97 Habits Podcast

Today, we’re talking about a man who literally taught the world how to negotiate— Herb Cohen . He was called the “world’s best negotiator” by Time Magazine . He advised U.S. presidents, the FBI, and major corporations. He even helped during high-stakes hostage situations. And yet, his secret weapon wasn’t being cutthroat or ruthless—it was habits that made him calm, confident, and incredibly effec...

Today, we’re talking about a man who became one of the most iconic and inspiring college football coaches of all time— Lou Holtz . If you know college football, you know Lou. He coached Notre Dame to a national championship in 1988. 

Today we’re talking about someone who went from the bottom of his class to one of the most celebrated surgeons in the world— Dr. Ben Carson . If you’ve ever been told you’re not smart enough, not talented enough, or that you don’t have what it takes, then his story is for you.

Rockefeller didn’t start rich. He was born in 1839 in upstate New York and grew up in a family that struggled financially. His father was often away, and young John had to learn early how to be resourceful. He once said, “I always tried to turn every disaster into an opportunity.”

He’s made audiences laugh on Netflix, in sold-out theaters, and even at Carnegie Hall. But here’s the thing—Jim’s story isn’t just about laughs. It’s about resilience, discipline, and habits that anyone can use to face challenges and chase their dreams.

Today we’re talking about a man who threw one of the most inspiring no-hitters in baseball history— Jim Abbott . But here’s the twist: Jim Abbott was born without a right hand. Think about that. Most of us would have thought baseball, especially pitching, was impossible. But Jim didn’t just play baseball—he became a Major League pitcher, and on September 4, 1993, at Yankee Stadium, he threw a no-h...

Today, we’re talking about Michael Jordan, or as Kobe Bryant called him, "Black Jesus." Michael Jordan’s résumé is nothing short of legendary. He won 6 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, going a perfect 6–0 in the Finals and winning Finals MVP every single time. Beyond the rings, his dominance showed up in the stat sheets. Jordan led the NBA in scoring 10 times, was the steals lea...

Whether you're religious or not, the life of Jesus shows what can happen when your habits match your purpose . He built His life around quiet time, clarity, compassion, storytelling, forgiveness, and finishing what He started. His influence came from daily habits lived with courage.

Brad didn’t start out in Hollywood. He was born in a small town in  Oklahoma, and raised in Springfield, Missouri. By the time he was in college studying journalism, he realized that his dream wasn’t behind a desk—it was on a movie set. So just two credits short of graduating, he packed up, drove to L.A., and started chasing the dream.

Will Smith’s story is about confidence, risk-taking, relentless work, reinvention, and persistence through failure. He’s proof that you can start with no experience, take big leaps, and—brick by brick—build a life and career that inspires millions.

He redefined late-night television. For 30 years, he made millions of people laugh before they went to bed. He was the king of The Tonight Show. Carson had a secret to his success that comedians still admire today: he made his guests the stars . He wasn’t afraid to step back and let others shine, whether it was a young comic like Jerry Seinfeld or an unknown singer like Whitney Houston.

Matthew McConaughey’s story is about trusting yourself, reinventing when you need to, and not being afraid to bet on your future. It’s about saying “no” to things that don’t align with who you want to become—and saying “yes” to opportunities that challenge you to grow.

Elvis Presley grew up poor in a small town, raised by hardworking parents who didn’t have much money but gave him faith, love, and music. As a boy, Elvis sang in church and learned guitar from neighbors and family. He wasn’t the most outgoing kid, but when music played—something lit up in him.

Before Tom was Thomas Magnum, the cool private investigator from Magnum, P.I. , he was just a tall kid from California with dreams of playing pro basketball. He went to USC on a basketball scholarship, but here’s the twist—life had a different plan. Injuries and reality set in, and Selleck had to pivot.

Jefferson wasn’t just the third President of the United States—he was an author, inventor, farmer, architect, and a man with an endless curiosity for learning. He wrote the Declaration of Independence at just 33 years old—an age when most of us are still figuring out what we want to be when we grow up.

Kid Rock’s career proves that success isn’t about fitting in—it’s about standing out. It’s about working harder than anyone else, staying true to yourself, and not being afraid to evolve. He took his unique mix of influences, bet on himself when nobody else would, and built a career that’s lasted over three decades.

When Babe Ruth swung, he didn’t swing for singles. He swung for the fences. In an era where most players aimed just to get on base, Babe had a “go big or go home” approach that made him the Home Run King. But here’s the part that makes the story even better: He was number one in career strikeouts for a time as well. He didn’t care—because strikeouts were the price of swinging big. And that’s a hug...

Here’s the wild part—Morgan Freeman didn’t get his big break in movies until he was 50 years old. That’s right, five decades into his life, he finally landed a role in Driving Miss Daisy that made him a household name. Most people would have quit long before that. But Morgan had one habit that kept him going: persistence over time .

Today, we’re shining the spotlight on Jessica Biel —actor, producer, fitness entrepreneur, and philanthropic force. You might know her from 7th Heaven , The Sinner , or her role in the Marvel universe. But behind the fame, Biel has built a career on habits that ground, empower, and evolve her. She's overcome the challenges of balancing work, wellness, and motherhood—and she’s done it by living...

Today’s episode is about a guy who went from Mouseketeer to music mogul. From boy band to solo icon. And yes—from wardrobe malfunctions with Janet Jackson, to Super Bowl redemption honoring Prince in Minneapolis.

Eli Lilly was a pharmacist, a soldier, a dreamer, and a doer. He didn’t start with billions. He didn’t start with a lab team. He started with a habit of doing things better—and doing them ethically. So, what habits made Eli Lilly successful? Tune in to find out.

Today, we’re diving into the habits and mindset of one of football’s greatest quarterbacks— Peyton Manning . Whether you’re a Colts fan, a Broncos fan, or just someone who appreciates a guy who can call audibles like an auctioneer—Peyton’s journey has something to teach all of us.

You might remember her as the glamorous, ultra-capable Jennifer Marlowe on the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati . She was smart, stylish, and sharp—and in real life, Loni was just as bold, just as warm, and just as unforgettable. What she left behind wasn’t just great television or red carpet photos—it was a legacy built on persistence, purpose, and personal strength.

Today’s episode is all about Burt Reynolds. Yep, the mustached, stunt-driving, fast-talking, charismatic movie star who defined cool for an entire generation. But behind the charm and the laugh was a man who built his success—and rebuilt his life—through a surprising set of habits. Burt wasn’t just a Hollywood icon… he was also a walking lesson in perseverance, reinvention, and grit.

Today, we’re talking about a man who changed the game—literally. John Wooden wasn’t just a basketball coach—he was a mentor, a teacher, and a master of habits. He won 10 national championships in 12 years at UCLA. That’s not just success—that’s domination. But what made Coach Wooden truly great wasn’t just his record. It was his daily habits—his mindset, his values, and how he shaped the lives of...