Jessica Lamb-Shapiro on the Pitfalls and Promise of Self-Help
Well, I think the theme of being skeptical about the self-help world has been in our show from the very beginning.
Ever wondered if self-help books are really helping or just adding to the noise? In this episode of 'The One You Feed', Eric Zimmer chats with Jessica Lamb-Shapiro, author of 'Promise Land: My Journey through America's Self-Help Culture'. Jessica shares her unique perspective on the self-help industry, tracing its roots back to ancient Egypt and examining its evolution into a modern-day phenomenon.
She candidly discusses how positive thinking can sometimes morph into denial and how self-help lingo can act as a barrier to genuine emotional connection. Jessica also opens up about the paradox of self-improvement, questioning when it's best to accept ourselves as we are and when it's time to push for change. With her sharp insights and personal anecdotes, she sheds light on the delicate balance between self-acceptance and the pursuit of growth.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the true impact of self-help culture on our lives.