In this powerful episode, Anthony Craiker talks to Dr. Deborah Heiser —psychologist, aging specialist, and author of The Mentorship Edge —to explore how becoming a mentor can unlock purpose, deepen meaning, and help you leave a lasting legacy. Discover the surprising psychological benefits of mentoring, why it's essential during midlife, and how even small acts of guidance can ripple out to change the world. If you’ve ever wondered how to make your life matter more—or how to ensure your wisdom lives on—this conversation will inspire you to take action. 00:00 Intro 00:39 Exploring Midlife Fulfillment and Mentorship 01:41 Meet Dr. Heiser and The Mentor Project 03:03 The Emotional Impact of Mentorship 06:07 Understanding Generativity and Its Importance 09:56 Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation 14:26 Building Meaningful Connections 16:55 Mentorship vs. Coaching 28:36 The Future of Mentorship and Technology 31:20 Final Thoughts -------------------------------------------------------------- Deborah Heiser, Ph.D., is an Applied Developmental Psychologist, a TEDx speaker, consultant, author, and Founder of The Mentor Project , and an Adjunct Professor in the Psychology Department at SUNY Old Westbury. Deborah has additionally authored peer-reviewed articles, is co-editor of Spiritual Assessment and Intervention with Older Adults, and a frequent expert guest for syndicated and local talk radio shows, international and local podcasts, and print and online media outlets. She has been quoted in The New York Times, Seattle Times, Dallas Times and contributes to Psychology Today. Her research covers a wide range of topics related to aging, including depression identification, dementia, and frailty with grants awarded from NIA/NIH and Pfizer. She received an international award for her research on depression identification, as well as serving for 9 years on the Board of the State Society on Aging of New York and was President in 2008. Later in 2016, she served as President of Queens Psychological Association in New York. Connect with Deborah: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn X YouTube Substack DEBORAH'S BOOK: The Mentorship Edge: Creating Maximum Impact through Lateral and Hierarchical Mentoring -------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life : Instagram Facebook LinkedIn YouTube Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter, Meaningful Insights . Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

What’s the real secret to living a meaningful life? In this powerful conversation, Kevin Palmieri—founder and host of Next Level University —joins Anthony Craiker to unpack the number one key to achieving health, wealth, and love in every area of life. Kevin shares his journey from career burnout and deep mental health struggles to discovering true fulfillment through self-improvement, awareness, and redefining success on his own terms. Together, they explore how to shift away from chasing traditional markers of success and toward creating holistic success rooted in aligned values, purpose-driven work, and meaningful relationships. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, disconnected from your goals, or unsure of what truly matters—this episode will help you reconnect with what’s possible and inspire you to take the next step forward. 00:00 Taking the First Step 00:23 Introducing Kevin Palmieri 01:58 Kevin's Journey to Fulfillment 03:20 Defining Holistic Success 05:57 The Importance of Vulnerability 08:09 Mental Health and Personal Development 11:09 Finding Fulfillment in Your Career 16:01 The Role of Self-Awareness 19:35 Emotional Reunion with Estranged Father 22:28 Understanding Fear of Success and Failure 25:13 Balancing Personal Growth in Partnerships 26:55 Handling Setbacks and Learning from Failure 31:42 Insights on Personal Development and Growth 34:19 Connecting with Kevin and Final Thoughts --------------------------------------------------------------- About Kevin Palmieri Kevin Palmieri is the CSO, Founder, and Host of Next Level University , a Global Top 100 Self-Improvement podcast with more than 2,000 episodes reaching over 1 Million people in more than 175 countries. After nearly taking his own life, Kevin decided to go all-in on his dreams of being a full-time podcaster and entrepreneur. Kevin believes in a heart driven, but no BS approach to holistic self-improvement and teaching others how to get to the next level of their lives! Connect with Kevin: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn for Kevin Palmieri YouTube CHECK OUT Next Level University's website for information on the podcast, coaching, courses, and other content: https://www.nextleveluniverse.com/group-coaching/ -------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn for Anthony Craiker YouTube Click Here to Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter, Meaningful Insights . Enjoying the show? Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this insightful episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker , we are joined by Dr. Tim Newman, who shares his deep passion for teaching effective communication. Discover how Dr. Newman overcame his fear of public speaking and learn practical tips to improve your own communication skills. Most importantly, learn the secret to effective communication in any circumstance, including across generational and cultural divides, as Dr. Newman reveals how meaningful connections and strong relationships have the potential to make every significant personal and professional interaction impactful to others. About Dr. Tim Newman Dr. Tim Newman is a communication coach, podcast host, and a recovering college professor with over 20 years of experience helping people become powerful communicators. He created The Formula for Public Speaking, a step-by-step system that simplifies the art of speaking, and the Confident Connection Formula, a proven method to craft an elevator pitch that makes people listen, remember, and want to connect. As the host of the Speaking with Confidence Podcast, Tim helps professionals sharpen their communication skills so they can stand out and succeed. He also brings his passion for sports into his work as a Golfweek Amateur Tour director and host of Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, where he dives into all things amateur golf, from player interviews to tour insights. Whether he’s coaching speakers, podcasting, or growing the amateur golf community, Tim’s mission is the same, helping people connect and communicate with confidence, clarity, and impact. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Tim: https://timnewmanspeaks.com/ LinkedIn Instagram YouTube X **Check Out Tim's Formula for Public Speaking Course:** http://www.formulaforpublicspeaking.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Follow Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life: Instagram Facebook LinkedIn for Anthony Craiker YouTube Click Here to Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter, Meaningful Insights . Enjoying the show? Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this enriching episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker , we delve into the transformative power of effective leadership and mentorship with Walter Dusseldorf, aka The Dutch Mentor. Walter's extensive background in healthcare and executive leadership informs his unique insights into developing high-performing teams and leaders. Walter stresses the significance of recognizing when to seek help and the benefits of committed mentorship in career acceleration and personal growth. He encourages leaders to adopt a mindset of continuous learning and humility and to understand their "why". If you feel stuck and unsure about how to move forward, Walter's ideas about mentorship will give you the roadmap you need to move to the next level of success while also developing strong professional relationships that will benefit you throughout your career. About Walter Dusseldorp, The Dutch Mentor. Walter Dusseldorp is a passionate advocate for personal development and mentorship, dedicated to empowering individuals to unlock their full potential. With a rich background in coaching and leadership, Walter has cultivated a wealth of knowledge and experience that inspires others to pursue their goals with confidence. As a dynamic speaker and engaging storyteller, Walter captivates audiences with insights on topics such as resilience, leadership, and the importance of a growth mindset. Through a combination of real-life experiences and actionable strategies, he provides practical guidance that listeners can apply in their own lives. Walter is the founder of TheDutchMentor.com , where he shares valuable resources and tools for personal and professional growth. With a mission to create a supportive community, he encourages others to embrace their unique journeys and strive for continuous improvement. When not mentoring or speaking, Walter enjoys flying helicopters and airplanes which further enrich his perspective on life and learning. Committed to making a positive impact, Walter is excited to share his insights and inspiration with podcast audiences, inviting them to embark on their own transformative journeys. Resources and Links: The Dutch Mentor Website – Book a free consultation. Walter's Books on Amazon Walter Dusseldorf on LinkedIn Walter on Instagram Walter on YouTube Follow Us on Social Media: Instagram: @fulfillingworkmeaningfullife Facebook: Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life LinkedIn: Anthony Craiker Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

Have you ever found yourself chasing after the next big thing, only to realize that what truly matters was right in front of you all along? In this heartfelt episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life , Anthony and Jennifer Craiker dive deep into the importance of home and family, sharing personal stories and insights about parenting, marriage, and making sure we don’t lose sight of what’s most important. Using The Wizard of Oz as a framework, they discuss: ✅ Why fulfillment isn’t just about career success—it’s about building a meaningful life. ✅ How parenting changes over time, from raising toddlers to guiding teenagers. ✅ The challenges of staying present and not always looking “over the rainbow” for the next big thing. ✅ Practical strategies for strengthening family bonds, including date nights and intentional connection. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of life and work, this episode is a reminder to pause, appreciate, and invest in what truly matters. Links & Resources: 📌 Subscribe to the Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life Newsletter – Get inspiring content, episode updates, and a free 14-day Reflection Journal for creating meaningful work. Sign up here . 📌 Read Our Latest Blog Post : How to Find Meaning in Everyday Moments 📌 Follow Us on Social Media: 🔹 Instagram: @fulfillingworkmeaningfullife 🔹 Facebook: Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life 🔹 LinkedIn: Anthony Craiker 📌 Recommended Reading: 📖 The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum – Find it on Amazon Support the Show: 💡 Enjoyed this episode? Leave a rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – your support helps us reach more listeners like you! 🎙 Have a question or topic suggestion? Email us at anthony@fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com. 00:00 Introduction: Chasing Dreams vs. Appreciating Home 01:03 Meet the Hosts: Anthony and Jennifer Craiker 01:32 The Mission of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life 03:32 Jennifer's Love for The Wizard of Oz 06:06 Balancing Ambition and Presence 07:34 Challenges and Joys of Parenting 10:08 Advice for Raising Teenagers 20:52 Universal Parenting: Connecting with Other Parents 24:03 Conclusion: Finding Joy in the Journey 27:50 Final Thoughts and Call to Action https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

Is a college degree the only path to success? Or can self-directed learning be just as powerful—if not more? In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life , Anthony Craiker explores the impact of lifelong learning on personal growth, career development, and overall fulfillment. From the real value of higher education to the rise of informal learning through digital resources, Anthony shares insights on how to approach education with intention. Plus, he reveals the biggest pitfall in personal development—learning without action—and how to avoid it. Whether you’re looking to grow in your career, develop new skills, or simply expand your mind, this episode will inspire you to embrace learning as a lifelong pursuit. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: ✔️ The benefits and limitations of formal education—and why college isn't for everyone ✔️ The rise of self-directed learning and how to leverage free and low-cost resources ✔️ Why personal development without action is a trap—and how to apply what you learn ✔️ The connection between continuous learning and a meaningful, purpose-driven life ✔️ A practical challenge to expand your mind through classic literature 🔗 Resources & Mentions: Hillsdale College Free Online Courses – Learn history, philosophy, and more for free Recommended classic authors: Charles Dickens, Fyodor Dostoevsky Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life Website – Sign up for Anthony’s newsletter for career and life insights 📩 Get Your FREE Career Reflection Journal! Thinking about a career transition? Download Anthony’s 14-day Reflection Journal to gain clarity on your next steps! Sign up for the newsletter at fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com to get your free copy. 💬 Join the Conversation: What’s a skill, topic, or area of knowledge you’ve been wanting to explore? Send your questions to Anthony —your feedback might be featured in a future episode! 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe & share! If you enjoy the show, please rate, review, and share this episode with friends who are passionate about personal growth and meaningful work. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: The Value of Lifelong Learning 01:02 The Library of Congress Thought Experiment 05:28 The Benefits and Drawbacks of Formal Education 10:33 The Rise of Informal Education 14:23 Personal Development and the Importance of Application 17:22 The Joy of Learning and Classic Literature 20:25 Conclusion: Learning as a Path to Meaningful Life 23:03 Outro and Resources Social Media : Instagram Facebook X YouTube https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

What does it mean to live with intention? How can we break free from distractions and align our daily choices with our deepest values? In this thought-provoking episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with Anthony Craiker , we continue the conversation with Bryan Hurd , entrepreneur and founder of The Evolution Project . Bryan shares impactful insights on personal growth, leadership, the importance of mindset, and how to prioritize what truly matters in life. Tune in to learn actionable strategies for goal-setting, time management, and finding greater meaning in your work and life. Key Topics & Takeaways Intentional Living How to align your time and energy with your core values. Bryan’s insights on moving beyond “autopilot” to actively design your life. Breaking Free from Distractions Practical strategies to stay focused on what matters most. The role of mindset in conquering overwhelm and finding clarity. Leadership & Fatherhood The power of leading by example in the workplace and at home. Sneak peek into Bryan’s upcoming book. The Power of Mindset Lessons drawn from great books. How adopting a “growth” vs. “fixed” mindset reshapes your priorities. Time Management & Goal Setting Bryan’s morning routine and how he identifies his top tasks daily. Bryan's philosophy of goal-setting. Overcoming the ‘Meaning Deficit’ Why many people feel stuck and lack fulfillment. Strategies for cultivating meaning, purpose, and genuine connection. Connect with Bryan: Instagram : @bhurd2u Website : myevolutionproject.com Resources & Mentions: The War of Art , Turning Pro , The Artist’s Journey by Steven Pressfield The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey Be Your Future Self Now by Dr. Benjamin Hardy How You Can Support the Show Subscribe & Review Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform to help others discover Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life . Share This Episode Found value here? Share it with a friend or on social media. Stay Connected Sign up for Anthony’s monthly newsletter, Meaningful Insights , at fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com . You’ll receive a free digital resource to help you find or create a fulfilling career. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Intentional Living 01:02 The Power of Books and Personal Growth 04:04 The Hero's Journey and Personal Stories 06:03 Timeless Principles of Stephen Covey 07:48 The Philosophy of Goal Setting 11:44 Time Management and Life Priorities 13:28 The Reality of Time and Life Choices 17:46 Facing Mortality and Life Goals 19:29 Reevaluating Life's Constructs 23:45 The Evolution Project 30:13 The Wolf Pack Way: A Father's Guide 35:11 Final Thoughts Social Media : Instagram Facebook X YouTube https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

What if the secret to a fulfilling career wasn’t just about making money, but about building connections, embracing growth, and aligning your work with your purpose? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Bryan Hurd —real estate pro, entrepreneur, and founder of The Evolution Project —to discuss the key lessons he’s learned about success in both business and life. Bryan shares his journey from almost becoming an accountant to building a thriving real estate business, the mindset shifts that helped him navigate challenges, and the importance of intentionality in work and relationships. We also dive into leadership, personal growth, and how to manage energy, not just time, to live a truly fulfilling life. 🔥 Key Insights from This Episode: ✅ How to build a business based on trust and relationships ✅ The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make (and how to avoid them) ✅ Why managing your energy is more important than managing your time ✅ The mindset shift that will help you create a meaningful career Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! And stay tuned for Part 2, where we continue our conversation about personal growth, leadership, and what matters most. We'll also explore Bryan’s Evolution Project —a transformative experience designed to help men reconnect with purpose and personal growth. 💡 Connect with Bryan Hurd 👉 Learn more about The Evolution Project : myevolutionproject.com 👉 Follow Bryan on Instagram: @bhurd2u 🎙 Subscribe & Get Your Free Resource! Sign up for the Meaningful Insights newsletter at fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com and receive a free digital resource to help you find or create fulfilling work. Until next time, let’s make it a meaningful week! 00:00 Introduction to a Fulfilling Career 01:01 Meet Bryan Hurd: Real Estate Pro and Entrepreneur 03:11 Bryan's Journey into Real Estate 05:43 Challenges and Lessons in Real Estate 15:17 Finding Fulfillment in Work 19:47 Leadership and Mentorship 25:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Social Media : Instagram Facebook X YouTube https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this follow-up to last week’s episode, we continue our deep dive into how you can stand out at work and make a meaningful impact in your organization. We explore the power of innovative thinking, how to present ideas that actually get noticed, and the key questions to ask when identifying opportunities for improvement. Plus, I share a real-world example from my own career that helped increase efficiency and profitability. Not all ideas are equal—so how do you ensure yours are valuable? Tune in to learn how to think strategically, use data to back up your suggestions, and avoid common pitfalls that could undermine your efforts. 🔹 Subscribe to the Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life newsletter at fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com and get your free 14-day reflection journal to help you find or create fulfilling work. 🎙 Have thoughts on this topic? Email me at anthony@fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com or visit the website to send in your questions! Also, read this week's BLOG POST ! Let’s make it a meaningful week! Social Media : Instagram Facebook X YouTube https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this episode, we kick off a two-part series on how to stand out at work and become an indispensable employee. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, a raise, or simply greater job satisfaction, these principles will help you make a meaningful contribution to your organization. Drawing inspiration from Seth Godin’s book Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? , we explore five key strategies to gain credibility, be seen as a valuable asset, and position yourself for success in your career. You'll learn: ✔️ The importance of executing your role with excellence ✔️ How to build credibility and earn respect from colleagues and supervisors ✔️ Why positivity and adaptability set you apart in the workplace ✔️ The dangers of workplace gossip and how to avoid it ✔️ When (and when not) to offer suggestions for improvement We also discuss how to start thinking innovatively , ask the right questions about company systems, and present ideas that can boost efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Tune in now to discover how you can elevate your career, make a lasting impact, and create fulfilling work ! 📩 FREE Resource: Want to find or create more meaningful work? Download my 14-Day Reflection Journal for Finding or Creating Fulfilling Work by signing up for my newsletter at fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com . 🔊 Listen now and make this week a meaningful one! Social Media : Instagram Facebook X YouTube https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this short bonus episode, Anthony is joined by his wife, Jennifer Craiker, to talk about their experience attending Podfest Multimedia Expo earlier this month. They discuss some of the highlights of the conference, including a keynote presentation from John Lee Dumas and Kate Erickson Dumas from Entrepreneurs on Fire. Jennifer and Anthony also reflect on how sharing the message of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life with the world through podcasting brings meaning and fulfillment into their lives. Show Links: Podfest Multimedia Expo Check out Alex Sanfilippo's company: PodMatch Rita Goodroe Check out Courtney Elmer's company: PodLaunch Social Media: Instagram Facebook X YouTube Website: https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/ Sign up for our monthly newsletter and get a FREE 14-Day Reflection Journal for Finding or Creating Fulfilling Work. https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this episode of Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life, host Anthony Craiker dives into one of life’s inevitable certainties—change. Drawing from personal stories, timeless wisdom, and career coaching insights, Anthony explores how embracing change can lead to personal development, meaningful work, and a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re navigating a job loss, a major life transition, or simply feeling stuck, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you redefine what’s possible and thrive in the face of adversity. Listen now to discover how you can flip the script on life’s challenges and create a path filled with growth, resilience, and purpose. George Clooney scene from Up in the Air : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkX-TPaodoM&t=18s (explicit language) Coach Jim Harbaugh quote: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2i81czbJYfk Article from the American Psychological Association on building resilience: https://www.apa.org/topics/resilience/building-your-resilience **Get a free 14-day Reflection Journal for Finding or Creating Fulfilling Work . Just go to my website, fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com, sign up for my monthly newsletter, and I will send you a link to the free download for this helpful career resource** https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

This week, Host Anthony Craiker talks about the life and legacy of Dan Miller, popular author, speaker, podcaster, coach, and entrepreneur (or as Dan would say, "Eaglepreneur"). Anthony discusses Dan's popular book, 48 Days to the Work You Love , which provides a roadmap full of wisdom and practical advice for finding the work and life you love. Anthony also shares his own story about how this book inspired and helped him early in his career as a young attorney. Whether you're a Dan Miller follower or are just hearing about him for the first time, this episode will encourage you to find and create fulfilling work and a meaningful life! https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/…

In this episode, host Anthony Craiker introduces Fulfilling Work, Meaningful Life and shares some of his personal story. He also discusses the meaning deficit many experience in their lives and highlights upcoming topics for future episodes. https://fulfillingworkmeaningfullife.com/