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The Anxious Achiever: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Morra Aarons-Mele
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.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days ago1h 4m
How to Build a Culture Where It's Safe to Not Be Okay: Jed Foundation CEO John McPhee
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 - 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 store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Meet John MacPhee, CEO of The Jed Foundation (JED). 05:15 What is kind leadership? 10:00 Can you make difficult decisions without losing compassion? 12:00 How to say "no" with empathy while helping people feel heard. 14:00 What the Jed Foundation has learned about protecting mental health. 20:00 Why psychological safety starts long before someone asks for help. 21:30 What most workplaces still misunderstand about mental health. 27:00 Why purpose gives people a reason to keep going. 33:30 What does it take to create a culture of belonging? 37:00 Kindness as a competitive advantage in leadership. 45:30 Can failure become the foundation of better leadership? 53:00 The leadership lesson every young person deserves. Resources + Links Learn more about the Jed Foundation HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow John on LinkedIn: @johnamacphee
- 1 weeks ago36 min
"My Anxiety" With Legendary Art Critic Jerry Saltz
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 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 store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why anxiety can show up as overwork, perfectionism, and the need for control. 03:15 How childhood experiences shape the way you work and cope with stress. 07:45 Why the routines you rely on may be helping you more than you realize. 11:15 How can you move forward after growing up in a chaotic environment? 16:00 What panic attacks taught Jerry about fear, identity, and purpose. 19:00 How do you stop comparing yourself to everyone else? 20:30 Is it ever too late to reinvent your career? 22:15 How meaningful work can replace resentment with purpose. 24:15 Can social anxiety become a creative strength? 29:45 The mindset shift that helps you stop waiting and start creating. 31:15 How creating consistently builds confidence and resilience. 32:30 What does "always be around" really mean for your career? Resources + Links Learn more about Jerry Saltz HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Jerry: on X @jerrysaltz + Instagram @jerrysaltz
- 1 weeks ago1h 0m
"On The Internet, Everyone Looks Rich" with Jenny Blake
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 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. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why everyone looks rich on the internet, even when they're not. 04:15 What if your career doesn't go according to plan? 09:15 How Jenny Blake built a successful business after leaving Google. 13:15 What happens when your biggest source of income suddenly disappears? 18:45 How do you recover after a major career setback? 20:45 How to separate your self-worth from your achievements. 24:15 Can your body tell you when you're on the wrong path? 28:45 What Bell's palsy taught Jenny about burnout and self-care. 31:00 How atypical achievers can build careers that work for them. 35:15 How permission slips can help you navigate difficult seasons. 40:45 Would you still do it if it failed? 44:00 Is it okay if your greatest success is already behind you? 47:30 Why letting go of your old identity helps you move forward. 52:00 What permission do you need to give yourself right now? Resources + Links Learn more about Jenny Blake HERE Get your copy of Jenny's book, Pivot HERE Get your copy of Jenny's book, Free Time HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Jenny: on LinkedIn @jennyblake
- 2 weeks ago38 min
"Death, Sex, and Money": Talking Smart About Hard Things With Anna Sale
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 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. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 The value of talking about hard things. 05:30 Which conversations are still taboo at work? 08:15 The shame that shapes our relationship with money. 12:15 Anna's experience with money anxiety. 15:45 The money mindset behind anxious achievers. 18:00 How do you negotiate without losing yourself? 20:30 How to set boundaries without apologizing. 22:45 A test before saying yes. 23:45 Negotiation advice for the start of your career. 27:30 Should you tell your boss you're struggling? 31:45 Choosing your wellbeing over your paycheck. Resources + Links Learn more about Anna Sale HERE Get a copy of Anna’s book Let's Talk About Hard Things HERE Listen to Death, Sex & Money HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Anna: on LinkedIn @annasale + Instagram @annasalepics
- 2 weeks ago1h 4m
Exploring Liminal Spaces with HBS's DJ DiDonna
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 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. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 A new way to think about time away from work. 05:30 How sabbaticals create space for renewal instead of escape. 07:15 What is a sabbatical? 10:00 How burnout led DJ to rethink the life he was building. 15:00 Why achievement often comes at the expense of the people who matter most. 21:45 What are the benefits of stepping away from work? 26:45 When is the perfect time for a sabbatical? 32:15 What are the 3 types of sabbatical takers? 36:00 Why reconnecting with your craft can restore creativity. 41:00 How do you give yourself permission? 46:00 Are sabbaticals always relaxing? 49:00 How stepping away from work can make you a better leader. 53:00 Why taking time off is an investment, not an escape. 57:30 DJ's advice for planning your first sabbatical. Resources + Links Learn more about DJ DiDonna HERE Pre-order a copy of DJ DiDonna’s book Big Time Off HERE Learn more about The Sabbatical Project HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow DJ DiDonna on LinkedIn: @djdidonna
- 3 weeks ago38 min
Unpacking Money Trauma with Shannah Game
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 store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 How childhood experiences shape your money habits and beliefs. 05:00 Why money is about so much more than dollars and cents. 07:15 How your money story influences your work and relationships. 12:00 A question that helps uncover your beliefs about money. 16:15 What is money trauma? 19:15 How to recognize your financial triggers before they take over. 22:00 How to interrupt unhealthy money habits with healthier thought patterns. 24:45 An exercise for changing your emotional response to money. 26:15 How do you build systems that reduce financial anxiety? 28:30 Why creating a regular "money date" builds confidence instead of fear. 30:00 What is financial self-actualization? 33:00 The 100-day challenge that helps you rethink every financial decision. Resources + Links Learn more about Shannah Game HERE Get a copy of Shannah’s book Unraveling Your Relationship with Money HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Shannah on Instagram: @shannahgame
- 3 weeks ago1h 1m
Leading When Nothing Feels Certain With Scott D. Anthony, Lisa Kay Solomon, and Chris Shipley
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 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. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why today's leaders need clarity instead of certainty. 03:15 What effective leadership looks like in an era of constant disruption. 08:15 Why clarity matters more than having all the answers. 11:00 Why learning often requires unlearning first. 12:45 How can you become more comfortable with uncertainty? 20:00 How mindfulness helps leaders stay grounded under pressure. 22:00 Why is agency one of the most important leadership skills today? 30:00 Why anxiety often leads people to avoid the work that matters most. 32:30 How to build psychological safety when everything feels uncertain. 39:00 How to create more joy, connection, and creativity at work. 44:45 Why appreciation and gratitude are essential for a thriving team. 53:45 Who are you when you take your job title away? Resources + Links Get your copy of Leading for Tomorrow HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Scott on LinkedIn: @scottdanthony Follow Lisa on LinkedIn: @lisakaysolomon Follow Chris on LinkedIn: @cshipley9
- 4 weeks ago52 min
Can Passion For Your Work Drive Burnout? With Jon Jachimowicz
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 store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time offer before it’s gone. Visit hipebl.ai today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why following your passion isn't always the path to sustainable success. 04:00 How Jon's own loss of passion inspired his research. 09:00 Why passion can become one of the biggest drivers of burnout. 12:15 How passionate employees unknowingly skip recovery and overextend themselves. 15:00 Why do client and societal expectations trap high achievers into overperforming? 17:00 How do workplaces systematically confuse extroversion with passion? 23:15 Why performing passion can become emotionally exhausting. 27:15 How managers should lead passionate employees differently. 31:00 Why organizations often exploit passionate workers without realizing it. 35:15 Why current promotional career paths are broken for passionate workers. 39:15 How can companies help employees sustain passion? 43:45 The 3 different types of burnout and why they need different solutions. 45:30 Ways to recover when burnout comes from a loss of self-efficacy or cynicism. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam
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About The Anxious Achiever
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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