Pre-Programmed? Do You Believe You Are?

In this episode of Champion Reads, hosts and executive producers Jon Kovach Jr. and Ian Stermer dive into Aldous Huxley’s classic, Brave New World, and explore a powerful question: Are we really thinking for ourselves—or have we been pre-programmed by society to think the way we do?

Jon and Ian unpack themes of conditioning, control, comfort, and conformity, drawing parallels between Huxley’s dystopian world and our modern reality. From media influence to cultural expectations and social norms, they challenge you to examine where your beliefs come from—and what it truly means to choose your own thoughts.

Tune in, reflect deeply, and ask yourself: How much of “you” is really you?

In this episode of Champion Reads, hosts and executive producers Jon Kovach Jr. and Ian Stermer dive into Spencer Johnson, M.D.’s timeless classic, Who Moved My Cheese?—but with a twist. They explore the deeper question behind the story: Was it worth it? Was the chase, the struggle, the fear, and the change actually worth what we were pursuing all along?

Jon and Ian unpack the “maze of illusion” we often find ourselves in—careers, relationships, goals, and identities that may have been built on comfort, fear, or other people’s expectations. Through honest reflection and practical insights, they challenge you to examine: Are you clinging to old cheese? Avoiding necessary change? Or courageously stepping into the unknown?

Tune in to reflect on your own journey and ask yourself: What cheese am I chasing—and is it really worth it?

In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Jon Kovach Jr. dive into Habit 1 from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Be Proactive.This principle flips the script on how most people live. Instead of reacting to circumstances, emotions, or other people, proactive individuals take full ownership of their choices, their attitude, and their results.💡 Key Ideas Covered:🔥 Responsibility = Response-AbilityBeing proactive means recognizing you always have the ability to choose your response. You may not control everything that happens—but you control what you do with it.🚫 Reactive vs. Proactive LanguageReactive people say: “I can’t,” “They make me so mad,” “There’s nothing I can do.”Proactive people say: “I choose,” “I will,” “I’m responsible.”🌱 The Circle of InfluenceInstead of worrying about everything outside your control, focus on your circle of influence—the areas where your choices can make a difference. As you act within that circle, it expands.👊 Owning Your ActionsWillie and Jon share personal stories where they had to step up, take ownership, and stop blaming external factors. Proactivity is the starting point of leadership.💬 Proactivity Is FreedomWhen you own your life, no one else holds the steering wheel. Proactive choices build confidence, discipline, and momentum.🎤 Why It Hits Different:This isn’t just self-help talk—it’s a daily challenge. Being proactive is about refusing to let excuses or outside forces dictate your life. It’s about becoming the author of your own story.🏁 Final Takeaway:Champions don’t wait for perfect conditions. They take ownership, take action, and create the conditions for success. Be proactive. Own your choices. Live your life on purpose.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for honest, high-level conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #7Habits #StephenRCovey #BeProactive #Responsibility #Leadership

In this episode of the Champion Reads Podcast, we take a deeper dive into one of the most relatable characters in Who Moved My Cheese? — Haw. At first, Haw resists change just like many of us do: he fears the unknown, hopes things will return to “the way they used to be,” and hesitates to leave his comfort zone. But eventually, he discovers one of the most powerful principles in the entire story:

✅ Nothing changes unless you do.

We explore Haw’s journey from fear to courage, how he finds new opportunities by taking small steps forward, and why the simple act of writing things down can accelerate learning, clarity, and personal growth. Just like Haw’s “Handwriting on the Wall,” our notes, goals, and reflections become reminders of who we want to become and how far we’ve come.

Listeners will hear practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, professionals, and everyday decision-makers who know a change is needed but haven’t taken that first step. By the end of this episode, you may find yourself asking:

“Aren’t we all just a little Haw?”

Tune in to learn how facing your maze with curiosity, taking action even when afraid, and capturing your lessons in writing can help you find your own “new cheese.”

Learn more here: www.MyChampionCircle.com

In today’s episode of the Champion Reads Podcast, we dive into the classic personal-development parable Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson. This short but powerful story follows four unforgettable characters—Sniff, Scurry, Hem, and Haw—as they navigate change, loss, and the pursuit of something better.

We break down the lessons hidden within the maze, why some people resist change while others embrace it, and how professionals and entrepreneurs can apply these insights to business, leadership, and personal growth. Whether you’re facing new challenges, shifting environments, or redefining success, this book reminds us that adaptability isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Tune in to hear practical takeaways, real-world examples, and a fresh perspective on embracing change with confidence. If you’re ready to stop resisting what’s new and start running toward your next opportunity, this episode is for you.

Learn more about Champion Circle: www.MyChampionCircle.com

In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Jon Kovach Jr. dive into Stephen R. Covey’s third habit: Put First Things First. This principle moves beyond good intentions and asks the real question: are you spending time on what truly matters—or just reacting to the urgent?💡 Key Ideas Covered:1️⃣ The Urgent vs. Important MatrixCovey’s Time Management Matrix reveals how much of life gets eaten by urgent but unimportant tasks. Champions live in Quadrant II—focusing on what’s truly important but not yet urgent.2️⃣ Saying “No” to the Wrong YesPrioritizing means learning to disappoint the right things so you can focus on the right priorities. Willie and Jon share personal stories of saying no in order to say yes to their true mission.3️⃣ Why Busy ≠ ProductiveThe danger of mistaking activity for achievement. Productivity is about progress on the right goals, not filling your schedule with endless tasks.4️⃣ Practical Tools for Putting First Things FirstTime-blocking your big rocks first.Weekly reviews to realign with your values.Protecting “champion time” for family, health, and vision.🎤 Why It Hits Different:This isn’t just another productivity hack—it’s a shift in how you see your life. Putting first things first means leading yourself with clarity instead of letting life’s noise lead you.🏁 Final Takeaway:Champions don’t let urgency steal importance. They focus on what lasts, what matters, and what builds the legacy they want to leave.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for more conversations that take timeless books and turn them into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #7Habits #FirstThingsFirst #StephenRCovey #Leadership #TimeManagement #ProductivityWithPurpose

In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Jon Kovach Jr. dive into Habit 5 from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood.Too often, we jump into conversations ready to argue our point or defend ourselves. But Covey reminds us that true influence, leadership, and connection don’t come from talking—they come from listening with empathy.💡 Key Ideas Covered:👂 Listening with Empathy, Not Just EarsMost people listen with the intent to reply. Champions listen with the intent to understand. That shift changes the entire dynamic of relationships.💬 You Can’t Influence Without First UnderstandingCovey teaches that when people feel heard, they naturally open up to your perspective. Understanding builds trust—trust creates influence.⚡ Why We Fail at ListeningFrom distractions to ego to impatience, most people struggle with giving others their full attention. Jon and Willie share personal stories of when they failed to listen—and what they learned from it.🛠️ Tools to Practice Habit 5Pause before responding.Repeat back what you hear in your own words.Ask clarifying questions instead of assuming.Focus on their perspective, not your rebuttal.🎤 Why It Hits Different:This habit isn’t just for leaders—it’s for parents, partners, coaches, and friends. Seeking first to understand transforms every conversation, every relationship, and every outcome.🏁 Final Takeaway:Champions don’t rush to be heard—they earn the right to be heard by first listening deeply. Seek understanding, and influence follows.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for more conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #7Habits #SeekFirstToUnderstand #StephenRCovey #Leadership #Empathy #ActiveListening

In this raw and reflective episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Ian Stermer put themselves in the hot seat with Stephen R. Covey’s The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Instead of just reviewing the book, the trio takes a personal approach—sharing which habit is their biggest strength, which one is their biggest weakness, and which habit they think would make the biggest difference for the others on the show.💡 Key Ideas Covered:1️⃣ Our Strength HabitsEach host shares the one habit they feel strongest in—whether it’s proactivity, prioritizing first things first, or sharpening the saw. These stories show where the 7 Habits already play out in their lives and leadership.2️⃣ Our Weakness HabitsWhich habit is hardest to practice consistently? From struggling with “begin with the end in mind” to battling against the pull of urgency over importance, the team gets vulnerable about where they fall short.3️⃣ The Habits We’d Choose for Each OtherIn a fun twist, each host points out which habit they believe would take the other to the next level. Sometimes affirming, sometimes challenging—but always real.4️⃣ Practical Insights for ListenersThe episode highlights how different habits can be strengths for some and weaknesses for others, and how accountability and outside perspective can accelerate growth.🎤 Why It Hits Different:This isn’t theory—it’s personal. By holding up the mirror to themselves and each other, the Champion Reads crew models what growth looks like in action: honest self-reflection, real feedback, and the humility to admit what still needs work.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for conversations that go beyond book reviews and turn bestselling principles into powerful, personal growth journeys.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#ChampionReads #7Habits #StephenRCovey #PersonalGrowth #SelfReflection #LeadershipHabits #ChampionCircle