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

Facing Fear, Finding Purpose: Empowerment, Authenticity, and Wholeness with Courtney Smith

Dr. Dan interviews coach, Enneagram teacher, and author Courtney Smith [https://www.courtneysmithconsulting.com/] to explore how we grow, evolve, and reclaim our most authentic selves. Courtney shares the transformational journey that took her from a high-achieving, analytical career to helping leaders and individuals uncover the stories, fears, and inner patterns that shape their lives. Together, they dive into themes of self-awareness, purpose, empowerment, courage, compassion, and authentic leadership, revealing how we can all step out of our “zone of greatness” and into our true zone of genius. Drawing from Courtney’s work with the Enneagram, Conscious Leadership tools, and her new workbook Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness: A Process for Reclaiming Your Full Self [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0593736877?tag=randohouseinc7986-20] By Elise Loehnen [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/2245074/elise-loehnen/] and Courtney Smith [https://www.amazon.com/Choosing-Wholeness-Over-Goodness-Reclaiming/dp/0593736877/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0], this episode breaks down how old stories and inherited beliefs keep us stuck — and how understanding fear, rewriting narratives, and naming our “parts” can create profound personal growth. This episode is an invitation to slow down, tune inward, and step courageously into a more authentic and connected version of yourself. It’s for leaders, caregivers, creators, and anyone committed to personal evolution and meaningful impact. For more information, visit CourtneySmithConsulting.com [http://courtneysmithconsulting.com] and follow Courtney Smith on Substack [https://courtneycsmith.substack.com/p/welcome]. 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 [http://www.drdanpeters.com/] and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com [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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Creativity, Healing, and Connection: Self-Discovery Through Adversity and Art with John Guillemette

Artist and writer John Guillemette [https://musingjohn.com] joins Dr. Dan for a moving conversation about paradox, purpose, and the transformative power of creativity. From being misdiagnosed and over-medicated to rediscovering balance and meaning as a hospital janitor during the pandemic, John’s story reveals how struggle can become the source of wisdom. Together, John and Dr. Dan explore the courage it takes to live authentically, the importance of self-discovery through art, and the beauty of collaboration that honors our shared humanity. They discuss John’s acclaimed illustration work with repeat MIAGO guest [https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/celebrity-fame-and-feminism-with-gina-barreca/id1157097748?i=1000696589405] Dr. Gina Barreca [http://www.ginabarreca.com]on Gina School: It’s Not What They Teach You, It’s What They Learn [https://www.amazon.com/Gina-School-Barreca/dp/1960456415], and his upcoming illustrated memoir Relapse of a Recovering Ego Addict [https://musingjohn.com/2025/08/25/sample-post/]. This episode is a meditation on growth, resilience, and what it means to “make it a great one” — even when life feels messy, strange, or contradictory. For more information, visit musingjohn.com [https://musingjohn.com] and follow @musing_john 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 [http://www.drdanpeters.com/] and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com [podcast@drdanpeters.com]. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let’s make it a great one. – Dr. Dan #MakeItAGreatOne #DrDanPeters #JohnGuillemette #Creativity #Resilience #Authenticity #Mindset #Growth #SelfAwareness #ArtAndHealing #Leadership #Connection #Courage #Inspiration #Humanity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Power, Healing, and Hype Women: Remember Who the F*ck You Are with Erin Gallagher

In this powerful and honest conversation, Dr. Dan Peters talks with Erin Gallagher [https://www.hypewomen.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacB26tDzuxzO0rj6A5_UjJ3q7pIOQ9WDIrYCcewPedflYviFtOoXKygjP_kGA_aem_SnRi0eO1i81pqwGkmx-NRA]–CEO, author, and founder of the Hype Women [https://www.hypewomen.com/] movement—about what it truly means to remember who you are and break free from systems, expectations, and internalized beliefs that keep us small. Erin shares her journey of trauma, transformation, triumph, and how she turned a viral moment into a global movement with Dr. Dan, highlighting as her journey from pain into purpose and self-doubt into empowerment. Together, she and Dr. Dan explore how women (and everyone) can challenge patriarchal conditioning, set boundaries without guilt, embrace duality, and step into their full, authentic selves. This episode is about courage, self-awareness, and the radical act of hyping others up as we rise together. Erin reminds us that empowerment starts with asking, “Is it still working?”—and having the bravery to make a different choice when it’s not. For more information, visit www.hypewomen.com [https://www.hypewomen.com/] and follow on Instagram @erin.gallag.her [https://www.instagram.com/erin.gallag.her/?hl=en] 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 [http://www.drdanpeters.com/] and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com [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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Surrender to Lead: How Letting Go Unlocks Extraordinary Growth with Dr. Jessica Kriegel

Dr. Dan sits down with Dr. Jessica Kriegel, [https://www.jessicakriegel.com/] Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners [https://culturepartners.com/], keynote speaker, researcher, and author of Surrender to Lead [https://www.amazon.com/Surrender-Lead-Counterintuitive-Approach-Extraordinary/dp/B0FP1J1KXD/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2WD9CNR5UM0FD&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.wuXCWLZkPwefwgtkHkMpe-g0pht9P9jMULQCwrk7QuBjH3L4LKUkArArU-Uooh_1avJEb7H6bXsuiLpFWTaoM1hSgnGDQXn_u9Api7sL3l4jzI4N8c2ivHRWILZDDshEcxyQp3aJbyhgf7mFZkE2Bd72GQEEA3-9fMFlH8VmzhhEM7dxhNOoyWYEmDHAPYYu.OmpzVL2dzORLLngMonpAmmAAVVk6AySLZH6XUrcotos&dib_tag=se&keywords=surrender+to+lead+book&qid=1757354891&sprefix=surrender+to+lead%2Caps%2C227&sr=8-1]. Jessica’s powerful story—from self-driven executive to spiritually grounded leader—reveals how surrendering control, embracing faith, and leading with love can transform both personal and professional life. Jessica shares the profound spiritual awakening that reshaped her life following her father’s death, her journey as a death doula, and the lessons she’s learned about presence, compassion, and purpose. Together, Dr. Dan and Jessica explore how the principles of surrender, love, and faith create healthier workplaces, stronger leaders, and more humane organizations. Through inspiring stories and real-world examples, Jessica explains her SHIFT framework (Stop fighting reality, Have faith, Identify what’s yours, Free yourself from fear, and Take the next right action) and how this model drives results while honoring humanity. From leading corporate change to parenting with intention, this conversation reminds us that surrender isn’t giving up—it’s opening up. For more information, visit www.jessicakriegel.com [https://www.jessicakriegel.com/] and follow @jess_kriegel 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 [http://www.drdanpeters.com/] and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com [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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Resilience, Integrity, and Finding Common Ground: From Dodgers to Damascus with Dr. David Lesch and Catherine Nixon Cooke

Dr. Dan welcomes Dr. David Lesch [https://www.trinity.edu/directory/dlesch], acclaimed scholar and former Los Angeles Dodgers draft pick, and Catherine Nixon Cooke [https://catherinenixoncooke.com/], award-winning author and explorer, to discuss Dodgers to Damascus: David Lesch's Journey from Baseball to the Middle East [https://www.amazon.com/dp/1595343237?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_PZFCTAVQGMJZYQ16MWGH&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_PZFCTAVQGMJZYQ16MWGH&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_PZFCTAVQGMJZYQ16MWGH&bestFormat=true&titleSource=true&csmig=1&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAac2A0ShKJ6cBTfEvWsKgmq7J8bI5eouwlY0s9XZTL1vOnmK7LPNBXfRrkXBcg_aem_q7osRDiqAAT5wPHFa_rExQ] a powerful biography that traces David’s extraordinary path from the baseball diamond to international diplomacy. Dr. Dan, David, and Catherine discuss how resilience, humility, and integrity shape a meaningful life—and how lessons from the pitcher’s mound can translate into peacemaking in the Middle East. Catherine shares insights from her deep research and collaboration with David, revealing universal truths about leadership, empathy, and service. This inspiring conversation reminds us that connection and courtesy can heal divides, that listening is an act of courage, and that being a “possibilist”—someone who sees what can be—is how we move forward as individuals and as a global community. For more information, visit www.catherinenixoncooke.com and follow @drdavidlesch [https://www.instagram.com/drdavidlesch/] and @catherinenixoncooke [https://www.instagram.com/catherinenixoncooke/] 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 [http://www.drdanpeters.com/] and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com [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 [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]