Everyday Better with Leah Smart

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Anna Lembke, a renowned psychiatrist and author of "Dopamine Nation," dives deep into the intricacies of addiction. She explains how the brain's pleasure-pain balance fuels compulsive behaviors and explores the impact of modern distractions on mental health. Anna shares insights on resetting dopamine levels and highlights the importance of genuine connections in recovery. With thoughts on radical honesty and the role of technology, she offers a fresh perspective on navigating mental health challenges.

Here at Everyday Better, we’re always striving to improve our mental health. This May, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring some of the most common, yet least understood, mental health challenges. This week, Leah’s joined by four-time Grammy nominated singer-songwriter and mental health advocate Jewel. Before she got famous, Jewel was a homeless teenager battling an addiction to shoplifting – who, despite her circumstances, committed to finding happiness for herself. Today, Jewel shares how that commitment has kept her grounded in the face of fame, protected her from burnout and equipped her with the tools to heal her self-worth. Find information on Jewel’s upcoming Mental Health Awareness Month events here. If you liked this episode, you’ll also love this one: Annie Grace’s Guide to Conscious Behavior Change

When it comes time to choose a career, we’re often told to follow our passions and optimize for things like title and salary. But rarely do we pause to consider the impact of our work and whether or not it actually matters. In a world where preventable tragedies occur every day, failing to consider the social impact of our careers is a missed opportunity – and perhaps a moral failing, too.  On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, guest host Jessi Hempel talks with historian and bestselling author Rutger Bregman about his new book “Moral Ambition: How to Stop Wasting Your Talent and Start Making a Difference.” Rutger introduces his concept of “moral ambition,” which challenges readers to rethink what it means to success. Rutger makes the case that talented, privileged professionals must move beyond aiming for status, wealth and personal achievement and use their skills to address the world’s most pressing problems. Preorder Rutger’s book here. If you liked this episode, you’ll also love this one: Finding Your Purpose Through Ikigai with Tim Tamashiro 

Jodi Wellman, a speaker and executive coach, shares her journey of confronting mortality after losing her mother. She encourages listeners to embrace the reality of death as a motivator for intentional living. The conversation covers how counting remaining Mondays can inspire purpose, the importance of acknowledging regrets for personal growth, and finding joy in everyday moments rather than stark bucket lists. Jodi emphasizes rediscovering passions and creating a balanced life filled with meaning and fulfillment.

Discover how defining core values can guide you through tough decisions and enhance personal growth. The discussion emphasizes transitioning from societal expectations to self-authored beliefs. Hear personal stories about aligning careers with values and learn exercises to uncover what truly matters to you. Engaging prompts and introspective questions will help you prioritize these values in everyday life, leading to more authentic choices. Tune in for insights that empower self-discovery and clarity.

Jessi Hempel, a Senior Editor at LinkedIn and host of the Hello Monday podcast, joins Gianna Prudente, an editor focused on early career development, for a candid discussion about mentorship. They dive into the nuances of career transitions, sharing personal anecdotes about imposter syndrome and navigating work-life balance. The conversation highlights the emotional challenges of parenthood, redefines success beyond traditional paths, and emphasizes the importance of informal mentorship and self-acceptance in achieving personal growth.

Thomas Curran, a Professor of Psychology at the London School of Economics and author of The Perfection Trap, dives into the hidden dangers of perfectionism and its rise among young people. He discusses how the pursuit of perfection can lead to anxiety, procrastination, and feelings of isolation. Curran advocates for a 'good enough' approach to life and work, emphasizing the importance of growth and authentic connections. He also critiques the societal pressures that fuel these ideals and shares strategies to embrace imperfection for personal fulfillment.

Judy Smith, founder of crisis management firm Smith & Co. and the inspiration behind 'Scandal,' discusses her career handling high-profile scandals. She shares her insights on the importance of honesty during crises and how she chooses which cases to take. Judy emphasizes the need for transparency and responsibility and addresses the challenges faced by Black women in Hollywood. With anecdotes from her work, she highlights the complexities of reputation rebuilding and the need for strategic planning in crisis management.

Imagine designing your life ten years down the road! This discussion emphasizes the power of visualization in crafting your ideal future. The host shares personal insights and urges listeners to dream big, even beyond what seems realistic. By envisioning an ideal day, you can identify what truly matters to you. Plus, the importance of regularly revisiting and adjusting your plans is highlighted, allowing for personal growth and adaptation. Get ready to rethink your aspirations and take actionable steps towards your dream life!

Medical journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha is back this week for part two of our deep dive into the latest health and wellness trends. In this episode, Trisha pulls back the curtain on her research process, revealing how she tracks down reliable health information and how fact-checking works at The Washington Post. Later, she shares practical tips for reading academic studies and evaluating health claims made on social media. Trisha and Leah also discuss the role wellness influencers play in spreading health misinformation. Listen to the first part of our conversation here: Demystifying Wellness Trends with Medical Journalist Dr. Trisha Pasricha (Part 1)