Rise and Thrive: Conversations For Greatness with John Merkus

Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus

In this energising second half of our two-part feature, John Merkus reconnects with entrepreneur, longevity expert, and Ironman athlete Jon Sabes—and things get real.

If Part 1 gave you the blueprint, this ...

Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus

In this energising episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, your host John Merkus sits down with entrepreneur, author, and longevity trailblazer Jon Sabes to explore the powerful intersection of health, wealth, and purpose.

This conversation un...

What do you do when your dream is within reach — then suddenly, everything changes?

In this powerful continuation of their conversation, host John Merkus sits down once again with Survivor contestant Paul Dee, exploring what it means to stay strong when your body breaks down, your plans unravel, and the only way forward is to adapt, pivot, and keep going.

From the fire pit to the final tribal, Paul opens up about the injury that sh...

What does it really take to perform under pressure, lead with heart, and stay grounded when everything around you is out of your control?

In this episode, host John Merkus sits down with Australian Survivor contestant, elite football coach, and everyday legend Paul Dee.

Paul shares the mindset he used to survive the island, thrive through adversity, and inspire those around him in the wild and in rea...

💥 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 rappell...

✨ Leading with Heart: One Man’s Mission to Create a Better World Guest: Steve Mann

What happens when one man decides to stop waiting and start acting? In this heart-stirring episode, Steve Mann shares how he’s spent a lifetime turning purpose into progress — from raising his six kids in Zimbabwe during the AIDS epidemic to founding humanitarian organisations and teaching the next generati...

In this high-impact 5-minute Rise and Thrive moment, John Merkus — The Positive Change Guy — delivers a mindset reset that could change your day (or your life).

With energy, clarity, and heart, John shares one of the most powerful mental tools available: 👉 Reframing your thoughts.

“Thoughts aren’t facts — they’re habits. They’re echoes from your past.”

Your min...

In this raw and powerful solo episode, John Merkus, your energising and insightful host, opens up about a deeply personal moment that brought him to a standstill. A moment of doubt. A piece of feedback that hit hard. And a hidden belief that had been quietly shaping his life for decades.

What follows is not just a story—it’s a breakthrough.

🎧 This episode is for you if you'v...

🚀 Ready to level up your greatness in real life—not just in theory? In this powerful Part 2 episode, author, entrepreneur, and mindset mentor Nick Batchelder returns to continue his raw and relatable journey of personal growth and purpose-driven leadership. Whether you’re an ambitious student, an emerging leader, or navigating your next move, this conversation will ignite action and inspire clarity.

🎧 Tune In Now to Be Inspired W...

Hosted by the ever-insightful and energising John Merkus, this episode is a game-changer for anyone ready to stop playing small and start living with purpose and confidence.

In this dynamic and heart-led conversation, John welcomes Nick Batchelder — author of Crush Your 20s, founder of Hive Mentors, and a rising star in the personal growth space —...

🎙 Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness Episode Title: Fearless Moves, Big Wins: Jodi Herman’s Success Story (Part 2)

✨ 🚀 In This Episode: Missed Part 1? No worries! In this must-listen Part 2, Jodi Herman reveals: ✅ The Power of Mentorship – How strong mentors shaped her leadership journey ✅ From Employee to Owner – How she boldly took over the business that once hired her ✅ Follow-Up = Success – Why genuine connections an...

🎙 Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness with John Merkus, The Positive Change Guy

🔥 From breaking barriers to building empires—this episode is packed with powerful lessons on resilience, ambition, and making your own luck. 🔥

In this episode, I sit down with an extraordinary leader who started from humble beginnings and worked her way to the top of the tech industry. Jodi Herman’s story isn’t just about career success—it’s ...

🎙️ Hosted by John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy

What happens when you face your darkest moment and choose to rise instead of fall? In this deeply personal and powerful episode, John Merkus – international speaker, transformation leader, and resilience advocate – takes you behind the scenes of his Toastmasters International Speech Competition journey.

For the first time ever, John shares h...

🔥 Host: John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy

🚀 Get ready for an extraordinary conversation that will elevate your mindset, leadership, and personal growth!

In this episode of Rise and Thrive: Conversations for Greatness, your host John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy – sits down with the brilliant Dr. Julia Ashton-Sayers, an optimist, disruptor, and social change facilitator who brings a wealth of wisdom on leadership, psycholo...

Welcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness with your host, the inspiring and transformative John Merkus. In this episode, John sits down with the brilliant Dr. Julia Ashton-Sayers, an optimist, disruptor, and social change facilitator. Julia brings a wealth of knowledge in creating thriving, people-centric workplaces through the integration of neuroscience, psychological safety, and human res...

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Karina Murphy, the driving force behind Next Level Results Accelerator. In this inspiring and uplifting episode, we continue our journey towards greatness, diving into the transformative concepts of the Drama Triangle and the power of choice.

If you missed Part 1, we covered Karina's powerful approach to self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and the first two sides of the Drama Trian...

Welcome to another powerful episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness. Today, I have the absolute pleasure of reintroducing Karina Murphy, the amazing high-performance coach and founder of Next Level Results Accelerator. Karina is back on the show, and her insights are more impactful than ever before. As someone who has empowered countless individuals over her 18-year career, Karina is the real deal when it comes to co...

In this episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness, we continue our inspiring conversation with Michael McLean, exploring his no-nonsense approach to success, discipline, and living with purpose. Michael’s insights are full of actionable advice, and if you’re looking for a shift in mindset or a way to get more out of your business and life, this episode is for you!

In Part 1, Michael shared his journey from coaching hoc...

Welcome to another exciting episode of Rise and Thrive Conversations for Greatness! Your host, John Merkus – The Positive Change Guy – brings you another powerful conversation to help you elevate your life and business. With over 20 years of experience in leadership, change management, and personal development, John is on a mission to help individuals and organisations embrace change, build resilience, and thrive. Whether as an ins...