Parent Footprint With Dr. Dan

Dr. Dan welcomes Dr. David Lesch, acclaimed scholar and former Los Angeles Dodgers draft pick, and Catherine Nixon Cooke, award-winning author and explorer, to discuss Dodgers to Damascus: David Lesch's Journey from Baseball to the Middle East 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 @drdavid

Dr. Dan interviews evidential psychic medium, speaker, spiritual teacher, and author Travis Holp for a powerful and deeply human conversation about healing, purpose, and the unseen energy that connects us all. Known as the "Unicorn Warrior", Travis helps people all over the world through his blend of evidential mediumship, intuitive guidance, and energy work to share messages of love, hope, healing, and joy to help us live the life our soul came here to live. Dr. Dan interviews Travis about his remarkable personal journey—from childhood intuition and early creative dreams to sobriety, spiritual awakening, and his new book Are You There Spirit? It’s Me, Travis. Together, Dr. Dan and Travis explore the courage it takes to surrender, the power of forgiveness, and how self-awareness leads to authentic connection and transformation. On this episode, Dr. Dan and Travis discuss intuition, possibility, purpose, and growth, as well as creating spiritual practices that work for you. This episode will inspire listener

In this compelling episode, Dr. Dan Peters sits down with Amber Hollingsworth, master addiction counselor, founder of Hope for Families Recovery Center, and creator of the wildly popular YouTube channel Put The Shovel Down. Amber tells Dr. Dan how she has been dealing with addiction her whole life! - she grew up in an addicted family and later became a Master Addiction Counselor. She understands addiction from both perspectives With over two decades of experience, Amber has helped thousands of families navigate the difficult journey of addiction recovery. Known for her relatable, practical, and compassionate approach, she shares how recovery is built not on coercion or “rock bottom,” but on trust, boundaries, and hope. Amber reminds us that you don’t have to hit bottom to choose recovery and that recovery isn’t linear.  She shuns shame and tell us that you can decide to put the shovel down at any time. This conversation is full of practical strategies, deep wisdom, and hope for anyone touched by addiction,

Dr. Dan Peters sits down with Dr. Jaime Goff, founder of The Empathic Leader and author of The Secure Leader: Discover the Hidden Forces That Shape Your Leadership Story and How to Change Them. Together they explore how attachment styles—formed early in life—shape the way we lead, connect, and grow both at work and at home. Jaime shares her own leadership journey, from uncovering her avoidant attachment tendencies to transforming them into opportunities for trust and empowerment, to her current work. Dr. Dan and Jaime discuss why self-awareness is the cornerstone of resilience and how compassion and curiosity can shift entire teams, families, and communities. Today’s discussion dives into what makes a truly effective leader and how it’s not only strategy but also self-awareness, security, and connection. This energizing episode with Dr. Dan and Dr. Goff blends psychology, leadership, and practical wisdom to offer a roadmap for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity, compassion, and courage. For more inf

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, S

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

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 acti

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

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 maste

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 sham

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 wi

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

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 m

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 h

In this profoundly insightful episode, Dr. Dan welcomes back New York Times bestselling author and cultural thought leader Elise Loehnen to explore the power and necessity of shadow work. Together, they dive into Jungian psychology, the cost of cultural conditioning, and the stories we unconsciously carry that shape who we believe we must be. Elise talks to Dr. Dan about the journey that led to her latest project, Choosing Wholeness Over Goodness—a transformational guidebook co-written with coach Courtney Smith. From the drama triangle to internal family systems to working with the “eight sins,” this conversation is packed with tools and reflections to help you move from ego to soul, knowledge to wisdom, and fear to empowerment. Key Topics on this new episode include: what lives in our shadow—and why it matters; the cultural cost of being “good” vs. becoming whole; using anger, fear, and envy as tools for healing and growth; and the shadow’s role in leadership, parenting, and cultural change. Listeners wil

Dr. Dan interviews Jennifer Pastiloff, bestselling author of On Being Human and the newly released Proof of Life: Let Go, Let Love, and Stop Looking for Permission to Live Your Life. In this powerful and heart-opening conversation, Dr. Dan welcomes back the raw, real, and radiant Jennifer Pastiloff for a deep dive into what it means to live with authenticity, courage, and compassion. Jen shares the story behind her new book Proof of Life, her journey through sobriety and self-honesty, and the pivotal moment when her young son told her, “Nothing you do is wrong.” Together, they unpack the healing power of creativity, the importance of staying open to possibility, and how grief, trauma, and synchronicity shape our growth. This episode is an invitation to stop hiding, let go of shame, and remember who you say you are. If you’ve ever felt like you needed permission to live your life fully, this episode is your sign that you are your own proof of life. For more information visit JenniferPastiloff.com and follo

Dr. Dan sits down with the incomparable Debbie Millman – acclaimed designer, illustrator, author of Love Letter to a Garden (foreword by Roxane Gay), and host of the groundbreaking podcast Design Matters. This moving episode is a conversation about creativity and a profound reflection on resilience, self-awareness, and the courage to heal and grow. Debbie shares the story of her nonlinear journey into design, the trauma that shaped her early years, and how creativity and advocacy became paths to her empowerment. From working alongside Mariska Hargitay at the Joyful Heart Foundation to exploring the intersections of art, activism, and authenticity, Debbie opens up to Dr. Dan and listeners with vulnerability and wisdom. Dr. Dan and Debbie also discuss the healing power of purpose and design; gardening as a metaphor for creativity, resilience, and existence; and embracing imperfection and aging. Whether you're a creative, a leader, or someone on a path of growth and healing, this conversation offers insight,

Dr. Dan interviews parenting expert, author, co-host of the Zen Pop Parenting podcast, and longtime friend Cathy Cassani Adams about self-awareness, life transitions, and the evolving journey of parenting.  On today’s episode, Dr. Dan and Cathy explore parental self-understanding, ways to raise resilient kids, how to listen to your body’s cues (your “dashboard”), and ending the myth of perfection in parenting, leadership, and life. Dr. Dan and Cathy also share why authenticity and vulnerability matter and how Cathy’s own experiences with grief, family, and creativity led her to redefine success, joy, and contentment – and inspired the evolution of Zen Parenting Radio to the new Zen Pop Parenting podcast. Whether you’re a parent, educator, leader, or simply someone navigating life’s transitions, this episode will inspire you to lead with compassion, stay grounded in your truth, and embrace the beautiful messiness of the human journey. Today’s heartfelt and deeply reflective conversation is a perfect compan

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Dan interviews comedian, improv actor, speaker, and author Claire Berger about her thought-provoking book How Much Is Enough? Getting More by Living with Less. Claire challenges us to embrace the concept of “enoughness” and to live more authentically. Drawing from her multifaceted career—stand-up comic, warm-up artist for sitcoms, and HGTV host—Claire shares powerful insights on how to redefine success on our own terms. On this episode, Claire and Dr. Dan explore the universal question: How much is enough? – and their answers redefine success, self-worth, perfectionism, and growth. Filled with humor, heart, and provocative questions, Dr. Dan and Claire encourage listeners to appreciate who they are, what they have, and to recognize that they are already more than enough. This conversation will shift your mindset and inspire you to embrace your perfectly imperfect, purpose-filled life. Learn more at www.claireberger.com and follow Claire on Instagram @4claireb. Please listen

Dr. Dan invites back a favorite guest, author and poet Jill Bialosky, to talk about her new memoir The End Is the Beginning: A Personal History of My Mother.  Jill shares with Dr. Dan how the pandemic, the isolation of grief, and her mother’s decline due to Alzheimer’s inspired her to write this book as a way to preserve her mother’s life and legacy. Dan and Jill explore the complexities of parenthood and daughterhood, the weight of generational trauma, and much more. Their conversation reveals that healing can come through storytelling and sharing. Today’s conversation inspires us to consider the full lives our parents lived before we ever knew them. More than a literary conversation, today’s episode is a universal one about family, memory, loss, grief, and ultimately love. For more information www.jillbialosky.com and follow @jillbialosky on Instagram. Please listen to Dr. Dan’s previous interview with Jill about her extraordinary memoir History of a Suicide: My Sister’s Unfinished Life. Please listen,