The Anxious Achiever

How can you build a mentally healthy workplace while still managing the pressure, expectations, and emotional challenges of mission-driven work? In this episode, I talk with Poppy Jaman, OBE, founding CEO of Mental Health First Aid England and CEO of the City Mental Health Alliance, now known as MindForward Alliance UK, about creating workplaces where people can bring their whole selves to work while maintaining healthy boundaries. We break down how stigma prevents people from seeking support, and the mental health challenges that come with caring and mission-driven work. Poppy also opens up about her experience with postnatal depression, how meaningful work supported her mental health, and the practices she uses to protect her mental well-being. Tune in to learn how to recognize your own stress signals, check in with yourself, and build a personal toolkit for staying mentally well. Check out our sponsors: HeyPolo - Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/achiever or use code…

Do you ever feel exhausted at the end of the workday without being able to point to what you actually accomplished? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Liane Davey, an organizational psychologist, about the invisible cognitive and emotional load that keeps you distracted, anxious, and stuck in the swirl. We break down the connection between thoughtload and conflict, why modern workplaces create so much mental noise, and what happens when you outsource too much of your thinking and feedback to AI. We also share the difference between useful stress and generalized anxiety, the power of “doing more nothing,” and how taking one small action can help you get unstuck. Tune in to learn how to create more space in your brain and get back to doing meaningful work. Check out our sponsors: HeyPolo - Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/achiever or use code ACHIEVER and get 40% off your first year! Life at the Speed of Play - Go to getmarksbook.com/anxious to get two copies for the price of one…

Do you avoid difficult conversations because you don't want to make things worse? You're not alone. Many of us avoid conflict because it feels uncomfortable, but avoiding it often creates even more stress, uncertainty, and anxiety. In this episode, I sit down with workplace conflict expert Amy Gallo to talk about why healthy conflict is an essential leadership skill and how you can approach difficult conversations with more confidence. We talk about how emotional flooding affects difficult conversations, why shame often keeps us from speaking up, and Amy's 4-step framework for handling difficult conversations with more clarity and confidence. Tune in to discover a healthier way to approach difficult conversations. Check out our sponsors: HeyPolo - Protect your loved ones without spying on them. Go to heypolo.com/achiever or use code ACHIEVER and get 40% off your first year! Life at the Speed of Play - Go to getmarksbook.com/anxious to get two copies for the price of one - one for you and one for a friend.…

Do you feel like you're constantly choosing between your career, your children, and yourself? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ann Welsh, a therapist and psychologist, about why women are taught to see motherhood and ambition as opposing forces. We dive into the ambition paradox and how motherhood challenges you to rethink what success really means. We also discuss the power of small changes, reconnecting with joy and hobbies, the difference between healthy and unhealthy striving, and how to separate your worth from achievement, money, and status. Tune in to learn how to pursue what you want while creating a version of ambition that feels sustainable and true to you. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to…

How can leaders create healthier, more intentional workplaces while navigating anxiety, uncertainty, and remote work? In this classic episode, I talk with Jacqui Brassey, co-leader at the McKinsey Health Institute, and Vivek Bapat of SAP on the connection between leadership, mental health, and workplace culture. We dive into how toxic behavior fuels anxiety, why emotional flexibility and psychological safety matter, and how leaders can create space for people to bring their whole selves to work. We also talk about intentional communication, building relationships in remote and hybrid teams, and why empathy, listening, and healthy boundaries are essential to leading well. Tune in to discover what it really takes to create a workplace where people can feel supported, connected, and able to do their best work. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are…

What if anxiety isn't something you need to eliminate, but something you can learn to work with? In this episode, I sit down with Sébastien Page, Chief Investment Officer and Head of Global Multi-Asset at T. Rowe Price, to explore how personality, stress, and anxiety shape the way we lead and perform. We share how to use anxiety as fuel, the difference between mastery and ego, why relationships matter to high performance, and what high achievers can learn from sports psychology. Tune in to discover how to pursue excellence without losing sight of your wellbeing. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description and use code achiever for a Free Welcome Kit, five free…

What does it take to keep leading when depression tells you that you can’t go on? In this classic episode, I talk with Paul Greenberg, CEO of Butter Works about building a successful career while living with severe, chronic depression and suicidal thoughts. Paul shares how he kept showing up for work, why connecting with other people gave him a sense of purpose, and what happened when decades of traditional treatments failed to bring relief. We also talk about ECT, ketamine treatment, mental health stigma, and how leaders can create workplaces where people feel safer asking for help. Get ready to rethink what strength and success can look like when mental illness is part of the picture. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to…

What if the parts of yourself you feel most ashamed of are not things you need to hide or fix, but parts you need to learn to accept? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman to talk about self-compassion, neurodivergence, shame, and what it means to find growth and meaning in the face of adversity. Scott shares why you create so much unnecessary suffering by ruminating over how others perceive you, how trusting your intentions can help you stop beating yourself up, and why you can accept and love yourself without necessarily liking every part of who you are. Tune in to discover how to stop reducing yourself to your mistakes or your past and build a more compassionate relationship with your whole self. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it…

Can depression make success feel like something you have to keep earning? In this episode, I sit down with John Moe, host of The Hilarious World of Depression, to talk about depression, anxiety, and the ways mental health shapes how you work and see yourself. John shares how he learned to recognize “magical thinking” and the unreliable narrator of depression, why achievement can’t fill the gap between success and self-worth, and how therapy helped him challenge distorted thinking. We also talk about getting laid off, separating your identity from your work, performing normalcy, and knowing when it’s time to ask for help. Tune in to separate your worth from your achievements. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to…

How do you lead at the highest level while still taking care of yourself? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. John D’Angelo, CEO of Northwell Health, to talk about what it means to lead through uncertainty, pressure, and enormous responsibility without losing sight of your own wellbeing. John shares how his emergency medicine background shaped his approach to leadership, how anxiety has fueled his drive to succeed, and why purpose, healthy boundaries, and taking care of yourself can make you a stronger leader. We also talk about burnout, psychological safety, navigating mistakes, protecting time to think, and building a trusted inner circle you can be vulnerable with. Tune in to discover how to lead through pressure and uncertainty while protecting your energy, wellbeing, and sense of self. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your…

What if the patterns that helped you succeed are also holding you back at work? In this episode, I sit down with MIT professor Dr. Deborah Ancona to talk about how the “family ghosts” you carry from childhood can shape the way you handle authority, conflict, responsibility, perfectionism, and asking for help. We dive into how recognizing these patterns helps you understand your triggers, change behaviors that keep you stuck, and lead with greater intention. Tune in to discover how your past may be influencing the way you work, lead, and relate to others. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description and use code achiever for a Free Welcome Kit, five free travel…

Could your workplace be making it harder for you to do your best work? In this episode, I sit down with author and neurodiversity advocate Dave Thompson to talk about designing work around how people actually function best. Dave shares what he learned from helping build a successful social enterprise with a majority-autistic workforce. We dive into neuroinclusive work, masking, and how understanding your own needs helps you do better work without constantly forcing yourself to fit in. Tune in to discover how to create more room for the way you actually work, think, and thrive. Check out our sponsors: ElevenLabs - If you run a business or handle customer operations across support, sales, or marketing, you can start with a demo at elevenlabs.io/achiever. Granola - If meetings are eating up your day, Granola is a no-brainer. You can try it totally free - just head to granola.ai/ACHIEVER. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description and use code achiever for a Free Welcome…

Do you ever feel like you're forcing yourself to work in ways that just don't fit how your brain works? In this episode, I sit down with Penn and Kim Holderness to talk about how understanding ADHD transforms the way you lead, create, and work together. Penn and Kim share how understanding emotional dysregulation transformed their marriage, why shame can hold people with ADHD back, and the systems they use to reduce overwhelm, unlock creativity, and work more effectively as a team. Tune in to discover how embracing the way your brain works can lead to stronger relationships, better collaboration, and more meaningful work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai…

What if your biggest advantage isn't knowing what's coming next, but trusting yourself to handle whatever comes? In this episode, I sit down with author Simone Stolzoff to talk about why your need for certainty keeps you stuck and how tying your identity too closely to work leaves you vulnerable when life changes. Simone shares why uncertainty isn't something to eliminate, but a part of being human, how values and relationships provide stability when the future feels unclear, and why adapting matters more than predicting what comes next. Tune in to discover how uncertainty can become a source of growth instead of something to fear. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit…

Does starting over in midlife feel exciting or terrifying? In this special crossover episode, I joined Olivia F. Scott from Freedom at the Mat to talk about career pivots, identity, ambition, and what it means to rebuild in midlife. We share our own experiences with burnout, rebuilding our careers, redefining what success means, letting go of external validation, and why sometimes the bravest thing you can do is admit you don't have all the answers. Tune in to discover how to navigate midlife with more courage, purpose, and self-trust. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT NOW or click on the link in the description…

Have you ever wondered why the way everyone else works just doesn't seem to work for you? In this episode, I introduce my TAAM framework and share what I learned from my Neuro Strength Survey of more than 1,200 neurodistinct professionals. I talk about how time, attention, agency, and motivation shape the way you work and why understanding those patterns can help you build a career that feels more aligned. Plus, I share questions to help you identify your own TAAM profile and start designing work that fits you better. Tune in to discover how understanding the way your brain works can help you build a career that works for you. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit…

Have you ever tried to achieve your way out of anxiety or depression? What happens when reaching your biggest goals still doesn't make you feel like you're enough? In this episode, I sit down with NBA champion and mental health advocate Kevin Love to talk about the anxiety, depression, and constant sense of dread that existed alongside his extraordinary success. Kevin opens up about the panic attack that changed his relationship with mental health, the pressure to prove himself, and why achievement, fame, and money could never fill the void. We also break down perfectionism, overwork, social anxiety, vulnerability, and the complicated relationship between ambition and mental health. Tune in to learn how changing your relationship with achievement can create more room for self-acceptance, connection, and joy. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free…

Do you know how to bring yourself back to balance when stress and anxiety take over? In this episode, I sit down with HeartMath president and co-CEO Dr. Deborah Rozman to talk about how stress, anxiety, and emotions affect your heart, brain, and nervous system. Deborah breaks down what heart rate variability measures, what it means to move into a state of coherence, and why staying activated by stress for too long can drain your energy and performance. We also did the Quick Coherence Practice to reset when you're triggered or regain clarity during a stressful day. Tune in to learn how to feel calmer, clearer, and more resilient under pressure. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s…

Does perfectionism feel like the reason you're successful and the thing that's exhausting you at the same time? In this episode, I sit down with author and workplace expert Susan Schmitt Winchester to talk about the roots of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the constant need for external validation. Susan shares how childhood experiences follow you into the workplace, why everyday triggers send you into old patterns of fear and self-doubt, and ways to regulate your response. Tune in to learn how to loosen perfectionism's grip without giving up your ability to do great work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. IM8 - Go to IM8HEALTH.com/achiever RIGHT…

Do you ever wonder if you're doing enough for your parents? In this episode, I sit down with Baylor University professor Dr. Allison Alford to talk about the emotional, mental, logistical, and identity work women take on to keep their families connected. Allison shares how to recognize the daughtering you're already doing, why so many women struggle to feel like a “good enough” daughter, and how family expectations shape the way you show up in other areas of your life. We also break down the difference between daughtering and caregiving, how to set healthier boundaries, and why doing more isn't always the answer. Tune in to redefine what being a good daughter means without losing yourself in the expectations that come with it. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start…

Are you worried about what AI means for your job and the future of work? How do you stay grounded when technology is changing faster than you can keep up? In this episode, I sit down with Oxford Road CEO and founder Dan Granger to talk about AI anxiety, uncertainty, and what it takes to keep moving forward when the future feels impossible to predict. We dive into how to recognize when anxiety is useful, why focusing on the process can pull you out of the “what if” spiral, and how curiosity and adaptability can help you navigate rapid change. Tune in to learn how to work with uncertainty, focus on what you can control, and lean into the uniquely human value you bring to your work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot…

Do you want to become the kind of leader people genuinely trust? Could kindness be one of the most overlooked leadership skills today? In this episode, I sit down with John MacPhee, CEO of the Jed Foundation, to talk about how compassionate leadership creates stronger teams, healthier workplaces, and a greater sense of belonging. John shares how his own struggles with anxiety, failing out of college, and an unforgettable conversation with his mother transformed his definition of success and ultimately led him to purpose-driven work. We also dive into what workplaces still get wrong about mental health and the small leadership shifts that can make a lasting difference. Tune in to discover how leading with kindness can strengthen your team, your culture, and yourself. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice…

Can your greatest struggles become the foundation for your best work? What if the way through anxiety isn't eliminating it, but creating something meaningful despite it? In this episode, I sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Jerry Saltz to talk about growing up with profound trauma, living with panic attacks, overcoming envy, and finding purpose through creative work. Jerry shares how years of self-doubt, social anxiety, and rejection eventually led him to reinvent himself, why meaningful work matters more than perfection, and how embracing your own voice can transform your life. Tune in to discover why showing up, creating consistently, and letting go of comparison may be the most powerful antidotes to anxiety. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at…

What happens when the strategies that always worked for you suddenly stop working? How do you keep believing in yourself when success no longer feels certain? In this episode, I sit down with entrepreneur and author Jenny Blake to talk about financial uncertainty, career setbacks, and the emotional toll of building a business. Jenny shares what it was like to lose major clients, question long-held beliefs about success, navigate the "flop era" of entrepreneurship, and find new meaning through creativity instead of certainty. Tune in to discover how to navigate uncertainty with more self-compassion, patience, and purpose. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search…

Which conversations have you been avoiding at work? In this classic episode, I sit down with Death, Sex & Money host Anna Sale to talk about why conversations about money, mental health, and personal struggles still feel so difficult in many workplaces. We discuss the shame that often shapes our financial decisions, how your upbringing influences the way you negotiate and advocate for yourself, and what to consider before telling your boss you're struggling. Anna also shares advice for setting boundaries, asking for what you need, and creating more honest relationships at work. Get ready to rethink the conversations that could change your work and your life. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on…

Would you take four months away from work? Have you ever wondered who you'd be without your job for a while? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard Business School lecturer and The Sabbatical Project founder Dennis “DJ” DiDonna to talk about why many of us keep pushing until burnout forces us to stop, how intentional time away creates space to reflect on what really matters, and why rest isn't about doing nothing. DJ also shares ways to plan a sabbatical, navigate the uncertainty that comes with slowing down, and return with a stronger sense of purpose. Get ready to rethink time off as an investment in the life and career you want to build. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first…

Could the way you think about money have more to do with your childhood than your bank account? In this episode, I sit down with personal finance expert Shannah Game to talk about why your relationship with money is often shaped long before you earn your first paycheck. We dive deep into money trauma, the stories we attach to spending and saving, and how those patterns influence our careers, relationships, and sense of self. Shannah also shares ways to respond differently to financial triggers and build healthier habits that align with the life you want. Get ready to rethink your relationship with money. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app…

How do you lead when the future refuses to give you certainty? In this episode, I sit down with leadership experts Scott D. Anthony, Lisa Kay Solomon, and Chris Shipley to talk about what leadership looks like when uncertainty becomes the norm. We dive into making decisions without having all the answers, why leaders need to let go of the illusion of certainty, and how curiosity, agency, and even play can help teams adapt to change. We also share ways to navigate uncertainty, manage anxiety, and create workplaces where people feel empowered to do their best work. Tune in to discover why the future belongs to leaders who are willing to learn, adapt, and grow. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on…

Can loving your work make burnout more likely? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard Business School professor Jon Jachimowicz to talk about the downside of passion at work. Jon shares why passion isn't something you either have or don't have, but something that rises and falls over time. We also talk about why passionate employees often overwork, skip recovery, and become vulnerable to burnout, how organizations unintentionally exploit passion, and why leaders need a better strategy for helping people sustain meaningful work over the long term. Tune in to rethink what it really means to follow your passion without sacrificing your well-being. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app…

How do you ask for what you need at work when the system still makes disability feel risky to name? In this episode, I sit down with attorney, author, and neurodiversity advocate Haley Moss to talk about the reality of being neurodivergent at work. Haley breaks down what the ADA actually protects, how reasonable accommodations work in practice, and why disclosure is still such a fraught decision for so many people. We also talk about masking, internalized ableism, the pressure to frame neurodivergence as a “superpower,” and MORE. Get ready to rethink disclosure, disability, and what real inclusion at work should actually look like. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just…

How much of yourself should work be allowed to cost you? In this episode, I sit down with author and former Deloitte partner Deepa Purushothaman to talk about what happens when ambition, bias, and chronic overwork are carried in the body. Deepa shares how a major health crisis forced her to rethink the way she worked, the way she defined success, and the ways women of color are taught to survive in workplaces that were never built for them. We talk about masking, hypervigilance, power, and why so many women can appear successful on paper yet feel depleted, silenced, and disconnected from themselves. Get ready to challenge your assumptions about power, productivity, and the stories corporate culture has taught you to believe about yourself. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at…

How do you stay grounded when technology is changing work faster than any of us can keep up with? In this episode, I sit down with journalist and CNN contributor Jacob Ward to talk about the emotional and psychological impact of living and working alongside increasingly powerful technology. Jacob shares why he believes the bigger threat isn’t just automation, but the way these systems shape your behavior, attention, and relationships at work. We talk about loneliness, agency, management, the pressure to keep producing, and what happens when more of our thinking gets handed over to machines. Get ready to rethink productivity, management, and the value of human judgment. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free…

Can achievement become a coping mechanism? In this classic episode, I sit down with entrepreneur, investor, and former Facebook and Twitter growth leader Andy Johns to talk about the connection between childhood trauma, anxiety, achievement, and self-worth. Andy shares how growing up with instability, loss, and trauma shaped his relentless drive to succeed, why panic attacks eventually forced him to confront his mental health, and how years of healing helped him realize that achievement and self-love are not the same thing. We also dive into PTSD, entrepreneurship, intrusive thoughts, overwork, and why so many successful people struggle to slow down even after they've reached their goals. Tune in to learn why healing is the most important achievement of all. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use…

How do you build a meaningful career when AI is rewriting the future of work? In this episode, I sit down with New York Times investigative reporter Jodi Kantor to talk about why so many young professionals feel discouraged about the future, and how digital shifts are reshaping our modern workplaces. Jodi shares how she survived getting fired from her college paper and dropping out of law school, and how those setbacks paved her way back to journalism. We also dive deep into the realities of AI-driven hiring, the loss of workplace autonomy, and the formula for reclaiming your agency. Get ready to rethink what it truly takes to protect your career in a rapidly changing world. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get…

What if achievement doesn't have to come from suffering? I sit down with Congressman Adam Smith to talk about the complicated relationship between anxiety, achievement, and self-worth. Adam shares his journey through panic attacks, psychotherapy, chronic pain recovery, and the difficult work of building self-worth that isn't tied to performance. We also dive into why so many high achievers believe anxiety is the price of success, how trauma and stress shape the way we lead, and what happens when you stop using fear and self-criticism as your primary source of motivation. Get ready to discover a healthier path to high achievement. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just…

Why does modern work feel impossible for so many families? In this episode, I talk with sociologist, former Navy pilot, and workplace researcher Dr. David Smith about why so many modern couples feel trapped in work-life conflict, how to navigate the structural stress of dual-career life, and the realities of modern caregiving. David breaks down the "Lead-Follow" relationship strategy used by highly successful couples. We also dive into the anxieties men face surrounding workplace allyship, why traditional mentorship scripts are broken, and how organizations must design work for a cross-generational workforce. Tune in to learn about the pressures modern families face and what needs to change. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire…

How much of your life is being driven by fear without you even realizing it? In this episode, I sit down with Harvard Business School lecturer, entrepreneur, and former executive Martin Sinozich to talk about the pressure high achievers carry to prove themselves, stay successful, and never disappoint anyone. Martin shares about divorce, identity, workplace culture, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfection and learning to trust yourself instead. We also break down the imposter feelings in elite environments, the anxiety of always needing to be “right,” and why so many ambitious people feel like they don’t belong. Get ready to rethink achievement and self-worth. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice -…

Have you started expecting therapy to do too much? In this episode, I sit down with therapist and writer Megan Cornish to talk about the pressure we place on therapy to solve problems that may actually stem from isolation, lack of community, and modern life itself. Megan shares that many of the struggles we now label as “mental health problems” were once held by friends, neighbors, faith communities, and everyday human relationships. She also breaks down ACT therapy exercises that can help you hold painful thoughts more lightly and reconnect to your values instead of chasing constant happiness. Get ready to rethink therapy, connection, and what makes a meaningful life. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free…

This week we’re sharing a special episode from our friends at How To!, the 2026 Ambie Award-nominated “Best Personal Growth Podcast” that’s back with a new host and new topics to fuel your curiosity. Each week on How To!, award-winning journalist Mike Pesca tackles a listener’s question – on topics ranging from travel and finance to health and relationships – with help from world-class experts who actually know what they're talking about. Think of it as eavesdropping on someone else's therapy session, without the co-pay or awkward silence. And today, we’re sharing their recent episode “How To Take Psychedelics for Your Mental Health” where Mike interviews psychiatrist Will Van der Veer, a psychedelic researcher, and Myq Kaplan who has taken psychedelics for his mental health and other reasons. I love this episode because you get to hear a bunch of personal experiences of medical psychedelics and learn more about this emerging treatment for mental health conditions. And for more interviews like this, make…

Why do so many capable, high-performing people end up exhausted, and emotionally drained even when they’re doing everything “right”? In this episode, I sit with psychologist Dr. Thomas Greenspon to talk about perfectionism, shame, and self-worth. Thomas breaks down why perfectionism isn’t actually about excellence, then entrepreneur Eleanor Beaton shares how perfectionism shaped her leadership, ambition, and identity and what changed when she stopped chasing perfection and started embracing wholeness instead. Get ready to rethink the way you work, care for others, and define success. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode,…

What if the problem isn’t your brain, but the systems you’ve spent your life trying to fit into? In this episode, I sit down with David Flink, founder of the Neurodiversity Alliance. We talk about what it means to navigate work, leadership, and identity as a neurodivergent person. David shares how he learned to stop forcing himself into systems that didn’t fit, how metacognition changed his life, and why today’s younger workers are approaching neurodivergence differently. Get ready to build your life around your strengths instead of constantly trying to fix your weaknesses. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order In this Episode, You Will…

Why does AI feel so personal to so many professionals right now? In this episode, I talk with Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge, about the emotional side of artificial intelligence and why so much of the fear around AI may actually be about work itself. We dive into how layoffs, shrinking trust in employers, “good enough” automation, and constant technological change are reshaping the way ambitious people think about stability, creativity, and their future careers. Nilay shares why humans naturally form emotional relationships with technology, why AI companions and chatbots can feel strangely comforting, and why today’s AI hype may be running ahead of reality. Tune in to learn how AI is reshaping work, identity, and ambition. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at…

What happens when a leader realizes the traits they spent years hiding are actually their greatest strengths? In this episode, I talk with Amy Streater Wilson, Chief Marketing Officer, who was diagnosed later in life with ADHD and autism. Amy shares the shame and confusion that can come with a late diagnosis, from struggling with “boring” tasks to feeling overwhelmed by sensory input and social dynamics at work. We also dive into negotiation and selling through a neurodivergent lens, why many neurodivergent people struggle with traditional power dynamics, and how understanding neurodivergence can transform the way you lead, negotiate, communicate, and work with others. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code…

What happens when stress, uncertainty, and lack of control start to take over your brain? In this episode, I sit down with renowned behavioral economist Dan Ariely to talk about resilience, learned helplessness, anxiety, and why so many people feel overwhelmed right now. Dan shares how surviving severe burns, years in the hospital, and later facing conspiracy theories and death threats shaped his understanding of stress, resilience, and human behavior. We also dive into why uncertainty at work feels so psychologically destabilizing, how scarcity and anxiety reduce our mental capacity, why humans look for villains during stressful times, and what actually helps us build resilience. Tune in to learn ways to regain agency when life feels chaotic. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER…

What happens when the version of success you built your life around suddenly stops working? In this episode, I sit down with Meredith Arthur to talk about ego death, anxiety, nervous system healing, and what it means to let go of the need to prove yourself. We talk about career humiliation, social media comparison, identity, chronic pain, and the process of realizing that the things that once made you feel successful or special no longer fit who you are becoming. Meredith shares how ego death is about surrendering control and accepting that your worth cannot come from achievement, productivity, attention, or external validation. Tune in to learn the healing practices to reconnect with yourself. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year…

Think imposter syndrome means something is wrong with you? Think again. In this episode, Basima Tewfik shares research on anxiety, self-doubt, and the traits high achievers often try to “fix.” She breaks down how workplace imposter thoughts can actually make you more effective, especially when it comes to how you show up with others. We also talk about why people who experience imposter thoughts are often better listeners, more thoughtful collaborators, and more attuned in conversations. Remember, not everything you label as a flaw is actually holding you back. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to Quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why the traits you think are “bad” might actually be strengths. 04:15 What are the cognitive…

Feeling unsure about your role in a world where AI seems to know more than you do? In this episode, Charlene Li is back to talk about how the most effective leaders today are letting go of the need to have all the answers and instead stepping into curiosity, experimentation, and honest leadership. Charlene shares her 90-day AI framework, why so many companies are stuck in pilot mode, and how to move your team from fear into confidence faster than you think. Get ready to lead through AI change without needing all the answers. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Quince - Head to quince.com/ACHIEVER for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why does leadership today require letting go of certainty? 04:15 What can leaders realistically promise about jobs right now? 07:30 How to…

What if burnout isn’t something you fix with better habits, but something built into the way we work? In this episode, I’m bringing back one of my favorite conversations because it gets at something I think we still don’t talk about enough. I talk with Rita McGrath, Poornima Luthra & Andrew Barnes about what actually makes work feel sustainable and human, why getting people back into the office doesn’t fix anything, how lack of control and fairness quietly drive stress, and why so many well-intentioned solutions miss the mark. Get ready to rethink burnout and see what actually needs to change at work. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What’s the problem with scaling workplaces and losing humanity? 04:45 Ways to build a stronger team connection. 07:15 What actually defines a “good…

What if the difference between reacting and responding was just a few seconds? In this episode, I sit down with executive coach Dina Denham Smith to talk about what really happens when you get triggered at work and how to handle it. Dina breaks down a framework to help you understand what emotions actually are, how they show up in your body, and how to interrupt the automatic reaction cycle. Tune in to learn how to pause in the moment, regulate your nervous system, and respond with clarity instead of stress, anxiety, or overwhelm. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why mastering your emotional reactions is the ultimate leadership skill. 03:45 The cost of masking emotions on your performance and energy. 06:30 The 3 parts of every emotion and why this changes how you manage them.…

What if the habits you rely on to cope with anxiety are keeping you stuck? In this episode, we explore what it really means to be “mentally healthy” and why most of us were never given the language or tools to get there. Kent Coules shares his story of high-functioning alcoholism and what happened when he stopped drinking after decades of using it to manage anxiety. We talk about why so many high achievers rely on coping mechanisms like alcohol, overwork, or constant problem-solving, and more. I also speak with educator Donna Volpitta about mental health literacy and why understanding your brain is one of the most important skills you can build. Get ready to start responding to challenges in a healthier, more intentional way. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What does it mean to “speak” mental health? 05:00 How coping habits can mask anxiety. 08:30 Why addiction and anxiety are often connected.…