The Determined Society with Shawn French | Adversity & Mindset

Latest Episodes:

Surviving Trauma, Building Strength: Jerome on Fatherhood, Healing & Determination Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with entrepreneur and wellness advocate Jerome, whose life story is a raw testament to trauma, resilience, and the determination to build something better for the next generation.

What begins as a conversation about childhood adversity becomes a shocking revelation:

Jerome discovered that he was likely a surviving twin, the result of selective abortion practices in 1970s France. That discovery unraveled decades of unexplained psychological pain, complex PTSD, and emotional disconnection. For the first time publicly, he opens up about prenatal trauma, childhood neglect, and the generational patterns he is determined to break as a father of three young girls.

Key Takeaways:

-Trauma isn’t just emotional, prenatal and childhood trauma shape the brain, identity, and adulthood.

-Breaking generational cycles requires intentionality, vulnerability, and emotional honesty.

-Children don’t need perfect parents, they need present, loving, apologetic, humble ones.

-Determination is built in moments where your instinct is to react, but you choose to respond with love.

-Mental health struggles are not weakness; silence is. Talking about it is the first step to freedom

-Affordable healthcare is possible, removing middlemen makes life-saving medication accessible for families in need.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Jerome Knyszewski

https://www.instagram.com/jeromeknyszewski/

The Determined Society is hosted by Shawn French — a show for people who refuse to quit. Every episode goes beyond the highlight reel to explore the real stories behind resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of a life built on your own terms.

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

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Kwame Christian’s Guide to Negotiation, Courage & Hard Conversations Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Kwame Christian, a bestselling author, attorney, corporate negotiation consultant, TEDx speaker, and host of Negotiate Anything, the #1 negotiation podcast in the world.

Kwame breaks down the real meaning of determination: making an agreement with yourself and keeping the promise, even when fear, conflict, or discomfort stand in the way.

But this conversation goes far beyond traditional negotiation. It dives into the psychology of people-pleasing, childhood conditioning, internal self-talk, emotional regulation, boundaries, and what keeps so many of us from speaking up for ourselves.

Kwame shares the origin of his compassionate curiosity framework, a simple but transformative method for navigating conflict without anger, defensiveness, or emotional shutdown.

Key Takeaways

-Determination is keeping the promises you make to yourself, even when it’s hard.

-Most people fear tough conversations because of childhood conditioning or people-pleasing habits.

-Conflict becomes easier when you use Compassionate Curiosity: regulate emotions, ask better questions, and approach the problem together.

-You can win an argument and lose the relationship. Focus on connection, not domination.

-Discipline grows when you celebrate the pride of honoring your commitments.

-Mastery comes from deliberate practice. Focus on the process, not the outcome.

Connect with me :

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Kwame Christian

https://www.instagram.com/kwamenegotiates/

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Breaking Limiting Beliefs | Cultural Perspectives on Creative Leadership Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this inspiring episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Greg Rosenbaum, SVP of Programming at South by Southwest and a 15-year veteran behind one of the most influential festivals in the world.

From dyslexia to leadership, Greg shares the personal and professional journey that shaped him, and how SXSW has become a global model for community, creativity, and connection across music, film, TV, technology, comedy, and education.

Greg reveals how adversity forced SXSW to reinvent itself after losing its long-standing convention center home, and why focusing on community over convenience transformed everything.

He also opens up about mentorship, parenting, discipline, creativity, and the mindset required to build a festival that helps thousands of artists, innovators, and storytellers share their work with the world.

Key Takeaways

-Reinvention happens when adversity demands creativity, community must guide every major decision.

-Dyslexia shaped Greg’s determination, discipline, and belief in incremental progress.

-SXSW thrives because it bridges industries, music, film, innovation, comedy, and education under one roof.

-The festival’s 40th year challenged the team to reimagine everything, leading to a more immersive, city-wide experience.

-Networking is the real “cheat code”, authentic connection accelerates growth faster than any strategy.

-Discipline in fitness and routine fuels creativity, clarity, and leadership.

-Presence is the foundation of great parenting, partnership, and professional impact.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Greg Rosenbaum

https://www.instagram.com/sxsw/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

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The Woman Who Refused to Break: Guerdy Abraira on Healing, Identity & Strength Nov 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Guerdy Abraira, world-renowned event designer, Real Housewives of Miami star, cancer survivor, and now author of her powerful memoir 'From Trauma to Trophies'.

Joined by her husband Russell, the two open up about identity, childhood trauma, cultural reinvention, marriage, betrayal, fame, survival, and the inner work required to reclaim your voice.

Guerdy shares intimate details about immigrating from Haiti to Paris to the United States, being separated from her family at just nine years old, building self-worth through service, navigating reality TV conflict, creating the Let Me Theory, and fighting, and beating, breast cancer with ferocity and grace.

Together, she and Russell reveal the truth behind healing, partnership, intention, forgiveness, and what it really means to win at life.

Key Takeaways

-Reinvention is a lifelong journey — from Haiti to Paris to Miami, every chapter shaped Guerdy’s confidence.

-Childhood trauma creates patterns of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and over-performing, until you decide to break them.

-Cancer forces surrender: losing control, facing mortality, and rebuilding identity from the inside out.

-The Let Me Theory empowers you to reclaim autonomy, set boundaries, and choose peace on your own terms.

-A strong marriage is built on intention, patience, presence, and seeing every version of each other with love.

-Being “too much” is a superpower, your energy, joy, and authenticity are your gifts, not liabilities.

-Self-worth is not material, it’s who you become, not what you own. Guerdy's trophies are her growth, her family, and her freedom.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Guerdy and Russell Abraira

https://www.instagram.com/guerdydesign/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Building Empire Through Adversity | Gil Dezer on Luxury, Discipline & $630M Vision Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with visionary developer Gil Dezer, the mind behind Dezer Development and the groundbreaking Bentley Residences in Sunny Isles, Florida.

From an unprecedented 36-hour mat foundation pour to $630 million construction loans and engineering innovations the world has never seen, Gil breaks down exactly what it takes to build one of the most luxurious residential towers on earth

Gil reveals the unseen world of mega-development: 40-foot excavations, 2,300 concrete trucks, faceted diamond glass walls, in-unit car elevators, private balconies with swimming pools, saunas in every home, and the relentless problem-solving required to turn an idea into a skyline-defining reality.

Key Takeaways

-Engineering greatness requires obsession — every inch of Bentley Residences is intentionally designed.

-Massive construction projects succeed through coordination, problem-solving, and relentless attention to detail.

-A 36-hour continuous mat pour involves 2,300 trucks, 40-foot excavations, and year-long preparation.

-Innovation demands risk: faceted diamond glass, car elevators, balcony pools, and hurricane-tested engineering.

-Real estate is a delayed-gratification industry — planning, permitting, and execution take years of discipline.

-An educated buyer understands value: more space, better engineering, and elevated living experience.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Gil Dezer

https://www.instagram.com/dezerdev/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Determination After Trauma | The Luttrell Brothers on Resilience Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Marcus and Morgan Luttrell, Navy SEAL legends, brothers, warriors, and survivors whose stories have shaped a generation.

From helicopter crashes and TBI recovery to the invisible battles that happen long after war ends, the Luttrell's open up about pain, resilience, identity, fatherhood, marriage, and the hard road back to civilian life.

They reveal what most people never see: the withdrawal from war, the deep loss of tribe, the spiritual journey of healing, and how psychedelic-assisted therapy changed everything. Through raw honesty and unmatched brotherhood, Marcus and Morgan share what it truly means to suffer with purpose, raise strong families, and refuse to quit, no matter what life demands.

Key Takeaways

-True resilience comes from facing hardship head-on, not running from it.

-Brotherhood, tribe, and shared suffering shape identity long after the battlefield.

-Psychedelic-assisted therapy can help veterans reclaim clarity, connection, and emotional balance.

-Discipline begins with the smallest daily choices — even one push-up or one cold shower.

-Suffering creates appreciation; comfort creates complacency.

-The greatest battles often happen at home — in marriage, fatherhood, and identity.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Marcus Luttrell

https://www.instagram.com/marcusluttrell/

Morgan Luttrell

https://www.instagram.com/repluttrelltx/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Parenting Discipline: Raising Teens Through Adversity and Authenticity Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Larry Hagner, the founder of The Dad Edge, author, coach, and the voice behind the #1 fatherhood podcast in the world.

Larry opens up about faith, marriage, parenting, and the evolution of modern masculinity. From raising teenagers in the age of social media to staying grounded as a husband, to battling imposter syndrome while writing his book, Larry shares the honest truth behind becoming a legendary father.

They discuss the pressures men face today, how to build emotional safety in the home, and why prioritizing marriage is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children. Their conversation unpacks purpose, childhood wounds, connection, and the lifelong pursuit of being a present parent in a distracted world.

If you're a father striving to grow, a husband looking to reconnect, or simply someone who wants to lead with more integrity and clarity, this conversation will hit home.

Key Takeaways

-Leading your family starts with leading yourself — in faith, discipline, and humility.

-Children feel safest when they witness a strong, connected marriage.

-Social media may amplify chaos, but intentional parenting neutralizes the noise.

-Imposter syndrome fades when you focus on obedience, not perfection.

-Presence isn’t about time quantity — it’s the quality of connection your kids feel.

-Legendary fatherhood is built daily through faith, conversation, and consistent action.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Larry Hagner

https://www.instagram.com/thedadedge/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How Jeffrey Delaney Is Rewriting the Rules of Men’s Health Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Jeffrey Delaney — founder of T Clinics and Nuviva Medical Weight Loss — to talk about what really happens when men lose their edge.

Jeffrey breaks down the myths around testosterone, hormone therapy, nutrition, and popular GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Tirzepatide. Together, he and Shawn unpack what it means to be a modern man — one who leads with strength, vulnerability, and consistency — while challenging the stigma around masculinity and self-care.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, exhausted, or unsure how to get back to feeling like yourself again, this episode will show you where to start and how to take control of your health for good.

Key Takeaways

-True health isn’t just physical — mental clarity begins in the body.

-Hormone balance can reignite drive, motivation, and emotional stability.

-Quick fixes like GLP-1s work only when paired with movement and nutrition.

-Sleep, nutrition, training, and mindset are the four pillars of lasting wellness.

-Masculinity isn’t toxic — it’s essential to family and personal balance.

-Comparison kills progress; consistency creates transformation.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Jeffrey Delaney

https://linktr.ee/jeffreydelaney?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Exit Strategy & Determination | How Andrew Child Evolved Reacher Nov 14, 2025

Show notes

What happens when determination becomes your only strategy?

In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Andrew Child, acclaimed author of the Reacher series and one of the minds behind the latest installment, Exit Strategy.

The conversation dives into the psychology of writing, the craft of visualization, and the relentless perseverance that fuels one of fiction’s most iconic franchises. Andrew reveals how he and his brother, Lee Child, evolved the legendary Reacher character to reflect a rapidly changing world — from technology to moral complexity — while maintaining the timeless essence of grit and justice that fans love.

From Wyoming solitude to world stages, Andrew shares how creative resilience, emotional awareness, and flexibility shape his process. He also opens up about Lee’s firing from television that ultimately birthed Reacher, proving that sometimes the worst endings lead to the best beginnings.

Together, they explore the art of persistence, the myth of writer’s block, and why the only real “exit strategy” is refusing to quit.

Key Takeaways

-Writing is an act of determination — you can’t wait for inspiration, you must show up.

-Visualization turns good writing into cinematic storytelling.

-The Reacher series continues evolving with the times, tackling modern tech and social dynamics.

-Collaboration and flexibility keep creativity alive.

-Adversity often opens the door to reinvention — Lee Child’s firing from TV led to global success.

-Determination means refusing to quit, even when motivation fades.

-Every author — and every human — has their own “exit strategy.”

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Andrew Child

https://www.instagram.com/jackreacherbooks/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Horses, Healing & Discipline: Breaking Limiting Beliefs Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

At the Naples Therapeutic Riding Center, miracles happen on horseback. Host Shawn French steps onto the 10-acre sanctuary where horses help humans heal — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Joined by Executive Director Michelle Schweber, Marketing & Outreach Director Christian Vanorsdale, and Leah Haven, the center’s lead trainer for over 20 years, the conversation explores how connection, confidence, and compassion reshape lives

For nearly 30 years, this nonprofit has empowered children and adults facing mental, physical, and emotional challenges through equine-assisted therapy. From sensory trails and occupational therapy to anxiety reduction and emotional regulation, each session becomes a story of courage and transformation.

Leah shares how horses synchronize with riders’ heart rates, helping regulate emotion and reduce anxiety — while volunteers find their own sense of peace and purpose. The discussion also uncovers moving stories of nonverbal riders finding their voice, rescued horses finding their purpose, and families rediscovering joy in the process.

This is more than therapy — it’s a reminder of what connection can do.

Key Takeaways

-Horses mirror human movement and emotion — creating natural therapy through rhythm and empathy.

-The Naples Therapeutic Riding Center serves over 800 people annually, including 115 active riders.

-Every rider’s program is tailored for specific developmental, physical, and emotional goals.

-Confidence is built through doing hard things — one ride at a time.

-Volunteers experience their own emotional healing through service.

-Even the horses heal: many arrive from rescue situations and thrive through connection.

-“Behind the Red Wall” isn’t just a location — it’s a community that transforms everyone who enters.

Connect with me :

https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA

Naples Therapeutic Riding Center

https://www.instagram.com/naplestherapeuticridingcenter/

Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all others.. If this episode moved you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and leave a review. It helps more than you know.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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