E119: America’s Toxic Work Culture & Work-Life Crisis - w/ Adam Chandler

Why do Americans ask “What do you do?” before “Who are you?” In this episode, journalist and author Adam Chandler joins Jesse to explore America’s deep-rooted obsession with work — and how it compares to the rest of the world. They discuss:Why work is so central to American identityDifferences between U.S. work culture and places like France, Korea, Costa Rica, and AustraliaThe impact of social mobility, burnout, and declining job satisfactionThe legacy of 1950s prosperity and how it distorts modern expectationsHow tech perks mask deeper issues with overworkThe gig economy, AI disruption, and the myth of “following your passion”Policy solutions: four-day work weeks, right-to-disconnect laws, and rethinking successBased on Chandler’s new book 99% Perspiration: A New Working History of the American Way of Life, this conversation blends sharp cultural insight with personal stories from around the world.📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/kz3vXtivll4 🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/📬 Never miss an episode – subscribe and follow wherever you get your podcasts.⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show. It helps others find us. Thanks for listening!