Five Star Life with Coach Seth

By Seth MaustParenting Kids & Family

Five Star Life with Coach Seth episodes

July 10Don't Waste Your Gift: The Mindset That Separates Winners | With Coach Mia
What separates ordinary people from extraordinary ones? In this inspiring episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia sit down and discuss Indianas running phenom Noah Bontrager—the first athlete in Indiana history to break the four-minute mile—to uncover the mindset that fueled one of the greatest high school running careers in the country.
More than a conversation about athletics, this episode explores discipline, resilience, purpose, gratitude, and the daily decisions that shape greatness. Noah shares in an interview how learning to embrace discomfort, stay present, and focus on small wins has transformed his life, while Coach Seth connects those principles to parenting, leadership, and the Five Star Life mission of helping students rise into their full potential.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The mindset that helped Noah Bontrager become the first Indiana athlete to break the four-minute mile
Why greatness is built one small decision at a time—not in one defining moment
The powerful quote: "To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift."
How focusing on the next small step prevents overwhelm and builds confidence
Why doing hard things strengthens both character and resilience
The surprising connection between elite athletics, leadership, and everyday life
Coach Seth explains why excellence isn't someday—it's the next five minutes
Practical encouragement for parents, students, and anyone pursuing a meaningful life
SPECIAL FEATURE:
Noah Bontrager is one of the nation's top distance runners and the first athlete in Indiana history to run a sub-four-minute mile. A graduate of Westview High School and a Five Star Life student, Noah has become known not only for his athletic excellence but also for his humility, discipline, growth mindset, and commitment to maximizing the gifts he's been given. He will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Notre Dame, where he'll compete in cross country and track while pursuing even greater goals on the national stage.
Instagram: @noahbontrager
Sub-4 mile: https://youtu.be/KhD9Wsar9cQ?si=X2zaYpE1hxGbPlpE

The mission at Five Star Life :
Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead.
Go to fivestarlife.org 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

Mindset, growth mindset, self improvement, personal development, success mindset, motivation, leadership, emotional intelligence, confidence, mental toughness, resilience, self development
57 min
July 03The Conversation That Could Change Your Child's Life | With Coach Kevin
What if the most important investment you make this week isn't another meeting, another practice, or another achievement—but one intentional conversation with your child? In this episode, Coach Seth is joined by producer Kevin for a powerful discussion on why meaningful conversations have the power to shape a child's future and strengthen families for generations.
As Five Star Life continues introducing its new RISE curriculum, Coach Seth explores the neuroscience behind how children learn, why parents often fall into "autopilot," and how intentional parenting can completely change the trajectory of a young person's life. From emotional intelligence and neuroplasticity to practical parenting tools and the Five Star Life Parent App, this conversation is filled with hope, encouragement, and actionable strategies for parents, grandparents, educators, and anyone investing in the next generation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why one intentional conversation each week can transform your relationship with your child
The neuroscience of neuroplasticity and why your brain—and your child's brain—can always change
How the Five Star Life Parent App helps families build stronger connections through simple weekly conversations
Why parents often react from fear instead of leading from love—and how to change that pattern
Understanding the Polyvagal Ladder and how emotional regulation helps children thrive
Coach Seth's emotional realization that he has only a limited number of meaningful conversations left before his youngest son graduates
Why living on "autopilot" causes families to miss the moments that matter most
Practical tools to help parents become more intentional, emotionally healthy leaders at home

The mission at Five Star Life :
Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead.

Go to fivestarlife.org 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
58 min
June 26Where 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 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
58 min
June 12How 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 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
58 min
June 05The 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 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
58 min
May 29What 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/index.php
LinkedIn: 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/ 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
58 min
May 22The 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/ 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
58 min
May 15The Lie About Work That’s Destroying This Generation - With Coach Mia
What if your exhaustion isn’t coming from work… but from the way you think about work? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia unpack one of the most dangerous lies in modern culture: that hard work is something to avoid instead of something that develops you.
From powerful student testimonies to deep conversations about mindset, anxiety, integrity, parenting, goals, and belief systems, this episode reveals how your internal narrative shapes your future. Coach Seth explains why thriving at work starts with vision, why most people never reach their goals, and how the process of growth—not comfort—is what creates confidence, purpose, and fulfillment. This conversation will challenge the victim mindset, redefine success, and help you understand why “choosing your hard” may be the key to transforming your life.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The shocking student testimony about how integrity eliminated anxiety and changed his relationship with his parents
“Choose Your Hard” — the mindset shift that changes how you view work, discipline, health, and relationships
Why most people never reach their goals (and the critical mistake they make)
The hidden danger of lowering kids’ dreams instead of helping them believe bigger
How visualization, belief, and self-talk create momentum toward the life you actually want
Why successful people become obsessed with the PROCESS instead of the outcome
The connection between family conversations, emotional health, and long-term thriving
How parents, teachers, and mentors unknowingly shape children’s beliefs about work, identity, and success
The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Go to 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
57 min
May 08The Quiet Branding: How Your Reactions Define Your Reputation - With Cherri Kulp
Are you reacting to your wounds, or responding from your values? In this powerful episode, Coach Seth welcomes back Cherri Kulp (Executive Coach & Founder of Internal Garden Coaching) to discuss why your internal state is the ultimate predictor of your external success.
Cherri breaks down the "Internal Garden" philosophy—the idea that our minds are fertile ground where we either cultivate fruit or allow weeds like bitterness and fear to take root. From handling obnoxious public confrontations to teaching fifth graders how to "Box Breathe" under pressure, this episode provides a roadmap for anyone looking to increase their EQ and reclaim their peace.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The 3:1 Ratio: Why it takes three positive thoughts to overcome one negative "weed" in your mind.
The Conflict Quadrants: A deep dive into Daniel Goleman’s EQ framework: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, and Relationship Management.
Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn: Identifying how your nervous system protects itself and how to give others "Grace for Space" during a freeze.
The Mayor Pete Story: Cherri shares a real-life example of how self-awareness prevented a public "crash out" and protected her professional branding.
Givers vs. Takers: Why "Givers" are the only ones who truly experience a 5 Star Life.
ABOUT OUR GUEST:
Cherri Kulp, ACC is the Principal Coach and Founder of Internal Garden Coaching & Leadership Solutions. As a Certified Personal and Executive Coach, she acts as a Mindset Architect and Leadership Optimizer, helping individuals "silence their inner critic" to grow confidence, clarity, and resilience.
Instagram: @UnearthedCC
C#: 574-213-2143
E: [email protected]
W: https://www.internalgardencoaching.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherrikulp/

The mission at Five Star Life : Transforming Students' Lives by Challenging the Way they Think, Act, and Lead.
Go to https://www.fivestarlife.org/ 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, and the power of rising above your circumstances.

Connect with us on Instagram, TikTok, and all platforms @TheFiveStarLife
58 min
May 01The Social Arena: Mastering Your Nervous System for Better Relationships
Are you actually in the game, or are you a passive spectator of your own life? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Mia unpack the "Arena" lesson—a transformative concept taught to over 20,000 students weekly. They dive deep into Polyvagal Theory, simplifying the science of the nervous system into three actionable levels: the Dorsal (isolation), the Sympathetic (anxiety), and the Ventral (peace and connection).
Coach Seth shares the "Doorway Hack"—a powerful tool for intentional living that ensures you show up as your best self for your family, your team, and your community. If you’ve ever felt "stuck" in a cycle of stress or felt disconnected from those you love, this episode provides the mirror you need to make the small tweaks that lead to a 5 Star Life.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Life in the Eyes: The physical transformation of students like Brady, moving from suicidal ideation to becoming a "giver."
The 3 Levels of Your Nervous System: A practical guide to identifying when you are in "Flight or Flight" vs. "Social Engagement" mode.
The Doorway Hack: How to use physical thresholds to reset your emotional state before entering your home or office.
The EQ Gap: Why the average adult has the emotional intelligence of a middle schooler—and how to grow past it.
Breaking the Cycle: Advice for a student who doesn't want to "become like their father" and how to rewrite your internal script.
The Five Star Life App: Download "Five Star Life" on the App Store or Google Play Store.
Go to 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
57 min

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Five Star Life with Coach Seth

Five Star Life with Coach Seth episodes

About Five Star Life with Coach Seth