Five Star Life with Coach Seth

Seth Maust

Change your mindset. Change your future. Welcome to Five Star Life with Coach Seth, the podcast dedicated to our core mission: Transforming students' lives by challenging the way they think, act, and lead. Research shows that a person's mindset dictates their success or failure. Far too many kids disengage or drop out because they don’t value education—and ultimately, don’t value themselves. Five Star Life attacks this root issue head-on. Join Coach Seth and Coach Mia as they break down our proprietary, research-informed curriculum for adults and kids alike. Whether you are a parent, educator, mentor, or student, each episode delivers actionable insights rooted in the core pillars of success: Five Star Values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Courage. We promise that if you listen, absorb, and apply these lessons, your mindset will shift—and you’ll unlock the tools to change your life and the lives of those around you. Subscribe today and join the mindset revolution! Go to FiveStarLife.org to learn more about the mission of Five Star!

  1. 4d ago

    Who Will Fight for the Kids Being Left Behind? | With Dale DeVon & Coach Abby

    What does real public service look like? In this episode of The Five Star Life Show, Coach Seth sits down with Indiana State Representative Dale DeVon for a personal conversation about faith, family, leadership, public service, and the responsibility we all share to fight for vulnerable children. Dale shares how growing up in a hardworking South Bend family led him into the construction and home-building industries before an unexpected journey into government. He discusses his years of working with young people in the juvenile justice system, the heartbreaking realities facing children without strong support systems, and why helping the next generation has become one of the greatest passions of his life. Coach Seth and Dale also discuss education, foster care, affordable housing, the role of churches and community organizations, and why the government cannot solve every problem alone. Dale explains why strong families, caring adults, effective nonprofits, schools, churches, and community partners must work together to give young people hope and a better future. IN THIS EPISODE: Dale DeVon’s journey from construction and home building to public service • How faith influenced his decision to enter government • Why helping vulnerable children became his personal mission • What Dale learned from spending years with youth in the juvenile justice system • The importance of strong families and positive adult role models • Why teachers need greater support from families and communities • The challenges facing children in foster care and unstable homes • Why government cannot solve every community problem alone • The role of churches, nonprofits and community organizations • Why Dale chose to support the mission of Five Star Life • What real servant leadership looks like ABOUT OUR GUEST: Dale DeVon is an Indiana State Representative, longtime home builder, husband, father and grandfather. Before entering public service, Dale spent decades working in construction and founded his own construction and home-building businesses. He previously served on the St. Joseph County Council and has dedicated much of his public-service career to issues involving families, children, education, housing and community development. His passion for young people has also led him to spend years mentoring and encouraging youth involved in the juvenile justice system. Dale is committed to strengthening families, supporting effective community organizations and helping vulnerable children discover that their lives have value, purpose and hope.    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

  2. Jul 24

    Ideas Are Worthless Without This | With John Anthony

    What separates people who dream from people who actually build something meaningful? In this episode, Coach Seth sits down with entrepreneur and Anthony Travel founder John Anthony to explore the mindset behind building one of the largest sports travel companies in the country—from nothing more than an idea sketched out over dinner. John shares why execution always beats ideas, why fear keeps so many people stuck in the starting blocks, and how great leaders build organizations through culture, relationships, and serving people well. Whether you're launching a business, leading a team, or simply trying to take the next step in life, this conversation is packed with timeless leadership principles that will challenge you to stop waiting and start moving.   IN THIS EPISODE: Why "ideas are overrated" and execution changes everything The story behind building Anthony Travel from a $10,000 investment into an industry leader Why successful entrepreneurs don't wait until they have all the answers The mindset required to overcome fear and take your first step Why culture always beats strategy in great organizations The leadership lesson John learned from the person who has influenced him most—his wife How serving people well creates lasting business success Coach Seth and John discuss why surrounding yourself with the right people changes everything   ABOUT OUR GUEST: John Anthony is the Founder of Anthony Travel, one of the nation's leading sports travel management companies serving more than 110 colleges and universities across the United States. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, John has spent more than three decades building a people-first organization known for exceptional service, strong culture, and leadership. His entrepreneurial journey and passion for developing great teams have made him a respected voice in business, leadership, and organizational culture.   W: https://onlocationexp.com/anthony-travel  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-anthony-00606b6/    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

  3. Jul 17

    Why Your Brain Keeps Holding You Back | With Cherri Kulp

    Why do so many people stay stuck in the same unhealthy habits, negative thought patterns, and emotional cycles—even when they desperately want to change? In this episode, Coach Seth welcomes leadership coach and consultant Cherri Kulp for a powerful conversation about neuroscience, emotional intelligence, parenting, leadership, and the incredible ability of the brain to heal and grow. Together they unpack automatic negative thoughts (ANTs), the science of neuroplasticity, emotional regulation, trauma, post-traumatic growth, imposter phenomenon, and why creating psychologically safe relationships changes everything. Whether you're leading a family, a business, a classroom, or simply trying to become the person God created you to be, this conversation will give you practical tools to renew your thinking and move forward with confidence. IN THIS EPISODE: Why your brain keeps repeating unhealthy patterns The science behind neuroplasticity and how your mind can change What Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs) are—and how to overcome them Why emotional safety is one of the greatest gifts a parent or leader can give How parents can regulate their own emotions before trying to correct their children The difference between surviving trauma and experiencing post-traumatic growth Practical ways to reframe negative thinking and build healthier beliefs Understanding imposter phenomenon and why so many leaders quietly struggle with it Why who you become is more important than what you accomplish ABOUT OUR GUEST Cherri Kulp is the founder of Internal Garden Coaching & Leadership Solutions, where she helps individuals, leaders, and organizations cultivate healthier mindsets, stronger leadership, and lasting personal growth. Drawing from neuroscience, leadership development, sociology, and faith, Cherri equips people with practical tools to overcome limiting beliefs, regulate emotions, and lead with authenticity and confidence. Instagram: @UnearthedCC  C#: 574-213-2143  E: info@internalgardencoaching.com 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 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

  4. Jul 10

    Don'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

  5. Jul 3

    The 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

  6. Jun 26

    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 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

  7. Jun 12

    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 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

  8. Jun 5

    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 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

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Change your mindset. Change your future. Welcome to Five Star Life with Coach Seth, the podcast dedicated to our core mission: Transforming students' lives by challenging the way they think, act, and lead. Research shows that a person's mindset dictates their success or failure. Far too many kids disengage or drop out because they don’t value education—and ultimately, don’t value themselves. Five Star Life attacks this root issue head-on. Join Coach Seth and Coach Mia as they break down our proprietary, research-informed curriculum for adults and kids alike. Whether you are a parent, educator, mentor, or student, each episode delivers actionable insights rooted in the core pillars of success: Five Star Values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sacrifice, and Courage. We promise that if you listen, absorb, and apply these lessons, your mindset will shift—and you’ll unlock the tools to change your life and the lives of those around you. Subscribe today and join the mindset revolution! Go to FiveStarLife.org to learn more about the mission of Five Star!