200 Rejections, 30 Awards: How This Author Refused to Quit

200 Rejections, 30 Awards: How This Author Refused to Quit

Author: Ash Lonare March 4, 2025 Duration: 46:50

Imagine walking out of prison with nothing but a few dollars in your pocket and nowhere to go. Society has moved on, doors are shut, and the odds are stacked against you. But what if someone believed in you enough to give you a second chance?

Today’s guest knows all about second chances—not just giving them but living them. From homelessness to business ownership, from rejection to award-winning success, his journey is a testament to resilience, redemption, and the power of never giving up.

He’s the founder of Good Samaritan Home, a non-profit helping people rebuild their lives after prison. He’s also an award-winning author whose novel, Running As Fast As I Can, has won over 30 literary awards. Please welcome to the Founders Podcast—John David Graham!


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Ash Lonare hosts Founders Podcast, a series of conversations that go straight to the source. Each episode features a different founder or seasoned expert, but the format feels less like a formal interview and more like a candid exchange you might overhear between colleagues after a long day. The focus is on the tangible details often glossed over in success stories-the specific decisions, the unforeseen obstacles, and the practical strategies that actually worked when theory met reality. You’ll hear about the early doubts, the pivotal moments that changed a company’s direction, and the personal philosophies that guide these leaders through constant uncertainty. This podcast is built on the premise that the most valuable lessons come from those who have navigated the complex journey of building something from nothing. Listening feels like gaining access to a private roundtable, offering perspectives that are both inspirational and immediately useful for anyone involved in their own venture. The discussions are grounded in real experience, providing a resource that feels substantive and directly applicable to the daily challenges of launching and growing a business.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Founders Podcast
Podcast Episodes
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