Secrets for an Awesome Life

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 problems, handle responsibility, and become more resilient. You’ll hear how this mindset applies at home and at school, plus simple ways to start building your “self-sufficient” muscle today.Secret for an Awesome Life: If you want to be successful, don’t let other people do for you what you can do for yourself.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 train with confidence and emotional strength. (Chapter 6 of the Coddling of the American Mind)Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 unpleasantness,” and how recognizing that mental trap can make hard things feel easier.Perfect for teens who avoid homework, chores, or anything that feels like a drag, this episode will teach you a simple mindset shift to move through resistance and get stuff done.Secret for an Awesome Life: Most times, the thought about doing the thing is worse than actually doing the thing.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 from understanding others, not dividing the world into heroes and villains. (The Coddling of the American Mind, Chapter 3)Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 pressure. This episode gives teens the tools to stop sounding limited and start standing tall.🧠 Secret for an Awesome Life: If you want to hold to your values, choose to say “I won’t” instead of “I can’t.” It will give you more power.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 practical techniques, they’ll learn to recognize when their brain is lying and how to lead their emotions instead of being led by them. (The Coddling of the American Mind, Chapter 2)Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 antifragile and challenge students to face discomfort head-on through a small “micro-challenge” that helps them build resilience, one rep at a time. (The Coddling of the American Mind, Chapter 1)Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 trust your feelings,” and “Life is a battle between good people and evil people”—are shaping their mindset in sneaky, harmful ways. This summer, I’ll show them how to spot these untruths, challenge them, and replace them with thoughts that lead to resilience, confidence, and growth. Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 how anyone can become a millionaire… even a 12-year-old who gets started early.Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 future. Book covered: The Total Money Mindset by Dave RamseyLoved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 freedom.--Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 building financial security.Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 crowd. With real-life examples and science-backed insights, teens will learn how to pause, question the story they're being fed, and become the kind of person people trust and respect.🎧 Secret for an Awesome Life: Don’t believe the mob. Lead with compassion.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 means to live like no one else so you can live like no one else later.Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 the way they are right now—and why it’s not the truth.Joey helps teens recognize that emotions and situations are temporary—even when they feel massive. Backed by brain science and relatable stories, this episode will help teens get perspective, push through hard moments, and remember:🧠 Secret for an Awesome Life: Nothing lasts forever—not the bad stuff, not the good stuff. And that’s what makes life worth showing up for.Hit play and find out why your worst days are never your final chapter.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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, distracted, or complacent. Because when you hold the reins, you decide where your story goes next.Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 reaction you want, it might be time to look at what you’re putting out there.This episode helps teens realize they have more power in relationships than they think. Joey even shares a real-life coaching story with a teen who turned things around with his teachers simply by changing the vibe he was sending.🎯 Secret for an Awesome Life: If you’re not getting the response you want, change the data you’re giving.Hit play and get ready to level up your relationships—one awkward facial expression at a time.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 matter what’s happened in the past, you get to create the future.--Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 change everything.--Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 want a better life, it starts with a better story.--Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 more, and build the kind of life that’s actually fun to live. You can become the strongest generation by avoiding the mistakes that Gen Z made. This 5 commitments will help you do it.--Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

“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 valuable skills a teen can ever learn.Listen now and discover how to make even the ‘pointless’ stuff in life work in your favor!--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.-Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 Build Habit-Forming Products and reveals how apps and games use triggers, variable rewards, and investment cycles to keep you scrolling, tapping, and playing. Drawing from Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation, Joey shows you exactly how tech is affecting your brain—and how to break free before you get reeled in.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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, and the principles of CBT, Joey gives young men (and the parents raising them) real, actionable steps to reclaim purpose, build strength, and step into the hero role they were meant for. Hit play and take the first step toward an epic life.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 down the phone and start playing for real!Loved this audio? You should see the video version! Check it out on my YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@sidekicktohero Or watch it in the Sidekick to Hero app for tweens and teens! It's a gamified confidence & productivity platform that helps young teens develop the habits of heroes and high-achievers. Start for free at www.sidekicktohero.com

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 a hilarious real-life story about his 9-year-old refusing to take medicine, Joey explains why some things can’t be made fun or easier—we just have to do them! He breaks down common tasks teens avoid, why “drop by drop” suffering only makes things worse, and how to get things done quickly with simple, proven techniques.If you want to help your tween or teen build resilience, overcome procrastination, and develop a strong mindset, this episode is a must-listen for the whole family. Hit play and learn the secret to getting hard things done—fast!🎧 Perfect for parents and tweens to listen to together!--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 how to practice civil discourse, build understanding, and connect with others—even when you don’t agree. Discover the secret for an awesome life as you leave the teams behind and embrace the bigger picture.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you guide your “elephant” and why assuming the best in others is key to avoiding unnecessary conflict. Tune in to discover the secret for an awesome life!--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 avoiding hardships can actually prevent you from growing stronger. Joey explains why facing challenges is crucial for personal growth and resilience. Tune in to learn how you can overcome life’s obstacles and come out stronger every time. --My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 how to identify your purpose without the influence of outside pressures. Learn how to live by your values, focus on what matters most, and start your journey to a meaningful life.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 offers a fresh way to tackle failure for tweens and teens. Discover how to turn setbacks into comebacks and find out the secret for making failure your ally.--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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, everyday disruptions, and the big, life-altering events. Learn how to roll with the punches, handle shifting friendships, navigate changes in family dynamics, and come out stronger.--My new course for tweens and teens, "Get Stuff Done and Have More Fun" is now live! It can only be accessed in my gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero. Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 feelings into something awesome instead. --My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 veteran, a former police officer and army SWAT member. He is an author of the book series "The War Chapters" and is the creator of the Warrior Ethos.Hear more from Jason Mow at https://www.instagram.com/jason.mow/https://www.facebook.com/jason.mow.14https://www.amazon.com/s?k=jason+mow&dc=&crid=24D42K24G9CI2&sprefix=jason+mow%2Caps%2C164--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 tips to brighten any dreary day. Perfect for teens (and their parents!) who want to learn how to control their mind and emotions like a Hero.Mentioned in the Episode:Positive Spotify PlaylistsGood Mood Mix: Spotify LinkSunny Beats: Spotify Link--My gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 works for you.--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 importance of balancing what we WANT with what we OUGHT, which is that part of us deep inside that knows what we need to do to be the best person we ought to be.Find more about Nicholeen Peck here:Website: https://teachingselfgovernment.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TeachingSelfGovernmentPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/teaching-self-government-podcast/id1510133255BBC Show "World's Strictest Parents": https://teachingselfgovernment.com/videos/--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 in class, or even one at all, and you'll be happier, more focused, and more effective.--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 families, teaches an effective way of viewing your identity that will help teens know who they are.Connect with Katie Shields at https://www.mountainside.life/--Sign up for my new Crucial Life Skills live virtual classes at www.joeymascio.com--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 Crucial Life Skills Classes for homeschool tweens and teens produced by Sidekick to Hero at www.joeymascio.comFour classes will be offered this fall:Making FriendsThe Elimination of ProcrastinationThe Secret to Self-WorthCreating Superpowers with Anxiety--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 afraid of going back to school and start getting excited for all the potential and possibilities life presents!--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 cover how to do that and why you should in today's episode.--Watch this week's Message 4 Monday video on Sidekick to Hero's Parent Preview page www.joeymascio.com/parentpreview--My new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero, is available now! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 duped last year by a ponzi scheme and I share the lesson I (re)learned from it (and how much money I lost!).--Join our Summer Series in Sidekick to Hero where we are learning the powerful lessons from Atomic Habit by James Clear. Each week I summarize a different chapter on our live stream show. Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.

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 success with these essential money management strategies for teens.--Get 50% Off the first three months of my new gamified mindset training app for teens, Sidekick to Hero. Use code SUMMER2024 at checkout to get the first three months for just $10 a month. That's $30 for the whole summer! Go to www.sidekicktohero.com to start a two-week free trial.--Follow me on Instagram! www.instagram.com/sidekicktohero--Joey Mascio is a teen confidence coach and motivational speaker. He helps teens eliminate self-doubt, manage emotions, develop social skills, and achieve their goals. He was a middle school teacher and counselor for 7 years, a former Disneyland performer, and an experienced improv comedian. He uses his Masters in Education, Bachelors in Creative Writing, and two professional life coach certifications to teach powerful resilience tools and strategies to teens through humor and stories.