The Anxious Achiever

By: Morra Aarons-Mele
  • Summary

  • 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
    Copyright 2021 Morra Aarons-Mele
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Episodes
  • OCD and the Art of Noticing Everything
    Apr 23 2025
    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder isn’t just a cluster of symptoms to manage. Like other mental health challenges, it can come with hidden advantages like the ability to be more creative and empathetic. The key is understanding - whether you have OCD or you work with someone who does. Michael Alcee, author of the book The Upside of OCD: Flip the Script to Reclaim Your Life, explains the misconceptions we have about OCD, what spiraling thoughts really feel like, and how this relates to the ability to achieve. Read Michael’s book: https://www.amazon.com/Upside-OCD-Flip-Script-Reclaim/dp/1538191105
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    45 mins
  • Hypervigilance: When Everything Feels Like a Threat
    Apr 16 2025
    Hypervigilance is a state of being where you constantly are on the lookout for perceived threats. It’s often the result of trauma - but it shows itself in the work world as well. Ironically, many high achievers are rewarded for hypervigilant behavior, but it comes at a cost. Tanvi Gautam, executive coach and managing director of Leadershift Inc., explains how she’s seen hypervigilance show up in her clients, and how she helps them work through it and push forward in their careers. Read more about hypervigilance: https://hbr.org/2024/11/3-ways-to-temper-your-hypervigilance-at-work
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    37 mins
  • The Practice of Mindfulness and Meditation, From Industry Leader Sharon Salzberg
    Apr 9 2025
    Practice makes perfect - except perhaps when it comes to meditation and mindfulness. In this episode we revisit a conversation with mindfulness expert Sharon Salzberg on what led her to the path of meditation, what mindfulness does for anxiety, how she deals with the ups and downs of life, and how mental health is or isn’t present in our work lives today. Plus, she guides us through a short practice - even if it doesn’t turn out perfect.
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    40 mins
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Don't think "codependency" applies to you?

Think it again! This 30 minutes will bring any interpersonal struggles at work into glaring focus! I found this so impactful and resonant, I had to listen to it twice.

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Courage

Morra does us all a service and pushes the conversation on Mental Health in the absence of fostered conversations and professional work spaces. it is absolute nourishment to listen to these podcasts and read her book as it gives a basis for bringing these conversations into the workplace and if not at least what it would be like to work in such an environment. in my opinion this book is a classic as great as the many other cliches throughout time but this one has a modern conversation that just isn't being had amongst other authors and leaders.

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