E119: America’s Toxic Work Culture & Work-Life Crisis - w/ Adam Chandler
El Podcast14 Feb 2025

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 identity
  • Differences between U.S. work culture and places like France, Korea, Costa Rica, and Australia
  • The impact of social mobility, burnout, and declining job satisfaction
  • The legacy of 1950s prosperity and how it distorts modern expectations
  • How tech perks mask deeper issues with overwork
  • The gig economy, AI disruption, and the myth of “following your passion”
  • Policy solutions: four-day work weeks, right-to-disconnect laws, and rethinking success

Based 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.

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
💬 For guest suggestions, questions, or media inquiries, reach out at https://elpodcast.media/
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