Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan: #1 Podcast for Inspiring Conversations to Live and Lead On Purpose

Dr. Dan Peters, Psychologist and Executive Leadership Coach
  • 4.8 (290)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan is your weekly dose of inspiration, purpose, and practical wisdom for living a life aligned with your true self. Hosted by renowned psychologist and executive coach Dr. Dan Peters, this podcast helps you break free from autopilot and step fully into the life you’re meant to live. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re living up to your potential—or how to navigate challenges with more resilience and clarity—this show is for you. Dr. Dan combines expert insights, powerful interviews, and real-life tools to help you deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your mindset, and make a positive impact. With decades of experience guiding individuals and leaders toward lasting transformation, Dr. Dan brings heart, humor, and honesty to every episode—so you walk away feeling motivated and equipped to make each day count. Tune in to new episodes every Thursday to unlock your potential, ignite your purpose, and—most of all—make it a great one. 

  1. 3H AGO

    You Were Not Born to Suffer: How to Heal, Find Purpose, and Love Yourself Again with Blake D. Bauer

    In this deeply powerful conversation, Dr. Dan sits down with bestselling author Blake D. Bauer, author of You Were Not Born to Suffer: Overcome Fear, Insecurity and Depression and Love Yourself Back to Happiness, Confidence and Peace, to explore how adversity can become a source of transformation. Dr. Dan and Blake explore why pain isn’t punishment and how suffering points us toward healing, purpose, and freedom. Blake shares his personal journey through addiction, trauma, shame, and emotional pain—and how hitting rock bottom at just 18 years old forced him to choose between healing or self-destruction. That decision led him on a global journey of self-discovery that transformed his life and now helps thousands of others do the same. Together, Dr. Dan and Blake unpack the butterfly metaphor for growth, why suffering can serve a purpose, how childhood wounds shape adult behavior, and why unconditional self-love may be one of the most important skills we can develop. They also explore how self-betrayal shows up in everyday life, why many people struggle to listen to their bodies, and how healing begins when we stop waiting to be rescued and start permitting ourselves to heal. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing is possible—and freedom may be closer than you think. For more information, visit www.unconditional-selflove.com and on Instagram @blakedbauer. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 15m

  2. 3H AGO ·  BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing Douglas Stuart: “John of John” | Oprah’s Book Club from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast As part of the 30th anniversary of Oprah’s Book Club, Oprah picks her 123rd selection: John of John by celebrated Scottish author Douglas Stuart. His other novels include Young Mungo and Shuggie Bain which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 2020. John of John is set in a small, fictional farming and textile town, Falabay, on an isle off northern Scotland where everybody knows everyone’s business. The story centers around three generations living under the same roof: a father, his son and the son's grandmother. The central theme to this enthralling book is the secrets these three so desperately hold on to: secrets from each other, from their neighbors and from the church. A love story at its heart, Douglas Stuart tells Oprah how he spent six years writing this book, spending 16 weeks researching the Outer Hebrides Isles on the northwest coast of Scotland talking to local people who inspired his 26 supporting characters. Oprah and Douglas Stuart are joined by an audience in New York City who enthusiastically read the book and have questions for the author. BUY THE BOOK! https://groveatlantic.com/book/john-of-john/ 00:00:00 - Welcome Douglas Stuart, author of “John of John” 00:03:01 - The setting of the book 00:04:05 - Where he found this story 00:07:30 - What Douglas needed to learn to write “John of John” 00:09:20 - Douglas describes “John of John” 00:11:43 - Oprah compares the book to Heated Rivalry 00:13:30 - An unexpected love story 00:17:40 - The conflict between father and son 00:20:40 - His writing process 00:25:55 - Father and gay son on “John of John” 00:30:30 - How man found acceptance of his son 00:34:20 - Feeling seen in a novel 00:38:27 - What Douglas wants the reader to feel 00:44:50 - Masculinity and the patriarchy 00:46:10 - The experience of growing up gay 00:47:20 - The end of the novel Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: Instagram Facebook TikTok Listen to the full podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts #oprahsbookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. APR 30

    Burnout to Breakthrough: Reclaim Your Energy, Purpose, and Authentic Growth with Janine Mathó

    In this powerful conversation, Dr. Dan sits down with Janine Mathó, a former Harvard and Pearson executive turned transformational leader, to explore what happens when external success no longer fulfills you. Janine tells us burnout isn’t the end—it’s often the beginning of something deeper, more aligned, and more meaningful.  On this episode, Janine shares her personal journey through corporate burnout and loss, and how it became the catalyst for redefining success, reconnecting with purpose, and embracing a more sustainable, authentic way of living and leading. Dr. Dan and Janine unpack the hidden costs of achievement, the importance of self-awareness, and why cultivating energy—not just productivity—is the key to long-term growth and fulfillment. This episode offers a roadmap for high achievers, leaders, and anyone navigating transition—helping you move from performance-driven living to a more grounded, empowered, and intentional life. For more information visit www.janinematho.com and follow @janinematho on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 2m

  4. APR 23

    Why Leadership Mental Health Matters: Breaking the Silence for Growth, Resilience, and Authenticity with Melissa Doman

    Dr. Dan sits down with Melissa Doman, Organizational Psychologist, former mental health therapist, founder of The Workplace Mental Health Method™ and the author of Cornered Office: Why We Need To Talk About Leadership Mental Health to discuss one of the biggest blind spots in modern leadership: mental health. They explore all things leadership and apply a fresh take: we must acknowledge the truth that leaders are human, too. Dr. Dan and Melissa explore the hidden pressures leaders face, the myths we continue to believe, and why ignoring mental health at the top impacts everyone. Melissa brings both clinical insight and real-world experience to break down why vulnerability, self-awareness, and emotional honesty are not weaknesses—but essential leadership skills. This episode dives into the nuance of mental health in the workplace, the importance of understanding neurodiversity, and how leaders and organizations can begin to create cultures where people can actually thrive.   If you’re a leader, aspiring leader, or simply someone committed to growth and authenticity, this conversation will challenge your mindset and inspire you to think differently about what it truly means to lead. For more information visit  www.melissadoman.com and follow @thewanderingmel on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.– Dr. Dan #Leadership #MentalHealth #MakeItaGreatOne Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 7m

  5. APR 16

    The Power of Pause: Breathwork, Clarity, Courage, and True Success with Jinesha Jain

    Dr. Dan sits down with TEDx speaker Jinesha Jain to discuss success and what happens when our achievement outpaces our alignment. From navigating the pressures of the immigrant experience to redefining ambition through self-awareness, Jinesha shares how the single question “Are you happy?” sparked a profound shift in her life – and can do the same for us. On this episode, Dr. Dan and Jinesha unpack the hidden cost of constant productivity, the illusion of “falling behind,” and the courage it takes to pause in a world that rewards speed. They also discuss the transformative practice of intentional breathing, intentional presence, and Jinesha’s TEDx Talk “The Power of Stillness: How One Breath Can Break Burnout.”  Today’s episode is a reminder that true growth isn’t about doing more—it’s about becoming more aligned with who you are every day. For more information, visit Jinesha’s profile LinkedIn or Realtor and follow @jineshajain on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.– Dr. Dan # # # Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 5m

  6. APR 9

    Burnout Is a Wake-Up Call: Unlock and Build Purpose, Energy, and Self-Awareness with Dr. Neha Sangwan

    Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Neha Sangwan, CEO and founder of Intuitive Intelligence, internal medicine physician, international speaker, author of Powered By Me From Burned Out to Fully Charged at Work and in Life, and corporate communication expert, to explore how burnout, stress, and disconnection are not failures, but invitations to reconnect with purpose, authenticity, and self-awareness. Burnout isn’t the end, it’s the beginning – a wake-up call. Drawing from her personal journey through burnout and decades of experience as a physician, engineer, and leadership expert, Neha shares how our bodies are constantly communicating with us and how ignoring those signals leads to deeper imbalance. This conversation offers a roadmap to shift from exhaustion to empowerment by understanding your internal data, aligning with your values, and leading from the inside out. Listeners will walk away with practical tools—including Neha’s “Awareness Prescription”—to identify the root causes of stress, build resilience, and create meaningful change in their lives, relationships, and leadership. This episode is a call to move beyond survival mode and into a life of intentional growth, connection, and purpose. It’s a must-listen and a lesson in learning to tisten to our bodies. For more information, please visit www.nehasangwan.com and www.intuitiveintelligenceinc.com and follow @doctorneha on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.– Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 16m

  7. APR 2

    Navigating Grief Part 2: From Grief to Growth – Finding Connection, Purpose, and Authenticity Through Loss with Nancy Howard Cobb

    Dr. Dan speaks to Nancy Howard Cobb about the 25th anniversary edition of her paradigm shifting book about grief and human connection In Lieu of Flowers: A Conversation for the Living. Nancy’s book was featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show and over the years has helped many people deal with mourning, grief, death and dying – from hospices, medical schools, bookstores, and conferences to families dealing with grief privately at home. As part of Make It a Great One’s two episode grief series, Dr. Dan and Nancy explore grief not as an ending, but as a doorway to connection, authenticity, and growth. They demonstrate that grief is not something to fix but instead it is something to feel, understand, and ultimately integrate into a meaningful life. Nancy brings decades of experience speaking about death, loss, and the human condition—and shares how telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable, can be one of the most liberating and healing acts we can take. This episode challenges the way we think about grief, inviting us to move away from avoidance and toward courage, compassion, and deeper self-awareness. From personal loss to collective grief, this conversation is a reminder that we are all connected and that through that connection we can find resilience and meaning. For more information visit www.nancyhowardcobb.com and please follow @nancyinconversation on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.– Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 5m

  8. MAR 26

    Navigating Grief Part 1: Grief as a Full-Body Experience – Tools for Healing, Leadership, and Life with Dr. Korie Leigh

    Today’s episode is part one of a special two-episode series on grief on Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan. Dr. Dan interviews Dr. Korie Leigh, author, speaker, and thanatologist (a specialist who studies death, dying, and bereavement) to discuss her book  When Everything Changes: Parenting Through Loss and Grief and to unpack myths about grief. Dr. Korie shares her compassionate and realistic framework that grief is a full-body, lifelong experience that integrates into who we are –it touches our emotions, our identity, our relationships, our work, and our leadership. She introduces the concept of grief-informed leadership and explores how to lead through challenging times with compassion and insight. Dr. Dan and Dr. Leigh also discuss how children process loss and how families can navigate loss. Today’s episode reminds us that grief is a universal human experience to honor, integrate, explore, and grow around -- regardless of age.  For more information, visit www.korieleighphd.com and follow @drkorieleigh on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.– Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 3m
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Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan is your weekly dose of inspiration, purpose, and practical wisdom for living a life aligned with your true self. Hosted by renowned psychologist and executive coach Dr. Dan Peters, this podcast helps you break free from autopilot and step fully into the life you’re meant to live. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re living up to your potential—or how to navigate challenges with more resilience and clarity—this show is for you. Dr. Dan combines expert insights, powerful interviews, and real-life tools to help you deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your mindset, and make a positive impact. With decades of experience guiding individuals and leaders toward lasting transformation, Dr. Dan brings heart, humor, and honesty to every episode—so you walk away feeling motivated and equipped to make each day count. Tune in to new episodes every Thursday to unlock your potential, ignite your purpose, and—most of all—make it a great one. 

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