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

Dr. Dan is joined by Elise Carter, an award-winning educator, advocate, Executive Director of NICE (Northern Kentucky Inclusive Students in Education), and DEI trailblazer.  Elise shares her transformative journey from being the first Black teacher at her high school to co-founding a nonprofit dedicated to inclusion and equity. During the moving interview, Elise opens up about the pivotal moment when her proposed elective on diversity was shut down after a leaked syllabus triggered community outrage—and how that moment of heartbreak became the spark for something even greater. Through resilience, creativity, and community, Elise helped build NICE, a student-centered nonprofit that empowers marginalized voices and fosters inclusive leadership. On this episode, Dr. Dan and Elise explore how resilience, curiosity, and authentic leadership can transform trauma into meaningful change. From growing up in a military family to teaching kids how to advocate for themselves, Elise’s story is a masterclass in living with courage, compassion, and purpose. For more information, visit www.nisenky.org and on Instagram: @nice_nky. 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

Trigger warning: discussion of suicide In this emotionally powerful conversation, Dr. Dan speaks with Danielle Elliott Smith — author, advocate, coach, and host of the Hope Comes to Visit podcast. Danielle opens up about her raw and personal journey through addiction, sobriety, loss, and transformation. With unflinching honesty and grace, she shares the story behind her sobriety, the grief of losing a partner to relapse, and how choosing to ask for help saved her life. This is a story of what happens when we stop hiding, embrace vulnerability, and choose to live fully — even when life feels impossible.  Dr. Dan and Danielle talk about the thin line between “I don’t want to live” and “I don’t want to live like this” as well as how grief rearranges every relationship in your life and what it means to be an empath.Today’s episode is for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or on the verge of giving up. Danielle’s story reminds us that no matter how lost we feel, hope is never out of reach. For more information visit DanielleElliottSmith.com and Hope Comes To Visit.  Please follow @danielleelliottsmith 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

In this powerful and heart-opening episode, Dr. Dan interviews author, speaker, and life coach Shari Leid, founder of An Imperfectly Perfect Life and author of Table for 51: Lessons Learned from Sharing Meals Across America. Together, they explore the transformative journey from living someone else’s story to fully stepping into your authentic self. Shari shares her personal “flip the box” origin story—being found in a cardboard box in South Korea and how that symbolic box followed her for years, representing disconnection and lack of belonging. But through a courageous project to have meals with 50 women across all 50 states, she turned that box into a table of connection, compassion, purpose, and the book Table for 51. In this episode listeners will learn: how to move from a “good life” to a great life, how small acts of connection—like smiling or sharing a meal—can shift lives, and how adversity can unlock deep inner wisdom. Dr. Dan and Shari also discuss disconnection, connection, self-reflection, and more. Whether you're feeling stuck, searching for meaning, or you need a reminder that you matter, this episode will meet you where you are—and invite you to take the next bold step toward your version of great. For more information visit animperfectlyperfectlife.com and follow @an_imperfectly_perfect_life  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

In this powerful episode, Dr. Dan sits down with horseman and author Tik Maynard to answer the question “What does it mean to truly live with purpose?” and to explore what starting a colt, facing fear, and leaning into the unknown can teach us about self-awareness, resilience, and the courage to live authentically. On today’s episode and in his memoir Starting in the Middle: How Horses, Those Who Study Them, and 265 Minutes with One Colt Helped Me Find Myself at Midlife, Tik shares his journey from elite equestrian competitor to beginner again—accepting the call to enter one of the most intense horse competitions in the world at midlife. What followed was not only a test of horsemanship but a deep personal transformation. Highlights of Dr. Dan and Tik’s riveting conversation include: why the scariest decisions are often the most necessary, how "high involvement, low attachment" is the secret to performance and peace, why authenticity and self-reflection are the foundation of effective leadership, and what horses can teach us about presence, trust, and how to truly listen Tik's story is a powerful metaphor for every human seeking to live more intentionally, lead more compassionately, and grow through discomfort. Whether you're a horse person or not, this conversation offers rich insight into the human experience. Tik Maynard is a two-time winner of the Road to the Horse World Championship, author of In the Middle Are the Horsemen and Starting in the Middle, and an international clinician. Alongside his wife, top-level eventer Sinead Halpin, he runs Copperline Farm in Florida and teaches horsemanship with compassion and authenticity at the core. For more information about Tik go to: Copperline Equestrian. On Instagram follow @copperline_equestrian and @tikmaynardcompany 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this profoundly insightful episode, Dr. Dan welcomes back New York Times bestselling author and cultural thought leader Elise Loehnen to explore the power and necessity of shadow work. Together, they dive into Jungian psychology, the cost of cultural conditioning, and the stories we unconsciously carry that shape who we believe we must be. Elise talks to Dr. Dan about the journey that led to her latest project, Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness—a transformational guidebook co-written with coach Courtney Smith. From the drama triangle to internal family systems to working with the “eight sins,” this conversation is packed with tools and reflections to help you move from ego to soul, knowledge to wisdom, and fear to empowerment. Key Topics on this new episode include: what lives in our shadow—and why it matters; the cultural cost of being “good” vs. becoming whole; using anger, fear, and envy as tools for healing and growth; and the shadow’s role in leadership, parenting, and cultural change. Listeners will walk away with practical insights on identifying their unconscious stories, tools to integrate repressed parts of themselves, and a new lens through which to see themselves—and others—with compassion and clarity. For more information eliselunen.substack.com and follow @eliselunen on Instagram. Check out Elise’s podcast Pulling the Thread and her book On Our Best Behavior. Listen to Dan’s previous conversation with Elise On our Best Behavior. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. 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

Dr. Dan interviews Jennifer Pastiloff, bestselling author of On Being Human and the newly released Proof of Life: Let Go, Let Love, and Stop Looking for Permission to Live Your Life. In this powerful and heart-opening conversation, Dr. Dan welcomes back the raw, real, and radiant Jennifer Pastiloff for a deep dive into what it means to live with authenticity, courage, and compassion. Jen shares the story behind her new book Proof of Life, her journey through sobriety and self-honesty, and the pivotal moment when her young son told her, “Nothing you do is wrong.” Together, they unpack the healing power of creativity, the importance of staying open to possibility, and how grief, trauma, and synchronicity shape our growth. This episode is an invitation to stop hiding, let go of shame, and remember who you say you are. If you’ve ever felt like you needed permission to live your life fully, this episode is your sign that you are your own proof of life. For more information visit JenniferPastiloff.com and follow @jenpastiloff  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

Dr. Dan sits down with the incomparable Debbie Millman – acclaimed designer, illustrator, author of Love Letter to a Garden (foreword by Roxane Gay), and host of the groundbreaking podcast Design Matters. This moving episode is a conversation about creativity and a profound reflection on resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to heal and grow. Debbie shares the story of her nonlinear journey into design, the trauma that shaped her early years, and how creativity and advocacy became paths to her empowerment. From working alongside Mariska Hargitay at the Joyful Heart Foundation to exploring the intersections of art, activism, and authenticity, Debbie opens up to Dr. Dan and listeners with vulnerability and wisdom. Dr. Dan and Debbie also discuss the healing power of purpose and design; gardening as a metaphor for creativity, resilience, and existence; and embracing imperfection and aging. Whether you're a creative, a leader, or someone on a path of growth and healing, this conversation offers insight, inspiration, and hope. For more information debbiemillman.com and  designmattersmedia.com, and follow @debbiemillman 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

Dr. Dan interviews parenting expert, author, co-host of the Zen Pop Parenting podcast, and longtime friend Cathy Cassani Adams about self-awareness, life transitions, and the evolving journey of parenting.  On today’s episode, Dr. Dan and Cathy explore parental self-understanding, ways to raise resilient kids, how to listen to your body’s cues (your “dashboard”), and ending the myth of perfection in parenting, leadership, and life. Dr. Dan and Cathy also share why authenticity and vulnerability matter and how Cathy’s own experiences with grief, family, and creativity led her to redefine success, joy, and contentment – and inspired the evolution of Zen Parenting Radio to the new Zen Pop Parenting podcast. Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or simply someone navigating life’s transitions, this episode will inspire you to lead with compassion, stay grounded in your truth, and embrace the beautiful messiness of the human journey. Today’s heartfelt and deeply reflective conversation is a perfect companion to Dan and Cathy’s previous podcast discussion about parenting and mental health.  For more information zenpopparenting.com and follow @zenparentingradio 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

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Dan interviews comedian, improv actor, speaker, and author Claire Berger about her thought-provoking book How Much Is Enough? Getting More by Living with Less. Claire challenges us to embrace the concept of “enoughness” and to live more authentically. Drawing from her multifaceted career—stand-up comic, warm-up artist for sitcoms, and HGTV host—Claire shares powerful insights on how to redefine success on our own terms. On this episode, Claire and Dr. Dan explore the universal question: How much is enough? – and their answers redefine success, self-worth, perfectionism, and growth. Filled with humor, heart, and provocative questions, Dr. Dan and Claire encourage listeners to appreciate who they are, what they have, and to recognize that they are already more than enough. This conversation will shift your mindset and inspire you to embrace your perfectly imperfect, purpose-filled life. Learn more at www.claireberger.com and follow Claire on Instagram @4claireb. 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

Dr. Dan invites back a favorite guest, author and poet Jill Bialosky, to talk about her new memoir The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother.  Jill shares with Dr. Dan how the pandemic, the isolation of grief, and her mother’s decline due to Alzheimer’s inspired her to write this book as a way to preserve her mother’s life and legacy. Dan and Jill explore the complexities of parenthood and daughterhood, the weight of generational trauma, and much more. Their conversation reveals that healing can come through storytelling and sharing. Today’s conversation inspires us to consider the full lives our parents lived before we ever knew them. More than a literary conversation, today’s episode is a universal one about family, memory, loss, grief, and ultimately love. For more information www.jillbialosky.com and follow @jillbialosky on Instagram. Please listen to Dr. Dan’s previous interview with Jill about her extraordinary memoir History of a Suicide: My Sister’s Unfinished Life. 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