The saying “Follow your dreams” appears everywhere—from graduation speeches to viral TikTok videos to campaign rallies. But what does it really mean in 2025, and does it still hold up in a rapidly changing world? Recent discussions in the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast reveal that success stories are rarely neat and linear. Listeners heard from Sarah Chen, who left a stable investment banking career to launch a youth literacy nonprofit. For Sarah, the leap from security to uncertainty brought sleepless nights and financial stress but also the profound reward of seeing her work change lives. She—and others who traded corporate jobs for creative or activist pursuits—echo the same sentiment: chasing a passion is never a fairy tale, but the mix of challenge and fulfillment can be life-changing.

That reality is reflected in a new UCLA study showing that while 86% of young people still believe in the American dream, the majority feel blocked by tough economic realities and rising mental health concerns. Over half say they want to see more honest portrayals of these struggles in media, rather than just highlight reels or overnight success stories. Atlas Burrus, a Gen Z writer quoted in the study, summed it up: for many in this generation, just surviving in today’s world feels like an ambitious dream.

Pursuing a dream now calls for both vision and realism. Heather Havrilesky, in her essay “Embrace Your Dreams in 2025,” argues the real challenge is not just going after what you want, but figuring out what is actually worth wanting—what will lead to a flourishing life, not just an impressive resume. The podcast’s guests recommend reflecting on what activities make you lose track of time, setting realistic milestones, and staying open to pivots along the way. Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott reminds us that success can mean rewriting the script, blending sports, music, and activism despite daunting odds.

In the end, following your dreams in 2025 isn’t about chasing a fantasy. It’s about taking small, bold steps toward what excites you, seeking out mentors and support, redefining what success looks like, and accepting setbacks as part of the adventure. The journey isn’t always easy, but daring to follow your passion—however unconventional—can weave a life that feels both authentic and deeply rewarding.

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Welcome, listeners. Today, we’re unraveling the real meaning of the phrase “Follow your dreams”—those famous words that echo through graduation speeches, saturate social media, and appear on campaign slogans. In 2025, their significance is being reimagined. According to a recent episode of the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, the journey to success is rarely a straight line. One guest, a former investment banker who became a wildlife photographer, described changing careers as “terrifying, but essential.” For them, fulfillment came from being open to unexpected turns and recognizing that passions can evolve over time.

A 2025 study from UCLA revealed that 86% of young people still aspire to achieve the American dream, but most report major economic barriers. In fact, 60% say it’s personally hard to get there, and more than half want honest depictions of financial struggles and mental health in media. There’s a hunger for realism—today’s dreamers are asking for stories that include setbacks and new beginnings, not just glossy highlight reels.

Essayist Heather Havrilesky, in her recent piece “Embrace Your Dreams in 2025,” urges us all to go deeper than simply chasing any desire. She suggests asking: “What’s truly worth wanting?” Our culture tends to glamorize outcomes—money, fame, titles—but lasting satisfaction often comes from discovering what genuinely brings joy, even if it means taking an unconventional path.

We’ve seen inspiring examples this year. Paralympic gold medalist Dylan Alcott broke through social expectations and physical barriers by weaving together sports, music, and activism—proving that success is about refusing to accept limitations and finding purpose in surprising places.

For anyone listening and hoping to act, here’s some practical advice. Reflect on the activities that absorb you completely, the ones that make time disappear. Set small, achievable goals and stay flexible as you learn and grow. Regularly revisit your aspirations and don’t be afraid to pivot. Remember, setbacks are just part of the process and can fuel resilience.

In a rapidly changing world, following your dreams is about more than ambition—it’s about redefining success on your terms, remaining authentic, and embracing the adventure of becoming who you truly are.

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Listeners, today we're taking a closer look at the phrase "follow your dreams," a message stamped on social media feeds, sprayed across city walls, and echoed in nearly every graduation speech. But what does it really mean to pursue your dreams in 2025, and what does the journey look like behind the scenes?

Recently on the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, we heard from Sarah Chen, who left a stable career in investment banking to launch a nonprofit focused on youth literacy. For Sarah, stepping off the conventional path meant facing sleepless nights and financial anxiety, but also experiencing the profound reward of seeing her work make a difference. She—and other guests including digital creators who left traditional jobs—agreed: following your passion isn’t a fairy tale. It’s a mix of exhilaration, uncertainty, and hard-won fulfillment.

This reality is echoed in a recent UCLA study showing that while 86 percent of young people aspire to their own version of the American Dream, most see financial barriers and mental health challenges as significant hurdles. Social media dramatically shapes how they view success, and many want stories—on screen and in real life—that honestly depict both struggles and triumphs. Atlas Burrus, a Gen Z author quoted in the study, put it bluntly: for many, simply surviving feels like a dream in itself.

The tension between possibility and limitation is powerfully symbolized in Banksy’s “Follow Your Dreams: Cancelled” mural, which has become a talking point for those acknowledging that not everyone has the privilege to pursue their dreams freely. Still, research from BetterUp suggests that people regret missed opportunities more than failed attempts, highlighting that inaction can carry the greater cost.

So what’s the advice for listeners hoping to chase a dream? Start small. Find support. Redefine success by your own terms. Accept setbacks as inevitable steps in the process. Whether your dream is big or modest, it’s the courage to act—and the willingness to adapt—that matter most. The path may be winding, but fulfillment often lies not just in reaching the dream, but in daring to follow where it leads.

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Listeners, “Follow your dreams” is a phrase we’ve all heard in graduation speeches, social media posts, and even political slogans, but in 2025, its meaning is more layered than ever. The allure of chasing your passion remains strong, yet the path is rarely straightforward, as highlighted in the recent “Follow Your Dreams in 2025” podcast. One guest, once an investment banker and now a wildlife photographer, described leaving security as both terrifying and transformative, urging us to stay open to twists and changes—because what fulfills us can evolve over time.

Modern advice is shifting. According to a recent Time feature with Yale’s Center for Faith & Culture, true satisfaction isn’t found only in chasing what you want, but by seriously considering what is genuinely worth wanting. Social media and cultural narratives often spotlight glamorous end results—success, status, wealth—but many who’ve taken unconventional routes say the real value lies in living authentically, even if the journey means facing risk, doubt, or setbacks.

Young people entering the workforce this year are feeling the pressure more than ever: competition for jobs is fierce, student debt remains high, and AI is shaking up the career landscape. Handshake’s “Big Dreams, Bigger Challenges” report notes that while the Class of 2025 is ambitious—aiming to lead teams and launch businesses—over half face significant financial stress, and disparities are especially strong for women, Black students, and first-generation college graduates. Still, many are determined to forge their own paths and see their education as preparation for long-term growth.

For listeners seeking actionable advice, experts suggest: start small and specific, whether by writing down your goals or visualizing both what success would look like and what’s at stake if you don’t pursue your dream. Find what makes you lose track of time, reflect regularly, and adjust your goals as you grow. As recent guests on “Following Your Dreams in 2025” remind us, setbacks are inevitable but not final—they teach resilience and reveal new possibilities.

So, listeners, following your dreams in the modern world means combining passion with reflection, courage with flexibility, and always asking: what is truly worth striving for? Every step toward what matters to you is a step toward a life of deeper meaning and joy.

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Follow your dreams—three words that have shaped countless lives and resonated across generations, but what do they really mean in 2025? The world has never been more dynamic, with economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and evolving definitions of success influencing how we chase our deepest aspirations.

According to a recent UCLA study, while 86% of young people still find the idea of achieving their dreams desirable, many feel those dreams are out of reach due to mounting economic barriers. Financial worries and the pressure to maintain a certain lifestyle—fueled in part by social media—are making the pursuit of passion seem like a luxury for many, rather than a realistic goal. The study also shows that young adults want more realistic portrayals of the challenges associated with following dreams, including mental health and financial setbacks, not just picture-perfect happy endings.

But behind every cliché is a personal story that challenges the odds. On the podcast “Follow Your Dreams in 2025,” one guest, a former investment banker who walked away from Wall Street to become a wildlife photographer, described the leap as ‘terrifying but essential.’ Their advice for listeners was to stay open to unexpected turns, reevaluate what you truly want, and not to fear pivoting—even later in life.

Paralympic gold medalist Dylan Alcott, featured in recent interviews, shared that resilience, support from loved ones, and a refusal to accept limitations were key to redefining what was possible for him. The journey rarely follows a straight line—there are setbacks, self-doubt, and moments when giving up seems easier than pressing on.

For listeners wondering how to apply this to their lives: reflect regularly on what excites you, set achievable goals, and embrace flexibility. Focus on progress over perfection. It’s not about grandeur, but about identifying what lights you up—even if that means taking an unconventional path, scaling back, or starting over.

In a rapidly changing world, following your dreams isn’t just about blind ambition; it’s about honest self-inquiry, resilience, and the courage to chart your own course. Every step toward your passion, no matter how small, is a step toward a more authentic life.

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Welcome, listeners. Today we're diving into the phrase “Follow your dreams,” those three words that fuel graduation speeches, social media posts, and even campaign slogans. But in 2025, what does following your dreams truly look like in a world defined by economic uncertainty, social pressure, and rapid change?

Recent conversations on the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast highlighted that success rarely unfolds along a straight path. One guest, a former investment banker turned wildlife photographer, described the leap away from a secure career as “terrifying, but essential.” Their journey underscores that what we love can shift over time, and the courage to take an uncertain route may lead to lasting fulfillment—sometimes well beyond financial success.

A 2025 UCLA study found that while 86% of young people still aim for the American dream, most report daunting economic obstacles. In fact, 60% say it’s personally difficult to achieve, and over half want to see more realistic stories about financial struggles and mental health on screen. This generation dreams big but craves honest conversations about the barriers they face—rising costs, job insecurity, and feeling like survival is a struggle.

Pursuing your dreams today demands both imagination and realism. As essayist Heather Havrilesky asks in her latest piece, it’s not just about pursuing what you want, but questioning “what’s truly worth wanting?” Modern culture often spotlights the finish line—money, recognition, status—but true satisfaction comes from identifying what lights you up, even if it’s unconventional or slow to materialize.

Take inspiration from those who’ve broken the mold: a tech worker who swapped code for a paintbrush, a journalist who found freedom on the road, or Paralympic champion Dylan Alcott, who redefined success by blending sports, music, and activism despite societal expectations and physical challenges.

For those listening and searching for their next step, start by reflecting on what activities make you lose track of time. Set achievable goals, remain open to change, and remember—setbacks build resilience. The path to your dreams won’t always be smooth, but each step, each pivot, is a thread in a life authentically lived. In 2025, following your dreams isn't just about ambition—it's about redefining success on your own terms and embracing the adventure of becoming.

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Welcome to "Dream Chasers," where we explore what it truly means to follow your dreams in 2025.

The phrase "follow your dreams" has inspired countless graduation speeches and social media posts, but what does it really mean in today's rapidly changing world? As we discussed in our episode just three days ago, these three simple words carry profound weight.

Many of us struggle with the tension between passion and practicality. A recent UCLA study revealed that while 86% of young people still desire to achieve their version of the American dream, 60% believe it's out of reach due to economic barriers. For many in Gen Z, basic milestones like homeownership feel impossible.

Today we're joined by Atlas Burrus, who explains, "Most of us are just trying to survive, go to school and work while the world is literally burning." This sentiment reflects the 74% of young people who believe achieving happiness is harder for their generation.

But pursuing dreams isn't just about career success. It's about creating a life that aligns with your deepest values. As one expert puts it, "Deeper than our dreams is the question of what is worth wanting."

Our guest Kelsy from elää wellness suggests a science-backed approach: "The way to stay motivated in your goals is to actually visualize what would happen if you didn't reach them." This creates the neurological motivation to take action.

Remember, dreams never truly die. They can always be reclaimed, even after years of neglect. As we've heard from numerous guests, even when dreams don't work out exactly as envisioned, the journey transforms you into who you're meant to become.

So listeners, take time to reflect on what makes you lose track of time, what issues excite you, and what path would make your future self thankful. Because in the end, the journey toward your dreams is always worthwhile.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Welcome, listeners. Today we’re exploring the phrase “Follow your dreams,” three words that have inspired countless graduation speeches, TikTok posts, and even presidential campaign slogans. But in 2025, what does it really mean to pursue your passions, especially when balancing the demands of fast-paced modern life?

As highlighted in the “Follow Your Dreams” podcast, success stories rarely follow a straight line. One guest, a former investment banker who’s now a wildlife photographer, shared that leaving a high-paying job felt “terrifying, but essential.” Their advice? Stay open to unexpected turns. What you love may evolve, and the courage to pivot, even late in life, can lead to true fulfillment.

According to a recent essay by Heather Havrilesky in her piece “Embrace Your Dreams in 2025,” it’s not just about chasing what you want, but asking, “What’s truly worth wanting?” Modern culture tends to glamorize the end result—fame, wealth, titles—but real satisfaction often comes from recognizing what genuinely brings you joy, even if it means making unconventional choices.

Pursuing dreams today takes both vision and realism. ELAA Wellness writes that visualization is a powerful motivator, but so is asking what would happen if you didn’t go after your goals. This “reverse visualization” can spark the urgency to act, helping you clarify what matters and prompting bold steps.

Let’s not ignore the challenges. Many, like Paralympic gold medalist Dylan Alcott, overcame social expectations and physical barriers to reinvent what was possible. Alcott credits his family’s support and his refusal to accept limitations as key to his success, blending sports, music, and activism to inspire others.

For listeners seeking practical guidance: take time to reflect on what excites you and what activities make you lose track of time. Set specific, achievable goals—a small win can build momentum. Stay flexible, revisit your aspirations regularly, and remember, it’s never too late to reconnect with what lights you up. The world changes quickly, but the drive to live authentically remains timeless. Your path may not be easy, but every step toward your passion is a step into a more meaningful life.

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Welcome, listeners, to a conversation that digs beneath the surface of the phrase we’ve all heard at least once: “Follow your dreams.” On today’s show, we’re exploring the real complexities—and the real rewards—of chasing passion in the modern world.

The podcast “Follow Your Dreams” hosted by William Corbin brings on guests who have taken less traveled roads. One recent story featured an artist who turned down a major tech job to pursue painting. She admitted the fear of failure was intense, and most days didn’t look anything like a highlight reel. But in the struggle, she found a sense of fulfillment and growth she says money alone couldn’t deliver. Another guest, a travel journalist, spoke of leaving behind the comfort of routine. Facing the unknown brought anxiety, but also a sense of self-direction and creative joy she wouldn’t trade for anything.

Yet we’d be missing the point if we ignored the practical realities. A new UCLA study in 2025 found that 86% of young people still hold onto the idea of the American dream, but cite finances as their biggest hurdle. Many feel that economic uncertainty makes their dreams harder to reach, and over half wish for more realistic stories—on social media and beyond—about what it takes to build a purposeful life.

Entrepreneurship expert Simon Squibb, in a recent feature, urges us to ask not just “what do I want,” but “what is worth wanting?” He reminds listeners that true motivation doesn’t come from chasing market trends, but from connecting with something fundamentally meaningful to you. Setbacks and failures, he says, aren’t the end of the road—they’re what build resilience and authenticity.

So what’s the takeaway for those listening today? First, make space to reflect on what truly ignites you. Embrace the discomfort; it's a sign that you’re stretching your limits. And don’t shy away from the financial and emotional realities—acknowledge them, plan for them, but don’t let them become barriers. The path to following your dreams isn’t straight, and it doesn’t guarantee fame or fortune. But for those who dare to tread it, the journey itself becomes the reward.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Following Your Dreams in 2025: Navigating Passion in an Uncertain World

Welcome to today's episode where we explore the complexities behind the phrase "follow your dreams." It's advice we've all heard, but what does it really mean in today's economic landscape?

On our podcast "Follow Your Dreams," host William Corbin recently interviewed guests with unconventional success stories. One artist described turning down a high-paying tech job, facing the fear of failure, but ultimately finding deeper fulfillment and unexpected opportunities through perseverance. A travel journalist shared her anxiety about stepping into the unknown, only to discover joy in creating her own rules.

Entrepreneurship expert Simon Squibb cautions that chasing dreams is never easy. He argues that adversity is essential for growth, and that setbacks build resilience. Squibb emphasizes focusing on what you truly love rather than chasing market trends or quick wins.

Yet practical realities can't be ignored. A 2025 UCLA study found that while 86% of young people still aspire to reach the American dream, most see finances as their biggest obstacle. Many feel their generation faces unique economic struggles, making dreams seem unattainable.

So how can you identify your own dreams? Experts suggest asking not just what you want, but what is truly worth wanting. As Heather Havrilesky noted in her "Embrace Your Dreams in 2025" piece, "Committing to your dreams is a way of cultivating magic in your life."

Remember that following your dreams isn't about instant results or external validation. It's about discovering what ignites your passion, addressing practical barriers head-on, and embracing the journey itself.

Whether you're making a bold career shift or finding fulfillment through hobbies, reconnecting with your dreams is always worthwhile. As Saara Roine reminds us, it's never too late to pursue what truly matters to you.

What dreams will you follow in 2025?

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