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
For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TAA@yapmedia.com
Listen in your favorite podcast app: https://pod.link/1480904163
For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TAA@yapmedia.com
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 22, 2026 • 44min
ADHD Ahas from a Combat Pilot, a $250 Million Founder, and a Professor
Nate Swan, a former Apache pilot, shares how his ADHD fuels his leadership in high-stress environments and the challenges of late diagnosis. Dan Bastian, co-founder of Boom Chicka Pop, recounts his journey from struggling with undiagnosed ADHD to thriving with hyperfocus and supportive partnerships. Johan Wiklund, a professor, reveals that ADHD traits can offer unique advantages in entrepreneurship and academia, emphasizing the importance of context. Together, they explore how these traits can transform perceived disorders into strengths for success.
10 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 56min
Fitting In Is the Enemy of Excellence (with Anne Morriss & Frances Frei)
Join leadership coaches Frances Frei and Anne Morriss as they explore the power of embracing differences in leadership. Frances, a Harvard Business School professor, and Anne, an entrepreneur, share insights on neurodivergence and how it can enhance team dynamics. They discuss the importance of clear communication and using conflict as a driver for excellence. Their advice on setting boundaries with demanding colleagues and navigating micromanagement offers practical strategies to overcome burnout and foster an inclusive work environment.
9 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 7min
Breathwork For A Better Workday with Zsombor Szabo
Zsombor Szabo is a breathwork coach and former software sales executive dedicated to teaching breath techniques for better workplace performance. In their discussion, Zsombor explores how our daily breathing patterns can be detrimental, often keeping us in a state of stress. He introduces practical exercises like physiological sighs and box breathing to enhance focus and calmness. They delve into the impact of chronic stress on health, the benefits of nose and belly breathing, and strategies for making breathwork a lasting habit.
10 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 2min
Train Your Brain To Focus with Dr. Michael Gervais
Dr. Michael Gervais, a high-performance psychologist known for his work with elite athletes, shares transformative insights on mastering focus and motivation. He emphasizes that peak performance stems from understanding one’s inner world rather than grinding harder. The discussion covers reframing anxiety as a tool, the importance of intrinsic motivation, and how training attention can optimize performance. Michael also delves into managing activation levels, the impact of mindfulness, and practical strategies for anxiety regulation, all crucial for thriving under pressure.
14 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 1h 9min
Maladaptive Perfectionism Explained with Jordana Confino
Jordana Confino, a former Yale-trained lawyer turned coach and researcher, dives into the complex world of maladaptive perfectionism. She shares her own journey from overachiever to advocate for self-compassion and well-being. Discover why self-criticism often backfires and impairs performance, and how law culture fuels perfectionism. Jordana highlights the difference between sustainable excellence and fear-driven striving, offering practical shifts and micro-boundaries to enhance well-being without sacrificing ambition.
Jan 6, 2026 • 59min
Get What You Need At Work (Without Making It "About You") with Stew Friedman
In this engaging discussion, Stew Friedman, a leading organizational psychologist and creator of the Total Leadership model, shares insights on asking for workplace needs as a crucial leadership skill. He emphasizes the importance of integrating work, home, community, and self for improved performance. Stew also introduces the concept of 'four-way wins' and advocates for harmony over balance in life. Through innovative experiments and dialogue, he explores building a culture of mutual support and accountability for both personal and organizational success.
13 snips
Jan 1, 2026 • 45min
Is It Toxic? Your Questions Answered with Benish Shah
Benish Shah, a workplace-culture expert and advice columnist, breaks down the nuances of toxic work environments. She explains the difference between genuine toxicity and discomfort, emphasizing the role of leadership in shaping culture. Benish shares practical self-assessment tools to identify toxic patterns and the importance of psychological safety. She also discusses the risks of vulnerability for marginalized employees and offers strategies for making thoughtful exit plans when necessary. Tune in for valuable insights on reclaiming your workplace well-being!
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 3min
Is Taylor Swift An Anxious Achiever? With Kevin Evers
In this conversation, Kevin Evers, an editor at Harvard Business Review Press and author, delves into Taylor Swift's extraordinary career through the lens of anxiety and ambition. He discusses how her emotional vulnerability fuels her creative process and the relentless work ethic that drives her success. They explore themes like the cost of performance, the power of authenticity in her songwriting, and how anxiety can lead to strategic pivots. Kevin highlights Taylor's journey from country roots to pop stardom and her profound connection with fans.
10 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 41min
Millennials, Gen Z, and the Loss of The American Dream with Annie Lowrey
Annie Lowrey, a journalist with keen insights into economics, and Cody Hoyt, an early-career professional with firsthand experience of economic disruptions, explore the harsh realities facing millennials and Gen Z. They discuss how graduating into recessions shapes career aspirations and the psychological toll of student debt. The conversation highlights delayed milestones like homeownership and entrepreneurship due to financial instability. Together, they reveal the structural factors at play in creating generational anxiety and mistrust in institutions.
8 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 57min
Netflix Former Chief Talent Officer On Why We Can't Seem To Fix Burnout with Jessica Neal
Jessica Neal, former Chief Talent Officer at Netflix and now a venture investor, delves into the complexities of workplace burnout. She reveals that burnout is not just about overwork, but also a lack of clarity and acknowledgment of successes. Neal emphasizes the need for honesty and clear expectations in leadership. They discuss the unique challenges women face in leadership, including balancing career and caregiving roles. The conversation underscores the importance of celebrating wins and building a supportive culture to combat stress.
