Kelly Bensimon: From Controversial Reality TV Star to Real-Life Powerhouse
In this sharp, high-energy episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with the iconic Kelly Killoren Bensimon — model, author, Real Housewives of New York alum, and powerhouse luxury real-estate broker — for a raw conversation about mental toughness, authenticity, and legacy. Kelly opens up about the lessons learned after fame, how she rebuilt her identity beyond reality TV, and why music and curiosity still fuel her every move. From embracing “minnow vs shark” mindset shifts to navigating public perception, Kelly shares what it really takes to evolve in the spotlight while staying grounded in family and purpose. The two dive into double standards, resilience, and the underrated power of healthy coping mechanisms — from horses and polo to parenting and purpose. Kelly reveals how she transformed criticism into clarity, leveraged her Midwest roots for grit, and turned chaos into creativity through focus, curiosity, and real work. By the end, you’ll see that behind the headlines and the high-rises is a woman defined not by fame, but by fearless reinvention. Key Takeaways: -Music fuels mindset — every success story starts with a rhythm. -Minnows can become sharks through curiosity and work ethic. -Public perception ≠ personal truth — redefine yourself through action. -Mental toughness and self-awareness outlast hype. -Curiosity is the secret weapon in business and life. -Authenticity wins — people feel what’s real. -Family and legacy matter more than fame or followers. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Kelly Bensimon https://www.instagram.com/kellybensimon/
Freedom Town USA with Patrick Dearborn
Patrick Dearborn brings unwavering purpose to every role he leads—whether as a top real estate agent, fire commissioner, or community advocate in Naples, Florida. In this episode of The Determined Society, Patrick and Shawn engage in a powerful conversation about faith, duty, daily disciplines, and the importance of service, unity, and unshakeable grit. They peel back the layers on his early mornings—starting his day at 4 AM to get the hardest thing done first—and discuss his role in building what he calls “Freedom Town USA,” a community rooted in shared American values rather than division. **This episode covers:** -What's Freedom Town USA and why Naples is the model for unity -His journey from military service to real estate and firefighting—building a life on discipline and honoring your "call" -The daily practice of “doing something you don’t want to do” as a determination muscle -How to fight division in American life by choosing unity, empathy, and connection -Tales from the fire service and what it means to truly serve—and pay with sacrifice -Why a relentless morning routine is Patrick’s non-negotiable baseline -What it truly means to be the GOAT (special shoutout to GOATED GOLF) What Determination Means to Patrick: “Waking up at 4 AM, doing the hardest thing first, and serving others before serving myself.” Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Patrick Dearborn https://www.instagram.com/patrickdearborn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
White Sands: Addiction Recovery Redefined
Addiction, recovery, and wellness aren’t just abstract topics—they’re real battles being fought every single day. In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Stephen Sundquist of White Sands Treatment Centers, our Presenting Sponsor, to talk about what true healing looks like. Steve opens up about the mission behind White Sands—building an environment that prioritizes dignity, compassion, and real transformation for people navigating addiction and mental health struggles. Together, they dive into what separates White Sands from traditional treatment models, the urgent need for accessible care, and how recovery is not only possible, but a path to living fully again. **This episode explores:** -The White Sands philosophy: treating people, not just problems -Why mental health and recovery conversations belong at the forefront -The growing challenges in addiction treatment today -Stories of hope and transformation from the White Sands community -Why The Determined Society is proud to have White Sands as a Presenting Sponsor This is more than a discussion—it’s a reminder that with the right support, determination, and environment, recovery is always within reach. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Stephen Sundquist https://www.instagram.com/thesteve310/ White Sands Treatment Centers https://www.instagram.com/whitesandstreatment/ https://linktr.ee/whitesands_?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=0fd40255-d9eb-460d-9eed-1d9197202607 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices