The Jon Gordon Podcast

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Dr. John Gildea—a pioneering researcher on gut health, soil and healing. Our conversation goes deeper than science, tracing Dr. Gildea's unlikely journey from the lab at the University of Virginia to becoming an integral voice in the movement to restore health through soil-based nutrition. Dr. Gildea shares how his partnership with Dr. Zach Bush set him on the path to groundbreaking discoveries in gut health. Together, we discuss the debilitating personal battle I faced with gut issues for over a decade, and how his research and soil-derived formula became the catalyst for my healing—a story echoed by countless others. Throughout the episode, we unpack the science behind gut barriers, explain how environmental toxins like glyphosate disrupt our health, and reveal why reconnecting to nature's intelligence can help the body heal itself from the inside out. Dr. Gildea demystifies the complex processes at play, explaining the pivotal role of NRF2 and the remarkable results he's witnessed firsthand—even in the most challenging cases. Whether you're struggling with chronic gut issues, curious about the root causes of inflammation, or seeking hope for true health, this conversation is a testament to breakthrough science and the power of nature's solutions. Tune in for an inspiring reminder that healing is possible and that there are answers waiting for those who refuse to give up. To get the ION product that healed my gut and changed my life go here: Gut Support Skin Support Pet Support ION Homepage SAVE 35% ON ION PRODUCTS NOW - SPECIAL OFFER Visit any of the special ION product links above and enter JONGORDON35 at checkout to save 35% About Dr. Gildea: Dr. John Gildea Chief Science Advisor | ION* Dr. John Gildea is a Johns Hopkins-trained PhD and cellular biologist with more than 60 peer-reviewed publications across 20+ NIH-funded studies. His research career spans early HIV diagnostics, oncology, and foundational work in kidney physiology, with a particular focus on human-derived cell models to study nutrient absorption, cellular signaling, and the body's mechanisms for maintaining internal balance. As Chief Science Advisor at ION*, Dr. Gildea applies that depth of expertise to questions at the intersection of gut barrier integrity, environmental stress, and cellular response — helping translate rigorous science into meaningful insights for human health. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with John Wayne Walding—Green Beret, Purple Heart recipient, and speaker—for an extraordinary conversation about resilience, purpose, and faith in the aftermath of unimaginable adversity. John shares the unforgettable story of April 6th, 2008: a harrowing firefight in Afghanistan that left him a below-knee amputee, fighting to survive while carrying his own leg down a mountain. With honesty and humility, John recounts not only the intense physical and mental battle in the aftermath, but also the spiritual turning points that transformed his pain into gratitude and a new sense of mission. From turbulent early years and military brotherhood to becoming the first amputee to graduate Green Beret sniper school, John's journey is a testament to what it means to move forward when life changes in a moment. Throughout our conversation, John opens up about the process of wrestling with anger, rebuilding his life, and ultimately finding strength through service and faith. We explore themes of identity, finding meaning in suffering, the power of teamwork, and the difference between "believing in God" and truly depending on Him. John also speaks candidly about honoring the sacrifices of friends, overcoming addiction, and the importance of using one's story to inspire and serve others across the country. John Wayne Walding SFC (R) John Wayne Walding, born on the 4th of July, was raised in Groesbeck, Texas. He spent nearly 12 years in the United States Army, including seven years in the prestigious 3rd Special Forces Group at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. On April 6, 2008, John lost his right leg to sniper fire during the battle of Shok Valley. He continued to fight alongside his brothers for four more hours earning him the Sliver Star and Purple heart. Post-injury John attended Special Forces Sniper School. Upon graduation he became the first amputee to become a Green Beret Sniper. Additionally, he has run marathons, completed death marches, and climbed mountains. In 2017 John founded Gallantry Global Logistics, a service-disabled veteran/minority owned logistics company that specializes in shipments of consequence and whose purpose is to provide the next mission to Veterans after their service to this Nation. John travels the country speaking to veterans' organizations, corporations and the public about leadership, excellence, overcoming adversity using his motto "Lean Forward, Fight Hard". John strongly believes his biggest accomplishment is marrying his beautiful wife, Amy and having their four wonderful children: Emma 21, Sam 20, Andie 15, and Hannah 12. They reside in Gunter Texas. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, Jon Gordon sits down with Micah McElveen, founder of Vapor Ministries, for a remarkable conversation about purpose, transformation, and living a life that echoes in eternity. Micah McElveen's story begins with devastating adversity—an accident as a teenager that left him dead on the beach, miraculously brought back to life, but facing total paralysis and a future filled with uncertainty. As Micah McElveen recounts his journey from ICU to recovering movement, wrestling with his identity, and enduring years of grueling rehab, he shares how those hardships became the ground where faith, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose were forged. From being the popular quarterback to the overlooked kid in the shadows, his perspective shifted to one of compassion and a desire to leverage his second chance to serve others. Through honest reflection, Micah McElveen opens up about the pain and mystery of near-death experiences, the gradual process of rediscovering hope, and how desperate pursuit of God's presence preceded a revelation of purpose. Ultimately, this journey led him to start Vapor Ministries—an organization dedicated to alleviating extreme poverty, empowering communities, and sharing practical hope with thousands across Africa and Haiti. Listeners will hear powerful themes of empathy, resilience, living with urgency, and the eternal significance of investing your "vapor"—this brief life—for something far greater than yourself. Whether you're navigating adversity, seeking clarity on your own purpose, or wondering if brokenness can become a gift, this episode offers hope, inspiration, and a stirring reminder that your hardest moments can become the starting point for extraordinary impact. About Micah: In 1995, Micah learned life was a Vapor when he broke his neck in a near-fatal surfing accident. God also opened his eyes to purpose. Not able to play football, he picked up soccer and went on to play in college, where he earned a degree in Intercultural Studies. There Micah met his bride and a shared passion to serve the poor and reach the lost emerged. In graduate school, he traveled to Africa and was broken by extreme poverty. Awakened by the experience, a vision to alleviate poverty and multiply disciples birthed Vapor Ministries. He is a follower of Jesus, a husband to Audrey, and a father to Arrow and Given. Author of, "Dying For Purpose, " Micah speaks across the country inspiring people to make a difference while providing leadership for Vapor Ministries. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Check out my new revised release of my book, The Power of Positive Leadership here! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Steve Robinson, pastor, leadership practitioner, and author of the upcoming book Soul Leadership. Together, we dive deep into the vital connection between leadership, trauma, and healing, exploring how leaders can move from burnout and brokenness to wholeness and real impact. Steve opens up about his personal journey, sharing honestly about years of compounding trauma—including the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the intense pressures of leading a growing church. These experiences led him to the edge of burnout, and ultimately to a powerful path of healing and discovery. Drawing from research, theology, therapy, neuroscience, and his own life, Steve reveals why caring for a leader's soul is so central to personal and organizational success. Throughout our conversation, several key themes emerge: the difference between simple exhaustion and deeper trauma, the science behind how stress and adversity affect the brain, the critical role faith and community play in emotional healing, and how adversity can become the catalyst for wisdom, empathy, and post-traumatic growth. Steve breaks down practical strategies for building resilience, the process of healing both brain and mind, and why true leadership starts with inner wholeness and connection. If you're a leader navigating challenges or want to support those around you, this episode is packed with encouragement and insight. Steve's story and research are a powerful reminder that your pain can become your purpose—and that transformation is possible when you lean into healing, connection, and the power of your soul. You'll walk away inspired and equipped to face setbacks and emerge even stronger. Pre-Order Soul Leadership here! About Steve, Steve Robinson is a pastor, speaker, and author and the founding pastor of Church of the King—a growing multisite church with campuses spread across the US and internationally. Under his leadership, Church of the King has launched new locations from South Louisiana to Cape Town, South Africa, and built a thriving online community that reaches people around the world with a message of hope and purpose. A graduate of Tulane University with a Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida, Steve is passionate about helping people grow in their faith, discover their God-given potential, and live with clarity and resilience. He serves on the board of Equip, a global leadership organization founded by John Maxwell, and is the author of several books, including Decide to Thrive, Perspective Shift, and Hope Again. With a passion for helping people grow and thrive, Pastor Steve is dedicated to guiding others in their faith and everyday life. He and his wife, Jennifer, live in the New Orleans area and have four children—Isabelle and her husband, Stone, and Conrad, William, and Annaliese. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Check out my new revised release of my book, The Power of Positive Leadership here! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Jeff Little, pastor, coach, and dedicated people-builder, for an uplifting conversation about leading with heart and purpose. Jeff shares his journey from stepping into leadership at age 21 to guiding a thriving community, highlighting the power of authentic care and connection. Together, we explore the "shepherd" approach to leadership, the importance of building real relationships, and how leaders can create cultures where people truly thrive. Jeff also discusses practical lessons from his books, Win with People and The Way to Win, emphasizing the difference between leaders who serve others and those who simply manage for their own gain. Whether you're leading a team, a family, or looking to grow personally, this episode will encourage you to embrace your role as a shepherd, reminding you that great leadership is about investing in others, building meaningful connections, and leaving a legacy through the people you empower. About Jeff, Jeff Little is the founding and lead pastor of Milestone Church, with campuses across the Dallas/Fort Worth region. He has been in ministry for over 30 years. He is the founder of Lead to Win which exists to help pastors and leaders build healthy cultures and winning environments through gatherings, coaching, and resources. Jeff earned a Bachelor's in Religion from Baylor University, a Master's in Missiology from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a doctorate from Southeastern University. He and his wife, Brandy, live in Keller, TX, have four children, and enjoy being "Papa" and "Honey" to their grandchildren. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode, I share my reflections on legacy and how true impact is found in helping others accomplish their dreams. You'll hear my thoughts on shifting the focus from personal achievements to empowering those around you, and the powerful ripple effect that comes from investing in others' growth and purpose. Tune in for inspiration to lead with others in mind and to make a difference through your leadership. If this message encourages you, share it and help support someone else's journey toward greater impact! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

On this episode of The Jon Gordon Podcast, I sit down with Matthew Tedesco, SVP at Miller Knoll and author of The Business Buffet, the very first official release from Gordon Publishing! We dig into the real-world leadership and communication skills that business schools leave out. If you're looking for simple, practical takeaways to elevate your leadership and strengthen your team, this episode is for you. About Matthew, Matthew Tedesco is the author of The Business Buffet: 15 Career Skills They Never Teach—But Everyone Expects You to Know, which distills two decades of global leadership into practical lessons on communication, connection, and culture. He is a senior global business leader, where he has led teams across Asia, North America, and Europe, launched new divisions, and guided organizations through periods of transformation and change. His approach to leadership was shaped not just in the boardroom, but also while studying improv at Second City in New York, where he learned that authentic connection comes from listening and responding—not delivering a script. He also serves as board chair for Global Nomads Group, a nonprofit that expands education and opportunity for youth worldwide. Outside of work, Matthew is a musician (under the name NJMJ), photographer, and lifelong storyteller. He grew up on Long Island in a blue-collar family where hard work and education weren't just values—they were survival. Today, he lives with his wife, teenage son, and their Labradoodle, who has never once respected a conference call when the mailman shows up. Here's a few additional resources for you… Do you feel called to share your story with the world? Check out Gordon Publishing Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Ready to lead with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose? The Certified Positive Leader Program is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader from the inside out. It's a self-paced experience built around my most impactful leadership principles with tools you can apply right away to improve your mindset, relationships, and results. You'll discover what it really means to lead with positivity… and how to do it every day. Learn more here! Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!

In this episode of Positive Mindset Monday, I dive into the growth process that shapes both trees and people, reminding you that adversity and challenges are opportunities for real development. I share how embracing difficult times can build your strength, spirit, and faith, helping you become who you're truly meant to be. As I reflect on my own journey, I encourage you to trust that every challenge is molding your character. If this message lifts you up, share the episode and inspire others to grow through life's ups and downs! Here's a few additional resources for you… Follow me on Instagram: @JonGordon11 Order my new book 'The 7 Commitments of a Great Team' today! Every week, I send out a free Positive Tip newsletter via email. It's advice for your life, work and team. You can sign up now here and catch up on past newsletters. Join me for my Day of Development! You'll learn proven strategies to develop confidence, improve your leadership and build a connected and committed team. You'll leave with an action plan to supercharge your growth and results. It's time to Create your Positive Advantage. Get details and sign up here. Do you feel called to do more? Would you like to impact more people as a leader, writer, speaker, coach and trainer? Get Jon Gordon Certified if you want to be mentored by me and my team to teach my proven frameworks principles, and programs for businesses, sports, education, healthcare!