Franklin Planner Podcast

In this masterclass-style episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III sits down with wealth strategist and Protect Wealth founder Don Pendleton to unpack the pillars of long-term financial leadership: tax strategy, asset protection, estate planning, and wealth creation. Don shares the personal story that launched his career in asset protection after being sued following a tragic incident, and how that experience led him to decades of educating business owners, families, and professionals on protecting what they build. The conversation dives deep into the mindset shift between tax preparation and true tax planning, why having a business structure can unlock powerful legal deductions, and how proactive estate planning prevents costly family disputes and probate issues. If you want to keep more of what you earn, reduce risk, and create a lasting financial legacy, this episode delivers actionable insights you can start applying today.Key TakeawaysTax Planning vs. Tax Prep: Learn why filing taxes is not the same as building a year-round wealth strategy.The Leadership Mindset Around Money: Discover how the way you think about expenses, structures, and planning changes financial outcomes.Estate Planning Essentials: Understand the must-have documents and trust structures that protect your family and legacy.Business Structures & Tax Advantages: Why having an LLC, corporation, or even a sole proprietorship can create strategic tax opportunities.Winning the Tax Game: Focus on lowering your effective tax rate instead of chasing refunds.02:03 – The Lawsuit That Changed Everything06:36 – The Four Pillars of Wealth Protection09:05 – Why Tax Strategy Starts with Mindset10:30 – The “Free Roads vs Toll Roads” Tax Analogy12:44 – Why Having a Business Changes Everything14:45 – Real Estate Losses & Paper Write-Offs20:15 – Medical Expenses, Premiums & Business Deductions22:22 – Stop Asking “Can I?” Start Asking “How Can I?”30:27 – What It Really Means to Win the Tax Game33:22 – Estate Planning Essentials Everyone Needs36:25 – Trusts, Probate & Protecting Family Wealth42:35 – Where to Start: The Protect Wealth SummitThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.The Franklin Planner TeamAbout the Guest:Don Pendleton is an expert in the areas of lawsuit protection, tax reduction, and estate planning and has co-authored multiple textbooks and articles.Every year, he is a featured presenter during numerous seminars and workshops onasset protectionrelated subjects.His books and trainings have helped thousands of business owners, investors, and professionals save millions of dollars.He is one of the nation’s top asset protection advisors and has been helping professionals properly structure themselves for lawsuit protection and tax reduction.His knowledge, expertise, and straightforward teaching style have made him one of the top asset protection speakers in the nationGuest Resource:Website: https://protectwealth.com/our-team/don-pendleton/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donpendleton/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProtectWealthAcademy/

George Wright III and co-host John Harding discuss leadership and propose that an organization’s greatest growth opportunity lies in deeply valuing and investing in its key stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and others. They talk about “deep respect” as a growth strategy and cite research linking engagement and organizational health to higher profitability, productivity, and shareholder returns. Two primary obstacles are outlined: the “mission-strategy-success gap,” where few employees understand or connect daily work to strategy, and the “productivity avalanche,” driven by constant digital interruptions and low-value activity. Harding introduces “being on signal” as the solution: dual alignment with the organization’s mission and each stakeholder’s definition of success, supported by clarity, rhythm, measurement, trust, and systems such as Franklin Planner.01:26 Stakeholders Drive Growth04:35 Respect as Strategy09:05 Mission Strategy Gap13:07 Productivity Avalanche16:20 On Signal Solution20:21 Franklin Planner SystemThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team

How to Be Proactive: Timeless Lessons from History on Leadership, Responsibility, and Personal GrowthAre you living intentionally — or simply reacting to everything life throws at you? In this episode, discover how history’s greatest leaders mastered personal responsibility, emotional control, and proactive decision-making to shape their destiny.In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III is joined by Franklin Planner board member John Harding and historian and podcast host Misty Howard for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to be proactive.Rooted in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the discussion explores how individuals can shift from reacting to circumstances to intentionally choosing their responses. The guests explain how language shapes mindset, why governing values create long-term stability, and how focusing on what you can control expands personal influence.Misty brings history to life through compelling examples of Viktor Frankl, Abraham Lincoln, and Abraham Clark, demonstrating how courage, discipline, and principle-based living enable people to rise above extreme adversity. John connects these timeless lessons to practical application, emphasizing how daily habits and values-driven planning empower leadership at every stage of life.Listeners will walk away with actionable insights to strengthen personal accountability, emotional control, and purpose-driven living.04:30 – Acting vs. Being Acted Upon09:15 – Language Patterns and Personal Responsibility15:40 – Viktor Frankl and Choosing Freedom in Adversity25:10 – Abraham Lincoln and Emotional Discipline34:20 – Governing Values and the Circle of Influence42:45 – Abraham Clark and Loyalty to Principles50:10 – Invictus Poem and Personal OwnershipThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Misty HowardMisty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences.Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.Guest Resources:Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Ben Kjar. Ben, an American wrestler, international speaker, real estate investor, and motivational figure, shares his remarkable life story of overcoming Crouzon syndrome to become a NCAA Division One Wrestling All American and a world champion wrestler. Ben discusses the principles and daily rituals that have guided his success, emphasizing the importance of setting clear goals, involving supportive people, and maintaining a rigorous daily routine. The conversation also delves into Ben's upcoming movie 'Standout', which documents his journey and aims to inspire others to realize their potential and overcome obstacles. The film, releasing on January 23rd, aims to reach a wide audience to spread its powerful message. Ben's story and advice offer valuable insights for anyone looking to lead a successful and fulfilling life.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:44 Ben Kjar's Early Life and Challenges01:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Success04:52 The Power of Setting Goals07:31 Support Systems and Accountability18:40 Daily Rituals for Success19:31 Morning Routine and Workout Priorities21:07 The Crown Code: A Way of Living22:23 Principles and Goals: A Personal Story24:01 Overcoming Adversity: Wrestling Journey30:59 The Impact of the Movie 'Stand Out'36:25 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Ben KjarBen Kjar was born with Crouzons syndrome (a craniofacial anomaly), and as a young boy the doctors told him that he would live a different life.....and that’s exactly what he’s done! He has risen above any of life’s challenges and become a Victor not a victim. Ben is Utah Valley University’s first-ever NCAA Division 1 Wrestling All-American and has represented the USA team internationally. Ben is an international professional speaker and has told his story to millions around the globe, in front of crowds of up to 10,000 people!Guest Resources:Website: https://www.benkjar.com/Instagram: @benkjarFacebook: Ben KjarX (formerly Twitter): @benkjarLinkedIn: Ben KjarFilm Website: https://standoutfilm.com/ https://blog.franklinplanner.com/born-to-standout-ben-kjars-journey-of-courage-discipline-and-purpose/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Dr. William Danko, bestselling author and wealth-building expert. Dr. Danko shares insights from his landmark books, 'The Millionaire Next Door' and 'Richer Than a Millionaire,' discussing habits of ordinary millionaires, the importance of frugality and saving, and the Golden Rule's role in achieving true prosperity. He also delves into personal stories that shaped his values and career, including caring for his quadriplegic brother and the creation of the Milton and Mary Danko Golden Rule Award. Dr. Danko emphasizes the importance of intentional living, charitable giving, and practical financial planning for achieving both financial success and life satisfaction.01:27 Dr. William Danko's Background and Family Influence07:19 Core Concepts from 'The Millionaire Next Door'17:38 The Golden Rule and Charitable Living23:04 Timeless Principles for Financial Success and Happiness26:17 Final Thoughts and Practical AdviceThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Dr. William D. DankoDr. William D. Danko is a much-sought after adviser on marketing and the behavior of the affluent. He co-authored The Millionaire Next Door, a research-based book about wealth in America that has been ranked as a bestseller by The New York Times for more than three years. Over four million copies have been sold and it continues to be featured in national book chains. More recently, he coauthored Richer Than A Millionaire ~ A Pathway To True Prosperity, a book that shows how to build wealth with a greater purpose in mind. It offers special value to younger people with the ambition to be wealthy and happy, yet lacking sustainable strategies and tools. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Advertising Research, and other leading journals. He has presented his research findings in nearly every State, as well as in Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Taiwan.Guest ResourcesTHE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR RICHER THAN A MILLIONAIREhttps://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-pathway-to-prosperity-with-dr-william-d-danko/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Shawn Moon, chairman and CEO of Zerorez. Shawn shares insights from his extensive background in leadership, having held executive roles at Franklin Covey and worked with Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide. The discussion covers the importance of timeless principles from the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,' highlighting their universality and relevance across different cultures and organizational levels. Shawn emphasizes the significance of weekly planning and daily personal victories as foundational to effective leadership. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which distills wisdom from interviews with 100 CEOs. Personal anecdotes about Stephen R. Covey underscore the enduring power of these principles in both professional and personal life. This episode offers actionable advice for leading oneself and others effectively in today's complex world.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:35 Meet Shawn Moon: A Leader's Journey03:39 The Impact of the Seven Habits06:58 Applying Principles in Business and Life16:03 The Power of Weekly Planning23:21 Daily Private Victory: Sharpening the Saw28:09 The Power of Choice: Habit One28:48 Defining Your Values: Habit Two29:11 Executing Priorities: Habit Three29:43 Foundations of Personal Leadership30:03 Effective vs. Ineffective Leaders31:06 The Importance of Principles32:37 Researching Leadership Insights33:30 Lessons from Top CEOs42:07 Remembering Stephen R. Covey46:47 The Role of Empathy in LeadershipThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Shawn MoonCEO, DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER OF BOTH THE USA AND UK COMPANIESShawn is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since September 2017; previously he served as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Moon has over 35 years of executive experience, having spent over 25 years with the FranklinCovey Company where he served as the Executive Vice President and had responsibility for the company's direct offices and operations globally. He was also a principle with Mellon Financial. Since joining as CEO, Mr. Moon has transformed Zerorez, increasing revenue, profitability, and securing private equity funding with PE firm Banner Ventures. For his accomplishments, he was recently named as a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Moon is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and he and his wife live at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and have 4 children 7 wonderful grandchildren.Guest Resources:WebsiteUK WebsiteInstagramFacebook Pagehttps://blog.franklinplanner.com/cultivating-success-timeless-principles-with-shawn-moon/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding are joined by Mayor Michelle Kaufusi of Provo, Utah. As Provo's first female mayor with a background on the Provo City School Board, Mayor Kaufusi shares her inspiring story of overcoming a challenging childhood, her drive for excellence, and her journey into leadership. She highlights the importance of trust, love, and maternal instincts in governing a city and building effective teams. The discussion delves into her guiding principles, mission statement, and the balance between her professional role and personal life, offering valuable insights for individuals and leaders looking to make a significant impact in their communities.01:04 Mayor Michelle Kaufusi's Background04:01 Challenges and Early Life06:59 Path to Leadership10:12 Values and Vision17:56 Maternal Instincts in Leadership19:16 Leadership and Team Management19:56 The Role of a Mayor: A Lifestyle, Not a Job20:14 Choosing the Right Deputy Mayor21:34 Mission Statement: Exceptional Care for an Exceptional Community23:18 Building Trust Within the Community28:31 Balancing Growth and Community Values29:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring LeadersThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Guest: Mayor Michelle KaufusiMichelle Kaufusi has served as the 45th mayor of Provo, Utah since December 5, 2017, and is the city’s first female mayor. Born and raised in Provo, she earned a B.S. in Geography from Brigham Young University. Prior to being mayor, she served on the Provo School Board and in other civic roles; as mayor her oversight has included major infrastructure projects, an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart growth. Her leadership has seen Provo earn national recognition as a “Best-Performing City” multiple years in a row.Resources:Michelle Kaufusi Provo MayorFacebookInstagramProvo Websitehttps://blog.franklinplanner.com/values-driven-leadership-mayor-michelle-kaufusis-story/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, the host welcomes special guest Ashley Campbell, an author, photographer, and community leader who, along with her family, embarked on a 17-year-long journey culminating in a year-long trip around the world. They discuss Ashley's inspiration behind the trip, the steps and sacrifices made to achieve this dream, and the importance of intentional living. Ashley shares various stories from their travels, emphasizing resilience, flexibility, and the value of immersing in local cultures. She also talks about the impact of the trip on her family's perspectives and the process of writing her book. 01:50 Ashley Campbell's Family Travel Dream04:08 Financial and Character Preparation for the Journey09:11 International Travel Experiences and Lessons13:25 Unexpected Challenges and Family Resilience17:25 Memorable Stories and Connections Made20:25 Immersive Travel Experiences23:27 The Journey to Writing a Book26:38 Processing the Trip Through Writing28:59 Life After the Trip32:11 Advice for Pursuing Big Dreams35:28 Defining a Successful Life36:28 Connecting with the Author37:42 Final Thoughts and ChallengeThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Ashley CampbellAshley Campbell is a photographer, writer, and lifelong adventure seeker. She is the author of the book I’ve Never Been Here Before, a book about her family’s year-long world travels. She is also the founder of SnapShop Online, a photography school that has taught the basics of photography to thousands of children and adults. She has explored 31 countries, most with her favorite travel partners: her husband, Chris, and their five kids. Ashley actively chases opportunities to explore the unknown and learn from the world’s diversity, encouraging others to see beauty in the seemingly mundane. She resides with her family in Oklahoma, three miles from her childhood home.ResourcesWebsite: https://www.ashleyannphotography.com/blog/my-book/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underthesycamore/https://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-journey-of-intention-the-campbell-familys-year-long-world-travel/

Finding Your Voice: The Journey of Jon SchmidtIn this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Jon Schmidt, an accomplished pianist and composer known for his work with The Piano Guys. Jon shares his journey from a musically inclined family to global recognition, emphasizing the importance of passion, hard work, and love in achieving success. He offers profound insights on finding one's mission, the power of discipline, and the impact of music. The episode culminates with Jon reading an influential poem that guided him through anxiety and uncertainty, advocating for a mission-driven life with God as a partner. The co-hosts challenge listeners to craft their personal mission and use music as a tool for inspiration and planning.00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:56 Meet Jon Schmidt: A Musical Journey02:48 Early Influences and Family Support03:55 Finding Joy in Music06:01 The Power of Sharing Your Gift08:15 Talent, Hard Work, and Passion13:01 The Birth of The Piano Guys19:34 Overcoming Struggles and Finding Inspiration21:46 The Role of Miracles and Perspective26:11 A Poem That Changed Everything27:21 Discovering a Life-Changing Book28:07 The Power of Personal Gifts28:58 Finding Your Divine Destiny31:08 The Importance of Persistence32:41 Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith34:11 The Role of Mission and North Star36:57 Collaborating with God on Your Mission43:28 The Power of Music in Life46:49 Final Thoughts and ChallengesThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner TeamAbout Jon SchmidtJon Schmidt is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and founding member of The Piano Guys, known for blending classical and pop music into powerful, cinematic performances. With billions of views and sold-out shows worldwide, his work has inspired audiences of all ages. Now, Jon is returning to his roots with intimate solo acoustic concerts that focus on connection, emotion, and authenticity. He continues to use music as a tool for healing and inspiration.Check out Spotify Playlist:https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YQ4MY2VwOMv43C0GemUY5 || https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jon-schmidt/5118375 ResourcesWebsite: https://thepianoguys.com/pages/jon-schmidt2 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepianoguysjonschmidt/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonSchmidtPiano/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC41Po6yLBco1WoGQZpJ4ySg

In this episode, co-hosts George Wright III and Franklin Planner Board Member John Harding delve into the significance of defining one's mission, vision, and values. They discuss how these elements can help individuals find purpose and direction in their lives, referencing concepts from Stephen Covey and the Productivity Pyramid. The conversation covers practical steps for self-reflection, crafting personal vision and mission statements, identifying core values, and understanding life roles. The episode also highlights the inspiring story of David Anderson, who credits his personal mission with transforming his life. Listeners are encouraged to take time for self-reflection and to write down their mission, vision, and values to live a more meaningful and proactive life.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:32 The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values01:16 Stephen Covey's Influence and Key Concepts03:29 The Productivity Pyramid Explained07:31 Steps to Establishing Your Foundation19:06 Defining Your Core Values21:44 Understanding and Prioritizing Life RolesThank you for joining us on this journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.The Franklin Planner Team

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III and co-host John Harding delve into the immense benefits of goal setting. They reveal that individuals who set goals are 10 times more likely to succeed, emphasizing the crucial role of writing goals down to increase productivity and focus. They explore the science behind goal writing, share practical tips on setting challenging yet achievable goals, and discuss the impact of goal setting on both personal and organizational success. The episode underscores the importance of clarity, accountability, and the Franklin Planner system in turning aspirations into actionable steps, leading to a more organized and productive life.00:32 The Power of Goal Setting02:31 The Science Behind Writing Goals03:55 The Franklin Planner System05:44 The Importance of Specific and Challenging Goals14:26 Accountability and Social Support17:17 Overcoming Obstacles in Goal Setting21:52 Goal Setting for OrganizationsThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team

In the inaugural episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding introduce themselves and set the stage for the series, emphasizing the importance of helping people solve big problems and seize opportunities. They delve into their backgrounds, outlining their expertise and roles. The episode covers the history of the Franklin Planner system, highlighting its impact on over 15 million users for the past 40 years. George and John discuss the foundational principles of productivity from the Franklin Planner system, focusing on the Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey and contributions from Hyrum Smith. They stress the significance of timeless principles, strategic vision, mission, values, and the practical application of these through a weekly and daily Franklin Planner system. The discussion underscores the importance of personal leadership, collaboration, and balance in achieving success. Finally, the hosts invite listeners to actively engage and share their experiences, aiming to create a productive and impactful community.00:26 Meet Your Hosts: George Wright III and John Harding00:45 The Mission of the Podcast02:15 Background of Franklin Planners02:56 The Legacy of Hyrum Smith and Stephen Covey08:41 The Relevance of Timeless Principles Today12:36 Overview of the Seven Habits18:13 Crafting Your Perfect Day18:45 The Private Victory: Habits 1, 2, and 319:34 Think Win-Win: Habit 423:10 Seek First to Understand: Habit 524:40 Synergize: Habit 626:39 Sharpen the Saw: Habit 728:03 The Franklin Planner System36:34 Invitation to Reflect and EngageThank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.The Franklin Planner Team