Mary Hyatt is a life coach and entrepreneur who struggled with many trials in her 20s. She was married at age 20 and, a few short years later, found herself completely disconnected from life. Battling depression and anxiety, Mary found solace in food. She was overweight and unhappy and realized something needed to change. She took herself to "self-discovery school" - a personal journey of transformation and healing. She read book after book, attended workshops, went through therapy and coaching, all to discover who she really was on the inside. In this episode, Mark and Mary talk about the danger of trepidation and the power of facing the fear of trying something new. 

Cara Brookins has led an interesting life. She was married to her high school sweetheart right out of high school, but the marriage didn’t last long. She and her first husband divorced after 3 kids. Cara remarried at age 24. Her husband descended into full blown schizophrenia and became a danger to her and her children. They divorced, but he still came around and terrorized her and children. Her third husband was very strong, which seemed like the right answer at the time. However, he became abusive and Cara found herself the victim of domestic violence. They also divorced.

After all the trauma, she decided she and her kids needed something huge to swing their life in a different direction. So they decided the only logical thing to do was build a house. It was the first time they had physical control over anything in their lives. They learned everything they needed to know from YouTube, inspectors, and employees at the local Lowes and Home Depot.

In this episode, Mark and Cara unpack the intense few years that led up to such a revolutionary life change. Cara reminds listeners that you can choose how to use the awful things that happen to you. She reminds us to take the hard path if it will lead you somewhere great.

Saud Juman is a CEO, husband, and father. He grew up in a strong family, but associated with the wrong crowd. While in college, he found success as a DJ. This led to work as a promoter, and eventually owning his own venue. He inadvertently became involved with (and subsequently protected by) members of organized crime. He had a moment of change when his father reentered his life. He sat in a mosque overnight, night after night, and eventually came to realize who he was and who he wanted to become. In this episode, Mark and Suad also discuss religious differences and the impact one person can have on their world. 

Justin Bailey grew up in a loving home, went to college, met his wife, got married, and joined the army. Everything seemed like it should be great on the surface, but he quickly learned he wasn’t living up to the person he could have been. The person he was nearly broke down his marriage, encountered legal problems, and ultimately was a result of serious character issues. In this episode, Mark and Justin discuss vulnerability, integrity, and the importance of realizing (and owning) consequences of your actions.

Chris Biasutti has searched for acceptance his entire life. Everything he’s done in his life has been searching for love and acceptance from other people. He thought he would find it by making money. Eventually, after making the money he thought he always wanted, he learned money didn’t bring him acceptance. His pivot point came when he realized he had nothing meaningful to share with the world. Chris has since learned the key to his happiness and inner peace is vulnerability - and being honest about sharing his pain. What motivates him now, and what drives him, is lessening others’ suffering. He’s learned, above all, love isn’t something you get, it’s something you give.

Master McNeill has seen his fair share of struggle in his 75+ years on the planet. He's had polio, was orphaned as a young child, and has battled cancer more than once. However, every struggle in his life has led him to where he is today. Master McNeill is a highly decorated martial artist. 

In this episode, Mark and Dave discuss happiness, the power of a positive attitude, and the belief that there are no coincidences. Above all is this reminder: Persevere against a negative world with positive thoughts, positive actions, and a positive attitude. 

Tucker Collins is an neurochemistry undergraduate student on the verge of graduation. He's looking towards what life holds for him - starting with graduate school. He's making a name for himself - creating his own identity, part of which is his Aspergers.  Tucker doesn't let his diagnosis define him - he embraces who he is and uses his strengths to his advantage. He seeks out relationships, and encourages others to do the same. 

Reece Anderson is a husband, father, and anxiety and personal coach. Reece had a fairly normal childhood. However, at age 20, he cooked some dinner, sat down, and had what he later learned was a massive panic attack. He saw doctor the next day who immediately put him on antidepressants. Instead of helping, things went from bad to worse. Within 2 years, Reece started developing ticks. His doctor put him on Xanax, which didn’t help the situation.

Everything came to a head several years later. He stopped Xanax cold turkey, moved to Australia, and found a doctor who helped him. Reece found the change had to come from within himself. His road to recovery has not been easy, but he has found an outlet in helping others as an anxiety and personal coach.

Chris Smith is a husband, father, and entrepreneur. Chris grew up around story tellers and has been a story teller his whole life. He naturally transitioned into sales, but didn’t really know who he was despite his ability to tell a great story. He hit a major dark point in his life when he realized he wasn't being true to himself. This darkness led to separating from his wife. They tried several counselors until they met one who actually listened with no agenda. At this moment, Chris realized really great coaches and mentors create an opening to see the possibilities in life - they don’t just give you answers. In this episode Mark and Chris discuss how it’s not just about the story you tell, it’s about the story you write and live. They talk about finding clarity and purpose in discovering your own story. 

Sean Stephenson was born with a rare bone gene imperfection. The doctors said he wouldn’t live 24 hours. That was nearly 38 years ago. Since then, Sean has found his purpose in life: to rid the world of insecurity.

In this episode, Mark and Sean discuss how fairness in life is an illusion, the idea that every level has a devil, and the cure to insecurity (hint: it's self-care.) Sean is quick to remind listeners that no one got a better life than you did, just as no one got a worse life than you did. It’s not what cards you’re dealt, it’s how you play them.

Melissa Krivachek is an expert in transformation. She can say so confidently because she transformed herself. In 2009, after being fired from WalMart (not for lack of enthusiasm), she was homeless, weighed 306 lbs, was $50000 in debt, and spent 6 days in jail for a speeding ticket. According to Melissa, jail was worse than being homeless. 

She realized something had to change, and her journey of transformation began. She recently passed a million dollars in sales and is living a life in complete contrast with her past self. In this episode, Melissa and Mark talk about transformation, healthy mindset, and the lies we tell ourselves.

Don DeWaay lived like royalty. He started a business from nothing and built it to a half a billion dollars in sales. Everything came crashing down in 2008 when he lost everything. The economic downturn affected his business, which had negative ramifications in his personal life. The biggest sacrifice he made in trying to build and maintain his business was his family, despite desperately wanting to offer his family a different life than he knew as a child. Sacrificing time with his family eventually led to divorce. As his eldest child put it "You are [responsible.] You picked work over us."

Since he lost everything, Don has been on a personal quest to discover who he is outside of his business. He has since found a way to help and build others through the lessons he learned in his failure.  

Ray Edwards is a well-known copywriter, working with famous names such as Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, and Jeff Walker. He found success quickly, valuing his intellect as one of his most valuable traits. 

In 2011, Ray was at a conference when he noticed his hand couldn’t keep up with his brain. After a google search, a conversation with his doctor, and later a consultation with a neurologist, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease. Ray quickly sank into darkness and depression. He found light again only when his wife called him out in an informal intervention. In this episode, Mark and Ray discuss the value of people, the dangers of victim thinking, and faith as it relates to healing. 

Ken Davis has been a comedian and public speaker for many years. He recently celebrated his 70th birthday which has brought a season of reflection and new decisions into his life. In this episode, Mark and Ken discuss getting older, finding significance vs having relevance, and taking control of your life. They discuss the importance of finding validation from the right sources. Listen to this episode for inspiring, light-hearted reflection. 

Wayne Warrick is an ordained minister, a doctor of natural medicine, husband, and father. He's also a living example of "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger."

Wayne has seen his fair share of struggle. From narrowly escaping capture in Russia while part of a special ops team in the Air Force to losing an eye because of a percussion grenade, Wayne's early years didn't start off smooth. Following his time in the military, he moved near home to take care of his ailing father, who was guardian over many troubled youth. One boy in his father's care lashed out after an incident and shot Wayne's father with a shotgun. Yet life didn't get any easier. Wayne's home literally blew up, he's had trials with his own children, and he lost his brother under suspicious circumstances. 

Despite every trial life has thrown at him, Wayne's message is this: adversity comes, and life goes on. 

Filip Valica was born in communist Czechoslovakia. When he was 5, his mother decided it would be better to leave the country than stay in communist circumstances. Their family was granted a temporary, "health-related" leave on the condition that a family member was left behind. Filip's parents were on the brink of divorce as it was, so he and his mother left his father behind as they fled to Greece. They were in Greece for two years while awaiting paperwork to come to America.

While in Greece, he and his mother shared a one bedroom apartment with 2 other families. He had always been filled with a sense of wonder. Filip found an old toy missing an axle in the trash can. He fixed it with an oversized screw to create a new (to him) toy that came with him everywhere. This moment was formative in Filip's life.

Filip and his mother first landed in Goshen, Indiana, where they were sponsored by a farming family. His mother then found work in Houston, where they still live today. Filip went to college and studied mechanical engineering. He found a great job, but was recently laid off. When his daughter was born he was hit with the realization that he had been focusing on the wrong things. Filip's wife had some complications during post pregnancy, so while he was tending to his daughter at night he wrote content for his site and launched a podcast. He's been able to put all his creative focus on what's within him. Filip now works on building his own business.

Filip's take away is this: you create your own opportunity if you put in the work.

MeshBanga grew up in Richmond, California - a dangerous neighborhood plagued with drugs and violence. She had loving parents who kept her as safe as possible, often keeping her inside when they knew it would be unsafe outside. Her extended family was not as lucky. She had cousins turn to prostitution and drugs early in life. 

Despite the struggles of the area, MeshBanga found music. Her purpose is trying to help the younger generation - especially young females - realize they aren't destined to the life they're born into. She boldly declares it's your choice to stay, so choose to be better. 

Larry Hagner was adopted by his step-father when he was a young boy. Everyone who knew Larry's father knew he was a good man, but he had a drinking problem that turned him from Bruce Banner into the Hulk. Larry's mother, also a heavy drinker, divorced this man when Larry was 10. At age 12 he met his biological father, but that relationship didn't continue. Every father figure from that point was just as toxic. When Larry became a father at age 30, he didn't know what to do. He struggled with being a dad until his wife called him out on it about 5 years later. 

From this "Jerry McGuire" moment, The Good Dad Project was born. 

In this episode, Larry and Mark talk about why men have a hard time letting others in, the importance of communication, and how a strong woman can be a man's biggest support. Larry now runs a Facebook group, podcast, mastermind, and website supporting dads around the world. 

Tim Matthews never believed he was good enough. After an incident with his father when he was 7 years old, Tim chose the belief that he wasn't worthy or good enough of anything. This belief led him down a path filled with stress, struggle, and sacrifice. Despite this belief, he still aimed for success as an entrepreneur. After University he found personal training, and through that process found a pregnant women weren't getting the same attention as his other patrons. This led him to build Fitness for Mom. 

Despite a positive business, Tim knew in his gut he was in a bad way. The problem was, he didn't know how to get out. He was engaged to the wrong person, had bad business deals, and was not making much money. He attributes this to pushing his own inner voice down. In his words, he was adding flaws to buildings with crumbling foundations. 

The pivot point was when he realized his parents were about to drop £15,000 as a deposit for his upcoming wedding. He knew he couldn't, in good faith, let them go through with it. In this moment, he cut everything out of his life. He called off the wedding, canceled upcoming business deals, and developed a new mantra: Follow your Feelings. 

Tim Matthews now runs a program called The Powerful Man, focusing on building up men in all aspects of life, including business. His health, relationships, and wealth are all flowing positively and freely.

Thomas Clifford is a man on a mission. He is a father and a martial artist. Thomas grew up with a blessed life. As he puts it, it's not the kind of story that makes people want to stop and listen. When you peel back the layers, though, you'll find Thomas's story is one that keeps you completely enthralled. 

Thomas's grandfather was deeply involved in organized crime. Thomas grew up believing his grandfather had been killed in a car accident, only to learn later he had been murdered. Thomas' father strived to be the exact opposite of his father - he was a Marine in WWII, storming the beaches at Okinawa, and later became a cop in New York City for 33 years. Following his retirement, Thomas' father was diagnosed with ALS. It was at the time of this diagnosis that his father opened up and shared many family secrets that had been hidden along the way. 

Listen to this incredible episode as Mark and Thomas discuss forgiveness, meaning in life and death, fatherhood, and how love is the most powerful force in the universe. 

Matt Trainer had everything. An "average" life to him included a home on the beach, partying in Dubai, and being hungover every day. However, everything came to a head after Wake Up Warrior, which has been mentioned on our show by several guests. As Matt puts it, Warrior inspired him to change his world, and the Universe decided to test him. He went from major success with a company to dealing with a major law suit. In the middle of the law suit, Matt went to the doctor and learned he had a major tumor in his stomach that had to be removed immediately. A few weeks after the surgery, El Niño hit and his home and underground garage - including a Lamborghini and Mercedes - flooded. 

Despite the storm, both literal and metaphorical, that hit him, Matt found himself grateful for everything he did have. Without question, he'd do it all again. He's now writing a book about his journey in the hopes that it will help others through their struggles. 

Brian Holmes grew up in a strong family and church environment. In spite of the strong culture of faith, at 11 years old he was sexually molested by a 19 year old woman in his home. He was also introduced to pornography at the same time by the same woman and her boyfriend. Brian grew up in a "never mess up" kind of culture which encouraged anything negative to be hidden. He didn't tell anyone - including his own parents - about being molested for 22 years. After his father's death, multiple considerations of suicide, and a catastrophic decade of marriage, Brian finally decided to get help. 

Since that time, Brian's focus has been helping others find reconciliation from their own struggles. He's developed a framework to assist in the process. This framework has four cornerstones: personal healing, personal discovery, personal development, and personal deployment. Brian and Mark both offer the reminder that you are not your struggle. 

Tina Thomson is first and foremost a mother, though she wears a remarkable collection of metaphorical hats. Her life was changed when her son was born with an extremely rare condition that he miraculously survived. In addition to the struggle of her son's medical condition, Tina herself has battled fibromyalgia while dealing with an ending marriage and extreme career changes. 

In this episode Mark and Tina discuss gender inequality in the corporate world, having your moral compass tested, and the important role faith plays in Tina's life. Tina's mantra is 10 two-letter words: if it is to be - it is up to me. 

Dr. Adam Splaver is a cardiologist who had it all. A beautiful wife, 4 wonderful children, a successful medical practice. Everything changed when his wife had hemorrhagic stroke, which they later discovered was caused by a brain tumor. There was too much swelling, too much blood, the tumor was too difficult to reach. The neurologists told Dr. Splaver to take her home and let her die. Dr. Splaver simply said hell no. 

After the swelling subsided, they learned the tumor was not in the location they previously thought, which led to a glimmer of hope. A series of flights and medical procedures led to Mrs. Splaver recovering. However, four months ago the tumor appeared again. She is mid-treatment today. 

In this episode, Mark talks with Dr. Splaver about discussions of mortality with patients, what Dr. Splaver wishes people knew about doctors, and negotiating with God. Mark even asks which Dr. Splaver would choose - science or faith. 

Cameron Gallagher is a high performance coach with a unique background in hypnosis and neuroscience. He began work as a corporate coach but has naturally progressed into a transformational high performance mindset coach for entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Mark turns it over to Cameron, who guides him through an exercise to overcome inadequacy. The exercise is designed so viewers can also follow along (though it is recommended to do so when NOT driving!)