How the World Teaches Us to Shrink — And How to Reverse It

Why does the spark fade?We all remember what it felt like to be curious, playful, imaginative—fully alive. But somewhere along the way, life gets louder, expectations get heavier, and the world slowly teaches us to ignore the parts of ourselves that once felt most natural.In this episode of The Wisdom of Wow Podcast, Harris and Kate explore why kids lose their spark, and why so many adults feel like they’ve lost theirs too.Through the deeply personal story of their daughter Everly, they unpack how cultural pressure, bullying, performance expectations, and systemic environments can wound a child’s wonder...and what it takes to restore it.They also explore:• Why wonder is our natural state, not something we have to find• How school, culture, and performance pressure can dim curiosity• The neuroscience of awe and its link to resilience and openness• How dopamine overload and instant gratification reduce creativity• Why adults quietly grieve the loss of their own spark• How families and leaders can intentionally reclaim wonder• Why “wow moments” are often the inciting incidents of transformationIf you’ve felt burned out, disconnected, or like your imagination has been hijacked by worry, this conversation will help you rediscover what’s still there.Your spark isn’t gone....it just needs fresh air.