In Episode 597 of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Dr. Gordon Flett, a pioneering psychologist whose decades of research have shaped our understanding of mattering—the feeling of being seen, valued, and significant.

Dr. Flett, author of The Psychology of Mattering and Mattering as a Core Need in Children and Adolescents, explains how mattering is distinct from belonging and self-esteem and why its absence—what he calls “anti-mattering”—can lead to burnout, depression, loneliness, and even hopelessness.

For full show notes: https://passionstruck.com/gordon-flett-the-urgent-need-to-know-you-matter/

In this profound and deeply personal episode, John and Dr. Flett discuss:

The difference between mattering, belonging, and self-esteem
Why feeling unseen or insignificant is a public health issue
How fear of not mattering drives perfectionism and overachievement
Why giving mattering to others is just as important as receiving it
Strategies to rebuild mattering after loss, failure, or transition

This conversation will change how you see yourself—and how you show up for the people around you.

Dr. Gordon Flett is one of the world’s leading researchers on the psychology of mattering. A recently retired Distinguished Professor of Psychology at York University, he is the former Honorary President of the Canadian Psychological Association

Connect with Dr. Gordon Flett: https://health.yorku.ca/health-profiles/?mid=3719

Sponsors:

Factor Meals: http://factormeals.com/factormeals50off and use code “FACTOR MEALS 50 OFF”
Rosetta Stone: Unlock 25 languages for life at “ROSETTASTONE.com/passionstruck.”
Prolon: Reset your health with 15% off at “ProlonLife.com/passionstruck.”
Mint Mobile: Cut your wireless bill to 15 bucks a month at “MINT MOBILE dot com slash PASSION.”
Hims: Start your journey to regrowing hair with Hims. Visit hims.com/PASSIONSTRUCK for your free online visit.
Quince: Discover luxury at affordable prices with Quince. Enjoy free shipping and 365-day returns at quince.com/PASSION

Next on Passion Struck:
In the next episode of Passion Struck, John sits down with Anne Marie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, sports journalist, and leadership expert. Anne Marie has spent years breaking barriers in sports media, navigating high-stakes environments, and coaching top athletes and executives on leadership, resilience, and communication. In our conversation, we'll dive into the mental frameworks of high performers, the art of storytelling, and how to build confidence in any field.

For more information on advertisers and promo codes, visit Passion Struck Deals.

Join the Passion Struck Community!
Sign up for the Live Intentionally newsletter, where I share exclusive content, actionable advice, and insights to help you ignite your purpose and live your most intentional life. Get access to practical exercises, inspiring stories, and tools designed to help you grow. Learn more and sign up here.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops
Are you looking to inspire your team, organization, or audience to take intentional action in their lives and careers? I’m available for keynote speaking, workshops, and leadership training on topics such as intentional living, resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Let’s work together to create transformational change. Learn more at johnrmiles.com/speaking.

Episode Starter Packs
With over 500 episodes, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. We’ve curated Episode Starter Packs based on key themes like leadership, mental health, and personal growth, making it easier for you to dive into the topics you care about. Check them out at passionstruck.com/starterpacks.

Catch More of Passion Struck:

My solo episode on The Mattering Mindset in Love – Choose the Love You Deserve
Can't miss my episode with Jennifer B. Wallace on the Consequences of Prioritizing Achievements Over Mattering
My episode with The Art of Listening: How to Make People Feel Like They Matter
Catch my interview with Laurie Santos on How to Matter in a Busy World
Listen to my solo episode on Fading into Insignificance: The Impact of Un-Mattering in Our Interconnected Era

If you liked the show, please leave us a review—it only takes a moment and helps us reach more people! Don’t forget to include your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally.

How to Connect with John:

Connect with John on Twitter at @John_RMiles
Follow him on Instagram at @John_R_Miles
Subscribe to our main YouTube Channel and to our YouTube Clips Channel
For more insights and resources, visit John’s website

Want to explore where you stand on the path to becoming Passion Struck? Take our 20-question quiz on Passionstruck.com and find out today!

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Henry L. Roediger

The AI-powered Podcast Player