What does it actually mean to live your purpose—and why do so many people feel lost trying to find it? In this episode, NYU Stern professor and Becoming You author Suzy Welch breaks down why popular advice like “follow your passion” and “have it all” often leads to confusion, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Suzy offers a practical, research-backed framework for building a meaningful, productive life. Suzy and Danielle explore values, identity, grief, ambition, motherhood, and why knowing yourself may be the most important skill in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, Suzy shares:
Why most people misunderstand what “purpose” actually means
The difference between values, virtues, skills, and aptitudes
How borrowing values—from parents, partners, or culture—keeps people stuck
Why happiness is fleeting, but meaning and productivity endure
The research behind living in alignment with your purpose
Why “follow your passion” is often harmful career advice
How economic viability plays a critical role in fulfillment
The myth of being a multihyphenate all at once—and why focus matters
What Suzy calls the “Cowbell Syndrome” (and why you have to choose)
Why you can’t have it all at the same time—and why that realization is freeing
How motherhood and career ambition collide biologically and culturally
The difference between a successful life and a meaningful one (and why they’re not separate)
Why consistency is key to professional success
How knowing yourself creates adaptability in an unpredictable world
Why becoming who you are is a lifelong process, not a finish line

Check out Suzy’s book Becoming You

Follow Suzy on Instagram @suzywelch

What does it actually mean to live your purpose&mdash;and why do so many people feel lost trying to find it? In this episode, NYU Stern professor and Becoming You author Suzy Welch breaks down why popular advice like &ldquo;follow your passion&rdquo; and &ldquo;have it all&rdquo; often leads to confusion, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Suzy offers a practical, research-backed framework for building a meaningful, productive life. Suzy and Danielle explore values, identity, grief, ambition, motherhood, and why knowing yourself may be the most important skill in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, Suzy shares:
<ul>
<li>Why most people misunderstand what &ldquo;purpose&rdquo; actually means</li>
<li>The difference between values, virtues, skills, and aptitudes</li>
<li>How borrowing values&mdash;from parents, partners, or culture&mdash;keeps people stuck</li>
<li>Why happiness is fleeting, but meaning and productivity endure</li>
<li>The research behind living in alignment with your purpose</li>
<li>Why &ldquo;follow your passion&rdquo; is often harmful career advice</li>
<li>How economic viability plays a critical role in fulfillment</li>
<li>The myth of being a multihyphenate all at once&mdash;and why focus matters</li>
<li>What Suzy calls the &ldquo;Cowbell Syndrome&rdquo; (and why you have to choose)</li>
<li>Why you can&rsquo;t have it all at the same time&mdash;and why that realization is freeing</li>
<li>How motherhood and career ambition collide biologically and culturally</li>
<li>The difference between a successful life and a meaningful one (and why they&rsquo;re not separate)</li>
<li>Why consistency is key to professional success</li>
<li>How knowing yourself creates adaptability in an unpredictable world</li>
<li>Why becoming who you are is a lifelong process, not a finish line</li>
</ul>
Check out Suzy&rsquo;s book <a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/becoming-you-the-proven-method-for-crafting-your-authentic-life-and-career-suzy-welch/fe8ebbbc50a25c03?ean=9780063418608&amp;next=t">Becoming You</a>
Follow Suzy on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/suzywelch/">@suzywelch</a>

Behind every headline is a person + a deeper story. Question Everything with journalist Danielle Robay cuts through social media buzz to uncover the voices, ideas, and cultural moments that shape how we see the world. Each week, she asks bold questions that challenge assumptions and reveal the nuance behind the narratives, inviting you to look closer at the world, and at yourself. Because there's always more to the story.
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Danielle is also the creator of the bestselling QUESTION EVERYTHING card game series, which has sparked connection and conversation in thousands of living rooms around the world. She's also the co-executive producer (alongside Reese Witherspoon) and host of Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club. With her signature curiosity—dubbed "The Queen of Questions"—and a background in political science, Danielle brings both heart and rigor to every conversation. A Gloria Steinem Fellow and mentee of Larry King, she's carried forward a legacy of curiosity and connection, interviewing icons from Taylor Swift to Malala Yousafzai in more than 8,000 hours of elevated conversation.

QUESTION EVERYTHING

The 3 Ingredients of a Meaningful Life + Why Most People Miss Two: with NYU Professor Suzy Welch

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7baa0ea4-83e9-4bd2-b358-b3b7015e89fb/transcript

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