In this inspiring episode of American Glutton, Ethan Suplee sits down with school principal and viral motivator Zac Bowermaster. Zac shares how a personal battle with anxiety and depression reshaped his approach to leadership, connection, and community. From fist bumps in the hallways to “Protein with the Principal,” Zac’s story is packed with lessons on empathy, resilience, and building a culture where everyone feels seen.
They also dive into work-life rhythm, overcoming obsessive tendencies, and why small, consistent habits matter more than lofty one-time goals. A heartfelt, practical conversation that will leave you motivated to lead with purpose.
SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
00:00 Welcome & Boy Meets World nostalgia
02:59 Zac’s first-day-of-school perspective shift
04:29 Viral videos and the power of small moments
09:05 Battling anxiety, depression, and learning to open up
12:22 Sharing stories to connect and heal
19:05 Embracing challenges as part of life’s rhythm
22:45 Living day by day & morning habits
26:16 Balancing health goals with family life
34:41 Helping kids develop healthy habits
40:50 Positivity that resonates
44:44 Finding support after achieving big goals
48:37 Small habits toward big ambitions
50:13 Closing thoughts & gratitude
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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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