Answering the World’s Hardest Questions at 18

Dear friends,

This week, I did something I’ve never done before.

I tried to answer the world’s hardest questions—all by myself.

Now, I know that sounds like a crazy idea. I’m 18. I still get excited over free samples at Costco. But here’s the thing: I’ve realized that these questions aren’t just for philosophers or people in their 60s. They’re for all of us, right now.

So I sat down and recorded a solo episode on five of the biggest questions I’ve wrestled with. No script. Just the mic, my thoughts, and my heart on the line.

Here’s what I asked:

• Who am I?

• Why do bad things happen to good people?

• What is love?

• What is the meaning of life?

• Is there a right way to live?

I didn’t come to perfect answers. But I think that’s the point. These questions aren’t puzzles to solve—they’re conversations to return to over and over again.

The most surprising thing I realized while recording? These questions don’t scare me anymore. They energize me. Because they remind me that I care. That I want to live deeply. That I’m not here to coast.

Here’s one thing I said in the episode that stuck with me:

If I can live that kind of life—even just most days—I’ll consider it a win.

I hope this episode makes you think. I hope it gives you permission to ask your own questions. And more than anything, I hope it reminds you that you’re not alone in wondering.

Let’s get into it.

The Grateful Podcast:

I have a podcast where I interview people much smarter and more qualified than me talking about how you can live a more purposeful life full of gratitude and ambition.

I release episodes every Monday where I go over a lesson I’ve recently learned.

Every Wednesday and Saturday I release an episode with a very cool guest.

You can subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or find the video version on YouTube.

This week’s episodes:

🎙️ Monday: Answering the World’s Hardest Questions at 18

A solo deep dive on the five questions that have shaped my view of the world and how I want to live in it.

🎙️ Wednesday: The Religious Rise Among Gen-Z with Ben Hancock

We spoke about faith and the role of religion in modern society.

🎙️ Saturday: Building a Positive Health Brand on Social Media with Noah Tanner (@thebiggestfella__)

We talked about what it means to be a role model in the fitness space, how to spread joy through discipline, and why health is more than what you look like.

Coaching:

If you’re ready to take action and need guidance, I’d love to help.

I have limited space available, so if you’re interested, book a free 15-minute call with me to discuss your dreams and how to start making them happen.

📩 You can shoot me an email at [email protected] and we’ll get scheduled.

Lastly, the absolute best present you could give me would be to leave a 5-star review on my podcast. It really helps more than you know.

Make this week count. Thanks so much for reading—and for walking this road with me.

Stay grateful,

Jack Wagoner