Ep 6. Jennifer B. Wallace on "Never Enough": The Hidden Dangers of Achievement Culture

Guest: Jennifer B. Wallace, Journalist & Bestselling Author of Never Enough

In this insightful episode I sit down with Jennifer B. Wallace, award-winning journalist and author of the New York Times bestseller, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It. Jennifer and I dive deep into the pressures of high-achievement culture, how it affects our mental health, parenting, and personal fulfillment, and, most importantly, what we can do about it.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• The research behind why achievement culture has become so toxic.
• How perfectionism, comparison, and external validation fuel the cycle of "never enough".
• What mattering theory is and why it's key to breaking free from toxic success.
• Benign Vs Malicious Envy.
• The role of parents, workplaces, and schools in creating a healthier culture.
• Actionable strategies to cultivate a sense of mattering in your life.
• Jennifer also shares insights from her upcoming book, Mattering in the Modern World, and what her research reveals about finding true fulfillment beyond achievement.

 

About The Guest:

Jennifer B. Wallace is an award-winning journalist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. She has spent years researching the impact of achievement culture on individuals and society, helping us understand the hidden costs of high performance and external validation. A graduate of Harvard College, she started her career at CBS’s 60 Minutes, where she was part of a team that won the Robert F. Kennedy Award for Excellence in Journalism. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The Atlantic, and she frequently appears on national TV and radio programs discussing well-being, parenting, and cultural shifts.

🔹 Follow Jennifer on Instagram

📍 Read Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic and What We Can Do About It

✨ Keep an eye out for her upcoming book, Mattering in the Modern World!

About The Host:

Dr. Amna Shabbir is a physician, a fierce mental health advocate, a founder & CEO, and a super mom to two young girls. She empowers high achievers to create sustainable well-being through coaching, speaking engagements, and advocacy in various roles.

This episode is part of Dr.Shabbir's special book writing project on unmasking perfectionism.

🔹Connect with Dr. Shabbir on: Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube

❌ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses suicide. If you need help, please contact 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

❌Disclaimer:  This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice. The views expressed are personal and do not reflect those of any organization, employer, or institution.

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