Our culture glorifies achievement, status, merit, and standing out—but at what cost? Special explores how the pressure to be extraordinary shapes our choices, fuels anxiety, perfectionism, high achievement, and eating disorders, and can keep fulfillment just out of reach. Through an interdisciplinary lens, I unpack what drives this obsession—and what it takes to break free. Plus, the occasional musing on geopolitics and the human condition.

Come, sit, join us, and remember how special you are – just as you are.

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High achievement, perfectionism, eating disorders, and systems like meritocracy can fuel an unhealthy drive to be Special—often at the cost of a truly special life. We explore how to break free, plus tips on navigating our shifting geopolitical landscape.

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Psychologist. Writer. Thinker. Believer in people. Devoted to family and friends. Stanford U. Adjunct Clinical Instructor. Podcast host (Meaning Vs Merit and Selves Unedited).