In episode 3 of our Money Unmasked series, Jonathan sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Tiona Sykes to unpack what happens when money, hustle culture, and our sense of worth all get tangled together. Tiona shares how growing up with the message that “nothing in life is free” shaped her belief that safety only comes from working multiple jobs and constantly grinding. Now 30 and in a season of employment transition, she reflects on what happens when that grind stops, the anxiety that surfaces, and how easy it is to feel like you’re failing even when your life looks “good” from the outside. Together, Jonathan and Dr. Sykes explore: How family stories (“you have to earn everything”) and hustle culture form our earliest money scripts The pressure to always be doing more, making more, and optimizing more—and how that erodes joy The guilt of wanting more when you were raised to “just be grateful” and not ask for too much What travel, community, and non‑U.S. cultures have taught them about money, happiness, and consumption The quiet grief and anxiety that show up around bills, debt, and time, even when the numbers technically “work” How to start redefining a “good life” at 30 in a way that honors your values, nervous system, and relationships—not just your bank account If you’ve ever looked at your life on paper and thought, “I should feel more secure than this,” or wondered what you’re actually chasing when you chase more money, this conversation will feel like exhaling with a friend who gets it. At the end, Jonathan and Tiona invite you to name your own story around enoughness and success: When you think about money right now, what emotions come up first? What would a “good life” at this stage actually look like for you? Connect with Dr. Tiona Sykes: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiona-sykeslmft/  Resources Mentioned in the Show (If you purchase any of the books below I get a small commission): Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel Here is the Emotions/Feelings Wheel 🎧Listen to Previous Episode: Building Wealth That Actually Feels Good (with Reni Eniola aka xoReni)   Stay Connected: 📺Join our Community on Youtube 📬Get updates, behind-the-scenes content, and first access to the upcoming newsletter  👉🏾Buy me Ko-fi ☕️ 🔗All links → https://linktr.ee/highlyvisiblepod 📲Follow us on Instagram  🕰️ Follow us on TikTok    Credits: Produced & Edited: Jonathan Dumas Produced & Additional Editing: Reggie Hall Socials & Community: Myron Bobyrk-Ozaki Email: [email protected]