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40 episodes

The Anxious Achiever, page 2

by Morra Aarons-Mele · English

Host Morra Aarons-Mele is on a mission to reframe how we think about anxiety and mental health in the workplace. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. We desperately need better models for leadership and a more holistic view of mental health. Our culture tells those of us who suffer from anxiety and depression that we can’t succeed, but we tell a different story — without sugarcoating the tough stuff. We feature stories from people who’ve been there and experts who can help you thrive. Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163 For ad inquiries, please reach out to: [email protected]

All episodes, page 2

How To Make Space For Your Soul In Midlife with Olivia F. Scott

Midlife pivot and “anxious achiever” authenticity—rebuilding a career, stepping out of external validation, and making space for rest, community, and nervous-system grounding.

20 Aug 2026 · 50m · 14 chapters

The Four Factors Every Neurodistinct Leader Needs To Understand

Maura Aarons-Mele explains her TAM (formerly ADAM) framework—Time, Attention, Agency, Motivation—for neurodistinct/neurodivergent professionals to design work that fits their brains and reduces…

18 Aug 2026 · 52m · 13 chapters

NBA Great Kevin Love on Trying to Achieve His Way Out of Depression

Kevin Love discusses trying to “achieve his way out of depression,” anxiety, and social dread as an NBA star, including the stigma of being seen as weak, how a 2017 public panic attack changed his…

13 Aug 2026 · 39m · 17 chapters

HeartMath: The Science of HRV with Dr. Deborah Rozman

Nervous system regulation through heart rate variability (HRV), “heart coherence,” and how emotional states map to sympathetic vs parasympathetic activity. Dr.

11 Aug 2026 · 47m · 13 chapters

Toxic Bosses, Perfectionism, And Healing At Work with Susan Schmitt Winchester

Perfectionism and toxic leadership at work, how past trauma drives “people-pleasing” and anxiety, and a 3-step method (“Rapid Power Reclaim”) to interrupt spirals during “bumper car moments” at work.

6 Aug 2026 · 50m · 19 chapters

The Hard Work of "Daughtering" With Dr. Allison Alford

Defines “daughtering” as the often invisible, relational labor adult daughters do to keep family connection—covering acting (practical help), feeling (emotional support), thinking…

4 Aug 2026 · 47m · 16 chapters

Anxiety and Trust In The New Media Economy With CEO Dan Granger

Anxiety and trust in the new media economy—how leaders and workers should manage “AI anxiety,” rebuild trust amid institutional distrust, and think about podcasting/media monetization and measurement.

30 Jul 2026 · 55m · 21 chapters

How to Build a Culture Where It's Safe to Not Be Okay: Jed Foundation CEO John MacPhee

How to build a psychologically safe, kind culture where people feel safe to not be okay—especially in workplaces and youth-serving institutions—by practicing transparent leadership, shared agency,…

28 Jul 2026 · 1h 4m · 21 chapters

"My Anxiety" With Legendary Art Critic Jerry Saltz

Jerry Saltz discusses how his anxiety, panic attacks, trauma, and social fears shaped his relationship with food, work, and creativity—especially during early COVID quarantine.

23 Jul 2026 · 37m · 9 chapters

"On The Internet, Everyone Looks Rich" with Jenny Blake

The episode argues that “everyone looks rich” online, while real self-employed revenue can be opaque and brutal.

21 Jul 2026 · 1h · 23 chapters

"Death, Sex, and Money": Talking Smart About Hard Things With Anna Sale

Anna Sale discusses taboo conversations at work—especially around money, compensation/raises, and mental health—plus how shame and anxiety shape “money stories,” negotiation, and boundaries.

16 Jul 2026 · 39m · 8 chapters

Exploring Liminal Spaces with HBS's DJ DiDonna

The episode explores “sabbaticals” as intentional extended leave from routine work (typically 2+ months, often 4–6) that creates “liminal space” to answer “who am I and what do I want?” It argues…

14 Jul 2026 · 1h 5m · 22 chapters

Unpacking Money Trauma with Shannah Game

Money trauma and “money stories” shaped in childhood; how triggers create anxiety, avoidance, and unhelpful spending; tools to reverse-engineer thoughts/feelings/actions and build “infrastructure”…

9 Jul 2026 · 38m · 14 chapters

Leading When Nothing Feels Certain With Scott D. Anthony, Lisa Kay Solomon, and Chris Shipley

Human-centered, futures-centered leadership when “nothing feels certain.” Guests discuss leading through fog (clarity vs certainty), acting with incomplete data, navigating ambiguity, building…

7 Jul 2026 · 1h 1m · 27 chapters

Can Passion For Your Work Drive Burnout? With Jon Jachimowicz

Whether “passion” for work can drive burnout, and how individuals and organizations should manage passion sustainably.

2 Jul 2026 · 52m · 14 chapters

Haley Moss: "My Autism Is Not the Center of the Universe"

Haley Moss explains how the ADA protects neurodivergent employees at work, focusing on Title I (employment), reasonable accommodations, and disclosure.

30 Jun 2026 · 1h · 17 chapters