Learn more about Empowered Surgeons Group here.
Get Boyd Varty's book, The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life, access his courses, or retreat with him here.
What if losing your way isn’t a detour, but the only way forward?
In surgery—and in life—we’re taught to crave certainty. A clear path. A guaranteed outcome. But what if that very craving is what keeps us stuck?
In this episode of Surgeons with Purpose, Dr. Mel Thacker invites you into a conversation about uncertainty, purpose, and the courage to follow your inner tracker. Mel explores how self-trust can become a portal to transformation, especially for those of us navigating burnout, career crossroads, or the deep sense that something in our lives isn’t quite aligned.
You’ll hear reflections like:
✨ “Too much uncertainty is chaos, but too little is death.” - Boyd Varty
🐾 “As paradoxical as it sounds, going down a path and not finding a track is part of finding the track.” - Boyd Varty
💡 “If you can see your whole life’s path laid out, then it’s not your life's path.” -Joseph Campbell
We’ll unpack how following your bliss may lead you into spaces where others don’t understand or respect you, and why that might be the most vital, alive place you can stand.
This episode is for you if:
✅ You’re a surgeon (or any high-achiever) standing at a career crossroads.
✅ You feel restless or disconnected from your original purpose.
✅ You’re tired of “playing it safe” and longing for a life that’s fully your own.
Because on the trail, as in life, there’s not one right way. The only mistake is refusing to choose at all.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
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