photo provided by Justin Schenck
Reading is home to one of the most informative and popular motivational podcasts, the Growth Now Movement (GNM), hosted by entrepreneur and speaker Justin Schenck. It got rolling three years ago, is listened to in more than 100 countries, and has between 10,000 and 15,000 downloads per episode. It’s in the top 15 percent of most accessed podcasts in the world.
Everyone Struggles; Everyone Can Overcome
Schenck’s podcast started to share a message that “everyone encounters struggles in life — I have — but I wanted to emphasize that everyone can overcome them,” says Schenck.
He is living proof. “If you look at my life, you’d think I’m that guy least likely to succeed,” he says with a wry chuckle. “My mom had an opioid addiction, and my dad was in jail. My GPA as a junior in high school — the most heavily weighted year for college acceptance — was 1.7.”
But Schenck believed in himself and soaked up information from those who had achieved success via untraditional methods. That’s how he got the idea for the GNM podcast.
Even the GNM was born amidst turmoil. “When I was recording the podcast opening, my mom died from her addiction,” he reveals.
“My GNM podcast,” he says, “emphasizes that decisions made today can lead to a better life tomorrow.” With his mother’s death, Schenck was thrust into really living out the examples he wanted to give his potential audience.
Growth Now Movement Live!
For the podcast’s third anniversary, Schenck is hosting a three-day live celebration from May 30-June 1, in Reading his adopted home town, called Growth Now Movement Live! (GNML!)
Why Reading? Schenck is not a native of Berks County — he hails from South Jersey. He made a move to Reading 15 years ago and fell in love with “Our Town.”
He has seen the struggles and improvements Reading has made over the last 15 years. “It’s really important for me to hold it here,” he says. “It’s harder, but my heart is behind it.”
GNML! is tagged: “Leveling Up in All Areas of Your Life.” Schenck has curated a seven-member speaker panel of some of the world’s top performers in business, health and relationship acumen. Also, more than a dozen Movement Makers will be attending to infuse thought and generate ideas along with the speakers.
“The live event is really focused on one outstanding day, with people coming together, creating community, and learning in a way that will not be boring!” Schenck enthuses.
Three of the speakers include:
Fabio Viviani, Celebrity Chef and Entrepreneur from America’s Top Chef. “I saw him speak at an event two years ago and thought, ‘I need to learn from him,’” Schenck notes.
Sarah Centrella, Master Life Coach and Vision Board Expert. “I need a strong woman on my show,” Schenck says. “She’s it. Her message needs to be heard by everyone.’”
Albie Manzo, Real Housewives of NJ and Branding Expert. “Why a reality expert?” Schenck asks rhetorically. “He’s so much more; he’s a creative entrepreneur and a branding expert!”
“My goal,” Schenck sums up, “is to fill the Santander Arena. I love what [this city] is trying to accomplish.”
No doubt Justin Schenck and his Reading will both reach their goals.
You can listen at growthnowmovement.com, or on most podcast apps.
