Masters of Resilience

Hosted by Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips

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Nov 2025

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About the show

We believe that by sharing stories of challenge, perseverance, and fortitude we can empower aspiring high performers with the conviction to move forward, knowing all that those before them have endured. We have conversations with high performing individuals discussing their habits, journeys, and lessons learned when it comes to the development of resilience and why it is a key ingredient to winning in life.

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39 recent

November 3, 202559 min

Peter Ostapko: Reclaiming Craft, Community, and the Printed Word

In this episode of Masters of Resilience, hosts Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips sit down with Peter Ostapko, founder of Kinsmen, a movement helping men integrate faith, fatherhood, and work through community, craftsmanship, and the printed word.Peter shares the story behind Kinsmen’s beginnings born out of personal fragmentation and a desire for authentic brotherhood. The conversation explores why entrepreneurship often grows from personal pain, why slowing down matters in a digital age, and how craftsmanship and the printed word invite us back to the tactile, the human, and the real. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or creative, this episode will challenge you to mute the noise, build with intention, and rediscover the beauty of presence.Chapters:00:00 – Welcome to Masters of Resilience00:25 – Meet Peter Ostapko of Kinsmen02:21 – Founding Kinsmen from Fragmentation06:21 – The Power of Print10:20 – Craftsmanship Over Artistry19:47 – From Isolation to Connection28:19 – The Kinsmen Creed29:11 – Demonstration vs. Information31:01 – Building Genuine Connection32:25 – Celebrating Community Wins35:08 – Generosity in Action36:17 – Knowing Hearts & Leading with Vulnerability37:56 – Growth Through Time & Experience40:29 – Cultivating Authentic Community42:03 – Leading with Empathy44:21 – Cross-Generational Mentorship47:31 – Risk, Faith & Growth48:13 – Lessons from Trees50:47 – Wisdom Through Experience54:37 – The Kinsmen Journal

September 15, 202550 min

Ben Owen: Fighting Monsters and Finding Meaning

In this episode of the Masters of Resilience podcast, hosts Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips sit down with Ben Owen, whose journey from addiction and brokenness to leadership and purpose is nothing short of remarkable. Ben shares how faith, fatherhood, and surrender reshaped his life and why resilience isn’t just about pushing through, but about turning pain into purpose.From walking away from the comforts of corporate America to launching We Fight Monsters, a nonprofit serving those caught in addiction, trafficking, and violence, Ben’s story highlights the power of service, family, and community in transforming lives.Follow Ben on Instagram: @therealbenowenLearn More: WeFightMonsters.orgChapters00:00 Introduction04:34 Ben Owen’s Journey Through Adversity09:02 The Role of Faith in Recovery13:54 Finding Purpose in Service18:34 The Importance of Family and Fatherhood22:55 Marriage and Partnership in Adversity27:32 Surrendering to a Higher Purpose32:34 The Impact of Corporate America on Personal Growth36:55 Future Goals and Community Engagement

September 2, 202554 min

Brad Lomenick: Clarity, Calling, and the Courage to Lead

In this episode of the Masters of Resilience podcast, we sit down with Brad Lomenick - author, speaker, and longtime president of Catalyst, one of the most influential leadership movements of the last two decades. Brad shares his raw and honest journey, from wrangling horses on a Colorado ranch to leading thousands of leaders through Catalyst. He opens up about the weight of leadership, the sting of transactional relationships, and the painful wake-up call he received from his own team. This conversation explores the power of intentional community, why clarity matters more than passion, the necessity of feedback, and how leaders can make sure the people closest to them don’t just get what’s left over. Whether you’re a young leader figuring out your calling, or a seasoned leader navigating transition, Brad’s wisdom on self-awareness, feedback culture, and investing in relationships will inspire and challenge you.Learn more about Brad’s work: https://www.bradlomenick.comFollow Brad on Instagram: @bradlomenickChapters:00:00 - Introduction to Masters of Resilience01:30 - Guest Introduction: Brad Lominek05:00 - Challenges in Leadership10:15 - Transactional Relationships15:45 - Leadership Transitions20:30 - Building Intentional Relationships25:00 - Career Journey and Lessons Learned30:45 - The Importance of Clarity and Purpose35:20 - Creating a Feedback Culture40:00 - Final Thoughts and Advice45:00 - Closing Remarks

August 18, 20251 hr 1 min

Greg Denning: Building a Formidable Family Life

From homeless at 16 to traveling the world with his wife and seven kids, Greg Denning has built a life defined by resilience, purpose, and adventure. In this episode of Masters of Resilience, hosts Ryan Seeger and Mark Phillips sit down with Greg to talk about what it means to be a formidable family man, why discomfort is essential for growth, and how to create a life you don’t need a vacation from.Greg shares powerful stories - from a lonely Christmas Eve in a freezing shack to climbing Kilimanjaro with his family - and offers practical frameworks for building strong marriages, raising resilient kids, and leading with intention.Chapters:00:00 — Intro and Greg’s Journey04:32 — The Inflection Point: Choosing family & purpose07:00 — Formidable Family Man: Useful, valuable, family first09:55 — Radical Ownership: Ditching victim mentality16:47 — Fear, Ego & Identity: What really holds us back19:49 — Brotherhood & Lifelong Learning21:55 — Raising Resilient Kids & Family Travel (books + experiences)29:13 — Family–Work Rhythms & Marriage37:09 — Intentional Living: Align actions with values; starve fear/ego41:55 — Embracing Discomfort + Greg’s Playbook, books & adviceWebsiteThe Extraordinary Family Life PodcastInstagram

July 14, 202552 min

Scott Stallings: Redefining Success

In this episode of the Masters of Resilience Podcast, hosts Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips sit down with Scott Stallings, three-time PGA Tour winner and a man who has redefined what success looks like in the world of professional golf.Scott opens up about the mental and physical challenges of overcoming a significant injury after 14 years on tour, the unexpected lessons of slowing down, and the transformative experience of running the Boston Marathon. He shares practical insights on balancing family life with a demanding career, the importance of health and wellness, and how to master the inner game when life doesn’t go according to plan.Follow Scott on Instagram @scottstallings for a look behind the scenes at his journey back on tour.Chapters:00:00 – Introduction to Resilience and Transformation01:23 – Overcoming Injury and Finding Purpose09:12 – Mental Challenges in Professional Golf14:13 – Balancing Life and Golf17:51 – Health and Wellness Journey20:59 – The Experience of Running a Marathon23:09 – The Inner Game of Golf28:32 – The Importance of Process Over Outcome34:14 – Reflections on Success and Failure39:25 – Creating Meaningful Connections

June 30, 20251 hr 3 min

Mindy Caliguire: Caring for Your Soul

In this episode of Masters of Resilience, hosts Mark Phillips and Ryan Seager sit down with Mindy Caliguire, Co-Founder and President of Soul Care. Mindy shares her deeply personal story of burnout, illness, and the slow journey back to wholeness — and why she believes soul care is not a side project but a way of life. Mindy’s insights are a timely reminder that true resilience is rooted in spiritual and emotional health, not relentless productivity.Take the Soul Health Assessment, subscribe to the Soul Care email newsletter, or connect with Mindy’s team at soulcare.com.Chapters01:22 — Mindy’s Journey through Burnout04:39 — The Challenges of Church Planting and Overwork09:27 — When the Body Keeps the Score14:43 — Moments of Realization and Change17:56 — Assessing Well-Being and Taking Action19:50 — Do We Really Need a Crisis?22:02 — Post-Pandemic Opportunities for Soul Care24:19 — Tangible Practices and New Rhythms27:46 — The Battle for the Soul in Modern Life29:22 — First vs. Second Order Priorities31:06 — Sitting in the Chair: True Surrender38:25 — The Role of God in Real Transformation41:56 — Recognizing Soul Neglect45:38 — Finding Purpose and Learning to Discern50:47 — Final Reflections

June 16, 20251 hr 8 min

Marcus Filly: Functional Bodybuilding, Fear, and Finding Joy in the Process

In this episode of the Masters of Resilience podcast, hosts Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips sit down with Marcus Filly—former CrossFit Games athlete and founder of Functional Bodybuilding. Marcus shares his journey from competitive athlete to wellness entrepreneur, opening up about mental health challenges, identity transitions, and how joy and fear shape high performance.Through candid reflections on dropping out of med school, redefining success, and transforming his relationships, Marcus unpacks the mindset shifts that have fueled his evolution. Whether you’re a high-achiever battling burnout or someone seeking a more sustainable path to health, this episode delivers deeply personal insights on resilience, wellness, and the lifelong journey of self-care.Chapters01:00 – Navigating Identity and Transition06:01 – From Athlete to Entrepreneur12:00 – Finding Purpose Beyond Fear17:58 – The Balance of Fear and Joy24:36 – Lessons from Hardships26:06 – Navigating Mental Health30:30 – A New Lease on Life34:03 – The Power of Curiosity36:25 – Technology, Scarcity & Anxiety40:53 – Finding Joy in Fitness44:02 – Four Pillars of Wellness47:12 – The Importance of Protein50:35 – Caloric Awareness & Food Choices52:51 – Resilience Through Setbacks01:01:03 – The Power of Forgiveness in FitnessConnect with Marcus Filly & Functional Bodybuilding:Website: functional-bodybuilding.comPodcast: Look Good Move WellInstagram: @marcusfilly, @functional.bodybuildingYouTube: Marcus Filly

June 2, 202550 min

Jon Reiner: Building a High-Performance Team That Lasts

In this episode of the Masters of Resilience podcast, Mark Phillips and Ryan Seager sit down with Jon Reiner, who leads one of the top specialty insurance teams in the country. Jon shares his journey of building a high-performance culture rooted in humility, clarity, and relentless intensity. From empowering his team to take risks and learn through failure, to balancing the demands of leadership with family life, Jon offers a masterclass in resilient leadership.Whether you’re scaling a business or leading a small team, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and mindset shifts that will challenge and inspire you.Chapters:01:25 – Building a High-Performance Team04:21 – Navigating Challenges and Uncontrollables08:32 – Retention: Keeping Top Talent10:24 – Culture of Intensity and Passion12:35 – Finding and Nurturing Talent15:04 – Empowering Growth and Responsibility16:41 – How Leaders Handle Failure20:01 – Delegating and Trusting Your Team26:41 – Investing in Growth Through Consulting29:48 – The Role of Humility and Healthy Paranoia31:51 – The Challenge of Leadership34:41 – Balancing Family, Work, and Discipline38:15 – Learning from Great Leaders42:56 – Staying Sharp: Habits, Health, and Routines47:06 – Leadership Lessons in Patience and Emotional Control

May 19, 20251 hr 2 min

John DeAngelis: Faith, Family, and Foundations That Endure

What does it take to lead with integrity and still thrive in a high-stakes industry? In this episode, Ryan Seager and Mark Phillips chat with John DeAngelis, President and Co-Founder of DeAngelis Diamond, to explore a leadership model rooted in character, clarity, and generosity.John shares his journey of building one of the country’s premier construction firms while holding fast to faith and family. He unpacks the challenge of balancing high support and high challenge in leadership, hiring for character over skill, overcoming fear with intentionality, and defining “enough” in a world that always demands more. With personal reflections on fatherhood, self-awareness, and legacy, this conversation is both deeply practical and profoundly inspiring.02:09 — Navigating Unique Challenges in Construction04:27 — Developing Leaders with Lives Worth Following11:18 — Hiring for Character Over Skills13:40 — Establishing Core Values in Leadership18:20 — Overcoming Fear in Leadership28:51 — Defining ‘Enough’ in Success and Generosity33:50 — The Challenge of Generosity35:25 — The Role of Fatherhood41:28 — Navigating Work and Family Life45:34 — Self-Awareness in Leadership49:27 — Understanding God’s Sovereignty52:57 — Defining True Success and Legacy

May 5, 202524 min

Masters of Resilience: Lessons from Year One

In this milestone episode of Masters of Resilience, Mark and Ryan take a moment to reflect on the journey so far—what they’ve learned from the conversations, the leaders, and the struggles along the way. They explore what it really takes to stay resilient: from practicing patience and managing energy, to building an unshakable inner game. Whether you’ve been here from the start or just tuning in, this episode captures the heart of what Masters of Resilience is all about. Chapters 01:07 — Lessons from the Past Year 06:15 — Movement vs. Action: What’s Real Progress? 10:11 — Failure Isn’t the End, It’s the Way 12:50 — Mastering the Inner Game 17:14 — You Can’t Do It Alone: The Power of Support Systems 22:10 — What’s Next for Year Two