The Ambitious Generation

Send us Fan Mail

At 31, David Meltzer had everything people chase. Money. Fame. The dream wife. And still, he was empty. In this episode we dig into how losing it all led him to gratitude, and why gratitude is way more than just saying “thanks.” If you’ve ever wondered why success can feel hollow, or how to actually build a life that feels full, this one’s for you.

Key Discussion Points
• Why $100M still felt empty
• Gratitude as the real game changer
• The 0.1 second habit that works
• How gratitude fuels ambition, not kills it
• The truth about chasing feelings not stuff
• Getting out of your own way
• Turning loss into abundance
• Living with more than enough

This chat hit me hard. Gratitude isn’t some fluffy practice. It’s perspective, it’s power, it’s fuel.

👉 If you took something from this, share it with a mate who needs to hear it.

The Grateful Podcast with Jack Wagoner
Episode 99
Guesting David Meltzer

Get in contact with David: [email protected]
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidmeltzer/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmeltzer2/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCflt1OopRWIApMOjVgZyJ6Q 

Chapters:
00:00 The Pursuit of Potential
04:13 Gratitude as a Tool for Fulfillment
10:45 Abundance Mindset vs. Scarcity Mindset
14:58 Overcoming Self-Interference
16:55 Chasing Feelings, Not Material Goals
20:56 Introduction to the Conversation with David Meltzer
21:21 Exploring the Theme of Gratitude

Listen to my episode with David Lorimer: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-gratitude-can-reframe-your-brain-for-joy-with/id1725776061?i=1000695020562

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support

📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCL7rwtc5s_KcTZMHSJng-FQ

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Did you know that 60% of young adults say their lives feel purposeless—and half say it’s harming their mental health?
That’s from Harvard’s On Edge report. But purpose isn’t just some fluffy idea—it’s essential. Without it, rates of anxiety and depression nearly double.

In this episode, I share 7 psychology-backed ways to create more meaning in your life—starting today.

These are not hacks or quick fixes. They’re sustainable practices rooted in psychology and real human connection.

✨ Here’s what you’ll learn:
1.Why deep relationships literally keep you alive
2.How serving others sparks a “helper’s high” in your brain
3.How to rewrite your life story into one of meaning
4.Why goals that go beyond yourself create lasting motivation
5.The secret power of active listening & mentorship
6.How to explore your identity & values without getting stuck
7.Why transcendent practices (like meditation or nature) shift everything

🔑 Key Stat: 58% of young adults lack meaning—don’t be one of them. Start with one practice today, and watch your purpose grow.


The Grateful Podcast with Jack Wagoner
Episode 98
Solo Episode

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support


📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Most people think getting healthy means training harder, eating cleaner, and pushing further. Jim Laird disagrees.

After 25+ years coaching everyone from NFL pros to everyday people, Jim’s learned that chasing extreme performance often destroys long-term health. In this episode, he shares the 5 fundamentals that can completely reset your energy, sleep, and mood — without the burnout cycle.

We cover:

• Why most fitness advice fails
• The “indoor zoo” effect destroying human health
• Health vs. performance (and why you don’t need to train like a pro athlete)
• The role of play in building lifelong physical resilience
• How connection + nature can replace 90% of what people chase in gyms and supplements

If you feel stuck, burnt out, or like you’ve “tried everything” — this episode will change how you think about health forever.

Find Jim:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gymlaird/

Join the Vitality Brotherhood/Sisterhood → vitalitybrotherhood.com

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Health and Wellness Philosophy
02:59 The Five Fundamentals of Health
05:52 The Importance of Foundation in Fitness
08:02 Social Media and Fitness Expectations
10:59 The Impact of Modern Technology on Health
13:59 The Role of Community and Connection
16:56 The Importance of Outdoor Activity
20:01 The Dangers of Isolation and Loneliness
23:18 The Need for Balance in Modern Life
31:21 The Shift from Outdoor Play to Digital Engagement
33:35 Understanding Health vs. Performance
35:26 The Balance of Athleticism and Health
40:40 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation
48:36 Cultural Differences in Athletic Development
50:29 Gratitude and Personal Growth

📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Most people think joy is something that happens to you when life is perfect. They wait for the “aha” moment, the dream job, the perfect relationship — and then wonder why they still feel empty when it arrives. In this solo episode, 96, of The Grateful Podcast, Jack shares why joy isn’t a lucky accident, but a skill you can train — just like learning an instrument or building muscle.

Backed by science and real-life stories, Jack breaks down 7 powerful, proven habits you can start today to rewire your brain for joy:
•Train your brain to notice micro moments
•Move your body in ways you love
•Savor like a scientist
•Do something kind anonymously
•Create more than you consume
•Connect deeply — even briefly
•Practice joy on a delay

If you’ve been feeling burnt out, stuck, or like happiness keeps slipping away, this episode will give you both the mindset shift and the actionable steps to make joy show up more often in your life — without chasing it.

Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Joy as a Skill
01:44 Training Your Brain for Micro Moments
04:39 Movement and Joy: Finding Your Flow
06:59 Savoring Positive Moments
08:26 The Power of Anonymous Kindness
09:22 Creating Over Consuming
11:07 Deep Connections: The Joy of Conversation
13:08 Anticipation: The Joy of Looking Forward


Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support


📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

What if the worst thing that ever happened to you… was actually the beginning of everything good?

The Grateful Podcast with Jack Wagoner
Episode 95
Guesting Jeremy Grater

In this powerful episode of The Grateful Podcast, Jack Wagoner sits down with Jeremy Grater—longtime podcaster, father, and co-founder of the newly rebranded BroBots, a podcast on AI and mental health. Jeremy shares how a random knee injury transformed his life, how biking taught him presence, and how purpose is not a job title but a way of being.

They dive into:
 • Why you are the cause AND the solution to your problems
 • The surprising rise of AI as a therapist substitute
 • The truth about purpose, ambition, and family
 • How gratitude can drive ambition, not diminish it
 • Why Jeremy left status and comfort behind to chase real peace
 • The link between meditation, neuroscience, and emotional resilience
 • The cost of chasing the wrong definition of success
 • The hidden loneliness of growth and how to combat it

Chapters:
00:00 Embracing Radical Responsibility
03:06 Finding Peace Through Cycling and Mindfulness
06:22 The Journey of Incremental Change
09:17 The Importance of Discipline and Consistency
12:23 Exploring Purpose and Personal Growth
15:23 The Role of Community and Connection
18:43 Navigating the Divide in Society
21:34 Choosing Presence Over Material Success
30:08 Cherishing Simple Moments
32:09 The Power of Memory and Reflection
34:26 Building Self-Worth in Children
36:41 Navigating Confidence and External Validation
40:25 The Anticipation of Pain and Joy
42:12 Media's Influence on Fear and Anxiety
44:42 The Role of AI in Mental Health
52:23 Balancing Ambition and Gratitude


This is one of those conversations that makes you stop and re-evaluate everything.

🔗 Check out Jeremy’s new project: https://brobots.me
Find it on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brobots-health-wellness-and-mindset-in-the-age-of-ai/id1439629193

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support


📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Support The Grateful Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support

You’ve been taught your whole life that joy comes after success.

Get the job → feel proud.
Hit six figures → feel fulfilled.
Hit the goal → finally feel enough.

But what if that formula is broken?

In this solo episode, 18-year-old podcast host Jack Wagoner breaks down the real reason so many people feel lost, disconnected, and burnt out—even when they’re doing everything “right.”

You’ll learn:
 • Why your entire reward system is rigged against your joy
 • How to stop outsourcing your peace to a future version of yourself
 • The surprising Buddhist insight that will change how you think about time
 • Why ambition without gratitude guarantees emptiness
 • How to wake up excited—even if nothing changes externally

This episode will reprogram the way you think about success, happiness, and identity. If you’re stuck in the cycle of chasing and still don’t feel “there,” this is the conversation you need.

Chapters:
00:00 Embracing Gratitude and Joy
03:20 The Journey is the Goal
08:03 Living in the Present Moment
10:08 Finding Your Unique Path
13:25 The Balance of Gratitude and Ambition


📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

James Brackin started coaching people twice his age at 17. At 21, he’s hosted over 300 episodes of the You Can Too Podcast and built a life completely on his own terms — without college, without a corporate job, and without waiting for permission.

In episode 93 of The Grateful Podcast, we go deep on what it really takes to live with intention in your early 20s — from investing in yourself with money you don’t have, to navigating self-doubt, to redefining success outside of social expectations.

We talk about:
 • The Be-Do-Have mindset
 • Escaping the trap of chasing outcomes
 • Why most people are just not “f*cking around enough to find out”
 • How to build credibility as a young creator
 • Why true success is internal, not external

Whether you’re 18 or 38, this conversation will challenge the way you think about ambition, balance, and what it means to live a life worth living.

Timestamps:
00:00 Breaking the Mold: Early Success and Self-Investment
03:43 Navigating the Balance: Fast-Paced Living vs. Slow Reflection
06:56 Building Connections: The Power of Community and Environment
09:53 Unlocking Opportunities: How to Attract Influential Guests
12:51 Defining Success: Internal vs. External Validation
16:05 Finding Your Own Path: The Challenge of Societal Expectations
19:15 Investing in Yourself: The Value of Personal Growth
22:11 Emotional Intelligence: The Key to Personal Development
25:15 The Journey of Self-Discovery: Embracing Change and Growth
29:27 The Power of Presence and Anticipation
33:24 The Duality of Gratitude and Ambition
38:31 Redefining Happiness and Expectations
39:15 Designing a Life of Enjoyment
43:33 The Role of Environment and Beliefs
49:06 Embracing Imposter Syndrome
52:54 Trusting Intuition and Discernment
57:04 The Importance of Honesty and Self-Awareness

🔗 Connect with James: 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesbrackiniv/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jamesbrackiniv
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-brackin-iv-506069216
🎙️ Listen to You Can Too Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/44fMq0nBTx7YUg0oxXfCeC

📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

#GratefulPodcast #JamesBrackin #SelfImprovement #YoungEntrepreneur #PersonalGrowth #BeDoHave #LifeDesign

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Why Trying Harder Isn’t Always the Answer

In this solo episode of The Grateful Podcast, Jack Wagoner flips the hustle narrative on its head.

You’re doing everything right. You care more than most. You push harder than anyone you know. So… why isn’t it working?

Enter: The Backwards Law.

Jack dives deep into the paradox that the more we chase success, happiness, peace, or achievement—the more resistance we create. From his days grinding for a baseball dream to launching a top 2.5% podcast, Jack shares why letting go might just be the secret weapon nobody talks about.

This episode explores:
• The truth behind why trying too hard creates failure
• The difference between surrender and giving up
• Why desperation lowers your perceived value
• How to move from panic to peace without losing your ambition
• A practical framework for chasing goals without losing yourself
• A vulnerable look into Jack’s recent internal battles and breakthroughs

Whether you’re chasing success, building a dream, or just trying to breathe again—this episode is your invitation to ease up, trust more, and fall back in love with the process.

Timestamps:
00:00 The Backwards Law: Understanding Resistance
03:08 The Pressure to Succeed: A Personal Reflection
06:34 The Paradox of Patience and Ambition
09:24 Learning from Experience: Wisdom in the Journey
10:56 Gratitude and Growth: A Long-Term Perspective

🎧 The Grateful Podcast with Jack Wagoner
Episode 92 – Recorded in Nova Scotia
Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2302168/support


📺 Listen on your favorite platform:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grateful-podcast-with-jack-wagoner/id1725776061
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5EsTEpQAjU4BxUrDoFyZ6b

Subscribe for more deep conversations with thinkers, seekers, and soulful creators. 🙏

⸻

🧠 More from Jack:
Newsletter (Magic, Meaning & Momentum): https://magic.beehiiv.com/v1/aa6b0945-43aa-43c8-b320-0fde6998f852?email=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
1:1 Coaching & Dream-Chasing Guidance: [email protected]

💬 If you found this conversation meaningful, send it to a friend and leave a review. It really helps more people find this kind of soul-nourishing content.

⸻

🎙️ About Jack:
I’m an 18-year-old high school student with a big dream: to show the world that you can be grateful and ambitious at the same time. Through The Grateful Podcast, I explore what it means to live a meaningful life—one deep conversation at a time.

#TheGratefulPodcast #JackWagoner #BackwardsLaw #LetGoToGrow #GratitudeAndAmbition #PodcastClip #SoloEpisode #MindsetMatters #HighAchiever #MichaelSinger #SurrenderExperiment #TrustTheProcess #PeaceAndProgress

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

InnerVue — a complete self-awareness tool
→ yourinnervue.com
Use code GRATEFUL20 to receive 20% off a Tier 1 InnerVue, along with a complimentary coach-led debrief of your report

☕ Magic Mind — My daily performance shot:
→ https://magicmind.com/wagoner20
Use code WAGONER20 for 20% off a package or 48% off a subscription.

🧠 More from Jack:
► Website: https://jackwagoner.co
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jack_wagoner_/
► 1:1 Coaching: [email protected]
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jack_Wagoner

⸻
🎙️ About Jack:
I moved to France alone at 16, started my first business at 17, and launched this podcast because I kept meeting people who had the answers to questions I didn't even know I was asking.  My philosophy: you can set massive goals while being deeply fulfilled right now. That's the duality of gratitude and ambition.

Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.

Stay grateful, stay hungry.