About this Podcast:

Why 5AM Matters

I launched into this episode with Michael Klassen because I love the premise of the 5AM Podcast—mornings as a launch pad. Michael grew up in a Christian farming family and eventually made TV his career, with plenty of zigs and zags along the way. That background shaped a deep respect for hard work, responsibility, and character. It also explains his love for quiet, intentional early hours: on the farm, you get up because living things depend on you. For him, 5AM isn’t a gimmick; it’s a mindset.

Vision → Execution (and Faith)

Regular listeners know I always ask two things: What’s your vision for the year, and how did you execute? Michael shared their theme, “Alive to Thrive in ’25,” which became a commitment on January 1, 2025, to build the 5AM Podcast with diligence—not just to 100 episodes, but as a long-term platform for hope. The idea is simple: when you do uncommon things consistently, you get uncommon results. We found natural alignment between my show’s “vision with execution” lens and his faith-based approach to routines, service, and personal stewardship.

Raising Kids, Education, and “Success Patterns”

We went deep on raising children with values in a culture that often pulls the other way. I admitted I have a different perspective on the American public school system, shaped by my own homeschooling experience and by mentoring high-school athletes today. Michael reframed the classic “spare the rod” passage—arguing the better sense is about the tribe or village, not corporal punishment. In other words, build the community and the character, and you build the child. He calls these compounding “success patterns”: teach sharing, discipline, and responsibility early, and you set a trajectory that shows up everywhere—from academics to athletics to faith.

The Power of Guardrails

We also talked about structure. I shared how our missionaries’ regimented daily schedules create focus, reduce noise, and forge habits that last. Michael connected that to mornings: late, lazy starts seldom produce great days. Early, intentional mornings often do. He and his wife even chose responsibility over curfews when they were younger—go to bed when you want, but you’ll feel it at dawn. That small choice builds ownership. Multiply it across years and you get momentum.

Building 5AM with His Wife

As someone who has built businesses with my spouse, I was curious how Michael and Susan make the podcast partnership work. His answer: decide to get along. Love isn’t a feeling; it’s a commitment. When both partners choose peace and purpose, the work becomes an extension of shared values. Their “why” is to be “dealers in hope,” refreshing others—because the one who refreshes others is refreshed.

Call to Action

Michael closed with Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God…” That’s the heart of his mornings and the engine behind his execution. If this episode lit a spark, go check out the 5AM Podcast for a dose of positivity and practical mindset shifts you can use before breakfast. Then, pick one tiny habit to start tomorrow at 5AM—and watch your own success pattern begin.