The Lie About Work That’s Keeping People Stuck - With Coach Mia

Where Your Focus Goes, Growth Flows - With Coach Mia

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances, your past, or your opportunities—but your focus? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia unpack one of the most powerful lessons from the Five Star Life RISE curriculum: wherever your focus goes, growth follows. Drawing from neuroscience, parenting, emotional intelligence, and real-life stories from Five Star Life programs, Coach Seth explains how our brains are constantly strengthening whatever we repeatedly focus on. Whether it's fear, rejection, anxiety, gratitude, growth, or possibility, our focus ultimately shapes our emotions, behaviors, relationships, and future. This conversation will challenge you to rethink what you're feeding your mind and how a simple shift in focus can change the trajectory of your life. IN THIS EPISODE: * Why "Where Your Focus Goes, Growth Flows" may be the most important mindset principle you'll ever learn * The science behind neuroplasticity and how your brain strengthens whatever you repeatedly think about * Powerful stories from Five Star Life's LIFT Program and the transformation happening in struggling families * How connection, listening, and intentional conversations can completely change a child's future * Coach Seth's personal story about adoption and how one simple shift in focus shaped his entire identity * The hidden danger of focusing on rejection, fear, regret, and worst-case scenarios * Why most people wait until a crisis to change—and how to break that cycle * Practical ways parents can help their children build healthier thought patterns and emotional resilience The mission at Five Star Life :  Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead.   Go to fivestarlife.org [https://www.fivestarlife.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to learn more about how we’re changing students' lives. The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store.   Subscribe for weekly conversations on mindset, personal leadership, emotional intelligence, parenting, and the power of rising above your circumstances. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife

How to Rewire Your Mind and Rise - With Coach Mia

What if the thoughts holding you back are not facts, but patterns your brain has simply learned to repeat? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia introduce Five Star Life’s new theme, RISE, and unpack how real change begins in the mind. Through stories from basketball, parenting, public speaking, and student development, Coach Seth explains how automatic negative thoughts, fear, anxiety, and old mental pathways can quietly shape the way we show up in life. This episode breaks down neuroplasticity, the power of “yet,” the nervous system, and practical tools parents can use to help their kids move from fear and shutdown back into clarity, confidence, and connection. IN THIS EPISODE: * The new Five Star Life theme: RISE — move upward, improve, and experience positive change * Why your thoughts are not always facts * How automatic negative thoughts become mental “programs” * Neuroplasticity: why your brain can change and your future can change * The power of adding the word “yet” to what you believe about yourself * How parents can help kids name emotions, calm their nervous system, and regain control * Coach Seth’s pregame anxiety story and how it changed his mindset forever * Why “name it to tame it” is a powerful emotional regulation tool * How breathing, pausing, and awareness help move kids back toward confidence and clarity The mission at Five Star Life :  Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead. Go to fivestarlife.org [https://www.fivestarlife.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to learn more about how we’re changing students' lives.   The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store. Subscribe for weekly conversations on mindset, personal leadership, emotional intelligence, parenting, and the power of rising above your circumstances.   Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife

The Lie About Work That’s Keeping People Stuck - With Coach Mia

Why do some people thrive through adversity while others feel trapped by it? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia unpack one of the most powerful mindset shifts a person can make: understanding that work is not the enemy—it’s the process required to thrive. Drawing from months of student interviews across the country, the conversation explores what young people are actually learning from Five Star Life’s curriculum and why lessons on emotional regulation, goal-setting, resilience, and mindset continue to create lasting transformation. From Polyvagal Theory and anxiety management to building confidence through small wins, this episode provides practical tools for students, parents, leaders, and anyone looking to take ownership of their future.   IN THIS EPISODE: * The surprising lesson students said impacted their lives more than any other * How Polyvagal Theory helps kids manage anxiety, pressure, conflict, and stress * Why goals build confidence through execution—not just achievement * The power of "stacking wins" when life feels overwhelming * What students say they need more help with: grief, anxiety, emotional regulation, and mental health * Why work has become a negative word in modern culture * The mindset difference between people who thrive and people who stay stuck * How learned helplessness quietly destroys motivation and hope * The simple shift that changed how students view school, homework, and responsibility * Why your mindset about work influences every area of your life   The mission at Five Star Life :  Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead. Go to fivestarlife.org [https://www.fivestarlife.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] to learn more about how we’re changing students' lives.   The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store. Subscribe for weekly conversations on mindset, personal leadership, emotional intelligence, parenting, and the power of rising above your circumstances.   Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife

What If School Actually Prepared Kids for Real Life? - With Mayor Brandon Sakbun

What happens when a 27-year-old Army Ranger becomes the youngest mayor in Terre Haute history? In this powerful episode, Coach Seth sits down with Mayor Brandon Sakbun to unpack leadership, resilience, education reform, workforce development, and the future of young people in America. From the third-grade teacher who first sparked Brandon’s dream of becoming mayor to the brutal lessons learned inside Ranger School, this conversation dives deep into purpose, adversity, empathy, and public service. The episode also explores why traditional education is losing students, why hands-on experiential learning is transforming kids’ lives, and what schools must do differently to prepare students for the real world. Joined by Five Star Life Summit Director Keenan Story, the conversation highlights how innovative learning environments are helping students rediscover confidence, purpose, and passion for learning. IN THIS EPISODE: * How a third-grade teacher inspired Mayor Brandon Sakbun to pursue leadership and public service * The brutal reality of becoming an Army Ranger and the mindset required to endure adversity * Why Gen Z is struggling with identity, purpose, and long-term commitment * The leadership principle of balancing 10 different perspectives around one shared mission * Why workforce development—not test scores—should become the future of education * The danger of students graduating without real-world skills or direction * How Five Star Life’s Summit programs are helping students thrive through experiential learning * Why exposure, mentorship, and hands-on experiences can completely reshape a child’s future * The importance of parks, community spaces, and connection in fighting technology addiction * How empathy, resilience, and passion shape great leaders ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mayor Brandon Sakbun made history in 2023 by becoming the youngest mayor in Terre Haute, Indiana history at just 27 years old. A graduate of Indiana University and former U.S. Army Ranger, Brandon is passionate about leadership, workforce development, economic growth, and building stronger communities. His administration focuses on population growth, infrastructure, public spaces, and creating opportunities that help young people and families thrive.   Instagram: @bsakbun W: https://www.terrehaute.in.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.terrehaute.in.gov/index.php [https://www.terrehaute.in.gov/index.php]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsakbun/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonsakbun/]    The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store. Go to https://www.fivestarlife.org/ [https://www.fivestarlife.org/] to learn more about how we’re changing students' lives. Our mission at Five Star Life is simple: Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead. Subscribe for weekly conversations on mindset, personal leadership, and the power of rising above your circumstances. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife

The Friendship Crisis Nobody Wants to Talk About - With Coach Mia

Why are so many kids—and adults—surrounded by people, yet still deeply lonely? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia unpack the growing social disconnect happening in our culture and reveal why technology, fear, and unhealthy habits are quietly destroying authentic relationships. From vulnerable conversations about loneliness and social anxiety to practical lessons on loyalty, accountability, emotional intelligence, and communication, this episode dives deep into the skills required to build long-lasting friendships in a disconnected world. Coach Seth also shares why hands-on learning environments are transforming struggling students, why many kids have been mislabeled for years, and how meaningful connection—not performance—is ultimately what people crave most. IN THIS EPISODE: * Why America is becoming one of the loneliest countries in the world * The “5 Habits” of long-lasting friendships taught inside Five Star Life schools * Why vulnerability is the first step to authentic connection * “Stab Them in the Front” — the powerful communication principle changing relationships * How phones and technology are rewiring kids’ social development * The dangerous difference between loyalty and manipulation * Why some students labeled “slow” are actually brilliant learners * How innovative hands-on education is helping students rediscover confidence and purpose The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store. Go to https://www.fivestarlife.org/ [https://www.fivestarlife.org/] to learn more about how we’re changing students' lives. Our mission at Five Star Life is simple: Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead. Subscribe for weekly conversations on mindset, personal leadership, and the power of rising above your circumstances. Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife