Meaning Vs Merit

We often treat meaning and merit as if they are in direct competition: pursue success, stability, and recognition—or choose purpose, authenticity, and fulfillment. But what if that framing is too narrow? In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit , Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart welcomes back psychologist Dr. Lance Linke for a thoughtful exploration of one of the central tensions in modern life: the percei...

What if two seemingly opposite things could both be true at the same time? In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit , Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart sits down with clinical, developmental, and educational psychologist Dr. Lance Linke to explore the concept of dialectical thinking —a cognitive and emotional skill that allows us to hold multiple perspectives simultaneously. In a world increasingly shaped b...

In this eye-opening episode of Meaning vs. Merit , Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart sits down with longtime friend and education expert Dr. Rachel Pfeifer to unpack the tension between meritocracy and equity in the American education system. With experience ranging from teaching 4th grade in the Mississippi Delta to leading college access initiatives and school systems, Dr. Pfeifer brings both professi...

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit , Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart sits down with Dr. Julia Colangelo, our expert in the science of Flow . They unpack what flow really is (hint: it’s not just being "in the zone") and how it can help you break free from achievement culture, reclaim creativity, and tap into a state of deep focus and meaning—even in hard times. Dr. Julia shares tangible strategies to...

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit , we sit down with Saahil Mishra , an 18-year-old changemaker tackling one of today’s biggest challenges— social media and teen well-being . Rather than chasing accolades, Saahil is chasing impact. As the founder of Unwiring , a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering young people on responsible social media use, he’s working to make digital spaces heal...

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. Details: In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit , host Dr. Ma...

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 convers...

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. Bergs...

After a hiatus, we're back! Tune-in for a preview of coming episodes.

Can meaning successfully drive merit in the financial world? Ask Wallis Wilkinson Tsai. Wallis spent over 10 years at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker and hedge fund investor and then founded her own values-based independent insurance brokerage agency: AboveBoard Financial. She also teaches at Harvard Business School. We were so excited to interview Wallis and learn her how's and why's of ali...

To launch our podcast Meaning Vs Merit , Dr. Maria-Christina interviews Dan Klein, faculty member in the Drama Department, Business School, and Design School at Stanford University, about living your legacy. Dan shares his journey into the world of improv and illuminates the transformative power of embracing uncertainty, following meaning, and celebrating failure. Key Themes : Dan Klein's journey...

Welcome to Meaning Vs Merit, a podcast where we ask important questions about our pursuit of merit and find practical answers about how to balance it with our search for meaning.