Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

50:Mastering Greatness with Asia’s #1 Business Coach

🎙️ Episode Title: Mastering Greatness with Asia’s #1 Business Coach
Welcome to another empowering episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Host John Merkus is joined by none other than Daniel Tolson, Asia’s #1 Business Coach. From humble beginnings as a young newspaper seller to managing a team of 17,500 at Emirates Airlines, Daniel’s journey is an inspiring story of resilience, ambition, and the transformational power of emotional intelligence.
Daniel shares his insights into mastering leadership, leveraging emotional intelligence, and unlocking greatness. With over 25 years of experience, he has coached more than 25,000 leaders, helping them amplify their influence, accelerate their impact, and achieve new heights of success. Alongside his wisdom, Daniel brings a down-to-earth charm—sharing personal stories, life philosophies, and even the tricks he used to overcome the challenges of communicating with an Australian accent in Asia.
https://danieltolson.com/mind-report/ click for 90 seconds to become a better leader.
 
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Daniel’s Unique Approach to Leadership: Discover the foundational mindset and actions necessary to live life on your terms, from setting clear goals to mastering self-awareness.
The Power of Emotional Intelligence: Why effective communication and emotional intelligence are vital for great leadership—and how to develop them.
A New Perspective on Stress and Personal Growth: Learn how scientific assessments and AI tools can provide life-changing insights into your subconscious behaviors, health, and even family dynamics.
Daniel’s Mission and Vision: With a goal to help 100,000 people improve their health and leadership skills, Daniel is passionate about creating impactful change on a personal and global level.
Plus, get an inside look at the 90-second voice analysis that reveals hidden stress patterns, unresolved emotional triggers, and much more. John and Daniel even analyze John’s results live on the show!
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply looking to become the best version of yourself, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real-life examples to inspire your journey to greatness.
✨ Tune in, get inspired, and rise to your greatness!
🔗 Follow us on social media and share your favourite moments. We’d love to hear how you're implementing these tools in your life!
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.

49:Unlocking Resilience: Top Lessons & Life-Changing Tools from Season 2

🌟 Welcome to the Season 2 Finale of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness!In this special wrap-up episode, host John Merkus shares the most powerful lessons from our "Resilience Revolution" season! Packed with insights and tools to uplift your journey, this episode will empower you to rise above challenges and thrive with a resilient mindset.
💡 Highlights from this Episode:
🔑 3 Key Secrets of Resilient People➔ Discover practical principles of resilience, from focusing on what you can control to aligning actions with personal growth.
⛵️ The Sailboat Metaphor for Life & Resilience➔ Learn how to view life’s journey through the powerful metaphor of navigating a sailboat, helping you ride through storms and find steady seas.
🛠️ Practical Resilience Tools➔ John dives into gratitude practices, grounding techniques, and goal-setting tips to enhance your daily mindset and build lasting resilience.
💪 Overcoming Negative Bias & Embracing Positivity➔ Shift your mindset! Get practical tips to replace negativity with gratitude, awareness, and positive thoughts that fuel growth.
🧘‍♂️ New Guided Meditations for Peace & Motivation➔ A sneak peek into John’s new meditation app designed to help you sleep better, de-stress, and stay motivated. Join the waiting list for early-bird pricing and be among the first to experience it!
✨ Why You Should ListenWhether you're a longtime listener or just joining us, this episode is filled with actionable steps to fuel your personal greatness! And don’t miss the reveal of what’s to come in Season 3, starting next week with another inspiring guest.
📲 Tune in now to “Unlocking Resilience” and rise with us on this journey!
Every story and every laugh brings us closer to mastering the challenges that come our way. Hit play, stay resilient, and remember—you’re not alone. We're all rising and thriving together!
⭐ Subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoyed today's episode. It helps others find us and keeps our resilient community growing.
📌 Stay tuned for more insightful conversations next week—and until then, keep thriving, because resilience looks great on you!
🔗 Follow us on social media and share your favourite moments. We’d love to hear how you're implementing these tools in your life!
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.

48:Harnessing Resilience: Powerful Tools for Life's Challenges

🎉 Welcome back to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! This season, often known as Resilience Radio or the Resilience Revolution, is all about equipping you with tools and insights to face life's challenges head-on.
🗣️ John Merkus, aka "Australia's Tony Robbins," and Matt Cordner, resilience expert and master educator, bring you an episode packed with real-life examples, laughter, and powerful techniques to harness your resilience.
🚀 What to Expect in This Episode:
💪 Commitment & Coping: We explore the art of maintaining commitment and dealing with unexpected challenges. Learn how to regulate emotions like anger—yes, even when your long-awaited air fryer breaks on the first use!
📊 The Disappointment Equation: John shares his powerful reminder: Expectation without agreement equals disappointment. Discover how surrendering isn’t defeat—it’s about joining the winning side of what works best for you.
🧘‍♂️ Effective Coping Strategies: Matt dives into balancing taking control versus knowing when to let go. We also discuss the Serenity Prayer, reminding us to focus on what we can control and let go of what we can’t.
🧠 Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) & Coping Mantras: Gain insights into grounding yourself with the "coping mantra": choosing one thought over another to better deal with intense emotions.
🌀 Special Segments:
🌱 Mindful Minute: Matt leads us in a meditation focusing on the soles of our feet. This grounding practice is a simple yet powerful way to reduce stress and anger, keeping you present and in control. Perfect for those moments when emotions start to boil over.
🛠️ Toolbox Time: We provide affirmations to reframe challenges, like:
✨ This too shall pass
🚪 The only way out is through
These affirmations are great tools to keep in your mental toolkit when life gets tough. They’re small reminders that no matter what happens, it always works out.
😄 Whether you’re struggling to find calm in a hectic week or looking to laugh along with the antics of John and Matt as they navigate life’s hurdles (including overheated phones and turkey-free family dinners), this episode will leave you with a smile and practical tools to thrive.
💫 Join Us on This Journey of Resilience!
Every story and every laugh brings us closer to mastering the challenges that come our way. Hit play, stay resilient, and remember—you’re not alone. We're all rising and thriving together!
⭐ Subscribe and leave a five-star review if you enjoyed today's episode. It helps others find us and keeps our resilient community growing.
📌 Stay tuned for more insightful conversations next week—and until then, keep thriving, because resilience looks great on you!
🔗 Follow us on social media and share your favourite moments. We’d love to hear how you're implementing these tools in your life!
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.

47:Navigating Life’s Challenges with Optimism, Strength, and a Smile!

✨ Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness!In this inspiring episode, join hosts John Merkus and Matt Cordner as they dive into the art of resilience. Learn practical tools for not just surviving but thriving—navigating life’s storms with optimism, gratitude, and a smile. This isn’t just about getting through; it’s about embracing each challenge as an opportunity to grow!
🗝️ Episode Highlights:
Kickstart the Week 🚀– John and Matt kick off with real-life stories and laughs, showing what resilience looks like in everyday life, from gym challenges to finding joy in the little wins.
Resilience Reboot 🔄– Discover three transformative mindsets:
Challenge Appraisal 🧭: Reframe difficulties to unlock hidden growth.
Benefit Finding 🌈: Unearth the silver linings in every situation.
Optimism Boost 🌞: See how positivity fuels resilience and drives personal and professional success.
Toolbox Time 🧰– A practical exercise for you! Next time, instead of saying “How are you?” try “What’s the best part of your day?” This subtle shift sparks positivity and deeper connection.
Mindful Minute 🧘‍♂️– Join Matt in a guided visualization exercise where you picture your future self, having achieved all your dreams. This powerful practice brings a sense of peace, contentment, and renewed drive to make it real!
💡 Key Takeaway“Resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges—it’s about facing them with optimism and a smile.” Surround yourself with optimistic people, embrace positivity in each interaction, and watch your strength grow.
🔊 Listen Now for an Uplifting Experience!Packed with humour, heart, and practical wisdom, this episode is your go-to guide for building resilience and creating a brighter outlook, one step at a time.
🎧 Tune in, Be Inspired, and Keep Thriving!
Follow me, supporter of your greatness, on a journey to unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way.
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.
 

46:Unlocking Resilience and Positive Focus for Life’s Challenges

🎙️ Unlocking Resilience and Positive Focus for Life’s Challenges
Welcome to Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! In this uplifting episode, John Merkus teams up with resilience expert Matt Cordner to explore how we can rise above life’s challenges. Together, they share stories, humour, and simple tools to help you shift from a negative mindset to a more positive, empowered outlook.
💪 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
🔄 How to spot negativity bias and turn it around
🧠 Powerful strategies to move from frustration to empowerment
⚓ The secret to using "neutral anchoring" techniques for positivity
💡 Daily habits to boost gratitude and build resilience
🌟 Why true resilience is about facing challenges, not avoiding them
🎧 Ready to thrive? Hit play now and get ready to unlock the resilience within you!
🛠️ Episode Highlights:
Kickstart the Week✨ John and Matt kick off with personal stories of overcoming frustration. Learn how they use simple mindset shifts to turn their challenges into positive momentum.
Resilience Reboot🧘 Discover how negativity bias affects us all and how to train your mind to stay resilient in tough times. You’ll leave with practical tools to use in your daily life.
Toolbox Time🛠️ Learn how to improve communication by focusing on “I” statements and offering solutions, making your interactions more positive and productive.
Mindful Minute🧘‍♀️ A quick, calming mindfulness exercise focused on touch. It’s simple, powerful, and something you can do anytime to reset and find peace.
Motivational Quote of the Week💬 "She stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her away, she adjusted her sails." – Elizabeth EdwardsBe inspired by these powerful words and learn how to adjust your approach to life’s challenges.
Dad Jokes😂 John wraps up with some rapid-fire dad jokes to leave you smiling and laughing.
📢 Don’t miss this episode! Whether you’re looking to overcome daily frustrations or bigger life challenges, this episode is packed with insights that will help you thrive.
 
(Don’t forget to share your thoughts after listening!)
 
To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5 star review and comment of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast to john@johnmerkus.com
If you are looking for a diverse + nourishing community of like-minded souls I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group click here.
 
Follow me, supporter of your greatness, on a journey to unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way.
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.
 

45:One Year of Greatness: Reconnecting with the Heart of Our Journey

🎉 One Year of Greatness: Reconnecting with the Heart of Our Journey 🎉
It’s hard to believe, but today marks one whole year since Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness began! To celebrate this milestone, we’re revisiting the very first episode that launched this incredible journey. Whether you’ve been with me from the start or are just tuning in now, I’m excited to have you here.
This episode holds a special place in my heart, as it reflects the beginning of a long-held dream. From my days in radio school, dreaming of becoming an FM disc jockey and hosting my own show, to the evolution of those dreams into something even more meaningful — this podcast. 💫
In this solo episode, we explore:
💡 The key catalyst for raising awareness in your life.💡 A powerful phrase that can uplift you, no matter your situation.💡 Insights into where feelings come from and how to harness them for inspiration.💡 How to reconnect with your inner greatness and embrace the energy of possibility.
Why this episode matters:
This first episode serves as a heartfelt reminder to pause and reflect, especially in the fast-paced world we live in. It’s all about sparking your inner fire, lifting your spirit, and reminding you of the greatness within you. 🔥
As we celebrate one year of Rise and Thrive, let’s take a moment to reconnect with the essence of our journey. ✨
Thank you ❤️
To each and every one of you, thank you for your support and encouragement over this past year. Your presence has made this journey all the more rewarding.
Listen now and let’s keep rising together! 🎙️(Don’t forget to share your thoughts after listening!)
 
To receive a free gift, email a screenshot of your 5 star review and comment of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast to john@johnmerkus.com
If you are looking for a diverse + nourishing community of like-minded souls I’d love to invite you to join our Facebook group click here.
 
Follow me, supporter of your greatness, on a journey to unlock your ultimate potential and share some laughter along the way.
https://www.Instagram.com/jmerkus
https://www.facebook.com/groups/288565440476587/
https://twitter.com/johnmerkus
Other bits:
https://www.johnmerkus.com
 
Merko Motivation Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1zOOEieBv2g1cZxIe7uFRV?si=7618a9b7596341cd
 
Intro + Outro Music: "Winning Elevation" by Hot Music
 
Legal Stuff
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 the prior written permission of the John Merkus, which may be requested by contacting john@johnmerkus.com.
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.
 

44: Turning Chaos into Clarity: Mastering Resilience in a VUCA World

In this inspiring and uplifting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, co-hosts John Merkus and resilience expert Matt Cordner dive deep into how to thrive in today’s VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) world. 🌍
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of modern life, this episode is your guide to turning uncertainty into opportunity and stress into strength. 💪
John and Matt share powerful insights and practical tools to help you reframe challenges, approach life with an optimistic mindset, and manage stress using the Adaptive Coping Strategy Wheel. 🔄
✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💡 How to reframe resilience as a strength to overcome life’s toughest moments.
🔄 A fresh, optimistic take on the traditional VUCA model, transforming it into a guide for vision, understanding, clarity, and agility.
🧘 Personal mantras to stay calm, grounded, and positive even in challenging times.
⏳ Why “time is your friend” and how patience can play a key role in your resilience journey.
🤝 Practical tips for dealing with client silence and other stress-inducing situations in work and life.
📅 Episode Segments:
Kickstart Your Week 🚀: John emphasizes why “time is your friend” and how embracing patience can alleviate pressure in today’s fast-paced world.
Toolbox Time 🧰: Discover the Adaptive Coping Strategy Wheel, with six actionable techniques to manage stress and anxiety. From cognitive restructuring to priority setting, this is your go-to guide for overcoming daily challenges.
Mindful Minute 🧘: John and Matt share their personal coping mantras, including John’s powerful affirmation:“All is well. Everything is working out for my highest good. Out of this situation, only good will come. I am safe.”
Motivational Quote 💬:“It’s your reaction to adversity, not adversity itself, that determines how your life story will develop.”
✨ Key Takeaway:Whether you’re facing unpredictability in work, relationships, or personal growth, this episode will equip you with the mindset and tools to not just survive but thrive. 🌟
John and Matt’s positive energy and expert advice will leave you feeling uplifted, empowered, and ready to take on whatever life throws your way! 💥
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs a little resilience boost today! Want to go deeper into building your own resilience superpower? Join our Resilience Revolution community and get access to exclusive resources, live Q&A sessions, and more.
Stay Connected:
📧 Join the Mailing List: Email John at john@johnmerkus.com to join the mailing list for exclusive updates and discounts.
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.

43: Resilience in 9 Minutes: AI reviews Ep1 Season 2

John uses NotebookLM to review the 1st episode of season 2 (Resilience Radio) This  AI tool did an outstanding job. 
Key Takeaways:
Resilience is Learnable: Contrary to the myth that resilience is something you either have or you don’t, John and Matt explain that resilience is a skill that can be developed with practice.
Focus Matters: Resilient people are deliberate about what they focus on, choosing to direct their energy toward positive and constructive thoughts instead of spiraling into negativity.
Limit Negative News Exposure: Being mindful of how much negativity you consume is crucial. Overexposure can erode your mental well-being.
Optimism is Key: A positive outlook empowers individuals to tackle challenges head-on. It's not about ignoring difficulties, but believing that solutions exist.
Gratitude is a Superpower: Practicing gratitude can regulate your nervous system and combat anxiety, enhancing your emotional resilience.
Ask Yourself: Is This Helping or Harming?: Use this simple question to filter your thoughts and actions, ensuring that you prioritize growth and well-being.
Memorable Quotes:
“Resilience is not about bouncing back. It's about rising strong, adapting, and growing through every challenge. Embrace your inner strength and let every setback be a setup for an incredible comeback.”
“All will be well in the end, and if all is not well, it’s simply not the end yet.”
“The more gratitude you have in your life, the more of life there is to be grateful for.” – Oprah Winfrey
Segments Breakdown:
Kickstart the Week: Personal stories of resilience, setting the tone for the episode.
Resilience Reboot: Revealing three secrets of resilient people—Optimism, Focus, and Perspective.
Toolbox Time: Practical tips for building resilience, such as gratitude practices and focus exercises.
Mindful Minute: A short, guided exercise to center and calm the mind.
Motivational Quote: An inspiring thought to carry you through the week.
The Joke: Ending on a light-hearted note to uplift the mood.
Recommended Resource:
Check out the Center for Optimism for articles, videos, and groups dedicated to cultivating optimism in daily life.
Call to Action:
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share it with someone who needs a little resilience boost today! Want to go deeper into building your own resilience superpower? Join our Resilience Revolution community and get access to exclusive resources, live Q&A sessions, and more.
Stay Connected:
📧 Join the Mailing List: Email John at john@johnmerkus.com to join the mailing list for exclusive updates and discounts.
🌟 Leave a 5-star rating and review of the Rise & Thrive: Conversations for Greatness Podcast. Email a screenshot to john@johnmerkus.com to receive a free gift.
👥 Join our thriving community on Facebook: Facebook Group
📷 Stay connected:  Instagram
🌐 For more resources and information, visit: John Merkus
 
📚 Legal Stuff: This podcast is for educational purposes only. Any liability, loss, or damage resulting from the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein is disclaimed. All content is protected under U.S. and international copyright and trademark laws. For permissions or inquiries, contact john@johnmerkus.com.