

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
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 24, 2023 • 1h 33min
From Yoga to True Crime with Sara DiVello
Dr. Dan interviews true crime author and yoga teacher Sara DiVello about her journey from corporate public relations to yoga teacher to true crime novelist — including living childfree, dog Mom life (to beloved rescue mutt Peluda), mental health, and so much more. Dr. Dan and Sara discuss how to be present including how to sit with discomfort, managing lifelong anxiety, her bestseller Broadway Butterfly (which features several childfree characters), and much more on this lively, energizing, honest, inspiring episode.Sara DiVello is a writer and the creator/host of Mystery and Thriller Mavens, a popular author series. She is also the author of Where in the Om Am I? her an irreverent, honest, and hilarious memoir chronicling her journey from the fast-paced, cutthroat corporate world, to the slow-paced, surprisingly catty (and sometimes perilous world) of yoga. Sara has appeared on CBS, ABC, and CNBC, as well as in the New York Times, Forbes, the San Francisco Chronicle, and more. For more information visit Sara’s website www.saradivello.com and follow her on social media @saradivello.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Aug 17, 2023 • 56min
Why Fathers Cry at Night with Kwame Alexander
Dr. Dan interviews Kwame Alexander poet, educator, speaker, publisher, and the #1 New York Times bestselling author of 38 books including the powerful memoir Why Fathers Cry at Night: A Memoir in Love Poems, Letters, Recipes, and Remembrances.Dr. Dan and Kwame discuss his father, family, parenting, writing, his mom, and much more during this intimate, lyrical, poetic interview. Dr. Dan and Kwame’s conversation is inspiring and unforgettable. A regular contributor to NPR's Morning Edition, Kwame is the recipient of numerous awards, including The Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, The Coretta Scott King Author Honor, Three NAACP Image Award Nominations, and the 2017 Inaugural Pat Conroy Legacy Award. He is the Executive Producer, Showrunner, and Writer of The Crossover TV series, based on his Newbery-Medal winning novel of the same name, which premiered on Disney+ in April 2023.For more information please visit www.KwameAlexander.com.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Aug 10, 2023 • 1h 1min
Yes! Your Child Can with Dr. Victoria Waller
Dr. Dan interviews Dr. Victoria Waller about her book Yes! Your Child Can: Creating Success for Children with Learning Differences as well as her proven techniques to create success for children with learning differences and challenges to draw out the singular genius within each child. Dr. Dan and Dr. Waller talk about her “secret sauce” and teaching to strengths and passions. Dr. Waller explains how to use our child's natural strengths and passions to build academic, social, and personal confidence. Dr. Waller empowers parents to let their children follow their own interests, whether it's learning about sharks, reading to the dog, or writing. Dr. Waller’s techniques are effective and inspiring – just like this energizing episode.For over 40 years, internationally acclaimed reading specialist and student advocate Dr. Victoria E. Waller has helped children who have trouble reading, who can't sit still in class, who don't feel like they can participate—children whom teachers have all but given up on. Every child can succeed in school and life, but some children need more help than others. Dr. Victoria Waller was the creator of the My Disney Busy Bags for Travel on Planes and Cars for Disney/Hyperion Books and she has created backpacks and toys for M&M Mars, Inc. She was a founding member of the L.A. Children’s Museum, a veteran speaker for the International Reading Association for 25 years, is the focus of Eve Bunting’s internationally-acclaimed-and Caldecott Medal award-winning middle grade novel, Sixth Grade Sleepover and is Kourtney Kardashian’s children’s ‘rockstar’ tutor!Find out more on her website: www.drvictoriawaller.com Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Aug 3, 2023 • 59min
The One Love Foundation, Healthy Relationships, and Teens’ Social Media with Ebele Onyema
Dr. Dan interviews with Ebele Onyema of One Love Foundation about the recent Surgeon General’s stern warning on social media and teens. Dr. Dan and Ebele discuss how social media can actually serve as a positive lifeline for teens in need of healthy connections. They explore how to strike a balance between IRL (“in real life”) and online connections as well as making sure that teens have tools to build relationships – romantic or platonic – in a healthy way. In addition, Dr. Dan and Ebele discuss One Love Foundation, a nonprofit that empowers young people to recognize the signs of healthy and unhealthy relationships. With workshops, PSAs and resources like their 10 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship, One Love Foundation was founded to honor the unnecessary and tragic death of Yeardley Love and has reached over 100 million young people. Ebele Onyema is the Director of Digital Content & Partnerships at One Love Foundation, the national leader in educating young people about relationship health. Onyema believes that love is learned, and utilizes digital platforms to provide young people with tools to avoid abuse and create a world of healthier relationships.Ebele serves on the board of The GEANCO Foundation, an organization dedicated to transforming the health and education outcomes of women and girls in southern Nigeria. Ebele earned her bachelor’s degree in Political Economics from Georgetown University, and her Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago. For more information please visit: www.joinonelove.org.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Jul 27, 2023 • 58min
Drowning in Silence with filmmaker Chezik Tsunoda
***Content Warning: drowning and child loss.Today Dr. Dan interviews filmmaker Chezik Tsunoda to raise awareness about childhood drowning. In September 2018, journalist Chezik Tsunoda’s life changed when her son Yori died after a tragic drowning accident. Dr. Dan interviews Chezik Tsunoda about her loss and her sorrow as well as her powerful documentary Drowning in Silence about the grief she experienced after losing her son to drowning. The film is a beautiful tribute to her son but also a call to action for Black communities to incorporate water safety into their daily lives. Sixty-four percent of African-Americans have no swimming ability. In addition, fatal drowning is the leading cause of death for children one to four, according to the CDC. Chezik Tsunoda is a mother of four boys, a documentary filmmaker, and the founder of No More Under. Tsunoda is passionate about drowning prevention, with a specific emphasis on equity in aquatics and expanding water safety accessibility. Her commitment to this effort can also be seen in her legislative advocacy. Her film plays a crucial role in raising awareness, contributing to prevention efforts, and potentially saving lives. For more details and information please visit www.cheziktsunoda.com and www.drowninginsilence.com. Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Jul 25, 2023 • 44min
BONUS EPISODE #25: Sitting Down with Dr. Dan – Listener Questions about college and helicopter parenting, Dr. Dan’s book recs, kids and friends, and more
Listen to July’s Sitting Down with Dr. Dan bonus episode now! Host Dr. Dan and podcast producer Laura Rossi answer your questions about a sleepaway camp debate, parents questioning their adult daughter’s boyfriend choice, a seemingly friendless kid, and Dr. Dan’s book recommendations.Each month Dr. Dan answers listener questions about parenting (and sometimes adulting, too!) on our Sitting Down with Dr. Dan bonus episodes. Please email your parenting questions to podcast@drdanpeters.com or DM us on social media. We read every question and we want to consider yours for a future bonus episode.Our new bonus episodes drop in our regular podcast feed that last Tuesday of every month.Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, Wondery, Amazon Music, or wherever you like to listen. Remember you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.comwww.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shopDr. Dan’s expertise and wisdom is not a diagnosis or treatment. The information provided on the Parent Footprint podcast should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Please reach out to your doctor for advice or a qualified health provider regarding medical conditions, questions, or situations. The information provided on Parent Footprint and by Dr. Dan is for entertainment purposes only, and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Dr. Dan does not know your child, is not your child’s doctor, and has not treated your child.
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Jul 20, 2023 • 60min
Raising Good Humans Every Day with Hunter Clarke-Fields
Dr. Dan is excited to speak to the inspiring, passionate, beloved parenting expert Hunter Clarke-Fields about her books and parenting tips. Hunter is the #1 bestselling author of Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids as well as the new book Raising Good Humans Every Day: 50 Simple Ways to Press Pause, Stay Present, and Connect. Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE, RYT (“mindful mama mentor”) is the creator of the Mindful Parenting course and host of the Mindful Mama podcast. Using the Mindful Parenting Method, she helps parents bring more calm and peace into their daily lives. Today Dr. Dan and Hunter discuss how mindfulness can make you a better parent and much more.Hunter has over twenty years of experience in meditation practices and has taught mindfulness to thousands worldwide. For more information about Hunter, the course, her books, and more visit www.mindfulmamamentor.com and follow Hunter on social media.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Jul 13, 2023 • 56min
The Gifted Parenting Journey with Gail Post
Dr. Dan welcomes clinical psychologist, expert, and author Dr. Gail Post to the podcast to discuss tools to help parents of gifted children in this educational episode for gifted and 2e (twice-exceptional) families. Dr. Post has written hundreds of posts and articles about giftedness and is passionate about advocating for the needs of gifted children, dispelling the pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes about giftedness, and supporting families in their parenting efforts - especially the needs and emotional life of parents of gifted children.A Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Post is the author of The Gifted Parenting Journey: A Guide to Self-discovery and Support for Families of Gifted Children. The book combines her experience as a psychologist, parent, and advocate for change. For more information and resources please visit: www.gailpost.com.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Jul 6, 2023 • 52min
My Legs Are Crying: What A Pediatrician Learned About Emotionally-Based Illness with Dr. Maggie Kozel
Today Dr. Dan interviews pediatrician and author Dr. Maggie Kozel about children and emotionally-based illnesses. In this unprecedented time of pediatric (and adult) mental health crisis, this episode is essential listening for all families, caregivers, and medical professionals.Shortly after Dr. Kozel accepted a position as Medical Director of the Inpatient MedPsych unit at Hasbro Children’s Hospital (Providence, RI), she realized she had been treating emotionally-based illnesses in her previous pediatric patients with “one hand tied behind her back” and this revelation transformed her work. Now through My Legs Are Crying, Dr. Kozel’s pediatric experience teaches us about the emotional brain, mental health, depression, and anxiety. Dr. Dan and Dr. Kozel discuss the book (Dr. Dan was an *early reader), her work, and methods to effectively manage pediatric anxiety. A graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, Dr. Kozel is an activist for healthcare equity and common sense gun safety, and her numerous commentaries have appeared in the New York Times and Huffington Post. For more information please visit her website www.maggiekozelmd.com.* “My Legs are Crying is a must-read for all who care for children. Dr. Kozel, a seasoned, skilled, and compassionate pediatrician, takes us on her journey of understanding the complex dynamics of emotionally based illnesses. She teaches us that regardless of the source, children and adolescents' body pain and symptoms are real, that parents are doing their best to help their children, and that restoring health and functioning requires a thoughtful, patient, and multidisciplinary approach." – Dr. Dan PetersEmail your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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Jun 29, 2023 • 56min
The Brooker Family Popcast: parenting, entertainment, and pop culture with Heather and Chris
It’s Family Time on Parent Footprint! Dr. Dan welcomes The Brooker Family — their POPcast recently launched Season 2! Hosted by 2-time Emmy Award-winning and Webby Award-winning journalist, actor and comedian Heather Brooker, her husband Chris and their 10-year-old daughter, Channing, their show is the first ever video podcast to bring parents and kids together to talk about entertainment, video games, music, pop culture and more. Dr. Dan interviews Heather and Chris about their family, their family entertainment video podcast, and how three entertaining personalities, all of them in the performing and creative arts, pour over pop culture current topics and releases together. This episode is like The Brookers — relatable, unfiltered, fun, and funny! Heather Brooker is an Emmy Award-winning actress/comedian. She’s appeared in over 40 films and TV shows including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Office,” “Fresh Off The Boat,” “The Mindy Project'' and more. Heather was in the unprecedented role of digital entertainment reporter for KNBC in Los Angeles, where she regularly interviewed celebrities and luminaries in Hollywood. On her top rated podcast, Heather discusses her two passions — parenting and show business — and has a hilariously addicting, tell-it-like-it-is personality. In the six years since creating Motherhood in Hollywood, Heather has built a community of nearly 1 million followers across her social media and online platforms. She recently spoke at the GirlUp Leadership Summit alongside Michelle Obama, Hillary Clinton and Meghan Markle about gender equity and body positivity and is passionate about empowering women to love their bodies of every shape and size. Follow heather on Instagram @theheatherbrooker and TikTok @heatherbrookerChris Brooker is a recovering radio DJ with a passion for music. As a former program director for several stations across the midwest, he became an expert at finding new artists and sharing them with the world. If you're wondering, he will judge you on your favorite band. He's also an avid comic book fan, loves all things Marvel and DC and will gladly tell you his thoughts on each of their new projects. Follow him on Instagram @uziqguy and TikTok @chrisbrookerFor more information about The Brooker Family visit: www.brookerfamilypopcast.com.Email your parenting questions to Dr. Dan podcast@drdanpeters.com (we might answer on a future episode).Follow us @parentfootprintpodcast (Instagram, Facebook) and @drdanpeters (Twitter).Listen, follow, and leave us a review on Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Wondery, or wherever you like to listen!Don’t forget, you can hear every episode one week early and ad-free by subscribing to Wondery+ in the @WonderyMedia App.For more information:www.exactlyrightmedia.com www.drdanpeters.comFor podcast merch:www.exactlyrightmedia.com/parent-footprint-shop
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