My Life Platform Podcast with Mark Delaney

In this episode Mark sits down with a new friend named Ty Patrick. Ty shares some of his story and shares that everything he has been through is worth it to be able to now help others. To support our non-profit work, go to https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

In this episode, Mark gives a personal update on his life. He also offers men a quick checkup to evaluate how they are doing at life. Maximize your mission in order to minimize your mess. Admit your struggles…Share your story. Show up for the team. Don't forget to have fun! Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down for a conversation with two of his friends. Mark was spending the morning with Jerry Ramsey and Jeff Jenkins. After a round of disc golf and lunch, they decided to record a conversation for men. Why is it so hard for men to talk about weakness?It feels like nobody cares.It's hard to put words to how you feel. It seems that people will see you as your problem...not see you for who you are. Support the show

In this episode Mark asked Adena to respond to three things he used to fear about her. Mark shares about three fears he had with Adena in the early years of marriage.1. Mark feared that Adena would judge him for his weaknesses. 2. Mark feared that Adena would put the kids in front of him. 3. Mark feared that Adena would stop being interested in sex. To support our work in schools, prisons, and families in need, go here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

Lee Martin and Brian Jobe are two lifelong friends who have walked through several seasons of life together. The experiences of their lives together have lead to a non-profit movement called "Mountain Men." In this conversation you will hear about two life changing questions that men answer with each other as a part of the Mountain Men journey. 1. How did you get here?2. Where are you going?To see more about Mountain Men, go here: https://www.mountain.men/Purpose Mastermind update: This week we will be helping 350 high school students know their purpose. We are also walking 28 inmates through The Purpose Mastermind. If you would like to participate by supporting us, donate here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Our new book, In the Game, can be purchased here: https://markdelaney.com/game/Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down with Rob Williams. Earlier in the day Rob had surprised Mark and Adena by showing up at the "In the Game" book launch party. Rob lives in the state of Washington, but chose to fly in for the event. This recording will talk about that surprise, but they will also talk about the highest level of human relationship.Having so much trust with each other that there are no expectations. Fully knowing the flaws in each other, but still fully believing in each other. Showing up with each other to help with our purpose. Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down with Ryan Wimpey of Tip Top K9 to discuss his principles of leadership in his dog training company. You will hear how he builds up his employees. See more about this company: https://tiptopk9.com/Support the show

In this episode you will hear from Larry Delay. He came to Mark's office for a conversation. Larry played and sang 3 of the songs that had written. Support the show

In this episode Mark is interviewing C. Natasha Richburg. She is the author of a book called, "People ask...what is the secret of our 36 year marriage?" She believes that our wrong expectations about marriage is the main reason we struggle to be happily married. She talked about how we fail to allow for people's humanness. You will love her spirit and her vulnerability to speak about life with such ease. To learn more about her visit here: https://www.cnatashaproductions.com/To support our nonprofit work: https://markdelaney.com/donate/ Support the show

In this episode you will hear a number of stories. Mark sits down to talk to his neighbor Aaron Anderson. They will share about experiences at a recent mens retreat. You will be surprised to hear about an adventure that Aaron took during a time where he felt like he was living fake. Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down in his office with his friend Sawyer. Earlier in the day Sawyer had told Mark that he needed to talk through something. They decided to record their conversation for others to hear. You will hear about Sawyer's job situation and a big decision he made that day. Support the show

Matthew Delaney, Mark's son joins the conversation for this episode. Matthew asks about the release of the new book, "In the Game." In this book are the stories of 37 men. The common thread is that a man needs to surrender in order to get into the game. Surrender is not about surrendering "from something bad." Surrender is about surrendering "for something greater." Support the show

The following episode is the audio of a youtube video Mark recently produced. What we believe about life will always be challenged by what we fear about life. What your faith draws you to, your fear will try to back you down from. Here are four things I fear as a man:I fear that I am not enough for my role. I fear that I may fall short in a brother's life. I fear that we will shrink back. I fear doing life alone. I fear life alone for my brother. Here is what I want I want with my fellow brothers:1. By faith…we will step together. (Or we will not step at all)2. By faith…we will show up and see what happens. (Or nothing will happen)3. By faith…we will choose to believe in each other and point each other toward the life God designed for us to live. There is a residual effect of a lack of brotherhood in our lives. There is also a residual effect in having a brotherhood. The league is about providing a space for men to have conversations that bring clarity to our livesmake connections that further their personal and professional life. Have relationships that produce organic accountabilityIf you are interested in being a part of The League, send an email to mark@markdelaney.me Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down with Alex Muravski. Alex is a growing leader who is in college at High Point University. They connected for a conversation while they are home from college. In this conversation they talked about leadership styles. Are you a compelling leader or a controlling leader? Support the show

In this episode, Mark and Adena talk about a topic that a listener asked about. Here is the question they received:"My friend told me about the problems they are having with their spouse. They think their spouse is the problem, but they do not see how they are also part of the problem. I want to talk to them about this, but I am afraid they will not listen to me and they might cut me off." This is a very common scenario. Mark and Adena will share their thoughts on how to handle this situation. We created a marriage assessment for people who would like to intentionallly work on their marriage. It's free, and the results are immediate. Check it out here: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360Support the show

Mark sits down with his friend, Jason Crowe, for an organic conversation about why it's hard to get personal help. Here are the main thoughts covered:1. It's hard to ask. 2. It's hard to know who to trust. 3. It's hard to know what type of help we actually need. Feel free to reach out to mark@markdelaney.me or adena@markdelaney.me if you need a conversation. If you would like to support our work: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

In this episode Mark introduces you to Jacob Turner. He is a former Major League Baseball player. He offers perspective to parents who are raising kids who enjoy sports. 1) Play Multiple Sports2) Gauge Interest3) Praise the Effort4) Ignore the Propaganda Machine5) Focus on the KnownLearn more about Jacob here: https://www.momentprivatewealth.com/jacob-turnerSupport the show

Being vulnerable is not easy for anyone. In this episode Mark and Adena sit down together and discuss how a man can share his heart with his wife. Support the show

Mark sat down with a 26 year old former athlete to discuss what it was like when he stopped playing sports. Landon Wolf played football at Oklahoma State University. In this episode you will hear about why he was prepared for the end of his football career. In his story, you will hear about how a unique experience as a young teenager helped him to think about his life differently. If you are in the area, and would like to have a heart to heart conversation with Mark, reach out here: mark@markdelaney.meSupport the show

In this episode Mark has an organic conversation with a former football player. Mark Means played football in high school, and then played semi-pro ball before coaching high school football for 20 years. You will hear the story of how it all ended, the struggled within himself, and how he found a new identity. If you were an athelete, and faced struggles when it ended, we would love to hear your story. Reach out through email: mark@markdelaney.meSupport the show

Mark sat down with a good friend for an unplanned conversation. This conversation is centers around how to face personal weakness and live free. Everyone has weakness and problems. How do we live with a sense of freedom when our problems make us feel so messy?Many people attempt to hide their problems behind successes. We hide out of fear of what people will say or do with us when they know the real us. We might hide while judging others for the problems they have. We all need relationships with people who see the real us, yet believe in us. If you would like to join Mark in a conversation in his office sometime, reach out at mark@markdelaney.me Support the show

Mark sat down with a young man who had a question about how to find friendship. Listen in as Mark gives Mason, a 23 year old, some thoughts on where to find friendship. Here are three keys to finding friends:Think about the kind of people you like. Where do they meet? Think about the activities you might like participating in and then find out where these activities are taking place. When you get an offer to do something with people, be ready to step out. If you would like to learn more about our work, go to https://markdelaney.com/Support the show

In this episode Mark sat down with a friend for a conversation. As soon as the conversation started, Mark thought it would be worth recording. Mark and Adam Oglesbee talk with each other about parenting. They invite you to listen in. Here are some thoughts from the conversation:As parents when can overreact when we see things in our kids that remind us of our own struggles. We must avoid the instinct to "parent ourselves out of our kids." Instead, we need to parent the me out of me. The fatal tunnel occurs when we hyper-focus on a problem and miss the surrounding issues that we are responsible for.Mark mentioned his book, "One Step to Freedom." Click here to purchase:https://www.amazon.com/One-Step-Freedom-Leaving-Habit/dp/168573023XSupport the show

How do we make the most of our life?Leave the Smeagol mindset!There is nothing but futility and frustration. Never enough money, never enough fame, never enough successWe were not made to be containers who live our lives to consume. Realize that our life is a gift to be givenWe were made to be conduits through which love and gifts flow. God gives gifts to the sower. We are sowers. All you have is a seed to be planted. If you want to find your life….lose it! Give your timeGive your loveGive you moneyGive your talentsGive your thingsGive the real you!!!!! To contact us, email: mark@markdelaney.me, adena@markdelaney.meSupport the show

In this episode, Mark and Adena let the listener experience a conversation about Mark's birthday thoughts. 1. I'm done sitting at “the kiddie table.” Here is what I mean. At family gatherings the kiddie table is obviously for the kids. It's not a bad table, but it's not where the decision makers sit. Speaking metaphorically, sometimes I feel like I live at the kiddie table and wait for an adult to authorize me to make decisions. This mindset makes me live small. This mindset makes me look for someone who has authority to give me permission to do something. 2. I am done trying to sit at “the adult table.” Here is what I mean. Let's face it. We all like the kiddie table better than the adult table. Kids are free. As adults it's easy to be fake. At the adult table we have accumulated grudges against some people, and agendas with other people. The real stuff is easier to find at the kiddie table. The innocence of children leads to more laughter and unguarded love. The adult table can be full of insecurities and posturing. 3. I am done thinking about what table I am sitting at. I feel like I have spent so much of my life trying to find my spot at a table. As a kid in school I used to look around the cafeteria and wonder if I belonged anywhere. I wondered how everyone else seemed to have friends. I wondered why I didn't. Ultimately, I'm done trying to fit in. It's the wrong goal. 4. I want to spend my life serving the tables. A life full of service is a life full of opportunity. There is nobody to impress…ever. There are only people to lovingly serve. 5. I want to spend my life with the people who are serving the tables. Culture pressures us to get the best seat, at the best table, and get the best steak. I don't judge those who fall into that trap, because we all have. But I want to spend my life around people who have exchanged that exhausting pursuit with the fulfillment of a life of servingSupport the show

This is a scary question to ask oneself. How do I make the most of my life?In this episode, Mark shares three thougths.See you life redemptivelyMake the most of the people in your lifeKnow your purposeIf you would like to support our work, you can go here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/If you have a question that you would like to discuss with Mark or Adena, you can reach out to mark at mark@markdelaney.me Support the show

Politics and parenting have some things in common:Politicians have a belief in how our country should be led. Parents have a belief in how our children should be raised. Politicians can fight against their opponent at the expense of doing what is best for the people. Parents can fight against their spouse at the expense of doing what is best for the children. Here are a couple of resources for you:https://courses.markdelaney.com/resolving-conflicthttps://courses.markdelaney.com/disciplining-your-children-with-confidenceSupport the show

Mark and Adena finish their discussion about partnership. In a partnership both people have to be able to give communication, and receive communication. Consider a customer service desk at a store. Without a customer service desk the store would not be able to exist. Here is the link to the video course Mark mentioned called "How to be the Hero During Conflict." https://courses.markdelaney.com/resolving-conflictHere is the link to the free marriage assessment. Simply answer the questions and receive a quick response to see how you are doing. https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360Support the show

Mark and Adena discuss partnership in this episode. They use stories from pickleball experiences. They also provide a behind the scenes update on their nonprofit work. If you would like to partner with our work, here is a link to donate: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

Mark has a converation with an 18 year old about how he is figuring out what to do with his life. To donate to our work, click here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

In this episode Mark sits down for an authentic conversation with Cody Reed. Cody is a member of The League. This is a group of men who meet twice a month in order to stir each other on to take bold action in our lives. In this conversation Cody shares his story and also talks about the struggle to live in freedom daily. Support the show

Mark has a conversation with Devan Gonzalez. He is the owner/founder of a gym called Strive 11. He also hosts a podcast on mindset called Mindset Cafe. Here is a link to his podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindset-cafe/id1650827999Support the show

Mark sits down with Alex Muraski to continue the conversation on how to make the most of your life. Realize you do not control the results. Realize that you are a farmer planting seeds. Realize that you can live your best life even while you have problems. Realize that life is not about you.Know your purpose.Step into the opportunities that are right in front of you.Take seriously the people in your life. Visit https://markdelaney.com/ to learn more about our work. Support the show

Mark sits down to talk to his two sons about how to make the most of your life. They talked about three principles:1. Realize you do not control the results of your life.2. Realize you are a farmer planting seeds. 3. Realize you can live your best life even while you have problems. Support the show

In this episode Mark interviews Jeremy Jacobi about his story of life change. Support the show

Purpose always involves others. Being connected to people helps us be connected with, and live out, our purpose. In this episode Mark is going to ask you an important question, and give you an important challenge. "What are you dreaming about?" Mark's challenge is for you to share your dream with someone else and ask them to share their dream with you. If you would like to support our work, simply click here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

Substance abuse comes in many forms.1. All people struggle with substance abuse at some level. 2. It is critical that we don't judge one person for their substance abuse while we are blind to our own substance abuse. 3. Behind substance abuse is often a life that is lacking in real substance. If you would like to support this movement, click here: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the show

In this episode Mark interviews a psychotherapist on how he helps people overcome mental health issues. Dr. Dan Franz hosts a podcast called The Meaning Project. You can check that out here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-meaning-project/id1514806584?i=1000665858311You can visit his website here: https://danielafranz.com/Support the Show.

Maybe the greatest gift of marriage is that it helps us to grow as a person. If we do not mature we can live our life stuck in our pride, selfishness, and our blind spots. If we allow marriage to mature us we will reap great benefit. We become better for everyone. Two requirements for a functioning relationship with your spouse:1. Offer them a customer service desk and allow them to voice their concerns. 2. Go to the customer service and voice your concerns. Support the Show.

In this episode Mark and Adena talk about cookies, addiction, and freedom. When people are dealing with addiction it causes fear for everyone involved. The instinctual response makes the problem worse. In this episode Mark and Adena share a different perspective on how to help people find freedom. Freedom is not just the stopping of a bad behavior. Freedom is a whole different life. Support the Show.

In this episode Mark interviews a six year old. In this unscripted conversation Richard, a six year old, gives a profound answer to a big question. "What does the sad heart need?" Support the Show.

In this episode Mark and Adena talk about a conversation that happened on a road trip. Many people are afraid of deep honesty...even with their spouse. But deep honesty can lead to real freedom. On the road trip Mark told Adena "It's not you, it's just me." Adena shared what she meant by this statement. Instead of being honest about yourself, it's much easier to blame someone else. Honesty is powerful. You feel so loved when you are honest and they want to love you, even when you are weak or messy. That creates a bold connection. Being honest that "it's just me" can be hard, but both of you understand that it is because you love them. If you have a safe place to be real, you both benefit from it.If we're OK with the truth that "it's just me" it brings a freedom in the relationship that you can't have without it. If you would like to be a part of helping others, here is a link to donate:  https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the Show.

Mark and Adena continue their conversation about toxic relationships. Many people are using terms like "toxic" and "abusive." But do we know how to have a great relationship? Toxic behaviors can be invisible, like a gas. Here are 4 examples of behaviors that seem good, but are actually harmful. Living in fear. It can look like protection. Being judgmental. It can look like trying to help someone behave better. Being controlling. It can look like you're just trying to be helpful.Communicating truth in a way that hurts the other person.Talk to unbiased helpers instead of biased hurt people. It's easy to find someone who will have sympathy with your relationship problem. But it's hard to find someone who will help you build the relationship that will serve your life. Reach out to Mark here: mark@markdelaney.meReach out to Adena here: adena@markdelaney.meTake our free marriage assessment:  https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360Support the Show.

Everyone does toxic things at times.We have to be careful labeling someone as toxic. Labels that we put on people can prevent us from moving forward effectively.Something that is toxic is like a gas that nobody can see. Most people are not toxic, but their choices are toxic. Levels of toxicity. They need to be dealt with differently. Great people can do toxic things. People who care can do toxic things. But we also have people who don't care at all that make toxic choices. We can't put them all in the same box. If you love your family and you're trying to do things that help, you don't want someone to write you off because you made a toxic choice.Have a grace mask for your spouses gas problems! Not a lighter of judgment! Deal with low level toxins! Get help with gas build up. Here is the link to our marriage assessment: https://app.assessmentgenerator.com/assessment/17360Support the Show.

In this episode Mark sits down for a conversation with Leland Hall. Leland is a man who spent several years in prison, but he has been out for less than a year. He shares part of his story and how he has gotten back on the path of purpose. If you would like to support our work: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the Show.

1. What do you think about conflict? 2. What do you do during conflict? 3. What do you say during conflict? Mark mentioned his video course in the episode. Here is the link to "How to be the Hero During Conflict." https://courses.markdelaney.com/resolving-conflictSupport the Show.

Freedom is a powerful thought that resonates in all of us. But we struggle to have it. Most people avoid the topic because it seems unattainable. In this episode Mark talks about how freedom feels in his personal life. 1. Nothing to prove....2. Nothing to hide...3. No more trying...just beingHere are two resources to help in your journey to freedom:Mark's book called "One Step to Freedom." https://markdelaney.com/one-step-to-freedom/Mark's video course called "How to Change." https://courses.markdelaney.com/how-to-changeSupport the Show.

Help! My marriage has shipwrecked my life. This thought arises in every marriage. The idea of great love in marriage and family can be exhilarating. It still causes people to lay in bed and dream of what life could be with someone they love. Why? The greatest human experience is the giving and receiving of great love. But…. What if the dream gets shipwrecked? A spouse becomes an addict. Someone has an affair. The person you love crushes your heart. In every relationship, at some point, the person that made you want to get on board the boat, is the same person that makes you want to overboard. Or push them overboard. In every relationship! These moments will happen.Can the marriage be fixed? No. But lives can change. The people in the marriage can change and that changes everything. The sharks are swirling. Future painFinancial ruinRegretImpact on the kidsThe sinking boat represents the life I was made for. The person I was made to be. Some people use these moments to live like never before. Other people get used by these moments and never really live again. The question becomes, where is my new boat. It's not about pulling up the old one. It's about finding a new one. It can be a new boat together. It can be separate boats together. (if you have kids, that is going to be the reality whether you want it or not.) you are going to be together in a contentious way or in a loving way. Talk to an unbiased person who has wisdom in these matters! There are many people who have experience in the pain of things like this. But no experience in the redemption of things like this. These people will help you walk in their pain. Other people can help you walk in your redemption story. I would say that our role is to provide a safe place for people to float while they figure out the steps to navigate toward the future they were made for. Support the Show.

In this episode, Mark and Adena open up the closet of their real relationship over the years. Mark shares about 4 things that Adena did for him that dramatically impacted him for good. Here are the four things Mark talked about:1. You understood my need for me to have fun with friends.2. You were highly sexual toward me.3. You never judged me for my weakness.4. You never disrespected me in front of people. Here is a link to donate to our current anniversary campaign:https://donorbox.org/embed/32k-for-32-marriages-for-mark-adena-s-32nd-anniversary-july-11-2024?language=enSupport the Show.

Every person wants to be driven by something.  The questions becomes, "What are we driven by?" The purpose driven person has 3 advantages. 1. It aids in building a strong identity. 2. It puts your focus outside of you which is great for mental health. 3. It's a long range lasting source of motivation.Thank you to all of you who believe in this mission to help people know their purpose. If you would like to join our team of supporters, here is the link to do that: https://markdelaney.com/donate/Support the Show.

In this episode Mark sits down with Darryl Turner. Mark and Darryl met a week ago at the gym. Even though they were complete strangers, they had a deep and honest conversation at the gym. Mark asked if Darryl would join him to record the conversation for people to hear. Support the Show.