Exploring Gender At Work And "Work Life Conflict" With Dr. David Smith

About this episode

In this episode, Morra Aarons-Mele talks with Dr. David Smith about work-life conflict and the challenges faced by modern families in dual-career situations.

Why does modern work feel impossible for so many families? In this episode, I talk with sociologist, former Navy pilot, and workplace researcher Dr. David Smith about why so many modern couples feel trapped in work-life conflict, how to navigate the structural stress of dual-career life, and the realities of modern caregiving. David breaks down the "Lead-Follow" relationship strategy used by highly successful couples. We also dive into the anxieties men face surrounding workplace allyship, why traditional mentorship scripts are broken, and how organizations must design work for a cross-generational workforce. Tune in to learn about the pressures modern families face and what needs to change. Check out our sponsors: Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to shopify.com/anxiousachiever Chime - Head to chime.com/achiever to sign up Monarch - Use code ACHIEVER at monarch.com to get 50% off your first year Physician’s Choice - Use code PCPODCAST10 at physicianschoice.com to get 10% off your entire order Whatnot - Get free shipping on your first order. Just search W-H-A-T-N-O-T in the app store and start scoring amazing deals Pebl - Take advantage of Pebl’s limited-time…

People in this episode

Host: Morra Aarons-Mele

Guest: Dr. David Smith

Topics covered

• work-life conflict
• gender at work
• dual-career challenges
• modern caregiving
• workplace allyship
• cross-generational workforce

Keywords

• work-life balance
• sociology
• career
• mental health
• family dynamics
• workplace culture

Sponsors

Shopify, Chime, Monarch, Physician’s Choice, Whatnot, Pebl

More episodes of The Anxious Achiever

• This U.S. Congressman Gives His Anxiety A Job To Do with Adam Smith · June 11, 2026 · 43 min
• The Freedom Of Not Knowing with HBS's Martin Sinozich · June 4, 2026 · 36 min
• Is Therapy The Best We've Got? Megan Cornish Wants More · June 2, 2026 · 59 min
• How To Take Psychedelics for Your Mental Health with Dr. Will Van Derveer · June 1, 2026 · 43 min
• Perfectionism Is Not The Healthy Pursuit Of Excellence: Dr. Thomas Greenspon · May 28, 2026 · 54 min
• The Power of Divergent Thinking With David Flink · May 26, 2026 · 1h 6m