The John Grdina Classroom

John Grdina
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Daily

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. May 25

    Work Hard, Pray Harder, Fail Forward - Ep. 213

    Mile twenty of the Cleveland Marathon broke my plan. The heat came for me and for runners all around me, my hamstrings locked up, and the goal I had trained for started slipping away. In this self-improvement podcast episode, I unpack the lesson that the last six miles taught me, the story of my former player Nate's attempt at forty miles, and the biblical example of Joseph, a man who held onto God's vision through the well, through slavery, and through prison. This is a life faith podcast for men who are tired of waiting until they feel ready. The formula is simple. Work hard. Pray harder. Fail forward. Pick the thing. Put it on the calendar. Let the chase forge the man. Connect with John:Website: https://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/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3pYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJohnGrdinaClassroomEmail: grdinajohn@gmail.com Key Topics -The importance of discipline and intentional effort -Lessons from marathon running and failure -Biblical stories of perseverance and faith -The formula: Work hard, pray harder, fail forward Sound bites "Work hard, pray harder, fail forward." "Pick one thing today that challenges you." "God has made you for a reason." Chapters 00:00 The Marathon Experience: A Journey of Preparation 01:51 Lessons from Failure: The Truth About Hard Work 03:48 The Story of Joseph: Faith Through Adversity 06:13 Transformation Through Action: Embracing the Challenge 08:22 The Formula for Success: Work, Pray, and Fail Forward 09:44 A Prayer for Strength and Guidance resources Bible - https://www.bible.com/ Joseph’s Story in Genesis - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+37-50&version=NIV

    11 min

  2. May 11

    Unwaivering Faith - Ep. 212

    What does unwavering faith really look like when the bills are real, the timeline feels off, and the mountain in front of you has not moved yet? In this raw and personal episode of The John Grdina Classroom, John opens his prayer journal and shares the words he believes the Lord spoke to his heart about financial freedom, calling, and the mission God has ordained for these last days. Drawing from Matthew 17:20 and the truth that mustard seed faith can move mountains, John walks through the difference between effort and surrender, why hustle without trust becomes a treadmill, and how to do your part while finally letting God do His. If you have ever felt the friction of striving for a future God has already promised you, this self-improvement podcast episode will help you trade striving for surrender and rediscover the peace that comes from mustard seed faith. This is a faith and family podcast made for men and women who want personal transformation rooted in real prayer, real obedience, and real trust in God's timing. ⏱ CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction to Unwavering Faith 02:14 The Nature of True Faith and the Mustard Seed Principle 05:14 The Balance of Effort and Surrender 07:58 Living with Purpose and Trusting God's Timing 10:03 Final Thoughts, Charge, and Encouragement 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS • Real faith is the size of a mustard seed but can move mountains when surrendered to God • Effort without surrender is a treadmill that produces exhaustion, not breakthrough • The friction you feel is often God telling you to let go, not push harder • If God has ordained it, no delay can cancel it and no hustle can speed it up • Focus on obedience, prayer, and love, and trust God with the results 📖 SCRIPTURE REFERENCED Matthew 17:20 — "If you have faith as a mustard seed..." https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+17%3A20&version=RSVCE 📚 RESOURCES MENTIONED The Catechism of the Catholic Church https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM Freedom to Ascend (book by John Grdina) https://author.amazon.com/home 🎧 LISTEN TO THE FULL PODCAST Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-grdina-classroom/id1596314353 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3MB897IcrtEke2alZHdP3b Website: https://johngrdina.com 📲 CONNECT WITH JOHN Website: https://johngrdina.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jgrdina_coach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.grdina.1 Email: grdinajohn@gmail.com 🙌 SUBSCRIBE for new episodes on faith, family, fitness, and financial freedom — the 4F Framework for becoming the man God created you to be.

    11 min

  3. May 4

    The 4F Reset: One Question That Will Change Your Faith, Family, Fitness, and Finances- Ep. 211

    If your faith, family, fitness, and finances all had to give a report card this morning — which one would you be most afraid to read out loud? In this self-improvement podcast episode of The John Grdina Classroom, John walks through the 4F Reset — a personal transformation framework for men who are tired of working harder in one lane while the rest of their lives quietly crack. Drawing on twenty-plus years as a teacher and coach, his background as a former college athlete, and multiple books including Freedom to Ascend, John explains why isolated fixes fail and why the four pillars are load-bearing walls in the same house. You'll get four diagnostic questions to ask yourself this week — one per pillar — and hear the powerful story of Jordan, the all-American athlete whose addiction took everything until he discovered his true identity as a child of the one true King. This is a life faith podcast episode built for Catholic men, fathers, and anyone hungry for personal transformation that actually integrates every part of life. Send John a one-sentence DM with your #1 4F struggle. He reads every one personally.

    10 min

  4. Apr 27

    The Last Generation of Men - Ep. 210

    In this heartfelt episode, Coach G shares a raw and honest reflection on the struggles facing young men today and unveils an inspiring vision to empower the next generation. He emphasizes the importance of community, purpose, and biblical identity in shaping strong, resilient men ready to lead. Main Topics Covered: Coach G’s personal journey over 20 years working with young menThe alarming decline of young men in education, mental health, and societal engagementThe biblical framework of manhood: priest, provider, protector, and soldierThe transformative power of challenging young men with vision, community, and truthAnnouncing a new book, online masterclass, and community aimed at forming young men into biblical menThe cultural threats to male identity and the call to rise above passivity and comfortPractical steps to reinforce biblical manhood in everyday lifeBook: The Last Generation of Men (coming soon)Online Masterclass for Men (coming soon)Proverbs 22:7TwitterInstagramWebsiteTimestamps:00:00 - Welcome and introduction to this special heartfelt episode01:15 - The core question: How can I truly help young men?02:13 - Personal experience in mentoring and serving young men for over 20 years03:53 - Alarming statistics on the decline of young men in society04:49 - The hunger and desperation of young men for purpose and truth05:48 - Stories of Nathaniel and Colin, two young men whose lives exemplify transformation07:44 - The role of challenge, vision, and community in shaping men08:41 - Reflection on running and the importance of intentionality in formation09:38 - The vision for a comprehensive roadmap: a book and masterclass titled “The Last Generation of Men”10:07 - The importance of biblical manhood: priest, provider, protector, and soldier11:06 - Deep dive into each role, emphasizing spiritual leadership and courage13:32 - The call for boldness in living out faith publicly14:29 - Community and accountability as key to transformation15:26 - The motivation behind the project: inspiring real change and raising up leaders16:25 - A challenge to young men: stand firm in identity and callings17:30 - Final prayer and encouragement to share the message, calling leaders to action Resources & Links: Connect with Coach G: This episode is a poignant call for men—fathers, mentors, coaches—to step into their God-given roles and shape a legacy that lasts. It challenges listeners to reject passivity, embrace biblical truth, and lead with boldness. Share this with young men and those who want to make a lasting impact in their lives and communities.

    17 min

  5. Apr 21

    Financial Freedom before 40! Ep. 209

    Summary In this episode, John Grdina shares essential financial principles for young adults, emphasizing the importance of building assets, investing consistently, and practicing disciplined giving to achieve financial freedom. Keywords Financial education, investing, wealth building, young adults, passive income, Roth IRA, crypto, asset classes, financial freedom Key Topics The importance of financial education in school Dollar cost averaging and long-term investing Asset classes: gold, silver, Bitcoin, XRP, Solana Building income streams through content, books, and real estate Protection tools: Roth IRA and IUL insurance The Cash Flow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki The importance of asset vs liability understanding The discipline of giving and tithing sound bites "How many of you were taught in school about money?" "Bitcoin is your digital gold for your generation." "Market crashes are opportunities, not setbacks." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy 06:06 Investing Basics and Asset Classes 11:50 Defining Financial Freedom and Generosity Resources Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1612680194 iTrust Capital - https://itrustcapital.com/ Teachable - https://teachable.com/ Gumroad - https://gumroad.com/ Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing - https://kdp.amazon.com/

    15 min

  6. Apr 13

    100 Miles with No Legs! No Excuses - Ep. 208

    Description: When was the last time you felt truly alive in your body?In this episode of The John Grdina Classroom— your life faith podcast for personal transformation, fitness, and faith — host John Grdina opens with a raw excerpt from his first book Freedom to Ascend describing the mirror moment that changed everything. From post-college slob to ultramarathon runner, John shares the unfiltered story of what it looks like to go from zero to elite — one disciplined day at a time.Inspired by David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me and Cameron Hanes' philosophy on peak performance, John now trains daily with 225pushups and 50 pullups while preparing for the Cleveland Marathon and optimizing his health from the inside out through monthly blood testing with Rythmlab. But the most powerful story in this episode belongs to Marine veteran Mike Egan — who lost both legs to an IED in 2012 and this past weekend completed over 100 miles on his arms at the BPN Go One More ultra backyard marathon. Every hour on the hour. 4.2 miles per loop. Through mud, heat, and rain. No aid. No exceptions. No excuses.At the core of this episode is a truth that every person of faith needs to hear: your body is a temple, and honoring it is an act of worship. Discipline in fitness is not separate from your spiritual life — it is a spiritual act. Most of us are operating at 40% of our true potential. Mike Egan's story obliterates every excuse that stands between you and your next level.If you are searching for a self-improvement podcast that connects fitness, faith, and personal transformation with zero excuses — this episode will challenge everything you think your limits are. What You Will Take Away: Your body is a temple and should be treated with respect and care. Discipline in fitness is a spiritual act that honors God. Most people operate at 40% of their potential and you can push far beyond that. Consistent training and self-awareness lead to peak health and spiritual growth. And Mike Egan's story is proof that the will God placed inside you is stronger than any limitation you face. Sound Bites From This Episode: "When was the last time you felt truly alive?""Mike Egan redefined what the human body and spirit can do.""Glorify God in your body — that's not a suggestion. That's a calling." Chapters: 00:00 — Awakening the Temple Within1 1:59 — The Journey of Transformation 14:30 — Redefining Limits Through Faith and Resilience Resources Mentioned: Freedom to Ascend by John Grdina — https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Grdina/author/B09XMZNSN1Mike Egan BPN Go One More Ultra Event — https://example.com/mike-egan-ultraCameron Hanes Training Philosophy — https://cameronhanes.comHallow App for Spiritual and Fitness Practice — https://hallow.appRythmlab Blood Testing — https://rythmlab.comConnect With John:Website — https://johngrdina.comEmail — grdinajohn@gmail.comJohn's Books on Amazon — https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Grdina/author/B09XMZNSN1 If this episode moved you, share it with one person who needs to stop making excuses and start honoring the temple God gave them. That single share might be the thing that changes their life.The John Grdina Classroom is a life faith podcast built around four pillars: Faith, Family, Fitness, and Financial Freedom. New episodes drop regularly for anyone committed to self-improvement, personal transformation, and becoming the best version of themselves — as a parent, a spouse, an athlete, and a person of faith.

    15 min

  7. Apr 6

    The Father Effect - Ep. 207

    Did you know 63% of children will spend part of their childhood without a father? In this episode of The John Grdina Classroom — a faith and family podcast built for personal transformation — John Grdina shares two stories that get to the heart of what intentional fatherhood really looks like. After his daughter returned from a trip to Europe, a simple act of making cookies together unlocked something that months of routine couldn't: three unprompted "I love yous" in a single day. Then John introduces The CLIMB — a new global movement founded by Teko Bailey that is restoring fathers, equipping sons, and transforming families through relational coaching and immersive experiences. Whether you're a dad trying to reconnect, a son who grew up without a father figure, a single mom raising a boy, or simply someone on a self-improvement journey who knows family is the foundation — this episode is for you. Topics: fatherhood podcast, Christian parenting podcast, faith and family podcast, self-improvement podcast, personal transformation, intentional parenting, fatherlessness, life faith podcast. Chapters00:00 — When She Said I Love You Three Times in One Day04:21 — The Fatherlessness Crisis Nobody Is Talking About08:33 — What The CLIMB Is Doing to Restore Fathers and Sons If this episode moved you, share it with a father who needs to hear it. That's how this message spreads. That version will index better, speak to a wider audience, and actually motivate sharing. Resources Malachi 4:6 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+4%3A6 Contact me at: grdinajohn@gmail.com If you are interested in purchasing any of my books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/John-Grdina/author/B09XMZNSN1?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=31a12362-fd1c-43df-91a8-0f8ba4277f69

    11 min

  8. Mar 29

    The Case for Church - Ep. 206

    Summary This episode explores the biblical and doctrinal reasons why attending and being part of the church is essential for Christians. It covers the significance of the Sabbath, the Eucharist, and the church's divine foundation, emphasizing the importance of community worship and faith deepening. Key Topics - The importance of keeping the Sabbath holy - The significance of the Eucharist as the body and blood of Christ - The divine foundation and authority of the church built on Peter - The historical and scriptural basis for church attendance - The role of the church in spiritual life and community Sound bites "The church is not optional, it's divine." "On this rock, I will build my church." "Invite someone to mass, just one hour." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Church in Faith 01:06 Understanding the Third Commandment 04:16 The Significance of the Eucharist 07:42 The Foundation of the Church 11:40 The Church as the Body of Christ 14:33 Inviting Others Back to Church Resources Catechism of the Catholic Church - https://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM Matthew 16:18-19 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+16%3A18-19 John 6:51, 53-54 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6%3A51%2C+53-54 Father Michael Schmitz's Catechism Series - https://www.ascensionpress.com/collections/catechism Ephesians 5:25 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+5%3A25

    17 min
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    John Grdina
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    213
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John Grdina
  • Show Website
    The John Grdina Classroom