In this episode of Truth Tastes Funny, Hersh Rephun sits down with psychologist, Yale clinical instructor, and author Leah Marone for a conversation about perfectionism, performance anxiety, self-worth, and the hidden patterns that keep high achievers exhausted.

After more than 20,000 therapy sessions and years spent helping athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigate pressure, Leah has noticed a recurring theme:

Many of the people who seem the most capable are carrying far more than their own responsibilities.

Her new book, Serial Fixer, explores the tendency to over-function, over-help, and over-own problems that don't actually belong to us.

Hersh and Leah explore:

Why high achievers struggle with imposter syndrome
The fierce inner critic and where it comes from
Why confidence can swing wildly from day to day
The trap of tying self-worth to achievement
How burnout often begins with good intentions
Why entrepreneurs are especially vulnerable to over-functioning
The difference between supporting and solving
And how helping others can quietly become a form of control

Along the way, Leah shares practical insights for building self-trust, celebrating progress, setting healthier boundaries, and creating space for genuine connection.

At its heart, this conversation asks a deceptively simple question:

When someone shares a problem, are you helping them... or helping yourself feel needed?

Thoughtful, relatable, and full of hard-earned wisdom, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on success, anxiety, and what it means to truly support the people we care about.

https://www.leahmarone.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahmaronelcsw/

Hersh's new book, SELLING THE TRUTH: A ‘Semoir’ with Insights for Life & Business is a semi memoir drawing on his adventures as an Authority Advisor and Standup Comedian. It is part business book, part happiness formula for life, and an amuseful read, whether you’re building a business or burnishing your self-image.

You can kickstart your own messaging evolution with a one-on-one 5-Minute Fix.

Take the 60-second Get Off Your Assets Quiz, and find other resources here: https://www.hershrephun.com/selling-the-truth/