The Meaning Project

The conversation explores the importance of human connection in finding meaning in life. It emphasizes that therapy and techniques are not as important as the fundamental human connection. In this episode, Dr. D. and Dr. B. discuss the concept of holding space for others and the power of being fully seen and heard. They also touch on the negative effects of secrets and the need to address and repair damage. The conversation concludes by highlighting the role of therapy and the Viktor Frankl Meaning Academy in providing support and guidance for those seeking connection and meaning in their lives.TakeawaysHuman connection is essential in finding meaning in life.- Therapy and techniques are not as important as the fundamental human connection.- Holding space for others and being fully seen and heard is powerful. - Addressing and repairing damage is necessary for wholeness.- The Viktor Frankl Meaning Academy provides support and guidance for those seeking connection and meaning.Sound Bites"It comes down to humanness to making a fundamental human connection.""In logotherapy, the client gets to sit upright, look at the therapist, and they talk about today.""You don't remember what people say, you remember how they make you feel."To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

The conversation explores the concept of reductionism and how it can limit our understanding of ourselves and others. It emphasizes the importance of not reducing ourselves to a single label or diagnosis, but instead embracing our multifaceted identities. Dr, Dan and B. discuss the changing landscape of education and the value of seeking knowledge and growth outside of traditional institutions. They encourage listeners to say yes to new experiences, challenge themselves, and break free from the boxes that society imposes on us.TakeawaysAvoid reducing yourself or others to a single label or diagnosisEmbrace your multifaceted identity and seek to understand yourself in more expansive termsExplore alternative forms of education and continuous learningSay yes to new experiences and challenge yourself to break free from societal expectationsSeek meaning and purpose in life by embracing growth and resilienceSound Bites"We live in a world that wants to fill in the dot with a blank. And that's reductionism.""I am a man, I'm a human being. Let's talk about that.""We choose to feel that. We choose to take on the label. We accept it."To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

In this conversation, Dr. Dan and Dr. B discuss the question 'What am I?' and explore the concept of self-transcendence. They emphasize the importance of going beyond labels and focusing on the deeper aspects of our existence. They also discuss the alignment of mind, body, and spirit, and the role of self-care in finding meaning. The conversation concludes with the idea of finding a 'North Star' or a bigger why to guide us in navigating life's challenges.Takeaways-Going beyond labels and focusing on the deeper aspects of our existence is essential for finding meaning.-Aligning mind, body, and spirit is important for a sense of wholeness and connection.-Self-care, including taking care of our physical and mental well-being, is crucial for finding meaning.-Finding a 'North Star' or a bigger why can provide guidance and purpose in navigating life's challenges.Sound Bites"What if I, what if you are more than a flesh suit?""He or she who has their why can endure any how.""Happiness cannot be pursued. It only ensues."To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

In this episode, Dr. Dan discusses the teachings of Dr. Viktor Frankl and shares excerpts from his book 'The Doctor and the Soul'. He explores the meaning of life and the concept of spiritual elasticity, emphasizing the importance of remaining flexible in our perspectives. Dr. Dan also delves into the three categories of values: creative, experiential, and attitudinal, and how they contribute to our search for meaning. He highlights the significance of peaks in life and the opportunity to find meaning in our attitude towards limitations. The episode concludes with a call to action to prioritize joy and take action to discover meaning in our lives.TakeawaysRemain spiritually elastic and flexible in your perspectives to discover more opportunities for meaning in life.Recognize your limitations and be open to other people's perspectives to improve relationships and interactions.Discover meaning through creativity, experience, and attitude.Choose to prioritize joy and take action to find meaning in your life.To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.Sound BitesChapters00:00Introduction and Book Recommendation01:28The Meaning of Life05:26Discovering Meaning through Flexibility06:21Creative, Experiential, and Attitudinal Values08:16The Significance of Peaks in Life10:25Finding Meaning in Attitude11:54Attitudinal Values and Acceptance14:07Meaning in All Circumstances16:01Choosing Between Creativity and Experience21:10Taking Action to Discover Meaning22:38Joining the Victor Frankel Meaning Academy23:08Conclusion and Call to Action

The conversation explores the challenges and history of adolescent treatment, the impact of past treatment practices, and the need for change in the education system. Dr. Dan & Dr. B. discuss the importance of honoring the individuality and wild nature of boys, as well as the crisis of meaning in education and addiction. They emphasize the role of parents in helping children find their own meaning and path, while also addressing fear and guilt in parenting. The conversation concludes with a preview of an upcoming debate on coaching versus psychotherapy.TakeawaysAdolescent treatment has a complex history, and it is important to reflect on past practices and make necessary changes.The education system needs to adapt to better support the individual needs and meaning-making of students.Parents should honor the unique spirit and wild nature of their children, while also providing guidance and structure.Anxiety can serve as a call to action and an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.Chapters00:00Introduction00:33Setting the Stage01:02Personal Experiences03:26Impact of Past Treatment04:46Conversations with Former Patients05:13Questioning Past Practices06:07Youth Treatment Centers in Utah07:04The Complexities of Treatment08:29Victor Frankl's Early Career09:58The Education System and Adolescent Boys10:24The Spiritual Lens11:33Honoring the Wild Nature of Boys13:58The Crisis of Meaning in Education and Addiction15:26Living in a Post-COVID World19:13Fearful Parenting and Guilt20:12Anxiety as a Call to Action21:32Different Approaches to Anxiety22:24Honoring Individuality in Parenting23:25Preventing Limitations in Children24:23The Ego of Sunk Costs25:21The Unlived Life of a Parent26:19Fearful and Guilty Parenting27:16Addressing Fear in Parenting28:13Balancing Freedom and Responsibility29:10The Root Cause: Meaning30:31Living a Meaningful Life as a Parent31:00The Impact of Parenting on Children32:24Upcoming Debate: Coaching vs. Psychotherapy32:54Conclusion

In this episode, Dr. Dan and Dr. B discuss the importance of personal connection and community in finding meaning and purpose in life. They highlight the impact of the Victor Frankl Meaning Academy and the role it plays in providing a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals on their search for meaning. The conversation also explores the concept of spiritual distress and the role of logotherapy in addressing it. The hosts emphasize the importance of returning to one's true self and listening to one's inner voice. They discuss the role of anxiety as a call to action and the need for a balanced approach in meaning coaching. The episode concludes with a reminder of the power of mentorship and community support in personal growth and the pursuit of a meaningful life.Takeaways- Personal connection and community are essential in finding meaning and purpose in life.- The Victor Frankl Meaning Academy provides a supportive and nurturing environment for individuals on their search for meaning.- Logotherapy is a method that addresses spiritual distress and helps individuals return to their true selves.- Anxiety can be a call to action and an opportunity for personal growth.- Finding meaning and purpose requires listening to one's inner voice and being open to personal transformation.- Mentorship and community support are crucial in the journey towards a meaningful life.Chapters00:00Introduction and Wardrobe Banter01:29The Importance of Personal Connection and Community03:23The Spiritual Distress of Human Beings06:16Logotherapy as a Method to Address Spiritual Distress08:10The Importance of Returning to One's True Self10:29Anxiety as a Call to Action12:20Finding Meaning and Purpose in Life14:12The Limitations of Traditional Psychotherapy16:38The Need for a Balanced Approach in Meaning Coaching22:25The Hero's Journey and the Role of Community25:16The Role of Community in Supporting Personal Growth28:07The Concept of Spirit in Logotherapy29:06The Importance of Consciousness and Responsibility31:03The Power of Mentorship and Community Support32:27Taking Action to Find Meaning and Purpose33:27Conclusion

I was being a dutiful father, standing in line at the local supermarket pharmacy, patiently - maybe impatiently - waiting for my daughter's prescriptions to help her recovery after having her wisdom teeth removed.  I know it couldn't have been a fun procedure, so waiting in line for a little while hardly seemed like a chore.And there it was... The NARCAN display.  Prominently positioned directly on top of the pharmacy counter in between the two registers, with a giant sign behind it, "You can PREVENT death" (or maybe something along those lines.  And it got me thinking - that is ABSOLUTELY NOT about "prevention".  Much like many of the ideas and products we are sold today, they are not meant to prevent illness or death, but only mitigate it once we are already sick.What would happen if we focused on PREVENTION again?To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

As you may know, Logotherapy was the first major theory of psychology to go beyond the mind and body to discuss and analyze the human "spirit" - that part of us that houses our tool box of resilience, that is our uniqueness, our singularity. That construct that creates our ability to love and to laugh. Regardless of your 'religious' beliefs, we all could benefit from an improvement in our 'spiritual' health. So that is what the good Dr. Baruch Halevi and I discuss in this episode - being a "spiritual mutt". Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

"Meaning" - I talk about it every day. Most days, I listen to others struggling with "Meaning" in their life, and I offer ways to help them heal, grow, improve, become, and discover meaning. Some days, I even have to use it myself. Lately, I've been using it a lot, but maybe not enough - and my good friend Dr. Rabbi B. caught me slipping, so he used this opportunity to call me to task. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

The world is "going to hell in a hand-basket", or some say. What can we do about it? Dr. Baruch HaLevi and I have some ideas on how YOU can have a positive impact in these changes time.To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast.

Almost 30 years... I did the math just the other day. I've been working in the mental health field, helping people, for almost 30 years now. Most of those years, I've worked as a psychotherapist with licenses in general mental health and addictions. In that time, I've been blessed to work with quite a few people struggling with a variety of issues. Even thought the individuals and issues are different, sometimes, good mental health comes from just a few choices or actions. So, in this episode, I share some of the things I've been sharing lately. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

Pop culture reflects real life - in some ways. And real life, healthy real life, is a long-standing tradition of archetypes, beliefs, and values. It is a balance of yin & yang, order & chaos, masculine and feminine. Until it is out of balance. And for some reason, it seems to me - to us - that there is something out of balance with one of the latest pop culture relationships - Travis Kelce & Taylor Swift. In this episode of the podcast, B. and I dive into this relationship and how it relates to psychology, theology, ancient archetypes, and modern marketing. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

What do you do when you don't know what to do? How do you keep going, when you don't feel like going on? How do you pick yourself up after you fall down? What happens when you feel like giving up?I. Don't. Know.At least, I sure didn't feel like I did. I was feeling pretty low - so I went to my favorite Logotherapist and said, "help me out here." And he did. And that is what we talk about in this episode of the podcast. Hopefully you find it as meaningful as I did.To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, or to sign up for YOUR SEARCH FOR MEANING go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

Shiraz Siddique is the author of Well Done: A Passionate Pursuit of Purpose and the founder of CBHN - the Christian Business Harvest Network - but he's also just a fun man to chat with. And with you chat with you, you can hear that passion and feel that he has found his purpose. In this episode, we discuss Shiraz's life changing book, Well Done, as well as his ideas on discerning your Purpose in life.To get your copy of his book - and I highly recommend you do - go to https://amzn.to/496lXVfTo contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

The University of Michigan just won the National Championship in football behind their start quarterback, JJ McCarthy. JJ is a great football player in a world of great football players - 100's of them playing in the NCAA. But what set him apart recently, was his focus and ritual - a ritual where he sits an meditates on the field of play, in front of all the tv cameras and fans, unapologetically. He credits this ritual, among others, with helping him along the path to winning.So why don't MORE of us men have spiritual or meditative practices? They have been in existence for thousands of years, and are proven to work in helping one to "win" at life. Yet, many of us don't or won't. Dr. Baruch "B" HaLevi and I discuss this, and provide tips for beginning your own practice in this episode of the podcast.To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

I've been reading a lot lately about the history of alcohol, cannabis, and other drugs - like the psychedelics ergot, psylocibin, & LSD - and their impact on the formation of modern civilization and the religions of today. Interesting, but heavy stuff. But not so heavy, that it doesn't impact the meaning of the moment in modern times. Alcohol continues to be a problem for many - and many others are working on a "Dry January". Marijuana laws continue to be complex and perplexing. AND we are looking at several psychedelic substances coming online, FDA approved, for the treatment of many mental health concerns. What is one to think with all these changes!?In this episode, B. and I sort through the potential meaning of these changes, and how you might choose to approach them. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

Happy New Year!!New Year, NEW YOU, Right?!?!WRONG!!! You know we don't subscribe to that nonsense here at The Meaning Project or at The Viktor Frankl Meaning Academy.What about, new year, TRUE YOU? Or, there are a multitude of ways to use the beginning of a new year as a launch pad for self improvement. Not that you have to wait for 1.1.24; and you certainly aren't "too late", if you go past 1.1.24. But it seems our culture does take the beginning of a new year as an imperative to start working on self-improvement. So what are you going to do about it?I have a few ideas and some suggestions in the podcast. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

I was thinking about this the other day - what if we took "Merry Christmas" with us into the new year? What if we saw people's genuine kindness and well-wishing in those words, rather than being offended they did not know our exact preference? What if we had more GRACE for each other in 2024. I walk my way through these ideas and more in this podcast.And, if you are listening to it on the day it is released - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!In fact, if you AREN'T listening to it on the day it is released (December 25th), MERRY CHRISTMAS anyway!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

Why do we do what we do during the holiday season? How do we choose where to spend our time and energy - what do we do with the resources we are given? Dr. Frankl wrote on the idea of 'traditions' - suggesting that traditions are diminishing and leaving us to feel meaningless. In this episode, Dr. B. and I discuss the importance of holiday traditions, and how to discern which ones are important, and which ones might need to change. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast

What is the Meaning behind different celebrations during this time of year? Why do we celebrate different Christmas or Chanukkah traditions? What about other spiritual or cultural traditions today, or throughout history?In this episode, my good friend Dr. Baruch "B" HaLevi and I explore the Meaning of The Season - and what you can do to enjoy this "Most Wonderful Time of the Year" meaningfully. Enjoy!To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFranz.com or email me directly at DrDan@DanielAFranz.com To find out more about what we have going on over at The Meaning Academy, go to: https://www.themeaningacademy.com/ To support your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning, pick up some meaningful The Meaning Project Podcast merch in our store at https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And finally, if you would like to support our efforts to improve the podcast and maybe even connect with Dr. Dan in different ways, become a Patron on our Patreon page at: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast