S2 E5: Why Familiarity Keeps Us Stuck, Karli’s Australia Era & Jess’s Move to Florida

In this episode of Only Human, Karli and Jess dive into that unmistakable feeling of clarity, creativity, and presence that shows up when we step outside our normal routines.They explore how changing your environment can fundamentally shift your mindset, nervous system, and sense of self, unpacking the neuroscience behind familiarity — why our brains cling to routine (even when it no longer serves us) — and how novelty plays a key role in neuroplasticity and personal growth.Karli shares her transformative experience of quitting her corporate job at 25 and moving solo to Australia for two months, opening up about the fear, loneliness, homesickness, and unexpected freedom that came with doing something radically unfamiliar.The episode also touches on big life transitions, including Jess’s thoughts on relocating to Florida, redefining community, and designing a life that feels aligned.This conversation is a reminder that you don’t need all the answers to take action and you don’t need to uproot your entire life to introduce change. Sometimes novelty starts with a single decision, a new environment, or the courage to break autopilot.