The Circle of the Panda Podcast
Circle of the Panda is a podcast about rising, rebuilding, and leading with purpose. Host JD Ross sits down with leaders, entrepreneurs, and everyday fighters to talk faith, business, mindset, and what it really takes to get back up when life knocks you down.
Whether you’re growing your leadership, navigating challenges, or fighting your own battles, these conversations will encourage you forward and point you toward truth.
Episodes
187 episodes
Shawn Johnson Episode 2: Staying Encouraged
How do you stay motivated when you might still have decades left behind bars?In Part 2 of my conversation with Shawn Johnson, we go straight to the heart of what kept him moving forward while facing a 60-year sentence. Shawn shares how h...
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17:38
The Discipline of Peace
In Episode 5 of this limited solo series, JD explores peace not as a feeling, but as a discipline. Drawing from lived experience, he explains why peace doesn’t automatically appear in unsettled seasons—and why waiting to “feel peaceful...
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10:06
Shawn Johnson Episode 1: Clemency
In this powerful episode, JD reconnects with Shawn Johnson, a man he first interviewed while Shawn was still incarcerated and serving what was effectively a life sentence. Nearly two years later, Shawn is home—his entire sentence commuted throu...
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26:36
Learning to Speak Without Losing Authority
In Episode 4 of this limited solo series, JD explores a counterintuitive leadership skill: learning to speak less without losing authority. Drawing from personal experience, he challenges the belief that being understood requires sayin...
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9:15
Using Tools to Get Out of a Hole
In this episode, JD speaks directly to those who find themselves in a hole—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually—and are searching for a way out. Drawing from personal experience, he explains why motivation alone isn’t enough and why what’s tru...
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10:57
What to Do When One Negative Voice Gets Loud
In Episode 2 of this limited solo series, JD tackles a challenge nearly everyone faces: what to do when one negative voice gets loud. Whether in business, leadership, or personal growth, a single critical voice can outweigh dozens of n...
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11:37
Contented Canine - Colonial Tom Kelly
In this episode, JD sits down with Colonel Tom Kelly, a retired U.S. Army officer with over 30 years of service who found an unexpected second calling as a professional dog trainer. After transitioning out of the military, Colonel Kelly turned ...
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1:08:56
Nice vs. Kind
In this opening solo of a limited series, JD breaks down a lesson he learned the hard way: being nice and being kind are not the same thing. Drawing from personal experience, he explains how “nice” often avoids conflict, seeks approval...
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7:23
What Gets Into Your Heart with Athena Dean Holtz
In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, JD sits down with Athena Dean Holtz, founder of Redemption Press and author of eight nonfiction books, to explore what it truly means to guard your heart in a world full of competin...
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35:54
Leaning In
In this short solo episode, JD speaks directly to anyone who feels undone, broken, or stuck in a downward spiral—especially during a season when anxiety, reflection, and isolation tend to surface. Rather than offering clichés or easy answers, h...
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4:31
Fight the Good Fight - Episode 12: Summing it Up
JD Ross concluded the Fight the Good Fight podcast series (Episode 12). Key themes included:Spiritual warfare as a daily battle that requires discipline and consistency.Reliance on God’s word, spirit,...
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8:13
Fight the Good Fight - Episode 11: The Role of Worship in Warfare
In this episode of Circle of the Panda, JD Ross unpacks the power of worship as a weapon in spiritual battles. Drawing from Psalm 22:3, Acts 16:25, and Psalm 28:7, JD explains how worship shifts our focus to God, invites His pres...
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7:42
Fight the Good Fight - Episode 10: Overcoming Fear
In this episode of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross unpacks how faith overcomes fear. While fear paralyzes and focuses on problems, faith moves us forward by holding onto God’s promises. JD shares four powerful ways to conquer fear:...
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8:54
Fight the Good Fight - Episode 8: Guard Your Heart
In this episode of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross unpacks the vital call to “guard your heart,” drawing from Proverbs 4:23, Psalm 51:10, and Matthew 5:8. JD explains that protecting your heart isn’t about isolation but about intentional...
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11:55
Fight the Good Fight Episode 7: Guarding Your Mind
In this episode of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross shares how the battle for our lives begins in the mind. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 10:5, Romans 12:1–2, and Philippians 4:8–9, JD explains how to capture destructive thoughts and r...
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8:26
Fight the Good Fight Episode 6: Wisdom
In this episode of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross explores the difference between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Drawing from James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6, and James 3:13–17, JD shows how true wisdom comes from God and contrasts it w...
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8:39
Fight the Good Fight Episode 5: Fighting Together
In this episode of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross shares why no one can win the spiritual battle alone. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 and other scriptures, he explains the importance of choosing the right people to fight alongside yo...
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12:26
Fight the Good Fight Episode 4: The Power of Prayer
In this episode of Circle of the Panda, JD Ross unpacks the power of prayer in spiritual warfare. Prayer isn’t complicated—it’s a direct line to God’s strength, peace, and guidance. Drawing from Philippians 4:6–7, James 5:16, and...
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6:48
Terrance Randolph - National Alliance on Mental Illness: Piedmont and Tri-County
In this episode of The Circle on the Panda Podcast, host JD sits down with Terrence Randolph, Outreach Coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in the Piedmont Tri-County area. Terrence shares his personal journey through ...
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42:54
Globe Aware: Kimberly Haley-Coleman
In this episode of The Circle of the Panda Podcast, host JD welcomes Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and executive director of Globe Aware. Kimberly shares her journey from a successful corporate career to leading impactful short-term service p...
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44:02
Fight the Good Fight Episode 3:Training for Endurance
In this episode of Circle of the Panda, JD Ross continues the Fight the Good Fight series with a raw and real look at spiritual endurance. Drawing from Hebrews 12:1–3, JD shares practical ways to keep moving forward when...
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10:28
Tosha Dash - She Dreams Academy
Empowering Women's Transition from Corporate Leadership to Business Ownership: Featuring Tasha DashIn this episode of The Circle of the Panda Podcast, host JD welcomes Tasha Dash, a transformative leader who helps women transition from c...
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40:50
Fight the Good Fight Episode 2: Standing Strong in the Battle
In Episode 2 of Fight the Good Fight, JD Ross takes us into the reality of spiritual battles and how to stand firm when they come. From Ephesians 6, he reminds us that the fight isn’t against people but against unseen spiritual forces, an...
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12:56