Great morning, world—welcome back to Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick, where confusion dies and progress thrives.

Today, I’m joined by someone who has changed the way thousands of people think about motivation, achievement, and the stories we tell ourselves about success—Nic Voge.

Nic is a Senior Lecturer at Princeton University and one of the foremost voices on Self-Worth Theory, a framework first developed by Dr. Martin Covington. His work brings this theory to life, helping students, professionals, and leaders understand how the drive to protect our self-worth often hides beneath patterns like procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome.

You may know Nic from his viral TED Talk, where he reveals why high achievers often struggle the most—and how true confidence comes not from doing more, but from redefining where our sense of worth comes from.

This isn’t just a conversation about productivity—it’s about identity.
It’s about how we relate to failure, success, and the quiet belief that we are—or aren’t—enough.

So take a deep breath.
Because today, we’re going to make sense of the stories that shape our self-worth—with Nic Voge.

Contact Nic Voge - Website: https://vogeacademy.com - Insta: @vogeacademy - YouTube Viral Video: https://youtu.be/52lZmIafep4?si=NSg6LbXFmfRJQ6X5

Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

3:49 - Procrastination and Self-Worth Theory

9:12 - Self-Worth Theory Lens - How can we see things in people they can’t see?

12:36 - What is Self-Worth Theory - The Why behind our actions

20:16 - Strategic Self-Handicapping

27:38 - What are your thoughts on participation awards? Good or Bad?

35:08 - Imposter Syndrome

46:24 - My little Secret of overcoming Stage Fright.

48:35 - What’s Next For Nic Voge?

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, I explore the paradox of Artificial Intelligence, not as a hero or a villain, but as a mirror. What’s really rising or falling isn’t AI itself—it’s us, the humans holding the prompt. Together, GPT-5 and I unpack how this technology can awaken creativity or quietly erode it, depending on how consciously we engage with it. Make Sense?

What you’re about to hear is not just a conversation between man and machine. It’s a collaboration between awareness and automation, a real-time experiment in creation itself.
Because here’s the question that keeps me up at night: What happens when the tools we built to extend human intelligence start to replace the act of thinking itself?

This episode isn’t about whether AI is good or bad. It’s about whether we, as humans, will rise with it—or fall asleep beneath it.

So, take a breath.

Let’s make sense… of the Rise and Fall of AI.

Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

0:00 - Intro

4:15 - In this episode, we will….

8:37 - Opening Remarks from ChatGPT

16:44 - The Rise Of AI

22:21 - AI as a Luxury to Necessity

25:32 - Collaboration

27:35 - The Fall of Ai?

31:48 - The Learning Dilemma

37:03 - The Future Role of Humans?

40:12 - The Final Verdict from Chat GPT

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Welcome to another One From The Vault episode of the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Podcast — where we revisit timeless insights from the original Rise Up With Dragon series. In this powerful throwback, Dragon explores the subtle yet life-changing difference between wanting something and having it. You’ll dive into the mechanics of motivation, belief, and urgency — and discover how most people stay stuck in the wanting phase because they never fully align their identity and actions with the state of having. This short, punchy session is the perfect mental recalibration to help you close the gap between desire and reality — and step into the mindset of already having what you seek.

Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Makes Sense with Dr. JC, we explore one of the most transformative questions ever asked:

Dr. JC shares the true story of the moment his mentor, Dr. Larry Markson, shattered his ego with that single question — a moment that became a turning point in his life and the foundation of the Interface Response System (IRS).

You’ll discover why the human brain is wired to defend its sense of rightness, how that instinct often masks a deeper need for validation, and what happens neurologically and emotionally when we flip the switch and choose kindness instead.

This isn’t about moral perfection — it’s about freedom. When you let go of the need to win and focus on understanding, you stop living in defense mode and start leading with awareness, compassion, and power.

Being right feeds the ego. Being kind frees the soul.

Make Sense?

Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

0:00 - Intro

3:14 - Imposter Syndrome (Thanks Traci Edwards)

4:55 - Noise Disociation

12:00 - The Science of Noise

16:59 - Noise is an all-you-can-eat buffet for Imposter Syndrome

20:33 - Put this into Praction - Beware of the illusion of learning.

21:56 - Transcendental Meditation

25:36 - Coming Home To You

0:00 - Intro and Welcome

1:02 - It's who we are that determines how well what we do works

4:29 - Right vs. Kind

14:06 - The Three Questions that changed my life forever

16:16- Do humans need to be right?

18:32 - The Science of Validation

23:31 - Fundamental Irrationality

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. JC Doornick explores how the modern world’s constant noise fuels Imposter Syndrome—that nagging voice whispering, “Who do you think you are?”—and introduces his concept of Noise Dissociation, a conscious practice for stepping back from distraction, quieting self-doubt, and tuning back into the clear signal of who you really are.

Alright... let’s make sense of Imposter Syndrome.

Listen now to learn how to reclaim your will to power, rise above victimhood, and rediscover your inner Superman.

Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

0:00 - Intro

3:14 - Imposter Syndrome (Thanks Traci Edwards)

4:55 - Noise Disociation

12:00 - The Science of Noise

16:59 - Noise is an all-you-can-eat buffet for Imposter Syndrome

20:33 - Put this into Praction - Beware of the illusion of learning.

21:56 - Transcendental Meditation

25:36 - Coming Home To You

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Great Morning World, this is Dr. JC Doornick, a.k.a. The Dragon.
Welcome to One From The Vault, where we bring back one of your favorite episodes from my very first podcast, Rise Up With Dragon.

These short, straight-to-the-point 10 to 15-minute sessions are designed to give you a snackable shift in perspective — the kind that helps you reclaim control of your thinking, align with your purpose, and turn a good morning into a great morning.

So sit back, breathe, and get ready to rise up, because this classic message still makes sense today.

Make Sense?

THIS IS BARGAINED FOR: What does it mean when we get more than we bargained for? When we bargain, do we bargain for less, or do we not see what’s possible?

► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com

► Instagram: / drjcdoornick

►Facebook: / makessensepodcast

►YouTube: / drjcdoornick

MAKES SENSE PODCAST

Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is a subjective and acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.

SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast.

FOLLOW Podcast - You will find a "Follow" button on the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week.

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec

Podcast Affiliates:

Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon

OUR SPONSORS:

• Makes Sense Academy: A private mastermind and psychologically safe environment full of the Mindset and Action steps that will help you begin to thrive. The Makes Sense Academy. https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/about
• The Sati Experience: A retreat designed for the married couple that truly loves one another, yet wants to take their love to that higher magical level. Relax, reestablish, and renew your love at the Sati Experience. https://www.satiexperience.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.