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

Oprah Winfrey’s recent Oprah Book Club pick Culpability continues to fuel important conversations around the question: What happens when morality, technology, and family collide?

In this provocative new episode, Dr. Dan welcomes Bruce Holsinger, the author of Culpability to discuss and explore many of our deepest fears around AI, family, resilience, responsibility, and the future of humanity.

A phenomenon, Bruce shares the impact of Oprah Winfrey elevating Culpability, the conversations the novel sparks, and why this gripping fictional story about a family in crisis after a technology fail raises urgent questions we all must face. 

Today’s conversation is a call to action for every listener. Leaders, parents, and everyone concerned with the future will feel enlightened and empowered after listening to this timely conversation.

For more information, visit www.bruceholsinger.com and follow @bruceholsingerauthor

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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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In this energizing new episode, Dr. Dan sits down with physician, author, and podcaster Dr. Jordan Grumet (Doc G) to explore the difference between meaning and purpose—and how understanding this distinction can transform how we live, work, and love. During their insightful conversation, Dr. Dan and Doc G explore defining questions including: What does it truly mean to live a life of purpose? And why chasing big, audacious goals often leaves us feeling empty instead of fulfilled?

Dr. Grumet shares his powerful and personal story from childhood loss and finding community in a small baseball card shop, to his career in medicine and his profound experiences as a hospice doctor. His insights reveal why most of us suffer from “purpose anxiety” and how embracing “little p purpose”—the small, process-oriented actions that light us up—can create joy, resilience, and authentic connection.

Dr. Grumet’s wisdom, work, and books (Taking Stock and The Purpose Code) remind us that purpose is not about proving our worth or chasing achievement—it’s about choosing daily actions that energize us and connect us to others.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, anxious about finding your purpose, or overwhelmed by life’s expectations, this episode will inspire you to slow down, reflect, and embrace the small steps that lead to big change.

For more information visit jordangrumet.com and LinkedIn. 

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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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Today, Dr. Dan explores what it means to answer the call to climb with James Robbins—leadership strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author of The Call to Climb: A Story to Find Your Path, Conquer Your Fears, and Fulfill Your Destiny. On this must-listen-to episode, Dr. Dan and James explore the intersection of purpose, courage, authenticity, and resilience, offering listeners a roadmap to living a more aligned and meaningful life.

James shares personal stories with Dr. Dan of facing both real and metaphorical mountains, the struggles of ignoring the “summons of the soul,” and the transformative power of choosing authenticity over programming. From battling inner “dragons” of fear and self-doubt to recognizing patterns that hold us back, this episode is filled with wisdom for leaders and anyone on a journey of self-awareness and growth.

Dan and James cover it all – ego, soul, authenticity, courage, truth, fear, clarity, empowerment – and reveal how the law of a thousand steps (small, consistent actions) fuels resilience.

Whether you’re a leader, a seeker, or simply someone navigating life’s challenges, this episode will inspire you to embrace your authentic self and keep climbing toward your fullest potential.

For more information  jamesrobbins.com and follow @james.r.robbins 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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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Dr. Dan interviews seven-time world champion drummer, leadership strategist, and author James Laughlin about his book Habits of High Performance and the key to achieving world-class performance without sacrificing well-being, relationships, and purpose. James has works with elite athletes, prime ministers, and business leaders, and on this episode he shares the secrets to unlocking the essential principles to thrive in life and work.

James shares his personal and inspiring journey from Northern Ireland to the global stage. He tells Dr. Dan about becoming a “possibilitarian”—someone who sees opportunities instead of limitations—and shares practical tools to help listeners align their own values, habits, and purpose. Dr. Dan and James also explore imposter syndrome, habits (vs. hustle), purpose and longevity as well as how facing fears—whether in sports, leadership, or life—opens the door to growth.

Today’s episode will help you grow as a leader by elevating your mindset and giving you strategies to help you thrive.

For more information and follow @JamesLaughlin 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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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Dr. Dan Peters sits down with longtime family friend and trailblazing orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Chapman for an inspiring conversation. A pioneer in his field, Dr. Chapman helped establish modern trauma surgery in the U.S., co-founded the Orthopedic Trauma Association, and led UC Davis’s Department of Orthopedic Surgery for over two decades.

Dr. Chapman’s life is a testament to serendipity—recognizing unexpected opportunities and having the courage to take them. From his early days on the ski patrol rescuing injured skiers to shaping national trauma care systems, his career has been guided by openness, purpose, and service.

Dr. Chapman also shares heartfelt insights on leadership, why commitment is the cornerstone of long-term relationships, and how his 64-year marriage to his wife Betty has been his greatest joy and motivation. Facing a nine-year battle with lymphoma, Dr. Chapman’s philosophy is simple yet profound: Every day is a good day.

Today’s episode is more than an interview—it’s a masterclass in living well, leading with integrity, and loving deeply.

For more information @ucdavisorthopaedics 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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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In a candid and inspiring conversation, Dr. Dan talks to author and educator Renee Zukin to explore her transformative journey through anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, and agoraphobia—and the powerful mindset shifts that helped her reclaim her life.  

Today’s episode is about courage, compassion, and connection—a reminder that we are never alone, and that bravery can be found in the smallest, most personal victories.  Dr. Dan and Renee discuss what it means to be “beyond brave” on this deeply inspiring episode. Renee shares the origin of her mantra Every Day I’m Brave and how redefining bravery freed her from the trap of comparison. She opens up about her path toward self-compassion, the lessons learned from both Western therapy and Eastern mindfulness practices, and the role of courage in facing fear without letting it dictate her life.

Together, Dr. Dan and Renee explore the duality of fear and love, the significance of curiosity in self-reflection, and how to embrace the aspects of ourselves that carry shame and guilt. This episode is a guide to showing up authentically, asking for help, and believing another path is possible—even when you can’t yet see it.

For more information, visit everydayimbrave.com  and follow Renee on Instagram @reneezukin. 

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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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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 [email protected].

We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one.

– Dr. Dan

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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 [email protected].

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