The Problem With Following Your Dreams — Advice From an Award-Winning Graphic Novelist

The Roots of Perfectionism and How to Break Free

In this episode, host Stephanie Lin sits down with Dr. Jenny Wang, a licensed clinical psychologist and bestselling author, to explore why high achievers often struggle with feelings of inadequacy and burnout. We unpack how societal and familial expectations shape our pursuit of success, and how to reconnect with our authentic selves beyond achievement. You will learn: 1. The roots of overachievement in family and cultural dynamics 2. Strategies for untangling self-worth from accomplishments 3. The importance of adopting a beginner’s mindset for growth 4. Practical ways to set boundaries and cultivate resilience 5. The role of internal motivation versus external validation 6. Navigating cultural tensions around self-promotion and advocacy 7. How to embrace failure as part of the regenerative process 8. Reworking value systems for more sustainable ambition Follow and Stay Connected with @OWordPodcast: * ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [http://instagram.com/owordpodcast] * ⁠⁠YouTub⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast]⁠⁠e⁠⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast] * ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ [http://tiktok.com/@owordpodcast]

The Problem With Following Your Dreams — Advice From an Award-Winning Graphic Novelist

What happens when the thing you love doesn’t feel practical? In this episode, host Stephanie Lin sits down with acclaimed storyteller Gene Luen Yang for a conversation about ambition, identity, creativity, and the long road to building meaningful work in the arts. As the first graphic novelist to receive a MacArthur “Genius” Grant and the creator behind the bestselling graphic novel American Born Chinese, Gene shares the unglamorous truth behind creative success: years of self-publishing, balancing practical responsibilities, building community, and learning not to place your self-worth in outcomes outside your control. If you’ve ever felt torn between stability and passion, struggled with perfectionism, wondered whether it’s too late to pursue something meaningful, or questioned whether success is worth sacrificing yourself for — this conversation is for you. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to pursue creative work while still honoring practical realities * What immigrant family expectations can teach us — and when to reinterpret them * Why finding community matters * How to move through perfectionism and actually finish projects * Why sustainable achievement requires rest — not constant output * How to stop tying your identity to accomplishment * What creating American Born Chinese and seeing it adapted for screen taught him about success * Gene’s perspective on AI, creativity, and why human expression still matters Follow and Stay Connected with @OWordPodcast: * ⁠Instagram⁠ [http://instagram.com/owordpodcast] * ⁠YouTub⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast]⁠e⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast] * ⁠TikTok⁠ [http://tiktok.com/@owordpodcast]

The Hidden Truth of Perfectionism and How to Unlock Sustainable Success

In this episode of The 'O' Word, we’re unpacking the hidden psychology behind overachievement, perfectionism, burnout, and the constant pressure to keep proving ourselves. Host Stephanie Lin is joined by Dr. Jen Douglas — psychologist, executive coach, former Stanford Medicine clinician, and one of the leading voices studying perfectionism, anxiety, and high-performance culture. Dive into the science of overachievement: where perfectionism actually comes from, why so many ambitious people struggle to rest, how anxiety and identity become tied to productivity, and why external validation never feels like enough. If you’ve ever felt like your worth was tied to your productivity…if slowing down makes you uncomfortable…or if you’re trying to build a successful life that still feels meaningful and sustainable — this conversation is for you. ---- Follow and Stay Connected with @OWordPodcast: * ⁠Instagram⁠ [http://instagram.com/owordpodcast] * ⁠YouTub⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast]⁠e⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast] * ⁠TikTok⁠ [http://tiktok.com/@owordpodcast]

Are You Building Your Dream… or Someone Else’s?

What happens when the life that looks successful on paper doesn’t actually feel like yours? In this episode of The ‘O’ Word, Emmy-award winning journalist and host Stephanie Lin reflects on the courage it takes to choose the unknown—and why some of the most meaningful lives are built by people willing and brave enough to step away from expectations. If you’ve ever felt the tension between security and purpose, this will challenge you to rethink what success really means. Follow and Stay Connected with @OWordPodcast: * ⁠Instagram⁠ [http://instagram.com/owordpodcast] * ⁠YouTub⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast]⁠e⁠ [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast] * ⁠TikTok⁠ [http://tiktok.com/@owordpodcast]

Her Darkest Mistake Changed Everything — Now She’s Built a Fearless Brand

What does it take to rebuild your life after hitting rock bottom? In this episode, host Stephanie Lin sits down with powerhouse attorney Anh Phoong, whose bold billboards and unmistakable brand have become some of the most recognizable legal advertising in California. But behind the success is a story most people don’t know. Anh opens up about a dark chapter from her past that once placed her on the wrong side of the justice system—and how that experience ultimately shaped her purpose, fueled her ambition, and inspired her to pursue a career in law. Today, she runs a thriving law firm and has built a brand that stands out in one of the most competitive industries in America. In this candid conversation, Anh shares the mindset, risks, and self-belief that helped her transform her lowest moment into the foundation for extraordinary success. If you’ve ever struggled with failure, self-doubt, or the pressure to prove yourself, this episode will challenge you to rethink what’s possible. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How Anh Phoong rebuilt her life after a dark period that nearly derailed her future * The mindset shift that helped her go from self-doubt to self-belief * Why taking risks is often necessary for extraordinary success * How authenticity can become your greatest advantage when building a personal brand * The power of betting on yourself—even when others don’t believe in you * Practical advice for anyone trying to stand out in a competitive industry Whether you're building a business, pursuing a dream, or navigating setbacks, Anh’s story is a reminder that your past does not define your future. Follow and Stay Connected with @OWordPodcast: * Instagram [http://instagram.com/owordpodcast] * YouTub [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast]e [http://youtube.com/@owordpodcast] * TikTok [http://tiktok.com/@owordpodcast]