In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason sits down with Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of Mountain Tough, for a raw conversation on mental toughness, grief, and the illusion of control. They reflect on Viktor Frankl’s philosophy, the spiritual fallout of tragedy, and the struggle to find meaning after unimaginable loss. Mason opens up about life after losing his wife, kids, brother, and nephew, and how helping others, talking honestly, and embracing vulnerability has been key to survival. This is a deeply emotional and unfiltered episode about suffering, acceptance, and showing up for the life that’s still here.
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1:03:23
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#147 - Dustin Diefenderfer
In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Dustin Diefenderfer, founder of Mountain Tough, about mindset, mental toughness, and the idea of false finishes—those moments in life when you think you’ve made it through, only to find out there’s more ahead. They talk about the challenges of grief, the value of long-form conversations, and why building resilience starts with doing hard things consistently. Dustin also shares lessons from his time in Uganda, the shift from corporate life to purpose-driven work, and why simplifying life can lead to more meaning and fulfillment.
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1:15:06
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#146 - Haley Garrison
In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Haley Garrison about the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Ellie, and the emotional rollercoaster of 41 days in the NICU. As a school psychologist, Haley opens up about the internal conflict of knowing coping tools but struggling to use them, and what it's like to grieve while raising another child. This episode explores medical trauma, gut-wrenching decisions, and the power of raw honesty in the aftermath of loss.
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1:31:59
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#145 - Brittainy Moala
In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason talks with Brittainy Moala about her daughter Revie and the gut instinct that told her something was wrong—even when doctors said otherwise. What followed was years of misdiagnosis, hospital stays, and learning how to advocate in a system that often dismisses the parents of medically complex kids. Brittainy shares the weight of that fight, how it’s changed her family, and the grace she's found in the middle of it all.
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1:21:19
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#144 - Weston Brandon
In this episode of The 10 Ninety Podcast, Mason sits down with Weston Brandon, whose wife Lauren died unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism just days after giving birth to their son at 26 weeks. Weston shares raw memories of performing CPR, holding his newborn son alone in the NICU, and how he found love again while carrying deep grief. This conversation covers trauma, healing, remarriage, and choosing to keep moving forward when life shatters. It's about honoring the past without being trapped by it—and learning to live with both heartbreak and hope.
Mason Sawyer, originally from West Jordan, Utah, is a devoted father and advocate for resilience. He enjoyed a successful basketball career, highlighted by achievements such as Utah All-State, winning a State Championship, and playing college ball at Utah Tech, formerly known as Dixie State.
Mason married his high school sweetheart, Kortni Atkinson, whose warm spirit and commitment to family made her the heart of their home. An incredible mother and dedicated nurse, Kortni worked as a home and hospice caregiver in her final months, always trying to comfort others.
Together, they raised three children: Riggins, who mirrored his mother’s positivity and had a knack for making friends wherever he went. His infectious enthusiasm and heartfelt approach to life meant that he lived fully in each moment, often claiming that each day was either the best or worst of his life. Franki, their adventurous daughter, was just two years old but packed her short life with joy and excitement. Known for her powerful scream and the adorable wrinkle in her nose when she smiled, she brought boundless energy and laughter to their family.
Tragically, on July 25, 2021, Mason’s life changed forever when he lost Kortni, Riggins, and Franki in a devastating car accident. He also lost his older brother, Race, and his nephew, Rider. Race was an amazing father, husband, and role model to Mason, while Rider was a talented actor and performer with a remarkable sense of empathy for his age.
Now focused on raising his surviving son, Blue, Mason draws strength from the 10/90 Principle, emphasizing that life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond. He shares his journey and message of resilience through his podcast, The10ninety, and as a public speaker, inspiring others to find hope and purpose in adversity.
Mason’s story is one of love and perseverance, honoring the beautiful legacy of Kortni, Riggins, Franki, Race, and Rider as he builds a life filled with meaning and positivity.
USA