Everyday Better with Leah Smart

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.

What does 'success' mean to you?Jennifer Romolini is a writer, author and podcaster. Her second book is ‘Ambition Monster,’ a memoir about the connection between workaholism and childhood trauma. In it, she traces the evolution of her voracious ambition and reckons with the price she paid to obtain career success.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Jennifer joins Leah to discuss how her relationship to work has evolved since she entered the workforce as a teenager. A self-described ‘workaholic,’ Jennifer also reflects on how she learned to redefine success and ambition for herself. Later, she shares strategies for how to manage your time so you can prioritize what matters most.Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Jennifer Romolini on LinkedIn.

Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist and Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School, dives deep into the science of sleep and its connection to performance. She debunks myths like the ‘magic eight hours’ and explains why catching up on sleep isn’t effective. Listeners learn practical strategies for improving sleep habits, managing disruptions, and optimizing rest, especially for high achievers. With insights on how stress affects sleep quality, Robbins provides actionable tips that can lead to better emotional stability and productivity.

Dr. Aditi Nerurkar, a Harvard physician and expert in stress and burnout, shares insights from her book, The Five Resets. She explores the difference between stress and anxiety, revealing how they impact the brain. Listeners learn five powerful strategies to reset their stress levels and cultivate resilience. Aditi discusses the challenge of forming new habits and offers tips for creating effective boundaries, especially with technology. Her approach empowers individuals to reshape their mental well-being and tackle burnout head-on.

Meik Wiking, founder of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen and author of The Little Book of Hygge, shares insights on the Danish concept of 'hygge,' which translates to coziness. He reveals how Danes prepare for winter by creating warm, inviting spaces that enhance well-being. The discussion highlights the link between hygge and happiness, focusing on the importance of simple pleasures and meaningful connections. Meik also addresses how small changes in environments can foster joy and resilience during challenging times.

Katherine May, author of *Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times*, shares her journey through personal challenges and the importance of embracing life’s metaphorical winters. She discusses the need for rest and reflection, highlighting how vulnerability fosters growth. The conversation also explores alternative winter solstice celebrations, emphasizing mindfulness and self-care. May advocates for accepting change and processing emotions, urging listeners to find joy and community even in tough times.

Andrew Adams, co-founder and CEO of Headway, is making access to therapy easier. Headway is a mental health care marketplace that matches patients with providers who accept insurance. Earlier this year, Headway was named a LinkedIn top 50 startup.On this week’s episode of Everyday Better, Andrew joins Leah to discuss the barriers to accessing mental health care. He shares his experience with finding a therapist and going to therapy, as well as his personal motivation for building a national network of mental health care providers. Andrew also reflects on how his mental health hygiene routine has changed as his company and responsibilities as a CEO have grown. Follow Leah Smart on LinkedIn.Follow Andrew Adams on LinkedIn.To learn more about Headway, check out their website.

Athena Aktipis, an Assistant Professor at Arizona State University and co-Director of The Human Generosity Project, dives into the critical importance of cooperation for humanity's survival. She shares insights from her research with the Maasai tribe, emphasizing how collaboration can help us weather crises like climate change and pandemics. The discussion highlights the balance between individualism and collectivism, the power of storytelling and humor in fostering trust, and urges proactive preparedness to turn anxiety into meaningful action.