The Decision Lab Podcast

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Ep. 52: What Do You Do If Success Feels Empty? w/ Caleb Campbell

S2 E52 • Jul 24, 2025 • 84 mins

In Today’s Episode: What Do You Do If Success Feels Empty? Join us as we talk with Caleb Campbell — former NFL player, West Point graduate, and transformational speaker — who shares his insights on redefining success, healing from internal disconnection, and finding fulfillment beyond achievement. Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode: -Why high achievement can leave you feeling hollow — and what to do about it -How internal family systems (IFS) and grief work unlock deep personal transformation -The powerful role of vulnerability, surrender, and community in building a fulfilling life Questions We Answer in This Episode: -What happens when you reach your dream and still feel empty? -How can achievers reconnect with the parts of themselves they’ve exiled? -Why is grief essential for growth — even when no one has died?

Key Points

Success isn't about relentless striving but about cultivating inner stillness and accepting where you are right now.
True masculinity involves using strength and willpower to be present and vulnerable, not just to push through challenges.
Grieving unmet expectations and disappointments is crucial for personal growth and creating space for new opportunities.

Speakers

Cody Isabel

Host • 14%

Chloe Deutscher

Host • 3%

Caleb Campbell

Guest • 83%

Chapters

0:00	Introduction and background of Caleb Campbell
0:20	Episode overview: From NFL to self-discovery
1:18	Caleb Campbell on vulnerability and transformation
3:37	Caleb's journey and the birth of the 'Achiever' part
9:11	Self-worth, internal family systems, and major internal parts
17:47	Exploring the 'wild child' and rediscovering oneself
21:07	The continuum of self-awareness and striving for a meaningful life
24:23	Grounding tools and Kabbalah principles for self-awareness
31:38	Transitioning from survival to sacred dance
33:46	Fostering internal conditions for authenticity
37:19	Embracing life, trust, and underlying fears
41:36	Techniques for nervous system safety and inner success
44:29	Grief, radical acceptance, and moving to Los Angeles
48:23	Meeting a soulmate and the importance of prioritizing relationships
51:03	Relationship tools and emotional safety tactics
57:53	Discussing caretaking and space in relationships
1:00:17	Caleb Campbell's book: Six archetypes and healing myths
1:03:34	Stillness, community's role in healing, and performative vulnerability
1:09:28	Willingness, self-inventory, and teaching at West Point
1:15:01	Redefining masculinity and the importance of grief
1:19:23	Reflective questions and the poem "Lost"
1:22:07	Caleb's upcoming book "Unstriving" and episode closing
1:23:20	Episode wrap-up and call to action

Transcript

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