Briana Morales was ready to give up. Although it was the Christmas season, she felt defeated, hopeless and absent of joy. The high school teacher was sitting at the bedside of a former student who had been shot. Having already lost more than a dozen current and former students to gun violence in the past few years, this was not an unfamiliar scenario for her. As she held vigil at that former student's bedside, she received a phone call that another beloved student, a young girl named Da'Miya, ha...
Feb 24, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 753
Jason Wahler is an addiction and mental health advocate whose personal battle with addiction has shaped his mission to educate, inspire, and support others in recovery. Once living a life of reality TV fame and endless opportunities, he was also struggling with substance abuse, on the brink of losing it all. After years of public struggle, Jason turned his life around and is now committed to helping others break free from addiction and achieve lasting recovery. Today, Jason opens up about his ea...
Feb 20, 2025•51 min•Season 16Ep. 752
Long before Steve Jobs put a device in our hands that lets us mindlessly tap away - giving the illusion of purpose while we wait and a tool to avoid any interaction whatsoever with strangers – I found myself seated alone at a lunch counter awkwardly waiting for my burger, fries and root beer. While watching the cook throw burgers on the grill, I heard behind me the unmistakable and unparalleled voice of Jack Buck belt out: "I didn't know you had such a refined palate." Jack was a Hall of Fame br...
Feb 17, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 751
Sharon Pope is a relationship coach who has helped countless couples find clarity and confidence in their relationships. After navigating her own journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and lasting love, she now guides others to build relationships rooted in trust, communication, and joy. Today, Sharon shares how to rekindle intimacy and fun in long-term relationships, how to bridge the divide when couples feel disconnected, and how taking radical self-responsibility can transform not just r...
Feb 13, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 16Ep. 750
This emphasis on self is one strongly encouraged by the society today. We're challenged to focus singularly on our personal lives and our individual versions of happiness. Paradoxically, it's in letting go of our self-centered desires that we find serenity. It's in faithfully keeping our hearts open to serving others – even sometimes having them broken by those we love – that the meaning, joy and real peace we seek is gradually revealed. Let me explain.
Feb 10, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 749
A once-thriving chef, Jake Haendel's life took a devastating turn when he was diagnosed with a rare and terminal condition. Known as Locked-In Syndrome, Jake was left completely paralyzed—fully aware but unable to move or communicate. Doctors said there was no way out, and yet Jake's story is one of unimaginable adversity, resilience, and hope. Today, Jake shares how he survived 10 months trapped inside his own body, what he learned in that time, and the extraordinary steps that led to his recov...
Feb 06, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 16Ep. 748
What does it take to be victorious when it matters most? That's the question being asked of those gathered in the locker rooms of the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs this week. Most analysts and the experts on TV will suggest the difference makers are things like elite quarterback play, strategic coaching and game management, impenetrable defensive lines, and special teams excellence. And while this weekend's Super Bowl is sure to include much of the above, with one team ultimatel...
Feb 03, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 747
Eric Close is an accomplished actor and director most recognized for his roles on television shows Without a Trace , Nashville and Suits . For decades, Eric has built an impressive career in Hollywood while staying true to his core values: faith, family, and purpose. Today, Eric shares how his faith has guided every step of his career, the intentional choices he and his wife made to keep their family strong, and how he's learned to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Plus, he opens u...
Jan 30, 2025•58 min•Season 16Ep. 746
When you read the headlines about a fire, shooting, conflict or loss, do you keep scrolling like most of us? Or do you actively step up and show compassion in your own personal way? How you respond may not only change your life, but the lives of others. Let me explain.
Jan 27, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 745
Adam Wright is the President and CEO of Pilot, one of North America's largest travel center networks serving more than 1.2 million travelers daily. From an All-American football player to a corporate leader overseeing 30,000 team members, Adam's journey is a roadmap in resilience, intentional leadership, and the transformative power of faith and family. Today, Adam shares how life's challenges can fuel greatness, the pivotal role of faith and discipline in his life, and the importance of showing...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 16Ep. 744
The first trip Beth and I took as a young couple was to San Francisco. As picturesque as the city was, it was what we encountered upon leaving the city that was most remarkable. With the most recent devastating fires engulfing California it is my hope that the lessons I learned decades ago might inspire us with courage to keep moving forward boldly today. Let me explain.
Jan 20, 2025•7 min•Season 16Ep. 743
Jennifer Jefferson is a wife, mother, veteran and Executive Director of FOCUS Marines Foundation, who has dedicated her life to uplifting others, creating community and changing lives. Today, Jennifer shares the transformative work of FOCUS – an organization I've been proud to partner with for more than a decade. Plus, Jennifer shares what it means to "choose each other every day" in marriage, her family's decision to welcome her nieces into their home, and how trauma doesn't have to define us. ...
Jan 16, 2025•55 min•Season 16Ep. 742
Homeless guy. Single mom. Burn survivor. Wealthy person. Immigrant. Regardless the intent, our quick judgements and descriptors for others always fall short of fully describing another human being. Several weeks ago, during an overnight shift at a hospital, I witnessed the downside of labels. And yet, minutes later, I saw the healing power that comes when we more fully embrace the humanity of the person in front of us. Let me explain.
Jan 13, 2025•7 min•Season 16Ep. 741
Dr. Bertice Berry is a sociologist, award-winning author, and celebrated storyteller who has inspired millions through her wisdom, humor, and heart. From growing up in poverty as one of seven children to earning a Ph.D. in sociology, Bertice's story encourages us to live authentically, reflect our best selves, and shine brighter for those around us. Today, Bertice shares how her early struggles shaped her belief in hope and blessings, even in the hardest of times. She reflects on the life lesson...
Jan 09, 2025•53 min•Season 16Ep. 740
Who would do that? This was the question my son asked last weekend. He wanted to know why I was planning to wake up early the following day, drive six hours to Cincinnati, surprise a friend for his birthday, and then turn around to drive home after just 30 minutes since I had to get back for a previously scheduled commitment. To Patrick, it seemed like a nicely written card or a gift mailed in advance would have been a sufficient gesture, but I shared with my son a few reasons why this person ma...
Jan 06, 2025•6 min•Season 16Ep. 739
Damon West went from a Division 1 starting quarterback at Texas A&M to becoming the "Uptown Burglar" and being sentenced to 65 years in prison. Now, a keynote speaker and the bestselling author of The Coffee Bean, Damon is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of personal change. Today, Damon shares the pivotal lessons learned from his darkest days—how he found hope and purpose in a Texas supermax prison and rebuilt his life one choice at a time. You'll also learn about the in...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 16Ep. 738
When you think of someone who has changed the world, who comes to mind? If you're like most people, you probably think of famous explorers, powerful rulers, mighty revolutionaries, and business innovators? That's because we often think that changing the world requires grand gestures and historical relevance. But what if I told you changing the world actually more commonly occurs through small, everyday actions done for the person in front of you? This is the truth at the heart of our On Fire For...
Dec 30, 2024•6 min•Season 15Ep. 737
Stephen Panus is a father, sports marketing executive, and author whose story reminds us that even in loss, we can choose to walk on and create a legacy of love. After losing his son, Jake, Stephen transformed his grief into purpose, choosing to honor Jake's legacy through scholarships and acts of kindness that inspire others to lead with compassion and determination. Today, Stephen shares how he faced unimaginable loss, learned to embrace forgiveness, and opened his heart to unexpected joy. He ...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 15Ep. 736
Several years ago, with Christmas nearing and Beth and I unable to make eye contact with our boys due to the hair covering their eyes, I loaded up the car and took the teenaged boys to get haircuts. Despite their slumped shoulders as they entered and the soft-spoken answers they provided as she worked, the stylist could not have been sweeter to my boys. In thanking her afterwards for how she made them look and how kind she had been to them, she asked me a seemingly simple question: "Are you read...
Dec 23, 2024•5 min•Season 15Ep. 735
Blessing Offor is two-time Grammy nominee and multi-talented artist who proves that resilience and authenticity can create a life—and a legacy—of purpose. From humble beginnings as a young blind man in a small Nigerian village to now shining on global stages, Blessing's story is as vibrant and soulful as his music. With chart-topping hits like "Brighter Days", competing on The Voice, and collaborations with icons like Dolly Parton, Blessing inspires millions through his artistry and story. Today...
Dec 19, 2024•58 min•Season 15Ep. 734
As you journey through the frequently chaotic Christmas season, while navigating hardships globally, divisiveness nationally, challenges professionally, and adversities personally, maybe it's time to heed the advice from Matt Maher's song Alive Again. Let me explain.
Dec 16, 2024•5 min•Season 15Ep. 733
For more than three decades, Caroline Adams Miller has been a globally recognized expert in goal setting, grit, happiness and success. And yet, as a Harvard graduate, black-belt martial artist, and author of eight life-changing bestselling books, Caroline's path —from overcoming bulimia to inspiring millions—embodies resilience and determination. Today, Caroline shares her story of transformation, the science behind effective goal setting, and her groundbreaking BRIDGE methodology for achieving ...
Dec 12, 2024•55 min•Season 15Ep. 732
In celebrating my son Henry's birthday this past weekend, I was reminded of an experience from several years ago that perfectly captures his zest for life and joyful character. In sharing it with you today, I hope it ignites within you a desire to be a bright light of loving hope for others. Let me explain.
Dec 09, 2024•6 min•Season 15Ep. 731
Annabelle Tometich is a med-school-reject-turned-food-critic and author of The Mango Tree. And her story is as layered and sweet as the tropical fruit at the heart of her family's saga. Today, Annabelle takes us on a journey through the cultural contrasts of her upbringing as a mixed-race Filipina, the heartbreak of her father's untimely death, and the strength of her mother's fiery spirit. When her mother's unexpected arrest for defending her beloved mango tree shakes their family to its core, ...
Dec 05, 2024•54 min•Season 15Ep. 730
"My name is James." With that statement, the man in front of me smiled warmly, extended his hand, and shook mine firmly. And from this seemingly ordinary introduction launched a conversation with an amazing man who clearly lives in joy and radiates love. In hearing his story, though, it was impossible not to be moved profoundly by his journey and his desire to do more through his life. Let me explain.
Dec 02, 2024•5 min•Season 15Ep. 727
Born in a small town in Vietnam, Haven Shepherd was just 14 months old when she miraculously survived a bomb explosion that resulted in the loss of both legs below the knee and left her orphaned. Later adopted into a loving family with six athletic siblings, Haven discovered swimming—a sport that brought her freedom, purpose, and a path to Paralympic success. Today, Haven is a celebrated athlete and advocate for adaptive sports. She joins us to share how tragedy shaped her strength and gratitude...
Nov 27, 2024•49 min•Season 15Ep. 728
For an entire year now, you've shared stories with us of individuals in your world who embody what it means to be On Fire For Good. We've received almost 1,000 nominations, nearly all of them someone's parent, sibling, teacher, pastor, colleague or friend. But last month, one came in that caught my eye. It was in fact, celebrating someone the nominator didn't know at all but had admired from afar. It just so happens, however, that I know the person they described personally, and I was overjoyed ...
Nov 25, 2024•6 min•Season 15Ep. 727
Rob Kenney, lovingly known as the "Dad of the Internet," created Dad, How Do I?, a YouTube channel that has grown to more than five million followers seeking practical advice, heartfelt encouragement, and, of course, a steady dose of dad jokes. And yet, behind the laughter is a story of resilience, forgiveness, and showing up when it matters most. At just 14 years old, Rob's father walked out, leaving him and his seven siblings to figure out life on their own. Years later, Rob transformed that p...
Nov 21, 2024•53 min•Season 15Ep. 726
Toxic positivity. It's a term commonly used when someone invalidates negative emotions or expects unrealistic optimism from others. Undoubtedly, we need to hold space for grief, anger, and sadness. And yet, a woman several years ago provided a beautiful, practical and powerful example not of living in toxic positivity, but of choosing gratitude even in the midst of the storm. Let me explain.
Nov 18, 2024•6 min•Season 15Ep. 725
Ben Tracy is an online safety speaker on a 120-day journey across America, known as The Tracy Trek—a 3,107-mile coast-to-coast run to protect kids online. Running a marathon every single day, Ben is connecting with schools, community groups, and lawmakers to shine a light on the dangers of social media and discuss solutions for safeguarding our youth. Today, Ben shares how losing a high-profile job on his first day due to social media posts he made as a teenager sparked his mission. Plus, he sha...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Season 15Ep. 724
