Why are so many successful teenagers anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from themselves?

In this episode of Live Your Jam, Ellen McGinnis sits down with educator, coach, and House of Rise founder Dr. Carla Caturia to unpack the growing teen motivation crisis affecting high-achieving students and their families. Together they explore why good grades, packed schedules, and impressive resumes don't always translate into confidence, resilience, or genuine fulfillment.

Drawing from more than 20 years working with over 10,000 teens and families, Dr. Carla explains why many young people are trapped in what she calls the "success without self" cycle, where external achievement replaces internal trust.

The conversation explores how parents can encourage motivation without creating pressure, why praising effort matters more than praising intelligence, how family dynamics shape teen confidence, and why helping young people discover purpose is more valuable than pushing them toward someone else's definition of success.

You will learn:

• Why high-achieving teens often struggle despite looking successful
• The hidden signs of perfectionism, anxiety, and people pleasing
• How to build intrinsic motivation instead of relying on external validation
• Why praising effort creates more confident and resilient teens
• How family dynamics influence confidence and emotional wellbeing
• Practical ways to help teens manage negative self-talk and build self-trust
• Why college isn't the only path to success, and how to have better conversations about the future
• Questions every parent can ask to help their teen discover purpose and direction

👉 Watch the full conversation and subscribe for more stories about intuition, purpose, and living your jam.

We talk about:

00:00 Why successful teens are feeling more pressure than ever

03:35 The "success without self" cycle

09:00 Hidden signs your teenager is struggling

12:15 Parenting strategies that build confidence, not pressure

19:25 Flow, motivation, and overcoming negative self-talk

26:45 Is college the right path for every teen?

35:00 Better conversations about careers, purpose, and the future

39:30 Raising emotionally resilient young adults

Connect with Dr. Carla

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcarlacaturia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlacaturia
• YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drcarlacaturia
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/dr-carla-caturia
• Website :www.thehouseofrise.com

Connect with Ellen

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liveyourjam
• LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/liveyourjam
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liveyourjam
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnj7_LS2kaxfyPsAd1Hne8g
• Website: https://liveyourjam.com/