The Meaning Project
The Meaning Project - the intersection of Mental Health and Meaning. In this podcast, Dr. Daniel A Franz, speaker, consultant, and psychotherapist, discusses the art and science behind forms of organizational health, counseling and psychotherapy, psychological theory, and tons of other ideas related to Mental Health and Meaning; all through the lens of Logotherapy & Existential Analysis - the psychology of Meaning. Brief, so that you can get a helpful dose of mental health on your way to work. Unedited, because neither life nor psychotherapy are edited, and action-oriented, because we could talk about your childhood all day long, but that isn’t going to help you discover meaning in your day, or help you address the tension between who you are now, and who you want to become. It's my hope that this podcast will. And now, if you want to rep your favorite podcast on Mental Health & Meaning with some sweet and meaningful t-shirts, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, and more! Grab some meaningful merch here: https://the-meaning-project-podcast.creator-spring.com/ And, if you want to level up your support of The Meaning Project Podcast, and receive some really sweet, exclusive swag, become a patron over on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/themeaningprojectpodcast
Episodes
April 29, 2024 • 24 mins
In this episode, Dr. Dan discusses the field of logotherapy, the psychology of decision making, and shares a personal story about his favorite poem, 'The Road Not Taken' by Robert Frost. He explores different perspectives on decision making, including the heroic interpretation of taking the road less traveled and the lament of the decision not made. Dr. Dan also discusses the role of personality types in decision making and the imp...
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April 22, 2024 • 39 mins
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 conclud...
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April 15, 2024 • 34 mins
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 t...
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April 8, 2024 • 28 mins
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 navig...
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April 1, 2024 • 25 mins
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 highlight...
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March 25, 2024 • 37 mins
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 addressin...
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March 18, 2024 • 38 mins
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 hos...
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March 11, 2024 • 20 mins
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 be...
And there it was...
The NARCAN display. Prominently positioned directly on top of the pharmacy counter in be...
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March 4, 2024 • 39 mins
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 goo...
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February 26, 2024 • 40 mins
"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.DanielAFran...
To contact Dr. Dan go to www.DanielAFran...
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February 19, 2024 • 44 mins
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 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/...
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February 12, 2024 • 32 mins
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...
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February 5, 2024 • 42 mins
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 episod...
In this episod...
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January 29, 2024 • 33 mins
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 yo...
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 yo...
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January 22, 2024 • 48 mins
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 - ...
To get your copy of his book - ...
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January 15, 2024 • 42 mins
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 other...
He credits this ritual, among other...
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January 8, 2024 • 44 mins
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". M...
Alcohol continues to be a problem for many - and many others are working on a "Dry January". M...
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January 1, 2024 • 14 mins
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 ta...
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 ta...
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December 25, 2023 • 26 mins
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 fa...
And, if you are listening to it on the day it is released - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
In fa...
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December 18, 2023 • 44 mins
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....
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....
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