Everyday Better with Leah Smart

Dive into a candid exploration of anxiety management! Discover the difference between stress and anxiety from personal tales that resonate. Learn the power of intentional breathing and simple techniques like the 4-7 breathing exercise for calming your mind. Intrusive thoughts are unpacked, revealing their connection to care instead of character flaws. Embrace healing as a journey, and find comfort in seeking help while navigating these complexities. Valuable resources and practices await to support your mental health!

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Everyday Better is spotlighting some of the most common, yet least understood, mental health challenges. This week, ABC News’ Chief National Correspondent Matt Gutman joins Leah to share his personal journey with anxiety and panic attacks – struggles he hid for nearly two decades, even while reporting live on national television. But in 2020, after a career-altering on-air mistake, Matt was forced to confront his panic head-on, or walk away from the job he loved. In his book “No Time to Panic,” Matt explores the science behind anxiety and panic attacks. He explains why humans have panic attacks and how evolution has made anxiety a surprisingly adaptive trait. He also shares the practical tools and mindset shifts that helped him regain control, from breathwork and mindfulness to self-compassion and daily gratitude rituals.  Get Matt’s book No Time to Panic here. If you liked this episode, you’ll also love this one: Conquer Everyday Anxiety with Dr. Wendy Suzuki

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.