In this episode of the Franklin Planner podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding welcome special guest Misty Howard, a passionate advocate for timeless values and historical wisdom. They delve into the life of Benjamin Franklin, exploring his early years, the values that inspired the Franklin Planner system, and how he discovered his mission. Misty shares Franklin's journey from a challenging youth to becoming a pivotal historical figure through virtues like temperance, silence, and resolution. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation, developing a personal value system, and the correlation between virtue and happiness. The episode concludes with actionable advice for listeners of all ages on how to cultivate character and transform their lives by aligning with timeless principles.

00:34 Benjamin Franklin's Early Life and Virtues

02:42 Discovering Your Mission and Purpose

04:20 Benjamin Franklin's Youth and Determination

15:04 The Turning Point: From Drifting to Deliberate Purpose

20:06 The 13 Virtues of Benjamin Franklin

27:34 Applying Franklin's Principles Today

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 Guest: Misty Howard

Misty Howard is a historian‐enthusiast and podcast host who brings a fresh, youth-oriented voice to timeless values and historical wisdom. She serves as the creator and host of the podcast Faith Ignited (described as “Immersive, real stories from history, seen through the lens of faith”). Her work focuses on exploring the lives of influential historical figures—especially from the founding era of the United States—and connecting their personal values with modern leadership, mission-driven living, and character development. Misty emphasizes the importance of self-improvement, purpose, and narration of historical truths often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Her style blends historical research, faith-based insight, and practical application for younger audiences.

Guest Resources:

Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding are joined by Mayor Michelle Kaufusi of Provo, Utah. As Provo's first female mayor with a background on the Provo City School Board, Mayor Kaufusi shares her inspiring story of overcoming a challenging childhood, her drive for excellence, and her journey into leadership. She highlights the importance of trust, love, and maternal instincts in governing a city and building effective teams. The discussion delves into her guiding principles, mission statement, and the balance between her professional role and personal life, offering valuable insights for individuals and leaders looking to make a significant impact in their communities.

01:04 Mayor Michelle Fusi's Background

04:01 Challenges and Early Life

06:59 Path to Leadership

10:12 Values and Vision

17:56 Maternal Instincts in Leadership

19:16 Leadership and Team Management

19:56 The Role of a Mayor: A Lifestyle, Not a Job

20:14 Choosing the Right Deputy Mayor

21:34 Mission Statement: Exceptional Care for an Exceptional Community

23:18 Building Trust Within the Community

28:31 Balancing Growth and Community Values

29:37 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Leaders

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 Guest: Mayor Michelle Kaufusi

Michelle Kaufusi has served as the 45th mayor of Provo, Utah since December 5, 2017, and is the city’s first female mayor. Born and raised in Provo, she earned a B.S. in Geography from Brigham Young University. Prior to being mayor, she served on the Provo School Board and in other civic roles; as mayor her oversight has included major infrastructure projects, an emphasis on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and smart growth. Her leadership has seen Provo earn national recognition as a “Best-Performing City” multiple years in a row.

Resources:

Michelle Kaufusi Provo Mayor

Facebook

Instagram

Provo Website

In this episode of the Franklin Planner Podcast, host George Wright III explores the common struggle of feeling busy but unproductive. Drawing on the insights of Dr. Stephen Covey, particularly Habit 3: 'Put First Things First' from his renowned book 'The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People,' the episode delves into the importance of weekly planning. Wright explains Covey's analogy of viewing life through different lenses—wide angle, telephoto, and standard—to emphasize the need for balance and intention. Through weekly planning, individuals can align their tasks with their long-term goals and mission, prioritizing what truly matters over the urgent but less important distractions. The episode concludes with Dr. Covey's advice on identifying key roles, setting 'big rocks' or essential goals, and scheduling these priorities to lead a principle-centered life.

01:06 Stephen Covey's Three Lenses

01:59 The Power of Weekly Planning

02:52 Applying Weekly Planning in Today's World

03:45 Dr. Stephen R. Covey on Perspective

06:30 Steps to Effective Weekly Planning

08:52 Real-World Example of Prioritizing

10:16 Conclusion: Organize Around Priorities

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