Does "Mattering" Explain Everything?

What this episode covers

In her new book, ⁠Mattering⁠, Jennifer Wallace argues that our deepest crises — loneliness, anxiety, political rage — stem from a single unmet need: the need to matter. How did this happen, and what can we do about it? The Next Big Idea is now on YouTube! Check out our episodes ⁠here⁠. If you enjoyed this conversation, we think you'll like Jennifer’s previous appearance on the show, her episode of The Next Big Idea Daily, and Rebecca Goldstein’s book bite for The Mattering Instinct. Follow Rufus on LinkedIn, subscribe to our Substack, or send us an email. The best way to support the show is by becoming a Next Big Idea Club member. Learn more at nextbigideaclub.com, and use code PODCAST for a super secret discount (spoiler: it’s 20% off). Today’s episode is sponsored by Shopify. Start your $1/month trial at ⁠shopify.com/nbi⁠

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of The Next Big Idea?

This episode is 54 minutes long.

When was this The Next Big Idea episode published?

This episode was published on January 29, 2026.

What is this episode about?

In her new book, ⁠Mattering⁠, Jennifer Wallace argues that our deepest crises — loneliness, anxiety, political rage — stem from a single unmet need: the need to matter. How did this happen, and what can we do about it? The Next Big Idea is now on...

Can I download this The Next Big Idea episode?

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