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 (291)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Beyond Achievement: Ian Edwards on Presence, Performance, and Living Authentically

    British figurative sculptor, world champion longbow archer, and deep thinker Ian Edwards joins Dr. Dan on this latest episode about presence, self-awareness, creativity, dyslexia, purpose, and what it means to live a fulfilled life. Ian shares his extraordinary journey from leaving school at 16 with no formal qualifications and severe dyslexia to becoming an internationally collected sculptor and world-class archer. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors, inner awakenings, and practices that helped him understand the difference between achievement and fulfillment. In this episode, Dr. Dan and Ian explore neurodiversity, twice-exceptionality, the pressure to seek validation, and the importance of being true to yourself. Ian’s story is a reminder that our worth is not defined by grades, titles, outcomes, or what the world measures. True growth begins when we pause, listen inward, and reconnect with who we really are. Listeners will gain insight into how presence can transform performance, creativity, parenting, leadership, and daily life. Ian also offers simple, practical ways to create space between ourselves and our thoughts, including breath awareness, honest self-reflection, and truly listening to others. This conversation is for anyone seeking more clarity, purpose, joy, authenticity, and connection in their life. In this episode: Ian’s experience growing up with severe dyslexia and a deep inner knowing The gifts and challenges of twice-exceptionality and neurodiversity Why self-worth cannot come from achievement or external validation How creativity became a pathway to presence and flow Ian’s apprenticeship with Ray and the “wisdom school” that shaped his life The connection between art, archery, performance, and presence Why fulfillment comes from being true to yourself How parents and leaders can meet others where they are Simple practices for awareness, reflection, and calming the self-seeking mind For more information visit www.ianedwardssculptor.com and follow @sculptorianedwards 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

  2. 2d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: The Tamsen Show

    Introducing What No One Tells You About Grief After Losing Your Mother from The Tamsen Show. Follow the show: The Tamsen Show This one is for all the women out there who lost their mothers. If you’ve ever wondered why grief from a mother's death doesn't follow the timeline the world expects, why it surges at 51 when you pass the age your mother died, why menopause brings a wave of loss that has nothing to do with hormones, or why you still don't know how to answer "I'm sorry" decades later, this episode is the one you've been waiting for. Tamsen Fadal lost her mother at 20. For nearly 30 years she didn't talk about it. Hope Edelman lost her mother at 17, couldn't find a single book written for young women who'd gone through the same thing, and eventually wrote it herself. That book, Motherless Daughters, has now reached millions of readers and sparked decades of retreats, support groups, and communities built around the specific kind of grief that never goes away. In this episode, you'll learn: - Why your age at the time of loss is the most defining factor in how mother loss shapes you - What "new old grief" is, and why it floods back the moment you become a mother yourself - Why grief that looked like getting a tattoo, changing your friend group, or throwing yourself into work is still grief - The difference between guilt and regret, and why so many daughters are carrying the wrong one - What "crossing the silent threshold" means when you outlive your mother's age - Why the five stages of grief were never designed for the people left behind - How to rebuild a relationship with your mother's memory even decades after her death - Why women in their 50s are showing up to grief retreats for the first time and feeling relief they haven't felt in 30 years - What perceived vulnerability looks like, and why it drives behaviors people around you can't understand If you like this episode, then you will love: What I've Learned After 35 Years Without My Mom If you want a say on our upcoming guests, fill out this form Stay connected with Tamsen: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get ⁠Tamsen's newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ filled with free tools⁠ to living better, feeling stronger, and knowing you’re never alone Get Tamsen’s NYT instant bestselling book, ⁠⁠⁠⁠How To Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Free Resources⁠⁠⁠⁠ from Tamsen  Watch all the episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠  The Tamsen Show on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Tamsen on ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow Hope on Instagram Get Hope's book, Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss Learn more about Hope's retreats Sponsors: Make the switch today! Get 15% off your first order by going to Blueland.com/TAMSEN! Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or treatment options. The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The Tamsen Show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/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. Jul 9

    From Autopilot to Purpose: Jay Abbasi on Growth, Grief, and High-Performance Living

    In this latest episode, Dr. Dan sits down with Jay Abbasi, a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, coach, and host of the podcast Unstuck. In 2014, the sudden loss of Jay's father stopped him cold. He was successful on paper, climbing the ranks at Tesla and running on autopilot, and that loss became the wake-up call that moved him toward a life built around purpose, presence, and service instead of just achievement. Jay and Dr. Dan get into what it actually takes to change an old pattern: the self-awareness to notice it, and the courage to do something different. They talk about how mindfulness helps you respond to life instead of reacting to it, why our brains can build new pathways at any age, and how real change usually starts with catching the thoughts and stories running quietly in the background. They also dig into manifestation, mindset, and our attachment to outcomes, including the gap between chasing success and living with intention. Jay shares the story behind his TEDx talk, the disappointment along the way that tested his own resilience, and the practice he keeps coming back to: we don't always get to choose what happens, but we can choose how we relate to it. It's an honest conversation about the fact that purpose isn't only found in what we accomplish. It's found in how present we are, how we treat people, and the small choices we make every day. In this episode, Dr. Dan and Jay talk about: The loss that shifted the direction of Jay's life Waking up from autopilot and choosing to live on purpose How grief can open the door to growth Responding to life instead of reacting to it Why attachment to outcomes can quietly lead to burnout How focus and visualization actually work in the brain Building new habits and new mental pathways The power of the story you tell yourself Living with purpose without losing presence For more information visit jayabbasi.me and follow @jayabbasi_ 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

  4. Jul 2

    The Hidden Cost of Being Gifted: Finding Worth Beyond Achievement with Eric Jessen

    Achievement, intelligence, and success are often celebrated as the ultimate markers of a life well-lived. But what happens when reaching every milestone still leaves you feeling empty, exhausted, or disconnected from yourself? In this episode, Dr. Dan sits down with author, business executive, and former gifted child Eric Jessen to explore the hidden challenges that can accompany early success.  Drawing from his own life experiences and the insights behind his books The Curse of Early Success and Formerly Gifted, Eric shares how achievement became identity, why perfectionism can become a trap, and what it takes to build a healthier relationship with success, failure, and self-worth. Together, they discuss giftedness, resilience, vulnerability, contentment, and the courage required to step off the treadmill of constant achievement. This episode is an invitation for anyone who has ever felt defined by performance, burdened by expectations, or wondered why success alone wasn't enough. In this episode: How gifted children often develop identities rooted in achievement Why success can become both a blessing and a burden The relationship between perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-worth How vulnerability creates deeper connection and personal growth The difference between accomplishment and fulfillment Why contentment may be a more meaningful goal than constant success Practical ways to redefine identity beyond performance and achievement Key Takeaways Success is a powerful teacher, but it can also create limiting beliefs about who we are. Achievement becomes exhausting when it becomes the foundation of identity. Failure is information—not a verdict on your worth. Emotional intelligence and vulnerability are critical skills for meaningful relationships and leadership. True fulfillment comes from embracing who you are, not constantly proving what you can do. For more information visit (GUEST WEBSITE LIVE LINK) and follow (GUEST INSTAGRAM HANDLE LIVE LINK) 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

  5. Jun 25

    What Mount Kilimanjaro Taught Me About Resilience, Leadership, and Courage with Jeff Harmon

    Leadership isn’t about looking strong… it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be. In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Dan sits down with executive leadership coach, speaker, and founder of My Impossible, Jeff Harmon, to explore a remarkable journey of resilience, vulnerability, and transformation.  After being diagnosed with a rare neurological condition, Jeff found himself facing challenges that would ultimately lead him to one of the world’s most ambitious adventures: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in a wheelchair. But this conversation goes far beyond the mountain. Jeff shares how entrepreneurship, disability, leadership, and faith shaped his understanding of resilience, not as performance or toughness, but as a daily choice rooted in gratitude, authenticity, and community.  Together, Jeff and Dr. Dan explore what happens when pressure reveals who we really are, why vulnerability is one of the greatest leadership strengths, and how our biggest breakthroughs often come after the climb is over. This episode is a powerful reminder that our greatest challenges are often invitations to grow, connect, and become more fully ourselves. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why resilience is a choice, not a personality trait How adversity can become a catalyst for personal growth The difference between performing leadership and embodying leadership Why vulnerability builds trust and influence The power of community when facing life's biggest challenges What Jeff learned from leading a Mount Kilimanjaro expedition How to develop true inner authority and authentic confidence Why the lessons from your "mountain" often come after the experience ends For more information visit myimpossible.org. 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

  6. Jun 18

    Why Overthinking Keeps You Stuck and How Embodiment Sets You Free

    What if the path out of anxiety isn't through your mind… but through your body? In this episode of Make It a Great One, Dr. Dan sits down with Chelsea Horton, somatic coach, educator, and founder of Healing Embodied, who shares the profound difference between living from our heads versus living from our bodies.  Together they explore why so many of us become trapped in overthinking, perfectionism, and performance, and how reconnecting with our bodies can unlock safety, presence, and authentic self-expression. This episode dives into the limitations of traditional talk therapy, the role of somatic practices in emotional healing, and how learning to feel safe in our bodies can unlock growth, resilience, and freedom. Chelsea also guides listeners through a simple embodiment exercise that demonstrates how shifting from the mind to the body can create immediate relief and clarity. If you've ever felt stuck in anxiety, overwhelmed by self-criticism, or disconnected from yourself, this conversation offers practical wisdom and hope for finding your way back home. In this episode, you'll discover: • The difference between performance and presence• Why overthinking often keeps us stuck in anxiety• How trauma and life experiences disconnect us from our bodies• What embodiment really means and why it matters• When talk therapy may not be enough on its own• How somatic practices help process emotions and nervous system activation• The role of safety in healing and personal growth• Why authentic leadership starts with being fully present For more information visit Healing Embodied and follow @healing.embodied 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

  7. Jun 11

    Who Are You Without the Title? Identity, Purpose, and Peak Performance with Matt Young

    Together, Matt and Dr. Dan explore the relationship between identity, achievement, resilience, and personal growth. They discuss the dangers of attaching self-worth to performance, how pain can become a catalyst for transformation, and why true peak performance begins with becoming a healthy, grounded human being first. Matt shares the life-changing five-day period that altered the trajectory of his life, the unexpected book that sparked his personal development journey, and how he transformed adversity into a mission to help others unlock their potential. This conversation is packed with wisdom for athletes, leaders, entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone navigating change, reinvention, or personal growth. Why high performers often tie their identity to achievement The difference between performance-based success and personal fulfillment How pain can become a catalyst for transformation The dangers of attaching self-worth to external accomplishments Building resilience through voluntary growth instead of crisis What peak performance really means How to find purpose beyond titles, careers, and accomplishments Why growth has no finish line For more information visit www.mattyounglc.com and follow @mattyoung.mindcoach 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. In This EpisodeWe 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

  8. Jun 4

    Why Women Get Sick Trying to Be Good: A Conversation on Autoimmunity & Authenticity Sara Hirsh Bordo

    What if the pressure to be “good” is making women physically sick? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Dan sits down with award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, and author Sara Hirsh Bordo to explore the powerful connection between autoimmune disease, trauma, people-pleasing, and self-abandonment as well as to discuss Sara’s powerful new book Autoimmunity and the Good Girls: How Permission to Put Ourselves First Has the Power to Keep Us Well. After being diagnosed with multiple serious health conditions—including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, melanoma, tumors, Epstein-Barr, mold poisoning, and heavy metal toxicity—Sara began asking a life-changing question: What if years of self-betrayal were making her body turn against itself? Through deeply personal storytelling, groundbreaking research, and profound insight, Sara shares how decades of prioritizing others over herself created patterns that impacted both her emotional and physical well-being. Together, she and Dr. Dan unpack the “good girl” conditioning so many women experience, the hidden cost of chronic self-sacrifice, and how reclaiming authenticity may be one of the most important healing journeys of all. This conversation is compassionate, courageous, and transformative—for women, men, families, leaders, and anyone seeking deeper self-awareness and healing. For more information, www.autoimmunityandthegoodgirls.com and follow Sara Hirsh Bordo 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 Dr. Dan Peters Official Website 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

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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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