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The Anxious Achiever
Morra Aarons-Mele
259 episodes
10 hours ago
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
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Management
Business,
Careers,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
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All content for The Anxious Achiever is the property of Morra Aarons-Mele and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
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
Show more...
Management
Business,
Careers,
Health & Fitness,
Mental Health
Episodes (20/259)
The Anxious Achiever
Beekman 1802's Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Anxiety Is My Superpower
So many high achievers feel like their anxiety or depression will hold them back, but what if those challenges are actually your edge? In this episode, I sit down with Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802 and Amazing Race winner, to talk about how living with anxiety and depression can shape your leadership, your creativity, and your approach to risk. Josh shares the mindset shifts, practical tools, and partnership strategies that helped him build a $150M brand without ignoring mental health. We also dive into empathy as a business strength, using “nightmare boards” to manage risk, and why kindness is a measurable business advantage. Get ready to use your anxiety as your superpower! In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Meet Josh Kilmer-Purcell, co-founder of Beekman 1802. 05:00 Risk and mental health in entrepreneurship and leadership. 08:30 Anxiety as a superpower and depression as a source of empathy. 16:30 How to use anxiety as a strategic advantage in your business. 20:30 The 51% rule for making tough business and relationship decisions. 26:45 Tools to manage depression and build resilience. 32:30 What is a nightmare board? 34:45 How to reframe envy into growth and perspective. 40:00 What chickens and “crone hens” teach us about aging, purpose, and enoughness. 47:15 Why sticking to your success goalpost builds lasting contentment. 54:00 How to know if you belong among people or in nature. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Josh on LinkedIn: @joshkilmerpurcell
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10 hours ago
58 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Great Leaders Have Anxiety– And They Know How To Manage It
Anxiety isn’t a flaw you have to hide or a weakness you need to fix, it’s information you can use. In this special cross-post from The Next Big Idea podcast, I sit down with host Rufus Griscom to talk about what 17 years of research, leadership interviews, and lived experience have taught me about navigating anxiety, depression, and neurodivergence. I share how reframing anxiety as data can help you show up with courage, why over-functioning often comes from childhood systems, and the surprising science linking mental health challenges with leadership excellence. Plus, I also share tools to work with self-criticism, break free from procrastination, and even “bank joy” so you have reserves to call on when life feels heavy. Get ready to turn your anxious brain into an ally instead of an enemy. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why anxiety is a data not an excuse. 05:30 How common anxiety and depression really are in leaders. 09:15 Family systems theory and the roots of over-functioning. 16:45 What is the Yerkes-Dodson curve? 20:45 Ways to manage anxiety. 22:30 How to stop cruel self-talk with tools like self-compassion. 27:45 How do you sustain focus when a project is no longer exciting? 34:00 What can companies do to better support neurodiverse employees? 36:15 Grounding techniques to reset anxiety at work. 41:00 Visualization practices to comfort your inner child. 46:00 The ‘banana trick’ from ACT therapy to stop catastrophic thoughts. Resources + Links Listen to The Next Big Idea Podcast HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Rufus on LinkedIn: @rufusgriscom
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5 days ago
55 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Leading for Inclusive Excellence with Dr. Keivan Stassun
What can an Astrophysics Lab teach us about managing for inclusive excellence- and how can it make your own meetings better? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Keivan Stassun, MacArthur Genius Fellow, Vanderbilt astrophysicist, and founder of the Frist Center for Autism and Innovation. We talk about clear communication norms, leading better meetings and other practices that support neurodiverse talent, and the mindset shift managers need to unlock hidden genius at work. Get ready to create workplaces where every brain can thrive. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 What does “inclusive excellence” really mean? 05:15 How clear communication norms unlock focus and fairness. 08:30 Why agendas, structure, and precision help neurodivergent employees. 12:00 Ways to build new team habits that stick over time. 16:00 Supporting hyperfocus and respecting “hardwired” traits. 20:30 What Dr. Stassun discovered about his own brain through managing diverse teams. 23:00 Why Dr. Stassun normalized virtual participation years before COVID. 27:30 The science of visual thinking and strengths-based neurodiversity. 30:15 Why creativity and genius show up in many different forms. 33:30 The #1 mindset shift managers need to unlock talent. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dr.Keivan Stassun on LinkedIn: @keivanstassun
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1 week ago
38 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Conflict Is Necessary At Work... Really with Amy Gallo
Most of us hate conflict. It feels uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing, and often easier to avoid. In this episode, I talk with conflict expert Amy Gallo about why avoiding conflict fuels more anxiety in the long run, and how to reframe difficult conversations as opportunities for connection and progress. Amy shares her four-step framework for handling conflict, what to do when shame or fear hijack your emotions, and why practicing in small, everyday interactions can build confidence for higher stakes moments. Tune in to learn tools and mindset shifts you need to navigate disagreements with more calm, clarity, and confidence. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why most of us avoid conflict. 06:00 Tips to manage conflict in a healthy way. 09:45 How avoiding conflict builds “conflict debt” that comes back stronger. 12:30 Ways to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships after conflict. 17:30 The gender angle of negotiating and conflict at work. 22:45 Amy’s 4-step framework for handling conflict effectively. 30:15 Why “agree to disagree” isn’t always a real solution. 32:00 How do you recover from conflict when shame or rumination takes over? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Amy: on LinkedIn @amyegallo + Instagram @amyegallo
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1 week ago
40 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
"For 20 years I just pretended like there was nothing wrong with me." How this CFO Stopped Hiding His Anxiety and Depression with Adam Nemer
What if the key to better leadership wasn’t just strategy, but self-awareness? In this episode, I am joined by Adam Nemer, Founder of Simple Mental Health. We talk about why self-awareness is the ultimate leadership tool, how daily practices shift anxiety into focus, and why normalizing conversations about mental health makes teams more engaged and more productive. Adam shares how years of hidden depression and anxiety nearly broke him, what changed when you finally get a diagnosis, and how embracing self-care makes you a stronger executive. Tune in to learn about tools that help you rise stronger, lead better, and live with more purpose every single day. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Adam’s daily self-care list. 05:45 Advice when work doesn’t feel joyful or fulfilling. 12:00 How do depression and anxiety show up in your leadership? 19:00 What therapy really looks like when healing deep loss and trauma. 23:00 Techniques for meetings and high-stress moments. 31:00 The training every company should adopt so employees can respond to panic attacks. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Adam: on LinkedIn @adam-nemer
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2 weeks ago
41 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Why You Should Stop Labeling Emotions Good or Bad with Dr. Susan David
We’re often taught to push away grief, sadness, anxiety, or anger, but what if those emotions aren’t the enemy, but the key to resilience? In this episode, Harvard psychologist and bestselling author Dr. Susan David explains why emotions aren’t good or bad, positive or negative. She breaks down the groundbreaking concept of emotional agility, the skill set that allows us to face our thoughts and feelings with curiosity, compassion, and courage, and then move forward guided by our values. We also talk about why toxic positivity is so damaging, how difficult emotions signpost what matters most, and why learning to “hold anxiety in one hand and courage in the other” changes the way we work, lead, and live. Tune in to learn how to stop letting your emotions dictate your actions and start using them as valuable data. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why emotions are not good or bad. 05:00 How toxic positivity and “forced optimism” hurt leaders and organizations. 09:45 Why suppressing emotions leads to burnout, conflict, and emotional leakage. 13:00 How emotional agility differs from rigidity. 17:00 How anxiety and fear can actually point you to your values. 19:45 Why connecting to your values protects against burnout. 23:00 The cost of sidelining emotions in schools, workplaces, and culture. 27:00 How uncertainty and discomfort are the price of admission to a meaningful life. 31:00 Why grief is “love looking for its home” and how to honor it. 34:00 Listener story about grief, caregiving, and professional identity after loss. 42:00 What organizations can do to support employees navigating caregiving and grief. Resources + Links Learn more about Dr. Susan David’s work HERE! Grab your copy of Dr. Susan David “Emotional Agility” HERE! Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dr. Susan David: on LinkedIn @susanadavidphd
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2 weeks ago
55 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
The Gifts of Neurodivergent Leadership with Dr. Michael Freeman
What if the traits that trip you up at work are the same ones that make you exceptional? In this episode, psychiatrist, researcher, and entrepreneur Dr. Michael Freeman is back to share the strengths and risks of neurodivergent leaders. We talk about his latest research on founder mental health, why ADHD, bipolar spectrum, and dyslexia show up so often in high performers, and how to design work so your superpowers lead and your vulnerabilities don’t derail you. Tune in to learn how to spot when a strength becomes “too much” and why AI may give divergent thinkers an unexpected edge. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why entrepreneurs are more likely to be neurodiverse. 06:00 Are you a craftsperson or a scaler entrepreneur? 10:00 The ADHD subtype most tied to entrepreneurial success. 14:15 When do strengths become liabilities? 18:00 The personality traits that shape both your strengths and vulnerabilities. 22:45 Why conditions like dyslexia & ADHD carry less stigma than others. 26:30 How Dr. Freeman discovered his own dyslexia later in life. 30:00 Why AI could favor divergent thinkers. Resources + Links Learn more about Dr. Michael Freeman HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam
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3 weeks ago
42 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Why Anxiety Can Be Your Superpower with Shopify’s Harley Finkelstein
Behind every bold move is often a quiet fear. In this episode, I sit down with Shopify President Harley Finkelstein to talk about how anxiety has shaped his path from navigating family financial loss as a teenager to leading one of the world’s most influential platforms for entrepreneurs. Harley explains how to view anxiety not as a flaw, but as a tool that sharpens foresight, fuels ambition, and prepares you for what others can’t see. He also shares how to build your team that balances your energy and why vulnerability in leadership is your strength. Get ready to turn anxiety into your advantage! In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Meet Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify. 05:45 How Harley turned survival-driven anxiety at 17 into his first business. 11:45 Tools Harley uses to manage anxiety. 16:15 How to use anxiety as a checklist for risk and anticipation. 21:00 How do you handle anxiety when it affects your leadership? 24:30 Why extroverts and introverts recharge differently. 27:00 The #1 skill every anxious achiever needs. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Harley: on LinkedIn @harleyf + Instagram @harley
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3 weeks ago
34 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
How Childhood Adverse Experiences (ACES) Impact Your Working Life with Dr. Melissa Merrick
Did you know your childhood story can shape your health, work, and relationships? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, shares the science behind ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why nearly two-thirds of adults carry them. We talk about how trauma shows up in adulthood, why high achievers often live with hypervigilance, and the protective factors that can tip the scales toward healing. Tune in to learn why your past doesn’t define you and how to build a stronger, healthier future starting today. In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Meet Dr. Melissa Merrick, President and CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America. 01:45 What are ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and why do they matter? 05:45 How childhood adversity increases risk for physical and mental health issues. 07:00 The #1 protective factor proven to fuel adult healing and growth. 09:45 The link between ACEs, hypervigilance, and high-achieving adults. 13:15 Why a high ACE score can shorten life expectancy by nearly 20 years. 15:00 The weight of carrying family trauma across generations. 19:30 Examples of leaders creating safer and more supportive work environments. 23:45 Daily habits that retrain your biology to handle stress better. 25:45 Dr. Merrick’s go-to resources for stress and pressure relief. Resources + Links Learn more about ACEs HERE Learn more about Prevent Child Abuse America HERE Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube  Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Dr. Merrick on LinkedIn
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4 weeks ago
33 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Turning Anxiety Into Your Growth Edge with Whitney Johnson
Anxiety doesn’t have to be the thing that holds you back, it can actually be the spark that pushes you forward. In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Johnson, one of the world’s leading experts on personal disruption, to talk about what it really means to disrupt yourself and why growth often comes with discomfort, fear, and uncertainty. Whitney opens up about her leap from Wall Street, building a new identity, the lessons she’s learned as a mother and entrepreneur, and the daily practices that help her stay grounded. She also shares the question to ask yourself when anxiety kicks in, why you sometimes quit or avoid opportunities out of fear, and the exact strategies she uses to handle anxiety instead of running from it. Get ready to grow, no matter where you’re starting from. Highlights 00:00 Meet Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors. 03:30 The privilege of dreaming and why so many people hold back. 05:00 Leaving Wall Street, parenting, and finding a new work-life fit. 07:45 What is disrupting yourself? 12:45 Is anxiety fueling your work ethic or running your life? 17:30 Whitney’s way of breaking the avoidance loop. 19:30 How anxiety shows up in your career and inbox. 23:30 How do you handle the anxiety of leaving a steady job to go out on your own? 27:30 Ways to find strength when anxiety holds you back. 31:00 Why growth is your default setting (and proof change is always possible). 32:45 Whitney’s hack for stopping the anxious cycle. Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Learn more about Whitney Johnson and Disruption Advisors HERE Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow Whitney: @johnsonwhitney
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1 month ago
39 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Understanding Bipolar Disorder With The Scientists Driving Innovation
Over 40 million Americans have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and many more go undiagnosed. This episode takes a deep dive into what we know (and don’t know) about bipolar I and II, why science has lagged behind, and what a groundbreaking new initiative—BD²: Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder—is doing to change that. Host Morra Aarons-Mele speaks with Dr. Mark Frye, psychiatrist and professor of psychiatry at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Dr. Kate Burdick, Distinguished Chair in Psychiatry and the Vice Chair for Research in Psychiatry at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA, and neuroscientist and BD² initiative lead Dr. Cara Altimus about the genetics, biology, and lived experience of bipolar disorder, and what it means to truly thrive with a complex mental illness. We discuss promising research directions, including GLP-1s, cognitive trajectories, and precision psychiatry. Key Quote: " It’s not enough to reduce the bad. We’re aiming to increase the good—to help people with bipolar disorder live the full lives they want to live." — Dr. Cara Altimus Breakthrough Discoveries for Thriving with Bipolar Disorder (BD²) is a collaborative initiative building the scientific foundation for better treatments and better lives for people with bipolar disorder. Learn more and get involved at https://www.bipolardiscoveries.org/. Listeners who live with bipolar disorder can learn more about BD2' and their ongoing study described in this episode by visiting bipolardiscoveries.org or sending an email to info@bipolardiscoveries.org.    The study is taking place in partnership with 11 medical institutions across 44 locations in the U.S. and Canada. The medical institutions are: Mass General Brigham (Massachusetts) McLean Hospital (Massachusetts) Johns Hopkins University (Maryland) Mayo Clinic (Minnesota and Arizona) University of California Los Angeles (California) University of California San Diego (California) University of Michigan (Michigan) The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (Texas) The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research (New York) The University of Texas at Austin (Texas) University of Cincinnati/Lindner Center of HOPE (Ohio) Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Canada)   Listeners can also sign up for the BD2’ newsletter, Thrive Updates, at bipolardiscoveries.org and learn more by following on LinkedIn, BlueSky, and X at BD2Discoveries.  Timestamps: 05:31 Understanding Bipolar Disorder: Definitions and Types 14:48 The Role of Genetics in Bipolar Disorder 20:57 Research Funding and Its Impact on Bipolar Disorder 26:51 Stigma Surrounding Bipolar Disorder and Its Effects 32:07 Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness 36:51 Thriving with Bipolar Disorder 42:12 The Integrated Network: A New Approach to Bipolar Research 47:39 Shifting Perspective From Symptom Reduction to Thriving 53:46 Understanding the Complexities of Bipolar Disorder
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1 month ago
56 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
“Energy Is All There Is”: Understand Your Energy Body, Feel Better
Managing your energy is key to regulating anxiety, stress, and overwhelm. In this episode, Morra sits down with energy healing practitioner Ellen Donaldson to explore how energy dysregulation shows up in high-achieving, anxious professionals, and what you can do about it. Ellen breaks down key concepts in mind-body energy medicine, including the chakra system, and offers practical tools to help you feel more grounded, present, and powerful. Morra shares her own experience learning from Ellen, including how a simple shift in energetic awareness helped her cope with caregiving demands and daily overwhelm. You’ll also hear a short guided meditation to help you regulate your energy, even on the busiest days. Takeaways from the episode: Your energy body (composed of chakras and an aura) affects your emotional and physical well-being. Dysregulated energy (like overly open or closed chakras) can manifest as anxiety, emotional flooding, or exhaustion. The second chakra is particularly relevant to people-pleasers and caregivers. Learning to “close” it slightly can reduce overwhelm. Grounding through the first chakra helps regulate the nervous system and bring you back to the present moment. Simple practices—like visualizing veggie steamers as chakra regulators!—can be done in seconds, tied to everyday routines. Ellen guides listeners through a quick grounding and chakra-regulation meditation you can repeat anytime—before a tough meeting, while caregiving, or simply when you're feeling frazzled. Resources & Links 🌿 Download a free guided meditation from Ellen at: starleafwellness.com/morra-interview 🌿 Learn more about Ellen’s practice: starleafwellness.com Timestamps: 03:40 Understanding Energy and Its Importance 06:21 Exploring Chakras and Their Functions 09:28 Grounding Techniques and Practices 12:22 Guided Meditation for Energy Regulation 17:25 Practical Applications of Energy Regulation 20:45 Resources
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2 months ago
27 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
How Growing Up in Foster Care Shaped Chéla Gage’s Leadership
How does growing up in foster care shape you as a leader? Chéla Gage is the former Vice President Global Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, workforce mental health advocate, inclusion expert, and host of the 1 Million Fosters podcast. Gage joins Morra to share how her childhood in foster care shaped her strengths as a leader, her reflections on anxiety and hypervigilance as an asset, and how she’s transforming trauma into purpose. Chéla’s journey from foster homes and group homes to senior leadership roles at Nissan, Raytheon, and Starbucks is a testament to the power of claiming your story. She shares how her upbringing honed her ability to read a room, anticipate challenges, and build belonging, skills that have made her invaluable in corporate spaces. Learn more about Chéla Gage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelagage/ Key Themes: ✅ Hypervigilance as Leadership Strength: Growing up navigating new homes and caregivers taught Chéla to read the room quickly, identify influencers, and trust her intuition—skills she now uses to drive business impact. ✅ Reframing Trauma into Purpose: Chéla discusses how she once felt shame about her foster care past but now sees it as her superpower, providing her with empathy and perspective leaders need. ✅ Parenting as Reparenting: Motherhood allowed Chéla to give the love she didn’t receive as a child back to herself. ✅ The Role of Anxiety: Anxiety kept Chéla alert and prepared, but she learned to manage in therapy, to reduce constant threat scanning and burnout while embracing her “hypervigilance” as a leadership tool. ✅ Creating Belonging in Corporate Spaces: Through her career in recruiting and DEIB leadership, Chéla discovered the importance of recognizing and honoring people’s whole stories, not just their resumes, to create true inclusion. Timestamps: 07:09 Hypervigilance as a Superpower 12:59 Transforming Pain into Purpose 18:40 The Role of Anxiety: A Double-Edged Sword 24:14 Inclusion and Belonging 29:51 The Impact of Personal Stories 34:50 Empowering the Foster Community
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2 months ago
42 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Using AI for ADHD With Lindsay Scola
What happens when a late ADHD diagnosis meets the powerful potential of AI? Writer, strategist, and sleep coach Lindsay Scola joins Morra to share how she uses AI as a personal productivity partner to manage ADHD challenges, perfectionism, and executive dysfunction—while preserving creativity and rest. Diagnosed with ADHD at 41, Lindsay discovered that AI could act as an accountability buddy, thought partner, and creativity booster. From using AI to overcome the dread of the blank page to automating follow-up emails, Lindsay shares practical ways she leverages AI without losing her humanity. Buy Lindsay’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/AI-ADHD-Practical-Starting-Finishing-ebook/dp/B0F5T9QKMH Listen to our interview about the stimulant shortage, narcolepsy and ADHD: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ritalin-and-adderall-shortage-and-how-it-impacts-work/id1480904163?i=1000611595946 Key Themes: AI as an ADHD Copilot: Lindsay explains how AI helps her manage executive dysfunction, tackle writing tasks, and avoid the overwhelm of perfectionism while maintaining her unique voice. Reducing Shame and Preserving Brain Space: Using AI for small but stressful tasks frees up cognitive space, letting her focus on big ideas and creative work without getting stuck in spirals of self-criticism. Permission to Play: Lindsay urges people with ADHD to experiment with AI and other tools to find what actually works for their brains instead of following rigid systems that suppress creativity. Scheduling for Neurodivergent Brains: From building “dopamine deadlines” to respecting personal circadian rhythms, Lindsay shares how she structures her week to maximize focus while honoring energy dips. AI for Burnout and Loneliness: We discuss how AI can help solo workers feel less isolated and provide accountability without judgment, acting like a team member who says, “let’s keep going.” Timestamps: 03:28 ADHD, Midlife, and AI Solutions 08:13 Balancing Perfection and Completion 11:07 Childhood Injustice and Self-Awareness 18:30 Optimize Productivity by Time Awareness 19:37 Embrace Napping for Productivity 25:40 AI-Assisted Writing for Quick Posts 29:06 Podcasting Inspiration for Writing Newsletter 32:32 Flexible Time Management Strategy 35:50 Improvised Charging Solution
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2 months ago
40 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Crossover Special: Everyday Better with Leah Smart
Everyday Better with Leah Smart is a show that helps listeners level up - in their careers and their lives. In this episode, Leah speaks with Anxious Achiever host Morra Aarons-Mele about her research and work around having a understanding your own unique brain and embracing a big career, from introversion, mental health, and neurodivergence. Morra explains what she’s learned about leadership and organizations through the lens of studying these topics.  Check out Everyday Better: On Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3G8zjY1 On Spotify: https://bit.ly/3HRpNsQ
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3 months ago
44 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Who’s In Your Mental Health Squad?
It might not be that easy to talk to your boss about mental health. But having close friends at work - on your team or elsewhere - where you can have open, honest dialogues can go a long way. In this episode, host Morra Aarons-Mele speaks with three work friends about how they started talking mental health, how it helped them in their jobs, and what they hope managers can better understand in the future.
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3 months ago
51 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Unpacking Your Money Trauma
We all have hang ups when it comes to money - but do you know where yours come from? In a time when many people feel economically insecure, Morra speaks with personal finance expert Shannah Game about the root of money issues and how we can recognize and grow from our trauma around money. Your money history doesn’t have to be your financial future! Shannah is the author of the book Unraveling Your Relationship with Money: Ditch Your Money Trauma So You Can Live an Abundant Life. Check out her book here: https://www.amazon.com/Unraveling-Your-Relationship-Money-Abundant/dp/1394299850 Shannah’s podcast: https://everyonestalkinmoney.com/episodes/
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3 months ago
37 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
Defining Your Values with Suzy Welch
Do you really live by your core values - or do you even need help defining what they are? Many of us might have a vague notion of what is important to us in life, but our daily decisions and actions don’t always align with those values. The more precision with which we define our values, the more resilience we have to thrive in tough times, and lead through anxiety. Suzy Welch is the author of a number of books including most recently Becoming You: The Proven Method for Crafting Your Authentic Life and Career. And she explains how she approaches values, why they are different than virtues, and how better understanding what really matters to you can guide a more focused and productive work life.  Suzy’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-You-Proven-Crafting-Authentic/dp/0063418606Suzy’s podcast: https://www.suzywelch.com/podcasts/
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4 months ago
45 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
The Roots of Perfectionism and How We Can Change
Perfectionism can help us succeed, but it can also be a detriment to our mental health and our lives. Understanding it is the first step to better management. In this episode, psychologist Thomas Greenspon shares research about perfectionism, where it comes from, how it can impact us - and how we can try to cope with it to move forward.
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4 months ago
29 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
The Power of Spaciousness and the Gift of Being Seen
Do you feel like a rubber band about to snap- low on capacity, time, and space to think? Are you constantly stuck in a mode of “doing” - trapped by your own productivity? Researcher and author Megan Reitz says that shifting into “spacious mode” could do wonders for your mental health, your relationships, and your work. She speaks with Morra about how our obsession with productivity might be crowding out creativity, insight, and connection. Plus, she’ll share practical ways to slow down, get present, and pay attention.
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4 months ago
44 minutes

The Anxious Achiever
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