Today we do a deep dive into the complex realm of negative self-talk and the pursuit of an authentic identity. Lets look at the formative impact of early praise, the language that shapes our self-image, and strategies to manage the critical voices within us. Whether you're currently navigating the complexities of academia or simply seeking to better understand the dynamics of your inner dialogue, this episode offers a relatable reflection on the ongoing work of crafting an authentic identity.

In this episode of our podcast, we tackled the all-too-common myth that achieving job satisfaction means living in a state of perpetual bliss. As we delved into the realities of intertwining passion with profession, we uncovered the truth that the work we adore will inevitably come with its own set of challenges—challenges that aren't too different from those encountered in a committed romantic relationship. We also discussed the importance of a 'slow burn' approach to discovering what truly ignites our passion, suggesting that patience and a variety of experiences, like internships, can be incredibly valuable in finding a fulfilling path.

In the first episode of Identity Work, Stephen and Adam spend 30 minutes resolving technical issues and debating if Adam is a “Novice” or “Noob” iPhone photographer… just kidding! Identity Work starts out strong with a rich discussion about how we should frame work, recorded from Dallas, Texas and Avignon, France. Adam honestly shares his past approach to work as being “a game that is meant to be beaten by earning enough money to stop playing”.   We discuss cultural influences on how we view work, which shaped our career choices, leading to “successful” but unsatisfying choices. Stephen challenges listeners to think about how they define work for themselves and Adam leaves everyone with a takeaway “homework” question to reflect on this week.