In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, the host welcomes special guest Ashley Campbell, an author, photographer, and community leader who, along with her family, embarked on a 17-year-long journey culminating in a year-long trip around the world. They discuss Ashley's inspiration behind the trip, the steps and sacrifices made to achieve this dream, and the importance of intentional living. Ashley shares various stories from their travels, emphasizing resilience, flexibility, and the value of immersing in local cultures. She also talks about the impact of the trip on her family's perspectives and the process of writing her book.

01:50 Ashley Campbell's Family Travel Dream

04:08 Financial and Character Preparation for the Journey

09:11 International Travel Experiences and Lessons

13:25 Unexpected Challenges and Family Resilience

17:25 Memorable Stories and Connections Made

20:25 Immersive Travel Experiences

23:27 The Journey to Writing a Book

26:38 Processing the Trip Through Writing

28:59 Life After the Trip

32:11 Advice for Pursuing Big Dreams

35:28 Defining a Successful Life

36:28 Connecting with the Author

37:42 Final Thoughts and Challenge

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About Ashley Campbell

Ashley Campbell is a photographer, writer, and lifelong adventure seeker. She is the author of the book I’ve Never Been Here Before, a book about her family’s year-long world travels. She is also the founder of SnapShop Online, a photography school that has taught the basics of photography to thousands of children and adults. She has explored 31 countries, most with her favorite travel partners: her husband, Chris, and their five kids. Ashley actively chases opportunities to explore the unknown and learn from the world’s diversity, encouraging others to see beauty in the seemingly mundane. She resides with her family in Oklahoma, three miles from her childhood home.

Resources

Website: https://www.ashleyannphotography.com/blog/my-book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/underthesycamore/

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding delve into the science of brain fitness after 40. They discuss how the Franklin Planner can support mental health and enhance productivity through various life stages. The episode covers the structural changes in the brain from the forties to the eighties, identifies the challenges of digital overload, and promotes strategies like handwriting, journaling, and setting goals to maintain cognitive vitality. They also share actionable tips, backed by scientific research, to help listeners combat stress and aging effects while optimizing their daily routines.

00:43 Brain Fitness After 40: Why It Matters

02:03 Understanding the Brain: Structure and Function

03:51 Decade-by-Decade Brain Changes

12:19 Combating Digital Overload

14:57 The Power of Handwriting and Journaling

17:34 Mission, Values, and Goals for Brain Health

21:02 Exercise, Music, and Meditation

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

Check out more episodes at:

https://blog.franklinplanner.com/franklin-planner-podcast/

Finding Your Voice: The Journey of Jon Schmidt

In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, co-hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest John Schmidt, an accomplished pianist and composer known for his work with The Piano Guys. John shares his journey from a musically inclined family to global recognition, emphasizing the importance of passion, hard work, and love in achieving success. He offers profound insights on finding one's mission, the power of discipline, and the impact of music. The episode culminates with John reading an influential poem that guided him through anxiety and uncertainty, advocating for a mission-driven life with God as a partner. The co-hosts challenge listeners to craft their personal mission and use music as a tool for inspiration and planning.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

00:56 Meet John Schmidt: A Musical Journey

02:48 Early Influences and Family Support

03:55 Finding Joy in Music

06:01 The Power of Sharing Your Gift

08:15 Talent, Hard Work, and Passion

13:01 The Birth of The Piano Guys

19:34 Overcoming Struggles and Finding Inspiration

21:46 The Role of Miracles and Perspective

26:11 A Poem That Changed Everything

27:21 Discovering a Life-Changing Book

28:07 The Power of Personal Gifts

28:58 Finding Your Divine Destiny

31:08 The Importance of Persistence

32:41 Overcoming Anxiety Through Faith

34:11 The Role of Mission and North Star

36:57 Collaborating with God on Your Mission

43:28 The Power of Music in Life

46:49 Final Thoughts and Challenges

Thank you for joining us on this Journey to create your best life and to lead your Life and Teams. Please share this show, and we look forward to the journey we will take together.

The Franklin Planner Team

About John Schmidt

Jon Schmidt is a world-renowned pianist, composer, and founding member of The Piano Guys, known for blending classical and pop music into powerful, cinematic performances. With billions of views and sold-out shows worldwide, his work has inspired audiences of all ages. Now, Jon is returning to his roots with intimate solo acoustic concerts that focus on connection, emotion, and authenticity. He continues to use music as a tool for healing and inspiration.

Check out Spotify Playlist:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/2YQ4MY2VwOMv43C0GemUY5 || https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jon-schmidt/5118375

Resources

Website: https://thepianoguys.com/pages/jon-schmidt2

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepianoguysjonschmidt/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JonSchmidtPiano/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC41Po6yLBco1WoGQZpJ4ySg