You and Me and Mr. Self-Esteem

The podcast explores the history and impact of the self-esteem movement, tracing its origins to the human potential movement and the work of Carl Rogers. It highlights John Vasconcellos's efforts to promote self-esteem as a solution to social problems in California. The discussion reveals that the scientific basis for these claims was shaky, and research later debunked the idea that self-esteem directly causes positive outcomes. The hosts delve into the shift from self-esteem to social-emotional learning (SEL) in schools, emphasizing the importance of focusing on others' needs and community. Ultimately, the podcast questions the value of pursuing self-esteem as an end goal, suggesting that focusing on contributing to something larger than oneself may be more beneficial.