Franklin Planner Podcast

John Harding & George Wright III
  • 4.8 (52)
  • Management
  • Updated Weekly

Are you ready to discover the keys to greater productivity and lead your life and team with principles that stand the test of time? Welcome to The Franklin Planner Podcast, your weekly guide to achieving your best life through proven strategies, timeless values, and expert insights. Whether you're looking for ways to boost your personal productivity, lead your team to new heights, or find lasting success, this podcast is your trusted companion on the path to intentional living. For more than 40 years, Franklin Planner has helped millions infuse their lives with meaning and clarity. Inspired by the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey and his groundbreaking work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this podcast builds on that enduring legacy. Hosted by Franklin Planner Board Member and Owner John Harding, alongside industry expert George Wright III, each episode dives deep into the essential habits, disciplines, and leadership principles that transform both individuals and teams. Together, John and George bring decades of experience, combined with interviews from accomplished business leaders, productivity experts, and success coaches, offering valuable lessons you can apply today. From overcoming roadblocks and staying focused on the "Big Rocks" in your life to fostering collaboration and trust in your team, the discussions are rich with actionable takeaways and practical wisdom. The Franklin Planner Podcast is more than a tool for learning; it’s an invitation to a community committed to growth, purpose, and intentional living. If you're ready to take charge of your time, lead with integrity, and craft a legacy of success, this is the podcast for you. Tune in weekly, and let's unlock your full potential—one timeless principle at a time.

  1. 2d ago

    Heroes of the Revolution

    Here's the show notes reformatted to match the Franklin Planner style you've been using: George Wright III, John Harding, and historian Misty celebrate America's 250th anniversary by exploring four overlooked heroes of the American Revolution whose examples continue to teach timeless leadership principles. Rather than focusing on famous Founding Fathers, they examine the remarkable lives of Henry Knox, Francis Marion, Sybil Ludington, and Benjamin Rush, showing how ordinary individuals changed history through determination, resourcefulness, courage, and service. Along the way, they connect each story to modern leadership, emphasizing that greatness is not determined by status or circumstance, but by the choices we make and the values we live. The conversation concludes with a reminder that history is more than something to study—it is a guide for living a meaningful life today. 00:00 Courage Shows Up In Ordinary People 00:40 Welcome And America's 250th Anniversary 04:22 Henry Knox And Determination 07:18 The Impossible Cannon Mission 09:38 Lessons In Perseverance 12:01 Francis Marion The Swamp Fox 15:16 Guerrilla Warfare And Resourcefulness 17:08 Character Over Circumstance 20:20 Sybil Ludington And Courage 22:10 A Sixteen-Year-Old Answers The Call 23:24 Defining Moments Require Courage 26:00 Benjamin Rush And A Life Of Service 28:47 Medicine As A Calling 29:27 Serving The Poor And Forgotten 30:20 Purpose Beyond Success 31:56 Four Leadership Principles 33:10 Finding Unsung Heroes Around You 34:41 Applying History To Everyday Life 35:19 Choices Define Our Legacy 36:15 Closing Thoughts Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/ The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

    Heroes of the Revolution

  2. Jul 16

    Lifelong Journey of Relationship Building with Matt Townsend

    On the Franklin Planner “Lead Your Life” podcast, host John Harding interviews Dr. Matt Townsend, who describes how his parents’ divorce led him to study communications and conflict resolution, work at FranklinCovey for seven years, then leave about 25 years ago to coach couples and mediate divorces. They argue that relationships are central to purpose, roles, and planning, and note a study that about 60% of millennials struggle to deeply connect. Townsend shares practical tools: a “time left” circle exercise (two years to two hours) to clarify who and what matter most; the “four lights” questions—self-awareness, empathy (others’ needs and wants), vision, and conscience; and conflict guidance to move from “smoke” to “fire” by identifying unmet “STARVE” needs (safety, trust, appreciation, respect, validation, encouragement, dedication) and “get real” by recognizing emotion, exploring stories, attending to needs, and lifting the conversation. 00:00 Relationships Matter Most 01:11 Podcast Welcome And Guest Intro 02:59 Matt Townsend Origin Story 06:06 Roles Goals And Connection Crisis 13:48 Two Years To Live Exercise 16:29 Four Lights From 9 11 22:01 Using Four Lights In Teams 25:10 Smoke Versus Fire In Conflict 26:06 Bag Fight Spiral 27:35 Smoke Versus Fire 28:15 Starve Needs Framework 28:42 Safety Trust Appreciation 31:05 Respect Validation Encouragement 32:00 Dedication And Motivation 34:42 Suspend Certainty 37:23 Get Real Method 40:17 Leadership And Influence 46:26 Closing Invitation Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/ The Franklin Planner Team About Guest Dr. Matt Townsend has been energizing and involving audiences with his unique approach to building and maintaining successful relationships. Known as one of America’s top presenters in the field of Human Relations and Development, Matt blends humor and storytelling with interactive, real-life solutions that inspire motivation and immediate results in his audiences. Having dedicated his life to the study of communication and interpersonal relationships, Matt has worked extensively in the areas of results-oriented communication, conflict resolution and time management training. As a lead presenter for industry leader, Franklin Covey, Matt worked with the Family & Special Market Division and created the company’s largest train-the-trainer program, certifying more than 900 trainers to teach his customized time management curriculum. Links Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drmatttownsend LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmatttownsend/

    Lifelong Journey of Relationship Building with Matt Townsend

  3. Jun 25

    Winston Churchill: The Bulldog's Path to Leadership

    George Wright III hosts John Harding and resident history expert Misty Howard on the Franklin Planner/Lead Your Life podcast to discuss Winston Churchill as a leadership model and why studying historical figures reveals timeless principles from “beginning to end.” Misty outlines Churchill’s difficult upbringing (wealthy but neglected, poor student, speech impediment, harshly criticized by his father), his early writing success, and his Boer War capture and daring escape that made him famous and launched his political career. They cover Churchill’s flaws, depression (“black dog”), and major mistake in World War I (Gallipoli), emphasizing that leaders need purpose and commitment more than perfection. Misty explains Churchill’s “wilderness years,” his warnings about Hitler, and how appeasement failed, leading to his rise as prime minister and his “We shall fight” speech in 1940. The hosts conclude with takeaways about mission, courage, preparation, and daily intentionality, then promote upcoming episodes, a Lead Your Life magazine, and a Franklin Planner membership. 00:00 Welcome and Guests 00:31 Why Study Leaders 01:58 Churchill Relevance 04:45 Early Life Struggles 10:48 Boer War Escape 16:27 Flaws and Resilience 20:12 Gallipoli Setback 23:27 Wilderness Years Warning 26:12 Standing Alone 31:23 Destiny and Preparation 34:59 Fight on the Beaches 41:03 Final Takeaways 46:12 Closing and Next Steps Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   The Franklin Planner Team About Misty Howard Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences. Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

    Winston Churchill: The Bulldog's Path to Leadership

  4. May 28

    The Time Management Matrix for Navigating Life

    On the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding discuss an upcoming magazine article co-written with CEO Bob Sumbot titled “Why Quadrant Two Thinking on Paper Matters More Than Ever,” focused on Steven R. Covey’s Time Management Matrix. They describe how constant digital interruptions—often 50+ a day with 20+ minutes to refocus—create decision fatigue, overwhelm, and diminished cognitive capacity, even from a phone’s mere presence. Harding explains the four quadrants (urgent/important crises; not urgent/important planning, relationships, growth, renewal; urgent/not important interruptions and others’ priorities; not urgent/not important time-wasters) and argues that leadership and effectiveness come from living in Quadrant 2. They emphasize paper planning and the Franklin Planner system as tools that reduce distraction, deepen thinking, and help individuals and teams align personal mission and values with organizational goals through weekly and daily planning.    02:12 Why Distraction Wins  03:24 Overwhelm and Interruptions  04:37 Time Matrix Explained  06:58 Quadrants One Three Four  09:07 Quadrant Two Leadership  12:44 Paper Beats Digital  16:47 Weekly Daily Practice  22:12 Teams Alignment and Goals  26:38 Invitation and Wrap Up  Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   The Franklin Planner Team

    The Time Management Matrix for Navigating Life

  5. May 21

    Lead Your Life: Franklin Planner's New Membership Program

    Introducing the Lead Your Life Franklin Planner Membership  George Wright III and John Harding discuss Franklin Planner’s 40-year legacy, its principles-based productivity system inspired by Steven R. Covey, and modern challenges like digital distraction and overwhelm. They announce a new “Lead Your Life” membership program designed to extend the planner into a community and resource hub that helps people align with mission and values, build momentum, and focus on important, non-urgent “Quadrant II” work.  The membership includes monthly guidance and planning frameworks, exclusive training and podcast extras, member offers and early product access, private Facebook community, accountability, affiliate benefits, and monthly live events featuring guests such as Steven M.R. Covey, Olympic athletes, and bestselling authors. They also mention an upcoming 64-page Lead Your Life digital magazine, emphasize the program is for anyone (planner user or not), and invite feedback from founding members.  00:35 Franklin Planner Legacy  02:39 Why Membership Now  03:14 Modern Challenges Today  05:24 Vision and Community  08:15 Membership Benefits Overview  11:21 Events and Podcast Extras  14:05 Principles Time Matrix  17:50 Magazine and Resources  19:47 Who Its For and Invite  24:03 Feedback and Founding Members  25:05 Wrap Up and Next Episodes  Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.  Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/

    Lead Your Life: Franklin Planner's New Membership Program

  6. Apr 23

    Protect Wealth, Lower Taxes and Build Legacy with Don Pendleton

    In this masterclass-style episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III sits down with wealth strategist and Protect Wealth founder Don Pendleton to unpack the pillars of long-term financial leadership: tax strategy, asset protection, estate planning, and wealth creation. Don shares the personal story that launched his career in asset protection after being sued following a tragic incident, and how that experience led him to decades of educating business owners, families, and professionals on protecting what they build. The conversation dives deep into the mindset shift between tax preparation and true tax planning, why having a business structure can unlock powerful legal deductions, and how proactive estate planning prevents costly family disputes and probate issues. If you want to keep more of what you earn, reduce risk, and create a lasting financial legacy, this episode delivers actionable insights you can start applying today. Key Takeaways Tax Planning vs. Tax Prep: Learn why filing taxes is not the same as building a year-round wealth strategy. The Leadership Mindset Around Money: Discover how the way you think about expenses, structures, and planning changes financial outcomes. Estate Planning Essentials: Understand the must-have documents and trust structures that protect your family and legacy. Business Structures & Tax Advantages: Why having an LLC, corporation, or even a sole proprietorship can create strategic tax opportunities. Winning the Tax Game: Focus on lowering your effective tax rate instead of chasing refunds. 02:03 – The Lawsuit That Changed Everything 06:36 – The Four Pillars of Wealth Protection 09:05 – Why Tax Strategy Starts with Mindset 10:30 – The “Free Roads vs Toll Roads” Tax Analogy 12:44 – Why Having a Business Changes Everything 14:45 – Real Estate Losses & Paper Write-Offs 20:15 – Medical Expenses, Premiums & Business Deductions 22:22 – Stop Asking “Can I?” Start Asking “How Can I?” 30:27 – What It Really Means to Win the Tax Game 33:22 – Estate Planning Essentials Everyone Needs 36:25 – Trusts, Probate & Protecting Family Wealth 42:35 – Where to Start: The Protect Wealth Summit Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together. The Franklin Planner Team About the Guest: Don Pendleton is an expert in the areas of lawsuit protection, tax reduction, and estate planning and has co-authored multiple textbooks and articles.Every year, he is a featured presenter during numerous seminars and workshops onasset protectionrelated subjects.His books and trainings have helped thousands of business owners, investors, and professionals save millions of dollars.He is one of the nation’s top asset protection advisors and has been helping professionals properly structure themselves for lawsuit protection and tax reduction.His knowledge, expertise, and straightforward teaching style have made him one of the top asset protection speakers in the nation Guest Resource: Website: https://protectwealth.com/our-team/don-pendleton/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donpendleton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProtectWealthAcademy/

    Protect Wealth, Lower Taxes and Build Legacy with Don Pendleton

  7. Mar 27

    No Excuses: Unlocking Success with Noelle Pikus Pace's Olympic Mindset

    George Wright III is joined by two-time world champion and Olympic medalist Noelle Pikus-Pace to discuss her journey from skeleton racing to becoming a global speaker and author. Noelle shares the pivotal moment of her devastating 2005 injury while ranked #1 in the world and the conscious choice she made to push through rather than let the setback define her. They talk about the importance of knowing your purpose, both lifelong and "in real time," to ensure your identity is not solely tied to professional success. Noelle introduces the "Friction Factor" using a bell curve to illustrate the "sweet spot" of peak performance located between disengagement (too little friction) and burnout (too much friction). She also discusses being "process-oriented" rather than "results-driven," citing how losing an Olympic medal by a 10th of a second due to dragging shoelaces taught her about the power of small margins and daily decisions. Noelle concludes with the core message of her book, No Excuses: focusing on the next 60 seconds to take full ownership of one's life and align daily actions with long-term purpose. 01:22 Getting "Tricked" into Skeleton 04:30 The 2005 Injury and the Choice to Move Forward 06:00 Identity vs. Purpose in Real Time 08:56 Choosing Your Next 60 Seconds 09:20 Writing "No Excuses" in an RV 11:00 The 2010 Fourth-Place Finish 13:00 The Shoelace Margin 15:40 Realigning for the 2014 Olympics with Family 17:15 Process-Oriented vs. Results-Driven 19:10 Winning Silver vs. Losing Gold 22:20 The Friction Factor Bell Curve 26:00 Corner 12 and Root Cause Analysis 29:45 The Power of the Next Minute  Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   The Franklin Planner Team About the Guest: Noelle Pikus-Pace Noelle Pikus-Pace is a retired American skeleton racer and one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport. Beyond her medals, she is widely recognized for her extraordinary resilience and the "Moment of the Games" celebration with her family at the 2014 Olympics. Guest Resources: Official Website: NoellePikusPace.com Instagram: @noellepikuspace LinkedIn: Noelle Pikus Pace Facebook: Noelle Pikus-Pace Fan Page

    No Excuses: Unlocking Success with Noelle Pikus Pace's Olympic Mindset

  8. Mar 12

    On Signal: Leading Brilliant Growth Through Deep Stakeholder Respect

    George Wright III and co-host John Harding discuss leadership and propose that an organization’s greatest growth opportunity lies in deeply valuing and investing in its key stakeholders: employees, customers, suppliers, partners, and others. They talk about “deep respect” as a growth strategy and cite research linking engagement and organizational health to higher profitability, productivity, and shareholder returns. Two primary obstacles are outlined: the “mission-strategy-success gap,” where few employees understand or connect daily work to strategy, and the “productivity avalanche,” driven by constant digital interruptions and low-value activity. Harding introduces “being on signal” as the solution: dual alignment with the organization’s mission and each stakeholder’s definition of success, supported by clarity, rhythm, measurement, trust, and systems such as Franklin Planner. 01:26 Stakeholders Drive Growth 04:35 Respect as Strategy 09:05 Mission Strategy Gap 13:07 Productivity Avalanche 16:20 On Signal Solution 20:21 Franklin Planner System Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.   The Franklin Planner Team

    On Signal: Leading Brilliant Growth Through Deep Stakeholder Respect
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4.8
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Are you ready to discover the keys to greater productivity and lead your life and team with principles that stand the test of time? Welcome to The Franklin Planner Podcast, your weekly guide to achieving your best life through proven strategies, timeless values, and expert insights. Whether you're looking for ways to boost your personal productivity, lead your team to new heights, or find lasting success, this podcast is your trusted companion on the path to intentional living. For more than 40 years, Franklin Planner has helped millions infuse their lives with meaning and clarity. Inspired by the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey and his groundbreaking work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this podcast builds on that enduring legacy. Hosted by Franklin Planner Board Member and Owner John Harding, alongside industry expert George Wright III, each episode dives deep into the essential habits, disciplines, and leadership principles that transform both individuals and teams. Together, John and George bring decades of experience, combined with interviews from accomplished business leaders, productivity experts, and success coaches, offering valuable lessons you can apply today. From overcoming roadblocks and staying focused on the "Big Rocks" in your life to fostering collaboration and trust in your team, the discussions are rich with actionable takeaways and practical wisdom. The Franklin Planner Podcast is more than a tool for learning; it’s an invitation to a community committed to growth, purpose, and intentional living. If you're ready to take charge of your time, lead with integrity, and craft a legacy of success, this is the podcast for you. Tune in weekly, and let's unlock your full potential—one timeless principle at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    John Harding & George Wright III
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Franklin Planner Corp. FranklinCovey is a registered trademark of FranklinCovey Co. Used by permission.
  • Show Website
    Franklin Planner Podcast

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