In this episode of It Works for Me, I’m talking about a habit that’s transformed my mindset, boosted my creativity, and helped me become a better leader, husband, and father: reading and audiobooks.

From Extreme Ownership to Atomic Habits, and from Stephen King to Hunter S. Thompson, I share the books that have truly changed my life—and how I structure my reading to make the most of my day.

📖 In the morning, I choose motivational or educational books to fire me up.
📚 In the evening, I dive into fiction to unwind and let my imagination breathe.
This intentional rhythm fuels my growth and brings balance to my life.

You’ll hear:✅ Why Extreme Ownership reshaped how I lead
✅ How The 5AM Club helped me take charge of my mornings
✅ The power of Atomic Habits to build momentum
✅ What Rich Dad Poor Dad taught me about mindset and money
✅ Why Stephen King and Hunter S. Thompson keep me curious, creative, and inspired
✅ And how fiction—yes, even Harry Potter and Twilight—feeds my soul and sparks joy

Whether you're a lifelong reader or just getting started, this episode is for anyone who wants to read with purpose and feel more in control of their day.

👉 I’d love to know: What books have changed your life?
Send me a message, comment on the episode, or drop a note at jdkelly8507@gmail.com.

Because sometimes, the right story at the right time really does work for you.

#ItWorksForMe #Podcast #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #ReadingHabit #MorningRoutine #FictionAndFocus #StephenKing #AtomicHabits #ExtremeOwnership #Audiobooks

In this personal episode of It Works for Me, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing my story — who I am, where I’ve been, and why I feel uniquely qualified to host this podcast.

I’ve faced some serious challenges — from a career-ending football injury to getting shot in the leg, dropping out of college, and hitting rock bottom. But through it all, one phrase has carried me: I’ll figure it out.

This episode is about resilience, growth, and the mindset that helped me push through life’s toughest moments — from rebuilding my life after injury and setbacks, to meeting my wife, struggling with infertility, and ultimately becoming a father to two beautiful daughters.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or uncertain about your path, this episode is for you. You don’t need to have all the answers — you just need the mindset to figure it out.

🎧 Tune in to hear:
✅ How my early mentors and family shaped my mindset
✅ The lowest point of my life — and how I climbed out of it
✅ Why I walked away from college — and how I found my way back
✅ Our emotional journey through IVF and pregnancy loss
✅ Why taking control of my health in 2021 changed everything

This is the story behind It Works for Me. If it resonates with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it — and remember: You’ll figure it out.

#ItWorksForMe #Podcast #Mindset #Resilience #Growth #PersonalDevelopment

In this episode, Justin sits down with Josh Dilmaghani, founder of White Stag Realty and an all-around positive force on social media. Josh shares his journey from hospitality and restaurant management to building a successful real estate business—despite never having sold a house before starting his firm!

They dive into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the highs and lows of building something from the ground up, and the philosophy that keeps Josh grounded: asking, "What's the worst-case scenario?" and "And then what?" Justin and Josh explore how these simple questions can shift your mindset, reduce anxiety, and keep you moving forward—whether in business, personal life, or leadership.

They also touch on social media debates, the importance of straight-shooting communication, and why surrounding yourself with the right people matters. Plus, they compare notes on hobbies, gaming, and how learning to let go of unnecessary stress can make all the difference.

A great conversation packed with insight, humor, and real talk—don’t miss it!

🔹 Follow Josh and White Stag Realty
🔹 Subscribe for more real-life tips on staying positive and productive

#ItWorksForMe #Podcast #Entrepreneurship #RealEstate #Mindset #Leadership #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of It Works for Me, we dive into the importance of punctuality and its impact on happiness and success. Our special guest, Mayor Scott Willis of Westfield, Indiana, shares his insights on how his military background shaped his views on being on time and how punctuality plays a crucial role in leadership, productivity, and personal fulfillment.

Join us as we explore practical tips and real-life stories that highlight why being on time is more than just good manners—it's a key to building trust, reducing stress, and achieving your goals.

Tune in to learn how adopting punctuality as a habit can transform your life and why it’s an essential trait for success and happiness.

Don't miss this inspiring conversation on how being on time truly works for you!

In Episode 3 of It Works For Me, host Justin Kelly sits down with a very special guest – his mother, Robin Mella. Together, they explore the transformative power of hobbies and how pursuing passions outside of daily routines can greatly enhance mental health, personal well-being, and productivity.

Robin shares her lifelong love for horses and her journey as a “hobby hobbyist,” embracing a variety of activities that bring joy and fulfillment. From horseback riding to knitting, she discusses how these hobbies have shaped her life, teaching valuable lessons in patience, perseverance, and subtle communication.

Justin and Robin dive deep into the impact of hobbies on relationships, time management, and professional growth, while also candidly discussing the challenges of balancing personal passions with family and work commitments. They reflect on the importance of staying curious, maintaining a sense of humor, and giving oneself grace in the pursuit of joy.

Whether you’re seeking inspiration for a new hobby or looking to better integrate your passions into a busy life, this episode is packed with relatable stories and practical insights.

🔔 Tune in now on Spotify and all other major podcast platforms!
#ItWorksForMePodcast #Hobbies #Passion #MentalHealth #WorkLifeBalance #PersonalGrowth #LifelongLearning #PodcastEpisode #HobbyHobbyist #ParentingAndPassion #Curiosity #Wellbeing

In this episode of It Works for Me, I sit down with three of my closest friends—Jason Priest, Patrick Vandiver, and John Marchbanks—guys who’ve been making fun of me (and supporting me) for over a decade. We dive into the underrated art of friendly teasing and how it plays a surprising role in building strong, lasting friendships.

We’ll explore why giving each other a hard time isn’t just about the laughs—it’s about stress relief, emotional resilience, and creating bonds that stand the test of time. We’ll also discuss the generational shift where good-natured ribbing is sometimes seen as bullying, and why we believe it’s an essential part of genuine connection.

Expect hilarious stories, some hard truths wrapped in jokes, and insights on how male friendships can be both brutally honest and deeply supportive. If you’ve ever had a friend who roasts you just as much as they’ve got your back, this episode is for you.

In this inaugural episode of the podcast, Justin Kelly introduces the purpose of the show, which is to provide inspiration and motivation to listeners who may be feeling down or anxious. He shares his journey of personal growth, including his experiences with fatherhood and professional development. The conversation with Colin Taylor delves into the challenges and rewards of being a parent, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the significance of looking and feeling good in various aspects of life. The episode emphasizes the value of sharing personal insights and tips that can help others navigate their own journeys. In this conversation, Justin Kelly and CT discuss the importance of personal style, morning routines, and the power of gratitude in shaping a positive mindset. They share personal anecdotes about their fitness journeys, the significance of letting go of anger, and the role of manifestation in achieving goals. The discussion emphasizes the importance of consistency and making conscious decisions to embody the traits of the person one aspires to be, ultimately aiming for personal growth and confidence.