Most people think they struggle with fear or failure. But the truth is, we’re often more afraid of love, joy, and being fully seen.
In this episode, Dave Kashen, Jesse Pujji, and Andrew Warner uncover the hidden ways we resist appreciation, connection, and fulfillment—without even realizing it. They break down why receiving acknowledgment can feel so uncomfortable, especially for high achievers, and how this subconscious resistance affects success, relationships, and self-worth.
Jesse shares a powerful story about a leadership retreat that started as an awkward exercise and transformed into one of the most emotional, game-changing experiences of his life. Dave explains why we often block love and joy, even when we deeply crave them, and recounts the personal breakthrough that allowed him to finally feel his father’s love.
Andrew wrestles with his own discomfort around appreciation and recognition, uncovering the deep-seated beliefs that hold so many people back from embracing their own value. They also explore how shifting from a mindset of entitlement to appreciation can create more ease, flow, and unexpected success—without forcing it.
If you’ve ever downplayed your wins, brushed off praise, or struggled to accept love, this conversation will make you rethink how you show up in the world.
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Show Notes:
00:00 - Jesse’s secret story revealed
01:04 - The exercise that changed everything
03:05 - Why we resist acknowledgment
06:33 - The fear of love & joy
07:17 - Healing isn’t what you think
11:00 - Dave’s breakthrough with his dad
19:24 - Billion-dollar founders crave this
26:36 - Why we block appreciation
27:47 - “What you appreciate, appreciates”
29:08 - The trap of never enough
31:47 - How entitlement blocks fulfillment
37:53 - Why success feels uncomfortable
46:31 - Achieving more by doing less