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Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

How To Find Meaning and Purpose At Any Age with Dr James Hollis #641

Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Dr Rangan Chatterjee

Alternative Health, Medicine, Health & Fitness, Mental Health

4.711.7K Ratings

🗓️ 25 March 2026

⏱️ 84 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Do you believe there’s something inside you that knows who you really are? It knows what kind of life you're meant to live, the type of work that lights you up, and what your soul is asking of you? In this episode, you'll learn how to start listening to it. Dr James Hollis, an 85-year-old Jungian analyst and author of 22 books, has spent more than four decades helping people uncover what's really driving their search for something more. What he has to say is profound, practical – and potentially life-changing. I begin by asking a deceptively simple question: what is a life of meaning? James explains that it’s not something you go out and find. Rather, it arises when you start living in alignment with your soul’s agenda. He shares his own powerful story of achieving everything he thought he wanted by 35, only to be hit by a depression that forced him to look inward for the first time. That crisis became a turning point and informed the wisdom he shares so generously today. We discuss why so many people who’ve reached the top in prestigious careers end up in therapy rooms like James’s, questioning what they’ve done with their lives. And we talk about how the ideas and cultural conditioning we absorb as children can misdirect us as adults. We also speak honestly about depression and why I believe that medics are too quick to reach for diagnoses and prescriptions, when the real issue is a life lacking in meaning. And James and I connect over our fathers, both of whom made sacrifices for their families. We ask what their stories teach us about purpose and alignment – and James shares his advice on how we can help our children to truly thrive. James has a knack of simplifying complex psychological ideas into realistic advice. And he  has some useful ideas for reconnecting with your psyche. He describes his work as a therapist not to provide answers, but to facilitate ways we can find them ourselves – through creative pursuits, dreaming, or simply asking better questions. Whether you're in the middle of a career you're not sure about, navigating a restless midlife, or simply feeling drawn toward something you can't yet name, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. I came away feeling reassured and inspired, and I'm confident you will too.   Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://onepeloton.co.uk https://dohealth.co/livemore https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://thewayapp.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/641   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Transcript

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0:00.0

I don't know what's right for a person, but there's something inside of them that knows what's right.

0:06.0

We all have an appointment with our own souls, and the question is, are we going to keep that appointment?

0:13.0

You pay a price if you live in violation of what is most deeply true inside of you.

0:20.0

Hey guys, how you doing?

0:22.1

I hope you having a good week so far.

0:24.1

My name is Dr. Rongan Chatterjee, and this is my podcast.

0:28.6

Feel Better, Live More.

0:32.7

Have you ever felt that there's something deep within you that knows who you really are?

0:39.3

That part of you would just remain constant throughout your life

0:42.3

that knows exactly what you're meant to be doing, even if you're not fully aware of it.

0:49.3

Well, this powerful idea is at the heart of today's conversation.

0:53.3

Dr. James Hollis is back for his second appearance on my podcast.

0:58.0

James is 85 years old and a world-renowned psychoanalyst

1:03.0

who has been practicing for more than four decades.

1:07.0

He's also the author offered incredible 22 books on personal growth, meaning and purpose.

1:15.2

James believes each of us has an autonomous inner guide. When we ignore it or can't tune into it,

1:22.4

it manifests a stress, burnout, low moods, or a nagging sense that something is missing. And if you've

1:31.1

ever found yourself thinking, on paper, my life seems pretty good. So why do I still feel empty?

1:37.8

Then I think this conversation is going to stop you in your tracks. Now, I want to make something

1:43.5

really clear. If you've tuned in for some

1:46.0

quick tips on how to improve your health, then in all honesty, this is probably not the right

1:52.1

conversation for you. But if you're looking for something deep, authentic and thought-provoking,

...

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