Episodes
Join former MLB prospect Levi Kelly as he opens up about his intense journey from professional baseball to MMA. From navigating the challenging "priority player" politics within the Diamondbacks organization to overcoming setbacks and finding his true passion in the fighting world, Levi shares raw stories of betrayal, resilience, and self-discovery.
He reflects on clashes with coaches, the struggle for respect, and how his West Virginia roots shaped his relentless mindset. This episode dives...
Published 11/11/24
Get ready for an engaging episode of The Determined Society with Shawn French as he sits down with the dynamic Shanice Henderson from Bravo’s Summerhouse: Martha's Vineyard.
Discover her journey from sports and sales to reality TV and the ups and downs that come with being in the public eye. Shanice opens up about her experiences, including how she navigates social media criticism, copes with mental health challenges, and the unexpected moments that shaped her life.
Tune in for a candid...
Published 11/04/24
In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French dives into the highs and lows of life, from battling hurricane season in Southwest Florida to finding motivation amid chaos.
He shares his personal struggles, relatable anecdotes, and offers valuable advice on perseverance and consistency in both personal and professional life.
Whether you're dealing with literal storms or figurative ones, this episode is packed with inspiration to keep you pushing forward, no matter how tough...
Published 10/28/24
This podcast episode features a lively conversation between Shawn French and guests Tori and Daniel Murphy, two Jacksonville natives with impressive careers and inspiring community involvement. The discussion covers a range of topics from their personal achievements in sports (Daniel's MLB career and Tori's creation of Prom Series, a nonprofit supporting foster children) to their family life, determination, and hobbies. The episode is recorded live at Lynch's Irish Pub in Jacksonville Beach,...
Published 10/21/24
In this episode of The Determined Society Podcast, host Shawn French sits down with Clay Gravesande, a multifaceted entrepreneur and former reality TV star, best known for his appearance on season six of Love is Blind. Together, they delve into Clay's extraordinary journey, from his early struggles and triumphs in athletics to his current ventures in business and the impact of his reality TV fame. The conversation explores deep themes of validation, identity, and resilience, capturing the...
Published 10/14/24
In this engaging episode, actor and director Aaron Jackson, best known for his role as Mark Winkle in California Dreams, shares his inspiring journey from Pittsburgh to Hollywood. He opens up about his early start in the entertainment industry, landing his first commercial at age five, and booking major roles in films like Lorenzo's Oil and Children of the Corn II. Aaron reflects on the challenges of navigating Hollywood, his transition into teaching, and the valuable life lessons he’s...
Published 10/07/24
In this riveting episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French dives deep with former NFL star Drayton Florence. They discuss overcoming adversity, the impact of haters as motivational fuel, and the transition from a successful football career to founding a company dedicated to helping military veterans. They also highlight the leadership lessons Drayton has carried from his coaches into his post-NFL ventures and his passion for coaching high school football. Tune in to hear inspiring...
Published 09/30/24
In this powerful conversation on The Determined Society, Shawn French engages with Patric Young, whose life was forever altered by a tragic accident. As a former athlete, Patric shares the emotional and physical challenges he faced during recovery, detailing how his life was transformed and how he discovered a new sense of identity. This deep, reflective discussion touches on themes of resilience, faith, and community, offering listeners valuable insights into the power of...
Published 09/16/24
In this powerful episode, Shawn French sits down with former NFL cornerback Nolan Carroll to discuss his inspiring journey of perseverance, resilience, and overcoming obstacles. Nolan opens up about the challenges he faced on his path to the NFL, beginning with a devastating leg injury in high school that threatened to derail his football career. Despite this setback, he remained determined to keep pushing forward. His unyielding dedication paid off when he earned a scholarship to play...
Published 09/09/24
In this powerful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with fitness expert and motivational speaker Stephen Campolo, who shares his deeply personal journey of overcoming food addiction and binge eating. Stephen opens up about his struggles with food from a young age, detailing how his relationship with food led to unhealthy eating habits, significant weight gain, and a cycle of shame and self-sabotage.
Throughout the conversation, Stephen provides insights into the...
Published 09/02/24
Rachel Baribeau is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and transformative figure who has dedicated her life to spreading joy and inspiring others to live authentically. Known for her contagious enthusiasm and unwavering faith, Rachel is passionate about helping people discover their true purpose and lead fulfilling lives.
In her journey, Rachel emphasizes the critical distinction between being a "dream builder" and a "dream killer." She encourages others to nurture and support not...
Published 08/26/24
In this episode, we sit down with Ross Matiscik, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ standout long snapper and NFL All-Pro, as he takes us through his inspiring journey from an overlooked walk-on at Baylor University to establishing himself as a crucial player in the NFL. Ross delves into the challenges and setbacks he faced along the way, highlighting the grit, perseverance, and relentless work ethic required to turn his dreams into reality.
Ross opens up about his mentality on and off the field,...
Published 08/22/24
In this episode, Shawn French sits down with Adam Gotsis, a former Australian football player who successfully transitioned into the NFL as a defensive lineman. Adam's journey from the fields of Australia to the bright lights of the NFL is nothing short of inspiring, as he shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career and the sacrifices he had to make to achieve his dreams.
Adam opens up about the challenges he faced in adapting to American football, a sport vastly different from what he...
Published 08/19/24
In this impactful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with two remarkable figures in the world of collegiate basketball: Coach Jordan Mincy, a respected basketball coach known for his commitment to developing young talent, and Anakin Brown, a promising college basketball player following in his father’s legendary footsteps. The conversation dives deep into the intersection of sports, family, and community, offering listeners a rich exploration of what it means to...
Published 08/12/24
Episode Overview:
In this powerful episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Noel Devine, a former standout football player whose life story transcends the boundaries of the gridiron. Noel's journey is one marked by profound loss, remarkable talent, and an unyielding spirit of determination that has inspired countless people around the world.
In-Depth Show Notes:
Introduction:
Shawn French opens the episode by introducing Noel Devine, a name that resonates...
Published 08/05/24
David Kampfe is a IFBB Classic physique pro and health enthusiast who owns multiple companies in the health and wellness space. He shares his journey from being a high school athlete to working with kids with autism to becoming a bodybuilding pro and business owner. Kampfe emphasizes the importance of setting high standards, embracing resistance, and building a routine for success. He believes that motivation comes after you start doing the work and that discipline and determination are the...
Published 07/29/24
Episode Highlights:
Join us for a special live episode recorded at The Legacy Pro Sports charity event, where we engage in a powerful conversation about the critical importance of mental health support for former athletes. Our esteemed guests include former NFL stars and mental health advocates who share their personal experiences, challenges, and the urgent need for comprehensive support and treatment for retired athletes.
Featured Guests:
Brandon and Pamela Siler: Former NFL linebacker...
Published 07/22/24
Jace Yawnick, a cancer survivor, shares his journey of battling cancer and how he is inspiring others through his platform. He talks about the emotional experience of writing his will with his father and the realization that material possessions don't matter compared to spending time with loved ones. Jace emphasizes the importance of community and the support he receives from family, friends, and strangers. He discusses the power of determination and how surrounding himself with positive...
Published 07/08/24
Summary
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Chris Mazza, a professional Major League Baseball pitcher, to delve into his remarkable journey of determination and perseverance. Chris Mazza, despite being considered undersized for a professional athlete, defied the odds and pursued his dream of playing in the major leagues. Through sheer resilience, he overcame multiple surgeries and numerous setbacks that could have ended his career. Chris highlights the crucial role of never quitting...
Published 07/01/24
The conversation between Shawn French and ET revolves around the themes of determination, clarity, and personal growth. ET's famous speech on 'How Bad Do You Want It?' is discussed, highlighting the importance of having a strong desire for success. They also touch on the significance of clarity in achieving goals and how it has impacted ET's life. The conversation emphasizes the need to focus on the work rather than the reward, and the importance of consistency and habit-building. ET shares...
Published 06/22/24
In this episode, Shawn French reflects on the journey of his podcast, The Determined Society, and announces exciting changes and developments for the future. He expresses gratitude to his listeners and shares how the show started as a small hobby and grew into something much bigger. Shawn discusses the evolution of the show's production quality and the impact it has had on listeners. He also reveals that the show will be undergoing a transformation, with new partners, remastered branding, and...
Published 06/10/24
Jody Yonker shares her journey as a cancer survivor, discussing the emotional impact, family dynamics, and the transition from corporate life to entrepreneurship. Shawn French reflects on his own health scare and the challenges of corporate culture. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including health challenges, entrepreneurship, personal growth, and mindset. Jody shares her journey of overcoming health issues and the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical system....
Published 06/03/24
In this coaching session, Shawn and Matthew discuss Shawn's progress over the past few weeks, focusing on the challenges of an 'all or nothing' approach and the importance of consistency. They also explore the concept of discipline and determination, the paradox of pushing through fatigue, and the transition to intuitive eating. The conversation is filled with humor and personal anecdotes, creating a lighthearted and engaging atmosphere. In this coaching call, Shawn and Matthew discuss...
Published 05/30/24
In this conversation, Shawn French and Steve Wiltz discuss the challenges of parenting, the importance of vulnerability and self-expression, and the impact of their content on others. They share their experiences as fathers and husbands, navigating the pressures and expectations of family life. They also touch on the need for external validation and the fulfillment they find in making others laugh and feel understood. The conversation highlights the importance of communication and...
Published 05/27/24