Why You Feel Like You Don’t Matter (And How to Fix It) | Angela Maiers - EP 752

What if the question underneath everything in your life is this: Do I matter?

In this episode of Passion Struck, I sit down with Angela Maiers to explore one of the most fundamental human needs—the need to feel seen, valued, and needed.

For decades, Angela has studied what makes people feel seen, valued, and needed—and what happens when they don’t. What she’s found is simple, but powerful: when people stop feeling like they matter, everything else begins to break down.

We talk about how this starts earlier than most people think, why so many adults tie their worth to performance, and how that shows up later as burnout, disconnection, and disengagement.

We also explore the difference between belonging and mattering—and why being included isn’t the same as feeling significant.

Most importantly, Angela shares what actually helps people feel like they matter—and it’s not complicated. It’s in how we show up, how we listen, and how we make others feel seen. Pick up a copy of Angela's children's book M is for Mattering.

This conversation will change how you think about your relationships, your work, and the way you show up in the world.

Passion Struck is the #1 alternative health and personal growth podcast dedicated to human flourishing and the science of mattering.

Check the full show notes here:

Explore companion insights for this episode at: https://www.theignitedlife.net

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Connect with John

Keynotes, books, podcast, and resources: https://linktr.ee/John_R_Miles

Children’s Book — You Matter, Luma: https://youmatterluma.com/

Pre-Order The Mattering Effect: https://matteringeffect.com/

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What makes someone feel like they truly matter—and why being needed is at the center of it
• How early we begin tying our worth to performance instead of presence
• Why burnout, loneliness, and disengagement often have a deeper root
• The difference between belonging and mattering—and why it matters more than we think
• What causes people to feel invisible at work, even when they’re performing
• Simple ways to help someone feel seen, valued, and needed

Support the Movement

Every human deserves to feel seen, valued, and like they matter. Wear it. Live it. Show it. https://StartMattering.com

Disclaimer

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