In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Adam Dorsay, a licensed psychologist, executive coach, and host of the award-winning podcast Super Psyched. Dr. Dorsay shares profound insights from his book Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love—a guide to deepening relationships and finding meaning in life.
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We explore:

Dr. Dorsay’s personal journey from a struggling student with undiagnosed ADHD to becoming a sought-after psychologist and coach.
The importance of connection, from self-awareness to relationships, purpose, and something greater.
How disconnection keeps us stuck—and the practical steps to rekindle engagement in our work and lives.
His late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of success.
The real meaning of success—moving beyond societal expectations to define a life that truly aligns with your values.
Lessons from psychology, coaching, and personal transformation that can help listeners create a more fulfilling life.

Dr. Dorsay’s enthusiasm is contagious, and his wisdom offers a practical roadmap to living with more clarity, joy, and purpose.
📖 Get the Book: Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection and Live the Life You Love🎙 Listen to the Podcast: Super Psyched with Dr. Adam Dorsay🔗 Connect with Dr. Dorsay: dradamdorsay.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and leave us a review—your support helps us spread the message of personal growth and success. 
00:00 – Introduction

Welcome to the episode featuring Dr. Adam Dorsay, author of Super Psyched and host of the Super Psyched podcast.
Overview of the conversation: The four types of connection and redefining success.

00:12 – Who is Dr. Adam Dorsay?

Background: Licensed psychologist and executive coach based in San Jose, CA.
Specializes in working with high-achieving professionals, tech executives, and athletes.
Host of the Super Psyched podcast, featuring interviews with leading thinkers.

00:42 – Dr. Dorsay’s Journey: From "Enthusi-Adam" to Psychologist

The story behind the nickname “Enthusi-Adam.”
His early struggles with learning disabilities, dyslexia, and undiagnosed ADHD.
Dropping out of grad school, working in sales, and feeling unfulfilled.
The turning point: His wife’s encouragement to return to graduate school.

03:17 – The Power of Enthusiasm & Following Your Calling

How returning to psychology felt like finally “going for a walk” after years of waiting.
Overcoming self-doubt and limitations to pursue a dream career.
The importance of finding joy in work.

04:44 – Ryan’s Similar Journey: From Psychology to Coaching

How societal expectations led him away from psychology.
The transition from corporate work to coaching.
Late-in-life ADHD diagnosis and its impact.

06:50 – Why It’s Never Too Late to Change

The myth of “it’s too late for me” and overcoming that mindset.
The role of perseverance and the willingness to take risks.
“If you want it badly enough, you’ll do whatever it takes.”

09:02 – The Four Types of Connection

The importance of defining connection.
The four layers of connection:

Self-connection – Understanding and aligning with your true self.
Connection with others – Relationships, friendships, and deep human bonds.
Connection with the world – Work, nature, ancestry, and creativity.
Connection with something greater – Religion, spirituality, or awe.



11:40 – What Disconnects Us?

Societal expectations and cultural pressures.
The trap of external success and disconnection from personal meaning.
Social comparison and chasing someone else’s version of success.

13:12 – Defining Success on Your Own Terms

The role of emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
How cultural narratives shape our understanding of success.
Avoiding the trap of “achievement without fulfillment.”

16:05 – The Power of Focus: Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing

Warren Buffett’s “Top 5 Goals” rule and eliminating distractions.
Avoiding the trap of trying to do everything at once.
The importance of saying “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your purpose.

18:09 – Why We Are Wired for Connection

The evolutionary roots of connection and belonging.
Loneliness as a health risk: Comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The Still Face Experiment and why human connection is so powerful.

22:17 – The Power of Reconnection

How to repair broken relationships and strengthen bonds.
The importance of vulnerability and emotional intelligence.
Simple practices for rebuilding connection.

24:52 – Overcoming Limiting Beliefs About Success & Timing

The false belief that success has a timeline.
How self-doubt and fear of failure keep people stuck.
The power of staying in the ring and continuing to evolve.

29:00 – The Personal Power of Learning & Growth

How discovering reading changed Dr. Dorsay’s mindset.
Learning as the ultimate tool for transformation.
The role of perseverance in overcoming setbacks.

34:20 – The Importance of Creating More Than Consuming

Avoiding passive consumption and focusing on contribution.
The impact of daily habits on personal growth.
Building a life of meaning through creativity and connection.

37:00 – Common Limiting Beliefs & How to Overcome Them

The struggle of not knowing what you want.
The urgency trap: Prioritizing busywork over meaningful goals.
How to shift focus from external validation to internal clarity.

39:43 – Life Lessons from Dr. Dorsay’s Son

His son’s powerful question: “What’s something you always say you’ll do someday?”
The importance of prioritizing experiences that bring fulfillment.

42:29 – Fatherhood, Career, and Personal Growth

Ryan’s reflections on becoming a father of twins.
How parenting reshapes priorities and deepens personal growth.
The evolving journey of self-awareness and connection.

45:35 – Fun Questions & Shared Interests

Lord of the Rings: Which film is the best?
The psychology of great storytelling and why connection makes stories powerful.
Why people resonate with deep relationships in movies.

50:00 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

Connection is the foundation of a meaningful life.
It’s never too late to redefine success and create change.
The key to fulfillment: Aligning your life with what truly matters.

51:27 – How to Connect with Dr. Dorsay

Book: Super Psyched: Unleash the Power of the Four Types of Connection
Podcast: Super Psyched
Website: dradamdorsay.com
Social Media & LinkedIn

53:06 – Closing Remarks & Call to Action

If you enjoyed the episode, leave a review and share with a friend!
Final reflections on the power of redefining success and prioritizing connection.

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