Summary:

The holidays can provide a chance to reconnect with what truly matters, while also challenging our sense of peace and purpose. Dr. Marisa Mazza, a clinical psychologist specializing in anxiety and OCD, shares expert advice on managing stress, setting boundaries, and aligning with your values to create a meaningful holiday season.

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, host Dr. Maria-Christina is joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Marisa Mazza to explore how we can navigate the challenges of the holiday season while staying true to our values and creating meaningful experiences. From managing anxiety to setting boundaries with family members, Dr. Mazza offers practical tips for showing up in ways that align with what matters most to us.

The conversation dives into:

• How to identify your values and let them guide your holiday decisions.
• Tips for managing anxiety and difficult family dynamics.
• Tips on integrating humor to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics.
• How saying no can sometimes be the most meaningful choice.
• The importance of self-compassion and emotional safety when facing discomfort.
• Strategies for teens to make the most of their holiday break.

The holidays often test our ability to balance connection, expectations, and self-care. This episode is a reminder that living a values-driven life — even when it’s uncomfortable in the short term — can bring deeper joy, fulfillment, and meaning in the long run.

About Our Guest:

Dr. Marisa Mazza is a clinical psychologist, author of The ACT Workbook for OCD, and an expert in helping people face their fears while living a life aligned with their values. She is passionate about teaching valued-living and self-compassion and guiding others to thrive in ways that matter most.

Resources and Links:

• Learn more about Dr. Marisa Mazza and her work and sign up for her newsletter for updates on her upcoming self-compassion workshops at choicetherapy.net

Key Takeaway:

This holiday season, reconnect with what brings you meaning—even if it means setting boundaries, embracing discomfort, or prioritizing your emotional well-being. Meaningful living is about making conscious choices that align with your values.

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Summary

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, Dr. Maria-Christina interviews clinical psychologist Michael Tompkins, Ph.D., ABPP on the intricate balance between finding meaning and pursuing merit in today's economic landscape. Dr. Tompkins shares his personal journey to finding a meaningful career and discusses cognitive behavioral therapy tips for finding meaning in our hustle. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being flexible and connecting hustle to personal values.

Sound Bites

"Hustling, but why? Connect with those values."

"Meaning is how we make sense of life."

"Flexibility is key in balancing meaning and merit."

"Hustle without meaningful reward is not sustainable."

"Paying the bills honors a particular value."

"Find the thing that adds greater meaning to your life."

"Regret is a signal to motivate us to act."

Chapters

06:05 Dr. Tompkins' Personal Journey: From Chemistry to Psychology

08:59 The Privilege of Choice in Career Paths

11:50 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as A Tool for Flexibility

15:12 Defining Meaning and Merit

18:07 The Impact of Economic Changes on Therapy

21:10 The Role of Flexibility in Hustling

23:58 Finding Meaning in Hustle

26:51 Adapting Expectations in Challenging Times

30:05 The Importance of Reflection and Regret

32:58 Advice for Young People Seeking Meaning

36:04 Current Projects and Future Endeavors

Dr. Michael Tompkins' Bio and for more information: https://sfbacct.com/about-us-our-psychologists/michael-a-tompkins/

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In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, Dr. Maria Christina interviews Dr. Fred Bergsten, a leading economist, to explore the intersection of economics, meaning, and merit in today's society. They discuss the current state of the economy, the challenges faced by individuals in achieving a balance between hustle and meaningful living, and the implications of meritocracy in the modern world. Dr. Bergsten shares insights on the stagnation of the middle class, the importance of education, and the rising mental health issues linked to economic pressures. The conversation culminates in advice for individuals, particularly teenagers, on navigating these complexities while seeking fulfillment in their lives.

Important takeaways

• The U.S. economy is currently in a strong position.
• Hustle has become more challenging due to economic pressures.
• The middle class is not disappearing, but facing stagnation.
• Mental health issues are rising, particularly among youth.
• Meritocracy has traditionally been a feature of American society.
• The education premium is increasing, affecting job opportunities.
• Finding work that feels meaningful is crucial for life satisfaction.
• Teenagers should explore various interests to find their passion.

Don't Miss!

Make sure to listen to Dr. Bergsten's discussion of:

The Stagnation of the Middle Class (14:59)

The Bipolarization of Economic Success (30:39)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meaning and Merit

02:22 Dr. Bergsten's Journey

07:14 The Current Economic Landscape

10:16 Challenges of Modern Hustle and Economic Stagnation

14:59 Stagnation of the Middle Class

19:09 Mental Health and Economic Pressures

23:01 Meritocracy, the Education Premium, and Integrating Meaning

30:39 Bipolarization of Economic Success

35:29 Advice for Navigating Economic Challenges

39:23 Advice Specific for Teenagers

For more information on Dr. Bergsten: https://www.piie.com/experts/senior-research-staff/c-fred-bergsten