108: Why You Feel So Empty (And What's Actually Missing) with Jennifer Wallace

Why can you have friends, a career, a family, and a full calendar and still feel like something fundamental is missing. Journalist Jennifer Wallace calls that something by its name: you don't feel like you matter. In this episode, Jennifer breaks down why purpose alone isn't enough, why your friendships might feel hollow even though you technically have them, and why the convenience of modern life might be the very thing starving us of what we need most.In this episode, we talk about:* Why you can belong to a friend group, a workplace, a family, and a neighborhood and still not feel like you matter to the people there and what's actually missing when that happens* How Silicon Valley's obsession with frictionless experience has made us less tolerant of the exact kind of friction that builds a meaningful life * The European supermarket chain that introduced slow checkout lanes to fight loneliness — and how the cashiers felt it just as much as the customers* Why I think the mattering I experienced in AA recovery rooms, where your presence is treated as essential, not optional, was the invisible thing that actually got me sober* Why canceling plans sends a signal about trust, not just scheduling and what changes when you commit to showing upYou can find Jennifer on Instagram @jenniferbrehenywallace. You can find Jennifer's Book: Mattering, The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose here: https://www.jenniferbwallace.com/mattering-the-bookIf you’d like to support the show one of the best things you can do is leave us a review and share the pod! THANK YOU!We have some incredible BONUS episodes on our SUBSTACK! nuanceneeded.substack.comTo learn more about therapy reach out to Therapy for Women Center, therapyforwomencenter.com. We have therapists licensed in 42 states across the country and have offices if you are local to the Philadelphia area.Want to join the conversation? You can email us [email protected]. We’d love to hear what you think!