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
89 episodes
Full Circle with Barrett Counterman
In this closing episode of Circle of the Panda, JD talks with Barrett Counterman, host of the Swaggy Life Podcast, about living with cerebral palsy, honest prayer, and finding purpose when life is slow and hard. Barrett shares how he’s rebrandi...
Athena Dean Holtz: Part 3: It is a Journey
In this third and final conversation with Athena Dean Holtz, the discussion explores why healing, trust, and spiritual growth are a lifelong journey rather than a quick fix. Athena shares how pain, betrayal, and unmet expectations can become pl...
Athena Dean Holtz: Part 2: Trust and Forgiveness
In this second episode of a three-part series, Athena Dean Holtz shares profound insights on trust, forgiveness, and healing. The conversation explores why trusting God remains difficult even after witnessing His faithfulness, drawing parallels...
Full Circle: Trauma, Healing, and the Faithfulness of God with Athena Dean Holtz- Episode 1
In this opening conversation of a three-part series, host JD sits back down with Athena Dean Holtz, founder and publisher of Redemption Press, to talk about her powerful memoir, Full Circle: Coming Home to the Faithfulness of God. JD s...
Dogs - Our Companions - Marilyn Doss
In this heartwarming episode of the Circle of the Panda podcast, JD talks with long‑time friend and dog groomer Marilyn Doss about how following her love for dogs led her out of an unfulfilling office career and into work that gives her deep jo...
Endee Coaching Collective - Michelle Cates and Gentry Hamrick
In this episode of the Circle of the Panda podcast, JD sits down with Gentry Hamrick and Michelle Cates, the co‑founders of Endee Coaching Collective, a neurodivergent‑led coaching business serving ADHD and autistic clients and their families. ...
Shawn Robert Johnson Episode 3 - What is Next
Shawn returns for his third and final appearance on the Circle of the Panda podcast to share what comes after transformation—how he’s intentionally building his next chapter after prison through faith, service, and entrepreneurship.
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...
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...
Contented Canines - Colonel 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 ...
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...
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,...
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...
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
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...