Five Star Life with Coach Seth

What happens when a child is told what they’ll never become—and refuses to let that label define their future?
Fifteen years ago, Audri Leer entered middle school with an IEP, a learning disability, low confidence, and people telling her family she may never graduate high school, attend college, drive, or live independently. But Audri had something more powerful than those predictions: a family that believed in her, mentors who poured into her, and a growing belief that her circumstances did not have to determine her future.
Today, Audri is a college graduate, a graduate student pursuing social work, a full-time case manager, and someone who now pours the same hope she received into the lives of others.
In this episode of The 5 Star Life Show, Coach Seth sits down with former Five Star Life student Audri Leer to look back at where her journey began—and what can happen when a young person has people in their corner who refuse to give up on them.
IN THIS EPISODE:
What Audri was told about her future as a young student
How her parents refused to let a diagnosis or label determine her potential
Audri's struggle with confidence, identity, and fitting in during middle school
The impact Five Star Life and Coach Ashley had on her life
Why having adults who believe in a student can change their trajectory
How Audri went from being told she wouldn't graduate to earning a bachelor's degree and attending graduate school
Why she chose a career helping others through social work
What Audri would tell students who feel limited by labels
Her message to parents raising a struggling child
Why teachers, coaches, mentors, and volunteers can have an impact that lasts for decades
How the encouragement Audri received as a student is now being passed on to the next generation
Audri's story is a reminder that a label can describe where a student is today—but it doesn't have to determine where they go tomorrow.
 
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

At just 15 years old, Tyler Brown's life changed in an instant. After leaving basketball practice and spending time with his dad, Tyler was caught in a case of mistaken identity when dozens of gunshots were fired into their vehicle. One bullet struck Tyler in the head. Doctors warned his family that he might not survive—and that even if he did, he could be left severely impaired. But Tyler's story wasn't over.
In this powerful episode of The Five Star Life Show, Coach Seth sits down with Tyler to revisit the shooting, the prayers that surrounded him, the moment he opened his eyes, and the long road of recovery that followed. Tyler shares what it was like to relearn how to walk, talk, eat, drink, and use his body—all while holding onto his dream of playing basketball again.
Tyler also opens up about the emotional side of survival: depression, anger, seeing the man involved in the shooting in court, learning to forgive, losing the future he once imagined, and searching for the purpose behind why he's still here.
In the final segment, Coach Mia joins Coach Seth to reflect on Tyler's journey, the power of gratitude, the role basketball played in his recovery, and what his story can teach all of us about perspective, resilience, faith, and purpose.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The night Tyler Brown was shot in the head at 15 years old
How a case of mistaken identity changed his life forever
His mother's unwavering faith when doctors gave devastating news
Waking up unable to walk, talk, eat, or communicate
Relearning basic functions and beginning the road back to basketball
The depression and emotional struggle that followed his recovery
Facing the man involved in the shooting in court
Tyler's journey toward forgiveness
How faith helped Tyler process what happened to him
Losing one version of his dream while searching for a new purpose
How Tyler's tragedy helped become a catalyst for Five Star Life's LIFT Program
Coach Seth and Coach Mia's reflections on gratitude, trauma, resilience, and finding your "why"
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

What if the behavior frustrating you most isn't actually the problem—but a signal that something deeper is happening? In this episode, Coach Seth and Coach Keenan challenge parents, educators, coaches, and leaders to look beyond a child's behavior and understand what may be happening underneath the surface.
Through the lens of nervous-system regulation and Polyvagal Theory, Coach Seth breaks down what happens when kids move from feeling safe and connected into fight, flight, or shutdown—and why adults can either help regulate that response or unintentionally make it worse. From a powerful story of a student running away during a Summit experience to real examples from Five Star Life's LIFT program, this conversation provides practical tools for replacing shame and control with curiosity, connection, accountability, and intentional leadership.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why "bad behavior" may actually be communication from a dysregulated nervous system• A simple breakdown of Polyvagal Theory and the different nervous-system states• Why adults must regulate themselves before trying to regulate a child• The powerful question: "What's happening inside of you right now?"• Coach Seth's story of responding differently when a student ran away during a Summit experience• How curiosity can uncover what's actually driving anger, fear, shutdown, or defiance• Why shame and embarrassment can push kids further into survival mode• A powerful example from Five Star Life's LIFT program showing what happens when an adult chooses regulation over reaction• Why these principles apply far beyond parenting—to classrooms, coaching, leadership, marriage, and the workplace• How Five Star Life is helping educators and volunteers create environments where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn
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

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

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

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

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: @noahbontragerSub-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

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

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
 

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