Why Is Everything So Extra? The Pressure To Do More, Spend More and Be More.

Everything has become… a lot. From over-the-top birthday parties to 12-step skincare routines, we're all feeling the pressure to do more, spend more, and be more. But why — and what's it actually costing us?

In this episode, we unpack the culture of "extra" — why vacations now need to be experiences, why kids' sports require sleep away camp-level prep, and why even our bathrooms are competing with spas. We break down a 2025 Springer Nature study on Fear of Missing Out (FoMO) and Status Anxiety as Drivers of Materialism and Conspicuous Consumption Among Social Media Users and get real about what's fueling all this excess: social media comparison, constant marketing (consumerism has tripled in the last 50 years, per the Financial Times), identity signaling, and the endless chase for the next dopamine hit.

But this isn't just a diagnosis — it's an intervention. We share six practical questions to ask yourself before the next purchase, party, or pressure spiral, including:

→ Would this seem excessive to me 10 years ago?→ Is this something I need, or is my identity attached to it?→ Would I be going this all out if no one was going to see it?

If you're exhausted by the treadmill of more and ready to choose less — on purpose — this one's for you.

The information shared on Before Boca is for general informational and entertainment purposes only. The hosts are not medical, legal, or financial professionals, and nothing discussed on this podcast should be considered professional advice. Any actions taken based on the content of this podcast are done at the listener’s own discretion. Always consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.