Everyday Better with Leah Smart

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)

Dr. Trisha Pasricha, a medical journalist and neurogastroenterologist known for her work in The Washington Post, dives into the whirlwind of wellness trends. She unpacks the science behind health fads like magnesium supplements and leaky gut syndrome, debunking common myths. Trisha highlights the growing wellness industry's influence and the importance of patient-doctor trust. Plus, she sets the record straight on the role of cortisol and the nuances of seed oils, advocating for a balanced and mindful approach to health.

Carole Hopson is a Boeing 737 captain for United Airlines and the author of ‘A Pair of Wings,’ a historical fiction novel about Bessie Coleman, the first Black woman to get her pilot license. After a successful twenty-year career working for iconic brands like the National Football League, Foot Locker and L’Oréal, Carole quit her job to pursue her lifelong dream of flying planes. On today’s episode, Carole tells the story of how she turned her childhood dream into a second-act career. She outlines the five-step plan she created for making a major career pivot, and shares tips on how to balance work with family responsibilities. She also discusses her next big dream – to send 100 Black women to flight school by 2035 – and how she’s going to make it happen.Follow Carole Hopson on LinkedIn and follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.If you liked this episode, your next listen should be this one: Redefine Your Relationship to Work with Writer Jennifer Romolini

When Dr. Uché Blackstock was a student at Harvard Medical School, she didn’t learn about racial health disparities or the history of racial violence that mark the field of medicine. It wasn’t until years later, while working in an urgent care in Brooklyn, that Dr. Blackstock was moved to investigate the history of healthcare in America. Now, as a health equity advocate and author of the New York Times bestseller ‘LEGACY: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicine,’ Dr. Blackstock is on a mission to dismantle racism in healthcare.On this week’s episode, Dr. Blackstock speaks to the alarming racial disparities in the American healthcare system and the historic roots of these inequities. Together, Dr. Blackstock and Leah reckon with the past and discuss how we can work towards a more equitable future. She also tips on advocating for yourself as a patient the next time you’re at the doctor.If you liked this episode, your next listen should be this one: How to Forgive Better with Philosopher Myisha CherryFollow Leah Smart on LinkedIn and follow Dr. Uché Blackstock on LinkedIn.

When Chelsea Jackson Roberts was 24, she lost her best friend to gun violence. That’s when Chelsea’s yoga practice became about something much more than exercise; it became a tool for coping with grief and, eventually, rediscovering joy. Today, as a Peloton yoga and meditation instructor, Chelsea teaches others how to tap into a deeper, more emotionally supportive yoga practice.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Chelsea shares how yoga and meditation keep her grounded in an unpredictable world. She reflects on how, as a teacher, she creates a supportive class environment where everyone feels welcome, no matter their skill level. Later, Chelsea opens up about her pregnancy journey, sharing how yoga helped her navigate loss and become the parent she strives to be. If you liked this episode, your next listen should be this one: Can’t Meditate? Just Breathe with JP CrimiFollow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.

When Leah and her husband decided to start a family, she found herself facing a daunting question: could she balance the career she’d worked so hard to build with the life she dreamed of creating at home? Would becoming a parent mean sacrificing her professional goals, or could she find a way to thrive in both worlds?In this special episode of Everyday Better, Leah brings her most pressing questions about balancing kids and career to three of her LinkedIn colleagues and fellow mothers: Jessi Hempel, host of the Hello Monday podcast, Courtney Coupe, Head of Original Programming and Alyssa Merwin, Vice President of Global Sales Solutions. In their conversation, the women get honest about the joys and challenges of being a working mother. They each share how becoming a parent changed their relationship to and definition of ambition, as well as reflect on how companies can better support working parents.This episode is for anyone who has both caretaking and career ambitions, anyone who feels curious about the existential questions embedded in the choice to become a parent and everyone who wants to show up as a more empathetic and supportive colleague to the working parents in their life.

Dr. Alexandra Solomon, a couples therapist and a leading voice in relational self-awareness, joins Leah Smart and Tim Dolan to dive into the impact of work stress on personal relationships. They discuss how workplace dynamics can spill into romantic life, especially when ambition levels differ between partners. Alexandra shares insights on navigating emotional baggage and the importance of open communication in fostering healthy connections. They also explore the evolving nature of partnerships and gender dynamics, offering strategies for a balanced relationship.