Gregory Walton on Why Big Changes Start with Small Acts

What if the secret to lasting transformation isn’t bold, sweeping moves—but quiet, intentional actions?

In this thought-provoking episode, John R. Miles interviews Stanford University psychologist Dr. Gregory Walton, whose groundbreaking research has reshaped how we understand belonging, mindset, and behavior change. Walton’s new book, Ordinary Magic, reveals how small, psychologically wise interventions can catalyze extraordinary change in schools, relationships, and society.

Greg shares the personal stories that inspired his research—from traveling through global poverty as a teen to being falsely arrested as an adult. These formative experiences drive his mission: to help people feel seen, valued, and capable of growth.

Get ready for eye-opening insights that will help you craft a story that captivates, connects, and inspires action!

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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Stitcher, Castbox, Google Podcasts, Listen Notes, Amazon Music, or on your favorite podcast platform. You can watch the interview on YouTube below.

Gregory Walton: The Extraordinary Power of Ordinary Magic

In this thought-provoking episode of Passion Struck, host John R. Miles sits down with Stanford psychologist and author Dr. Gregory Walton to explore the remarkable science behind how small, intentional actions can spark profound change. Drawing from his new book Ordinary Magic, Walton shares how early life experiences—from witnessing global poverty to enduring a wrongful arrest—shaped his understanding of belonging, trust, and identity.

John and Greg unpack why simple gestures—like a teacher’s encouraging note or a well-timed apology—can ripple across years and change life trajectories. They delve into the emotional weight of middle school, the importance of unconditional belief in children, and the silent power of invisible support in relationships and aid programs.

They explore:

• Why the questions “Do I belong?”, “Can I do this?”, and “Who am I?” are essential to flourishing
• How small messages of belief can radically alter a child’s life trajectory
• Why the best support is often invisible—reinforcing agency, not dependency
• How mistrust forms in relationships and how simple acts like apologies can restore faith
• What makes middle school such a critical window for building identity and mattering
• The link between mentorship, irrational belief, and resilience
• Why programs that treat people as weak often fail—and how reframing aid with dignity transforms outcomes
• How to foster psychological safety and trust in everyday life
• The importance of recognizing people as full human beings, beyond stereotypes

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, leaders, and anyone seeking to create change—starting with compassion, curiosity, and a belief in the power of one.

Key Takeaways:

• Small acts can spark exponential impact
• Belonging isn’t a luxury—it’s foundational
• Everyone needs one person who believes in them irrationally
• Empathy and psychological safety create the conditions for growth
• Belief, when grounded in unconditional regard, can rewrite someone’s story
• Helping without humility can do more harm than good
• Start with trust—and build from there

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The Transformative Power of Apology: A Lesson in Psychological Safety

In our conversation, Dr. Gregory Walton shared a personal story that profoundly shaped his understanding of trust and human connection. Years ago, he and his wife were falsely arrested at his family’s remote cabin in Arizona by nine heavily armed deputies who believed they were suspects in a nearby robbery. The experience was terrifying—flashlights in their faces, guns drawn, hands zip-tied behind their backs. The situation could have easily left deep emotional scars.

But what happened next was extraordinary—and instructive.

Once the officers realized their mistake, they didn’t just leave. They apologized—multiple times, sincerely. They walked back up to the cabin, asked questions about the family’s history, admired the hand-built adobe structure, and engaged in human conversation. They made the effort to reestablish trust and dignity.

“It was that act of apology,” Walton told me, “that changed everything. Without it, we would have been left with this lingering question: Are we not good and decent members of the community?”

He later shared this story with Dr. Jennifer Eberhardt, who taught incarcerated students at San Quentin. When she played a recording of the story, the students were unfazed by the arrest itself—it mirrored their own experiences. But they were stunned by the ending. They had never been apologized to.

That contrast reveals the immense psychological impact of acknowledgment and repair. As Walton noted, “All of us want to be members of a community in good standing.” When that standing is called into question—especially unjustly—an apology becomes more than words. It’s an affirmation of mattering.

This story isn’t just anecdotal. It ties directly into Walton’s research on belonging and trust: small acts can have outsized effects when delivered with intention. It reminds us that in moments of rupture, it’s not perfection that restores relationships—it’s humility.

For leaders, educators, parents, and anyone in a position of power, this story is a powerful call to action: Don’t underestimate the quiet magic of repair. Sometimes the most profound human connection starts with, “I’m sorry. You matter.”

THANKS, Gregory Walton

If you enjoyed this interview with Gregory Walton, let him know by clicking on the link below and sending him a quick shout on Instagram

Click here to show Gregory Walton your thoughts about today’s episode on his website

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If you want us to answer your questions or you want John to discuss a topic on one of our upcoming Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected].

RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW WITH DR. GREGORY WALTON

Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!

1. Gregory Walton’s Website
2. Gregory Walton’s Instagram
3. Gregory Miller’s LinkedIn
4. BUY Donald Miller’s book Ordinar Magic: https://amzn.to/3FT1oSH
5. Passion Struck Core Value System: https://passionstruck.com/the-passion-struck-core-belief-system/
6. Listen to Passion Struck’s interviews with New York Times bestselling authors Gretchen Rubin and Seth Godin.
7. Check out Passion Struck’s Episode Starter Packs on Spotify or Passion Struck starter packs to get started with the podcast.

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About Today’s Guest, Gregory Walton

Gregory Walton is the Michael Forman University Fellow and Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, renowned for his pioneering work on the subtle psychological forces that shape human behavior and social outcomes. A leading voice in social and moral psychology, Dr. Walton’s research focuses on how seemingly small shifts in perspective—what he calls “wise interventions”—can spark long-lasting personal and societal transformation. His work has profoundly influenced how educators, policymakers, and leaders think about belonging, motivation, and equity.

In his transformative book, Ordinary Magic: The Science of How We Can Achieve Big Change with Small Acts, Dr. Walton reveals how ordinary, everyday moments—when designed with care and intention—can change the course of a life. These insights are grounded in decades of rigorous research, much of which Walton led, including his development of the very concept of wise interventions.

Through Ordinary Magic, Walton empowers readers to harness the quiet, often-overlooked moments of life—whether in a classroom, at work, or in our relationships—to build trust, foster belonging, and make real, lasting change. This is not just science—it’s science that serves.

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