Mentally Stronger with Therapist Amy Morin

Self-awareness can help you understand yourself as well as get a clearer picture of how others see you. It can also close the gap between who you think you are and how you actually show up. Today, I’m sharing science-backed strategies to build real self-awareness—so you can make better decisions, align your behavior with your values, and become the person you mean to be. Some of the things I share are: Why self-serving bias and limited data create blind spots How to build a “personal board of reality” and ask for actionable feedback A simple script to solicit input without getting defensive Why turning your values into verbs makes them measurable and real The 3-column pattern journal to spot triggers and upgrade your responses The difference between healthy reflection and unhelpful rumination Mentally Strong App ⁠Get Mental Strength for Free⁠ - Episode 254 Exercise Go Hands-Free with Voice Option — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 254 Exercise⁠ (subscribers only) ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp — This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠ AquaTru — Go to ⁠AquaTru.com⁠ now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods — Go to ⁠UncommonGoods.com/Stronger⁠ for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever wonder why some people thrive after a tough childhood while others stay stuck in patterns they can’t break? A difficult childhood can impact how you connect with others, set boundaries, and see yourself—but there are practical ways to heal and build a better life. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, who has helped millions recover from the effects of childhood trauma. We talk about what actually works (and what doesn’t) and the skills that help you heal—without having to rehash every detail of the past. Some of the things we talk about are: How childhood trauma shapes connection, boundaries, and self-worth Why traditional talk-only approaches don’t work for everyone (and what to try instead) Daily practices that calm emotional dysregulation How to spot the survival skills that once saved you but now hold you back Practical social and connection skills you can learn as an adult The “Acts of Connection” that build confidence in small steps Why you might be drawn to unavailable or troubled people—and how to break the pattern How to tell “Is it me or are they mistreating me?” when your radar is off The path from isolation to genuine support—and why healing requires other people Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources CrappyChildhoodFairy.com Connectability Connect with the Show Buy a copy of⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website —⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠ AquaTru - Go to AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code STRONGER Uncommon Goods - Go to UncommonGoods.com/Stronger for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like you’ve “tried everything” but still feel stuck? What if the real problem isn’t your plan—it’s your mindset? On today’s episode, we’re diving into how your mindset shapes your reality, why mindset is at the root of most problems, and how to strengthen it—fast. You’ll learn simple, science-backed ways to shift the lens you use to see the world so your thoughts, feelings, and actions start working for you instead of against you. Some of the things I share are: Why mindset is your biggest asset (or your greatest liability) The role of the placebo effect and self-efficacy How your belief changes your performance and the outcome Three questions to quickly assess your current mindset How limiting beliefs create self-fulfilling prophecies (and how to break the cycle) A simple reframe to build a growth mindset How to train your brain not to give up How expectations shape results A quick journaling practice to track mindset shifts over time Practical strategies to start changing your mindset today Mentally Strong App Get Mental Strength for Free Subscribers Only — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 254 Exercise ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠Lolablankets.com⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if hypnosis could change your life? Hypnosis is one of the oldest forms of psychotherapy, yet it’s often misunderstood and underutilized. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, reduce your pain, or break bad habits, hypnosis is a science-backed strategy that could help you change. Today's guest is Dr. David Spiegel, a clinical psychiatrist and world-renowned expert in hypnosis, joins me to discuss the science behind hypnosis. Some of the things we discuss are: Why hypnosis is misunderstood—and why it works How hypnosis can help with pain, anxiety, and insomnia The difference between hypnosis and meditation How hypnosis changes your brain and body How to apply self-hypnosis How to find a qualified hypnotherapist The surprising ways hypnosis can make you mentally stronger Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, mental strength challenges, and office hours with me. Links & Resources ⁠Reveri.com⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ⁠ProlonLife.com/MS⁠ to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at ⁠jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠Lolablankets.com⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to ⁠AirDoctorPro.com ⁠and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at ⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You've heard people say things like, "Never give up," or "The only way to fail is to quit." But, as a therapist, I see the dangers of adopting these mantras. Blind persistence is an unhealthy mindset. It's often fed by ego and leads to a variety of mental health issues and practical problems. Sometimes, quitting is actually a sign of strength and the key to living your best life. Some of the things I talk about today are: The dangers of unwavering persistence The benefits of grit and why it needs to be balanced with self-awareness 5 signs quitting might actually be the best decision How to develop a mindset that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being How to make a strategic choice to quit How to find the courage to walk away from the things that no longer suit you Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching for free — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 252 Exercise⁠⁠⁠ Go hands-free (subscribers only) — Episode 252 Voice Exercise ⁠Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ L-Nutra — Visit ProlonLife.com/MS to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Jones Road Beauty — Use code STRONGER at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at Lolablankets.com by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. AirDoctor — Head to AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/mentallystrong Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you spend a lot of time worrying about whether someone is mad at you? Do you avoid sharing your opinion because you don’t want to be disliked? If so, you might be engaging in fawning—a survival response that drives people-pleasing behavior. I'm joined by Meg Josephson, psychotherapist and bestselling author of Are You Mad at Me?. Together, we explore the roots of fawning, how it impacts our lives, and the steps you can take to stop worrying about what others think and start living for yourself. Some of the things we talk about are: What fawning is and how it differs from people-pleasing. Why fawning is a survival response that has likely protected you in the past. The signs you might be fawning. The dangers of becoming a people-pleaser. Why relationships are the key to healing from fawning. How to reconnect with your own needs. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like weekly bonus episodes, access to mental strength challenges and office hours with me. Links & Resources MegJosephson.com Are You Mad at Me? Follow Meg on Instagram - @MegJosephson Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Cowboy Colostrum — Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code STRONGER at ⁠⁠cowboycolostrum.com⁠⁠. #CowboyColostrumPod HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if letting yourself feel bad could actually make you stronger? There's a lot of pressure to be happy or to improve your mood all the time. But sometimes, feeling terrible isn't just OK, it's actually helpful. Our natural response to feeling bad is to fix the situation or avoid the feeling, which can actually make things worse. Learning to embrace and process uncomfortable emotions is a key part of building mental strength. Some of the things I share are: Why avoiding feelings can backfire How to sit with uncomfortable emotions How to avoid making feelings more intense The difference between being sad and throwing a pity party Why accepting emotions helps you recover faster How to build resilience by facing your feelings Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching (subscribers only) — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 250 Exercise⁠⁠ ⁠ Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if your physical health issues actually stem from childhood trauma? Whether you’re struggling with chronic fatigue, digestive issues, or autoimmune conditions, healing from your past might actually heal your body. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Aimie Apigian, physician, trauma expert, and author of The Biology of Trauma. Dr. Aimie explains how trauma doesn’t just affect your emotions—it impacts your physical health too. Fortunately, you can heal from the inside out by addressing the mind-body connection. Some of the things we talk about are: How trauma gets stored in the body and shows up as physical symptoms Why traditional approaches to trauma recovery might not be effective Why so many medical professionals don't ask about trauma The surprising role of safety in the recovery process Why small, consistent steps are the key to rewiring your nervous system How to create daily practices that help you feel safe and grounded By the end of the episode, you’ll have actionable strategies to start healing your body and mind as you grow mentally stronger. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources Aces Test BiologyofTrauma.com Biology of Trauma Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Cowboy Colostrum — Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code STRONGER at ⁠cowboycolostrum.com⁠. #CowboyColostrumPod HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if three little words could make you mentally stronger? Your language is powerful. Thinking or saying these words can shape your mindset. Your mindset affects how you approach challenges, how you see yourself and how you cope with setbacks. When you start using language that empowers you to be your best, you'll feel better and you'll do better. Some of the things I share are: How language affects our mindset How adding a few simple words to the way we think can change everything The secret to overcoming procrastination and taking action Why embracing imperfection is key to becoming mentally stronger How to use these 3 words to tackle any challenge Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 248 Exercise⁠⁠ ⁠ Get mental strength coaching via voice (subscribers only) - Episode 248 Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Cowboy Colostrum - Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code STRONGER at ⁠cowboycolostrum.com⁠. #CowboyColostrumPod HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel trapped by shame, guilt, or the stories you tell yourself about your past? Those are some of the hidden prisons that can keep us stuck in life. In today’s episode, I’m talking to Shaka Senghor. He spent 19 years in prison, including 7 in solitary confinement. But his story isn’t just about survival—it’s about how he transformed his life. And now, he’s a New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and inspiration to millions. Some of the things we talk about are: How to identify the hidden prisons of shame, grief, and fear that keep you stuck How reading and journaling can set your mind free Why forgiveness is tricky—and how to truly let go How to change the story you've been telling yourself about who you are and what you're capable of accomplishing The small, everyday joys that can transform your mindset Why your past doesn’t define you—and how to stop punishing yourself for it How Shaka went from solitary confinement to teaching executives about leadership and culture If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying the weight of your past, this episode will inspire you to take the first step toward freedom. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources ⁠ShakaSenghor.com How to Be Free Follow Shaka on Instagram - @shakasenghor Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Cowboy Colostrum - Get 25% Off @CowboyColostrum with code STRONGER at cowboycolostrum.com. #CowboyColostrumPod HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince - Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you feel like you’re walking on eggshells around someone or someone tries to guilt you into things you don't want to do, emotional manipulation can drain you of mental strength. The good news is, once you know how to spot the red flags, you can take back your power and stay mentally strong. Some of the things I talk about today are: The 5 red flags that are signs of emotional manipulation The damage you may experience on the receiving end of it Why it's important to note why it happens without excusing it The psychology behind why people use emotional manipulation Five strategies to protect yourself and the responses that are most effective How to set boundaries with emotionally manipulative people How to recognize when it may be time to walk away Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching (subscribers only) — ⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode 246 Exercise⁠ ⁠ Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the life you’ve been living no longer aligns with your values? Would you have the courage to reinvent yourself and start over? Mental strength isn’t just about enduring a painful situation—it’s about knowing when to let go and create a life that truly fulfills you. In this episode of Mentally Stronger, I sit down with Christine Brown Woolley, star of TLC’s Sister Wives and author of the new book Sister Wife. Christine shares what helped her find the courage to leave a 25-year polygamous marriage and build a new life. From navigating complex family dynamics to embracing a new definition of mental strength, Christine’s story is a powerful reminder that change is possible at any stage of life. Some of the things we talk about are: How Christine's values and beliefs changed. How she found the courage to leave a 25-year marriage and start over. How Christine's definition of strength changed over time. How she started building confidence. The role of faith, family, and personal values in her transformation. Why hard conversations and setting boundaries are essential for growth. The daily habits and strategies she uses to stay grounded, creative, and mentally strong. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a life that no longer serves you, this episode will inspire you to take charge, embrace change, and build a life that aligns with your values. Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources Sister Wife Follow Christine on Instagram - christine_brownsw Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince - Go to ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you struggle to stick to your work out routine or you have a hard time staying motivated to write a book, one small shift in your mindset could make all the difference. Motivation isn't something you either have or you don't. It's something you can create. One of the best ways to maintain motivation involves the way you describe yourself. Instead of looking at what you want to achieve, consider the person you want to become. Some of the things I share include: Why focusing on your identity, not just your goals, is the key to lasting motivation. How to reframe your goals to align with the person you want to become. The surprising science behind identity-based motivation — and how it rewires your brain. Four steps to put this strategy into action — and one common mistake to avoid. How small changes in your language can transform your mindset and behavior. Mentally Strong App Get free mental strength coaching — ⁠⁠⁠Episode 244 Exercise⁠ Get mental strength coaching with voice (subscribers only) - Episode 244 Voice Exercise⁠ Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince — Go to ⁠Quince.com/stronger⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever sidestepped a tough conversation, ignored a problem, or avoided something that scares you, this episode is for you. Avoidance and anxiety often go hand-on-hand. Avoiding a problem helps you feel better right now, but it leads to long-term problems. It also makes anxiety worse in the long run. Today I’m joined by Dr. Robin Walser, clinical psychologist and expert in acceptance and commitment therapy. Together, we explore why we avoid, how it impacts our mental health, and—most importantly—how to break free from the avoidance cycle. Some of the things we talk about are: Why avoidance feels good in the short term but keeps you stuck in the long run How avoidance shrinks your life and disconnects you from the things that matter most to you The surprising ways avoidance is reinforced—and how to break the cycle How to face uncomfortable emotions without feeling overwhelmed Why connecting with your values can help you face the things you're trying to avoid How to take small steps toward the things you’ve been avoiding The link between facing your discomfort and mental strength Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources RobynWalser.com You Are Not Your Trauma Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Quince - Go to Quince.com/stronger for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns! ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at AmyMorinLCSW.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you feel like there just isn't enough time to get things done? Or do you feel guilty for not spending enough time on the things that matter most—whether it’s your health, your relationships, or your personal goals. You’re not alone. Today I'm talking about how to make intentional trade-offs that align with your values so your life feels more in balance. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear plan to prioritize what matters most to you. Some of the things I talk about are: The 7 key areas of your life that need attention How to decide where to focus your energy and attention Why trade-offs aren’t a bad thing The surprising research on happiness and balance—and why it’s not about doing everything equally How to align your actions with your values Real-life strategies that will help you create the right balance for you Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching (subscribers only) — ⁠⁠⁠Episode 242 Exercise⁠ ⁠ ⁠Get mental strength coaching via voice (subscribers only) — ⁠Episode 242 Voice Exercise⁠ Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel stuck in the middle of family drama while trying to make the "right" decision? Maybe you’ve been asked to take sides in a family feud or you want to help someone but you're afraid you might enable their poor choices. These kinds of dilemmas can leave you feeling stressed out and anxious--unless you have a strategy for dealing with family drama. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bobby Parmar, professor at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and author of Radical Doubt. Dr. Parmar is an expert in decision-making, ethics, and navigating uncertainty. Together, we tackle common real-life family dilemmas that I often hear about in my therapy office and explore how to make the best decisions. Some of the things we talk about are: How to reframe family feuds so you’re not stuck choosing sides Why your character doesn’t determine your decisions (and what does) The surprising link between uncertainty and mental strength How to set boundaries without feeling guilty or selfish What to do when you know information you wish you didn’t How to handle family drama, like wedding conflicts or sibling rivalries Why your gut instinct might not always be the best guide (and how to use it wisely) How to make decisions when you’re caught between your values and relationships The key to avoiding regret when making tough choices Why small, actionable steps are the secret to solving big problems Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources Radical Doubt University of Virginia Faculty Page Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like having a less than ideal childhood somehow holds you back? Maybe you grew up in a chaotic household or you just weren't taught the skills other kids learned. As an adult, you might find yourself feeling stunted by the adversity you faced. On today's episode, we’re diving into science-backed strategies to overcome a difficult childhood. And don't worry, you don't have to rehash the past to overcome it. Instead, you can use these tools to grow stronger, and create the adulthood you want to have. Some of the things I share are: How childhood adversity impacts mental strength. Why you don’t have to talk about your past to heal from it. The surprising benefits of having a rough start in life(and how to unlock them). 7 actionable strategies to help you move forward. How to develop a growth mindset and learn the skills you didn’t get as a kid. Mentally Strong App Get free mental strength coaching — ⁠⁠Episode 240 Exercise⁠ ⁠Get mental strength coaching via voice (subscribers only) - Episode 240 Voice Exercise Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why would someone confess to a crime they didn’t commit? Or why would someone join a cult? Most of us think we’re too mentally strong to fall for brainwashing, but subtle forms of persuasion might already be shaping the way we think, feel, and act—without us even realizing it. In this episode, I sit down with historian, professor, and author Rebecca Lemov to explore the psychology of brainwashing and how it shows up in modern life. From social media algorithms to toxic relationships, Rebecca explains how small, seemingly insignificant choices can shape the way we see ourselves and the world. Some of the things we talk about are: The psychology of brainwashing The modern day forces that shape our beliefs and emotions (like social media) How social media algorithms are designed to impact you The Facebook experiment that manipulated emotions and what that reveals about brainwashing and social media The privacy paradox: why we give up our data even when we know better How addiction and trauma make us more vulnerable to coercive tactics How you might be being brainwashed right now without even realizing it The role of gut instincts in protecting yourself from manipulation The signs that you're being brainwashed in everyday life Practical strategies to stay grounded, self-aware, and mentally strong in a world of hidden influence Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources RebeccaLemov.com Follow Rebecca on Instagram - @RebeccaLemov The Instability of Truth Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel stuck in a rut or frustrated that you keep falling back into the same old patterns that aren’t working? If so, this episode is for you. We often go through life on autopilot. We rely on routines that feel comfortable even when they aren't working for us. The good news is, you have the power to break free and the answer is as simple as DSD — "Do Something Different." Some of the things I talk about are: Why our brains love comfort zones — and how they keep us stuck The science behind psychological flexibility (and why it's so important) How small, intentional changes can rewire your brain How to apply DSD to your situation to create change The two biggest mistakes people make when trying to change — and how to avoid them Three simple steps to start practicing DSD today How to identify what's keeping you stuck and brainstorm creative solutions Mentally Strong App Get mental strength coaching via text — ⁠⁠Episode 238 Exercise⁠ ⁠ Get mental strength coaching via voice - Episode 238 Voice Exercise Subscribe to the app to unlock all the features — ⁠⁠MentallyStrong.Downpat.Ai⁠⁠ Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit Amy's website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove - Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How often do you laugh? If it’s been a while, you’re not alone. But laughter isn’t just enjoying a good joke. It is actually a powerful tool for building mental strength. I sit down with Dr. Steven Sultanoff, a psychologist and leading humor expert, to explore the science behind humor and why laughter is good for your health. Some of the things we talk about are: The difference between humor and laughter — and why it matters for your mental health How laughing can reduce pain and boost your immune system Why humor is one of the top qualities people look for in relationships (even more than a good sex life) How humor reduces depression and anxiety The science behind why we laugh when we’re nervous — and how it helps us cope How dark humor can be helpful during tough times How to use humor to build stronger relationships and reduce loneliness The surprising ways laughter can rewire your brain for resilience Why humor is a secret weapon for managing stress How to find more humor in everyday life — even when you’re feeling down Subscribe to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mentally Stronger Premium⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for exclusive content like bonus episodes, signed books, and 30-day challenges that will keep you growing stronger. Links & Resources HumorMatters.com Connect with the Show Buy a copy of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Connect with Amy on Instagram — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@AmyMorinAuthor⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Visit my website — ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AmyMorinLCSW.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sponsors Lola Blankets — Get 35% off your entire order at ⁠⁠⁠Lolablankets.com⁠⁠⁠ by using code STRONGER at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. HoneyLove — Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to ⁠⁠⁠⁠honeylove.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠ #honeylovepod BetterHelp — Give online therapy a try and get 10% off your first month at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betterhelp.com/mentallystrong⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ CocoaVia — Get 20% off with code Amy2025 at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠cocoavia.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. OneSkin — Get 15% off OneSkin with the code STRONGER at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.oneskin.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ZocDoc — Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zocdoc.com/STRONGER⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today! AirDoctor — Head to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AirDoctorPro.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and use promo code STRONGER to get UP TO $300 off today! Shopify — Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shopify.com/mentallystronger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Life Kit — Listen to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Life Kit podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ from NPR. Mentally Strong App — Take your mental strength to the next level. Sign up at ⁠mentallystrong.downpat.ai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices