73:The Real Secret to Taking Action and Living with Purpose

💥 What if the only thing standing between you and the life you want… is one brave decision?

In this powerful follow-up conversation, John Merkus welcomes back the extraordinary Steve Mann — a man whose life reads like a masterclass in living with purpose. If Part 1 stirred your heart, Part 2 will ignite your soul.

Steve opens up with wisdom forged through experience — from raising adopted children across cultural lines, to rappelling off cliffs, to teaching grandkids how to be peacemakers in a divided world. This episode is about how we grow, how we stretch, and how we rise.

Through raw stories and real talk, Steve shares how we can:

✨ Break free from the fear that keeps us stuck
✨ Embrace action — even when we don’t feel “ready”
✨ Connect across differences with grace and courage
✨ Pass on values through storytelling, not preaching
✨ Live a legacy, not just leave one

Host John Merkus brings warmth, depth, and just the right amount of challenge — helping listeners reflect on the quiet bravery it takes to become the person you were meant to be. If you’ve ever felt unqualified, uncertain, or unready, this episode is your reminder that your story matters and your next step is everything.

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🎧 Episode Highlights:

✔️ The truth about criticism and how to handle it with grace
✔️ Why most people stop dreaming — and how to start again
✔️ “Ready, fire, aim”: the real formula for momentum
✔️ How your brain tries to protect you… and how to override it
✔️ Rappelling off cliffs and learning to trust the rope
✔️ The little actions that ripple out and change lives

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👤 Guest: Steve Mann
A humanitarian, father, grandfather, and global changemaker, Steve Mann has co-founded three businesses and three humanitarian organisations, worked in 50+ countries, and recently authored Stories That Shape Us: A Guide to Passing on Wisdom. His heart-centred leadership and authentic storytelling continue to leave a lasting impact.  Connect with Steve here.

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🌟 Hosted by John Merkus
Known as The Positive Change Guy, John Merkus is a keynote speaker, mindset mentor, and the voice behind Rise and Thrive. His energising interviews help people tap into their greatness with practical wisdom and emotional depth. John creates space for his guests to be real, bold, and unforgettable.

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🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired
Whether you’re out walking, commuting, or recharging — this episode is a gift to your future self. Hit play and rise into your greatness today.

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💬 Loved it? Here's What You Can Do Next:
✅ Share this episode with someone ready to take their next step
⭐ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify
📲 Follow John Merkus for more uplifting content
💌 Join the mailing list for exclusive inspiration and tools to help you grow

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🌐 Links You’ll Love:
Podcast homepage: www.johnmerkus.com
Merko Motivation Playlist: Spotify
YouTube: @riseandthrivejohn
Instagram: @jmerkus
Facebook Group: Join here
Twitter: @johnmerkus

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✨ Let’s Keep Thriving Together
Your greatness is already within you. Now’s the time to take action.
Hit play. Share the love. Live your purpose.

⚖️ Legal

By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge all content is owned or licensed by John Merkus, protected under copyright. Personal, non-commercial use only unless granted permission via john@johnmerkus.com. This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute professional advice.