Good People

Jonathan Harned is a Wildlands Firefighter, EMT, Photographer and Videographer, and the Owner of Die Tired Co. In this episode, expect to learn about Jonathan’s recent experience diving into the world of Wildland’s Firefighting, the physical and mental challenges that come with the job, the importance of resilience in the preparation for fire season, some of the highlights of working in the wildla...

David Millar is a Med-School Student, Ultramarathoner, and former Alcohol and Drug Addict. David shares his harrowing journey through severe substance abuse, how he got sober, and how it propelled him to achieving amazing things like running ultramarathons and attending med school. In this episode, expect to learn about David’s trouble with substance use as a young person, how his early introducti...

In this episode, expect to learn about the the unknown ways ego affects our lives, why you should wake up early, having a memento mori, learning to forgive, the importance of doing less, learning to deal with your own stress, finding a hobby, going outside for a walk, why you should pursue challenges, why goals don’t always work, the importance of not telling yourself stories,  never abandoning yo...

Dr. Anabelle Bugatti, also known as Dr. Belle, is an international speaker, and distinguished therapist & relationship expert in Las Vegas, Nevada. Holding a PhD in Couples Therapy from Northcentral University and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Long Island University in NY, Dr. Belle is a certified Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) Supervisor and Therapist. She...

Eric Freedom is a Father, Coach, Author, and Podcast Host In this episode, expect to learn about Eric’s life growing up in LA, the kinds of values instilled in him from a young age, growing up with separated parents, managing a very difficult relationship and emotions with his father, when he got into sports and fitness, why he opened a gym, how the focus of the gym and his values as a coach have...

Kaity Mason is a CrossFit Coach, Athletes, and Martial Artist. In this episode, expect to learn about Joel and Kaity’s shared interest in martial arts and martial arts film, their personal journeys in fitness, the importance of balance and not being too hard on yourself, the value of fictional tales on self-improvement, finding what works for you, the impact of video games, the transformative powe...

Dr. Isabel Meijering is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, a Master NLP Life Coach, and more. In this episode, expect to learn about all the work Dr. Meijering does to help folks improve their wellness, how Western and Eastern medicine can merge to provide a more holistic approach to healthcare, how she defines wellness, the importance of shooting for balance, the 6 pillars she uses to...

In this episode, Joel breaks down 7 habits that will actually improve your life. The self-improvement world is full of redundant, inconsequential, and oftentimes, useless advice. Here are 7 very simple things that actually work to improve your wellness.  Subscribe to my weekly newsletter! https://alittlebitofgood.substack.com/   Sponsors: Get 15% off on all Die Tired Co products at https://dietire...

Will Gulick works in EMS, Ocean Rescue, and is the owner of Misfit Medicine. In this episode, expect to learn about Will’s experience in EMS and Ocean Rescue, as well as his journey in paramedic school. The conversation also touches on starting families, the cost of living, the draw of working in emergency services, helping others, seeking thrill, finding a sense of purpose, why Will started Misfi...

Jack Crowe is a runner, boxer, samurai-warrior-philosopher, and wonderful human. In this episode, expect to learn about the stories Jack has been creating since his last appearance on Good People (exactly a year ago). Our conversation covers many topics: personal growth, living intentionally, following your gut, and the importance of telling good stories. We also discuss the need to take action, t...

Dr. Brad Bushman is a Professor of Communications at Ohio State University. He was a member of President Obama’s committee on gun violence, and has testified before the U.S. Congress on the topic of youth violence. In this episode, expect to learn when Dr. Bushman became interested in studying aggression and anger, why this topic fascinates him, what anger is, how arousal works in the body, why we...

Dr. Monica Kirkpatrick Johnson is a Professor of Sociology and the Department Chair at Washington State University. Most of her research centers around work, family, and education across the life course. She is particularly interested in well-being and achievement in adolescence and the transition to adulthood.  In this episode, expect to learn about the transition from adolescence to adulthood, t...

Dr. Drew Cingel is an Associate Professor in the UC Davis Department of Communication. In this episode, expect to learn about the intersection between human development and media use. More specifically, Dr Cingel and I discuss the impact of social media on adolescent development, the increased exposure to media and technology at earlier ages, the potential cognitive, emotional, and social developm...

Athan Schindler is a Father, Veteran, Coach, and the owner of Bastrop Fitness Project. In this episode, expect to learn about the emergence of long-form content, how important authenticity is to good storytelling, why Athan is investing in a social media coach, what it takes to build a personal brand, what burnout is, how burnout can be prevented, the importance of pivoting to explore new goals an...

Dr. Jen Thiess is a Professor of Communication at Rutgers University in the School of Communication and Information. In this episode, I talked with Jen about her work on Relational Turbulence Theory and its impact on our understanding of romantic and other interpersonal relationships. The theory explains the kinds of challenges that arise during transition periods in relationships and how they aff...

Gabe Yanez is a Husband, Father, Coach, Athlete, and the Chief Marketing Officer at NCFit and Train Hard. In this episode, expect to learn about Gabe’s journey as an athlete and coach, how injuring his back changed his training priorities, why he likes training for aesthetics and health, the impact of becoming a father on his fitness goals and personal growth, common barriers people face in the wo...

This episode is an essay reading titled, "The Parable of the Hammer." The story begins with a man subject to a horrible daily tax in which he must be hit atop of the head every morning before leaving his bedroom. The story explores the idea of facing challenges and the consequences of avoiding them, which happens in small and subtle ways many of us do not recognize. This story is one of...

Chris Bullivant is Communications Director at the Institute for Family Studies in Charlottesville, VA. In this episode, expect to learn about the various aspects of marriage, contemporary viewpoints on marriage, the shift in marriage rates and the characteristics that affect them, the kinds of people that choose to get married, how income and community affect folks willingness to tie the knot, com...

In this episode, celebrate the 52nd episode of Good People, bookmarking an entire year of consecutive weekly uploads. Joel answers questions from his Instagram Q&A centered around all of the things he's learned from the first year of the show. Expect to learn what lessons he has learned and applied to regular life, the guests he'd like to speak with again, his least favorite guest so f...

Brock Covington is a Husband, Business Owner, Athlete, Reader, Creator, and the Host of the “Zero Quit Podcast.” In this episode, expect to learn about all of the things Brock has his hands on in life and business, how pursuing bold goals facilitates personal growth and builds belief in self, what owning a gym at a young age taught him about life and business, when and why he got into long distanc...

Alex Hermanson is a runner, creator, and all around great human.  In this episode, expect to learn about Herm’s life, the kinds of sports he played growing up, when and how he got into running, what kinds of running excites him, if he is going to run 200+ mile races, what running has given him in his life, his three tips for anyone just starting out, his thoughts on the current state of creators o...

Jason Anderson is an ultra distance cyclist, runner, snowboarder, and Christian. In this episode, Joel and Jason discuss various topics, including wedding planning, the value of friendship, taking time off from drinking, and the effects of adding alcohol back into their lives. They explore the benefits of sobriety and the importance of balancing productivity with well-being. They also emphasize th...

In this episode, Joel goes into detail on a list of 10 books to read before you die. This, by no means, is an exhaustive list. It is a compilation of books from all different kinds of genres that don't typically get recommended in lists such as this. Joel emphasizes the importance of reading and how it can improve one's well being, education, and language use, the importance of developing the skil...

Today I was joined by Professor Phil Reed. He is a professor of psychology at Swansea University who applies his knowledge to broad areas of research; some of which include Learning and Behavior, Special Needs, and Internet Addiction.  In this episode, expect to learn the truth about the integration of internet and digital technology into daily life, what social media addiction looks like, the neg...

Today I was joined by Dr. Joseph Schwartz. He is an associate professor at Florida State University in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Much of his research focuses on the interplay between biological and environmental impacts on behavioral and health outcomes. In this episode, expect to learn about how both biology and environment are crucial variables in explaining behavior an...