About this episode

John Olinger discusses how to focus on what truly matters in life, sharing personal stories of loss and career challenges.

This week we sit down with John Olinger — former global brand director for Kobe Bryant at Nike and author of Worthy Wins — to talk about what it looks like to point your life toward what actually matters most. John opens up about losing both parents, a season of unexpected career upheaval, and how God used every chapter of his story to prepare him for something he never saw coming. If you've ever wondered whether your past experiences are being wasted, this episode is for you!

People in this episode

Host: Jonathan Pokluda

Guest: John Olinger

Topics covered

• life purpose
• personal growth
• overcoming adversity
• faith
• career transitions

Keywords

• life direction
• Kobe Bryant
• Nike
• personal story
• faith journey
• career upheaval
• Worthy Wins

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Nike

Books & works: Worthy Wins

More episodes of Becoming Something with Jonathan Pokluda

• Episode 388: Are You Actually a Christian? | feat. Granger Smith · September 7, 2026 · 46 min
• Episode 387: How to Make the Most of Your Singleness · August 31, 2026 · 35 min
• Episode 386: Raised in the Woods, Survived a Serial Killer & Finding Hope | feat. Kelsey Vandermyde · August 24, 2026 · 59 min
• Episode 385: What's Next? · August 17, 2026 · 29 min
• Episode 384: Reckless Love, Church Hurt & Outsinging the Angels | feat. Cory Asbury · August 10, 2026 · 32 min
• Episode 383: Selling Out Arenas & Staying Surrendered | feat. Forrest Frank · August 3, 2026 · 35 min

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