F is for Fraudulence: The Science Behind...

This week’s F Word is fraudulence — and no, you’re not actually a fraud.

In this solo episode, Dr. Daryl Appleton breaks down the psychology of imposter syndrome: why it happens, who it affects most, and how feeling like a fraud is often a sign you actually care about what you’re doing.

You’ll learn:

• The real science behind imposter syndrome (and why 70–90% of people experience it)

• Why high achievers, leaders, women, and first-generation professionals feel it most

• The 5 “Imposters in the Wild” (Perfectionist, Superhero, Expert, Natural Genius, Soloist)

• How imposter syndrome shows up at work, at home, and in relationships

• Practical ways to stop letting feelings override facts

This episode isn’t about “confidence hacks.” It’s about competence, alignment, and self-awareness — and learning how to move forward with the feeling instead of letting it run the show.

If you’ve ever thought:

“I don’t belong here.”

“They’re going to figure me out.”

“I’m only successful because of luck.”

Congratulations. You’re human. And you’re not alone.