
Hosted by Justin Masterson · EN

We all know the feeling of a "justified" grudge. Someone owed us respect, loyalty, or an apology, and they didn’t deliver. But when we hold onto that "unpaid debt," it doesn't hurt them—it destroys us. Bitterness is what happens when anger is allowed to ferment. In this episode, Justin and Matt dive into why bitterness is one of the heaviest weights a human can carry. It doesn't just sit there; it actively shuts down our "relational circuits," making it impossible to connect with the people we love. Before you can find peace, you have to learn the power of forgiveness—not because the other person deserves it, but because you weren't meant to live in a cage of resentment.

In this episode, we take a break from our regular series to talk shop—literally. From the "hidden signs" between catchers and coaches on the diamond to Justin’s wild stories about baseball in Jamaica, we’re diving into how we perceive our work, our worth, and the people around us. The core of today’s conversation hits on a question we all face: What do you do when life feels "unfair"? By diving into the Parable of the Vineyard Workers (Matthew 20), Justin and Matt challenge the "transactional" way we view our lives. If you’ve ever been frustrated because someone else got the "same pay for less work," this episode is for you. We explore why the most "deserving" people often end up with the least joy, and how changing your perspective can actually give you power over a toxic environment. The big question: If nothing in your circumstances changed tomorrow, but your perspective did, how would you show up?

We all want to experience the power of God in our lives, but we often treat faith like a feeling we have to "muster up." The truth is, faith is a byproduct of humility. If you want to see God move, you have to create the space for Him to do it. Fasting isn't a test of your willpower—it’s a tool for your spirit. When we fast, we aren't trying to "prove" something to God or pass a spiritual exam. We are intentionally lowering ourselves to increase our hunger for Him. This episode is about moving past the religious duty and into the actual power that comes when we employ fasting and prayer as a lifestyle.

We’ve all been there: a friend lets us down, a colleague misses a deadline, or a mentor proves to be human, and our immediate response is a mix of shock and white-hot anger. But the root of that anger isn’t usually their failure—it’s our misplaced trust. When we put people in a position that only God is meant to occupy, we set them up to fail and we set ourselves up for resentment. Law 20 isn't about being cynical or suspicious; it’s about the freedom that comes from lowering your expectations of man and raising your trust in God. When you stop demanding perfection from the people around you, the anger vanishes, and you finally find the freedom to love them as they are. In this episode, Justin breaks down: The "God-Sized" Seat: Why we accidentally turn people into idols and how to stop. The Death of Anger: How realizing "people are just people" kills resentment before it starts. Finding Real Freedom: Learning to trust God for your security so you can enjoy others without needing them to be perfect.

We often tell ourselves that being alone is "safer"—no critics, no misunderstandings, and no friction. But the truth is, isolation is the playground of self-righteousness and the enemy of growth. Before we can thrive in our faith, our families, or our mental health, we have to recognize that we were designed for connection. When we pull away, we lose the mirrors in our lives that keep us grounded. This episode is about identifying the walls we build around ourselves and finding the courage to tear them down before they become our own personal prison. In this episode, Justin talks about: The Danger Zone: Why isolation is the first step toward burnout and bitterness. The Power of "With": How staying connected protects you from your own blind spots. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Support the show! Using the links below helps support PHARE Warrior at no extra cost to you: 48 Laws of Spiritual Power – Frank Viola: [Link] Hang On, Let Go – Frank Viola: https://amzn.to/3X5Dn09 Rare Leadership – Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder: https://amzn.to/4r1cacB C20 Coconut Water (w/ Pulp): https://amzn.to/4oTR5zA Wayfinders Life-Mapping: https://www.yourwayfinders.org/life-mapping-u 👕 Get Your Show Merch: www.thejustinmastersonshow.live 🎙️ About The Show The Justin Masterson Show is designed to entertain, encourage, and equip. Hosted by former MLB pitcher Justin Masterson, we share insights on sports, faith, and mental health. Join us as we talk with ordinary friends trying to thrive in this chaotic life. Go FISHERS TIGERS!! 🐅 ✨ Show Favorites Favorite Organizations: PHARE WARRIOR: https://www.pharewarrior.com FIGHT CLUB: https://www.fc414.club WAYFINDERS: https://www.yourwayfinders.org THRIVE TODAY: www.thrivetoday.org Favorite Books: Rare Leadership by Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey Insurgence by Frank Viola Music: Kevi Morse: Instagram Intro Theme: Knight Rider Theme Song 📱 Connect With Us Email Justin: masty@thejustinmastersonshow.live Instagram: @thejustinmastersonshow Twitter/X: @TheJMshow63 Matt Zappasodi: Instagram

We’ve all felt it—that subtle (or not-so-subtle) internal "click" where we decide we’re the hero of the story and everyone else is the problem. But if we’re honest, the most dangerous critic we face is the self-righteous version of ourselves. Before we can lead others or live in community, we have to look in the mirror. Do we have a little self-righteousness hiding in the corners of our hearts? Probably. This episode is about identifying it, dragging it into the light, and getting it out so we can lead with genuine humility. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Support the show! Using the links below helps support PHARE Warrior at no extra cost to you: 48 Laws of Spiritual Power – Frank Viola: [Link] Hang On, Let Go – Frank Viola: https://amzn.to/3X5Dn09 Rare Leadership – Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder: https://amzn.to/4r1cacB C20 Coconut Water (w/ Pulp): https://amzn.to/4oTR5zA Wayfinders Life-Mapping: https://www.yourwayfinders.org/life-mapping-u 👕 Get Your Show Merch: www.thejustinmastersonshow.live 🎙️ About The Show The Justin Masterson Show is designed to entertain, encourage, and equip. Hosted by former MLB pitcher Justin Masterson, we share insights on sports, faith, and mental health. Join us as we talk with ordinary friends trying to thrive in this chaotic life. Go FISHERS TIGERS!! 🐅 ✨ Show Favorites Favorite Organizations: PHARE WARRIOR: https://www.pharewarrior.com FIGHT CLUB: https://www.fc414.club WAYFINDERS: https://www.yourwayfinders.org THRIVE TODAY: www.thrivetoday.org Favorite Books: Rare Leadership by Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey Insurgence by Frank Viola Music: Kevi Morse: Instagram Intro Theme: Knight Rider Theme Song 📱 Connect With Us Email Justin: masty@thejustinmastersonshow.live Instagram: @thejustinmastersonshow Twitter/X: @TheJMshow63 Matt Zappasodi: Instagram

In a world full of noise, we often treat a misunderstanding like a personal attack. But here’s the truth: if you are living a life of purpose, being misunderstood isn't a possibility—it’s a guarantee. When we approach others by assuming good intentions first, we stop living on the defensive. By expecting misunderstandings rather than being shocked by them, we gain the clarity to see critics for who they really are. This episode is about protecting your peace by filtering the voices around you. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Support the show! Using the links below helps support PHARE Warrior at no extra cost to you: 48 Laws of Spiritual Power – Frank Viola: [Link] Hang On, Let Go – Frank Viola: https://amzn.to/3X5Dn09 Rare Leadership – Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder: https://amzn.to/4r1cacB C20 Coconut Water (w/ Pulp): https://amzn.to/4oTR5zA Wayfinders Life-Mapping: https://www.yourwayfinders.org/life-mapping-u 👕 Get Your Show Merch: www.thejustinmastersonshow.live 🎙️ About The Show The Justin Masterson Show is designed to entertain, encourage, and equip. Hosted by former MLB pitcher Justin Masterson, we share insights on sports, faith, and mental health. Join us as we talk with ordinary friends trying to thrive in this chaotic life. Go FISHERS TIGERS!! 🐅 ✨ Show Favorites Favorite Organizations: PHARE WARRIOR: https://www.pharewarrior.com FIGHT CLUB: https://www.fc414.club WAYFINDERS: https://www.yourwayfinders.org THRIVE TODAY: www.thrivetoday.org Favorite Books: Rare Leadership by Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey Insurgence by Frank Viola Music: Kevi Morse: Instagram Intro Theme: Knight Rider Theme Song 📱 Connect With Us Email Justin: masty@thejustinmastersonshow.live Instagram: @thejustinmastersonshow Twitter/X: @TheJMshow63 Matt Zappasodi: Instagram

Not all critics are created equal. In this episode, we dive into why you must distinguish between the voices in your life. We break down the three types of critics: those in your favor, those who disagree without being against you, and the ones just looking for "rage bait." Which voices are you letting in? Let's get equipped to thrive in the chaos. 📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Support the show! Using the links below helps support PHARE Warrior at no extra cost to you: 48 Laws of Spiritual Power – Frank Viola: [Link] Hang On, Let Go – Frank Viola: https://amzn.to/3X5Dn09 Rare Leadership – Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder: https://amzn.to/4r1cacB C20 Coconut Water (w/ Pulp): https://amzn.to/4oTR5zA Wayfinders Life-Mapping: https://www.yourwayfinders.org/life-mapping-u 👕 Get Your Show Merch: www.thejustinmastersonshow.live 🎙️ About The Show The Justin Masterson Show is designed to entertain, encourage, and equip. Hosted by former MLB pitcher Justin Masterson, we share insights on sports, faith, and mental health. Join us as we talk with ordinary friends trying to thrive in this chaotic life. Go FISHERS TIGERS!! 🐅 ✨ Show Favorites Favorite Organizations: PHARE WARRIOR: https://www.pharewarrior.com FIGHT CLUB: https://www.fc414.club WAYFINDERS: https://www.yourwayfinders.org THRIVE TODAY: www.thrivetoday.org Favorite Books: Rare Leadership by Marcus Warner & Jim Wilder The Joy Switch by Chris Coursey Insurgence by Frank Viola Music: Kevi Morse: Instagram Intro Theme: Knight Rider Theme Song 📱 Connect With Us Email Justin: masty@thejustinmastersonshow.live Instagram: @thejustinmastersonshow Twitter/X: @TheJMshow63 Matt Zappasodi: Instagram