The Full Stack Human: The Upgrade High Achievers Actually Need

The Full Stack Human: The Upgrade High Achievers Actually Need

From Balance & Beyond by Jo Stone

April 21, 2026 · 21 min · Season 5 · Episode 144

About this episode

Dara Simkin discusses the need for high achievers to prioritize their humanity over constant optimization.

Your brain isn’t failing you. It’s doing its best with ancient wiring in a world of endless emails, Slack pings, AI pressure and a culture that rewards output over wellbeing. I’m joined by Dara Simkin, co-author of Full Stack Human, to reframe what so many high achieving women privately fear: that they can’t keep up because something is wrong with them. Dara’s take is both grounded and liberating, we don’t need more optimisation, we need an upgrade back to being human. We unpack the Fu...

People in this episode

Host: Jo Stone

Guest: Dara Simkin

Topics covered

  • high achievers
  • wellbeing
  • mental health
  • self improvement
  • human experience

Keywords

  • high achievers
  • wellbeing
  • mental health
  • self improvement
  • Full Stack Human

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Full Stack Human

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