Introduce

Ruby: Hey everyone, welcome back to English Podcast with Ruby! I’m Ruby, and I’m here again with my amazing co-host and good friend, Tim.

Tim: Hey hey, what’s up, everybody? Always excited to be back. And today, Ruby, we’re diving into one of the biggest and deepest questions out there.

Ruby: Mm, that’s right. Today we’re talking about purpose. Not just any purpose, but your life’s purpose. That inner compass that gives meaning to everything you do, that feeling of waking up and knowing—deep down—why your life matters.

Tim: Yeah… like, that question that kinda lingers in the background of everything: Why am I here? What’s the point of all this? Some people avoid it, but it always comes back around.

Ruby: It does. And to help us explore this, we’re leaning on the wisdom of Viktor Frankl—an Austrian psychiatrist who lived through the horrors of the Auschwitz concentration camp. Despite everything, he discovered something life-changing: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’”

Tim: Mm… that hits hard. So he’s saying, if you have a reason—if you know what you’re living for—you can survive even the worst situations?

Ruby: Exactly. Frankl believed that purpose isn’t some magical thing waiting out there for you to find. It’s something you create through your response to life—especially when life is painful, confusing, or uncertain.

Tim: So even when things fall apart, if you’ve got a “why,” you’re not lost. That’s… actually really comforting.

Ruby: It is. And today, we’re gonna unpack that—step by step. Because purpose isn’t just a luxury for a few lucky people. It’s something every one of us can start building, no matter where we are in life.

Tim

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Ruby

And we’d love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let us know what part resonated with you most.

Tim

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Ruby: Alright, let’s do it. Let’s help people figure out how to find—or create—their why.

The Invisible Hunger

Ruby: Let’s begin with something Frankl called the existential vacuum—it’s that feeling of emptiness that creeps in when life seems to be going fine on the outside, but inside… something’s missing. Tim, have you ever felt that?

Tim: Mm, yeah. It’s like—life looks good on paper, right? You’ve got the job, the friends, the weekend plans. But then you’re lying in bed at night thinking, “Is this all there is?”

Ruby: Exactly. Frankl believed that underneath all our busyness and achievements, we’re actually hungry—for meaning. Not just success or comfort, but something deeper. A sense that what we do actually matters.

Tim: Hm, so even with all this freedom and comfort in modern life—apps, streaming, coffee shops on every corner—people still feel lost?

Ruby: Yeah. We have more options than ever, but less direction. It’s like we’re overwhelmed by choice but undernourished in purpose. Frankl said this kind of inner emptiness is one of the biggest psychological challenges of our time.

Tim: That really makes sense. It’s like we’re full—but not fulfilled. Stuffed with distractions, but starving for something real.

Ruby: Beautifully put. And unless we confront that hunger, we can end up chasing things that don’t actually satisfy us—status, money, even relationships—not because they’re bad, but because they can’t give us what only purpose can.

Tim: So the first step… is recognizing that the hunger is real. That it’s not weird or broken to feel this way—it’s human.

Ruby: Mm-hmm. It’s a signal, not a flaw. That feeling of emptiness isn’t there to torture us—it’s there to guide us toward something more meaningful.

Three Ways to Create Your Purpose

1 – Live for Something Bigger Than Yourself

Ruby: So, Tim, one of the most powerful ideas from Viktor Frankl is this: Don’t ask what you want from life—ask what life wants from you.

Tim: Mm… that flips the question completely, doesn’t it? I mean, we’re so used to thinking like, “What do I want?” “What will make me happy?” But Frankl says—wait, maybe it’s not about chasing happiness, but about responding to something greater than ourselves.

Ruby: Exactly. Purpose often shows up when we stop looking inward and start listening outward. Like, what is life asking of you right now?

Maybe it’s being there for your family. Maybe it’s using your skills to serve your community. Or maybe… it’s creating something that only you can bring into this world.

Tim: Right. It’s not always some huge, dramatic mission either. Sometimes, the purpose is in the quiet things. Like taking care of an aging parent. Teaching a child. Helping someone who’s struggling.

It’s not about you being the hero—it’s about answering the call.

Ruby: I love that. Because when you live for something bigger than yourself, your life starts to feel… fuller. More connected.

You stop asking, “Why is this happening to me?” and start asking, “What is this moment asking of me?”

Tim: Mm. That hits deep. So if you’re listening right now and feeling a little lost—maybe start there.

What in your life feels meaningful right now?

What’s one thing outside of yourself that’s calling for your care, your attention, your heart?

Ruby: That’s where it begins. With that one quiet moment of service. That one honest response to life’s whisper.

That… could be the doorway to your purpose.

2 – Choosing a Human Response in the Face of Suffering

Tim: You know, Ruby, one thing that struck me most about Viktor Frankl’s story is how he talked about suffering. He saw people lose everything—their freedom, their families, even their dignity—and yet, some still chose to be kind.

Ruby: Mm, yeah. That’s powerful. Frankl believed that even in the darkest situations, there’s one thing no one can take from you—your ability to choose how you respond.

Tim: Right. We can’t always control what happens to us, but we can control what happens in us.

Ruby: Exactly. And that choice—to respond with compassion instead of bitterness, to hold on to our humanity when everything else is falling apart—that’s where meaning lives.

It’s not about pretending the pain isn’t real. It’s about saying, “Even in this, I will not lose who I am.”

Tim: Yeah… sometimes we think meaning only exists when things are going well. But Frankl showed us that meaning can grow even in suffering.

Especially in suffering.

Ruby: Mm-hm. Think about someone facing illness, loss, or heartbreak… and yet, they choose to show up for others. To forgive. To smile.

That’s not weakness. That’s strength with a soul.

Tim: So true. And if you’re going through something tough right now, maybe your purpose isn’t to fix everything…

Maybe it’s to hold onto your inner truth, your kindness, your courage—no matter what.

Ruby: That’s what Frankl meant when he said, “Everything can be taken from a person but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

And that choice? That’s where meaning is born.

3 – Turning Pain into Purposeful Action

Ruby: You know, Tim, there’s something deeply moving about this idea: our pain doesn’t have to be the end of the story—it can be the beginning of something meaningful.

Tim: Yeah… that hits home. Like, instead of letting your struggles crush you, you can turn them into fuel for something good. Something beautiful.

Ruby: Exactly. Maybe you’ve been hurt before—emotionally, physically, spiritually. But what if that very pain becomes your gift?

If you’ve suffered, you understand suffering. That makes you the perfect person to help someone else who’s walking that same road.

Tim: Mm, yeah. Like, if you’ve felt lost, maybe your purpose is to guide someone else. If you’ve felt invisible, maybe your purpose is to see others clearly.

Your wounds don’t make you weak—they make you wise.

Ruby: That’s so powerful. Purpose doesn’t always come from what’s easy. Sometimes it comes from the hardest things we’ve ever faced.

But only if we choose to act on it.

Tim: Right. Pain alone doesn’t create purpose. But pain plus action? That’s transformation.

Ruby: Mm-hm. And here’s the thing—you don’t have to have it all figured out today. No one does.

Tim: Yeah, so if you’re listening right now thinking, “But I don’t know my purpose yet,”—that’s okay.

Ruby: Just start by asking one simple question every morning:

“What feels meaningful to me today?”

Not forever. Not even this month. Just today.

Tim: And then take one small step. Even if it’s ordinary. Even if no one sees it. Purpose isn’t found—it’s created, one decision at a time.

Ruby: Yes. And when you show up for that one small moment, again and again—it builds something real.

That’s how pain becomes purpose. That’s how your story becomes someone else’s hope.

Finding Meaning Through Personal Experiences

Ruby: You know, Tim, Frankl also taught us that each of us carries a unique story—moments of joy, moments of struggle—that can become the soil where purpose grows.

Tim: Absolutely. Your life experiences—good and bad—aren’t just “what happened.” They’re rich resources for meaning. When you mine those moments, you discover what truly moves you.

Ruby: Right. Think about a time when you felt most alive. Maybe it was volunteering for a cause, or helping a friend through a rough patch, or even that first big success you worked so hard for.

Tim: Or conversely, when you felt most lost—maybe after a breakup, or losing a job, or facing failure. Those are the experiences that can sharpen your empathy and point you toward your calling.

Ruby: Exactly. Those highs and lows—they’re your personal data. They tell you: “This mattered to me,” or “That hurt me deeply.” And that signal—that becomes the heartbeat of your purpose.

Tim: So if you’ve ever felt joy when teaching, your purpose might involve education or mentorship. If you felt peace when creating art, your purpose could be to bring beauty into the world.

Ruby: Mm-hm. And you don’t have to wait for a dramatic “aha” moment. Sometimes it’s the small experiences—like the satisfaction of fixing something broken, or the warmth you feel listening to someone’s story—that light the way.

Tim: Here’s a quick exercise for listeners: grab a notebook, and write down three personal experiences—one joyful, one painful, one surprising. Next to each, jot what you learned about yourself in that moment.

Ruby: Then ask: “How could I use that lesson to serve others or express myself?” You might be surprised how clear your purpose becomes.

Tim: Yeah, mining your own life story is one of the most authentic ways to find meaning. Because your purpose doesn’t come from someone else’s blueprint—it comes from your lived experience.

Ruby: So today, give yourself permission to reflect. Your personal history is not a burden; it’s a gift—full of clues to your why.

Real-Life Stories That Prove It

Ruby:

Let’s make this real. Frankl’s own life wasn’t just theory—it was proof. He lost almost everything in the concentration camps: his wife, his parents, his freedom. But he didn’t let it destroy him. He kept helping others survive emotionally, even when he was starving himself.

Tim:

That’s insane. Just… the mental strength it must’ve taken to keep going like that, while everyone around you is breaking.

Ruby:

Right? He held onto purpose by imagining the future—finishing the book he’d started, lecturing again, even just reuniting with someone he loved. He wasn’t fantasizing to escape reality—he was building meaning to survive it.

Tim:

Mm, that’s powerful. Like hope as a survival tool.

Ruby:

Yes. And it wasn’t just him. One prisoner said he made it through by picturing his child’s face every single day. That image gave him strength when food, freedom, and even warmth were gone.

Tim:

Wow. It kind of redefines what strength really is, huh?

Ruby:

Totally. And even outside the camps, we see it. A single mom who gives up her dreams to raise her kids—that’s purpose. A nurse who keeps showing up in a war zone—that’s purpose. Quiet courage, quiet sacrifice.

Tim:

So purpose doesn’t always look like a TED Talk or some epic achievement. Sometimes it’s just… showing up. Choosing love when it’s hard.

Ruby:

Exactly. The world may not notice, but your soul does. And that’s where meaning lives.

Science Backs This Up

Tim:

Alright, Ruby, this sounds amazing, but is there, like, actual proof that purpose makes a real difference? Or is this just one of those feel-good ideas?

Ruby:

Oh, there’s solid science behind it. Frankl’s approach—called logotherapy—is actually used in psychology to help people find meaning instead of just numbing their pain. And it works. Research shows that people with a strong sense of purpose tend to live longer, have better mental health, and are more resilient during tough times.

Tim:

So it’s not just about feeling inspired—it’s like, biologically good for you?

Ruby:

Exactly. Having purpose lowers stress levels, strengthens the immune system, and even improves sleep. And here’s the cool part—it’s not about having a perfect life. It’s about having a reason to get through the imperfect one.

Tim:

Mm. That changes everything. It’s like, finding your “why” isn’t just philosophical—it’s practical.

Ruby:

Totally. And you know, today’s generation gets it. Studies show young people aren’t just chasing more comfort or luxury—they’re hungry for meaning. When you feel like your life serves a purpose, it becomes your compass. It keeps you grounded, even when things get messy.

Tim:

So finding your purpose isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.

Ruby:

Exactly. It’s mental health, it’s emotional strength, it’s how we make sense of the mess.

Ruby: Alright, before we wrap up this part, let’s slow down and highlight some key words we’ve been using. These aren’t just big words—they’re powerful ideas that can help you think deeper in English.

Tim: Yeah, if you really want to feel the meaning of this episode, these words are your toolkit. Let’s break them down one by one.

Vocabulary	Meaning	Example Sentence
Existential void	Meaning: A deep feeling of emptiness or lack of meaning in life	Example: After achieving all his goals, he still felt an existential void.
Purpose	Meaning: The reason why something exists or is done	Example: She found her purpose in helping others recover from trauma.
Dignity	Meaning: The state of being worthy, honored, or respected	Example: Even in prison, he tried to maintain his dignity.
Resilient	Meaning: Able to recover quickly from difficulties	Example: Children can be incredibly resilient in the face of change.
Humane	Meaning: Showing compassion or kindness	Example: Despite the chaos, she stayed humane and helped others.
Suffering	Meaning: The state of undergoing pain or hardship	Example: He turned his suffering into art that inspired millions.
Sacrifice	Meaning: Giving up something valuable for the sake of something else	Example: Her biggest sacrifice was leaving her dream job to care for her parents.
Calling	Meaning: A strong feeling of duty or purpose toward a specific life path	Example: Teaching felt more like a calling than a career to him.
Scar	Meaning: A lasting mark left after pain or injury, physical or emotional	Example: Every scar told a story of survival and strength.
Compassion	Meaning: Sympathy and concern for the suffering of others	Example: His compassion for the homeless led him to start a shelter.
Mental health	Meaning: A person’s condition with regard to their emotional well-being	Example: Regular reflection and purpose-seeking improves mental health.
Logotherapy	Meaning: A therapy focused on finding meaning in life	Example: Logotherapy helped her rediscover her sense of direction.
Choice	Meaning: The act of selecting among options	Example: No matter the situation, you always have a choice in how you respond.
Attitude	Meaning: A settled way of thinking or feeling about something	Example: Even when things went wrong, his attitude stayed positive.
Mission	Meaning: A strong commitment to achieve a purpose	Example: She lived every day as if she were on a mission to bring hope.

A Call to Action

Ruby: So here’s the thing, Tim—and everyone listening—purpose isn’t something you stumble upon one magical day. It’s not waiting at the end of a long journey. It’s something you create—bit by bit—through the choices you make every single day.

Tim: Mm, that hits. So many of us are out there searching for this big, shiny answer. But maybe it’s not about finding something… maybe it’s about choosing something.

Ruby: Exactly. You don’t have to quit your job or move across the world to live with purpose. It could be as simple as asking yourself each morning, “What can I do today that matters to me—even just a little?”

Maybe it’s writing a page in your journal. Calling someone you’ve been thinking about. Helping a stranger. Or even taking a brave step toward a dream you’ve put on hold.

Tim: Yeah, those little moments—they’re the building blocks of a meaningful life. You know, we keep thinking we need a sign or a big breakthrough. But sometimes, purpose shows up in the quiet decisions, the ones no one sees.

Ruby: Mm-hmm. So let’s do this together. If you’re listening right now, take one small, intentional action today that feels meaningful to you. No pressure. No perfect outcome. Just one honest step.

Tim: I love that. Let’s stop waiting for the “perfect” life to begin and start creating it—one meaningful moment at a time.

Ruby: You said it. Thank you for being with us today, friends. Wherever you are in the world, whatever you’re facing—know that your life has value, and your voice matters.

Tim: So keep showing up. Keep choosing purpose. And we’ll see you in the next episode.

Ruby: Take care, everyone—and keep living with intention. Bye!