In this eye-opening episode of Meaning vs. Merit, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart sits down with longtime friend and education expert Dr. Rachel Pfeifer to unpack the tension between meritocracy and equity in the American education system. With experience ranging from teaching 4th grade in the Mississippi Delta to leading college access initiatives and school systems, Dr. Pfeifer brings both professional expertise and personal insights as a mother and educator.

Together, they explore:

• Whether meritocracy in education is real
• How socioeconomic status affects educational “merit”
• The rise of school choice and its potential to widen or bridge inequality
• The hidden toll meritocracy takes on students' mental health and identity
• How we might refocus our schools on the process of learning—not just the outcomes
• Practical advice for students, parents, and educators on reclaiming meaning in a merit-driven culture

Tune in for a thoughtful, nuanced conversation that bridges policy, psychology, and personal experience.

Some Ket Takeaways and Discussion Points:

• Meritocracy reinforces high achievement and perfectionistic mentality.
• The educational system often pressures students to succeed or risk failure.
• Diversity in schools can enhance learning experiences and empathy.
• Public education faces challenges in meeting the needs of all students.
• School choice offers families options but can lead to inequality.
• Community plays a crucial role in shaping educational experiences.
• The pressure to achieve can lead to mental health issues among students.
• Educational achievement is often correlated with income levels.
• Students need to learn how to learn, not just how to achieve.
• Balancing meaning and merit is essential for holistic education.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meritocracy in Education

02:46 The Role of Meritocracy in Academic Pressure

05:27 Challenges of the Educational System

09:29 School Choice and Its Implications

14:54 Education system moving from Federal to State level

19:14 Debating the Existence of Meritocracy

28:26 The Dilemma of Choice and Diversity

30:25 Navigating the College Application Landscape

33:50 Stratification in Education and Society

36:21 The Role of Community in Education

40:23 Evolving Notions of Merit in a Digital Age

43:10 Finding Meaning Beyond Accolades

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart sits down with Dr. Julia Colangelo, our expert in the science of Flow. They unpack what flow really is (hint: it’s not just being "in the zone") and how it can help you break free from achievement culture, reclaim creativity, and tap into a state of deep focus and meaning—even in hard times.

Dr. Julia shares tangible strategies to activate flow, explains how to use it sustainably (without needing a 10-hour silent retreat), and offers insight on how to access it during moments of stress, stagnation, and uncertainty. If you're tired of chasing success while feeling increasingly disconnected from yourself, this conversation is your invitation to try a better way.

Chapters:

00:00 - Welcome to Meaning vs. Merit

01:00 - Meet Dr. Julia Colangelo

02:30 - Julia's Journey from Burnout to Flow

05:00 - What Is Flow, Really?

08:00 - Flow vs. Peak Performance: They’re Not the Same

11:00 - Flow in a World of Distraction

14:00 - How to Schedule Flow Like a Busy Person

18:00 - Flow Activators: Walking, Music, Food, and Eccentric Habits

22:00 - Flow During Crisis: Recession, Elections & Natural Disasters

27:00 - How to Learn More About Flow with Dr. Julia

29:00 - Wrap Up & Reflection

Selected Quotes:

• "Flow is a current, not a peak. If you chase peak performance every day, you will burn out." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Flow doesn’t require five hours a day. One focused afternoon a week can move the needle." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Your flow state is part of you. It’s a renewable resource, even in hard times." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "I used to think I had to earn rest. Now I know rest is how I access flow." — Dr. Julia Colangelo
• "Flow helps us reclaim creativity and productivity without the pressure to be exceptional all the time." — Dr. Maria-Christina Stewart

More from Dr. Julia:

Website: https://www.drjuliacolangelo.com/

Flow Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flow/id1688023575?i=1000697418067

In this episode of Meaning vs. Merit, we sit down with Saahil Mishra, an 18-year-old changemaker tackling one of today’s biggest challenges—social media and teen well-being.

Rather than chasing accolades, Saahil is chasing impact. As the founder of Unwiring, a nonprofit dedicated to educating and empowering young people on responsible social media use, he’s working to make digital spaces healthier for the next generation.

Listen as we discuss:

✔️ Saahil’s personal journey to founding Unwiring

✔️ The loneliness epidemic among teens

✔️ How social media is designed to be addicting—and what changes could make it healthier

✔️ The youth-driven policy ideas he’s sharing with tech companies and government officials

✔️ Practical advice for teens, parents, and educators on fostering a healthier relationship with social media

✔️ The pressures young people face to achieve merit over meaning

💡 Saahil’s philosophy? Seek meaning first, and let merit follow. His story is a powerful example of how passion and purpose can drive real change—even at an early age. You won't want to miss it!

🎧 Listen now and join the conversation!

🔗 Resources & Links:

🔹 Learn more about Saahil Mishra and Unwiring: https://www.unwiring.org

🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform!

We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we have. Leave a review and share your thoughts!