The Anxious Achiever
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.Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 41min
How to convince others you’re still relevant — Hint: start with yourself (from Fixable)
Julie Freeman, a digital artist and TED Fellow, joins Anne Morriss and Frances Frei to tackle relevance in the rapidly evolving worlds of tech and art. They explore how experience can be misvalued in favor of youth, offering insights on navigating the perceptions of ageism in creative fields. Freeman shares her innovative project linking fish movements to music, illustrating how art can intersect with nature and technology. The trio discusses maintaining confidence while fostering collaboration with younger artists to ensure lasting impact.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 38min
The Couple Making the Most of ADHD for Their Creative Business
Penn and Kim Holderness, former Amazing Race winners turned entrepreneurs, share their journey of navigating ADHD as a couple. They discuss how they embraced neurodiversity to create a thriving business, offering strategies for balancing emotional dysregulation and task management. The couple highlights finding humor in creative pressures and the importance of adaptable environments for growth. They reflect on their transition from corporate life to creative freedom, embracing risk-taking in the digital landscape while maintaining family support.
19 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 38min
How to Ride the Wave of Anxiety and Overthinking
Meredith Arthur, Chief of Staff at Pinterest and author of "Get Out of My Head," dives deep into managing anxiety and overthinking. She discusses the significance of polyvagal theory and somatic exercises for nervous system regulation. Meredith shares practical routines for daily anxiety relief and the healing power of community support. The conversation also highlights the interplay between belief, bodywork, and mental health, along with grounding techniques that enhance emotional well-being.
11 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 41min
When Your Body Dials 911
Jason Miller is an organizational development expert focusing on finding joy and meaning at work, while Dr. David Barlow is a renowned anxiety researcher from Boston University. They delve into the alarming impact of stress on physical health, sharing personal stories that highlight the mind-body connection. Miller recounts a harrowing ER visit due to unmanaged anxiety. Barlow offers insights on coping strategies, emphasizing the dual nature of anxiety—how it can motivate but also overwhelm. They stress the importance of confronting fears to reclaim well-being.
72 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 50min
Resilience Isn’t Enough: We Need To Be Anti-Fragile
Nick Holton, a performance coach for elite athletes and executives, and Adam Wright, director of mental performance for the Washington Nationals, dive into the transformative power of anti-fragility. They explore how embracing adversity can foster growth and mental agility. Their conversation highlights the importance of mental health in the workplace and discusses innovative strategies for managing performance anxiety. They emphasize enjoying the journey towards goals and utilizing vulnerability as a strength, redefining success beyond mere resilience.
28 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 49min
What if Impostor Syndrome Isn’t All Bad?
Basima Tewfik, Assistant Professor at MIT Sloan, dives into the unexpected silver linings of impostor syndrome and anxiety in the workplace. She reveals how these feelings can actually enhance creativity and foster professional growth. Tewfik highlights the 'banana exercise' from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a tool for overcoming self-doubt. She also discusses the complex interplay between neuroticism and personal success, challenging the stigma surrounding these emotions and emphasizing their potential as motivational catalysts.
9 snips
Nov 20, 2024 • 29min
Connecting Mind, Body, and Work Performance in a Stressful Season
Christine Runyon, a professor at UMass Medical School and co-founder of Tend Health, dives into the intricate relationship between anxiety and our nervous system. She explains how perceived threats can trigger physiological responses, impacting our mental state. Listeners learn effective self-care techniques, like practical breathing methods, to regulate stress and enhance well-being. Runyon also discusses the role of scent and rituals in managing stress, offering insights on how to connect mind and body for better performance, especially in challenging times.
27 snips
Nov 13, 2024 • 43min
Say Goodbye to Negative Self-Talk and Hello to Your Superpowers
Sanyin Siang, an advisor and coach at Duke University, shares her insights on transforming negative self-talk into a celebration of personal strengths. She encourages embracing vulnerability to foster belonging and combat imposter syndrome. The discussion highlights the importance of self-reflection in discovering unique gifts and the value of emotional intelligence in both personal and professional settings. Sanyin also emphasizes finding the right environment to thrive and encourages high-achievers to rethink traditional definitions of success.
12 snips
Nov 6, 2024 • 43min
Tim Shriver on Emotional Intelligence, Family Healing, and Difficult Conversations
Tim Shriver, a filmmaker and chairman of the Special Olympics, dives deep into the power of emotional intelligence. He shares his insights on the critical role emotional awareness plays in education and its influence on children's well-being. Shriver emphasizes the importance of confession and reconciliation for healing, drawing on cultural traditions. He also tackles the challenges of leadership, advocating for vulnerability as a strength. Personal stories of anxiety reveal how community can foster healing, making conversations about mental health essential.
Oct 30, 2024 • 38min
Finding Healing After Layoffs
Yowei Shaw, a former host of NPR's Invisibilia and now the voice behind Proxy, shares her poignant journey through the emotional chaos of layoffs. She discusses how job loss can drastically alter one's identity and self-worth. Shaw delves into the shame and stigma often attached to being laid off and the necessity for open dialogues about workplace emotions. Her insights on embracing vulnerability and finding authenticity in storytelling resonate deeply, offering hope and wisdom for those navigating similar challenges.
