Are you ready to discover the keys to greater productivity and lead your life and team with principles that stand the test of time? Welcome to The Franklin Planner Podcast, your weekly guide to achieving your best life through proven strategies, timeless values, and expert insights. Whether you’re looking for ways to boost your personal productivity, lead your team to new heights, or find lasting success, this podcast is your trusted companion on the path to intentional living.
For more than 40 years, Franklin Planner has helped millions infuse their lives with meaning and clarity. Inspired by the principles of Dr. Stephen R. Covey and his groundbreaking work, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this podcast builds on that enduring legacy. Hosted by Franklin Planner Board Member and Owner John Harding, alongside industry expert George Wright III, each episode dives deep into the essential habits, disciplines, and leadership principles that transform both individuals and teams.
Together, John and George bring decades of experience, combined with interviews from accomplished business leaders, productivity experts, and success coaches, offering valuable lessons you can apply today. From overcoming roadblocks and staying focused on the “Big Rocks” in your life to fostering collaboration and trust in your team, the discussions are rich with actionable takeaways and practical wisdom.
The Franklin Planner Podcast is more than a tool for learning; it’s an invitation to a community committed to growth, purpose, and intentional living. If you’re ready to take charge of your time, lead with integrity, and craft a legacy of success, this is the podcast for you. Tune in weekly, and let’s unlock your full potential—one timeless principle at a time.
On the Franklin Planner Podcast, George Wright III with John Harding and Misty Howard highlight Theodore Roosevelt as a model of resilience, character, and leadership, emphasizing that while we can’t choose everything that happens, we can choose our response. They discuss Roosevelt’s sickly childhood with severe asthma and nearsightedness, his father’s challenge to “make your body,” and Roosevelt’s disciplined transformation. In his 20s, after success at Harvard, early political rise, and marriage to Alice Hathaway Lee, he lost both his mother and wife on February 14, 1884, prompting him to seek renewal in the Dakota Territory and form his “Strenuous Life” philosophy. They cover his decision to fight in the Spanish-American War by forming the Rough Riders, his anti-corruption, pro–working class leadership, his unexpected ascent to the presidency after McKinley’s assassination, and his Square Deal priorities: corporate control, consumer protection, and conservation, concluding with “The Man in the Arena” and a call to face fears and act on values.
00:00 Why Roosevelt Matters
03:37 Childhood Weakness to Strength
15:34 Rebuilding in the Dakotas
20:23 Rough Riders and War Hero
25:08 Fighting Corruption in Politics
29:32 Unexpected Path to Presidency
36:41 Man in the Arena Lessons
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.
Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/
The Franklin Planner Team
About Misty Howard
Misty Howardis 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.
Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.
Guest Resources:
Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
On The Franklin Planner Podcast, hosts George Wright III and John Harding are joined by Misty Howard to explore the life of Theodore Roosevelt and how he transformed personal weakness and overwhelming adversity into legendary greatness. From overcoming a debilitating childhood illness to enduring tragic loss and leading troops from the front lines in the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt’s journey illustrates how mindset, discipline, and intentional choices build true resilience and character.
Howard breaks down key defining moments in Roosevelt’s life, including his transformational years in the Dakotas, his rise as a reform-minded leader fighting corruption in New York, and the square deal policies that defined his presidency. The conversation highlights Roosevelt’s philosophy of “The Strenuous Life”, lessons from the iconic “Man in the Arena” speech, and actionable Franklin Planner activities—such as separating what you can control from what you can only influence—to help you take control of your response, lean into your fears, and lead your life with purpose.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Introduction: Turning Weakness Into Greatness
01:14 – Why Teddy Roosevelt’s Story Matters Today
03:38 – Overcoming Childhood Illness Through Discipline
07:44 – Planner Activity: Identifying What You Can vs. Cannot Control
09:10 – Tragic Loss and the Light That Went Out
13:40 – Adjusting Goals in Seasons of Grief
15:45 – The Dakota Years & Developing “The Strenuous Life” Philosophy
20:25 – Leading from the Front: The Spanish-American War & Rough Riders
25:05 – Values-Based Leadership: Fighting Corruption in Politics
29:35 – Stepping into the Presidency: Preparation Meets Opportunity
32:25 – Modern Presidency, Trust Busting, and Conservation
35:10 – The Man in the Arena: Action Over Criticism
39:20 – Final Thoughts & Challenge: Daring Greatly in Your Own Life
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.
Check out the New Membership Program Here: https://store.franklinplanner.com/lps/membership/
The Franklin Planner Team
About 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.
Her contributions bring depth, perspective, and inspiration to conversations about proactive living and principle-centered leadership.
Guest Resources:
Podcast Link: Faith Ignited — available via Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, etc.
