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What happens when one extraordinary dog becomes more than a companion—and transforms into a source of hope, courage, and resilience? In this heartfelt episode of the Founder 100 Podcast, host Joseph Bonner sits down with author David Koning to discuss the inspiration behind his touching children's book, Wag and a Prayer. Inspired by the remarkable bond between David and his seizure-response dog, Peppy, this uplifting story explores loyalty, perseverance, compassion, and the life-changing impact that one faithful companion can have on a person's life.  David shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired the book, the healing power of the human-animal bond, and why stories of hope and kindness continue to resonate with readers of all ages.  Whether you're a parent, educator, dog lover, or simply someone who enjoys meaningful storytelling, this conversation will leave you inspired. Join us for an unforgettable discussion about resilience, purpose, and the incredible connection between people and the animals who change their lives. In this episode you'll discover: The true story that inspired Wag and a PrayerHow Peppy became far more than a service dogWhy children's books can inspire readers of every ageThe lasting lessons of courage, compassion, and unconditional loveDavid's mission to encourage hope through storytellingGet your copy of Wag and a Prayer: 📘 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Wag+and+a+Prayer+David+Koning  Founder 100 Podcast for inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, innovators, and changemakers who are building businesses, creating impact, and leaving lasting legacies.

What separates industry leaders from everyone else? In many cases, it isn't experience or talent—it's visibility.In this episode, we explore how strategic public relations helps entrepreneurs, authors, healthcare organizations, executives, and creative professionals establish deep trust, gain media recognition, and unlock opportunities that standard advertising simply can't deliver. From localized media campaigns in major hubs to global digital exposure, discover why strategic PR remains one of the most valuable investments for long-term growth and credibility.What we cover in this episode:Building Authority: How to craft a memorable personal brand and build influence through interviews and publications.The Power of Credibility: Why earned media beats paid advertising every time for building public trust.Targeted PR Strategies: Why entrepreneurs need PR to attract clients and investors, and why healthcare professionals must leverage media for public trust.Beyond the Launch: Why authors need continuous media exposure well past book launch day.The SEO Advantage: The massive long-term search engine optimization (SEO) and backlink benefits of earned media coverage.Local Action, Global Impact: Navigating local PR campaigns across major markets with international reach.Digital Reputation: The future of online reputation management in a noisy digital landscape.Featured Resources & Links:Tailored PR Services:Brand PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/brandAuthor PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/authorsEntrepreneur PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/entrepreneursHealthcare PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/healthcaremMedia Features: https://www.josephbonner.com/media-featureJoseph Bonner PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/prLocal & Regional Campaigns:New York PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/new-yorkLos Angeles PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/los-angelesLondon PR: https://www.josephbonner.com/londonParis PR:

"My life is about turning obstacles into opportunities." In this deeply personal and moving episode of the Founder 100 Podcast, host Joseph Bonner sits down with clinical strategist and school psychologist Dr. Rhonda L. Ravenell for a transparent conversation on surviving trauma and discovering real, lasting healing.Dr. Ravenell opens up about her own journey overcoming childhood abuse and molestation, sharing how she reclaimed her identity and turned her deepest pain into a powerful mission to help the next generation. Tune in to discover the three pillars of self-authorship, how to catch your emotional triggers before they escalate, and why your past never gets to dictate the final chapter of your life. Connect with Dr. Ravenell on LinkedIn!

Bypassing Local Obstructions for Aid - How Joseph Bonner’s U.N. framework ensures humanitarian aid reaches high-risk zones quickly. Learn how at www.courtmagazine.org.

In this gripping episode of the Founder Podcast, host Joseph Bonner sits down with renowned teacher and researcher Sonia Michel to uncover the "unfinished chapter" of World War II—the systematic looting of billions of dollars in art and property.Sonia dives deep into the mechanics of the Nazi regime's theft, detailing how families were forced to trade their most precious cultural legacies for the hope of survival. Beyond the archives, Sonia shares a hauntingly personal story about her own family's connection to the Holocaust and explains how her research led her to create a transformational game designed to help the next generation feel the weight of these historical wrongs.Join us for a conversation about accountability, the "Founder mindset" required to fight for the truth, and why the mission to return stolen dignity is more relevant today than ever. Featured in this episode:The Looting System: How the Jeu de Paume became a clearance house for stolen history.Personal Resilience: Sonia’s journey and the "ghosts" that drive her research.A Call to Action: Why global institutions are still dragging their feet and how you can support the mission for restitution.

Many in today's culture view demonic imagery and the occult as the ultimate form of edgy rebellion. However, a closer look at history reveals that evil is actually completely unoriginal and lacks any real innovation. While humanity has progressed from living in caves to exploring Mars, these dark forces only know how to destruct and vandalize what others have built. Pursuing this dark power is a literal dead end, acting as a massive waste of time for those who think they are gaining secret knowledge from entities that are essentially bankrupt squatters. True rebellion and power come from creating and innovating in the light, rather than worshiping irrelevant forces that have already lost the war.

We explore how the mind under Hypnosis can create fake but vivid memories of trauma, showing why trusting this state is incredibly stupid.

In this episode, we spotlight Joseph Bonner, a celebrated journalist, magazine publisher, and President of the Global Human Rights Taskforce. Long before he became a prominent voice for the voiceless, Bonner was just a two-year-old child abandoned by his mother, forced to eat spiders to survive and act as a fierce protector for his younger brother. We explore his raw, 14-chapter autobiography, The Boy Who Never Gave Up, which introduces a groundbreaking new way to experience a memoir. Bonner pairs his harrowing written story with a custom, hand-crafted soundtrack, encouraging audiences to listen to genres spanning from soulful pop to driving rock before and after each chapter to truly feel his evolution. Plus, we discuss how his childhood resilience fuels his current mission, with 100% of the project's proceeds going directly to the Bully Avengers to support human rights and protect the vulnerable. The Book. The Soundtrack. The Evolution. www.josephbonner.com/books

In this episode of the Founder 100 podcast, host Joseph Bonner sits down with Thomas Stedham, an expert who spent nearly three decades navigating the gears of one of the nation's most complex institutions. As a retired administrator turned strategic consultant and author, Thomas provides a masterclass in leadership, systems analysis, and the power of clarity. Whether you are a healthcare provider, an attorney, or a family member seeking professional guidance, this interview offers the clear, expert answers you've been looking for. We also discuss his upcoming book, Medicaid Made Simple, and his chapter in The Success Playbook, out March 17th!Thomas Stedham's Professional Links Official Website:  tommystedham.comLinkedIn: Thomas Stedham

From the scientific dominance of RELX to the commercial power of HarperCollins, we break down the definitive ranking of the world's top publishers. In this episode, we analyze why authors are flocking to firms that offer "bespoke legacy building" and multimedia branding over traditional distribution. Plus, we cover the "Editor's Choice" for budget-friendly digital dominance and provide insider tips on how to pitch your work to the industry's elite. Read the Founder Magazine Article: https://www.foundermag.org/post/the-2026-publishing-powerhouses-a-look-at-the-top-100-global-publishing-companies

Host Joseph Bonner sits down with Chrystal Lewis, a transformative Financial Healing Coach. Chrystal explores how our internal self-worth directly dictates our external net worth.In this episode:The 5 Ways to Stop Abandoning Yourself Financially.The "Need vs. Want" Audit for founders.Healing through beauty and poetry.Links mentioned in this episode:Read the Feature Article: Founder Mag - Chrystal LewisChrystal’s Coaching Site: legendmagazine.my.canva.site/chrystal-lewis-coaching

Is it possible to marry old-school integrity with next-generation foresight? In this episode, we sit down with Thomas J. Kent Jr., CEO of Kent Global LLC, to discuss how he operates in the high-altitude atmosphere of global investment banking while keeping his roots planted in social progress. Born the son of a notable Civil Rights activist, Thomas shares why he pivoted from political activism to finance, driven by the realization that securing a community’s economic future is essential to propelling it forward. In this conversation, we cover:From Activism to Assets: How Thomas’s upbringing gave him a "front-row seat" to societal change and why he chose finance as his path to service.The Myth of "Time is Money": Why Thomas believes this common phrase is a misconception and how to actually place value on time spent.The ROI of Second Chances: The incredible story of "Winthorp," an employee who stole from the company but became a model worker after being given an opportunity to redeem himself.Investment Philosophy: Breaking down the three cornerstones of Thomas’s approach: Integrity, Discipline, and Education.The Future of Markets: Why Thomas views Artificial Intelligence (AI) not just as a tool, but as the "great equalizer" that will allow individuals to make the best of future markets.Lessons on Legacy: Insights drawn from his inspiration, Vernon Jordan, and the importance of passing lessons to the next generation.About the Guest Feature: Thomas J. Kent Jr. manages portfolios spanning commodities, fine art, and technology through The Kent Family Office. He has committed over $100 million to financing American small businesses. Known for his discipline—starting his days with a pre-dawn swim—Thomas is a leader defining the next era of business where integrity meets the cutting edge of AI. Links & Resources:Learn more about Kent Global LLC: www.kentgloballlc.net

How the Mary Nelson Youth Center is Building Community, One Soul at a Time How do you stop violence? You build love. Mary Nelson shows us the way through the incredible programs offered at her center. Visit: https://marynelsonyouthcenter.com/

In this episode of Founder Podcast, we sit down with a guest who defies every category. Gary Phillips Jr. is a poet, comedian, musician, author, and the force behind Lil Gary’s World. Hailing from East Texas, Gary describes himself as a "one-of-a-kind" talent whose career began not in a boardroom, but at a family fish fry where he decided it was finally time to chase his dream of being a comedian.Gary’s journey is a masterclass in resilience and authenticity. He opens up about balancing single fatherhood with his artistic ambitions, working 28 years at Rusk State Hospital, and finding humor in the hardest moments—from running out of gas in Dallas to surviving heartbreak. We discuss his unique "Poemsic" style (a blend of poetry and music), his viral-ready anthem "Raise Your Glass," and his candid, often hilarious take on business, innovation, and handling "haters." Tune in to hear Gary discuss:The Unconventional Start: How a question from his kids at a fish fry launched his comedy career.The "Poemsic" Innovation: Why critics are calling him the love child of Snoop Dogg and Eminem.Resilience in Action: How he turned personal struggles into a 3-book deal and a library of 200+ songs.Unique Business Strategies: His hilarious (and surprisingly poignant) approach to risk-taking.Featured Links:Watch the "Raise Your Glass" Performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mgso7pW6-1EWatch the Book Review for "Lil Gary's World": https://youtu.be/wKZES1614Jk Join us for an episode that is equal parts inspiring and entertaining. As Gary says, "If broke is sad to you, then I hate to tell you it has a sad ending." But for everyone else, it’s a story of triumph you won't want to miss.Guest: Gary Phillips Jr.Book: Lil Gary’s World

Crisis at Disney World We detail the tragic news from Walt Disney World, where the latest death has been ruled a suicide, marking the third death on property in 10 days. The third person was identified as 28-year-old Matthew Cohn, who died from multiple traumatic injuries after jumping from a height at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida. This incident is the second reported suicide at the Contemporary in just over a week, following the death of a 31-year-old woman there on October 14. Trump on 2028 and VP Theories In political news, President Donald Trump is not ruling out a third run for president. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en route to Japan on Monday, Trump responded to questions about a potential 2028 bid by saying, "I would love to do it" and that he has his "best numbers ever". He also definitively shut down theories about running as vice president, calling the idea "too cute". Government Shutdown Stalemate The government shutdown is now entering day 27, making it the second-longest shutdown in U.S. history. Lawmakers, including Republicans and Democrats, remain at a stalemate on finding a funding solution. The president of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the country's largest union representing over 800,000 federal workers, called on lawmakers to pass a short-term spending bill to end the shutdown immediately. During his remarks, President Trump blamed Democrats for the ongoing shutdown and the resulting air traffic controller shortages. The Senate is scheduled to reconvene on Monday afternoon (October 27).