Morra Aarons-Mele, host of the podcast "The Anxious Achiever," long understood her challenges at work as byproducts of anxiety and depression. She had a hard time working for other people and often found herself saying the wrong thing in meetings. But a recent discovery changed everything: Morra learned sheās neurodivergent. That realization helped her reframe not only her struggles, but also her strengths, and paved the way towards a more authentic, empowered way of working.
In this week's episode of Everyday Better, Morra shares how embracing her neurodivergence helps her tap into her full potential. She and Leah discuss what neurodivergence encompasses, the hidden power of introversion and how our workplaces need to evolve to support a broader range of minds. Morra also explains why difference isnāt a liability but a competitive advantage, and how to leverage your own unique strengths to show up stronger at work.Ā
If you liked this episode, check out Morraās podcast āThe Anxious Achieverā here.
Listen to my conversation with Dr. Barry Kudrowitz on why play and humor belong at work here.
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43:11
Return to Office: Leah Reflects on Motherhood, Anxiety & the Power of Letting Go
Leah is back from maternity leave! In her first episode back, she and her producers talk about her birth story, the tools she used to manage anxiety during pregnancy and how sheās learning to let go of control and live in the moment.
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37:35
How to Survive Uncertainty with Suleika Jaouad
After nearly a decade in remission, bestselling author, speaker and cancer survivor Suleika Jaouad learned that her leukemia had returned. Confronted with profound uncertainty about her future, she turned to journaling as both a creative practice and means of survival. And through writing, Suleika discovered a powerful shift in perspective: to live each day as if it were her first, not her last.
On this weekās episode of Everyday Better, Suleika joins guest host Jessi Hempel to share insights from her latest book āThe Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life.ā She reflects on what illness taught her about productivity, identity and success, and how creativity can help anyone metabolize grief, reclaim joy and reimagine whatās possible in uncertain times.Ā If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: No Regrets Living: Designing Your Life Brief With Brand Strategist Bonnie Wan
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31:44
The Science of Feeling Safe: A New Guide to Healing Anxiety
For years, Dr. Russell Kennedy tried everything to treat his crippling anxiety ā therapy, medication ā nothing worked. It wasnāt until he stopped searching in his head and started looking to his body that everything changed. Today, Russell helps others heal by targeting what he calls ābackground alarm,ā a residue of unresolved childhood trauma stored in the body.
On this weekās episode of Everyday Better, Leah sits down with Russell to explore why traditional treatments for anxiety often fall short, and what it really takes to heal from the inside out. Russell shares the somatic tools and mindset shifts that have helped him and his patients regulate their nervous systems, reconnect with their inner child and break free from the anxiety loop. He also explains why healing starts not with fixing your thoughts but by feeling whatās been buried in your body all along.
If you liked this episode, youāll also love this one: Why We Panic: The Evolutionary Roots of Anxiety and How to Copy Today
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45:36
How I Learned to Work with My Anxiety
This week, Leah shares her story of living with and learning to manage her anxiety.
Additional Resources:
Anxiety and Depression Association of America
A Return to Love by Marianne Williamson
Anxiety Rx by Dr. Russell Kennedy
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Dr. Martin Seif and Dr. Sally Winston
The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner
Everyday Better is your essential podcast for leveling up in personal development, life, and career success. Hosted by Leah Smart, an educator in self-improvement and positive psychology, this podcast offers transformative conversations with influential experts sharing real-life success stories, actionable insights, and research-backed tips.
Elevate your mindset, gain clarity, and unlock your potential as you journey toward becoming 'Everyday Better.' Whether you're at a crossroads or simply seeking more daily clarity, every episode leaves you inspired, empowered, and ready for more.
Find new episodes of Everyday Better, right here, every Tuesday.
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