Courage to Connect

Ever feel like life is taking longer than it used to? You’re not imagining it. In this episode, Mark Ostach introduces two new terms — “Life Lagging” and “Digital Pulse” — to describe the hidden costs of distraction in our always-on world. From red lights to PB&Js, Mark paints relatable (and hilarious) pictures of how our digital habits create micro-delays that ripple through our day, our rela...

In this episode, we explore generative dialogue—the art of asking questions that move past small talk to create energy, insight, and trust. Instead of “What do you do for work?”, questions like “How do you spend your time?” or “What are you most proud of in the last 30 days?” open doors to meaningful stories and connections. Through examples from leadership, training sessions, and even airplane co...

What happens when you follow a nudge instead of your dinner reservation? In this episode, I share a powerful story about an elevator ride that led me not to a meal—but to a front-row seat at a national bishop conference. Through the lens of social science, spiritual surprise, and human connection, we’ll explore how curiosity isn’t just a trait—it’s a doorway. A simple question, a glance, a moment...

In today's episode, I share the story of an unlikely friendship that began with a simple request on a street corner in downtown Detroit. When I first met Lester, he asked for a few bucks—for cigarettes, baklava, and hot chocolate. What started as a small exchange grew into a connection that changed my life. Over time, Lester taught me that the greatest gifts we give aren’t things—they're...

What happens when a stranger on a plane becomes a messenger of hope? In this episode, I share a powerful conversation with John, a fellow passenger I met on a flight home from Mississippi. From stories of unexpected provision to the faith-filled prayer of a child in a duck blind, this episode is packed with the kind of storytelling that reminds us: we’re never as alone as we think we are. Whether...

In Dopamine Nation , Dr. Anna Lembke explores how our relentless pursuit of pleasure is rewiring the brain and fueling a rise in addiction, anxiety, and distraction. She explains how modern life—filled with smartphones, streaming, and social media—has tipped our internal balance, making it harder to experience real joy and connection. In this episode, we unpack the science of dopamine, the power o...

When an elderly couple in their mid-80s missed their flight due to bad weather, they also missed the opportunity to accept an award and share their heartfelt message with a large audience. But in a quiet moment at the airport, our paths crossed, and they shared their reflections with me instead—what it truly means to be a man of God. Their words, filled with wisdom and grace, reminded me that some...

In this episode, I share how a simple note from my daughter—telling me that God will lead you where you need to go —completely reshaped my trip to Dallas. What started as a business conference took an unexpected turn, leading me to powerful lessons on leadership, listening, and trusting divine direction. Tune in to hear how being interruptible can open doors you never expected.

In this episode, Mark explores the 3 T’s of Communication—Truth, Tone, and Timing—and how mastering them can transform the way you connect with others. He’ll also share practical tips for active listening and, as a bonus, reveal the 12 most important words in any conversation! This is an episode you won’t want to miss! 

In this episode, we dive into Soundtracks by Jon Acuff, a book about how the thoughts we repeatedly tell ourselves shape our confidence, productivity, and success. Acuff reveals how overthinking can hold us back and shares a simple framework—Retire, Replace, Repeat—to rewire our mindset with better, more empowering soundtracks. If you're ready to shift your thinking and take control of your i...

In this episode, I explore Mel Robbins' Let Them theory—a simple yet profound mindset shift that encourages us to let go of control and focus on what we can manage: our reactions and boundaries. By embracing the idea to 'let them,' we free ourselves from unnecessary stress, build resilience, and step into a more authentic, empowered life. Tune in to discover how this powerful concep...

In this episode Mark will explore how writing can unlock clarity, purpose, and personal transformation. You’ll learn three powerful strategies: writing declarations of truth to anchor your mindset, surrounding yourself with written goals and reminders to stay focused, and crafting a personal vision you can rehearse and share with others. These tools will help you harness the transformative power o...

Trusting in God's timing is about finding peace in the waiting and believing that every delay has a purpose. In this episode, we explore stories of faith, patience, and the unexpected blessings that come when we align our plans with His perfect timing. In this episode Mark will share a crazy story about God stopping the wind (of anxiety) in his heart so he could get to Vegas to meet a cab dri...

Ten years ago, I set out to write my first book. After completing the manuscript, I handed it to an editor whose constructive criticism sent me spiralling into a year-long bout of writer's block. When I finally crawled out of that dark space and rediscovered the joy of writing, I made a new commitment to myself: I would write a story once a month and send it as a newsletter. This shift took t...

I had the pleasure of being interviewed on the Bosshole Chronicles Podcast. I decided to post it directly to the Courage to Connect podcast. Enjoy!  Embark with us on a life-altering journey as Mark Ostach, a luminary in the fields of mental, emotional, and digital health, returns to share pivotal insights in our grand finale of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Do you want a different job? More peace in your relationships? Better health? Or maybe just more joy in your life? If so, you’ve come to the right place. My hope is that by the time you're finished with this podcast, you’ll have a fresh perspective on how to break through the patterns of your past and move from a place of worry to wonder as you create a vision for your life. Using a mixture o...

What I’ve learned is that it’s human nature to let our loved ones know that we are safe, alive, and back seemingly “in control” on the ground. However, I’m beginning to realize that we never really 'land safely' in life -- from the time we come out of the womb to the time we take our final breath, we go through seasons, situations, and circumstances that are filled with exciting take-off...

Do you feel like you are lacking purpose in your job? Have you considered that the way you are made with the unique gifts that you've been given inform what you should be doing and pursuing in life? Check out this episode that makes you rethink about who you are! For more information on how your Identity shapes your calling in the workplace, visit Jamie Winships website here: https://www.iden...

Most of our day is filled with communication. Not conversation.  Communication is about events. Conversations are about people.    Communication provides instructions. Conversations provokes vision. Communication creates buzzing notifications. Conversations create compassion and reflection. Communication adds to your TODO list. Conversations make you forget about your TODO lists. Enjoy this episod...

Let me introduce you to Susan Wilkie, better known as Mrs. Wilkie.  There’s nobody quite like her. She has been a kindergarten teacher for over 35 years!  According to my rough calculations:  She’s taught over 700 students Engaged with over 1,400 parents & grandparents Dealt with thousands of teary eyed situations  Celebrated hundreds of students losing the infamous 'first tooth'  Ve...

Do you have something in your life that are you are hoping will bloom? Or maybe you are in a season where you need to stir up the soil and plant some new seeds. Whatever season this finds you in, may you be reminded that hope is the sunlight to our desires. Growth takes time and often includes moments of pain & doubt. Just keep moving forward with an expectant heart!

"Social wellbeing is just as important as food and water!" - U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. In this episode, Mark talks about the importance of SocialConnection with Jeffrey Mosher today on the Michigan Business Network (MBN) . He unpacks the recent charge by U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on the loneliness epidemic and what companies & communities can do to help foste...

Kristine was was diagnosed with an incurable lung and heart disease in 2020 and she thought her dreams and life were over. However, she took the diagnosis and rock bottom odds to grow, persevere and help others. May her story encourage you to stay focused on the odds you find yourself up against.