The Stories We Tell Ourselves, Cracks in the Empire 3 of 6

Repeated thoughts can become beliefs, beliefs can become identity, and identity can influence decisions. Over time, fear may be renamed wisdom, procrastination may be called patience, and familiarity may be mistaken for peace. In Episode 3 of the Cracks in the Empire limited series, Dr. Teresa A. Smith and OnJerya T. Smith examine excuses, justifications, self-deception, and the stories people repeat when they are avoiding change. They discuss how labels formed through family, relationships, failure, comparison, and social media can continue directing someone’s choices long after the original experience has passed.The conversation also challenges listeners to examine the advice they would give someone else, identify the stories they continue defending, and retire beliefs that no longer belong in their future.Cracks in the Empire is a six-episode Real Talk limited series created ahead of the July 24, 2026 release of Dr. TAS’s book, Cracks in the Empire: What You Refuse to Face Can Break You. Presented through Talk With TAS, the series examines avoidance, accountability, responsibility, and rebuilding.Listen, complete the sentence “I keep telling myself,” and share this episode with someone who is ready to question the story shaping their decisions. Until next time, take care of you.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/talk-with-tas-show--6128538/support.Thanks for listening to Talk With TAS with Dr. Teresa A. Smith, also known as Dr. TAS. Through conversations with authors, experts, educators, entrepreneurs, faith leaders, and community leaders, Talk With TAS connects stories, expertise, and opportunities that inspire learning, growth, and new possibilities.Prefer to watch instead of listen? Catch full video episodes and exclusive conversations at:https://www.talkwithtas.com/Follow Dr. TAS for daily encouragement, personal growth insights, emotional wellness conversations, and transformation content:Dr. TAS YouTube Channel Dr. Teresa Smith Instagram Teresa Smith FacebookDr. Teresa A. Smith aka, Dr. TAS BlogFollow, subscribe, and leave a review to support the show and help more people discover stories, expertise, and opportunities that encourage learning, growth, and new perspectives.Share this episode with someone who could benefit from today's conversation and the lessons, exper