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 (288)
  • 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. 1D AGO

    Teachers as First Responders: Resilience, Regulation, and the Future of Education with Larry Davis

    Dr. Dan reconnects with his very first podcast guest(!) veteran educator and special education advocate Larry Davis to explore what it truly means to teach—and lead—in today’s world. Drawing from more than four decades in education across 11 school districts, Larry shares insights from his new book, The Happy Camper Classroom, and reframes teaching as one of the most demanding leadership roles in our society. Today’s educators are not simply delivering curriculum—they are first responders, social workers, emotional anchors, and architects of belonging. At the heart of this episode is a powerful truth: learning cannot happen without safety, connection, and regulation. Larry explains why compliance is no longer the glue that holds classrooms together—and what must replace it. Through resilience, self-awareness, compassion, and authentic connection, teachers can create environments where students feel safe, valued, and empowered. This conversation extends beyond education and is for every age and every stage of life. Dr. Dan and Larry’s discussion about leadership, personal growth, and the courage to look inward will inspire and enlighten listeners.  When we shift from a reactive mindset to a resilient one we can embrace discomfort as a pathway to growth.  For more information please visit www.thehappycamperclassroom.com and www.specialeducationadvocacy.org.  Contact Larry ldavissped at gmail dot com. 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

    1 hr
  2. You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    1D AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: The Oprah Podcast

    Introducing HAPPINESS PROFESSOR: How to Discover the Meaning of Your Life with Oprah and Arthur C. Brooks from The Oprah Podcast. Follow the show: The Oprah Podcast What is the true meaning of your life? Does your life have purpose? Are you living a life you love? These are questions many people quietly wrestle with in a time when more individuals report feeling lonely, anxious and uncertain about their place in the world. Oprah is back with the Harvard Happiness professor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Arthur C. Brooks. They explore his latest book The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. Arthur explains why so many people today feel stuck in what he calls an “age of emptiness,” and reveals the modern traps that can make life feel like a simulation of endless distraction, doom scrolling and procrastination. These leave people disconnected from their deeper purpose. Oprah and Arthur take questions from listeners including a college freshman caught in what Arthur Brooks calls “the doom loop" struggling to break free from constant scrolling while searching for a sense of direction. The episode also checks in with several of Arthur Brooks’ former students who share how they found meaning through serving others, pursuing achievement with intention and redefining success beyond personal gain. BUY THE BOOK! To buy Arthur Brooks’ new book The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness and to take the quizzes discussed in this episode go to www.themeaningofyourlife.com 00:00:00 - Welcome Arthur Brooks, author of ‘The Meaning of Your Life’ 00:03:40 - Why he took on the meaning of life 00:04:30 - How campus life changed 00:05:29 - Happiness is a combination of 3 things 00:06:20 - The meaning of the meaning of life 00:09:40 - 5 explanations for why things happen 00:16:28 - What is a doom loop 00:17:50 - Finding meaning and happiness 00:24:26 - Creating impact outside of your own life 00:30:50 - Using success in service to others 00:33:00 - How the sides of our brains work 00:38:15 - Redefining your meaning 00:40:10 - How to use your suffering as part of your calling 00:43:25 - What is moral beauty 00:49:00 - How to stay present to the big questions 00:52:00 - How meaning found Arthur Brooks Follow Oprah Winfrey on Social: https://www.instagram.com/oprahpodcast/ https://www.facebook.com/oprahwinfrey/ Listen to the full podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0tEVrfNp92a7lbjDe6GMLI https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-oprah-podcast/id1782960381 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. MAR 5

    The Practice of Attention: Reclaiming Presence in a Distracted World with Cody Cook-Parrott

    Dr. Dan sits down with Cody Cook-Parrott, author of The Practice of Attention: Cultivating Presence in a Distracted World, to explore what happens when we reclaim our focus from technology, perfectionism, and fear. Drawing from nearly 15 years of sobriety, lived experience with ADHD, creative practice, and stepping away from social media, Cody shares how attention is not just about productivity — it’s about presence, integrity, and self-trust.  An artist, writer, teacher, and dancer, Cody teaches us attention is the currency of our lives  – and that most of us are spending it without realizing it. Dr. Dan and Cody urge listeners to remember that attention shapes not just what we see but who we become. They challenge us to reclaim our time and focus so life feels like it belongs to us again. Cody Cook-Parrott is the author of six books, including the new The Practice of Attention. For more information visit www.codycookparrott.com. 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

    59 min

  4. FEB 26

    The Curiosity Curve: Why Great Leaders Ask Better Questions with Dr. Debra Clary

    In this powerful conversation, Dr. Dan sits down with leadership strategist, researcher, and executive coach and author Dr. Debra Clary to explore why curiosity may be the most overlooked—and most essential—leadership skill of our time. Deb shares her remarkable journey from driving a Frito-Lay delivery truck after earning her MBA to advising Fortune 500 executives and the publication of her book The Curiosity Curve: A Leader’s Guide to Growth and Transformation Through Bold Question. Along the way, she reveals how resilience, humility, and bold questions shaped her leadership philosophy and helped spark transformational change inside some of the world’s most iconic organizations. Together, Dr. Dan and Debra explore why certainty can hinder growth, how curiosity fuels engagement and performance, and why fear and curiosity cannot coexist in the brain. They explore the role curiosity plays not just in leadership and business, but in parenting, relationships, creativity, and human connection. This episode is a compelling reminder that asking better questions—without an agenda—can unlock innovation, strengthen relationships, and create cultures where people feel seen, heard, and valued. For more information visit www.debraclary.com and follow @the_curiosity_curve 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

  5. FEB 19

    From Misunderstood to Mastery: Purpose, Resilience, and the Courage to Grow with Kenneth Thompson

    Dr. Dan is in the virtual studio today with award-winning music educator and entrepreneur Kenneth Thompson to explore what it truly means to grow into your purpose—especially when the path is anything but linear. Ken, the founder and CEO of the Musical Arts Center of San Antonio, Inc. (MACSA), holds a Bachelor of Music/Piano Performance from the Eastman School of Music (where he studied with Nelita True and Anton Nel). Ken shares his journey from early struggles with learning differences, bullying, and feeling unseen, to discovering connection, creativity, and self-awareness through music. What begins as a story about piano and performance becomes a profound exploration of resilience, mindset, neurodiversity, and leadership. Together, Dr. Dan and Ken unpack the hidden costs of chasing validation, the pressure of elite performance environments, and the courage it takes to redefine success. They explore why growth requires both safety and intensity, how authentic connection unlocks human potential, and why teaching, mentoring, and advocacy are among the most powerful forms of leadership. This episode is a reminder that purpose evolves, growth is relational, and true empowerment comes from being met—exactly as you are—while being challenged to become more. For more information, visit macsainc.com and follow @Ken.CreativeCoach 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 8m

  6. FEB 12

    Mind Over Grind: How to Beat Burnout, Rumination, and Workplace Stress with Guy Winch

    In this eye-opening interview, Dr. Dan Peters talks with internationally renowned psychologist Guy Winch to explore how emotional health, rumination, and chronic stress quietly hijack our lives highlighting that burnout doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t stay at work when the workday ends. Dr. Dan and Guy also discuss his new book Mind Over Grind: How To Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life. Guy shares why burnout clouds our judgment, why rumination is one of the most damaging (and overlooked) habits in modern work culture, and how emotional health skills can prevent anxiety and depression before they become clinical. Dr. Dan and Guy unpack the science behind mental detachment, responsibility-taking, and why recovery not productivity must come first. On this episode listeners will learn practical, science-backed strategies to break the cycle of rumination and mental replay, recover from burnout, create psychological boundaries when working from home and reclaim evenings/relationships/personal identity from work. This episode is a grounded, actionable reminder that while we can’t always change our external circumstances, but we can change how we experience them. Dr. Dan and Guy empower us all with their message that emotional health is a daily practice and daily choice – at home and at work. For more information visit www.guywinch.com and follow @guywinch 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 8m

  7. FEB 5

    Freedom From Anxiety: How To Cultivate Calm, Courage, and Self-Awareness with David Procyshyn

    Dr. Dan interviews wellness leader and founder of DoYogaWithMe, David Procyshyn about anxiety, presence, living well and his personal story. As a leading voice in the world of wellness –David is yoga and meditation teacher, speaker, and founder – David helps people heal from chronic anxiety and live a calmer, more resilient life. During this conversation with Dr. Dan, David shares his own personal journey from chronic pain, high-performance anxiety, and burnout to discovering a grounded, compassionate relationship with his nervous system. Together, Dan and David explore how anxiety is not a personal failure, but a physiological pattern that can be understood, worked with, and softened over time. Finally, Dan explores David’s Freedom From Anxiety approach which blends neuroscience, breathwork, meditation, and lived experience into practical tools that foster resilience, empowerment, and connection. This powerful episode encourages listeners to slow down, reflect, and remember that we can learn and grow from anxiety—deepening our wellbeing, our relationships, and our capacity to live with intention. For more information visit www.davidprocyshyn.com and www.doyogawithme.com. Use code 'drdan' for 1 month of unlimited access to DoYogaWithMe at www.doyogawithme.com (click Subscribe, Start Free Trial, create an account, then enter 'drdan' under 'Got a coupon?') Check out what makes DoYogaWithMe different from all other online yoga platforms: www.doyogawithme.com/what-makes-us-different Check out the article David talked about in the episode: www.davidprocyshyn.com/do-less-new-years-resolution/ Sign up for David's newsletter: www.doyogawithme.com/anxiety-newsletter Join David at his Freedom from Anxiety Info Session at Noon EST on May 4/26: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Go5pwjJUS4qQONPdGpxWdg Check out David's Freedom from Anxiety 28-Day Program (the next cohort launches May 25/26): https://courses.doyogawithme.com/courses/freedom-from-anxiety-28-day-online-program-may-26-cohort Follow David @doyogawithme 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 9m

  8. JAN 29

    Conscious Leadership: How Purpose, Compassion, and Self-Awareness Can Change The World with Raj Sisodia

    Today on Make It A Great One, Dr. Dan interviews Raj Sisodia, global thought leader, bestselling author, and co-founder of Conscious Capitalism, to explore the inner work required to live and lead with purpose, integrity, and humanity. Raj also introduces the seven steps outlined in his newest book Healing Leaders which teaches us that leadership begins with knowing, loving, and healing oneself.  Raj shares the pivotal moments that reshaped his life and leadership—from questioning profit-only business models to confronting unhealed personal trauma that lingered beneath decades of professional success. He opens up about his own healing journey, the influence of his parents, and the realization that leadership without self-awareness inevitably causes harm. Together, Dr. Dan and Raj unpack what it truly means to be a conscious leader—someone willing to integrate head, heart, and soul; masculine and feminine energy; wisdom and playfulness because conscious leaders create ripple effects that impact families, communities, and future generations. This episode challenges traditional business paradigms and offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where business becomes a force for healing, compassion, and collective well-being. This conversation is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and lead from a deeper place—one rooted in purpose, courage, and care. For more information visit www.rajsisodia.com and follow @rajsisodiacc 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 10m
See All (381)

Trailers

Hosts & Guests

4.8
out of 5
288 Ratings

About

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. 

Information

You Might Also Like