# Jennifer Wallace on why "mattering" is the key to a meaningful life

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/firestarters-with-shannon-watts-6727386/jennifer-wallace-on-why-mattering-is-the-key-to-a-meaningful-life
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/firestarters-with-shannon-watts-6727386/jennifer-wallace-on-why-mattering-is-the-key-to-a-meaningful-life.md
Podcast: [Firestarters with Shannon Watts](https://stenobird.com/podcast/firestarters-with-shannon-watts-6727386)
Published: 2026-01-26T19:35:37+00:00
Episode link: https://shannonwatts.substack.com/p/jennifer-wallace-on-why-mattering
Audio file: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/185862307/9fb85d2ce1e5afb86589981483fd0307.mp3
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Duration seconds: 1581

## Resource

Jennifer Wallace is an award-winning journalist and bestselling author who explores the power of mattering in everyday life. Her first book, Never Enough: When Achievement Culture Becomes Toxic — And What We Can Do About It , was a New York Times Bestseller, an Amazon Best Book of the Year, and a Next Big Idea selection. Her forthcoming book Mattering: The Secret to a Life of Deep Connection and Purpose , will be published on January 27th. Jennifer is also the founder of The Mattering Institute, whose mission is to create cultures of mattering in workplaces and communities. In this conversation, we discussed how people in today’s society no longer feel valued, why mattering is an essential human need, the distinction between belonging and mattering, and tips on how to help people (and ourselves!) feel like they matter. Connect with Jennifer: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn For women ready to stop living on autopilot and playing it small, Fired Up will show you how to shatter your self imposed limitations and unleash your potential so you can finally start living the life you’ve always wanted. Click to order. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit shannonwatts.substack.com/subscribe

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## Transcript

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