In this episode, I sit down with Michael Chandler, the renowned mixed martial artist celebrated for his indomitable spirit and resilience. We dive into his recent high-stakes fight at Madison Square Garden, an event that saw the future President of the United States.

Michael opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of competing at such a level, discussing how each fight—win or lose—shapes his journey. He shares his philosophy on embracing both victories and setbacks, highlighting the importance of resilience and constant personal growth. Michael’s perspective on facing fears, overcoming self-imposed limitations, and striving to be the best for his family and legacy is deeply inspiring.

We also explore his famous “walk on mindset,” a dedication to approaching every challenge with the determination to work harder than anyone else. Michael shares his future aspirations to use his platform to inspire others, emphasizing the power of perseverance and purposeful living.

Join us for this heartfelt conversation with Michael Chandler and discover the invaluable lessons he's learned in and out of the octagon. This episode is packed with wisdom, courage, and the spirit of a true warrior.

Tune in and let it fuel your drive to face life's battles with the heart and mindset of a champion.

 

About Michael, 

Michael Chandler is a professional mixed martial artist and former UFC Lightweight title challenger. Chandler rose to prominence in the world of MMA through his aggressive fighting style, knockout power, and unrelenting work ethic. He began his career in 2006 and gained recognition in Bellator MMA, where he became a three-time Bellator Lightweight Champion.

Chandler made his UFC debut in January 2021 and quickly established himself as a top contender, earning a title shot against Charles Oliveira in May 2021. Known for his explosive fighting style, Chandler is a well-rounded fighter with strong wrestling and striking abilities. Throughout his career, he has faced off against some of the sport's biggest names, including Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier.

Beyond his fighting skills, Chandler is admired for his mindset, resilience, and dedication to personal growth, both inside and outside the octagon. He has become a motivational figure, often sharing his philosophy on overcoming adversity and using his platform to inspire others.

 

Here are a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

 

In this heartwarming and inspiring episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Ruby Kast, a remarkable woman who just turned 96 in January. Ruby, who still works full-time as a substitute teacher at Birch Lane Elementary, shares her incredible journey and the invaluable lessons she's learned along the way.

Ruby's story is one of resilience, passion, and an undying commitment to making a difference in the lives of young students. At  96, she continues to live her mission every single day, radiating positivity and a zest for life that is truly infectious. We delve into topics like the importance of attitude and choices, the secrets to her happiness and longevity, and her unique approach to teaching, which prioritizes children over curriculum.

Ruby's wisdom and humor shine throughout our conversation. From her insights on building meaningful connections to the joy she finds in making others happy, Ruby’s perspective is both refreshing and enlightening. This episode is packed with love, laughter, and life lessons that will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.

Join me for a conversation that transcends generations and reminds us all of the power of kindness, purpose, and a positive mindset. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from Ruby’s extraordinary life and her timeless wisdom.

Tune in, and let’s celebrate the incredible journey of Ruby Kast!

 

Here are a few additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Today’s episode is a solo cast where I share key tips for an amazing 2025!

I discuss the importance of choosing one meaningful word to guide your actions and decisions throughout the year. It's not just about what you aim to achieve, but who you want to become. 

We'll explore essential themes such as commitments over goals, the interplay between vision (telescope) and daily focused actions (microscope), and facing challenges with resilience. Discover key strategies to maintain focus, overcome adversity, and the power of a supportive community.   Join me as we leap into 2025 with intentional, purpose-driven action. Pick your word, commit to the process, and let's make this your best year yet!

Join me in the FREE One Word Challenge here!

 

Here’s a few additional resources for you…

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with the powerful and courageous Jade Simmons. Jade is a classically trained pianist who has transformed her musical career into an awe-inspiring journey of speaking and performing. Our conversation delves deeply into the empowering nature of understanding one's true purpose.   We also discuss her transition from classical concerts to innovative "keynote concert adventures," where she blends music, storytelling, and motivational speaking. Whether it's through a powerful piano piece or a signature end-performance rap, Jade makes a profound impact.   Our chat moves into practical advice for the listeners as Jade and I unpack the concept that one's potential is like a seed, holding everything needed for growth. We talk about the importance of curiosity, flexible planning, and unwavering commitment that transcends the fear of rejection. Jade's insights on how to rebound quickly from challenges and not take negativity personally are both enlightening and motivating.   This episode is a rich blend of inspiration, practical advice, and profound insights that will encourage you to live out your purpose with confidence and resilience. Tune in, be inspired, and discover the audacity to believe in your worth, challenge norms, and make a significant impact in your world.

 

About Jade,

Nicknamed “Classical Music’s #1 Maverick” and named one of the Best Keynote Speakers, Jade Simmons is a creator of transformational adventures that span Rachmaninoff all the way to rap and include virtuoso storytelling, uncommon insights, and boundless inspiration.

Jade is the best-selling author of Purpose the Remix: A Mind-Blowing Re-understanding of Purpose and How it Works and Audacious Prayers for World Changers: Live and Pray Out Loud. As a female entrepreneur, and acclaimed creator of life-altering main stage experiences, Jade Simmons is a born storyteller and a purpose whisperer to the world’s superlative brands.

Check out more about Jade on her website by clicking here!

 

Here's a few additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Angela Redding from the Radiant Foundation joining us. Angela dives into some eye-opening research on faith and its portrayal in the media. You’ll hear about the surprising disconnect between the reality of faith in people's lives and how it’s depicted in news and entertainment.

Angela shares compelling statistics and real stories that will challenge your perceptions and inspire you to think differently about the power of faith in our everyday lives. Whether you're a person of faith or simply interested in media representations, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in for a thoughtful and transformative discussion on faith, media, and authenticity!

You can find more about Angela's valuable work and the Faith and Media Initiative at faithandmedia.com.

 

About Angela,

Angela Nielsen Redding is a seasoned strategic leader with a robust background in building businesses, forging partnerships, and developing innovative strategies across the corporate, philanthropic, nonprofit, and media sectors. Currently, she serves as the Executive Director at Radiant Foundation, where she champions efforts to promote more accurate, balanced, and positive portrayals of all religions. Through Radiant Foundation, she fosters interfaith collaboration and cultivates opportunities for individuals to connect with a higher power, with a special emphasis on representation in news, entertainment and the exploding creator economy.

Before joining Radiant Foundation, Angela spearheaded innovation and partnerships for a Ford Motor Company technology subsidiary. Earlier in her career, she founded and led a media innovation trade association, overseeing investments in media companies at both multi-million and billion-dollar levels.

Angela’s career also spans a decade in nonprofit management and business consulting, where she worked with some of the world's most impactful corporations, nonprofits, and startups.

In her personal life, Angela is deeply involved in her community. She has led church youth groups in Northern California and Northern Utah, and taught gospel study courses. Above all, she enjoys spending quality time adventuring with her husband and young daughters.

 

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I have a heartfelt conversation with Kelly Siegel, entrepreneur and author of "Harder than Life." Kelly shares his incredible journey from a tough upbringing near 8 Mile Road in Detroit to becoming a successful entrepreneur.

We explore themes of personal development, balancing empathy with self-care, and the transformative power of overcoming trauma. Kelly discusses his pivotal decision to stop drinking alcohol and how it led to significant growth and clarity. We delve into faith, love, and purpose, examining how seeking divine guidance can foster spiritual and personal development.

Kelly also shares his mission to break the cycle of abuse for his daughter and his innovative coaching program designed to promote happiness and success. Our discussion highlights the importance of listening to God’s voice and making a positive impact.

 

About Kelly,

Kelly Siegel is the dynamic CEO of National Technology Management, known for his relentless dedication to excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction in the tech industry. With over two decades of experience, Kelly has built a reputation for leading innovative solutions that secure and streamline business operations for a wide array of clients. Beyond his work in technology, Kelly is also a passionate coach, speaker, and founder of the Harder Than Life community, where he empowers individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their highest potential. Kelly directs all Harder Than Life profits to three charities close to his heart: Face Addiction Now (where he is a current board member), The Children's Foundation, and Variety 5. His leadership is rooted in tenacity, family values, and a commitment to continuous improvement, inspiring others to make a meaningful impact both personally and professionally.

 

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

Join me on this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast as I sit down with the electric Chaunté Lowe! From Olympic high jumper to motivational speaker, Chaunté’s journey is a testament to resilience, integrity, and the power of a positive mindset.

Chaunté reflects on her progression in athletics, from earning a retroactive Olympic bronze to becoming a world champion. With deep-rooted values of hard work and preparation, she offers insights that parallel our own themes of hope and positivity. Her ability to relate her Olympic journey to helping people find their own “Olympics” in life is truly inspiring. Her childhood in Riverside, California, underscored by poverty and domestic violence, shaped her resilience and commitment to breaking the cycle through education and mentorship. 

This episode is brimming with heartfelt stories, valuable insights, and Chaunté’s undeniable spirit!

 

About Chaunté,

Chaunté Lowe is the story of determination perseverance and strength.  Not only is Lowe a mother of 3, a wife and a finance professional; she is also a professional athlete, an American Record Holder, a 4-time Olympian, a 3-Time World Championship medalist, and 12 times US National Champion. When speaking she is true to how she performs. She is animated, entertaining and humorous. She dances and plays to the crowd as she shares her stories of beating impossible odds, time and time again. She possesses the ability to keep the group engaged and hanging on her every word or jump. Those who get a chance to encounter her leave inspired and motivated. Her infectious personality is electrifying.  You can't help but leave an interaction with her with a winning, "I can do ANYTHING" attitude. Lowe was able to realize her childhood dream of going to the Olympics at only 20-years-old, making her the first woman from Georgia Tech’s track and field team to become an Olympian.  The following year, Lowe won silver at the 2005 World Championships to become the first American woman to win a world outdoor championships high jump medal since Louise Ritter won bronze at the inaugural event in Helsinki in 1983. Lowe is always a crowd favorite with impossibly defined abs, dramatic dance moves, and even the occasional backflip. Lowe graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in economics. In 2008 she represented her country again in the high jump at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Days after returning from the 2012 Olympic Games, started teaching trigonometry at Grayson High School in Atlanta. Married triple jumper Mario Lowe on August 21, 2005, and gave birth to daughter Jasmine in July 2007 and Aurora in April 2011 and Mario Josiah in 2013.  Lowe has broken the American Record 3 Times and is the current indoor and outdoor American Record holder with 2.02m (6’-7.5”) and 2.05 (6’8.75”) meters respectively. In addition to her Olympic Games appearances, she has represented the United States on six world championship teams. The story is not over; she most recently represented the US in her fourth Olympic Games in the summer of 2016 and is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. Don't be surprised to see her jumping in her 5th Olympic Games in Tokyo the summer of 2020.

 

Here's some additional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of my podcast, I share about the power of a circle and how the people in your circle will decide how fast and high you rise. I share insights about my new mentorship program, "Jon Gordon’s Circle”—a transformative journey for leaders and difference-makers.

We explore how you can elevate your personal and professional life by surrounding yourself with the right people, gaining mentorship, and contributing to a community where "iron sharpens iron." Whether you're already successful and looking for that next breakthrough or finding areas in your life where you need impactful change, this episode shares how we can go to the next level together.

Join me to learn more about making meaningful connections, building a support network, and tapping into the collective knowledge of some of the brightest minds around.

 

Check out more information on my Circle here!

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of the Jon Gordon Podcast, I talk with former Fire Fighter Matt Long, whose resilience and determination have inspired countless people around the world. Matt's journey is one of unimaginable hardship and triumphant recovery, and today, we're diving deep into his story.

After a catastrophic accident left him with a mere 1% chance of survival, Matt began an arduous journey back to life and eventually finding a life filled with purpose. Listen as he shares candid details about his grueling recovery process, from unconventional rehabilitation methods to the incredible support of his firefighting community. Not only did Matt battle through his injuries, but he also achieved remarkable milestones post-recovery. He ran a marathon within three years of his accident and even conquered an Ironman competition. But Matt's story isn't just about physical achievements; it's about the power of hope, the importance of community, and the relentless pursuit of purpose.

Matt also talks about his career shift from a Wall Street accountant and bar owner to a firefighter and now a motivational speaker and author. His book, "The Long Run," details this incredible journey and serves as an inspiration to many. We’ll touch on how he found love and family later in life, adding another layer of depth to his already remarkable story.

Join us for this powerful conversation with Matt Long – a true testament to the human spirit. Be prepared to be moved, inspired, and reminded that with hope and resilience, anything is possible.

 

About Matt,

Matt Long has been a competitive athlete his entire life. As a member of his high school basketball team, he was required to run in the Brooklyn/Queens X-country Championships. With no prior running experience, he finished fifth for his school, completing the race in uncomfortable high top sneakers. At Iona College, he competed in their Division I basketball program for which a high level of fitness was mandatory. Strength and endurance became especially paramount in his life after college when he became a New York City Firefighter. It was around this time he took up distance running and began competing in Ironman triathlons, finishing his first Ironman race in 2005. He then set his sights on qualifying for the Boston marathon by running the ING NYC marathon later that year. With hard work, dedication and persistence, he trimmed 30 minutes off his personal best to run a 3:13, qualifying for the 2006 Boston event. On the morning of December 22, 2005, Matt Long’s life changed in an instant. He was cycling to work in the early morning when he was struck and run over by a 20-ton bus making an illegal turn. The injuries he sustained pushed him to the brink of death. He received 68 units of blood in the first 40 hours after the accident and spent 5 months in the hospital. More than 40 operations later, he finally began a grueling rehabilitation regime. Matt found the psychological consequences of the accident nearly as hard to process as the physical severities. His doctor had told him he’d be lucky to ever walk again without a cane. Matt fought through months of fear, despair, loneliness, and intense physical and psychological pain to regain the life he once had. His recovery was a miraculous one which included everything from learning to walk again and, a mere three years later, running in the 2008 New York City Marathon. “Running saved my life,” Matt says, and his determination and perseverance has turned him into a symbol of hope and recovery for countless others. Matt’s story was covered in a wildly popular article in the March 2009 edition of Runner’s World magazine. Matt has since chronicled his life and journey both before and after the accident in his book The Long Run, released in October 2010. Matt has also started the I WILL Foundation which provides coaching, training and financial support to help people overcome adversity and challenges caused by illness or traumatic injury.  

 

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

 

 

On this episode, I’m joined by Frank Kelly—a friend, leader, and lacrosse enthusiast with an incredible story of faith, service, and impact.

Frank and I reflect on our time playing lacrosse under Coach Richie Moran at Cornell and the lessons the Creator's game has taught us about life, hope, and resilience. Frank also shares powerful moments from his journey, including insights from his book Influence and the Creator’s Game, his spiritual awakening, and how lacrosse has become a tool for transformation—whether in Kenya, Ukraine, or right here at home.

We also talk about Frank’s mission-driven work at Kelley Benefits, his commitment to faith-based leadership, and his passion for building community through sport. Frank’s heart for service will leave you inspired.

It’s a conversation about faith, leadership, and making a difference. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

 

About Frank,

Frank Kelly III is CEO of Kelly Benefits, a family business he leads with his three brothers.  

A 1986 graduate of Cornell University, Frank was recognized as a Red Key Scholar-Athlete, played football, and captained the lacrosse team, where he was a first-team All-Ivy selection. His interest in lacrosse continued after college, playing several seasons of professional indoor lacrosse, many years of high-level field lacrosse, and coaching youth and high school lacrosse for decades. 

Frank has served on boards and in leadership roles for many nonprofit organizations and has been inducted into the Halls of Fame of his high school (Calvert Hall), business/industry (Maryland Association of Health Underwriters) and lacrosse community (US Lacrosse Greater Baltimore Chapter) as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions. Frank is also the author of Look & See and a highly regarded national platform speaker. 

Frank and his wife, Gayle, are the grateful parents of four children, two beautiful granddaughters-in-law, and three precious grandsons. They live in Lutherville, Maryland.

 

Here are some addtional resources for you...

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I dive into how gratitude has completely transformed my life. I tell a deeply personal story about how I went from being stressed, anxious, and negative to living a life full of positivity and abundance, thanks to a simple daily practice I call the "thank you walk."   I also share simple impactful habits that will help you make gratitude a part of your everyday life so you can improve your mood and relationships, and bring more abundance into your life. My goal is to help you become a gratitude magnet.    So join me, and let's make this Thanksgiving the start of a more grateful, abundant, positive life.   Trust me, it's a game-changer.

Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11

Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It’s advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here 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. Get details and sign up here.

Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!