The Highly Sensitive Person Podcast

It’s been a while since there was a new podcast episode! In this episode, I give a brief update on what’s going on with the show!

A while ago, I received a listener request to do an episode about dealing with people staying at your house--houseguests. Here it is!

When I started this podcast, my #1 dream guest was Susan Cain. So, I'm very happy to bring this episode to you today. Susan's 2012 book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking was my first introduction to introversion. The book changed my life (and thousands of others worldwide) because it changed how I saw myself. It was through learning about introversion that I learned about high sensitivity; I wouldn't be typing this to you today without her book as the inception. More about Susan Cain: Susan is the co-founder of Quiet Revolution, a site that features advice and stories for introverts and extroverts alike on how to appreciate our quiet sides. She is the author of the bestsellers Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts, and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking, which has been translated into 40 languages and been on the New York Times bestseller list for over four years. Her record-smashing TED talk has been viewed over 15 million times. She is an honors graduate of Princeton and Harvard Law School. Some of the topics covered in this episode include: What it was like to be a Wall Street lawyer and an introvert If she's an HSP How Susan dealt with the huge popularity of her book and TED talk The difference between HSPs and introverts Her Quiet Leadership Institute The introvert backlash ....and more. Susan's books: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking  Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverts (A guide for teens and kids) You can also find her on Twitter. Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

Today's episode features Andy Mort of the Gentle Rebel podcast (formerly known as the Sheep Dressed like Wolves podcast). We talk about what it's like to be a Highly Sensitive Person and a podcaster. (He interviewed me on his show recently, too: listen here!) Some of the topics covered in this episode include: receiving negative feedback, making money, and tips for people who want to start their own show. You can get in touch with Andy on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and find his music here. Looking for a Community for HSPs? Join The Haven! As mentioned in this episode, Andy's HSP community, The Haven, is open for registration from Nov. 4-10, 2016. The Haven is a private membership site completely dedicated to HSPs. There's two years of great content available--like high-quality videos, interviews, collaborative projects, and blog posts--which have been created specifically to help support, encourage, and inspire HSPs in a range of areas, and Andy's always coming out with new content, too. My favorite part might be the safe and supportive Facebook community that's exclusive to members. There is no obligation or commitment. It's just $1 to try it out for the first month and you can cancel anytime, so there's really no reason not to give it a try and see if it's for you! Learn more about The Haven at highlysensitiveperson.net/haven.   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

Recently someone posted this question in the introvert subreddit on reddit: "How to deal with half wanting new friends and half wanting to be a hermit?"   I hear and read questions like this all the time from introverts and introverted HSPs. We cherish being alone, and then sometimes wonder if we can get along without worrying about having relationships. After all, relationships are time consuming, difficult, and can be painful.   But then we often realize that we cannot exist alone. It might seem easier to avoid relationships, but it is bad for our mental and physical health. Humans were built to need and thrive on connection with others.   A Vice.com interview with Amy Banks, PhD, titled, "An Expert Explains Why You Feel So Lonely All the Time" really piqued my interest in this topic. I loved Dr. Banks' scientific explanation of why having quality relationships is so important.   Dr. Banks was an instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and is now the Director of Advanced Training at Jean Baker Miller Training Institute at the Wellesley Centers for Women. Her newest book is called Wired to Connect: The Surprising Link Between Brain Science and Strong, Healthy Relationships. On this episode, we talk about: The health impact of loneliness and disconnection Why American society values the "do-it-alone" mindset so strongly The dopamine reward system and relationships Online bullying How a boss or manager can use good relationships to improve the workplace Connections with animals And....communism?!? (Note: communism is discussed simply for the concept of community vs. individualism. We are not saying we want to live in a communist society!) Amy recommends that those looking to improve their relationships first take her free Relational Assessment. You can get in touch with Amy on Twitter, Facebook, and check out her column on Psychology Today: Wired to Love Other books recommended by Dr. Banks in this episode: Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community by Robert Putnam Love and Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health by Dean Ornish   Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. A special thank you to Gloria, the newest supporter! Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

This episode is for those who have never tried meditation, are curious about it, or who have tried it but felt like they didn't "get" it. Meditation has helped me a lot over the past year. There was a time when I didn't think I could do it. I didn't understand what meditation was and whether I was doing it "right". I hope to reach other people, like me, who didn't think meditation would work for them. I hope this will inspire you to give it another try, because it can be rewarding. My favorite meditation apps: Calm Headspace Meditation Studio by Gaiam Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. A special thank you to S.W., the newest supporter! Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

Discovering the concept of high sensitivity and learning you are a Highly Sensitive Person can be a major life moment for some people. It was for me! Now that I've been living with this knowledge for a few years (and learning more all the time!), I reflected in this episode on some positive realizations I've had about myself since learning I'm an HSP. Making this list felt really good; I hope it may serve as a prompt to consider your own experiences. How has your life changed since learning about HSPs?   Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.    Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

Today's guest, Al Motter, is one of the hosts of the excellent Introvert Extrovert podcast. He's the "Introvert" out of the two hosts, but he doesn't have the trait of high sensitivity.   In this episode, Al talks about how he sometimes wishes he was more sensitive, and how a recent bout of medication gave him a few weeks of heightened sensitivity--resulting in some fascinating insights into our world. H   is perspective, as an outsider to the HSP world, can help HSPs see the larger picture: there ARE a lot of great things about being able to feel deeply!   He also talks about tutoring crying kids, why physically larger males are "allowed" to cry, and loving Benihana restaurant (which I hate).   Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. A special thank you to Rebecca Hilder, the newest supporter!     Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

Overstimulation. Noise, chaos, bright lights, smells, crowds. These are the highly sensitive person's kryptonite. I've brainstormed a list of what I think are the worst places on earth for HSPs. This episode is a little different than most—this isn’t advice, or a serious topic. It is sort of tongue-in-cheek, a little sarcastic, and even a bit silly. It’s more about pondering all the things that set off HSPs and then thinking which places have a lot of those things. So, disclaimer: don’t take this too seriously. Not everyone will agree with this list.   **NEWS** 1. In the next week or two, I'm doing a call-in show! You can call me on Skype and ask questions or just share your thoughts and comments on high sensitivity. Make sure you're on my twice-monthly mailing list to get the details and times. Visit highlysensitiveperson.net.   2. I'm creating an HSP Entrepreneur Mastermind group! This small, select group will be facilitated by me, and will meet virtually on a regular basis to share and get support for projects and businesses. Just subscribe to my newsletter to get all the details and find out how to sign up in the near future!

Did you know that highly sensitive people and narcissists tend to be attracted to each other? I've welcomed Nikki Eisenhauer onto the show today to discuss what a narcissist is and why HSPs can be drawn to people with narcissistic personality disorder. I think it's important for HSPs to be aware of this topic so they can identify and deal with harmful relationships. Nikki is an engaging guest and does a great job of explaining this topic in a digestible way. She is a licensed professional counselor (LPC), chemical dependency counselor (LCDC), yoga and meditation teacher, and possible budding comedian. In this episode, we talk about: What is a narcissist vs. sociopath personality, The difference between anxiety and intuition, What it's like to be an HSP and a therapist, What most therapists don't know about HSPs, Why improv might be good for HSPs, and more! Nikki specializes in trauma, grief and loss, addiction, and has come to understand what wounds, drives, and heals Highly Sensitive People. Her most recent passion project is Wise Owl Within, where she offers Sensitive and Healers support, evolution, and the life they desire. Get in touch with her on Facebook and Twitter! Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. http://www.patreon.com/hsp Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news. Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

I'm thrilled to have on the podcast Oliver Burkeman, author of The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. Oliver is a writer for The Guardian. In his column titled, "This column will change your life", he explores ideas around social psychology, self-help culture, productivity, and the science of happiness.   The Antidote was one of those books that came at the right time in my life. I was struggling with insomnia, brought on by anxiety....brought on by feeling like I wasn't achieving enough every day. This book helped me feel a lot more at peace about the "glass half empty" personality I've always had. It explains powerful concepts from Buddhism, Stoicism, Eckhart Tolle, Alan Watts (and more) in his entertaining, accessible, and lovely writing style. In this episode, we talk about: Why traditional "positive thinking" doesn't work, The downside of goal-setting, Embracing uncertainty, Meditation, Whether thinking too much makes you depressed, The answers he's still looking for, and more! You can find Oliver on his website and Twitter (let him know you liked this interview!) And of course, you should buy his wonderful book. Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0

Two acquaintances in the same week made similar comments to me out of nowhere: that they felt behind, like they weren't getting enough done in their work and businesses. It made me sad to hear that they were struggling and not feeling good about themselves. I can totally relate to the feeling of underachievement. I felt inspired to try to help those of us who can never live up to our own expectations. In this episode, I talk about: How we compare ourselves to others on social media, even though we know it's not reality. How happiness can only be now--not the future. Never being content; always wanting "the other thing". How we should stop saying "I should...." ....And stop beating ourselves up. Mentioned in this episode: Join The Haven, a community for HSPs. Registration is only available until April 28! It's only $1 for the first month and you can cancel anytime. Go to: highlysensitiveperson.net/haven Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works.   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

In episode 59, I started a 3-episode series about the positive aspects of being a Highly Sensitive Person. I talked about people who are celebrated for their sensitivity, like artists and musicians.   In today's show, I'm discussing what I think are 6 not-so-well-known benefits of being highly sensitive. We've all heard that HSPs have lots of empathy and are good listeners and connect with animals and stuff like that, but I tried to find some benefits that were a bit more hidden.   Take a listen to find out what they are!   (The third--upcoming--episode in this series will be about benefits in the professional workplace (jobs, career, etc) for HSPs.) Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

A popular misconception about Highly Sensitive people--to those who aren’t very familiar with the trait--is that HSPs are always emotionally fragile and not mentally strong. But this isn't true. You CAN be mentally strong and an HSP--it's all about your coping skills. That’s why I’m excited to share with you Episode 61's guest, Amy Morin, who is an expert on mental strength. Amy is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, professor, a TED talk speaker, and published author. In 2013, her post 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, went viral, and ended up being published into a bestselling book and translated into 20 languages. Her post was the most read article of all time on Forbes.com. I was moved by her story and the challenges she’s dealt with in her life, and how she’s found a way to thrive and become an authority on helping others learn how to better cope. In this episode, Amy talks about: The most common thing mentally strong people don't do How to build mental strength Why seeing a therapist can help, even if you go just once What therapists think about Highly Sensitive People How to stop dwelling on the past How to deal with anticipatory grief Learn more about Amy Morin: Her book: 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do: Take Back Your Power, Embrace Change, Face Your Fears, and Train Your Brain for Happiness and Success Check out Amy's ecourse: Mental Strength: Mastering The 3 Core Factors Website: amymorin.com Twitter: @AmyMorinLCSW Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news.   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

The Highly Sensitive Podcast is for people with Sensory Processing Sensitivity--or those who want to better understand HSPs. In this show, I share personal stories, tips, rants, and occasionally interviews with interesting HSPs. Today's episode is a special treat! I've got an interview with an extroverted, highly sensitive, man. He's also a comedian and software engineer. It's Johnny Martinez of the Introvert Extrovert Podcast. In this episode, Johnny talks about: How being highly sensitive can help you crush job interviews Having a parent who is very not highly sensitive The benefits of being an extroverted HSP as a software engineer How comedy can be a defense mechanism Having a panic attack on stage! Ways to practice self-care as an HSP (mind, body, environment). This episode is almost an hour long, but it's worth it for Johnny's insight and interesting stories. Find Johnny and his podcast: Website: introextropod.com Twitter: @introextropod   Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works at patreon.com/hsp   Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

I realized recently that I haven't done an episode (in detail) about the benefits of high sensitivity. HSPs are meant to be here. We have a role to play in this world. I plan to do a few episodes about this topic--since there is so much to cover--but this specific show is about the people who are celebrated for their sensitivity. That's right--those who are successful and respected due in part to their sensitive nature and what they bring to the world. Want to support the podcast? Become a Patron!  If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news. Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

I've heard the word "empath" a lot, but didn't truly understand what it meant. I thought it maybe simply referred to people who experienced a lot of empathy....? But that didn't seem right. When searching for a simple explanation about empaths, I came up empty, until I found this great article on Caroline's website, The Happy Sensitive. It was then I knew that I just had to get Caroline on the podcast to help explain empaths! In this episode, we discuss: What is and isn't an empath The struggles and benefits of being an empath The difference between an empath, trained empath, and clair-sentient Energy and spiritual levels versus practical, psychological level Want to support the podcast? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Sign up for my twice-monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on new podcast episodes, blog posts, and HSP news. Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

In the past, I've talked about what I thought were the best jobs for HSPs--and even the #1 best job (working for oneself). But over time, my thoughts on this have changed. In today's show, I explain how the best job for HSPs....depends. On so many factors. I also cover some of the challenges of working for oneself, and the one question you can ask a potential employer to help decide of their company culture will be a good fit. Resources mentioned on the show: The One Question You Should Ask About Every Job New York Times Other posts on this blog about jobs & careers: Here’s the best job for a highly sensitive person (or podcast version) Jobs and Careers for Highly Sensitive Persons (or podcast version) Is self-employment really the best for HSPs? HSP episode 50: how to stop wanting to escape your job HSP episode 33: An introvert in an extrovert’s job Want to support the show? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

In this episode, I share stories about things that have grossed me out--a cow lung, pinning insects, and dissecting pigs. I also discuss how HSPs might get "grossed out" more than people without the trait--touching on the vasovagel response. Mentioned on the show: Radiolab "The Heartbeat" episode The blog post version of this post:  Visceral Reactions to Blood & Guts Want to support the show? If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Thank you to my newest patron, Lindsay Marie! Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 

HSPs cry easily. HSPs cry all the time. In this episode, I talk about my problem with the statements like the ones above, and whether or not HSPs really DO cry "a lot" or not.  I also discuss the difference in crying in a ranking situation versus a linking situation (the concept comes from a great blog post by Dr. Elaine Aron.) Mentioned on the show: Blog post: "About Crying Easily" by Dr. Elaine Aron Related content on this blog: My response to The Telegraph article about HSPs My response to the Wall Street Journal article about HSPs Tearing up at performance reviews at work Want to support the show? Become a Patron! If you enjoy my podcast and blog, if you find it helpful, uplifting, or entertaining, that's awesome! Would you consider giving just $1 per episode? Check out my Patreon page to see how it works. Thank you to my newest patron, Jessica!! Podcast music attribution: Bust This Bust That (Professor Kliq) / CC BY-NC-SA 3.0