Episode 100 is a milestone—and a moment of reflection.

In this episode, John Morris looks back on the journey that started with a simple goal: getting a message out to men and women coming out of prison, addiction, and broken lives who needed real workforce and life skills. What began as a painting vocational class has grown into a full program teaching trades, accountability, confidence, and how to become a productive member of society.

John shares the stories that keep him going—the employees who found sobriety, rebuilt relationships with their families, started paying taxes for the first time, earned promotions, and even launched their own licensed businesses. He also speaks honestly about loss, relapse, failure, and why he chooses to focus on success instead of defeat.

This episode is raw, unscripted, and deeply personal. It’s about growth, change, consistency, and why helping even one person can create a ripple effect far bigger than we’ll ever see.

If this podcast has ever helped you, inspired you, or made you think differently about work, life, or second chances—this one is for you.

In this powerful Episode 99 of Workforce Skills, John Morris sits down with personal trainer and wellness coach Robert Brunner, owner of Brunner Wellness, for a raw and honest conversation about discipline, accountability, and what it really takes to create lasting change.

From National Quitters Day and why most people abandon their goals, to the role mindset plays in fitness, business, and life, John and Robert break down why motivation fades—but discipline and consistency don’t. Robert shares his own incredible transformation story, leaving a six-figure career to help others reclaim their health, while John opens up about his journey, setbacks, and why accountability has been a game-changer.

This episode goes beyond the gym. It’s about mental toughness, embracing discomfort, building habits, and understanding that health truly is wealth—in work, leadership, and life. https://brunnerwellness.com/ info@brunnerwellness.com

In Episode 98 of Workforce Skills, John reflects on the transition from 2025 into 2026 and delivers a powerful message about growth, accountability, and personal responsibility. Instead of setting New Year’s resolutions that fade away, John challenges listeners to focus on wins, learn from failures, and make changes immediately—not “someday.”

From business leadership and employee development to health, mindset, and self-discipline, this episode dives into what it really takes to grow a company, build strong teams, and become a better version of yourself. If you’re tired of procrastination and ready to take control of your future, this episode is for you.

In this special Christmas Day episode of Workforce Skills, John sits down with Kenny Austin to share a powerful story of transformation, accountability, and second chances.

Kenny opens up about his journey through addiction, prison, recovery, and rebuilding his life through hard work, mentorship, and structure. From graduating the New Freedom program to rising through the ranks at PHP Commercial Painting, Kenny explains how trusting the process, asking for help, and surrounding himself with the right people changed everything.

This conversation dives into life inside a halfway house, the realities of recovery during the holidays, leadership through accountability, and what it truly means to earn a “hand up” instead of a handout. If you or someone you know is struggling, this episode is proof that real change is possible.

In this episode of Workforce Skills, John Morris delivers a blunt but necessary message as the holidays approach: slow the f* down**. From costly estimating mistakes and rushed jobsite work to emotional decisions that derail careers and lives, John explains why speed is often the enemy of success.

Drawing from real experiences in business, leadership, recovery, and workforce development, John breaks down the importance of quality over quantity, logic over emotion, and patience over pressure—especially for those rebuilding their lives after incarceration or addiction.

This episode is a reminder that real growth doesn’t happen overnight, mistakes multiply when we rush, and the best outcomes come when we take our time and do things the right way.

In this episode of Workforce Skills with John Morris, John sits down with Sarah Gehrt, a graduate of his workforce and life skills classes who once came through his reentry program after serving six years in prison.

Sarah opens up about a lifetime of addiction, the moment everything caught up with her, and what it took to finally decide, “If I want to be something different, I have to do something different.” She shares how John’s “beast mode” mindset, accountability, and real-world workforce skills helped her go from angry and resistant to applying for 60 jobs in a week, pursuing education, and rebuilding her life.

Today, Sarah is a Walden University graduate (summa cum laude), the first recipient of a full-ride Bridges Reentry scholarship, and a Student Success Advisor supporting hundreds of students. She now mentors other women coming out of incarceration, advocates for stronger vocational and soft-skills programs, and proves that your past doesn’t have to define your future.

If you’re coming out of prison, in recovery, hiring second-chance employees, or you just need a reminder that change is possible, this conversation will hit home.

In Episode 94 of the Workforce Skills Podcast, John Morris sits down with a very special guest — his wife, Lori Morse — to talk openly and honestly about what it’s really like to work together every single day.

John and Lori share the routines, boundaries, struggles, and habits that keep their marriage strong while running a fast-paced commercial painting company. From early-morning schedules and office roles to gym time, decompressing at home, and setting clear “work zones” vs “home zones,” they break down how they’ve learned to thrive both professionally and personally.

They also dive into deeper topics: addiction, sobriety, past marriages, sacrifice, misunderstandings, and why supporting each other’s goals is the foundation of their success. Lori talks about how her perception of people in recovery changed after meeting the men and women who work at PHP Commercial Painting — and how lack of support at home can derail someone’s progress.

Whether you work with your spouse, want to understand relationship dynamics in a business, or just want an honest conversation about partnership and growth, this is one of the most candid episodes yet.

The holidays aren’t easy for everyone — especially for employees struggling with loneliness, financial stress, addiction, or family issues. In this powerful Thanksgiving episode, John Morris opens up about why this season can be the most dangerous and emotionally challenging time of the year for many workers, especially those rebuilding their lives after prison, addiction, or homelessness.

John talks candidly about the realities he sees every year: people slipping back into old habits, isolating themselves, or simply getting “too far in their own head.” He explains how business owners and leaders can step up, watch for warning signs, offer support, and create a family-like culture that keeps people grounded through the holidays.

From opening his own home for Thanksgiving to encouraging employees to look out for one another, John shares practical, heartfelt examples of how leadership extends far beyond job sites, production, and profit — especially right now.

This episode is a reminder that the holidays don’t need to be perfect. They need to be supportive.