
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.Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 44min
Crossover Special: Everyday Better with Leah Smart
Leah Smart, host of Everyday Better and personal development expert, chats with Morra Aarons-Mele about the intersection of mental health and leadership. They dive into the value of neurodiversity in the workplace, advocating for greater acceptance of introverted leaders. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments that recognize unique cognitive strengths. They also explore how vulnerability can enrich workplace relationships while managing personal boundaries. A fascinating look at how embracing differences can lead to thriving careers!

8 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 52min
Who’s In Your Mental Health Squad?
The discussion centers on the importance of workplace friendships in addressing mental health challenges. Personal journeys reveal how anxiety can be both a hurdle and a helpful tool. The conversation questions traditional mental health initiatives, advocating for more grassroots support. Experiences in toxic environments highlight the need for emotional transparency and supportive cultures. Insights on personality tests underscore their role in team dynamics. Ultimately, the focus shifts toward redefining work-life balance and fostering genuine connections at work.

Jun 11, 2025 • 38min
Unpacking Your Money Trauma
In this enlightening discussion, personal finance expert Shannah Game uncovers the roots of money trauma and its impact on our financial decisions. She shares how childhood experiences shape our beliefs about money, emphasizing emotional narratives behind spending habits. Shannah delves into navigating financial stress and unconscious triggers while encouraging mindful spending practices. With practical strategies, she inspires listeners to rewrite their money stories and align their financial choices with personal values for a more abundant life.

51 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 45min
Defining Your Values with Suzy Welch
Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU Stern and author of 'Becoming You,' dives deep into the significance of defining core values and how they diverge from virtues. She emphasizes that clarity in values can lead to greater resilience and focus in both personal and professional life. The conversation addresses the importance of self-awareness and effective communication, especially for introverts navigating anxiety. Suzy also offers tools to identify individual values, fostering authentic expressions that guide decision-making and leadership.

15 snips
May 28, 2025 • 31min
The Roots of Perfectionism and How We Can Change
Thomas Greenspon, a psychologist and author, dives deep into the world of perfectionism, shedding light on its origins and effects on mental health. He discusses how perfectionism can both fuel success and lead to detrimental anxiety, revealing a complex relationship with self-esteem. Greenspon explores childhood influences that shape perfectionistic behaviors and critiques societal pressures that glorify this mindset. He emphasizes the importance of fostering a nurturing environment, especially for parents, to promote unconditional love and acceptance of mistakes.

May 21, 2025 • 44min
The Power of Spaciousness and the Gift of Being Seen
Megan Reitz, a researcher and author specializing in spaciousness, joins the conversation to reveal the transformative power of slowing down. She explains how our relentless pursuit of productivity can stifle creativity and connection. Listeners learn about practical methods to cultivate mental spaciousness in their lives and work, fostering deeper relationships and enhancing team dynamics. Reitz also discusses navigating workplace anxiety through honest conversations and the AIM framework, encouraging leaders to create supportive environments.

6 snips
May 14, 2025 • 46min
Flexing Your Emotional Intelligence Muscles
Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and author of 'Flex Your Feelings,' shares insights on emotional fitness as vital for leadership and team dynamics. She explains how emotional resilience and adaptability can enhance workplace performance. Anhalt likens emotional fitness to gym training, emphasizing ongoing practice through methods like 'emotional pushups.' She also discusses the transformative power of embracing discomfort, receiving feedback, and cultivating patience and playfulness as key skills for personal and professional growth.

13 snips
May 7, 2025 • 45min
Finding Your “Why” and Rooting Leadership in Healing
Maggie Chery, a Health Equity Clinical Specialist at Google and COO at Not Just a Black Body, shares her profound journey after losing both parents to COVID-19. She emphasizes how this grief transformed her leadership style, making empathy and community connection central to her work. Maggie discusses redefining healing in leadership and navigating the complexities of emotional awareness. She also tackles the challenges of leading with compassion while managing anxiety, urging a supportive workplace culture that fosters growth and understanding.

11 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 59min
Masculinity, Disability, and Reframing Leadership
Jason Rosario, CEO of The Lives of Men and advocate for healthy masculinity, is joined by Dom Kelly, CEO of New Disabled South, to discuss reshaping leadership. They challenge traditional views of masculinity in the workplace, promoting vulnerability and mental health awareness. The conversation dives into the intersection of disability rights and leadership, advocating for inclusive practices that empower diverse voices. They emphasize the importance of psychological safety and the need for systemic changes in disability advocacy across the Southern United States.

37 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 45min
OCD and the Art of Noticing Everything
Michael Alcee, a psychotherapist and author of "The Upside of OCD," brings a fresh perspective on obsessive-compulsive disorder, illuminating its hidden advantages. He explores how OCD can enhance creativity and empathy, challenging common misconceptions. Alcee discusses the intricate relationship between anxiety and personal growth, urging listeners to view anxiety as a messenger. He also offers practical tips for managing OCD in the workplace, emphasizing the importance of open communication and embracing individuality in fostering strong connections.