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.

• 📺Watch the full episode on YouTube➡️https://youtu.be/kz3vXtivll4

🎙 The Pod is hosted by Jesse Wright
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