The Purpose Mastermind: Helping Leaders Get Unstuck and Live with Meaning in Work, Marriage, and Parenting

Hosted by Mark Delaney

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Episodes

295

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

The Purpose Mastermind is a podcast for leaders who want clarity, direction, and real impact...not just at work, but at home. Too many people succeed professionally while feeling disconnected personally. This podcast helps you close that gap. Each episode will challenge you to stop living problem-focused and start living purpose-focused. You’ll learn how to: Get unstuck and gain clarity about your life direction Discover your purpose and actually live it out daily Strengthen your marriage and show up better for your spouse Lead your kids with intention, not just react to life Bring alignment between your work life and your home life Because leadership isn’t just about what you accomplish. It’s about who you become—and how you love the people closest to you. 👉 Ready to take the next step? Join a free Purpose Challenge by joining our community. https://www.skool.com/purpose-mastermind/about

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 28, 202633 min

E298: What If You Feel Unqualified for Your Purpose? | Tim Washer

What if the thing you're called to do is also the thing you feel completely unqualified to do? Tim Washer has built an extraordinary career in comedy—studying improv under Amy Poehler, writing for Saturday Night Live , and appearing in comedy sketches with David Letterman and Conan O'Brien. But behind the laughter is a much deeper story about purpose. In this episode of the Purpose Mastermind Podcast, Tim shares the moment he realized comedy wasn't simply something he was good at—it was a gift he had an obligation to use. Mark and Tim talk openly about calling, fear, divorce, shame, vulnerability, community, faith, and what happens when life doesn't unfold the way you expected. In this conversation: Tim shares how he discovered his calling through three simple questions. Why feeling unqualified doesn't necessarily mean you're on the wrong path. What Tim learned from working in comedy at the highest levels. How divorce and disappointment challenged his faith. Why vulnerability is essential for meaningful relationships. How community helps us move beyond shame. What improv can teach us about faith, surrender, and supporting others. Why our gifts aren't simply for us—they're meant to serve other people. Tim's story is a reminder that purpose doesn't require having everything figured out. Sometimes it simply requires taking the next step of obedience—even when you don't feel ready. Connect with Tim Washer YouTube: Tim Washer Instagram: @TimWasher Want greater clarity about your purpose? If you would like to get clarity on your purpose join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Want to strengthen your marriage? Take our free Marriage Assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360 Help us bring purpose and hope to more people. If you'd like to support the work of the Purpose Mastermind, you can donate here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

September 21, 202647 min

E297: A Life Not Worth Living: From Reckless Adventure to Purpose | Thomas Perkins

What happens when you accomplish extraordinary things—but still don't feel like you're enough? Thomas Perkins joined the U.S. Navy at 17 and went on to become a Navy Master Diver, serve in combat in Iraq, earn a Bronze Star for Valor, and set a record with an atmospheric dive to 2,000 feet. After the Navy, his adventures continued through business, flying airplanes, sailing, construction, renewable energy, and more. From the outside, his life looked fearless. But underneath the achievement was a man still searching for something he couldn't quite name. In this episode of the Purpose Mastermind Podcast, Mark talks with Thomas about the journey from chasing achievement and adrenaline to discovering inner peace, purpose, and the freedom of realizing, "I'm okay." Their conversation explores: How achievement can become an endless measuring stick. What happens when you stop living with something to prove. Why problems can become opportunities instead of roadblocks. How fatherhood changed Thomas's understanding of the value of his own life. Why maintaining relationships with adult children requires letting them be individuals. How preparation and repetition helped Thomas descend 2,000 feet beneath the ocean. Why adventure can come from purpose rather than recklessness. How to stop fearing your problems and start using them to build a meaningful life. Thomas also shares the story behind his book, A Life Not Worth Living: What Combat, Courage, and Fatherhood Taught Me About Finding Inner Peace. You don't have to become a Navy Master Diver or dive 2,000 feet beneath the ocean to live courageously. Sometimes courage begins when you stop measuring yourself, recognize the value of your life, and start pursuing the life that's already in your heart. Here is a link to his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GX2ZWRW9?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Want clarity on your purpose? If you would like to get clarity on your purpose, join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Curious about the health of your marriage? Take our free Marriage Assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360 Help us bring purpose and hope to more people. If you'd like to support the work of The Purpose Mastermind Association, you can donate here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

September 14, 202640 min

E296: Why Friendship Is More Essential Than We Think | With Alex Alexander

Have you ever felt like everyone around you is busy... yet somehow we're more disconnected than ever? In this episode of the Purpose Mastermind Podcast, Mark sits down with friendship expert and author Alex Alexander to explore why meaningful relationships aren't just a nice addition to life—they're essential to living well. Together they discuss why so many adults feel isolated, the hidden cost of trying to do life alone, and practical ways to build deeper friendships without waiting for the "perfect" relationship to come along. In this episode you'll discover: Why loneliness isn't the only problem—disconnection is. How one meaningful friendship can change the direction of your life. Why every close friend was once just a stranger. How to build friendships as an adult without feeling awkward. The surprising freedom that comes from saying "yes" to people. Why purpose and friendship are deeply connected. If you've ever wondered why life feels heavier than it should—or if you've longed for deeper relationships—this conversation will encourage you to take one small step toward connection today. Connect with Alex Alexander 📖 Are We Friends Yet? https://alexalexander.com/are-we-friends-yet/ 🎙️ Friendship IRL Podcast https://alexalexander.com/friendship-irl-podcast-home/ If you would like to get clarity on your purpose, join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Curious about the health of your marriage? Take our free Marriage Assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360 If you'd like to help us continue creating conversations that bring purpose, hope, and restoration to people around the world, you can support our mission here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

September 7, 202638 min

E295: The Difference Between Controlling People and Empowering Them

What if the people you love don't need more control... What if they need more empowerment? In this episode of the Purpose Mastermind Podcast, Mark sits down with his wife, Adena Delaney, for an honest conversation about one of the biggest struggles many women—and many leaders, parents, and spouses—face: trying to help people by controlling them. Together they explore the difference between creating pressure and creating growth. Through stories from parenting, marriage, teaching, and everyday life, they unpack how respect, surrender, and purpose help people become more than control ever could. In this episode you'll discover: • Why good intentions can still create unhealthy control. • The difference between empowering people and trying to fix them. • How respect unlocks growth in your marriage and family. • Why facing your own heart is the first step to influencing others well. • The powerful "Farmer's Wife vs. Gala" analogy for building a meaningful life. • How one small decision—just "one tire rotation"—can begin changing everything. Whether you're a wife, husband, parent, teacher, coach, or leader, this conversation will challenge you to stop trying to manage people and start helping them become who they were created to be. If you would like to get clarity on your purpose, join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Curious about the health of your marriage? Take our free Marriage Assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360 If you'd like to help us continue creating conversations that bring purpose, hope, and restoration to people around the world, you can support our mission here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

August 31, 202641 min

E294: How Surrender Makes You Stronger | A Conversation with Adena Delaney

Have you ever felt like the harder you try to control life, the more frustrated you become? In this special episode of the Purpose Mastermind Podcast, Mark sits down with his favorite guest—his wife, Adena Delaney—for an honest conversation about marriage, parenting, purpose, weakness, and why surrender is one of the greatest sources of strength. Along the way, they share personal stories from raising three children, becoming grandparents, building The Purpose Mastermind Association, and learning through life's many messes. They explore why trying to control people and circumstances often creates more pain, while surrender opens the door to restoration, healthier relationships, and lasting transformation. In this episode you'll discover: • Why weakness can become one of your greatest strengths. • The surprising reason control creates conflict in relationships. • How purpose helps you move beyond your problems. • Why life isn't about avoiding messes—it's about learning how to walk through them. • How honest conversations create freedom and healing. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck trying to fix everything around you, this conversation will encourage you to stop chasing perfection and begin pursuing the life you were created to live. If you would like to get clarity on your purpose, join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Interested in strengthening your marriage? Take our free Marriage Assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360 If you'd like to help us continue creating conversations that bring purpose, hope, and restoration to others, you can support our mission here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

August 24, 202637 min

E293: What Mountain Biking Taught Us About Mental Health and Purpose

Most of us carry more stress than we realize. We replay conversations. We worry about work. We overthink decisions. And before long, our minds become so crowded that we forget what it feels like to simply be present. In this episode, Mark sits down with his friend Jeff Wells after their first mountain biking adventure together. What begins as a conversation about riding trails quickly becomes a deeper discussion about mental health, friendship, purpose, and why every person needs activities that force them to be fully present. Together they explore: Why physical activity is more than exercise—it's a mental reset. How friendships can change the direction of our lives. The connection between adventure and emotional health. Why purpose grows stronger when we live life with other people. Simple ways to create margin in a world that constantly demands more. Whether you ride mountain bikes or have never touched one, this conversation is really about learning to live with greater freedom, clarity, and purpose. If you would like to get clarity on your purpose join our free community. On Monday nights we offer free conversations on Zoom to help clarify your purpose. www.purposemastermind.com Support the show

August 17, 202652 min

E292: The Only Person That Can Stop You Is You — A Conversation with Jay Samit

## 🎙️ Podcast Episode Title Ideas In this episode of *The Purpose Mastermind*, Mark sits down with Jay Samit — serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, former Nasdaq CEO, painter, and professional magician — for a wide-ranging conversation that will challenge the way you see yourself, your circumstances, and your potential. [^1] Jay has helped launch companies that became household names, mentored a homeless immigrant into a self-made millionaire, and written books now translated into over a dozen languages. [^1] But what drives him isn't wealth or accolades — it's the belief that **anyone can change their life**, once someone removes the blinders. [^1] **In this conversation, you'll hear:** - Why the myth of the "self-made man" is holding you back — and what success really looks like behind the scenes [^1] - How Jay used the **Pygmalion Effect** to transform a couch-surfing young man into a millionaire in under a year [^1] - Why AI isn't just a threat to jobs — it's the most powerful free tool ever handed to everyday people [^1] - The stories of ordinary people who changed nations, built bridges in Africa, and walked from Texas to the White House at age 87 — all driven by a single purpose [^1] - Why **disruption starts with yourself**, not the world around you [^1] - Jay's honest advice to Mark: stop framing purpose from *your* point of view, and start solving the problems people *actually* have [^1] Jay's latest book, *The Second Act Advantage*, is a roadmap for anyone ready to use their experience, wisdom, and the tools of today to build something meaningful — whether that's a business, a nonprofit, or simply a life worth living. [^1] **If you've ever felt like your best chapter is still ahead of you — this episode is for you.** *Find Jay Samit at **jsammit.com** and pick up a copy of **The Second Act Advantage** https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510786627?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Support the show

August 10, 202646 min

E291: Redefining Success (What the Human Heart Is Really Chasing) Will Samson

Here's a show notes description for the episode with Will Sampson: Episode Description: What does it really mean to be successful — and what happens when you reach the top and still feel empty? In this episode, Mark sits down with Will Sampson, a transformation coach who works with executives and organizations navigating major change. Will's story is anything but ordinary — from leading change management at a 53,000-person consulting firm, to a DUI, an arrest, and five weeks in jail, to emerging with a radically different understanding of purpose, community, and what it means to truly thrive. Together, Mark and Will explore: Interdependence — why there is no such thing as a self-made human, and why connection is the opposite of addiction Transformation vs. change — the critical difference between the two, and why the space in between is where real growth happens Purpose — how to move from chasing external markers of success to asking, "How can I be a good ancestor today?" Radical self-ownership — owning your side of the street and finding meaning even in your hardest moments Emotional capitalism — what it looks like to invest love and authenticity in others the way a venture capitalist invests money This conversation will challenge how you define success, inspire you to reach out to someone who can help you, and remind you that your life has a purpose worth living boldly. Connect with Will: willsampson.com or find Will on LinkedIn. To join our free community for purpose discovery: https://www.skool.com/purpose-mastermind/about Support the show

August 3, 202644 min

E290: Success is Never a Solo Journey (Paul Wizikowski)

Paul Wizikowski joined Mark for a conversation about how relationships open doors of opportunity. Below is his Bio: I’m a strategic communicator, creative director, and storyteller focused on bringing complex ideas and historic moments to life through compelling human narratives. "My career has centered on the intersection of space exploration, brand strategy, and live broadcast storytelling. As a senior video production advisor to NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, I helped shape the Artemis brand, led the transformation of NASA Television, and served as Executive Producer and Creative Director for the launch broadcasts of NASA’s SpaceX Demo-2 and Crew-1 missions and the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover launch. I later served as Executive Producer for Axiom Space’s Ax-1 through Ax-4 private astronaut missions, leading mission coverage designed to bring audiences closer to the people behind the exploration. From crafting astronaut narratives and writing live broadcast copy to directing teams producing live coverage from Kennedy Space Center and the International Space Station, my focus was always the same: make the extraordinary deeply human. My films and campaigns—including NASA’s “WE GO” campaign and the Artemis Team reveal—have reached tens of millions of people worldwide. My work on NASA’s commercial crew missions earned me two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals. Before entering the world of human spaceflight, I founded and led a production company that created national advertising campaigns for agencies and brands across the United States. Today, I help organizations define their message, build powerful brands, and tell stories that inspire action." Here is a link to the podcast Vyal Sines: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/vytal-sines/id1895656938 Our free community is open. Join the free conversations on zoom. Our next round begins July 13th. Here is the link to join: https://www.skool.com/purpose-mastermind/about Support the show

July 27, 202641 min

E289: Which side of the tracks are bad?

Mark and his friend Layle talk about how their lives were on parallel tracks for a season of their lives. Both men worked at the same school and put their identity in their work. Layle was fired, but Mark quit. Both men went on a journey of discovery who they really were. If you would like help clarifying your purpose, here is a link to our community: https://www.skool.com/purpose-mastermind/about Support the show