🎙️ Solo Episode with John Merkus

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 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.

🧠 Powerful reflective questions that reveal what truly matters

You do not need to answer every question.

Because that one might change everything.

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.

Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you.

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

🎤 Speaker

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.

What’s one insight from this episode that resonated with you?

Share your thoughts on social media and tag

Greatness is one action away.

✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨

🎧 Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist

📺 YouTube

📸 Instagram

👥 Facebook Group

🐦 X / Twitter

🌐 Website

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 [email protected].

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.

What if the things that frustrate you most about the world are pointing you straight to your purpose?

This episode invites you to look inward, reflect deeply, and reconnect with what truly matters.

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.

✨ How your life experiences shape your purpose

🧠 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:

This episode reminds us that leadership starts within.

John’s calm presence, insightful questions, and genuine curiosity create the conditions for a conversation that feels both grounding and uplifting.

Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you.

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

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.

What’s one insight from this episode that stayed with you?

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App

🔗 Follow and connect

📸 Instagram

👥 Facebook Group

🐦 Twitter

🎵 Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist

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 [email protected].

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.

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.

✨ Why negative emotions are not the enemy

Telehealth Counsellor | Executive Coach | Author of iCubed

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.

John’s style of interviewing makes this episode soar.

This episode is filled with the kind of wisdom that helps you:

John’s gift is helping every guest shine.

Whether you’re walking, driving or needing a lift, this conversation is for you.

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

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.

What’s one insight that resonated with you?

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com

🎵 Merko Motivation Playlist:

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 [email protected].

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.

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.

• The hidden emotional weight carried by caregivers and why it is so often overlooked

This episode is filled with real stories, real courage and real hope.

🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired

Website: https://www.samwegner.com

📘 Buy the book: The Weight of the Wait

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@riseandthrivejohn

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 [email protected].

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.

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.

💛 Why waiting feels so heavy

This is Part 1 of a moving two-part conversation. Part 2 continues with even more powerful tools, moments and stories.

Whether you're on a walk, driving or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you.

📘 Author of The Weight of the Wait

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

🌐 Website: https://www.samwegner.com

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

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

What’s one insight from this episode that stayed with you?

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com

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.

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.

If 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 the mind and the heart.

In this uplifting conversation, you’ll hear:

This is the kind of conversation that reshapes how you see the world and your place in it.

Tim Christophersen has spent more than 25 years helping the world reconnect with nature.

• The Paris Climate Agreement

He blends science, diplomacy, and a deep reverence for the natural world.

📘 Tim’s book: Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature

🔗 Tim’s LinkedIn:

Tim reminds us that nature is not fragile. It is waiting for the chance to bounce back.

Together, they offer a message the world needs right now:

Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you.

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

John is a passionate speaker, transformation coach, and host of Rise and Thrive. His conversations are thoughtful, energising, and filled with golden nuggets of wisdom.

Greatness is one action away.

What’s one insight from this episode that resonated with you?

🚀 Hit play now, and let’s rise and thrive together!

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com

🔗 Follow on Socials

🎵 Merko Motivation Spotify Playlist:

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 US and international copyright and trademark laws. Users may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal, non-commercial, educational purposes.

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the use of the information presented.

Humanity 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,

At a time when life feels busy, noisy, and uncertain, this episode offers clarity.

If you need grounding, hope, or a sense of meaning, this one will speak to your heart.

Tim has spent more than 25 years helping the world reconnect with nature.

• The Paris Climate Agreement

His work blends science, diplomacy, and deep reverence for the natural world.

Tim's book Generation Restoration: How to Fix Our Relationship Crisis with Mother Nature  https://amzn.asia/d/6T1i52x

Tim's LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-christophersen-a4876228/

John guides this conversation with thoughtfulness, grounding, and an energy that lights up every guest. His ability to draw out powerful stories and make complex ideas feel inspiring is part of what makes Rise and Thrive so special.

This episode is another example of how he helps listeners rise into their best selves.

Whether you're on a walk, driving, or just needing a boost, this conversation is for you.

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

What’s one insight from this episode that resonated with you?

✨ Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com

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 international copyright and trademark laws. Users may save and use information contained in the Podcast only for personal, non-commercial, educational purposes.

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the use or interpretation of the information presented.

100 conversations. A thousand insights. One unstoppable community of greatness.

✨ 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 messages from the inspiring guests who helped shape the show.

🎤 Hear from legendary guests including

🎶 Experience the world-premiere of the official Rise and Thrive Anthem – “Conversations for Greatness”  a heartfelt song capturing the spirit of every episode.

💫 Relive the moments that turned stories into strength, challenges into change, and voices into a legacy that continues to inspire listeners worldwide.

✅ How one idea can grow into a global ripple of inspiration

“Sometimes we’re so focused on going forward, we forget to look back and celebrate what we’ve achieved.

🎧 TUNE IN NOW TO BE INSPIRED

✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to rise

💫 Speaker | Transformation Coach | Podcast Host

🎧 Press play, get inspired, and keep thriving greatness is one action away.

What’s one insight from this episode that resonated with you?

🚀 Hit play now let’s rise and thrive together!

✨ Stay Inspired and Keep Thriving ✨

By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that all content is the property of John Merkus, or used with permission, and protected under copyright and trademark laws.

What 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 journey into mindset, mindfulness, and what it means to keep taking action even when life throws curveballs.

You’ll discover how to reframe setbacks as stepping stones, find peace in the present moment, and embrace the simple truth that you are already enough.

Why every change starts with a single thought

How to stop overthinking and start living

The power of presence and gratitude when life feels heavy

Why self-compassion is the missing piece of success

The mindset shift that helps you bounce back stronger after rejection

A powerful reminder: you don’t have to wait to “become” you can be it right now

“Life’s a conversation you’re either having one with yourself or with someone else. So make it a good one.” – John Merkus

🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired

💬 Loved it? Here's What You Can Do Next:

🙏 About Your John Merkus

🎧 Press play, get inspired, and keep thriving. Greatness is one action away.

💬 Join the Conversation!

🚀 Hit play now, and let’s rise and thrive together!

📲 Explore the Fluid Reality Mindset App: www.johnmerkus.com

🔗 Follow and Connect

Legal Stuff

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

What 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 isn’t about slowing down. It’s about refueling your spirit, realigning your focus, and reigniting the energy that drives your best self forward.

John brings his signature warmth, insight, and curiosity to the table, guiding the conversation with genuine connection and a touch of humour that makes every moment relatable and real. Together, they unpack timeless truths and actionable steps to help you rise above the noise, refill your tank, and rediscover what truly matters.

🔥 Why purpose is your ultimate fuel  and what happens when you lose sight of it

Mitch reminds us that intention not drift leads us to the life we’re meant to live. And as John masterfully draws out his wisdom, this episode becomes more than a conversation… it’s a gentle but powerful wake-up call to realign your life with what matters most.

🏆 Award-winning Executive Coach, Speaker, and Author

🔗 Connect with Mitch:

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, without limitation, reproduction, retransmission or editing, of this Podcast may be made without prior written permission from John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting [email protected].

This podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

🎧 Press play, refuel your purpose, and rise into your greatness.