I always thought perfectionism was a bit of a humble brag — a flaw that was actually a strength. Something that helped you get ahead.

Then I read an article in The New Yorker, and everything changed. I realised perfectionism isn’t something to gloat about at all. It’s a debilitating way of being, with deep roots, that can quietly stop you from living, creating, and connecting.

In this conversation, I sit down with Cass Seidler, psychologist and recovering perfectionist. Together, we unpack what perfectionism really is, how it shows up, the toll it takes on your life, relationships, and energy — and what the road to recovery can look like.

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You can order your One Word Journal here

Email me on jyk@masterpiece.fm

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Thank you for listening :)

JYK 🤍

Choosing One Word for 2026

This week, Matteo and I sat down to reflect on 2025 through the lens of our words — mastery and foundations. We spoke about the friction of moving home, starting therapy, the biggest lessons we took from it, and why my podcast cover shoot became a philosophical lesson for life. We also share our words for 2026 and how we arrived at them.

You can order your One Word Journal here

Share your One Word here

Email us at hello@myword.is

Get in touch via IG on @myword.is and @jessicayolandakaye

DM me on IG here

And sign up to my newsletter here!

Thank you for listening :)

Grace O’Neill is a writer, editor, podcaster, and this year, she became a mother.

After years of searching, pivoting, and finally finding the confidence to say I am an artist, Grace had her son, Eli, and time became very real.

In this conversation, we talk about the fear of motherhood, how it surprised and stretched her, and what it’s been like writing her first novel amidst it all. We talk about perfectionism and craft, devotion and discipline, and what happens to the artist when life gets fuller.

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ONE WORD JOURNAL

Pre-order here.

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GRACE O'NEILL

Instagram + Substack

Read Grace's piece: Dispatches from Motherhood

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NEWSLETTER

For 'Things I learnt from Grace' and more sign up to my free newsletter here.

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JESSICA YOLANDA KAYE

Instagram + website.

Email jyk@masterpiece.com for anything else :)