What comes after Success: From Achievement to Awakening

In this thought-provoking episode of Flying Upstream, host Krystin Medeiros sits down with Kris Land, a successful technologist who reached every external milestone society defines as “making it” — only to find himself facing deep depression and a haunting question: This can’t be it.Kris shares his journey through emotional collapse, near-death experiences, and an awakening that reshaped his understanding of success, purpose, and the soul. What began as a search for achievement became a search for meaning. Through vulnerability and reflection, Kris explores how curiosity became his lifeline — guiding him beyond external validation and into deeper questions about consciousness, emotion, and why we’re really here.The conversation dives into the idea that emotions may be central to the soul’s purpose, that experiences shape our perception of reality, and that fulfillment isn’t found in accumulation but in awareness and connection. Kris challenges the illusion that success guarantees happiness and invites listeners to redefine what achievement truly means.This episode is a reminder that there are no coincidences, that even the darkest moments can become doorways, and that curiosity may be the most powerful tool we have for growth and self-discovery.00:00 Introduction to the journey01:19 The illusion of success07:06 Near-death experiences and awakening13:16 Understanding the soul22:05 The purpose of emotion28:33 Curiosity as a path to fulfillmentSubscribe to the Flying Upstream newsletter and join a growing community of visionary souls, healers, and creativeshttps://flying-upstream.kit.com/5a525057c4Watch this episode on the Flying Upstream YouTube channelhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCru9Sle2Ms_tmgEL_Bo8ZaAExplore the Flying Upstream Bloghttps://flyingupstreamblog.com/blog/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563051165826Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flyingupstreampodcast/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flying-upstream-podcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@flyingupstream_success, depression, near-death experiences, soul, purpose, emotion, awakening, curiosity, personal growth, self-discovery