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Franklin Planner Podcast

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.

Latest Episodes:

Living with Purpose with Breck England Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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/

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/living-with-purpose-with-breck-england/

Cultivating Success: Timeless Principles with Shawn Moon Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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:

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/cultivating-success-timeless-principles-with-shawn-moon/

Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues with Misty Howard Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/benjamin-franklins-13-virtues-with-misty-howard/

Values-Driven Leadership: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi's Story Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

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

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

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/values-driven-leadership-mayor-michelle-kaufusis-story/

The Power of Perspective by Stephen R. Covey on Weekly Planning Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

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 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

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/the-power-of-perspective-by-stephen-r-covey-on-weekly-planning/

A Journey of Intention: The Campbell Family's Year-Long World Travel Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

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

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/

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/a-journey-of-intention-the-campbell-familys-year-long-world-travel/

Brain Fitness After 40: How FranklinPlanner Strengthens Your Mind, Memory & Purpose Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

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/

Finding Your Voice: The Journey of Jon Schmidt Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Jon Schmidt, an accomplished pianist and composer known for his work with The Piano Guys. Jon shares his journey from a musically inclined family to global recognition, emphasizing the importance of passion, hard work, and love in achieving success. He offers profound insights on finding one's mission, the power of discipline, and the impact of music. The episode culminates with Jon reading an influential poem that guided him through anxiety and uncertainty, advocating for a mission-driven life with God as a partner. The co-hosts challenge listeners to craft their personal mission and use music as a tool for inspiration and planning.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:56 Meet Jon Schmidt: A Musical Journey

02:48 Early Influences and Family Support

03:55 Finding Joy in Music

06:01 The Power of Sharing Your Gift

08:15 Talent, Hard Work, and Passion

13:01 The Birth of The Piano Guys

19:34 Overcoming Struggles and Finding Inspiration

21:46 The Role of Miracles and Perspective

26:11 A Poem That Changed Everything

27:21 Discovering a Life-Changing Book

28:07 The Power of Personal Gifts

28:58 Finding Your Divine Destiny

31:08 The Importance of Persistence

32:41 Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith

34:11 The Role of Mission and North Star

36:57 Collaborating with God on Your Mission

43:28 The Power of Music in 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 Jon Schmidt

Jon Schmidt is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and founding member of The Piano Guys, known for blending classical and pop music into powerful, cinematic performances. With billions of views and sold-out shows worldwide, his work has inspired audiences of all ages. Now, Jon is returning to his roots with intimate solo acoustic concerts that focus on connection, emotion, and authenticity. He continues to use music as a tool for healing and inspiration.

Check out Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YQ4MY2VwOMv43C0GemUY5 || https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jon-schmidt/5118375

Resources

Website: https://thepianoguys.com/pages/jon-schmidt2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepianoguysjonschmidt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonSchmidtPiano/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC41Po6yLBco1WoGQZpJ4ySg

Overcoming Adversity: The Power of Personal Mission with David Anderson. Jun 24, 2025

Show notes

Defying Odds: Harnessing a Personal Mission for Success with David Anderson

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-host George Wright III and John Harding sit down with David Anderson to discuss the essence of personal mission and its transformative power. David, a globally successful entrepreneur and speaker, shares his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in Chicago to becoming a prominent figure in various spheres. The conversation explores the impact of creating a personal mission statement, grounding one's life in intentional goals, and the importance of education and mentorship. David recounts overcoming significant obstacles, such as family mental health issues and career challenges, and emphasizes the value of daily personal commitments. The episode concludes with a challenge for listeners to create an audacious goal to stretch their potential and drive positive change.

00:44 Introducing David Anderson

02:28 David's Inspirational Background

05:45 The Power of a Personal Mission

07:56 Creating a Personal Pledge

10:22 Overcoming Adversity with Mission

18:07 Global Examples of Mission-Driven Success

20:05 Implementing Personal Pledges in Daily Life

20:43 A Personal Story of Overcoming Educational Challenges

21:34 The Importance of Personal Commitment and Support

22:03 Mental Health Struggles and Triumphs

22:50 Creating a Personal Constitution

23:07 The Power of a Mission Statement

24:56 Thriving vs. Surviving

27:24 The Journey to Goldman Sachs

34:23 The Importance of Anchoring Yourself

38:54 Challenge to the Audience

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 David Anderson:

David Anderson is the Vice President of Global Development at AAR CORP. AAR Corp is a $2 Billion Aviation services firm with 20 locations worldwide listed as a Fortune 1,000.

David works with Prime Ministers, global executives, and wealthy individuals to develop the aviation sector in the Americas, Africa and emerging markets. David was the International President of Kelikaien (Keep Global) a Chinese "Green" environmental products manufacturing and services firm with 6,000 employees and 16 locations worldwide. He was selected as a Global Shaper by The World Economic Forum and is a Senior Advisor to the Honorary Consul to the country of Moldova. David worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs in New York and investment management at JP Morgan in Chicago of a $5.6 Billion portfolio. Previously, he was a successful tech founder at School Loan 411 and he was also an aide in the Executive Office of the President at the White House.

He was the keynote speaker for TEDx Talks "Disruption" conference in Austria, along with an Amazon Category Top 100 & Bestselling Author of "The Delusion of Passion - Why Millennials Struggle to Find Success". His non-profit activities include the World Future Society, iGlow Mentoring and the James R Jordan Foundation (formally the Michael Jordan Foundation).

He is a proud graduate of Chicago State University with Honors and a participant in Harvard University’s Explorations Program. His proudest accomplishment is taking his grandfather (Korean War Veteran) to the White House West Wing and making him proud.

Connect with David...

Official Website: https://www.officialdavidanderson.com
David's TedX Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaECsnWJAWA&t=8s

Creating a Vision for Your Life: Vision, Mission, Values May 13, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, co-hosts George Wright III and Franklin Planner Board Member John Harding delve into the significance of defining one's mission, vision, and values. They discuss how these elements can help individuals find purpose and direction in their lives, referencing concepts from Stephen Covey and the Productivity Pyramid. The conversation covers practical steps for self-reflection, crafting personal vision and mission statements, identifying core values, and understanding life roles. The episode also highlights the inspiring story of David Anderson, who credits his personal mission with transforming his life. Listeners are encouraged to take time for self-reflection and to write down their mission, vision, and values to live a more meaningful and proactive life.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:32 The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values

01:16 Stephen Covey's Influence and Key Concepts

03:29 The Productivity Pyramid Explained

07:31 Steps to Establishing Your Foundation

19:06 Defining Your Core Values

21:44 Understanding and Prioritizing Life Roles

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

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