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

Dr. Dan and Dr. Greg Walton discuss Greg’s new book Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts.  On today’s episode, Dr. Walton explains his vision of what is possible for our relationships, communities, institutions, and the world. The interview reveals that even when we feel trapped, we have vast opportunities for change and we can free ourselves. In his literally “life-changing” work and book, Greg reveals how through “ordinary magic” we can create ordinary experiences that help us set aside the ordinary worries of life to unleash extraordinary change. Dr. Walton and Dr. Dan dig into how and why these “wise interventions” can help us chart new trajectories for our lives.  Listeners will leave this episode with the knowledge that we all have more power to improve our lives than we realize - and that we can become psychologically wiser humans by using Ordinary Magic. Greg Walton, Ph.D. developed the concept of “wise interventions” and has led much of the groundbreaking research. Dr. Walton is the co-­ director of the Dweck-­ Walton Lab, the Michael Forman University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, and a professor of psychology at Stanford University.  For more information gregorywalton.com and follow @stanford 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 Andrea Jones-Rooy – data scientist, educator, podcast host, comedian, and circus performer – about how data informs our journeys to being our best selves. Based on her life of weaving in between the worlds of science and art, Andrea believes that it’s at the intersection of science and art that we can make the biggest, most life-changing, and world-changing discoveries. Andrea’s multi-hyphenate careers (she is equally comfortable entertaining at comedy clubs, speaking to Fortune 500 companies, and sitting behind the podcast mic) prove data is the foundation of how we live, how we make decisions, and how we can make the world a better place. Dr. Dan and Andrea define data and then discuss the data related to our current moment in history. They explore why democratizing data science empowers everyone—not just statisticians—to make sense of the numbers shaping our world. From political polarization to public health to how we read headlines, Dr. Dan and Andrea tell us how we can all use data for good.   Andrea Jones-Rooy hosts the podcast Behind The Data where she discusses how data is actually collected, its limitations, and offers advice on how to factor it into decision-making. Andrea believes there’s no such thing as being just a “math person” or a “creative” – she insists we’re all capable of brilliance in both. “It’s all about finding the right way to unlock those skills and discovering what we’re truly capable of.”  Listeners will learn from, laugh, and love today’s discussion - even if they hate math!  For more information www.jonesrooy.com and follow @jonesrooy 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 Michele Y. Smith, the passionate CEO of Seattle’s Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP). Michele’s inspiring journey and people-centered leadership style drive her work at MOPOP and reflect her deep commitment to community-building, empathy, and mentorship. On today’s episode, Michele shares the personal and professional experiences that shaped her. Dr. Dan and Michele explore her dedication to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and developing emerging leaders. Michele explains how pop culture—viewed at MOPOP as a living history—serves to illuminate diverse stories and cultural evolutions. More than just a reflection of our society, MOPOP aims to help shape a more inclusive and impactful cultural future. Dr. Dan and Michele’s riveting and compelling conversation shows us the vital role arts institutions play in preserving music, film, and cultural history for future generations—something we need now more than ever.  For more information visit mopop.org and follow @mopopseattle 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 award-winning syndicated columnist, TEDx speaker, and author Bonnie Jean Feldkamp about her popular Creators column “Holding Space For Good” and how her journalism shows us how to find the good in our communities and ourselves. On this deeply personal episode, Dr. Dan and Bonnie discuss her decision to leave a prestigious editorial position and commit to aligning her work with her values. Their conversation is real, raw, and a reminder that we can all find and hold the space for good – in our work, family, relationships. Dr. Dan and Bonnie also discuss self-worth, trauma, healing, and living our truth. Bonnie is passionate about holding space for others to safely express themselves so everyone feels that they belong - a message that will resonate with listeners everywhere.  Bonnie’s column and her YouTube channel are dedicated to holding space for good by sharing compelling stories about the people working to make our communities – and this world – a better place. Whether you're facing mental health challenges, struggling emotionally, navigating career changes, or wondering how to stay hopeful in an uncertain world — this inspiring conversation is for you.For more information writerbonnie.com and follow @writerbonniejean 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 transformative episode, Dr. Dan sits down with Hayden Lee, a Master Certified Coach who holds the pinnacle of credentials in the coaching industry, to delve deep into the life-changing power of the Enneagram.This conversation is nothing short of mind-opening and mind-altering. The Enneagram, an ancient personality system rooted in spiritual traditions, reveals the core motivations, desires, and fears that shape who we are. Whether in counseling, business, or spiritual development, the Enneagram offers profound insights into our inner workings, helping us understand what drives us and how we can leverage our natural strengths for lasting growth.Throughout this captivating episode, Dr. Dan opens up about his own transformative Enneagram journey with Hayden, offering listeners an intimate look at the power of self-awareness and personal evolution. Together, they explore how identifying our Enneagram type can radically shift the way we view the world, unlock hidden layers of self-understanding, and guide us toward a path of personal happiness and professional fulfillment.Today’s episode isn’t just about theory and the detailed Enneagram process—it’s about real-world impact and actionable steps listeners can explore. During the discussion, Hayden demonstrates (in real time) his coaching magic and intuitive gifts, explaining how his methods elevate individuals, organizations, and businesses to new heights.This dynamic, paradigm-shifting conversation is filled with wisdom, insight, and inspiration. Listeners seeking to unlock their true potential and highest self can start their journey by listening to this episode first.Founder of Hayden Lee Coaching International and Co-Founder of Master Mind Institute, Hayden has worked with Google, Lyft, IBM, Lionsgate, and NBCUniversal and has led powerful trainings at TEDx, UC Berkeley, and the International Enneagram Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, among others.For more information www.haydenlee.com and follow @haydenleecoaching 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 speaks to Allison Carmen, a Maria Shriver "Architect of Change," Uncertainty Expert, and creator of The Maybe Mindset — a concept that is in Oprah’s New Dictionary of Enlightenment.Allison teaches us how embracing uncertainty can be our greatest ally. By living in Maybe, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. This powerful mindset helps us break free from the stress of needing to know what’s next and invites us to believe in the potential of the unknown.In this episode, Dr. Dan and Allison dive into The Maybe Mindset and explore how it can transform our lives. They discuss how uncertainty, when welcomed, leads to less fear and more joy. Instead of chasing certainty, we can choose to live in the freedom of "Maybe" — creating room for growth, happiness, and success.Listeners will discover how Maybe can change everything – because Maybe the best is yet to come!Allison Carmen is a TEDx Speaker, host of the 10 Minutes to Less Suffering podcast, and author of The Gift of Maybe: Offering Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times and other books. She is also the CFO/General Counsel/Chief Business Operator of The Motherhood Center of New York and a business consultant and coach. For more, listen to Allison’s interview on Parent Footprint with Dr. Dan.For more information, visit www.allisoncarmen.com and follow @allisoncarmen 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 Shauna Brittenham Reiter, author of You Are the Boss of You: Cultivate the Mindset and Tools to Live Life on Your Own Terms and founder of Alaya Naturals, a holistic health wellness company.Shauna's journey is inspiring. Diagnosed with Crohn’s disease as a teenager, congenital neutropenia in her twenties, and a heart condition in her thirties, Shauna's battles with her health led to a profound story of radical healing. Her path took her from a psychiatric hospital at the age of nineteen to the creation of a multimillion-dollar wellness company before the age of forty.Dr. Dan and Shauna deep dive into the importance of confronting emotional pain and reparenting the parts of ourselves that feel out of control. They also discuss overcoming perfectionism, embracing self-advocacy, and healing deep-seated trauma.Shauna’s journey of healing and self-discovery proves that anything is possible when we face our pain, nurture the world within, and push past the mental barriers holding us back. This transformative conversation will empower listeners to chase their biggest dreams and live life on their terms. For more information and follow @shaunabrittenhamreiter 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 speaks to “The Kindness Guy” Leon Logothetis, best-selling author, motivational speaker, global adventurer, TV personality, and host of the new documentary The Kindness Within: A Journey to Freedom (the sequel to The Kindness Diaries).Leon believes that kindness can change everything – and so will listeners after hearing today’s Make It a Great One conversation.Before he became “The Kindness Guy,” Leon Logothetis lived an uninspired life as a broker in London. Though seemingly successful, he was chronically depressed. To change his life, Leon gave up everything for life on the road that was fueled by giving and receiving kindness. On his transformative journey to over 100 countries, Leon found that kindness can drive personal and collective transformation and create a brighter future.Dr. Dan and Leon discuss the power of kindness (we are more similar than different), ways to be kind (follow Leon’s kindness recipe), and how The Kindness Within led to Leon’s discovery that the true meaning of life is an intimate exploration of the kindness, love, and purpose already within us all. Everyday, Leon Logothetis inspires millions with his message of compassion and human connection. He shows us all that kindness can change everything.For more information visit www.leonlogothetis.com and follow @thekindnessguy 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 podcast legend STEVEN RAY MORRIS, the “Steven” millions of fans of the My Favorite Murder podcast yell loudly to when they see him IRL.Steven Ray Morris is a podcast producer, host, and audio engineer/editor. Steven shares his personal story and journey - from growing up in an over-achieving family to discovering dinosaurs, murderinos, okapis, and more. Steven follows his bliss – and the powerful takeaway for listeners is the same: following our bliss brings us to the next right thing.An OG in the podcast space, Steven Ray Morris is well known for his seven-year journey working on the true crime comedy podcast phenomenon My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. He co-hosted the cat podcast The Purrrcast and currently hosts See Jurassic Right (a podcast about Jurassic Park as well as movies, science, and curiosity). Steven also produces the popular Step By Step rewatch podcast, Keanan And Lakin Give You Déjà Vu, with former TGIF stars Christine Lakin and Stacy Keanan. Enjoy this intimate talk with our favorite Steven (one of the first to cheer for Make It a Great One with Dr. Dan). Thank you STEVEN!!!  Keep following your bliss and we’ll keep following you! For more information go to www.patreon.com/seejurassicright follow @stevenraymorris on Instagram and @stevenraymorris.bsky.social on BlueSky.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 speaks to podcast phenomenon Brittani Ard, host of You Probably Think This Story's About You on this powerful episode.Raw, haunting, and achingly human, Brittani’s podcast isn’t your typical true crime story - it is her riveting story about relationships, life, love, family, survival, deception, secrets, pain, and ultimately overcoming challenges to heal and live a life of self-awareness and empowerment. Brittani’s podcast has touched millions of listeners - You Probably Think This Story’s About You hit #1 on Apple Podcasts in both “All Categories" and "True Crime" and #1 in “True Crime” on Spotify, hitting 5 million downloads in the first 4 months.Dr. Dan and Brittani talk about pursuing our passions, living authentically, modeling empathy, healing emotional wounds, wisdom to her life. Brittani Ard is a mother to six from age 18-29 (three biological children, two adopted brothers, and a bonus mom to her stepson/ex-husband). With her adventurous spirit, and nurturing heart, Brittani Ard strives to leave her unique mark of creativity, compassion, and connection wherever she goes. Through telling her own story, she opens our hearts to telling our own.For more information www.brittaniard.com and follow @brittani.ard 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