In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester welcomes back Brent Pohlman, the president and CEO of Midwest Laboratories. They discuss Brent's journey of self-reflection, the importance of taking action, and how faith and prayer have played a significant role in his life and leadership. Brent shares insights on purpose-driven change in business, the necessity of mentorship, and the impact of health and wellness on personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, connection, and leading with zest as Brent prepares to release his new book in 2026.

Takeaways

Self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.

Taking action is essential after self-reflection.

Prayer can provide clarity and strength.

Purpose-driven change can transform workplaces.

Navigating change requires a focus on people first.

Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional development.

Health and wellness are interconnected with personal success.

Building community fosters connection and support.

Leading with zest inspires action and enthusiasm.

Finding joy in the journey is essential.

Chapters

00:00 Reconnecting and Reflecting on Life's Journey

06:02 Finding Strength in Scripture

10:03 Navigating Spiritual Dry Spells

14:15 Purpose-Driven Change in Business

19:55 The Importance of Human Connection

24:07 Strategic Change Management and Vision

30:30 The Journey to Writing a New Book

31:44 Healing and Personal Growth

32:40 Leading with Zest: Taking Action

34:34 The Importance of Family and Relationships

36:27 Self-Discovery and Personal Reflection

38:12 Health, Wellness, and Lifestyle Changes

43:56 Aging Gracefully and Staying Active

45:22 The Role of Mentorship and Coaching

49:24 Connecting with the Next Generation

54:54 Finding Strength in Faith and Clarity

58:49 2 edition PWTG outro (1).mp4

In this conversation, Chris Grainger explores the concept of greatness, emphasizing the importance of obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance. He reflects on how this obedience shapes his decisions and ultimately contributes to a fulfilling life. Grainger also discusses the significance of mentorship and the idea of reflecting on one's life choices in light of future judgment.

Takeaways

Greatness is defined by obedience to God's will.

Listening to the Holy Spirit is crucial for decision-making.

Mentorship plays a vital role in personal growth.

Reflecting on life choices helps in aligning with spiritual goals.

The goal is to have more positive impacts than negative ones.

Obedience may not always appear great to others.

Daily actions should align with spiritual guidance.

The concept of judgment influences how we live today.

Striving for a fulfilling life involves intentional choices.

Greatness is a journey of continuous obedience.

"Greatness for me now is really just more ties to obedience."

"Being obedient to what the Holy Spirit is telling me to do."

"I want to have a whole lot more hits than I had misses."

www.thelionwithin.us

In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester explores the topic of foul language and its implications on personal choices, self-control, and integrity. He emphasizes the importance of the intent behind words, drawing on scriptural insights to highlight the significance of clean speech in reflecting one's character and faith. Jeff shares practical tips for improving communication and encourages listeners to consider the impact of their words on themselves and others.

Takeaways

Foul language reflects a lack of self-control and discipline.

Words can either uplift or tear down; choose wisely.

Scripture provides guidance on how to speak and conduct ourselves.

Living with integrity means aligning our speech with our values.

The heart's intent is more important than the words themselves.

Clean speech is part of a new identity in Christ.

Accountability in speech can strengthen relationships.

Practical tips can help in maintaining clean speech.

Self-discipline in language reflects personal growth.

Foul language can weaken one's witness and credibility.

Titles

The Power of Words: Choosing Clean Speech

Foul Language and Self-Control: A Personal Journey

Sound bites

"It's all about the intent."

"Clean speech is a part of the new identity in Christ."

"What message are you sending with your mouth?"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Personal Choices and Language

02:41 The Impact of Foul Language on Society

05:21 Self-Control and Vocabulary

08:07 Scriptural Insights on Speech

11:11 The Heart Behind Words

13:49 Personal Anecdotes and Growth

16:17 The Challenge of Consistency

18:55 Accountability and Integrity in Speech

22:01 Setting a Positive Example

24:42 The Real-Life Impact of Language Choices

27:00 Practical Tips for Clean Speech

29:56 Conclusion and Encouragement

In this conversation, Jeff Forrester discusses the complexities of wisdom and the challenges that come with it. He reflects on his ability to provide logical advice while grappling with the burden of pride in his wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of offering counsel without imposing his own views, allowing others to make informed decisions based on their own insights and faith.

Takeaways

• I've been challenged my whole life with pride of wisdom.
• I do feel like I've been gifted with the ability.
• I think you should take not my position.
• Provide counsel to provide outside information.
• That means you've decided that information's gonna help you.
• Don't take it, either you're going against what you know.
• The burden and the thorn in my eye has been.
• I give you think you should take.
• Opportunity to share with you and bring to light.
• Think logically of a situation and provide advice.

In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester reunites with Freddie Stevenson to discuss his journey over the past year, including the loss of his father and his transformation through faith. They explore themes of adversity, the cost of greatness, and the importance of authenticity in relationships. Freddie shares insights from his podcast, Trials to Triumph, and emphasizes the significance of community and uplifting others. The conversation highlights the power of perspective and the impact of faith in navigating life's challenges.

Takeaways

Freddie emphasizes the importance of seeing others win without envy.

He shares how his father's faith and perseverance led to overcoming adversity.

The journey to greatness requires discipline and focus on one's own path.

Freddie's podcast aims to highlight everyday people making a difference.

Authenticity in relationships is crucial for long-term success.

Adversity reveals true character and helps in personal growth.

Success is not measured by material wealth but by the impact on others.

Collaboration is more valuable than competition in achieving goals.

Trusting God's plan is essential in navigating life's challenges.

Freddie encourages listeners to maintain a positive spirit despite negativity.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

05:52 Faith and Personal Growth

09:01 Dealing with Loss and Legacy

12:45 Navigating Envy and Competition

16:02 Trusting God's Plan

19:51 The Journey of Trials to Triumph

23:01 Self-Reflection and Personal Accountability

26:54 Embracing Adversity and Learning

30:59 The Growth of the Show and Future Aspirations

31:29 Conversations with Sports Icons

33:17 The Cost of Greatness

35:40 Building Relationships and Authenticity

37:18 The Power of Kindness and Respect

39:10 Authenticity in Media

42:49 Future Aspirations for Trials to Triumph

44:45 Highlighting Everyday Heroes

47:44 True Success Beyond Materialism

49:56 Finding Peace in Faith

53:19 Overcoming Adversity Through Faith

55:22 The Importance of Being a Good Person

01:00:00 2 edition PWTG outro (1).mp4

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In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester speaks with Coach Jeff Conaway, head football coach at the First Academy in Orlando. They discuss the importance of having a blueprint for success, the challenges of coaching, and the significance of developing well-rounded athletes. Coach Conaway shares his insights on making life decisions, the role of parents in youth sports, and the need for patience in achieving greatness. The conversation emphasizes the spiritual aspect of coaching and the impact of mentorship on young athletes.

Takeaways

Having a blueprint is essential for success.

Greatness is about spiritual growth and mentorship.

Coaching involves educating parents as well as players.

Patience is crucial in the development process.

Football should be a platform for personal growth.

Building relationships takes time and effort.

Consistency in values leads to better outcomes.

The importance of teaching young men social skills.

Winning around the dinner table matters.

Coaches must model the behavior they expect from players.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Coaching

11:06 Defining Greatness Through Faith

14:11 Making Life Decisions with Purpose

19:37 Developing Well-Rounded Young Men

24:40 Balancing Football and Identity

26:51 The Importance of Community in Youth Development

29:04 Navigating Challenges with a Blueprint

32:51 The Role of Calmness in Leadership

37:19 Strategies for Emotional Control

41:26 Building Relationships and Trust with Players

45:20 The Evolving Role of Coaches and Parents

52:18 2 edition PWTG outro.mp4

IG: ⁠TFA FOOTBALL⁠

In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester speaks with Coach Jeff Conaway, head football coach at the First Academy in Orlando. They discuss the importance of having a blueprint for success, the challenges of coaching, and the significance of developing well-rounded athletes. Coach Conaway shares his insights on making life decisions, the role of parents in youth sports, and the need for patience in achieving greatness. The conversation emphasizes the spiritual aspect of coaching and the impact of mentorship on young athletes.

Takeaways

Having a blueprint is essential for success.

Greatness is about spiritual growth and mentorship.

Coaching involves educating parents as well as players.

Patience is crucial in the development process.

Football should be a platform for personal growth.

Building relationships takes time and effort.

Consistency in values leads to better outcomes.

The importance of teaching young men social skills.

Winning around the dinner table matters.

Coaches must model the behavior they expect from players.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Challenges of Coaching

11:06 Defining Greatness Through Faith

14:11 Making Life Decisions with Purpose

19:37 Developing Well-Rounded Young Men

24:40 Balancing Football and Identity

26:51 The Importance of Community in Youth Development

29:04 Navigating Challenges with a Blueprint

32:51 The Role of Calmness in Leadership

37:19 Strategies for Emotional Control

41:26 Building Relationships and Trust with Players

45:20 The Evolving Role of Coaches and Parents

52:18 2 edition PWTG outro.mp4

IG: TFA FOOTBALL

In this episode of Pathways to Greatness, Jeff Forrester explores the critical distinction between internal thoughts and external suggestions, emphasizing the importance of discernment in navigating these influences. He discusses how to recognize God's voice versus the enemy's suggestions, providing practical steps for achieving clarity and peace in daily life. The conversation encourages listeners to transform their minds and habits, ultimately leading to personal growth and spiritual fulfillment.

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Takeaways

Greatness begins within and is cultivated through faith.

Thoughts are internal, while suggestions come from external influences.

Discernment is crucial in understanding which thoughts to follow.

The enemy uses suggestions to create doubt and confusion.

God's voice brings peace and clarity, while the enemy's voice brings confusion.

Taking thoughts captive is essential for spiritual growth.

Daily habits can help in recognizing and following God's voice.

Transforming your mind requires intentional effort and practice.

Reflection on thoughts can lead to greater self-awareness.

God uses everyday situations to guide and teach us.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Thoughts vs. Suggestions

03:17 Understanding the Battle for Your Mind

05:58 Thoughts vs. Suggestions: Definitions and Examples

08:39 The Enemy's Strategy: Recognizing Influences

11:22 Discerning God's Voice vs. the Enemy's Suggestions

14:13 Practical Applications: Taking Thoughts Captive

17:09 Creating Daily Habits for Mind Renewal

20:09 Reflection and Conclusion

27:24 Introduction to Greatness

27:27 The Journey of Growth and Faith

In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, host Jeff Forrester engages in a deep conversation with Jeff Fitzgerald, the new executive director of Edgewood Children's Ranch. They explore themes of trust, vulnerability, and the definition of greatness, emphasizing the importance of impacting others positively. Jeff Fitzgerald shares his personal journey through life transitions, the significance of authenticity in parenting, and the mission of Edgewood Children's Ranch in supporting children in need. The discussion highlights the necessity of prayer, community, and the challenges of navigating uncertainty while trusting in God.

www.edgewoodranch.com

Takeaways

Trust is a skill that can be developed.

Greatness is defined by how we impact others.

Vulnerability is essential in parenting.

Authenticity builds stronger relationships.

Prayer is foundational for personal growth.

Life transitions require trust in God.

Children need to see their parents' vulnerabilities.

The importance of community and support.

Edgewood Children's Ranch helps children in need.

Trusting God often means navigating uncertainty.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Icebreaker Games

08:58 Defining Greatness

13:19 Navigating Life's Transitions

22:10 Vulnerability and Trust in Parenting

31:15 Navigating Trust and Vulnerability

33:41 The Mission of Edgewood Children's Ranch

37:05 Transforming Lives Through Love and Discipline

43:18 The Importance of Authenticity in Parenting

46:46 Building Stronger Marriages Through Prayer

53:20 Trusting God in Uncertainty

59:54 Outro with music (1).mp4

In this episode of the Pathways to Greatness podcast, Jeff Forrester discusses the pervasive issue of misinformation in today's society, emphasizing the importance of discernment and truth. He explores how misinformation can manipulate perceptions and create division, urging listeners to ground themselves in scripture and community to navigate the complexities of modern information. Jeff highlights the need for vigilance in testing the truth of what we hear and see, advocating for a return to biblical principles as a source of guidance and clarity in a world filled with half-truths and deception.

Takeaways

Misinformation is a powerful weapon that manipulates us.

We must guard our hearts and minds against falsehoods.

The devil is the father of lies, and deception is not new.

Disinformation creates fear, division, and distrust in society.

We must filter all information through scripture and prayer.

Truth is found in Jesus Christ and the word of God.

Slow down before reacting to news and verify sources.

Stay rooted in a Christian community for accountability.

The truth sets us free from the bondage of lies.

The Bible is the ultimate guide in a world of deception.

Sound Bites

"The devil is the father of lies."

"Truth is found in Jesus Christ."

"The truth sets us free."