Jon Acuff's Blog, page 6

A Father, A Hurricane, & The Walk Of A Lifetime!

I don’t usually do breaking podcasts, but this story was too incredible not to share. My guest, David Jones, reached out with a story that perfectly ties into Soundtracks. When a hurricane hit western North Carolina, David faced a series of impossible obstacles trying to reach his daughter’s wedding. But he made it—on foot, through the devastation, determined to walk her down the aisle. In this episode, David shares his unbelievable journey and how the soundtracks he used helped him keep going through every challenge. This is a powerful reminder of how the right mindset can carry you through the darkest moments. I can’t wait for you to hear it!

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2 Ways to Shift Your Mindset When You Feel Like Quitting

Have you ever felt like quitting? I have. And in this episode, we’re going to talk about two powerful ways to change how you feel when you’re at that breaking point. This is a lean-in episode, so I need you to lean in with me. I see something incredible in you—your potential, your joy, your success—even if you don’t see it yet. Together, we’ll explore how to turn those negative thoughts into ones that push you forward, not hold you back.

And if you’re ready to take this mindset shift to the next level, join me for the free Mindset Reboot Challenge on October 16-17. In just two days, we’ll dig into the broken soundtracks holding you back and create new ones that propel you forward. Don’t miss it! Sign up at JonAcuff.com/challenge and start changing your mindset today. Let’s make 2025 your best year yet.

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The Lie of ‘Do It While You’re Young’: Why Every Decade Can Be Your Best

In this episode, I’m diving into three big lies that I think are putting way too much pressure on Gen Z and Millennials—“Do it while you’re young,” “Don’t grow up, it’s a trap,” and the idea that you have to choose between joy and responsibility. I used to believe some of these myself, but now that I’m in my 40s, I’ve learned something better. You don’t have to choose between making memories and building a life you love. Join me as I share some personal stories, lessons I’ve learned, and why I think every decade can be the best one yet. Whether you’re 22 or 52 or 82, this one’s for you.

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The Meanest Things My Kids Have Said to Me

In this episode, I’m sharing some of the meanest things my kids have ever said to me—and trust me, they’re hilarious. We’ll also dive into a common myth that makes parenting way harder than it has to be. If you’ve ever believed raising teens has to be a nightmare, I’m here to tell you it doesn’t. A simple mindset shift can change everything. And since we’re in the middle of a parenting season on the podcast, don’t forget to check out my brand new book How Teens Win, co-written with my two daughters. It’s available for purchase now!

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How to Get Your Teenagers Talking Again

Does your teenager barely talk to you anymore? In this episode, I’ll not only explain why that happens, but also how to change it. I’ll share three soundtracks that make starting conversations with your kids easier, plus a personal story about dreaming big with my daughter. 

If you want to build stronger connections with your teens, check out my new book, How Teens Win, that I co-wrote with my daughters. It’s available now wherever books are sold!

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3 Soundtracks to Help Teens Win at Social Media

Have you ever wondered how teens can actually win at social media instead of just surviving it? In this episode, I’m sharing three key soundtracks that will help teens thrive online. From building a positive presence and setting healthy boundaries, to avoiding the comparison trap, I’ll give you practical tips to make sure social media is working for your teen, not against them.

 
We’re in the middle of a big parenting season at the Acuff house! I’ve got a brand new book coming out that I wrote with my two daughters, LE and McRae, called How Teens Win. If you have a teenager or an almost-teenager, you’re going to love this book. And as part of the pre-order bonuses, I created a special digital resource called How Teens Win Social Media, which has seven soundtracks to help you navigate social media with your teen(s). In today’s episode, I’ll share the first three and tell you how to get the other four. Don’t miss this chance to equip your teen to win in the digital world!

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How Teens Win: Sneak Peek of the Intro and Chapter 1

In this episode, I’m giving you an exclusive sneak peek into our new book How Teens Win, which releases on September 10. First, I’ll read the intro to set the stage, and then my daughter LE will take over with the first chapter. It’s a little taste of the wisdom, laughs, and real-life advice we’ve packed into this book. 

Whether you’re a teen, parent, grandparent, teacher, or coach (or just someone who loves a good story), this episode is for you. Listen and hear why How Teens Win isn’t just a book—it’s a conversation that can change lives.

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One Trick to Worry Less That Nobody’s Telling You About

Ever feel like your brain is stuck in a loop of worries? In this episode, I’m sharing one simple trick that will help you worry less and accomplish more.

Here’s how it started: On a Sunday afternoon, the number 5 kept bouncing around in my head. I needed to run 5 miles, but every part of me wanted to bail. My brain was pulling out all the stops to convince me not to do it. But instead of letting those worries win, I decided to flip the script.

In this episode, I’ll show you how repeating a single word helped me get off the couch and out onto the pavement. Join me as I talk about turning our stress into success, one simple step at a time! 

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Soundtracks For Your Family: A Conversation with My Daughter McRae Acuff

In this episode, I’m hanging out with my daughter McRae to chat about one of our family’s go-to topics: soundtracks. We’re digging into how the soundtracks in our heads help us set goals, dodge those unforced errors, and make life a little more fun. Whether it’s packing your lunch the night before or remembering to put your shoes on first (trust me, it’s a game-changer), we’ll share the stories and quirky lessons that have become the soundtracks we live by. And yes, we’ll even tackle why showing up early isn’t just about being on time—it’s about setting the stage for something great. So, come join us as we laugh, learn, and explore the soundtracks that keep our family moving forward. You won’t want to miss this one!

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2 Ways to Shift Your Feelings When You Want to Quit

In this episode, I dive into two powerful ways to change how you feel when you want to quit. Fear often targets those who dare to dream and it uses surprise and the “shouldn’t feel this way” tactic to hold you back. I’ll share my practical “If/Then” thinking and how repetition and relationships can help you push through fear. Learn to anticipate fear’s tricks, prepare for them, and find the support you need to stay motivated. Don’t let fear dictate your journey—beat it with these essential tools!

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