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

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   [https://jamesrobbins.com]jamesrobbins.com [http://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 [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]

Dr. Dan interviews seven-time world champion drummer, leadership strategist, and author James Laughlin [https://www.jjlaughlin.com/hohp] about his book Habits of High Performance [https://www.jjlaughlin.com/]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 [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]

Dr. Dan Peters sits down with longtime family friend and trailblazing orthopedic trauma surgeon Dr. Michael Chapman [https://www.aoassn.org/michael-w-chapman-md-faoa/] 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 [https://www.aaos.org/membership/member-of-the-month/emeritus/michael-w.-chapman-md-faaos/]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 [https://www.instagram.com/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 [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]

In a candid and inspiring conversation, Dr. Dan talks to author and educator Renee Zukin [https://www.reneezukin.com/] 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 [http://everydayimbrave.com]   [http://www.nisenky.org]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 [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]

Dr. Dan is joined by Elise Carter [https://www.nisenky.org/about-us/meet-our-founders], 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 [http://www.nisenky.org] and on Instagram: @nice_nky [https://instagram.com/nise_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 [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]