The John Grdina Classroom

John Grdina

This podcast is for individuals who want to be transformed in their lives by listening to specific guests in the fields of FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, AND FREEDOM. As a teacher, life coach, husband, father, author, and Founder of 40 Days of Deliverance, my intention with each podcast is to help you grow in these specific areas. Lastly, my HOPE is that you will begin to learn specific HABITS to introduce to your lifestyle so that you can live a purposeful life that you feel fulfilled. I love you, and May the Lord Bless You and Keep you all the days of your life.

  1. 3d ago

    Legacy : One Degree Matters - Ep. 225

    In this episode of The John Grdina Classroom, a self-improvement podcast for men pursuing faith and personal transformation, John opens up about reading Leave A Legacy by the founder of Hobby Lobby, and how it exposed a hard truth: his vision for the future was too small. This life faith podcast episode dives into what it means to let God be the orchestrator of your future, and why true obedience expands your vision instead of shrinking it. John shares his own mission, yoked to God, to create content through books, podcasts, curriculum, and speaking that connects people back to the source of God's love and grace. Using a mind blowing math illustration (walking one degree toward the sky at a nonstop pace would put you past the internationally recognized edge of space in fifty days, while one degree off course in the wrong direction, unchecked, adds up to over eighteen thousand miles from where God intended you to be over a lifetime), John makes the case that small, consistent shifts toward God's plan compound into a legacy of good for your family and community. Includes a practical action step to help you write down and take your own one degree shift this week. A must-listen for anyone in Catholic men's ministry or Christian parenting circles looking for practical, faith-driven personal transformation. Episode closes in prayer over Proverbs 3:5-6 Connect with me: Email: grdinajohn@gmail.com Website: johngrdina.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.grdina.1 #SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast #FaithAndFamilyPodcast #ChristianParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #CatholicMen #MenOfFaith #4FFramework #JohnGrdina #FreedomToAscend #ChristianMenPodcast #FaithFamilyFitnessFinance #MilesFidelis

  2. Aug 10

    Viloent Distrubance with Paul Hlabse - Ep. 224

    Summary- In this powerful faith and personal transformation interview, debut novelist Paul Hlabse shares the journey behind his book Violent Disturbance, exploring revenge versus forgiveness, generational trauma, and how faith carries you through depression, job loss, and rock bottom. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, showing how personal struggle can be transformed into purpose, creativity, and hope for others walking the same road. Key Topics-The inspiration behind Violent Disturbance and why Paul returned to finish it after his daughter was born -Revenge versus forgiveness: why forgiveness is the harder, healthier path -Faith tested by suffering, loss, and generational damage -The writing process, daily discipline, and building a habit that sticks-Character development, family dynamics, and modern-day Greek tragedy storytelling -How personal struggles with depression and instability fueled a creative breakthrough Sound Bites"The best revenge is forgiveness, and that's the hardest thing to give." "God will continue to put on your shoulders what you can carry." "Just start, even if it's five minutes a day." Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:26 The Inspiration to Write and Personal Journey 07:43 Overview of 'Violent Disturbance' and Core Themes 11:21 The Power of Literature to Inspire and Heal 15:24 Themes of Faith, Family, and Forgiveness 20:09 The Role of Anger and Revenge in the Story 24:13 Character Development and Family Dynamics 30:54 Emotional Scenes and Writing Challenges 35:17 Influences and Style of Writing 37:51 Writing Discipline and Daily Routine 42:17 Encouragement to Start and Persist 49:38 The Book Launch and Future Plans 55:29 Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts Resources Dominic Domasky, Publisher — https://www.motivationchamps.com/Violent Disturbance on Purchase the book here on Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/Violent-Disturbance-Paul-Hlabse/dp/1956353909

    Viloent Distrubance with Paul Hlabse - Ep. 224
  3. Aug 4

    Building a Lasting Legacy - Ep. 223

    In this episode, John Grdina reflects on the profound lessons learned from his father through a shared DIY project, emphasizing that legacy is built through daily actions rooted in love, character, and service. Discover how intentional living shapes future generations and what simple, meaningful steps you can take today to leave a lasting impact.Key TopicsThe significance of real, hands-on work with family as a foundation of legacyHow demonstrating excellence in everyday tasks models character and work ethicThe spiritual and practical importance of building a "home" of love and protectionThe role of small, consistent actions in shaping long-term character and faithFour actionable steps to inspire and serve your family this weekThe importance of intentional mentorship and expressing love verballyHow to foster a legacy that prioritizes faith, family, and selflessness over comfortThe example of Psalm 112 and its call for integrity, character, and generational blessingWhy progress toward becoming a better man is more vital than perfectionTimestamps00:00 - Welcome and episode overview: Building a family legacy through everyday actions 00:09 - The value of working side by side with your father 00:39 - A father's relentless work ethic at age 70 01:09 - Lessons learned in labor and love 01:39 - The life lesson: Striving for excellence, not perfection 02:03 - Psalm 112 and the importance of character and legacy 02:31 - Character, work ethic, and daily demonstration of faith 03:00 - Modeling legacy for children through action and humility 03:30 - Every man is being watched: building in unseen moments 03:39 - Building love and security into a child's space 04:03 - The physical and spiritual act of building a safe haven 04:32 - The pillars every man needs: love, learning skills, humility 05:01 - Moving beyond coasting to intentional leadership 05:30 - The goal: raising sons and daughters who excel beyond the previous generation 05:58 - The true inheritance: faith, character, and selfless love 06:28 - Practical action step 1: Serve quietly and excellently without seeking recognition 06:57 - Show appreciation: thank your father or mentor for a lesson 07:27 - Teaching skills: passing wisdom through hands and heart 07:56 - Verbal affirmations: expressing love and pride to your family 08:25 - Prayer for strength, humility, and leadership in life and faith 08:58 - Final encouragement: Be a man of action, faith, and loveRemember, legacy is not in grand speeches but in daily, intentional acts rooted in love and character. Take one step today to build and pass on your values.#SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast #FaithAndFamilyPodcast #ChristianParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #CatholicMen #MenOfFaith #4FFramework #JohnGrdina #FreedomToAscend #ChristianMenPodcast #FaithFamilyFitnessFinance #MilesFidelisPlatform Linksjohngrdina.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.grdina.1 Email: grdinajohn@gmail.com Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-grdina-classroom/id1596314353 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3p YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJohnGrdinaClassroom

  4. Jul 20

    Built in Vain - Ep. 221

    Have you ever woken up and wondered why? This episode explores the deeper question of why we're here and challenges the idea that work, wealth, and status alone can deliver a meaningful life. We reflect on how modern culture keeps people busy and striving, often without pausing to consider whether they're building the life they were truly made for. Drawing on Psalm 127, we distinguish between labor driven by worldly validation and work rooted in faith and purpose. The central message: ambition and responsibility aren't the problem, but they need to be directed toward serving God rather than constructing our own significance. Key Moments: 0:00 Opening and the central question. Why did you wake up today?1:12 The pace of modern life and how busyness keeps people from their purpose1:43 The pressure of status, wealth, and work2:27 How the pattern begins early: school schedules, debt, and adult responsibility3:32 Work is not the enemy, but it becomes empty when disconnected from purpose4:03 Questioning the promise of happiness5:05 Accumulation versus communion5:39 The fading version of the dream7:21 Psalm 127 and labor in vain8:30 Earthly status versus heavenly status9:30 Reframing action and ambition11:11 Practical reflection for the week12:23 Closing encouragement 🔗 Links:Website: johngrdina.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.grdina.1Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-grdina-classroom/id1596314353Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3p #SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast #FaithAndFamilyPodcast #ChristianParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #CatholicMen #MenOfFaith #4FFramework #JohnGrdina #FreedomToAscend #ChristianMenPodcast #FaithFamilyFitnessFinance #MilesFidelis

  5. Jul 13

    Prayer Changes Everything - Ep. 220

    In this episode of The John Grdina Classroom, a life faith podcast built on faith, family, fitness, and freedom, John shares a personal self-improvement practice that transformed his mornings: praying before checking email, social media, or the news — the same discipline Jesus modeled when He rose "a great while before day" to pray (Mark 1:35). This simple shift in his personal transformation journey has lowered his anxiety and deepened his trust that God works all things together for good. John opens up about journaling with God, finding clarity in his identity, and learning to surrender to God's will rather than chasing selfish desires — echoing Jesus's words in the Our Father, "thy will be done." He then shares a powerful story from a recent 50K ultramarathon with his brother, where he stopped to pray for a struggling runner on the trail, and later prayed through his own physical cramping mid-race. This episode is a raw look at what it means to actually communicate with God instead of trying to control everything ourselves. If you're searching for a faith and family podcast, a Christian parenting podcast, or a fatherhood podcast rooted in real-life application, this episode will challenge you to make God your first call in the storm, not your last resort. 00:00 – Welcome back to The John Grdina Classroom00:45 – Why I stopped checking my phone first thing in the morning01:30 – Mark 1:35 — Jesus rising early to pray02:30 – Trusting that all things work together for good03:45 – Journaling with God and finding clarity in who I am05:00 – "Thy will be done" — what true freedom actually means06:30 – The 50K story: praying for a stranger on the trail08:15 – Praying through the pain at mile eighteen09:30 – Who do you reach for when the boat starts rocking?10:15 – Closing prayer and challenge #SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast #FaithAndFamilyPodcast #ChristianParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #CatholicMen #MenOfFaith

  6. Jul 6

    An Appeal to Heaven - Ep. 219

    America just celebrated 250 years of freedom. In this episode, we go back to the pine trees of Valley Forge, where George Washington knelt in prayer and appealed to heaven for a cause that looked lost — and we trace how that same spirit became a flag, a verse I've prayed for five years, and a challenge for every one of us today. This is a life-faith podcast episode for anyone who wants their personal transformation rooted in something bigger than themselves — faith, family, and country. 00:00 – Welcome + episode hook00:45 – 250 years of American freedom & why history gives us roots (John Carroll University)02:30 – Washington's prayer at Valley Forge05:30 – The Appeal to Heaven flag and its origin07:45 – 2 Chronicles 7:14 and Mark Batterson's Full Circle09:00 – Praying at 7:14 a.m. daily + the WhatsApp prayer group10:15 – Honoring the men and women who defend our freedom11:45 – How churches, prayer, and outreach have blessed this nation13:15 – The challenge: pray, serve, and JFK's charge to every American14:15 – Closing blessing 🔗 Listen everywhere: johngrdina.com🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-grdina-classroom/id1596314353🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3p📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.grdina.1 #SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast #FaithAndFamilyPodcast #ChristianParentingPodcast #FatherhoodPodcast #CatholicMen #MenOfFaith #4FFramework #JohnGrdina #FreedomToAscend #ChristianMenPodcast #FaithFamilyFitnessFinance #MilesFidelis

  7. Jun 29

    Slipping but not falling - Ep. 218

    Feeling like you've drifted from your best self? You're not alone. In this episode of The John Grdina Classroom, I share an honest, personal look at how men slowly slip in their character, faith, and discipline—and the grace-filled path back to consistency. This is a self-improvement podcast rooted in faith. If summer, stress, or a broken routine has thrown you off, this one's for you. We talk about real personal transformation—not through perfection, but through small, faithful steps. Grounded in Romans 8:28, this life faith podcast episode will remind you that God works ALL things—even your setbacks—together for good. In this episode: Why small slips in character and discipline compound over timeThe danger of shame—and how grace breaks the spiralThe one small step that rebuilds momentumMorning gratitude + 5 minutes of Scripture to set your dayA weekly challenge to get back on track⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Facing the reality of slipping in life and faith00:49 – How small slips compound over time01:16 – Summer break disrupting my routine02:53 – Romans 8:28: even setbacks work for good03:39 – Breaking the shame spiral with grace05:49 – Action step: start small, build momentum06:17 – The power of morning gratitude07:01 – Adding Scripture meditation to your morning08:02 – Your weekly challenge08:37 – Closing prayer09:26 – Faith, focus, and perseverance 📖 Romans 8:28 — https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A28&version=NIV Connect with John:🎙️ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-grdina-classroom/id1596314353🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3p📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/🌐 Website: https://johngrdina.com Stay faithful, stay focused, and keep moving forward. I love you. Miles Fidelis ⚔️ #SelfImprovementPodcast #PersonalTransformation #LifeFaithPodcast

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About

This podcast is for individuals who want to be transformed in their lives by listening to specific guests in the fields of FAITH, FAMILY, FITNESS, AND FREEDOM. As a teacher, life coach, husband, father, author, and Founder of 40 Days of Deliverance, my intention with each podcast is to help you grow in these specific areas. Lastly, my HOPE is that you will begin to learn specific HABITS to introduce to your lifestyle so that you can live a purposeful life that you feel fulfilled. I love you, and May the Lord Bless You and Keep you all the days of your life.