The Self in Sync
The Self in Sync is a podcast about concepts the pop psychology community loves to villainize and why they're more nuanced than we've been led to believe. I explore topics like perfectionism, rigidity, and black-and-white thinking—not to defend them blindly, but to examine when they help, when they hurt, and how to use them intentionally. If you've ever been told you're "too much" of something—too rigid, too perfectionistic, too in your head—this podcast is for you. Those traits aren't inherently bad, as pop psychologists often tout. It depends on how you use them. That said, this podcast isn't limited to criticizing pop psychology. Some episodes will be about books, art, philosophy--whatever rabbit hole I've fallen into that week. If it's something I find interesting, it's fair game. New episodes every few weeks. Mini-episodes in between. Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com Follow the pod on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Episodes
Where Overthinking Takes Me is a new mini-series from The Self in Sync. Each episode follows a single thought, observation, or random idea and sees where it leads. From psychology to philosophy to whatever rabbit hole I've fallen into, these episodes explore hidden connections, ask unconventional questions, and prove that overthinking isn't always a flaw.
Keywords: overthinking, curiosity, connections, philosophy, psychology, rando...
We've all been told that complaining is bad. But is it really that simple? In this episode, we unpack the difference between venting and complaining, when complaining can actually be useful, and when it becomes a waste of time. We also explore gossip, the "Yes, But" dynamic, and why some people are more comfortable staying stuck than solving the problem. If you've ever been told to "stop complaining" and wondered if that's fair, th...
We all face barriers on the path to our goals. Some are practical, like time, money, and health. But others are invisible and rooted in insecurity and anxiety. In this episode, we explore why these invisible barriers form, how they're passed down through families, and why our brains are wired to hold onto negative experiences.
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In this episode, we explore why people react so strongly when others achieve success with seemingly minimal effort from a psychological and philosophical perspective. We offer practical advice on how to navigate your own journey without getting caught up in useless comparisons.
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
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In this episode, we challenge the common narrative that black and white thinking is purely a cognitive distortion. We explore situations where it can actually benefit you, from setting boundaries to making faster decisions. If you've ever been called "too rigid," this one's for you.
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
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In this episode, we discuss why our brains are wired to attach labels of "good" or "bad" to neutral things, how our perceptions make us all unique, and why it can be difficult to seek other perspectives different from our own. This is part one of a deeper conversation, so stay tuned for more!
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
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Why do we keep doing the same things even when they're clearly not working? In this first part of our two-part series on rigidity, we explore the hidden forces that keep individuals and entire systems stuck in unhelpful patterns. Tune in for a practical look at recognizing negative rigidity in your own life and learning how to break free from it.
Part 2 will focus on the upside of rigidity—when sta...
Why does the same problem feel impossible when you're in the middle of it—and obvious once you're on the other side? In this episode, we discuss why your brain magnifies threats under stress, how a spinning top can teach you to wobble without falling, and a simple gratitude twist on the 54321 grounding technique to pull yourself back to the present.
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.co...
This is a quick announcement on where the podcast is headed. We will shift from exploring symmetry, harmony, and balance to building simple, flexible frameworks for productivity, decision-making, and resilience.
Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram: @theselfinsync
Ever been told to use the "compliment sandwich"? It might be doing more harm than good. In this episode, we break down the three pitfalls of bad feedback and give you two frameworks—Direct and Diplomatic—to give criticism that is clear, respectful, and actually leads to improvement.
*In this episode, we discuss a personal anecdote shared publicly by Jason Bilyeu on the Design More, Despair Less Podcast (previously Desig...
What do you do when someone tells you your ideal isn't achievable? We break down how to reframe your skills, strengthen your inner resolve, and turn skepticism into a strategic advantage for your journey!
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Struggling to start on a big goal? We break down the three core fears that hold you back—from doubting your problem-solving skills to fearing irreversible failure—and reframe them as manageable, "two-way door" risks. You'll learn practical tools like creating a "Superpower Inventory" and taking "staircase steps" to build the courage to begin, proving that your ideal is more powerful than your fear.
Source: https://mediu...
Is perfectionism a paralyzing force or an empowering guide? In this episode, we reframe it as a positive tool for growth, showing you how to use your ideals as a compass to navigate the journey of constant improvement without burning out.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy ofwww.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
What do symmetry, harmony, and balance really mean for your life? Host Sara breaks down these essential concepts, from aligning your actions with your values to finding stability amidst chaos. Learn how to harmonize your inner self and master the art of dynamic balance to navigate life's challenges.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
Join hosts Sara & Chrissy as they explore the powerful, recurring themes of symmetry, harmony, and balance. Discover how these 3 principles form a system for understanding everything from your career to your mental health, helping you identify inefficiencies and make more strategic life decisions.
Intro Music: The Flix/ Can’t Get Any Better/ courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com
Follow us on Instagram!: @theselfinsync
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