{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Episode 65: Why Suffering Becomes a Spiritual Awakening with Scott Sauls","description":"David Brooks describes life as a journey up two mountains. The first mountain is about achievement\u2014building a career, proving yourself, chasing success. The second mountain begins when the first no longer satisfies, and you\u2019re called into a deeper life of meaning, surrender, and service. This episode lives squarely on that second mountain. This conversation is the second installment in our series exploring where spirituality and adventure overlap, and it\u2019s an honest look at what happens when ambition gives way to awakening. I sat down with Scott Sauls to talk about burnout, identity, and the courage it takes to walk away from what once defined you. We explore why suffering often becomes the doorway to spiritual depth, how achievement can quietly turn into addiction, and why community\u2014not independence\u2014is the missing ingredient in most meaningful adventures. If you\u2019ve ever felt successful on paper but empty underneath\u2014or sensed a pull toward something more without knowing how to answer it\u2014this conversation will meet you right where you are. Timeline Highlights [2:45] \u2013 Why this conversation fits into the spirituality-and-adventure series [7:30] \u2013 Scott\u2019s leadership journey and the hidden cost of achievement [14:10] \u2013 When productivity becomes identity\u2014and why it eventually breaks us [22:40] \u2013 Why suffering often precedes clarity, healing, and spiritual growth [31:55] \u2013 Redefining adventure beyond the outdoors [41:20] \u2013 The role of community in recovery and transformation [52:10] \u2013 Curiosity, humility, and letting go of control Key Themes & Topics Midlife transition Spirituality and adventure Burnout, recovery, and identity Faith, suffering, and meaning Leadership and emotional health Community vs isolation Risk, uncertainty, and growth Links & Resources Scott Sauls \u2013 leadership coaching and writing The Second Mountain by David Brooks From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks Closing If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating or review, and share it with someone who might need this conversation. These stories grow through community\u2014and I\u2019m grateful you\u2019re part of it. Thanks for listening. I\u2019ll see you on the adventure. ","author_name":"On Adventure Podcast with Josh Self","author_url":"https:\/\/sites.libsyn.com\/432426","html":"