If perfectionism is your favorite weakness, this one’s for you. Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists, joins Vic to unpack the roots of perfectionism, how it shows up in everyday life, and why so many of us feel like we have to earn our worth. They explore the difference between healthy ambition and toxic self-criticism, how to find that middle ground where you’re still growing without burning out, and what it really means to practice self-compassion. Vic opens up about her own struggles with perfectionism—from how playing D1 volleyball enhanced her inner critic to why she regrets overplanning Max’s 30th birthday—and shares the tools she’s learning to prioritize presence over performance. Whether you overthink, overachieve, or feel like you’re never quite doing enough, this conversation will help you let go of the pressure and embrace the messiness of being human.

Website: ellenhendriksen.com

Instagram: @ellen_hendriksen

Book: How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists by Dr. Ellen Hendriksen

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Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

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Have you ever wondered how Vic started The Hidden Opponent? Or what it really takes to launch and run a non-profit? This episode is your crash course! Vic shares why she founded THO, how Kobe Bryant played a key role, and the real behind-the-scenes of building a movement for student-athlete mental health. She also introduces THO’s new CEO, their Avengers-level Board of Directors, and gives a sneak peek at the adidas x The Hidden Opponent collab — out now! If you’re passionate about mental health or want to make a difference, this episode will leave you fired up to take action.

Shop the collection:

Learn more: thehiddenopponent.org

Follow: @thehiddenopponent

Vic’s TEDx Talk: The Hidden Opponent: Student Athletes And Mental Health

Read:  Geese Are Never Swans by Kobe Bryant

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Beam: Get 40% off their best-selling Dream Powder by heading to shop beam.com/realpod or using code REALPOD.

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Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Australian-born creator, actress, and entrepreneur Cartia Mallan joins the pod for a vulnerable and reflective convo about anxiety, identity, content creation, grief, and growing up online. They dive into boundary setting with friends, social media burnout, staying true to yourself in a trend-obsessed world, and how to rebuild self-trust when you’ve been over-giving. Cartia also opens up about navigating grief after the loss of her father and the complex emotions that come with it. This ep is core Real Pod: healing, relatable, and packed with perspective shifts you didn’t know you needed.

Connect with Cartia:

Instagram: @cartiamallan

YouTube: Cartia Mallan

Related episodes:

Real Pod: Emmanuel Acho: How To Find Your Life’s Purpose

Move with Heart: Ep 104: Unlocking Your Unlimited Self with Jenna Zoe & David Ghiyam (PART 1)

// SPONSORS //

Cozy Earth: Get 40% off with my code REALPOD and to celebrate Moms everywhere, this weekend only May 2-4, Cozy Earth is giving my listeners a special promo: Buy One, Get One Free Bamboo pajamas! Use code REALPODBOGO to take advantage of this. She deserves the best!

NO BULL: For Real Pod listeners, NOBULL is offering 30% off your order. Visit nobullproject.com/realpod for 30% off your entire order.

Quince: Shop Mother’s Day at Quince. Go to quince.com/realpod for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns.

Paper Doll By Dylan Mulvaney: Buy your copy of Paper Doll here or wherever books are sold!

Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.

Produced by Dear Media.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.