Your Mind On Podcast

Do you ever feel like a can of soda that’s been shaken to its max, right on the verge of exploding? Or as Bilbo Baggins once famously said, "like butter scraped over too much bread"? In this week's episode, host John Shaw dives into the world of mindfulness—a topic that has become a major "buzzword" in the last decade but actually finds its roots in ancient practices. We’re moving past the "hippy-dippy" stereotypes of incense and kittens to explore mindfulness as a practical cognitive skill that can help you reclaim control from your "autopilot" brain.In this episode, we explore:The Science of Stress: How mindfulness impacts cortisol levels and why it is particularly vital for physical health.The 8 Core Attitudes: From "Beginner’s Mind" to "Self-Compassion," we break down the mental framework needed to start your practice.Mindfulness in the "Real World": Why activities like fishing, cooking, or even sitting in traffic can be powerful forms of mindfulness.Weekly Homework: A simple, 5-minute daily exercise to help you start strengthening your "mental muscles" right now.Whether you’re a skeptic or a seasoned practitioner, join us as we learn to let go of stress and embrace a calmer state. Remember: understanding your mind is the first step to changing your life.Connect with the Show:Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast Email: hello@yourmindonpodcast.com Music Credit: Intro/Outro Music: More Now Than Ever by North Sphere.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating in your preferred listening app to help others find the show!

Have you ever sat in a meeting and felt like you and your coworkers were speaking entirely different languages? Whether it’s the "no-nonsense" boss, the fiercely independent Gen Xer, the purpose-driven Millennial, or the boundary-pushing Gen Z intern, our generational backgrounds shape how we show up at work more than we realize.In this episode of Your Mind On, we’re diving deep into the "Great Generational Stress Gap." We explore how upbringing, global events, and technology have created distinct emotional frameworks for the four generations currently in the workforce.In this episode, we discuss:The "Why" Behind the Tropes: From "latchkey" Gen Xers to "digital native" Gen Z, we break down the history that shaped each generation's work ethic and emotional regulation.The Five Dimensions of Emotional Intelligence: How self-awareness, empathy, and motivation differ across age groups.The Stress Statistics: Why a staggering 91% of Gen Z employees report feeling stressed and what that means for the future of work. with the ShowWebsite: yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comRemember, understanding your mind is the first step to changing your life. Be kind to yourself! 

Have you ever felt like you’re the only one in your life who knows how to get things done? Or maybe you’ve noticed that your mood is entirely dependent on how the people around you are feeling?In this episode, we’re peeling back the layers on codependency. It’s a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually look like in our daily lives—especially at work or in our closest relationships? We dive into the difference between healthy interdependency and the "helper" roles we often fall into, like the Caretaker, the Rescuer, and the Enabler.Whether you’re a self-proclaimed "fixer" or just someone who cares deeply, this episode offers a gentle look at how to start reclaimed your identity while still being a supportive friend, partner, and colleague.Connect With Us:Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comResources Mentioned:Codependents Anonymous (CoDA): Find meetings and resources at coda.orgThe CoDA Workbook: Available through the CoDA website or major book retailers.Music Credits:Band: North SphereSong: More Now Than EverMusic provided by Epidemic Sound

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on one of the most talked-about yet misunderstood topics in modern psychology: Narcissism. Moving beyond the cold, clinical definitions, we explore how narcissistic personality disorder actually shows up in our daily lives—from our kitchens and office cubicles to our closest relationships.We dive deep into the psychology and neuroscience behind the disorder, discussing:The Greek myth of Narcissus and its modern-day metaphors.The difference between "grandiose" and "vulnerable" narcissism.How narcissism impacts relationships through the phases of idealization, devaluation, and discard.The "perfect, psychologically unhealthy match" between narcissism and codependency.Practical coping strategies, including the "Gray Rock" method and "BIFF" communication.Why it is vital to distinguish true narcissism from neurodivergence, C-PTSD, or simple burnout before using the term as a weapon.Join us for a conversation that aims to turn down the "professor" and turn up the "friend" to help you better understand the human mind and navigate your Thursday morning.Music Credit:Band: North SphereSong: More Now Than EverConnect with the Show:Email: hello@yourmindonpodcast.com Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com Sources mentioned in this episode:Can neuroscience help to understand narcissism? A systematic review of an emerging field – Emanuel Jauk and Philipp Kanske: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34124536/ Distinguishing Between Overt Vs Covert Narcissism – Bay Area CBT Center: https://bayareacbtcenter.com/overt-vs-covert-narcissism/ Narcissistic Abuse Cycle: Stages, Impact, and Coping – Sanjana Gupta: https://www.verywellmind.com/narcissistic-abuse-cycle-stages-impact-and-coping-6363187 Narcissistic Gaslighting: How to Identify and Cope – Dr. Raffaello Antonino: https://therapy-central.com/2025/03/27/surviving-narcissistic-gaslighting-signs-and-coping-strategies/ PSYCHOLOGY WORKS Fact Sheet: Narcissism – Canadian Psychological Association: cpa.ca/psychologyfactsheets Strategies for dealing with narcissistic behaviors in co-parenting: https://www.ourfamilywizard.com/blog/how-co-parent-narcissist-strategies-cheat-sheet The Damage Done: Dealing with Narcissists in the Workplace – Brian O'Connell: https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/news/managing-smart/damage-done-dealing-narcissists-workplace The Grey Rock Method: Techniques & How to Use It – Kaytee Gillis, LCSW-BACS: Choosing Therapy

Have you ever left a conversation feeling more confused than when you started? Like you had to apologize for something you didn't even do? That nagging feeling that you're "too sensitive" or "remembering things wrong" might not be a flaw in your memory—it might be a sign of something much more calculated.In this episode, we’re diving deep into the anatomy of gaslighting. We explore the origins of the term from the 1938 stage production Gas Light to its modern-day usage popularized by Dr. Robin Stern. We also break down the specific tactics used in this form of emotional abuse—such as denial, countering, and trivializing—and discuss how to distinguish a genuine misunderstanding from systematic manipulation. Whether it’s in intimate relationships, the workplace, or even medical settings, understanding how gaslighting works is the first step to reclaiming your reality.Connect with the Show:Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com Instagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.com Credits:Host: John Shaw Intro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere.Topic Suggestion: A special thank you to Mike for suggesting this week’s topic.

In August 1971, a makeshift prison in the basement of Stanford University became the site of one of the most controversial studies in the history of psychology. Intended to last two weeks, the Stanford Prison Experiment (SPE) was halted after just six days as the boundary between "role" and "identity" dangerously dissolved for both guards and prisoners.In this episode of Your Mind On, host John Shaw dives deep into the chronology of those six days—from the initial "arrests" to the psychological warfare and eventual breakdown of the simulation. We explore:The "John Wayne" Persona: How stereotypes and researcher influence may have shaped the guards' sadistic behavior.The Abu Ghraib Parallel: A look at how the SPE’s findings on systemic "bad barrels" were later mirrored in the real-world abuses in Iraq.Modern Critiques: Was the experiment a groundbreaking discovery or a scripted performance? We examine recent reports of faked breakdowns and direct researcher manipulation.Personal Reflections: John shares insights from his own military deployment in Iraq and discusses how these psychological principles apply to current challenges in law enforcement and professional oversight.Contact the Show: We want to hear your thoughts on this episode!Email: hello@yourmindonpodcast.com Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com Music Credits: Intro and Outro music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere.If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating or review in your favorite podcast app to help us grow the show!

Have you ever felt like you were a passenger in a car where someone else was slamming on the gas and then the brakes, but you were the one getting the speeding tickets? In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most complex and misunderstood conditions in psychology: Bipolar Disorder.We’re moving past the casual "mood swing" labels to explore what it’s actually like to live between two extremes—from the "superhuman" rush of mania to the heavy, suffocating weight of deep depression. We’ll dive into the history of the diagnosis, the fascinating (and controversial) link between the disorder and creativity, and the vital role that routine and support systems play in management. Whether you’re here to learn for yourself or to better understand someone in your life, this episode is all about finding grace in the highs and the lows.Connect with the Show:Webpage: www.yourmindonpodcast.comInstagram: @yourmindonpodcastEmail: hello@yourmindonpodcast.comMusic Credits:Intro/Outro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North SphereA Note of Caution: I am not a licensed mental health professional. This episode is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are struggling, please reach out to a licensed professional. 

In this episode of Your Mind On, we peel back the Hollywood curtain on forensic psychology. While shows like Criminal Minds and Bull have popularized the image of the "heroic profiler" and the "psychic trial consultant," the reality of the field is often far different—and sometimes far more dangerous. We break down what forensic psychologists actually do, from competency evaluations to high-stakes child custody battles, and explain why the "Criminal Profiling Illusion" persists despite a lack of scientific evidence.Then, we dive into our first deep-dive case study: the "Co-Ed Killer," Edmund Kemper. We explore the psychological "pressure cooker" created by years of maternal abuse and paternal abandonment, and examine the clinical labels—from Antisocial Personality Disorder to the rare Pseudobulbar Affect—that define one of history’s most "high-functioning" predators.Connect with the Show:Website: www.yourmindonpodcast.com Email: hello@yourmindonpodcast.com Instagram: @yourmindonpodcast Creits:Intro Music: "More Now Than Ever" by North Sphere (Used with permission)Recommended Listening: Timesuck Episode 123 (Edmund Kemper)