The Grounded Man

John Douglas
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 The Grounded Man Podcast by Deru is for hardworking men building businesses, carrying responsibility, and providing for their families — who feel they should be freer.  The world has changed, and leading through hard work and long hours now limits a man’s influence.  Deru is changing how leaders lead - from the inside out. It's a way to carry the load without constant pressure - so you can enjoy what you’re building, and still have energy for life!

Episodes

  1. 2D AGO

    Taking the work out of life with Ross Griffin

    Ross Griffin grew up on a farm in the west of Ireland, built a business, across multiple countries with his partners, and still thought he wasn't doing enough for Kosmos Company. In this conversation he talks about the guilt of taking a walk in the sun. The thinking he did in front of the TV instead of being present with his family. The frustration that had nothing to do with the business and everything to do with what was going on inside him. Today Ross shows up differently — calmer, more present, more confident in the journey. The difference between then and now — is that Ross stopped long enough to question what he was doing and say yes to putting himself first. Interested in working with John? Book a Grounded Call here: https://calendly.com/johndouglas-coaching/deru-conversation 00:00:00 — Teaser 00:00:33 — Introduction 00:01:34 — Meet Ross Griffin 00:03:25 — Pressure Behind Business Growth 00:06:37 — Self Awareness and Ego 00:10:39 — Changing the Relationship with Business 00:15:19 — Building a Better Culture 00:21:03 — Culture and Profitability 00:25:41 — Advice for Leaders 00:30:03 — Closing Thoughts If you'd like to connect with Ross, Email: ross@kosmos.company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ross-griffin-kosmos/

    32 min

  2. MAY 4

    Enjoy the build - Look forward to Mondays again

    Show Notes Have you built the life you've always dreamed of - family, business, team, revenue  but struggle to enjoy it?  John talks about how constant pressure, responsibility, and the fear of slowing down can quietly lead to burnout and take the enjoyment out of the process. He introduces the Smart Freedoms Framework, a five layer approach to creating a more aligned and fulfilling life. It focuses on Spiritual, Mental, Action, Resource, and Time freedom, showing how your internal state directly shapes your external results. Through the analogy of a drill stuck in reverse, John highlights how pushing harder doesn’t always move you forward if you’re not aligned. Instead, he encourages a shift toward freedom, flow, and being intentional with how you build both your work and your life. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 – Taking Breaks & Enjoying the Process 00:03:15 – Why Joy Matters in Leadership 00:04:08 – SMART Freedoms Framework 00:07:08 – Mental Clarity & Aligned Action 00:10:39 – Time Freedom Explained 00:13:32 – The Drill Analogy 00:15:40 – Building Real Freedom 00:17:21 – Reflection & Closing Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context  • Enjoying what you build  • Feeling trapped by pressure Understanding Pressure  • Constant pressure and burnout  • Why slowing down feels hard SMART Freedoms Framework  • Overview of the five freedoms  • Working from the inside out Alignment & Action  • Focusing on what actually matters  • Time and energy going to the right places Closing Reflection  • Freedom vs feeling stuck  • Building a life you enjoy

    18 min

  3. APR 27

    How To Lead with Freedom When Pressure is Constant

    Show Notes In this episode of the Grounded Man Podcast, host John Douglas explores the constant pressure faced by men building businesses and supporting their families. He breaks down the difference between the chosen pressure of an exciting challenge versus the constant pressure that slowly drains your energy and headspace. John explains that pressure is not coming from your responsibilities, but from how you relate to them internally, often driven by fear, scarcity, and unconscious conditioning. He unpacks how the fear of loss, failure, and rejection keeps many men stuck in a cycle of tension and overthinking. By shifting toward an abundance mindset, practicing presence, and building self awareness, you can begin to release unnecessary pressure. This allows you to lead with more clarity, freedom, and enjoyment in both your business and your life. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@derunation Timestamps 00:00:00 — Introduction 00:01:17 — What Constant Pressure Feels Like 00:02:15 — Chosen vs Constant Pressure 00:04:08 — Pressure is Internal 00:05:05 — Fear and Pressure 00:08:00 — The Cost of Indecision 00:09:52 — Scarcity Mindset 00:10:56 — Moving to Abundance 00:15:35 — Presence and Letting Go 00:17:45 — Observe When Pressure Rises 00:20:03 — Closing Thoughts Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context  • Podcast purpose and eliminating pressure Understanding Pressure  • What constant pressure feels like  • Hidden burnout and mental weight Chosen vs Constant Pressure  • Growth vs draining pressure Pressure is Internal  • Driven by perception and the future Fear and Scarcity  • Fear of loss and survival thinking  • Scarcity mindset Shifting to Abundance  • Energy is abundant  • Focus on what you can control Presence and Letting Go  • Acting with clarity and faith  • Detaching from outcomes Root Causes of Pressure  • Conditioning and need to prove Self Awareness Practice  • Noticing tension and asking why Freedom from Pressure  • Leading with presence and freedom

    20 min

  4. APR 20

    Carrying the weight without losing yourself

    Show Notes In this episode of the Grounded Man Podcast, host John Douglas explores the relationship between responsibility and pressure for hardworking men building businesses and providing for their families. John explains that pressure doesn’t come from responsibility itself, but from how we carry it. He breaks responsibility into three categories: what you control (thoughts, actions, mindset), what you influence but don’t control (family, team, business), and what’s entirely outside your control (others’ reactions, outcomes). By focusing your energy on what you can control and trusting yourself and the process, you can carry responsibility more effectively and experience greater freedom. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:01:21 — Analogy: Manual Labor and Carrying Weight 00:02:16 — Redefining Responsibility and Pressure 00:03:19 — Energy, Cause and Effect 00:04:26 — Focus on What You Can Control 00:05:28 — Building Site Analogy 00:07:33 — The Role of Trust 00:08:32 — Three Categories of Responsibility 00:13:01 — Letting Go of the Uncontrollable 00:13:51 — Trusting the Process and Sharing the Load 00:16:01 — Building a Strong Relationship with Yourself 00:17:03 — Conclusion and Call to Action  Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context Responsibility vs. pressurePressure comes from how it’s carriedAnalogy: Carrying Weight Manual labor analogyCarrying properly vs. poorlyRedefining Responsibility Responsibility is ownership, not stressSeparating pressure from responsibilityControl vs. Outcomes Focus on actions, not resultsLet go of trying to control everythingThe Role of Trust Lack of trust creates pressureOvercontrol leads to burnoutThree Categories of Responsibility What you controlWhat you influenceWhat you can’t controlLetting Go & Trusting the Process Shift focus to inputsShare responsibility with othersSelf-Leadership & Application Build self-trust and awarenessLead without pressureConclusion Reflect and applyShare the message

    18 min

  5. APR 13

    Leading By Example Starts With Your State

    Show Notes In this episode, John Douglas talks about what leadership really means today. He explains how leadership is shifting away from just hard work and control, and toward mindset, energy, and self-mastery. Your internal state doesn’t just affect you. It shapes your business, your team, and your family. John encourages letting go of outdated habits, taking personal responsibility, and showing up in a way that naturally inspires others. Leadership isn’t just about what you do. It starts with how you show up. When you lead with the right energy and direction, people step up, ownership grows, and results improve without constant pressure. If you want to lead with purpose, clarity, and calm, this episode is for you. For more on the Deru approach to leadership from the inside out, visit www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 — Improving leadership through energy 00:04:25 — Everything starts from within 00:09:29 — Modern leadership and inner mastery   00:10:38 — Focus on self-leadership first 00:16:19 — Focusing on personal growth Sequence of Topics Covered Introduction & Context Changing expectations of younger generations regarding leadershipThe importance of leading with purpose, presence, and peace of mindPurpose of The Grounded Man PodcastVision for leadership in the 21st century What is Leadership? Definition: Influence and inspiration of others and eventsLeverage: Influencing without direct involvementChallenges: Team members not stepping up or taking responsibility The Role of Energy in Leadership Self-leadership’s impact on othersUnderstanding energy: frequency and vibrationReference to Nikola Tesla’s views on vibration and frequencyNumbers as the basis for scientific and business progress Influence through Energy and Identity Ripple effect metaphor: pebble in a pondIndividual energy, identity, and behaviors shaping outcomes and environmentAttraction of similar energy; repulsion of dissimilar energyPositive and negative states attracting corresponding outcomesThe futility of expecting positive results from a negative state Identity in Business Leadership Fixer vs. Creator identities:Fixer: solving others’ problems, making decisions for others, drained of energyCreator: visionary, strategist, culture builder, empowers othersShifting from front-line doer to leader and organizerValue of self-perception as a leaderGrowth into leadership, not being born a leader

    18 min

  6. APR 6

    Stop Working to Earn Freedom — Lead With Freedom

    Show Notes In this episode, John Douglas talks about why so many hardworking men still feel stuck even when they are doing everything right. He breaks down the idea that freedom is not something you earn later, but something you learn to live now. Instead of constantly reacting to pressure, expectations, and responsibilities, this episode focuses on leading from within. It is about understanding your identity beyond titles, letting go of fear-driven patterns, and building a sense of control that does not depend on external success. If you have ever felt like you are working hard but still not free, this episode will shift how you see it. Learn more: https://www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 — The Inner Game of Leadership  Mastering your inner world vs chasing external success 00:01:22 — The Flawed Belief About Freedom  Why waiting for “someday” keeps you stuck 00:02:21 — Freedom as a Way of Life  Shifting from future thinking to present living 00:03:23 — Your Default Emotional State  How your internal state shapes your reality 00:04:23 — Working from the Inside Out  Creating results from within, not reacting outside 00:07:43 — The Cost of Survival Mode  Success at the expense of health, family, and peace 00:08:42 — Mastering Yourself for Peace  Focusing on what you can actually control 00:10:50 — Working With Life, Not Against It  Alignment vs ego-driven resistance 00:12:09 — The Million Dollar Question: Who Am I?  Identity beyond roles, titles, and expectations 00:13:10 — Understanding the Ego and Status  How ego quietly drives your decisions 00:16:10 — Spiritual Growth as “Unbecoming”  Letting go of fear and limiting beliefs

    21 min

  7. MAR 31

    The Hardworking Man: Old Strength in a New World

    Description & Shownotes: In this debut episode of The Grounded Man Podcast, host John Douglas explores the shift from traditional, physically-driven strength to a new form of inner strength essential for today’s leaders. He breaks down how constant connectivity and modern pressures demand emotional, mental, and spiritual resilience not just hard work. John encourages men to master their inner game, create space for reflection, and lead from freedom rather than pressure. This episode sets the foundation for becoming a grounded, balanced man in today’s world. Learn more: https://www.derunation.com Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction & Podcast Purpose John introduces the podcast, its mission, and the focus on mastering the inner game of leadership. 00:01:16 – Upcoming Episodes & Mission Statement Overview of future episodes and the mission to help men change their mindset and outlook on leadership. 00:03:27 – Defining Strength & The Grounded Man Explains what strength means today, the concept of being grounded, and the origin of "Daru." 00:04:32 – Old Strength: Previous Generations Describes traditional strength—physical endurance and hard work—exemplified by fathers and grandfathers. 00:05:37 – Changing World & 24/7 Connectivity Discusses how technology has created a nonstop world, increasing mental and emotional load. 00:07:52 – Language of Business & The Need to Think Explores war-like business language and the importance of making space for reflection and thought. 00:08:56 – Willpower, Reactivity, and Inner Mastery Highlights the power of will, the dangers of constant reactivity, and the need for inner mastery. 00:09:53 – New Strength: Enjoying the Work Contrasts old and new strength, emphasizing the energy needed to enjoy work and avoid being owned by it. 00:11:01 – Self-Care & Energy Management Stresses the importance of recovery, self-care, and giving energy to oneself in an always-on world. 00:11:55 – Overcoming Fear & Expanding Responsibility Addresses overcoming fear, taking personal responsibility, and being present for family and community. 00:12:57 – Reflection & Call to Action Encourages listeners to reflect on their current work style and make changes from within. 00:14:07 – Conclusion & Invitation to Share Wraps up the episode, invites feedback, and encourages sharing the podcast with others.

    15 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

 The Grounded Man Podcast by Deru is for hardworking men building businesses, carrying responsibility, and providing for their families — who feel they should be freer.  The world has changed, and leading through hard work and long hours now limits a man’s influence.  Deru is changing how leaders lead - from the inside out. It's a way to carry the load without constant pressure - so you can enjoy what you’re building, and still have energy for life!

Information

  • Creator
    John Douglas
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Grounded Man
  • Show Website
    The Grounded Man

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