97 Habits Podcast

Today we’re talking about Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers—the two-way marvel who just did something baseball had literally never seen before: three home runs and throw 10 strikeouts in the same game. Let’s dig into the top three success habits that power Ohtani’s greatness—and the challenges he’s had to overcome to pull off a night for the ages.

Today we’re walking into the gym with Coach Roy Williams—country drawl, plaid jacket, and a whistle that turned practices into track meets. From small-town North Carolina to Kansas to Chapel Hill, he turned fast breaks into art and players into men. He didn’t just win three national championships; he built a culture where effort was non-negotiable and joy was part of the job description.

Today we’re stepping onto the hardwood with coach Dean Smith of North Carolina—two-time national champion, mentor to legends, and the mastermind of a culture that outlived the final buzzer. He didn’t just win games; he taught habits that turned teenagers into teammates, and teammates into leaders. Let’s unpack the top three success habits that defined Coach Smith—and the challenges he faced buildi...

Today we’re stepping onto a stadium stage with Taylor Swift—a songwriter who turned feelings into an empire, a performer who sells out nights in a row, and a business owner who rewrote the rules of her industry. From getting turned down in Nashville as a kid to dropping surprise albums in a pandemic, and then launching a record-shattering tour, she’s a case study in habits that compound.

Today we’re stepping onto the sideline with Coach Andy Reid—play-sheet the size of a beach towel, legendary mustache, and a résumé that reads like a football textbook. You may know him from the funny State Farm commercials. From building the Eagles into a perennial contender to turning the Chiefs into a modern dynasty, he’s proof that joyful work and sharp habits can live in the same huddle. Let’s...

Today we’re stepping onto a glittering stage with one of the most influential entertainers in history. From the Jackson 5 to the moonwalk, to record-shattering albums, he turned performance into a master class on craft, courage, and creativity.  Whether you first heard him on vinyl, CD, or your friend’s playlist, Michael’s work shows what happens when talent becomes a disciplined habit.

Today we’re talking about Sage Steele—the former ESPN broadcaster who went from small-market stand-ups to anchoring SportsCenter and hosting some of the biggest events in sports. She’s currently the host of “The Sage Steele Show.”   She’s interviewed icons, navigated live TV chaos, and kept her sense of humor through it all. Her story is proof that you can be both polished and real, tough and kind...

Today we’re talking about Joyce Meyer—the pastor, author, and voice behind “Enjoying Everyday Life.” Whether you’ve heard her on TV, radio, or scrolling a clip on your phone, Joyce has a way of making you feel like you’re chatting across a kitchen table, not sitting in a stadium.  She built a global ministry not by being fancy, but by being faithful—and forming habits that anyone can practice. Let...

Today we’re talking about the most clutch field goal kicker in NFL history: Adam Vinatieri of the Patriots and the Colts. Four Super Bowl rings, game-winners on the biggest stage, and a career that stretched from dial-up internet to smartphones. He didn’t just kick footballs—he kicked open the door to what daily habits and relentless preparation can do when a whole stadium holds its breath.

Today we’re talking about Dr. Tony Evans—pastor, author, and founder of The Urban Alternative. He started with a small Bible study in Dallas and built it into Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, a church that reaches people around the world through radio, TV, and books. He’s preached hope in neighborhoods and nations, and he’s done it with habits you and I can practice—no pulpit required.

Today we’re stepping into the front office with the man who helped change baseball without ever coming to the plate during playoff time—Billy Beane of the Oakland A’s. You probably saw the movie with Brad Pitt called Moneyball.  That is the story of Billy Beane.

Today we’re stepping onto the practice field with a legend known for discipline and results: the architect of “The Process.” Whether you love Alabama or love to root against them, Saban’s run rewired college football.  Seven National Championships. A conveyor belt of All-Americans. An obsession with habits so strong he literally calls the scoreboard a “distraction.” Let’s unpack the top three succ...

Today we’re taking the mound with “The Rocket” himself. Love him or hate him, you can’t argue with his resume: 2-Time World Series Champion, 7 Cy Young Awards, 354 wins, 4,672 strikeouts, and two 20-strikeout games. But the real lesson isn’t just in the numbers—it’s in the habits behind the heater, the splitter, and the stare that said, “Good luck.” Let’s break down three success habits that power...

Today, we’re talking about one of the most influential pastors and teachers of the last century. For over 50 years, he led First Baptist Church of Atlanta and founded In Touch Ministries , broadcasting his messages all over the world.  His life wasn’t easy—he grew up in poverty, lost his Dad as a child, and faced opposition in his ministry. Yet, through faith, perseverance, and strong habits, he l...

Today, we’re talking about Chris Gardner . You might know his story from the Will Smith movie The Pursuit of Happyness . But behind the Hollywood drama is a real man who went from being homeless with a toddler in his arms to becoming a millionaire stockbroker and entrepreneur. His story is one of grit, habits, and hope.

Viktor Frankl faced one of the darkest chapters in human history yet came out with wisdom that still inspires millions. He was an Austrian psychiatrist who survived Nazi concentration camps during World War II. He lost his parents, his brother, and his wife in the camps, but instead of being crushed, he turned his suffering into a message of hope. His book, Man’s Search for Meaning , has sold mill...

Today, we’re traveling way back in history to look at the life of Solomon , one of the most famous kings in the Bible. He was known for his wisdom, his wealth, and his influence.  Solomon’s fortune would be worth over 2 trillion dollars in today’s money. That's the combined net worth of the 8 wealthiest people in the world:  Larry Ellison, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Larry Page, “S...

Today, we’re talking about Jim Davis, the creator of Garfield —that lasagna-loving, Monday-hating, lazy cat many of us know and love. We’ll explore the top 3 success habits that helped Jim build his empire, and the major challenges he faced—and what you can learn from them. Let’s dive in.

Charlie was truly an American hero, and died doing what he loved.  Speaking to students about their faith, encouraging them to get married and start a family, sharing his conservative values, and motivating students to get involved politically.   He debated students who believed differently than he did.  He created a platform for them to pick up a microphone and discuss their beliefs with someone...

Today, we’re talking about one of the most legendary leaders in American history— Abraham Lincoln , the 16th President of the United States. He’s remembered as the man who held the nation together during its darkest hour, abolished slavery, and gave speeches that are still quoted over 150 years later. But Lincoln didn’t come from power or privilege. He grew up in a log cabin, lost more elections t...

Today we’re talking about one of the greatest leaders in American history— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. When you hear his name, you probably think of the “I Have a Dream” speech, the March on Washington, or his fight for civil rights. But what made him so effective wasn’t just his words—it was his habits, the way he lived, and how he overcame enormous challenges. His life is a masterclass in courage...

Today we’re talking about a man who inspired a generation with his words, his vision, and his courage. He was young, charismatic, and full of energy. He challenged America to go to the moon, stood firm in the face of nuclear war, and reminded the world that leadership is about service, not self. But behind the speeches and the history books, JFK’s story is also about habits—and the challenges he h...

Today we’re talking about a man who’s been on your TV for more than five decades. He’s been a lawyer, a reporter, a war correspondent, a daytime talk show host, and even the guy who opened Al Capone’s vault on live television. Geraldo’s career has been dramatic, controversial, and inspiring—and whether you agree with him or not, you can’t deny that he made a name for himself through bold choices a...

Today, we’re diving into the story of a man who changed the way we shop, read, and think about space exploration— Jeff Bezos , the founder of Amazon. Bezos went from running Amazon out of a garage in Seattle to becoming one of the richest men in the world with a $250 Billion net worth. But his success didn’t happen overnight. It came from habits built on vision, persistence, and boldness—and plent...

Today, we’re talking about a man who became a hero in less than four minutes— Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger . On January 15, 2009, US Airways Flight 1549 took off from New York’s LaGuardia Airport. Just three minutes into the flight, a flock of geese struck both engines, and suddenly the plane had no power. He landed that plane safely on the Hudson River, saving all 155 people on board. It...