John Harding & George Wright III
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.
1d ago
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III interviews Dr. William Danko, bestselling author and wealth-building expert. Dr. Danko shares insights from his landmark books, 'The Millionaire Next Door' and 'Richer Than a Millionaire,' discussing habits of ordinary millionaires, the importance of frugality and saving, and the Golden Rule's role in achieving true prosperity. He also delves into personal stories that shaped his values and career, including caring for his quadriplegic brother and the creation of the Milton and Mary Danko Golden Rule Award. Dr. Danko emphasizes the importance of intentional living, charitable giving, and practical financial planning for achieving both financial success and life satisfaction. 01:27 Dr. William Danko's Background and Family Influence 07:19 Core Concepts from 'The Millionaire Next Door' 17:38 The Golden Rule and Charitable Living 23:04 Timeless Principles for Financial Success and Happiness 26:17 Final Thoughts and Practical Advice 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 Guest: Dr. William D. Danko Dr. William D. Danko is a much-sought after adviser on marketing and the behavior of the affluent. He co-authored The Millionaire Next Door , a research-based book about wealth in America that has been ranked as a bestseller by The New York Times for more than three years. Over four million copies have been sold and it continues to be featured in national book chains. More recently, he coauthored Richer Than A Millionaire ~ A Pathway To True Prosperity, a book that shows how to build wealth with a greater purpose in mind. It offers special value to younger people with the ambition to be wealthy and happy, yet lacking sustainable strategies and tools. His publications have appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Business Research, Journal of Advertising Research, and other leading journals. He has presented his research findings in nearly every State, as well as in Australia, Canada, Germany, Poland, Switzerland, and Taiwan. Guest Resources THE MILLIONAIRE NEXT DOOR RICHER THAN A MILLIONAIRE
Dec 11
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, host John Harding converses with the versatile and insightful Dr. Breck England . They delve into Dr. England's extensive background, his work with leadership and productivity solutions at Franklin Covey, and the impactful Franklin Planner system. The discussion centers around the story of Margot, a woman striving to find balance in her chaotic life through the principles of the Franklin Planner. Dr. England elaborates on core components like values, goals, intermediate steps, and the weekly and daily planning process. Additionally, the episode explores the benefits of integrating both digital and paper planning tools to maximize productivity and maintain focus on what matters most. Ending with a tribute to Benjamin Franklin's influence, this episode is a comprehensive guide to enhancing personal and professional life through thoughtful planning. 00:52 Introducing Dr. Breck England 01:30 Breck's Professional Journey 03:49 Margot's Story: Overcoming Challenges 07:47 The Franklin Planner System 10:26 Defining Personal Values and Goals 13:38 The Productivity Pyramid 27:10 Mission, Vision, and Purpose 33:47 Setting Meaningful Goals 34:20 The Power of the Calendar 36:20 Achieving Goals with Intermediate Steps 39:28 The Importance of Writing Things Down 41:34 Balancing Digital and Paper Planning 45:12 Weekly and Daily Planning 53:38 The Planner System's Impact on Life 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 Guest: Dr. Breck England Dr. Breck England is Senior Product Architect and Writer-in-Chief for FranklinCovey. As a senior consultant, Breck has 25 years of field experience in helping some of the world's prime corporations become more effective in leadership and communication. He has directed projects for some 200 organizations around the world, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, Bank of America, GE, AT&T, Groupe Bull, Hoffmann-La Roche, Chevron, and Lawrence-Livermore Laboratories. Before joining FranklinCovey, Breck served as Vice President of Intellectual Property for FranklinQuest and Vice President of Consulting for Shipley Associates, an international communication training firm. Breck earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Utah and was adjunct professor of organizational leadership and strategy in the Marriott School of Brigham Young University for seven years. Book: Presentation Advantage: How to Inform and Persuade Any Audience Podcast: https://breckengland.podbean.com/
Dec 4
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Shawn Moon, chairman and CEO of Zerorez. Shawn shares insights from his extensive background in leadership, having held executive roles at Franklin Covey and worked with Fortune 500 companies and government organizations worldwide. The discussion covers the importance of timeless principles from the 'Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,' highlighting their universality and relevance across different cultures and organizational levels. Shawn emphasizes the significance of weekly planning and daily personal victories as foundational to effective leadership. He also provides a sneak peek into his upcoming book, which distills wisdom from interviews with 100 CEOs. Personal anecdotes about Stephen R. Covey underscore the enduring power of these principles in both professional and personal life. This episode offers actionable advice for leading oneself and others effectively in today's complex world. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:35 Meet Shawn Moon: A Leader's Journey 03:39 The Impact of the Seven Habits 06:58 Applying Principles in Business and Life 16:03 The Power of Weekly Planning 23:21 Daily Private Victory: Sharpening the Saw 28:09 The Power of Choice: Habit One 28:48 Defining Your Values: Habit Two 29:11 Executing Priorities: Habit Three 29:43 Foundations of Personal Leadership 30:03 Effective vs. Ineffective Leaders 31:06 The Importance of Principles 32:37 Researching Leadership Insights 33:30 Lessons from Top CEOs 42:07 Remembering Stephen R. Covey 46:47 The Role of Empathy in Leadership 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 Guest: Shawn Moon CEO, DIRECTOR & BOARD MEMBER OF BOTH THE USA AND UK COMPANIES Shawn is our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, a position he has held since September 2017; previously he served as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Moon has over 35 years of executive experience, having spent over 25 years with the FranklinCovey Company where he served as the Executive Vice President and had responsibility for the company's direct offices and operations globally. He was also a principle with Mellon Financial. Since joining as CEO, Mr. Moon has transformed Zerorez, increasing revenue, profitability, and securing private equity funding with PE firm Banner Ventures. For his accomplishments, he was recently named as a finalist for EY Entrepreneur of the Year. Mr. Moon is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, and he and his wife live at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and have 4 children 7 wonderful grandchildren. Guest Resources: Website UK Website Instagram Facebook Page
Nov 13
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Misty Howard, a passionate advocate for timeless values and historical wisdom. They delve into the life of Benjamin Franklin, exploring his early years, the values that inspired the Franklin Planner system, and how he discovered his mission. Misty shares Franklin's journey from a challenging youth to becoming a pivotal historical figure through virtues like temperance, silence, and resolution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, developing a personal value system, and the correlation between virtue and happiness. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners of all ages on how to cultivate character and transform their lives by aligning with timeless principles. 00:34 Benjamin Franklin's Early Life and Virtues 02:42 Discovering Your Mission and Purpose 04:20 Benjamin Franklin's Youth and Determination 15:04 The Turning Point: From Drifting to Deliberate Purpose 20:06 The 13 Virtues of Benjamin Franklin 27:34 Applying Franklin's Principles Today 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 Guest: 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. Guest Resources: Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
Nov 6
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding are joined by Mayor Michelle Kaufusi of Provo, Utah. As Provo's first female mayor with a background on the Provo City School Board, Mayor Kaufusi shares her inspiring story of overcoming a challenging childhood, her drive for excellence, and her journey into leadership. She highlights the importance of trust, love, and maternal instincts in governing a city and building effective teams. The discussion delves into her guiding principles, mission statement, and the balance between her professional role and personal life, offering valuable insights for individuals and leaders looking to make a significant impact in their communities. 01:04 Mayor Michelle Kaufusi's Background 04:01 Challenges and Early Life 06:59 Path to Leadership 10:12 Values and Vision 17:56 Maternal Instincts in Leadership 19:16 Leadership and Team Management 19:56 The Role of a Mayor: A Lifestyle, Not a Job 20:14 Choosing the Right Deputy Mayor 21:34 Mission Statement: Exceptional Care for an Exceptional Community 23:18 Building Trust Within the Community 28:31 Balancing Growth and Community Values 29:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Leaders 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 Guest: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi Michelle Kaufusi has served as the 45th mayor of Provo, Utah since December 5, 2017, and is the city’s first female mayor. Born and raised in Provo, she earned a B.S. in Geography from Brigham Young University. Prior to being mayor, she served on the Provo School Board and in other civic roles; as mayor her oversight has included major infrastructure projects, an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart growth. Her leadership has seen Provo earn national recognition as a “Best-Performing City” multiple years in a row. Resources: Michelle Kaufusi Provo Mayor Facebook Instagram Provo Website
Oct 28
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III explores the common struggle of feeling busy but unproductive. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Stephen Covey, particularly Habit 3: 'Put First Things First' from his renowned book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' the episode delves into the importance of weekly planning. Wright explains Covey's analogy of viewing life through different lenses—wide angle, telephoto, and standard—to emphasize the need for balance and intention. Through weekly planning, individuals can align their tasks with their long-term goals and mission, prioritizing what truly matters over the urgent but less important distractions. The episode concludes with Dr. Covey's advice on identifying key roles, setting 'big rocks' or essential goals, and scheduling these priorities to lead a principle-centered life. 01:06 Stephen Covey's Three Lenses 01:59 The Power of Weekly Planning 02:52 Applying Weekly Planning in Today's World 03:45 Dr. Stephen R. Covey on Perspective 06:30 Steps to Effective Weekly Planning 08:52 Real-World Example of Prioritizing 10:16 Conclusion: Organize Around Priorities 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
Sep 19
In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, the host welcomes special guest Ashley Campbell, an author, photographer, and community leader who, along with her family, embarked on a 17-year-long journey culminating in a year-long trip around the world. They discuss Ashley's inspiration behind the trip, the steps and sacrifices made to achieve this dream, and the importance of intentional living. Ashley shares various stories from their travels, emphasizing resilience, flexibility, and the value of immersing in local cultures. She also talks about the impact of the trip on her family's perspectives and the process of writing her book. 01:50 Ashley Campbell's Family Travel Dream 04:08 Financial and Character Preparation for the Journey 09:11 International Travel Experiences and Lessons 13:25 Unexpected Challenges and Family Resilience 17:25 Memorable Stories and Connections Made 20:25 Immersive Travel Experiences 23:27 The Journey to Writing a Book 26:38 Processing the Trip Through Writing 28:59 Life After the Trip 32:11 Advice for Pursuing Big Dreams 35:28 Defining a Successful Life 36:28 Connecting with the Author 37:42 Final Thoughts and Challenge 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 Ashley Campbell Ashley Campbell is a photographer, writer, and lifelong adventure seeker. She is the author of the book I’ve Never Been Here Before, a book about her family’s year-long world travels. She is also the founder of SnapShop Online , a photography school that has taught the basics of photography to thousands of children and adults. She has explored 31 countries, most with her favorite travel partners: her husband, Chris, and their five kids. Ashley actively chases opportunities to explore the unknown and learn from the world’s diversity, encouraging others to see beauty in the seemingly mundane. She resides with her family in Oklahoma, three miles from her childhood home. Resources Website: https://www.ashleyannphotography.com/blog/my-book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underthesycamore/
Sep 12
In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding delve into the science of brain fitness after 40. They discuss how the Franklin Planner can support mental health and enhance productivity through various life stages. The episode covers the structural changes in the brain from the forties to the eighties, identifies the challenges of digital overload, and promotes strategies like handwriting, journaling, and setting goals to maintain cognitive vitality. They also share actionable tips, backed by scientific research, to help listeners combat stress and aging effects while optimizing their daily routines. 00:43 Brain Fitness After 40: Why It Matters 02:03 Understanding the Brain: Structure and Function 03:51 Decade-by-Decade Brain Changes 12:19 Combating Digital Overload 14:57 The Power of Handwriting and Journaling 17:34 Mission, Values, and Goals for Brain Health 21:02 Exercise, Music, and Meditation 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 Check out more episodes at: https://blog.franklinplanner.com/franklin-planner-podcast/