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 professional expertise and personal insights as a mother and educator.

Together, they explore:

• Whether meritocracy in education is real
• How socioeconomic status affects educational “merit”
• The rise of school choice and its potential to widen or bridge inequality
• The hidden toll meritocracy takes on students' mental health and identity
• How we might refocus our schools on the process of learning—not just the outcomes
• Practical advice for students, parents, and educators on reclaiming meaning in a merit-driven culture

Tune in for a thoughtful, nuanced conversation that bridges policy, psychology, and personal experience.

Some Ket Takeaways and Discussion Points:

• Meritocracy reinforces high achievement and perfectionistic mentality.
• The educational system often pressures students to succeed or risk failure.
• Diversity in schools can enhance learning experiences and empathy.
• Public education faces challenges in meeting the needs of all students.
• School choice offers families options but can lead to inequality.
• Community plays a crucial role in shaping educational experiences.
• The pressure to achieve can lead to mental health issues among students.
• Educational achievement is often correlated with income levels.
• Students need to learn how to learn, not just how to achieve.
• Balancing meaning and merit is essential for holistic education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meritocracy in Education

02:46 The Role of Meritocracy in Academic Pressure

05:27 Challenges of the Educational System

09:29 School Choice and Its Implications

14:54 Education system moving from Federal to State level

19:14 Debating the Existence of Meritocracy

28:26 The Dilemma of Choice and Diversity

30:25 Navigating the College Application Landscape

33:50 Stratification in Education and Society

36:21 The Role of Community in Education

40:23 Evolving Notions of Merit in a Digital Age

43:10 Finding Meaning Beyond Accolades

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 activate flow, explains how to use it sustainably (without needing a 10-hour silent retreat), and offers insight on how to access it during moments of stress, stagnation, and uncertainty. If you're tired of chasing success while feeling increasingly disconnected from yourself, this conversation is your invitation to try a better way.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to Meaning vs. Merit

01:00 - Meet Dr. Julia Colangelo

02:30 - Julia's Journey from Burnout to Flow

05:00 - What Is Flow, Really?

08:00 - Flow vs. Peak Performance: They’re Not the Same

11:00 - Flow in a World of Distraction

14:00 - How to Schedule Flow Like a Busy Person

18:00 - Flow Activators: Walking, Music, Food, and Eccentric Habits

22:00 - Flow During Crisis: Recession, Elections & Natural Disasters

27:00 - How to Learn More About Flow with Dr. Julia

29:00 - Wrap Up & Reflection

Selected Quotes:

• "Flow is a current, not a peak. If you chase peak performance every day, you will burn out." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Flow doesn’t require five hours a day. One focused afternoon a week can move the needle." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Your flow state is part of you. It’s a renewable resource, even in hard times." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "I used to think I had to earn rest. Now I know rest is how I access flow." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Flow helps us reclaim creativity and productivity without the pressure to be exceptional all the time." — Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart

More from Dr. Julia:

Website: https://www.drjuliacolangelo.com/

Flow Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flow/id1688023575?i=1000697418067

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 healthier for the next generation.

Listen as we discuss:

✔️ Saahil’s personal journey to founding Unwiring

✔️ The loneliness epidemic among teens

✔️ How social media is designed to be addicting—and what changes could make it healthier

✔️ The youth-driven policy ideas he’s sharing with tech companies and government officials

✔️ Practical advice for teens, parents, and educators on fostering a healthier relationship with social media

✔️ The pressures young people face to achieve merit over meaning

💡 Saahil’s philosophy? Seek meaning first, and let merit follow. His story is a powerful example of how passion and purpose can drive real change—even at an early age. You won't want to miss it!

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

🔗 Resources & Links:

🔹 Learn more about Saahil Mishra and Unwiring: https://www.unwiring.org

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we have. Leave a review and share your thoughts!

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.

Subscribe to Meaning vs. Merit to get notified when we release new episodes and join us in an ongoing intentional practice of finding meaning and balance in life.

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/

If you liked this episode, please rate, review & subscribe! 

Follow Dr. Maria-Christina on LinkedIn and Instagram: @DrMariaChristina

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

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 aligning one's values with their pursuit of professional excellence and success - even in the financial world, which is often thought of as being barren of meaning and values. Drawing from her own experiences, Wallis shares tips on setting boundaries, navigating challenges, and staying true to oneself in the face of adversity. She also delves into her specific line of work, discussing the profound impact she has seen (both personally and professionally) of safeguarding what is personally meaningful.

Tune in to hear Wallis' inspiring journey, gain practical advice on balancing meaning and merit, and explore the transformative power of purpose-driven action in the financial landscape.

Key Themes:

The Importance of Finding Meaning in Work (06:24.000)

Balancing Perfectionism and Meaning (10:40.000)

Motivational Energy (15:06.000)

The Value of Protecting What is Meaningful (24:41.000)

On Founding a Meaning-Driven Company (30:26.212)

Overall Advice for Balancing Meaning and Merit (33:10.000)

References made in this episode:

Above Board Financial: https://www.aboveboardfinancial.com/

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 finding improv: Dan recounts his discovery of improv, highlighting the pivotal role it played in his personal and professional development. (03:09)
• Just Show Up. (09:01)
• Follow Your Inspiration. (09:25)
• Embracing the unpredictability of life's journey (09:45)
• The power of perspective: Dan Klein discusses the power of perspective, emphasizing the choice to view challenges through a positive lens. (13:34)
• The Power of Storytelling: Dan Klein delves into the profound human need for acknowledgment and the transformative impact of storytelling. (17:29, 19:06)
• Show-up while remaining open to the unexpected. (19:43)
• The power of saying yes: Dr. Maria-Christina and Dan Klein discuss the significance of saying "yes" and the role it plays in fostering creativity and collaboration. (21:58, 24:47)
• The power of "Yes, And" (24:45)
• Overcoming Self-Judgment: Dan Klein explores the detrimental effects of self-judgment and the importance of creating a supportive environment for idea generation. (26:04, 27:14)
• Failure and Imperfection: Celebrating Failure: Dan Klein advocates for embracing failure as an opportunity for growth and innovation, challenging societal norms surrounding success and failure. (28:03, 29:43) Reframing Failure: Dr. Maria-Christina and Dan Klein delve into the concept of reframing failure as an opportunity for creative exploration and self-discovery. (30:24) Embracing Imperfection: Dan Klein encourages individuals to embrace imperfection and adopt a mindset of exploration and curiosity. (31:35, 33:13)
• The audience is way more on your side: Dr. Maria-Christina and Dan Klein explore the profound impact of authenticity and vulnerability in connecting with an audience and fostering genuine human connection. (36:45, 38:52)

References made in this episode:

• wcnworkshops.com
• Keith Johnstone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bz9mo4qW9bc
• Improv Wisdom, by Patricia Ryan Madson
• The Failure Bow: Matt Smith at TEDxBellevue: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXuD2zHVeB0

Tune-in next month to Meaning Vs Merit for more insightful discussions on navigating the intersection of meaning and merit in today's complex world.

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.