This week, we are discussing Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski, and explore one of the book's most eye-opening concepts: The Game Is Rigged.

Together, we unpack how women are often expected to succeed while navigating impossible, contradictory standards, and why anxiety so often convinces us that these systemic pressures are personal failures.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why so many women feel like they're never doing enough
• How anxiety turns unrealistic expectations into self-criticism
• The hidden emotional labor that contributes to chronic burnout
• Why productivity hacks can't fix impossible standards
• The difference between taking responsibility and taking the blame
• How to begin letting go of expectations that were never yours to carry

As always, we share therapist insights, relatable anxious spirals, and our favorite Anxiety Wins of the week, including lowering our own expectations, practicing self-compassion, and discovering that sometimes healing isn't about doing more, it's about putting something down.

Because not everything you're struggling with is a personal failure. Sometimes, the game really is rigged.

If this episode resonated with you, we would love for you to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls. Share it with someone who's been carrying impossible expectations; we have a feeling they could use this reminder, too.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast

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Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com

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Do you say "yes" when you really want to say "no"? Do you find yourself carrying everyone else's needs while quietly ignoring your own?

If so, this episode is for you.

This week, we are delving into Chapter 2 of Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski to explore the concept of Human Giver Syndrome, the cultural expectation that women should constantly care for others while prioritizing their own needs last.

We unpack why people-pleasing feels so tied to anxiety, how chronic guilt can keep us stuck in burnout, and why setting boundaries often feels uncomfortable before it feels empowering.

In this episode, we discuss:

• What Human Giver Syndrome is and how it contributes to burnout
• Why anxiety often convinces us that everyone else's emotions are our responsibility
• The connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and chronic exhaustion
• Why guilt doesn't always mean you're doing something wrong
• How boundaries protect your well-being—not your popularity
• Small, practical ways to begin caring for yourself without abandoning the people you love

If this episode resonated with you, we'd love for you to rate, review, and follow Two Anxious Girls. Sharing the podcast with someone who always puts themselves last might be exactly what they need to hear today.

Follow the podcast on Instagram @twoanxiousgirlspodcast

Tiktok: twoanxiousgirls

Have a question for us? Email us at twoanxiousgirlspodcast@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Two Anxious Girls, we are diving into one of the biggest takeaways from Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski: stressors and stress are not the same thing.

As therapists (and fellow anxious humans), we explore why solving the problem doesn't always calm your nervous system and why your body may still feel tense long after the stressful event has passed.

We talk about:

✨ The difference between stressors and the stress response

✨ Why your body needs to "complete the stress cycle"

✨ How chronic stress can fuel anxiety and burnout

✨ Why productivity isn't the same as recovery

✨ Simple, science-backed ways to help your nervous system feel safe again

If you enjoyed this episode, we would love for you to follow, rate, and leave a review. It helps more anxious humans find our little corner of the internet.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.