Secrets for an Awesome Life
by Joey Mascio
Have you ever seen someone completely enjoying life? Living to their fullest, not brought down by anyone or anything, totally having their stuff together? It's almost like they know secrets you don't.This show is about those secrets.Don't worry. Not very many people know these secrets. Or if they do, they don't apply them. These secrets are skills and mindsets not taught in any college or high school course. We may have heard of them, but no one taught us how to actually apply them to our lives. Which is a shame, because when you apply them, your life becomes more awesome.That's why I created this podcast, for teens who are looking to up the awesome level in their lives.I am Joey Mascio and I’m a Teen & Young Adult Life Coach. I was certified at the Life Coach School where I was trained by Master Life Coach Brooke Castillo. I've also gone through Jody Moore's Advanced Certification. I take the strategies and tools I’ve learned from these two powerful women, and lots of my own,
Episodes
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Don't Let Others Do What You Can Do For Yourself
Want to be more confident, capable, and ready for real life? Stop letting other people do things for you that you can do yourself! In this episode, Joey shares how small acts of independence, like making your own lunch, keeping track of assignments, or doing your own laundry, train you to solve...
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The Polarization Express - Message 4 Monday
This week, I explain how the world—and your friend group—can fall into the “polarization cycle,” where one small disagreement turns into a major split. You’ll learn how to recognize when sides are being drawn, how you might be feeding the fire without realizing it, and how to step off the drama...
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The Thought is Worse Than the Thing
Is your brain making things harder than they really are? In this episode, Joey tells the story of a teen who dreaded doing a simple merit badge… until he realized the task wasn’t hard, he just hated thinking about it. Joey breaks down why we all get stuck in what he calls “the first...
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The Untruth of Us vs Them - Message 4 Monday
This week, we’re busting the third Great Untruth: “Life is a battle between good people and evil people.” Teens will explore how tribal thinking, call-out culture, and enemy labeling are keeping them from developing empathy, leadership, and real relationships. I’ll show how true strength comes…
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The Power of "I Won't"
Saying “I can’t” sounds controlled. Saying “I won’t” sounds unstoppable. In this episode, I explore the life-changing difference between the two, teaching teens how to own their values with power and confidence, whether it’s about religious standards, digital discipline, or resisting peer…
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The Untruth of Emotional Reasoning - Message 4 Monday
Feelings are real, but that doesn’t mean they’re always right. This week, we’re diving into the second Great Untruth: “Always trust your feelings.” Teens will learn how emotional reasoning traps them in false stories, and how to rewrite those stories using CBT tools. Through fun examples and...
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The Untruth of Fragility - Message 4 Monday
This week, we’re diving into the first of the Three Great Untruths: “What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker.” Teens will learn why this belief is not only false—but actually harmful—and how believing they’re fragile holds them back from growing stronger. I’ll introduce the concept of being...
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The Story of Misoponos - Message 4 Monday
This week kicks off our summer book series of The Coddling of the American Mind with a deep dive into the fake-but-funny story of the Oracle of Koalemos and his very real influence on modern thinking. Teens will learn how three popular beliefs—“What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker,” “Always…
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The Millionaire-in-Training Plan - Message 4 Monday
We’ll wrap up the month by showing teens how simple, consistent habits now can turn into financial success later. From investing basics (like compound interest) to giving generously and living below your means, this week shows how to be intentional with money for life. And yes—we’ll talk about…
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The Danger of Debt Dragons - Message 4 Monday
Why is debt so dangerous, and why do so many people fall into it? We’ll cover the myths teens hear about “good debt,” credit cards, and borrowing from friends or family. We’ll teach them how to avoid it, what interest really does, and how saying “no” to debt now opens way more doors in the…
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Own Your Flaws
I met a girl last week who had the absolute best way to look at her acne. She was the embodiment of owning your flaws. I share her story and one of my own from this past week when I was called Mr. Clean. -- My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to...
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Buy the Thing or Be the Thing - Message 4 Monday
This week, it’s all about spending wisely. Teens will learn how advertising and peer pressure lead to impulse buys, and how to decide if something is really worth their money. We’ll introduce the “24-Hour Rule,” budgeting basics, and why stuff never brings happiness—but smart spending can bring...
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Save Like a Superhero - Message 4 Monday
Emergency funds aren’t just for adults. Teens will learn how to build a savings habit even with small amounts of money—and why starting now gives them superpowers later. We’ll also look at goals-based saving, the power of delayed gratification, and how even babysitting or lawn money can start...
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Don't Believe the Mob
People love to judge and the internet makes it easy. But just because the mob says something doesn’t mean it’s true. In this episode, Joey Mascio unpacks why we’re so quick to jump on the judgment train (whether online or in real life) and why compassion is your secret weapon against the angry...
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The Broke Brain Reboot - Message 4 Monday
We’ll talk about how most people grow up learning bad money habits—like impulse spending, borrowing for stuff they don’t need, and assuming debt is “normal.” We’ll identify those broke-thinker traps and start replacing them with smart, future-focused mindsets. Teens will learn what it really…
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It Won't Always Feel Like This
When life gets hard—like, failed-a-quiz-fell-into-a-locker hard—it can feel like you’re stuck there forever. But that feeling of being stuck is just your brain playing tricks on you. In this episode, Joey Mascio breaks down the concept of permanency—that sneaky belief that things will always be…
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Hero Tool #3: The Reins - Message 4 Monday
Heroes feel fear, anger, sadness, and doubt just like everyone else—the difference is, they don’t let their emotions run wild. This week, we’ll talk about how to handle intense emotions without letting them control you and how to fully experience positive emotions without becoming reckless,...
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You Get What You Give
Have you ever wondered why people treat you the way they do? In this episode, Joey Mascio dives into how the data you give off—your attitude, your words, your eye rolls (yeah, we see those)—shapes how others respond to you. Whether it’s teachers, parents, or friends, if you’re not getting the...
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Get Outside
In this episode of Secrets for an Awesome Life, we explore the rejuvenating power of the great outdoors. As spring unfolds, it’s the perfect opportunity to swap screen time for green time. Discover how stepping outside can enhance your sleep, boost your mood, and improve overall health. -- My...
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Hero Tool #2: The Pen - Message 4 Monday
Every hero has a defining moment where they realize they aren’t just a character in their story—they’re the author. This week, we’ll talk about the power of reframing, CBT skills, and hero thoughts—so you can take control of your confidence, self-worth, and the world you live in. Because no…
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Hero Tool #1: The Flag - Message 4 Monday
No great hero waits for someone else to save them. They take ownership of their actions, their mindset, and their results. This week, we’ll plant our hero flag and learn how to ditch the victim mindset for good. Blaming others gives away your power—owning your choices gives you the ability to...
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The Story You Tell Yourself - Message 4 Monday
Before you can become the hero of your own story, you have to see yourself as the hero. But too many people walk around thinking they’re the side character—or worse, the victim. This week, we’ll explore how your self-concept, beliefs, and inner narrative shape your actions and results. If you…
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The Strongest Game Plan - Message 4 Monday
Hey teens, want to be stronger than the last generation? It starts with a plan. I take the action plan from the end of Jonathan Haidt's best selling book, The Anxious Generation, and I summarize it for tweens and teens into 5 commitments that you can make now that can help you feel better, focus...
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Creating Purpose in Math Class
“Ugh, when am I ever gonna use this in real life?” If you're a teen who has ever muttered these words in math class, you’re not alone. But what if the real lesson in math class isn’t the math? In this episode, I break down why mastering the art of doing things you don’t like is one of the most...
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Surviving the Digital Zombie Apocalypse - Message 4 Monday
Gen Z fell into the screen trap and became the walking unfocused, the socially starved, the sleep-deprived, and the endlessly scrolling. But you don’t have to turn! This week, we’re giving you the survival guide to escape the digital plague and stay fully alive. Loved this audio? You should see…
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Hooked: How Tech Companies Reel Teens In
Social media, video games, YouTube—they’re designed to be fun, right? Sure. But they’re also designed to trap you. Tech companies don’t just hope you stay on their platforms… they engineer them to be addictive. In this episode, Joey Mascio exposes The Hooked Model from Nir Eyal’s Hooked: How to...
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Escape Defend Mode - Message 4 Monday
Are you living in defense mode, constantly reacting to stress and pressure? Or are you in discover mode, where curiosity and courage lead the way? This week, we’ll learn how to shift out of survival mode and into thriving mode, unlocking more confidence, motivation, and fun. Loved this audio? You...
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Lost Boys: Why Young Men Feel Directionless & How to Fix It
Too many young men today feel lost—no purpose, no mission, no direction. But why? And more importantly, how do you fix it? In this episode, Joey Mascio breaks down the crisis of masculinity, the loss of heroic values, and the rise of passive living. Drawing from Jordan Peterson, Viktor Frankl…
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How Gen Z Got Stuck - Message 4 Monday
Gen Z traded real-world play for endless scrolling—and it left them anxious, lonely, and stuck. This week, we’re talking about free play—why Gen Z lost it and how bringing it back can make you more confident, socially smarter, and emotionally stronger. If you want to break free, it’s time to put...
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Take Your Medicine!
Season 6 Begins!! Struggling to get your tween or teen to do the hard things in life—like homework, chores, or even just stepping out of their comfort zone? In this episode, Joey Mascio dives into why avoiding difficult tasks makes life harder and how tackling them head-on makes it better. Using…
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The Great Untruths Part 3: Us vs Them
In the final episode of this series, Joey Mascio breaks down the third Great Untruth from The Coddling of the American Mind: “Life is a battle between good people and evil people.” Joey explains why this “us vs. them” mindset is harmful and how to see people as more than labels or groups. Learn…
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The Great Untruths Part 2: Always Trust Your Feelings
In this second episode of the Great Untruths series, Joey Mascio explores the dangers of always trusting your feelings. Using the metaphor of the elephant (emotions) and the rider (logic), Joey breaks down why emotional reasoning can lead us astray and how to take back control. Learn how…
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The Great Untruths Part 1: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Weaker
In this first episode of a three-part series, Joey Mascio tackles the first Great Untruth from The Coddling of the American Mind: “What doesn’t kill you makes you weaker.” It is often suggested to teens today, either directly or indirectly, that they should avoid difficult experiences, but…
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Finding Your True Self: Discovering Your Mission and Values
Have you ever wondered who you truly are? In this episode, Joey Mascio dives into how to uncover your values, discover your mission, and become the "most accurate" version of yourself. Through practical tips, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tools, and Sidekick to Hero principles, Joey explains...
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Oops, I Failed! Learning to Bounce Back
In this episode, Joey Mascio dives into the truth about failure: it’s simply when reality doesn’t match our expectations. Learn why failure feels personal and how not to let it define you. Through stories from Apple’s early struggles, actionable advice, and wisdom from thought leaders, Joey…
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Change Happens: How to Master the Unexpected
Change is a constant part of life, especially for teens. Whether it’s something small like a schedule change or something huge like moving to a new school or dealing with a family breakup, change can feel overwhelming. In this episode, Joey Mascio breaks down two levels of change: the small,...
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Jealous Much?
Ever feel like someone else always gets the cool stuff, and you’re left behind? In this episode of Secrets for an Awesome Life, we’re talking jealousy—what causes it, how it messes with your confidence, and how to kick it to the curb! Plus, I’ll share one powerful secret for turning those envious...
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Becoming a True Warrior with Jason Mow
Imagine losing everything–job, family, money, home, even your ability to walk... could you go on? Jason Mow did. That kind of resilience is something Jason calls being a true warrior. He shares his story and how teens can rise up when life knocks them down on today's show. Jason Mow is a military...
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Boosting Your Mood on Rainy Days
Feeling down because of gloomy weather? In this episode, I’ll break down the science behind why rainy days mess with our moods and, more importantly, how you can turn it around! From pulling out your own "sun" to simple mood-boosting hacks like eating certain foods and moving around, you’ll get 7...
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Finding Truth in Cliches
Your parents, teachers, and other adults will often give you advice that is sooooo cliché! But, it's also kinda true. Being able to find the truth in even the most cliché phrase like "believe in yourself" is a useful skill. Clichés are cliché for a reason. They work! You just have to find how it...
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Want and Ought with Nicholeen Peck
Special guest Nicholeen Peck talks to teens about how life is about more than just what we want. We gotta throw in what we ought in there as well. If not, we are likely to miss the mark on important things in life, like relationships, success, happiness, and more. Nicholeen talks about the...
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Cell Phones and our Brains
Cell phones are starting to be banned in schools across the country. Teens are revolting! But, having a cell phone with you while you're trying to learn is kinda like having a flamethrower on while you're trying to ice sculpt. It's counterproductive. Become more okay with not having a smart phone...
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Knowing Who You Are with Katie Shields
Not knowing who you are can cause a teen to feel lost, confused, and unmotivated. But, a simple separation of your core qualities from your character can help teens retain a powerful sense of who they are while they grow, change, and adapt throughout life. Katie Shields, coach and mentor to...
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Keep the Drama on the Stage
A teen's life does NOT need to be full of drama. Drama is conflict and the bulk of it comes from or is magnified by our minds. As much as movies, music, and tv shows glamorize drama, it's not helpful or very fun. Teens can and totally should minimize the drama in their lives. -- Check out the new...
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Don't Fear Back to School
Many tweens and teens are afraid of going back to school for lots of reasons: social pressure, boring classes, hard work, awkward moments. But these things shouldn't be feared, they should be embraced! They are a part of life and if you're experiencing them, that means you're living. Stop being...
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Embarrassment, Shame, and Making Mistakes
We all make mistakes. We all feel embarrassed. But, turning that embarrassment into shame is something that none of us has to do. Today, I talk to tweens and teens about how we level up embarrassment into the deeper, more personal feeling of shame, and how to stop from doing that. -- My new...
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Pumping Yourself Up with Lindsay Law
Before a performance, or taking a test, or talking to someone new, you can pump yourself up using awesome strategies called visualization and embodiment. I talk with teen life coach Lindsay Law about how to imagine your way to more success! Connect with Lindsay at www.youthrisingcoach.com -- My…
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Speak Clearly
Things are easier when you clearly communicate what you want from your parents, siblings, and friends. But teens often fall into the trap of "dropping hints" and hoping that other people can read their mind. Speaking clearly is more than just not mumbling quietly, it's content communicating. I...
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Nothing Comes without Hard Work
There will be plenty of people out there willing to tell you how you can make lots of money without doing any work. Those people are liars and are trying to take your money. Nothing comes without hard work! Money, relationships, education, nothing! In this episode, I share a story of how I was...
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Money Tips for Teens
In today's episode, discover the top tips from Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" that teens need for lifelong financial stability. Learn the difference between an asset and a liability, which one to focus on, and how to improve your cash flow. Boost your financial confidence and future…
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About this show
Have you ever seen someone completely enjoying life? Living to their fullest, not brought down by anyone or anything, totally having their stuff together? It's almost like they know secrets you don't.This show is about those secrets.Don't worry. Not very many people know these secrets. Or if they do, they don't apply them. These secrets are skills and mindsets not taught in any college or high school course. We may have heard of them, but no one taught us how to actually apply them to our lives. Which is a shame, because when you apply them, your life becomes more awesome.That's why I created this podcast, for teens who are looking to up the awesome level in their lives.I am Joey Mascio and I’m a Teen & Young Adult Life Coach. I was certified at the Life Coach School where I was trained by Master Life Coach Brooke Castillo. I've also gone through Jody Moore's Advanced Certification. I take the strategies and tools I’ve learned from these two powerful women, and lots of my own,
Hosted by
Joey Mascio
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