What happens when ambition turns toxic? In this eye-opening conversation, host Rebecca Dhrimaj sits down with psychologist and author Dr. Paula Freedman-Diamond to unpack the hidden cost of hustle culture. From eating disorders and body image struggles to the quiet burnout of toxic striving, they explore how compliance and perfectionism erode our mental health. Through vulnerable stories and powerful insights, the episode shines a light on the role of personality, emotional awareness, and self-empathy in the healing journey. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “never enough,” we hope this episode is your first step to overcoming toxic striving.
Sound Bites
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Toxic Striving
03:06 Understanding Personality Types in Hustle Culture
06:29 Personal Experiences with Body Image and Dieting
10:36 The Cost of Compliance and Internal Dialogue
14:51 Unraveling Disordered Behaviors
20:21 Building Tolerance for Discomfort
25:01 Empathy for Self and Others
28:08 The Importance of Modeling Self-Care in Leadership
32:56 Building a Culture of Care
