Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

107: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 judgement. Questions that stay with you. Questions that stir something real. Whether you feel restless, distracted, overwhelmed, or simply ready for a deeper check in with yourself, this episode meets you exactly where you are. 💡 Episode Highlights 🧠 Powerful reflective questions that reveal what truly matters ⏳ A future focused lens through the eyes of your 85 year old self 💭 Identity beyond achievement and productivity 🌀 The hidden cost of busyness and avoidance ❤️ Choosing joy, presence, and meaning in the here and now You do not need to answer every question. Just notice the one that lands. Because that one might change everything. 🌟 Why This Episode Matters John Merkus shines as a thoughtful, energising, and insightful guide. His delivery is calm, reassuring, and emotionally stirring. He speaks as someone who has walked the path, faced the discomfort, and understands the courage it takes to be honest with your own life. His presence alone feels grounding. His words linger long after the episode ends. 🎧 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. 💬 Loved it? Here's What You Can Do Next ✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content 💌 Join the mailing list to get exclusive inspiration and free resources 🙏 About Your Host: John Merkus 🎤 Speaker 🧭 Transformation Coach 🌟 Podcast Host John Merkus is the passionate voice behind Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness. He is deeply committed to helping people reconnect with who they are and who they are becoming. His conversations are thoughtful, energising, and always filled with golden nuggets of wisdom. John has a rare ability to create space where clarity, courage, and growth naturally emerge. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one insight from this episode that resonated with you? Share your thoughts on social media and tag #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart 🚀 Press Play and Keep Thriving Greatness is one action away. Let this episode be the catalyst. ✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨ 🔗 Explore More 🎧 Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd] 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn [https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn] 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus [https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus] 👥 Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/] 🐦 X / Twitter https://twitter.com/johnmerkus [https://twitter.com/johnmerkus] 🌐 Website https://www.johnmerkus.com [https://www.johnmerkus.com] ⚖️ Legal Stuff By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus, or used by John Merkus with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Users may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non commercial, educational purposes. No reproduction, retransmission, or editing may be made without prior written permission, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly by the use or interpretation of the information presented herein. 🎧 Hit play now, and let’s rise and thrive together.

106:The Inner Power Source: Discovering Purpose, Emotional Intelligence, and True Greatness

What 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 life experiences shape our mission, why purpose acts like an internal power source, and how emotional intelligence helps us respond wisely rather than react automatically. This conversation is grounded, human, and deeply affirming. It explores how values guide behaviour, how feedback fuels growth, and why true greatness is built through relationships and legacy. John’s ability to ask the questions that matter brings out Greg’s depth, generosity, and wisdom, creating a conversation that feels expansive and real. 💡 Episode Highlights ✨ How your life experiences shape your purpose ✨ The question that reveals what truly matters to you ✨ Why purpose protects your heart and fuels your energy ✨ Emotional intelligence explained in a clear, human way ✨ Self awareness and situational awareness in everyday life ✨ Responding from values instead of emotions ✨ The power of feedback, listening, and teachability ✨ Building cultures of safety, trust, and growth ✨ Why greatness is measured in relationships and legacy 👤 Meet Today’s Guest: Dr Greg Stewart 🧠 Counsellor | Executive Coach | Author Dr Greg Stewart works with leaders, teams, and individuals to strengthen emotional intelligence, purpose, and personal growth. His work helps people become more by understanding what drives them from the inside out. 📍 Connect with Dr Greg: 🔗 https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart [https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart] 🌐 https://becomingmore.com [https://becomingmore.com] 🌱 Why This Conversation Matters This episode reminds us that leadership starts within. That growth requires courage. That values matter more than reactions. That purpose gives life its energy. John’s calm presence, insightful questions, and genuine curiosity create the conditions for a conversation that feels both grounding and uplifting. 🎧 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. 💬 Loved it? Here’s What You Can Do Next: ✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content 💌 Join the mailing list to receive exclusive inspiration and free resources 🙏 About Your Host: John Merkus John is a passionate speaker, transformation coach, and host of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness. His conversations are thoughtful, energising, and filled with insight that sparks reflection and action. John has a natural ability to bring out the best in his guests, helping them share wisdom that truly lands. This episode is a powerful example of that gift. 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one insight from this episode that stayed with you? Share your reflections using #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart ✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨ 📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App 🌐 www.johnmerkus.com [http://www.johnmerkus.com] 🔗 Follow and connect ▶ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn [https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn] 📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus [https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus] 👥 Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/] 🐦 Twitter https://twitter.com/johnmerkus [https://twitter.com/johnmerkus] 🎵 Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd] 📜 Legal Stuff By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus, or used by John Merkus with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Content may be used for personal or educational purposes only. No reproduction or redistribution may occur without prior written permission, which can be requested at john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly by the use or interpretation of the information presented.

105:Emotional Intelligence and Healing: Turn Negative Emotions into Inner Strength and Purpose

Sometimes 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 soul-shifting conversation that stays with you. 🎧 Hit play and rise into your greatness. 💡 Episode Highlights Here’s what you’ll discover: ✨ Why negative emotions are not the enemy ✨ What actually causes emotional triggers ✨ How the iCubed method helps reframe your reactions ✨ Why our emotional intensity is often inflated ✨ The difference between the microscope and the mirror ✨ How past experiences shape current behaviours ✨ Why purpose often comes from the deepest parts of our story ✨ How leaders can use emotional intelligence to influence with heart 👤 Meet Today’s Guest: Dr Greg Stewart Telehealth Counsellor | Executive Coach | Author of iCubed 🔗 Connect with Greg: https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart [https://linktr.ee/drgregstewart] Greg’s journey spans leadership, counselling, ministry, behavioural health and executive coaching. His work helps people unlock the strength behind their hardest emotions and become who they’re truly called to be. 🌱 Why This Conversation Matters John’s style of interviewing makes this episode soar. His warmth, curiosity and emotional intelligence invite Greg to open up about his story, his missteps, his breakthroughs and the tools he teaches clients around the world. This episode is filled with the kind of wisdom that helps you: • feel seen • feel understood • feel empowered to grow John’s gift is helping every guest shine. This episode is a beautiful example of that. 🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired Whether you’re walking, driving or needing a lift, this conversation is for you. Hit play and rise into your greatness today. 💬 Loved it? Here’s What You Can Do Next: ✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content 💌 Join the mailing list for exclusive inspiration and free resources 🙏 About Your Host: John Merkus John is a passionate speaker and transformation coach on a mission to help people become their best selves. As host of Rise and Thrive, he is known for his heartfelt interviews, energising presence and ability to draw out the golden insights that spark real change. Every conversation he leads is filled with purpose, warmth and genuine human connection. This episode is no exception. 💬 Join the Conversation! What’s one insight that resonated with you? Share your reflections using: #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart ✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨ 📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com [http://www.johnmerkus.com] 🔗 Connect and share your favourite moments: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn [https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus [https://www.instagram.com/jmerkus] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnmerkus [https://twitter.com/johnmerkus] Website: https://www.johnmerkus.com [https://www.johnmerkus.com] 🎵 Merko Motivation Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd] 📜 Legal Stuff By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus, or used by John Merkus with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. No other use, including reproduction, retransmission or editing, may be made without prior written permission from John Merkus at john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility for any liability, loss, or damage caused directly or indirectly by the use or interpretation of the information presented.

104:Finding Strength in the Hardest Times: Hope, Faith and the Courage to Keep Going

Some 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 years of intense pain and uncertainty, and how trust, hope and connection carried him through moments most of us can hardly imagine. John guides the conversation with compassion, curiosity and presence. His ability to truly listen brings out the depth of Sam’s wisdom and gives space for the kind of truth people rarely speak aloud. This is why listeners trust John and keep returning. Every episode reveals a little more of what greatness looks like in real life. Sam’s stories will lift you, steady you, and remind you that even in the hardest seasons, you are not alone. 🎧 This is a conversation you feel. Let it speak to you. ✨ In This Episode • The hidden emotional weight carried by caregivers and why it is so often overlooked • Why we reach breaking point and what it means to hand the burden over instead of carrying it alone • How resentment eats away at us and why letting go feels like lifting a thousand kilos off the soul • The healing power of genuine community when you feel isolated • Crystal’s extraordinary resilience and the quiet influence of her faith around the world • What real contentment looks like during hardship • Why hope is far more than a feeling and how it becomes a steadying force • How to keep going when everything feels beyond your control • A reminder that strength grows when we stop gripping so tightly and allow ourselves to be supported This episode is filled with real stories, real courage and real hope. 🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired Whether you are on a walk, driving, or simply needing a lift, this conversation is for you. Hit play and rise into your greatness today. 🌐 Connect with Sam Wegner Website: https://www.samwegner.com [https://www.samwegner.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samwegnerjr [https://www.instagram.com/samwegnerjr] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575799584385 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575799584385] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwegner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwegner/] 📘 Buy the book: The Weight of the Wait 💛 Donate to support Sam and Crystal: www.johnmerkus.com [http://www.johnmerkus.com] 🔗 Follow us and share your favourite moments. We love hearing how you use these ideas in your life. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn [https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn] Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus [https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus] Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnmerkus [https://twitter.com/johnmerkus] Website: https://www.johnmerkus.com [https://www.johnmerkus.com] Merko Motivation Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd] Legal Stuff By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus, or used by him with permission, and are protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. Except as otherwise provided herein, users of this Podcast may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal or non-commercial educational purposes. No other use, including reproduction, retransmission or editing, may be made without the prior written permission of John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for liability, loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented.

103:How to Find Hope When Life Feels Heavy: Sam’s Story of Waiting, Love and Courage

What 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 job and navigating a long season of uncertainty. His honesty is grounding. His reflections are warm, relatable and filled with wisdom. And John guides this conversation with clarity, heart and presence. His thoughtful direction brings out the gold in every moment and creates a space where honesty becomes healing. This is one of those episodes that stays with you. 🔥 Episode Highlights 💛 Why waiting feels so heavy 🌱 What hope really means and why it needs action 🕊 How to stay steady in long seasons of uncertainty 💭 The real difference between hope and wishful thinking 🤝 Why sharing your truth creates deeper connection 🧠 How mindset, faith and daily choices shape resilience ✨ What helps you keep going when life does not make sense This is Part 1 of a moving two-part conversation. Part 2 continues with even more powerful tools, moments and stories. 🎧 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. 🌟 Meet Today’s Guest: Sam Wegner 📘 Author of The Weight of the Wait 🙏 Pastor & Chaplain serving young adults 🎤 Teacher with a heart for lifting others through hard seasons 💪 A man whose story of courage, faith and perseverance inspires thousands Connect with Sam In response to many thoughtful requests, a page has been created for those who would like to support Sam and Crystal during this season: https://www.thousandhillsmissionary.org/hope-in-the-waiting [https://www.thousandhillsmissionary.org/hope-in-the-waiting] 🌐 Website: https://www.samwegner.com [https://www.samwegner.com] 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575799584385 [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575799584385] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samwegnerjr [https://www.instagram.com/samwegnerjr] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwegner/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwegner/] 🎙 About Your Host: John Merkus John is a passionate speaker, transformation coach and host of Rise and Thrive, committed to helping you become your best self. His conversations are thoughtful, energising and packed with wisdom. He brings out the best in every guest, and this episode is no exception. 🌐 www.johnmerkus.com [http://www.johnmerkus.com] 💬 Loved It? Here’s What You Can Do Next ✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise ⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content 💌 Join the mailing list for exclusive inspiration and free resources 💬 Join the Conversation What’s one insight from this episode that stayed with you? Share it using the tags: #RiseAndThrive #GreatnessUnlocked #LeadWithHeart ✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving 📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com [http://www.johnmerkus.com] ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn [https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn] 📸 Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus [https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus] 👥 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/ [https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/] 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnmerkus [https://twitter.com/johnmerkus] 🎵 Merko Motivation Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV] 📜 Legal Stuff By accessing this Podcast, you acknowledge that the entire contents are the property of John Merkus, or used by him with permission, and are protected by copyright and trademark laws. Use of this Podcast is for personal or educational purposes only. For permissions, email: john@johnmerkus.com This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the use of the information presented.