Meets Passion?
🔥 Mindset. Loyalty. Purpose.
This episode isn’t just about esports. It’s about going all in—for your dream, your team, and your greatness.
🎮 Join John Merkus in Part 2 of a powerful conversation with Ben Savage, the founder of Australia’s rising esports team Semper Fi.
From garage bootcamps to international tournaments, Ben shares what it really takes to build champions from the ground up.
🎯 Key...
2025-06-0830 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus78:Counter-Strike and Commitment: How Ben Built a Team and Backed His Son’s Dream🎙️ Counter-Strike and Commitment: How Ben Built a Team and Backed His Son’s Dream
🌟 What would you do if your child’s dream was falling apart? For Ben Savage, the answer was simple — build something better.
🎮 In this heart-led episode, host John Merkus welcomes Ben Savage, the determined dad behind Semper Fi Esports, Australia’s up-and-coming Counter-Strike team. When the industry failed his son, Ben didn’t step back — he stepped in.
🛠️ From running an excavator business by day to building a championship team by night, this is the story of passion, grit, and never giving up on family — or gre...
2025-06-0131 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus77:Healthy Wealthy Longevity Part 2: Resilience, Money, and Mastering the Long Game🎙️ Healthy Wealthy Longevity Part 2: Resilience, Money, and Mastering the Long Game
Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus
🔥 What if the secret to a better, longer life... was already within your reach?
In this energising second half of our two-part feature, John Merkus reconnects with entrepreneur, longevity expert, and Ironman athlete Jon Sabes—and things get real.
If Part 1 gave you the blueprint, this one hands you the tools to build it.
You’ll walk away feeling stronger, clearer, and ready to take action.
✨ What You’ll Hear in This Episode
🧠 Mastering yo...
2025-05-2529 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus76:Healthy Wealthy Longevity The Truth About Having It All🎙️ Healthy Wealthy Longevity: The Truth About Having It All
Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus
🌟 What if having it all is closer than you think?
In this energising episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, your host John Merkus sits down with entrepreneur, author, and longevity trailblazer Jon Sabes to explore the powerful intersection of health, wealth, and purpose.
This conversation unpacks the real science behind success—not just motivation, but biology, psychology, and practical tools that help you take action. Whether you’re navigating stress, craving clarity, or ready to reclaim cont...
2025-05-1828 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus75: Stronger Than Before: Survivor Contestant Paul Dee on Resilience, Purpose, and the Will to RiseWhat do you do when your dream is within reach — then suddenly, everything changes?
In this powerful continuation of their conversation, host John Merkus sits down once again with Survivor contestant Paul Dee, exploring what it means to stay strong when your body breaks down, your plans unravel, and the only way forward is to adapt, pivot, and keep going.
From the fire pit to the final tribal, Paul opens up about the injury that shifted his entire game, the mindset that kept him from giving up, and the deeper truths about leading yourself when th...
2025-05-1133 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus74:Surviving the Island, Thriving in Life: Paul Dee’s Unshakable Mindset🔥 Ready to Get Mentally Tough?
What does it really take to perform under pressure, lead with heart, and stay grounded when everything around you is out of your control?
In this episode, host John Merkus sits down with Australian Survivor contestant, elite football coach, and everyday legend Paul Dee.
Paul shares the mindset he used to survive the island, thrive through adversity, and inspire those around him in the wild and in real life.
This conversation will fire you up to face your own challenges with clarity, purpose, and unshakable resilience.
🎯 Episode Highli...
2025-05-0434 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus73:The Real Secret to Taking Action and Living with Purpose💥 What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is one brave decision?
In this powerful follow-up conversation, John Merkus welcomes back the extraordinary Steve Mann — a man whose life reads like a masterclass in living with purpose. If Part 1 stirred your heart, Part 2 will ignite your soul.
Steve opens up with wisdom forged through experience — from raising adopted children across cultural lines, to rappelling off cliffs, to teaching grandkids how to be peacemakers in a divided world. This episode is about how we grow, how we stretch, and how we rise....
2025-04-2722 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus72:Leading with Heart: One Man’s Mission to Create a Better World🎙️ Episode Title
✨ Leading with Heart: One Man’s Mission to Create a Better World
Guest: Steve Mann
🔥 Why You Should Listen
What happens when one man decides to stop waiting and start acting? In this heart-stirring episode, Steve Mann shares how he’s spent a lifetime turning purpose into progress — from raising his six kids in Zimbabwe during the AIDS epidemic to founding humanitarian organisations and teaching the next generation how to lead with heart.
With warmth, wisdom, and that signature energy, host John Merkus invites you into a conversation that’s equal parts inspiring, practic...
2025-04-2024 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus71:Don’t Believe Everything You Think🧠 What if your thoughts were lying to you?
In this high-impact 5-minute Rise and Thrive moment, John Merkus — The Positive Change Guy — delivers a mindset reset that could change your day (or your life).
With energy, clarity, and heart, John shares one of the most powerful mental tools available:
👉 Reframing your thoughts.
🚨 Quick Reality Check:
“Thoughts aren’t facts — they’re habits. They’re echoes from your past.”
Your mind throws thousands of thoughts at you each day.
Not all of them deserve your belief.
This episode gives you the tool to take back con...
2025-04-1305 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus70: Reaction to Response: The Space That Changes Everything🔥 What if one moment—one pause—could change everything?
In this raw and powerful solo episode, John Merkus, your energising and insightful host, opens up about a deeply personal moment that brought him to a standstill. A moment of doubt. A piece of feedback that hit hard. And a hidden belief that had been quietly shaping his life for decades.
What follows is not just a story—it’s a breakthrough.
🎧 This episode is for you if you've ever wondered: “Is it ever going to happen for me?”
It’s for anyone who’s felt the sting of reje...
2025-04-0619 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus69:Lessons in Real-World Greatness with Nick Batchelder🚀 Ready to level up your greatness in real life—not just in theory?
In this powerful Part 2 episode, author, entrepreneur, and mindset mentor Nick Batchelder returns to continue his raw and relatable journey of personal growth and purpose-driven leadership. Whether you’re an ambitious student, an emerging leader, or navigating your next move, this conversation will ignite action and inspire clarity.
🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired
Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you. Hit play and rise into your greatness today.
💡 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:
🔹 How to stay in a...
2025-03-3032 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus68:Crush Fear, Build Confidence, and Say Yes to Greatness✨ Welcome to Another Powerful Episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness
Hosted by the ever-insightful and energising John Merkus, this episode is a game-changer for anyone ready to stop playing small and start living with purpose and confidence.
In this dynamic and heart-led conversation, John welcomes Nick Batchelder — author of Crush Your 20s, founder of Hive Mentors, and a rising star in the personal growth space — for an uplifting, wisdom-packed episode that delivers on inspiration and real-world strategies.
👤 Meet Our Guest: Nick Batchelder
📚 Author of Crush Your 20s
🤝 Founder of Hive Mentors, a peer-to-peer coaching platform
🔥 Pass...
2025-03-2331 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus67:Fearless Moves, Big Wins: Jodi Herman’s Success Story🎙 Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness
Episode Title: Fearless Moves, Big Wins: Jodi Herman’s Success Story (Part 2)
✨ 🚀 In This Episode:
Missed Part 1? No worries! In this must-listen Part 2, Jodi Herman reveals:
✅ The Power of Mentorship – How strong mentors shaped her leadership journey
✅ From Employee to Owner – How she boldly took over the business that once hired her
✅ Follow-Up = Success – Why genuine connections and follow-ups can transform your career
✅ Giving Without Expecting – The surprising strategy that helped her build long-term success
🔥 Why You Should Tune In:
🔹 Unfiltered Lessons – No fluff, just real insights from...
2025-03-1637 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus66:Ambition in Action: Jodi Herman’s Bold Success🎙 Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus, The Positive Change Guy
🔥 From breaking barriers to building empires—this episode is packed with powerful lessons on resilience, ambition, and making your own luck. 🔥
In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary leader who started from humble beginnings and worked her way to the top of the tech industry. Jodi Herman’s story isn’t just about career success—it’s about courage, taking bold action, and seizing opportunities when they come knocking (or when you chase them down yourself!).
Jodi was one of the first ei...
2025-03-0939 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus65:Journey to Freedom: Rising and ThrivingJourney to Freedom: Rising and Thriving
🎙️ Hosted by John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy
What happens when you face your darkest moment and choose to rise instead of fall? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, John Merkus – international speaker, transformation leader, and resilience advocate – takes you behind the scenes of his Toastmasters International Speech Competition journey.
For the first time ever, John shares his most vulnerable speech. This is the speech that changed everything – not just for the competition, but for John’s mission in life.
🔥 Inside this episode, you’ll hear:
✔️ John’s raw, u...
2025-03-0217 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus64:Lead with Heart, Think with Purpose: The Psychology of Thriving🔥 Host: John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy
🚀 Get ready for an extraordinary conversation that will elevate your mindset, leadership, and personal growth!
In this episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, your host John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy – sits down with the brilliant Dr. Julia Ashton-Sayers, an optimist, disruptor, and social change facilitator who brings a wealth of wisdom on leadership, psychology, and resilience.
John is known for bringing energy, inspiration, and practical wisdom to every conversation, and this episode is no exception. With his signature engaging style, he dives deep into the pri...
2025-02-2331 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus63: Unlocking Resting Brilliance: Leading with Courage, Curiosity, and AuthenticityWelcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness with your host, the inspiring and transformative John Merkus. In this episode, John sits down with the brilliant Dr. Julia Ashton-Sayers, an optimist, disruptor, and social change facilitator. Julia brings a wealth of knowledge in creating thriving, people-centric workplaces through the integration of neuroscience, psychological safety, and human resources practices. 🌱
As a passionate advocate for resilience, innovation, and workplace transformation, Dr. Julia shares valuable insights on how to foster psychological safety in organizations, empowering leaders and teams to have difficult conversations, challenge the status quo, and...
2025-02-1628 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus62:The Power of Choice: Moving Beyond the Drama Triangle with Karina MurphyWelcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Karina Murphy, the driving force behind Next Level Results Accelerator. In this inspiring and uplifting episode, we continue our journey towards greatness, diving into the transformative concepts of the Drama Triangle and the power of choice.
If you missed Part 1, we covered Karina's powerful approach to self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the first two sides of the Drama Triangle. It was a game-changer! But now, in this episode, we’re taking it to the next level.
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✨
Karina brings invaluable wisdom on how t...
2025-02-0940 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus61:Back Yourself: Transformative Coaching & Unleashing Your Inner Power with Karina MurphyWelcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of reintroducing Karina Murphy, the amazing high-performance coach and founder of Next Level Results Accelerator. Karina is back on the show, and her insights are more impactful than ever before. As someone who has empowered countless individuals over her 18-year career, Karina is the real deal when it comes to coaching, growth, and achieving your dreams.
In this first part of the episode, Karina and I dive deep into the drama triangle—a game-changing concept that will transform the wa...
2025-02-0244 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus60:No Excuses, Just Results, Leadership and Creating Lasting ImpactIn this episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we continue our inspiring conversation with Michael McLean, exploring his no-nonsense approach to success, discipline, and living with purpose. Michael’s insights are full of actionable advice, and if you’re looking for a shift in mindset or a way to get more out of your business and life, this episode is for you!
In Part 1, Michael shared his journey from coaching hockey to becoming a successful entrepreneur and business coach. He spoke about how surrounding himself with high-performance people, living with a mission, and committing to dail...
2025-01-2635 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus59:Unstoppable Success: Building Your Mission, Winning Your Morning, and Living with PurposeWelcome to another exciting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Your host, John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy – brings you another powerful conversation to help you elevate your life and business. With over 20 years of experience in leadership, change management, and personal development, John is on a mission to help individuals and organisations embrace change, build resilience, and thrive. Whether as an inspiring keynote speaker, dynamic MC, or trusted advisor, John continues to ignite positive transformation in everyone he works with.
In this episode, John is joined by the unstoppable Michael McLean, a true powerhouse in b...
2025-01-1945 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus58:The Secret to Building Momentum in 2025This week, we’re exploring a transformative yet simple concept: the power of small wins. These tiny victories might seem insignificant on their own, but when stacked together, they create unstoppable momentum that can completely transform your mindset, habits, and progress.
💡 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
What small wins are and why they’re essential for building a thriving life.
The science behind small wins, including how dopamine and the “Progress Principle” drive motivation.
A heartwarming story of how small wins helped someone overcome overwhelm and achieve big results.
Practical strategies to create small wins every day:
B...
2025-01-1212 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus57:Five Spiritual Principles to Unlock Your Best Self in 2025In this inspiring episode, John Merkus takes you on a journey through five spiritual principles to help you step into your best self in 2025. Building on the transformative actions from last week's episode, this is your guide to a more joyful, intentional, and abundant year. If you’re ready to rise, thrive, and embrace greatness, this episode is for you!
Here’s what you’ll discover:
Practicing Gratitude – Unlock the power of gratitude to shift your mindset, fuel resilience, and attract abundance. Learn simple ways to incorporate gratitude into your daily routine.
Aligning with the Divine Flow – L...
2025-01-0609 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus56:Unlocking Your Best Self: Five Transformative Actions for 2025Welcome to the final episode of 2024! As the year draws to a close, John Merkus, your host of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, shares five transformative actions to unlock your best self in 2025. This inspiring and uplifting episode is packed with practical wisdom, a dash of humour, and the perfect energy to carry you into the new year with purpose and momentum.
Discover how to show up every day, invest in growth, nurture meaningful relationships, embrace fear as a compass for growth, and celebrate progress—even the smallest wins. John breaks down each of these actions wi...
2024-12-3023 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus55:The Man Behind the Mic: John Merkus’ Secrets to SuccessIn this festive season special of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, Aaron Holesgrove steps in as host to flip the script on the podfather himself, John Merkus. This engaging episode dives deep into John’s personal story, from his transformative mindset shifts to his approach to resilience and empowerment.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:
🎙️ John’s journey to greatness – Hear how a pivotal moment in his 20s reshaped his mindset and life path.
👩💻 The inspiration behind Fluid Reality – Learn about John’s meditation app, its unique features, and how it helps users unlock positive...
2024-12-2245 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus54:From Rock Star to Leader: John Merkus on Embracing Change and Inspiring GreatnessIn this week’s special festive episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, the tables are turned as guest host Aaron Holesgrove interviews the podcast's very own host, John Merkus. Known as "The Positive Change Guy," John opens up about his incredible journey, sharing the moments, lessons, and philosophies that have shaped his life and career.
From being an enterprise leader, keynote speaker, and change management specialist to a loving family man and creator of the Fluid Reality Meditation Series, John inspires us all to embrace change and live life with purpose.
Here’s what...
2024-12-1558 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus53:Empowering Confidence: Dale Stevens on Intentional Leadership and Owning Your Greatness🎙️ Welcome back to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In Part 2 of our empowering conversation with Dale Stevens, we delve even deeper into the art of leading with authenticity, overcoming challenges, and embracing intentional behaviour to create a life of impact and purpose. If you loved Part 1, get ready to be inspired all over again.
📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Handle Criticism with Grace: Dale shares her mantra, ‘Taller and calmer – take a breath and speak the truth,’ and how it guided her through a tricky professional encounter. Learn how to stand your ground while stayi...
2024-12-0834 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus52:Confidence, Clarity, and Charisma with Dale StevensShow Notes for "Confidence, Clarity, and Charisma with Dale Stevens"
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
In this inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we welcome back the phenomenal Dale Stevens, an expert in intentional living, impactful communication, and personal transformation. Trained at the prestigious London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and with a remarkable career that includes a role in Mission Impossible, Dale shares her incredible journey of turning fear into confidence and challenges into triumphs.
Dale's unique approach to communication blends techniques from acting, psychology, and personal development, helping individuals unlock their fu...
2024-12-0132 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus51:Unlocking Peace, Purpose, and Greatness with Daniel Tolson🎙️ In this transformative episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus welcomes Daniel Tolson, Asia’s #1 Business Coach, for an enlightening conversation that bridges the gap between science, spirituality, and personal growth.
🚀 What You’ll Discover:
🌟 Understanding Stress Types: Learn about logical, accumulated, and sentimental stress—and how each impacts your mental and physical well-being. Discover practical strategies to manage stress and avoid burnout.
🧠 The Power of Self-Awareness: Explore how personality traits shape your decision-making and relationships, and uncover your unique strengths to lead with confidence.
💡 Energy Centers & Chakras: Gain insights...
2024-11-2455 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus50:Mastering Greatness with Asia’s #1 Business Coach🎙️ Episode Title: Mastering Greatness with Asia’s #1 Business Coach
Welcome to another empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Host John Merkus is joined by none other than Daniel Tolson, Asia’s #1 Business Coach. From humble beginnings as a young newspaper seller to managing a team of 17,500 at Emirates Airlines, Daniel’s journey is an inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the transformational power of emotional intelligence.
Daniel shares his insights into mastering leadership, leveraging emotional intelligence, and unlocking greatness. With over 25 years of experience, he has coached more than 25,000 leaders, helping them amplify the...
2024-11-1744 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus49:Unlocking Resilience: Top Lessons & Life-Changing Tools from Season 2🌟 Welcome to the Season 2 Finale of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness!
In this special wrap-up episode, host John Merkus shares the most powerful lessons from our "Resilience Revolution" season! Packed with insights and tools to uplift your journey, this episode will empower you to rise above challenges and thrive with a resilient mindset.
💡 Highlights from this Episode:
🔑 3 Key Secrets of Resilient People
➔ Discover practical principles of resilience, from focusing on what you can control to aligning actions with personal growth.
⛵️ The Sailboat Metaphor for Life & Resilience
➔ Learn how to view life’s journ...
2024-11-1040 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus48:Harnessing Resilience: Powerful Tools for Life's Challenges🎉 Welcome back to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! This season, often known as Resilience Radio or the Resilience Revolution, is all about equipping you with tools and insights to face life's challenges head-on.
🗣️ John Merkus, aka "Australia's Tony Robbins," and Matt Cordner, resilience expert and master educator, bring you an episode packed with real-life examples, laughter, and powerful techniques to harness your resilience.
🚀 What to Expect in This Episode:
💪 Commitment & Coping: We explore the art of maintaining commitment and dealing with unexpected challenges. Learn how to regulate emotions like anger—yes, even when your long-a...
2024-11-0351 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus47:Navigating Life’s Challenges with Optimism, Strength, and a Smile!✨ Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness!
In this inspiring episode, join hosts John Merkus and Matt Cordner as they dive into the art of resilience. Learn practical tools for not just surviving but thriving—navigating life’s storms with optimism, gratitude, and a smile. This isn’t just about getting through; it’s about embracing each challenge as an opportunity to grow!
🗝️ Episode Highlights:
Kickstart the Week 🚀
– John and Matt kick off with real-life stories and laughs, showing what resilience looks like in everyday life, from gym challenges to finding joy in the little wins.
2024-10-2735 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus46:Unlocking Resilience and Positive Focus for Life’s Challenges🎙️ Unlocking Resilience and Positive Focus for Life’s Challenges
Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this uplifting episode, John Merkus teams up with resilience expert Matt Cordner to explore how we can rise above life’s challenges. Together, they share stories, humour, and simple tools to help you shift from a negative mindset to a more positive, empowered outlook.
💪 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🔄 How to spot negativity bias and turn it around
🧠 Powerful strategies to move from frustration to empowerment
⚓ The secret to using "neutral anchoring" techniques for positivity
💡 Daily habits to boost gra...
2024-10-2037 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus45:One Year of Greatness: Reconnecting with the Heart of Our Journey🎉 One Year of Greatness: Reconnecting with the Heart of Our Journey 🎉
It’s hard to believe, but today marks one whole year since Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness began! To celebrate this milestone, we’re revisiting the very first episode that launched this incredible journey. Whether you’ve been with me from the start or are just tuning in now, I’m excited to have you here.
This episode holds a special place in my heart, as it reflects the beginning of a long-held dream. From my days in radio school, dreaming of becoming an FM disc jockey an...
2024-10-1629 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus44: Turning Chaos into Clarity: Mastering Resilience in a VUCA WorldIn this inspiring and uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, co-hosts John Merkus and resilience expert Matt Cordner dive deep into how to thrive in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. 🌍
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life, this episode is your guide to turning uncertainty into opportunity and stress into strength. 💪
John and Matt share powerful insights and practical tools to help you reframe challenges, approach life with an optimistic mindset, and manage stress using the Adaptive Coping Strategy Wheel. 🔄
✨ What You’ll Learn in...
2024-10-1419 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus43: Resilience in 9 Minutes: AI reviews Ep1 Season 2John uses NotebookLM to review the 1st episode of season 2 (Resilience Radio) This AI tool did an outstanding job.
Key Takeaways:
Resilience is Learnable: Contrary to the myth that resilience is something you either have or you don’t, John and Matt explain that resilience is a skill that can be developed with practice.
Focus Matters: Resilient people are deliberate about what they focus on, choosing to direct their energy toward positive and constructive thoughts instead of spiraling into negativity.
Limit Negative News Exposure: Being mindful of how much negativity you consume is crucial. Overexposure can erode your ment...
2024-10-0609 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus42: Navigating Life: Mastering Resilience to Achieve GreatnessWelcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this episode, titled "Navigating Life: Mastering Resilience to Achieve Greatness," we’re diving into the power of resilience and how you can harness it to rise above life’s toughest challenges. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to push forward, this episode is exactly what you need!
🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
The 4 Core Elements of Personal Resilience 🧭—We break down the key pillars that will help you become your own captain, steer your life, and stay on course no matter the storms.
Real-World Strategies for B...
2024-09-2940 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus41: Harnessing Resilience: Navigating Life’s Waters with Strength and PurposeWelcome to another episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where your host John Merkus, aka "The AI Change Guy," and resilience expert Matt Cordner share insightful tips on building resilience for personal and professional success. 🌟
🔑 Key Segments in This Episode:
🗓️ 1. Kickstart the Week
John kicks off with a personal story about managing uncertainty as his family prepares for a trip to Vietnam. He reminds us of the power of patience with the phrase:
“This too shall pass.”
Learn how to stay calm and trust the process when life feels uncertain.
⛵ 2. Resilience Reboot – The Sailboat Metaph...
2024-09-2240 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus40: Unlocking Resilience and Thriving in Every Moment🔑 Episode Summary: Join John Merkiss and Matt Cordner in this uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness as they reveal how to build emotional resilience and embrace every moment of life—no matter the challenges. Discover the five key components of emotional resilience and uncover a surprising sixth element: gratitude.
🌟 This episode is packed with actionable tools, motivational insights, and a few laughs along the way, empowering you to take charge of your resilience journey!
✨ Key Takeaways:
💡 Redundancy Reframed: Why being made redundant is a compliment and a sign of success.
🌿 Be Present: How foc...
2024-09-1537 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus39: Resilience Reimagined: Transforming Adversity into Opportunity with Optimism and ActionWelcome to another empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where we continue our Resilience Revolution series. 🌟 Join host John Merkus and resilience expert Matt Cordner as they dive deep into flipping the narrative on resilience—from something burdensome to a powerful, positive force.
🔑 Episode Highlights:
💡 Flipping Resilience to the Positive: Learn how resilience, often seen as a heavy burden, can actually be a powerful source of growth and strength.
⏳ Kickstart Your Week: Discover how "time is your friend." John shares why allowing time to process challenges and find solutions is key to embracing change in today’s fast...
2024-09-0846 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus38: Resilience Revolution: Unlocking the Secrets to Rising Strong and Thriving Through Life's Challenges💪 Welcome to the Resilience Revolution!
In this uplifting and empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, Season 2 - Resilience Radio, John Merkus, your host and resilience change management expert, kicks off the new season with his signature blend of wisdom, humor, and practical advice. Joined by the insightful Matt Cordner, a former political advisor turned university lecturer, this dynamic duo dives deep into what it truly means to be resilient in both personal and professional life.
🗓️ Key Segments in This Episode:
1. 🚀 Kickstart the Week
Story: John shares a heartfelt and relatable story about the c...
2024-09-0141 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus37: Rising Together: Celebrating Triumphs and Embracing Future GreatnessWelcome to the grand finale of Season 1 of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this special episode, we reflect on the incredible journey we've shared over 37 inspiring episodes. From personal growth and motivation to tales of resilience and leadership, this season has truly been a testament to the potential within us all to rise and thrive.
Episode Highlights:
🔔 Opening Reflections: John Merkus begins with an inspiring message about new beginnings and the opportunities they bring.
🎉 Gratitude and Achievements: A heartfelt thank you to all our listeners for making our show one of the top 5% of all podcasts worldw...
2024-06-2326 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus36: Ignite Your Inner Fire: A Journey to Fitness and Fulfilment🌟 Episode Overview:
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with your host, John Merkus. This week, we dive deep into personal growth, motivation, and inspiration, providing you with the tools and stories to succeed. Join us as we embark on a transformative journey from consultation to transformation, exploring how setting crystal-clear goals, embracing accountability, and staying consistent can ignite your inner fire and build a stronger you from the inside out.
Over the past seven weeks leading up to my trip to Las Vegas and Mexico, I trained with my dedicated personal tra...
2024-06-1641 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus35: Explaining and Workshopping The Permission Model
Welcome back to Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness! In this exciting episode, host John Merkus continues the enlightening discussion with Aaron Holesgrove on the transformative power of the permission model. If you missed Part 1 Episode 34, be sure to check it out for foundational insights that will enhance your approach to conversations.
📝 Episode Highlights:
🔑 Permission Model Explained: Aaron breaks down the five stages of the permission model—Permission, Context, The Question, Playback, and Permission again—demonstrating how it can revolutionize your communication skills.
💡 Real-World Applications: Discover practical examples and real-world scenarios where the permission model unlocks new opportunities and fosters m...
2024-06-0940 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus34: From Good to Great: Transforming Conversations with the Permission ModelToday, we are thrilled to welcome back a remarkable guest who embodies the essence of continual personal development and effective communication. Aaron Holesgrove joins us once again to share his insights on enhancing personal development and honing communication skills.
📝 Episode Highlights:
Personal Development and Communication: Aaron discusses his latest strategies for personal growth and effective communication, showcasing how these can elevate our lives.
The Permission Model: Dive deep into the transformative power of the permission model. Aaron breaks down how this approach can lead to more meaningful and impactful conversations.
Real-Life Applications: Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Aar...
2024-06-0229 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus33: Empowering Your Inner Greatness: Conquering Imposter Syndrome🎙 Welcome to another empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Today, we are joined by the indomitable Mindi Lyons, also known as the Fenyx, who brings a wealth of experience and inspiration, diving deep into a topic that resonates with many: Imposter Syndrome.
🔥 Episode Highlights:
👥 Breaking Down Imposter Syndrome: Mindi shares her unique perspective on why feelings of inadequacy are often based on false narratives imposed by others.
🌈 Visualizing Your Highest Self: Discover the transformative power of envisioning and embodying your ideal self without limits, as Mindi walks us through her personal techniques for aligning wit...
2024-05-2642 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus32: Mindi Lyons "The Fenyx"—From Darkness to Dazzling Success🔥 In this inspiring episode of "Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness," join host John Merkus as he sits down with the indomitable Mindi Lyons, also known as "The Fenyx." Mindy's story is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation, overcoming unimaginable challenges to become a pillar of inspiration and empowerment. From battling toxic relationships and personal despair to emerging as a visionary leader, Mindy shares her journey of turning deep adversity into a source of strength and success.
What You'll Learn:
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: 🛡️ Mindi discusses how she faced and overcame severe personal challenges, including toxic ma...
2024-05-1934 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus31: Unveiling Greatness: Rewriting Your Story from the Subconscious OutIn this profound discussion, our host John Merkus is joined by the insightful Karim Boktor, a leader in the field of personal development, who delves deep into the power of reshaping our lives by addressing the subconscious narratives we carry.
Episode Highlights:
🔄 Breaking Free from Routine
📚 Karim discusses how habitual self-improvement rituals, meant to alleviate stress, ended up increasing it. He suggests an innovative approach to instill positive beliefs through hypnosis.
🧒 Childhood Impact on Adult Life
🔄 John shares a pivotal childhood moment and explores its profound effect on his adult behavior, setting the stage for Karim to...
2024-05-1231 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus30: Unsilenced: How Karim Boktor Turned His Past into a Platform for ChangeWelcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, your host John Merkus dives deep into the transformative journey of Karim Boktor, from a struggling immigrant child to a renowned TedX speaking leadership coach. This episode uncovers the power of the unconscious mind and the personal growth that leads to profound life changes.
📌 Episode Highlights:
👶 Karim's Early Life: Discover Karim's challenging beginnings, from escaping political unrest in Egypt to facing cultural and social challenges in Australia.
🛡 Overcoming Stigma: Learn how Karim dealt with bullying, social isolation, and the misunderstanding surrounding his stutter during hi...
2024-05-0533 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus29: Visionaries at Play: Crafting the Future with Empathy and Insight🌟 Episode Show Notes: "Unleashing High Performance: Secrets from a Master Team Builder" 🌟
In this enlightening episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we dive deep with the incredibly insightful Alan, a seasoned expert in team building and IT recruitment in Australia. Known for his leadership at Tri-Star, Alan has spent years mastering the art of bringing together top-tier talents to create unbeatable teams. Join us as we uncover the philosophies, strategies, and personal journeys that have led to his success.
🎯 Key Highlights:
🔑 The Foundation of High Performance: Alan shares his passionate belief that clarity in outcomes...
2024-04-2838 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus28: Elevate Your Impact: The Alan Singer Story of Visionary Leadership and Personal Triumph🌟 Show Notes for "Elevate Your Impact: The Alan Singer Story of Visionary Leadership and Personal Triumph"
Welcome to another inspiring episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness. In today’s journey, we delve into the realms of limitless potential and the transformative power of visionary leadership. Our distinguished guest, Alan Singer, embodies monumental achievements in personal development and stands as a living testament to the untapped potential within us all.
In This Episode:
🚀 Defining Greatness: Alan sheds light on how greatness is not only found in celebrated figures but in everyday heroes, highlighting that greatness is acces...
2024-04-2137 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus27: Bridging Distances, Building Dreams: The Future of High-Performance Teams🌟 Episode Overview
Welcome to a groundbreaking episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, titled "Bridging Distances, Building Dreams: The Future of High-Performance Teams". In this episode, host John Merkus engages with Katie O'Keeffe in a deep dive into the heart of remote and hybrid team dynamics, uncovering strategies for maximizing team performance in the evolving workplace landscape.
🎙️ What You'll Learn:
🤔 Understanding Team Proximity
Explore the crucial role of physical proximity in enhancing team performance.
Discover how teams physically located together often excel in creative problem-solving.
🚀 Navigating the Hybrid Work Model
Katie shares insights on how to make hybrid working...
2024-04-1432 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus26: Elevate Your Team: From Personal Peak to Collective Triumph🌟 Episode Spotlight: Unlocking the Power of Teams with Katie O'Keeffe
In our latest episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we're honored to welcome back Katie O'Keefe, a visionary coach and entrepreneur whose journey from a top-ranking triathlete to a pioneering force in team and personal development has captivated many. Katie returns to dive deep into the transformative "Body Brain Reset" program, this time with a laser focus on teams.
What's Inside:
Katie's Inspiring Journey: From elite athletics to the boardroom, learn how Katie's unique experiences shaped her innovative approaches to coaching and lead...
2024-04-0750 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus25: Inspiring Greatness: Cheryl Lacey's Journey of Passion and ImpactIn this inspiring and uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus engages in a profound conversation with Cheryl Lacey, a visionary whose dedication to improving the lives of others shines through her work. From her significant contributions within the Board of Jewish Education in New York to her passionate advocacy for education reform, Cheryl’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, discipline, and autonomy in creating meaningful change.
🌟 Key Highlights:
🔍 Cheryl's Visionary Work: Discover how Cheryl played a crucial role in restructuring the curriculum within the Board of Jewis...
2024-03-3131 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus24: Shaping Futures: Cheryl Lacey on Cultivating Greatness in Education and Life🎙 Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, where we delve into the realms of personal growth, motivation, and inspiration. In this captivating episode, our host, John Merkus, engages in a profound discussion with Cheryl Lacey, a visionary in educational leadership known for her family-focused, value-driven approach that transforms organizations and communities.
📚 Episode Highlights:
🌈 Cheryl Lacey's Visionary Journey: Discover the heart of educational innovation with Cheryl Lacey, who shares her inspiring journey of turning visions into realities. Her work not only inspires but fundamentally transforms the educational and community leadership landscape.
🧠 A Deep Dive into First Principles o...
2024-03-2431 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus23: 5 Keys to Success: Transforming Communication for Personal and Professional Success📅 Episode Overview:
In this episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, host John Merkus engages in a captivating dialogue with Aaron Holesgrove, exploring the transformative power of effective communication in both personal and professional realms. Aaron, known for his insightful approach to building rapport and fostering positive team dynamics, shares his invaluable experiences and strategies that listeners can apply in their own lives.
✨ Key Highlights:
🤝 Embracing Servant Leadership: Aaron sheds light on the essence of servant leadership, highlighting the importance of leading by example and putting the needs of others first to foster a collaborative and supporti...
2024-03-1738 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus22: Mastering the Mosh Pit of Life: A Symphony of Leadership, Family, and Innovation✨ About This Episode:
In a world that often feels like a mosh pit, Aaron Holesgrove stands out as a maestro, conducting a symphony of leadership, family, and innovation. Join us as Aaron, a beacon of agility and innovation, shares his extraordinary journey from a tech-savvy professional to a paradigm of emotional intelligence and leadership
📚 In This Episode:
🏡 Family & Balance: Discover the symphony of balance in Aaron's life as a dedicated family man with eight children and how this influences his leadership style.
🎼 Music & Rebellion: Explore the harmonic blend of being a musician with a rebel's cau...
2024-03-1038 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus21: 5 Essential Lessons on Gratitude and Growth with Nick Glover🌟 Episode Highlights:
Embrace Your Current Circumstances 🏠
Nick shares wisdom from the heart of his wardrobe, reminding us to find gratitude in our present, no matter the size or splendor.
Gratitude Transforms Perspective 💖
Discover how appreciating the simple things can profoundly change how we view our lives and the world around us.
Balance in the Moment and Future ⚖️
Nick discusses living fully today while ambitiously planning for tomorrow, embodying the essence of making every moment count.
Taking Initiative to Seize the Day 🚀
Learn the importance of action over waiting, whether it's following a pass...
2024-03-0330 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus20: Sparking Greatness: Nick Glover's Journey Through Challenge and TriumphToday, we dive deep with special guest Nick Glover, a beacon of motivation with a remarkable journey through the realms of radio broadcasting and beyond. Nick's story is a testament to the power of dedication, resilience, and the pursuit of success across any industry.
🔑 What You'll Learn:
🚀 Nick Glover's Unique Path to Success: From the early days at 3SA, overcoming the unknown, to becoming a voice that resonates across the airwaves, Nick shares his trials, tribulations, and the lessons learned along the way.
📚 5 Key Lessons from Nick's Radio Career: Discover the core principles that propelled Nick from unce...
2024-02-2532 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus19: The Power of Human Connection: Transforming Lives Through Sales and Technology with Renee MerkusIn this deeply engaging episode, join us as we delve into the world of Renee, a seasoned professional whose journey through sales and technology is both inspiring and enlightening. Her unique perspectives on human connections, career growth, and the evolving tech landscape make this a must-listen for anyone looking to excel in their career or seeking motivation to pursue their dreams.
🎧 Highlights:
🤝 The Human Element in Sales: Renee shares a pivotal early life lesson on how personal relationships significantly influence business outcomes, illustrating the undeniable power of human connection in decision-making.
💡 Beyond Sales - Creating Value and...
2024-02-1842 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus18: From Sales Strategies to Life Mastery: The Renee Merkus Success Formula🎙️ Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness - a podcast where we delve into the stories of individuals who have achieved greatness We're thrilled to feature Renee Merkus, a titan of sales and a beacon of personal growth and success.
🚀 What to Expect:
💼 The Power of Strategy: Dive into Renee's journey of becoming a trusted advisor in the high-stakes world of sales, closing multimillion-dollar deals, and her evolution into the "Southern Queen of Sales."
🌱 Personal Growth and Success: From using sales strategies to find a lifelong partner to mastering the balance between professional ambition and personal f...
2024-02-1140 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus17: Mission Possible: An Actress's Journey to Empowering Professionals with Dale Stevens🌟 Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness: Featuring Dale Stevens 🌟
🎙️ Episode Overview: Join host John Merkus for an inspiring conversation with the extraordinary Dale Stevens. Acclaimed for her role in Mission Impossible, Dale shares her captivating journey from a dancer and model to a celebrated actress. This episode isn't just about career change; it's about conquering fear and turning it into monumental success.
🎭 Dale's Insights Beyond Acting: Dale's philosophy reveals that life itself can be an act, often unconscious, offering profound implications for personal and professional success. With her vast experience, she teaches how acting techniques can lead to in...
2024-02-041h 00Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus16: Memory Mastery: Your Path to Empowered Learning🌟 Overview: Welcome to a transformative episode of Rise and Thrive, Conversations for Greatness! Join John Merkus, on an exhilarating journey to master the art of memory. Prepare for an episode filled with personal anecdotes, interactive learning, and life-altering insights.
🧠 Key Highlights:
Empowering Memory Skills: Learn the potent technique of visual stacking to enhance memory and recall abilities. Ideal for presentations, everyday conversations, and personal growth.
Interactive Learning: Engage in real-time exercises with John guiding you through memory techniques, ready for immediate application in your life.
John's Personal Stories: Connect with John's journe...
2024-01-2823 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus15: From Namaste to Greatness: Divesh Sareen's Journey of Resilience and TriumphOur latest guest, Divesh Sareen, embodies the spirit of hard work, achievement, and greatness.
What's Inside the Episode:
🌏 Divesh's daring journey from India to Australia.
📚 Insights from his book series "The Indian Mate" – a heartwarming tale of cultural transitions.
🤔 Unpacking the complexities and triumphs of assimilating into a new culture.
💼 The intertwining of family, sacrifice, and ambition in Divesh's life.
🌈 His resilience in the face of life's challenges, including his fight against cancer.
🌟 Insights into how Divesh gives back and builds a legacy.
Why You Can't Miss T...
2024-01-2153 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus14: Transforming Mindsets: Lena Ross’ Odyssey from the Skies to Agile Change Leadership📌 Episode Highlights
✈️ Lena's Remarkable Journey
From a flight attendant to a leading change management expert.
🔄 Agile Change Leadership Insights
Dive into the modern practices in leadership and adaptability.
💡 The Power of Mindsets in Change
Understand how mindsets drive adaptability and growth.
🌱 Resilience and Overcoming Obstacles
Lena's strategies for thriving amidst challenges.
🤝 Team Dynamics and Effective Leadership
Explore Lena's approach to fostering collaboration.
🃏 Poker and Business Mindsets
Unique parallels between poker strategies and business tactics.
🔥 Why You Can't Miss This Episode
💭 Real-Life Wisdom: Practical, actionable, and insightful advice.
🚀 Inspirational Journey: A powerful narrative of resilience.
🌟 Professional Growth: Ideal for leaders and change-makers.
🗣️ Engaging & Relat...
2024-01-1457 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus12: Unveiling the Essence of Greatness and Positivity in 2024🌟 Welcome to a Thrilling New Year with Host John Merkus
Dive into an exhilarating new year of endless possibilities with John Merkus, as he brings captivating stories of extraordinary individuals who have conquered challenges and achieved greatness.
🚀 2024: A Year Packed with Inspiration and Growth
Get ready for personalized meditations and motivational boosts to fuel your journey.
Stay stylish and uplifted with exclusive merchandise.
Don't miss the life-changing, free workshop with limited spots – sign up now! john@johnmerkus.com
Exciting book launches and giveaways on the horizon.
A heartfelt shout out to the supportive community, guests, and family f...
2023-12-3112 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus11: Unleashing Greatness: A Father-Daughter Journey of Wisdom and Success📝 Episode Summary:
Join host John Merkus in this heartwarming and enlightening episode of "Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness", where he engages in a profound discussion with his 10-year-old daughter, Matisse. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom, touching upon life's essential aspects, from handling setbacks to the power of childlike insight.
🔑 Key Highlights:
👧 The Unexpected Teacher: Discover how a child's perspective can be a source of deep wisdom.
🔄 Plan B Strategies: Insights into adapting when life throws curveballs.
👨👧 Family First: The irreplaceable role of family in personal and professional success.
💬 Power Quotes: Mo...
2023-12-2436 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus10: Building Greatness: From Down Under to the Burj KhalifaWould you propose to your partner in a job interview? Hear how Matt did exactly that which led him on an adventure of a life time.
🎙️ Unveiling the Man Behind the Smile: John Merkus: Matt, often described as someone who always delivers on promises, a reliable and genuine person. Why do you think people see you in this light? Matt Greening reflects on his commitment to service, daily interactions, and the joy he finds in helping others. He shares his mindset of making a positive impact and leading by example.
🌟 Unexpected Beginnings: Matt Greening recounts his unex...
2023-12-171h 05Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus09: Unleashing the Power of Self-Belief: Insights from Shane Williams🌟Embark on a journey of technological evolution, career resilience, and personal growth as we explore the transformative power of education, adaptability, and self-belief in shaping a brighter future.
🚀 From the impact of automation on the workforce to the power of continuous learning, every moment is filled with insights that'll leave you feeling inspired and ready to conquer new heights!
In this episode:
🤖🎓 Adaptability is Key: Explore the impact of technology on our workforce and why continuous learning is the secret sauce to staying ahead.
🌍🔄 Evolve or Dissolve: Dive into the fascinating history of job tra...
2023-12-1036 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus08: Leadership Elevated: Unleashing Success Through Continuous Learning and Curiosity🌟 In this episode, delve into unparalleled insights on leadership development with Shane Williams, exploring global leadership challenges, the essence of great leadership, building a culture of innovation, tune in to discover hear Shane's transformative journey.
In this episode:
🔍 Unparalleled Leadership Development Insights: Discover Shane's motto that "leadership comes from within" and how it can transform your perspective on leadership development.
🌐 Global Leadership Challenges: Explore the intricacies of managing change programs across geographies, cultures, and organizations. Shane's firsthand experience brings invaluable lessons to light.
💡 The Essence of Great Leadership: Shane shares his perspective...
2023-12-0333 minRise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus07: The Power of Optimism: Insights from Victor Perton on Leadership, Charisma, and Transformative ExercisesStep into the world of boundless positivity with Victor Perton, the Chief Optimism Officer of the Center for Optimism, in this transformative episode.
Key Highlights:
Charisma of Political Leaders:
Victor Perton shares insights on meeting political figures like George Bush, Obama, and Bill Clinton.
Emphasizes the extraordinary charisma required to become the President of the United States.
Power of Eye Contact and Drishti:
Discusses the cultural value of looking someone in the eye, referencing the Indian concept of Drishti.
Highlights the profound impact of leaders who make individuals feel like the center...
2023-11-2637 min