How Do You Design a Meaningful Life | Bill Burnett & Dave Evans – EP 755

What if the reason you feel unfulfilled is that you’ve been approaching it all wrong?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Bill Burnett and Dave Evans, the visionary minds behind Stanford's Life Design Lab and co-authors of How to Live a Meaningful Life. We tackle one of personal growth’s biggest myths: that meaning is something you find.

Instead, Bill and Dave present a groundbreaking concept—meaning is something you design.

We delve into why high-achievers often feel "fine but empty," why success doesn’t guarantee fulfillment, and how our transactional world traps us in outcomes over experiences. Our conversation uncovers a transformative framework for building a meaningful life through small experiments, curiosity, and intentional action, all without drastic life changes.

This conversation will change how you think about purpose, passion, and what it really means to live fully alive.

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Check the full show notes here:

Explore companion insights for this episode at:

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Limited Time Offer – Check out Function Health—160+ lab tests a year for $365. Join at https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/passion or use gift code PASSION25 for a $25 credit toward your membership.

Connect with John

Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

We also dive into:

• Why many feel “fine” outwardly, yet unfulfilled inside
• Distinguishing meaning, fulfillment, and happiness—and avoiding the confusion
• Why “follow your passion” can mislead—and the better alternative
• Using design thinking and prototyping to cultivate purpose
• The contrast between transactional and flow worlds—and where true meaning resides
• How actions, rather than waiting, create clarity
• The impact of small moments of awe and curiosity on lasting meaning
• The vital role of community in the journey to meaning

Support the Movement

Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter.

Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

Disclaimer

The Passion Struck podcast is for educational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Passion Struck or its affiliates. This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.