You Are Not Who You Think You Are episode artwork

EPISODE · Apr 11, 2026 · 37 MIN

You Are Not Who You Think You Are

from The Wired for Well-Being Podcast · host Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein

Learn more about Dr. Rutstein’s Professional Program visit: drjeffreyrutstein.com/links Want to leave a question? Call 866-357-5156 What if the voice in your head isn't actually you? For anyone on a nervous system healing journey, understanding the relationship between your thoughts and your identity may be one of the most liberating shifts you can make. If you've ever felt imprisoned by your own thinking, trapped in loops of self-criticism, shame, or fear — your nervous system may be running the show without you knowing it. In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein — psychologist and nervous system expert — explores why we over-identify with our thoughts, how nervous system states drive the stories we tell ourselves, and what polyvagal theory reveals about the connection between thought patterns and emotional regulation. Drawing on trauma-informed healing principles, Jeffrey explains why most of our thinking is automatic, state-dependent, and not a reflection of who we truly are — and how beginning to see thoughts as events rather than truth can open the door to genuine nervous system regulation and emotional freedom. Have a question for Jeffrey? Leave a voicemail at 866-357-5156. If you can't reach that number, record a voice memo or email [email protected]  Learn more about Dr. Rutstein’s Professional Program visit: drjeffreyrutstein.com/links The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional mental health advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical or mental health concerns.

In this episode of Wired for Well-Being, Dr. Jeffrey Rutstein explores one of the most overlooked sources of suffering — our relationship with our own thoughts. Jeffrey explains why most of us are hijacked by a mental voice we mistake for ourselves, and why believing everything we think quietly limits how much we’re able to heal, grow, and feel at peace. He unpacks how our nervous system state drives the quality of our thinking, pulling us toward self-criticism, shame, and judgment — and how beginning to see thoughts as events rather than truth creates the space for genuine freedom. For anyone who has ever felt trapped by their own mind or wondered why the same painful thoughts keep cycling back — Jeffrey offers a perspective that is both grounding and quietly transformative.

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You Are Not Who You Think You Are

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This episode was published on April 11, 2026.

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Learn more about Dr. Rutstein’s Professional Program visit: drjeffreyrutstein.com/links Want to leave a question? Call 866-357-5156 What if the voice in your head isn't actually you? For anyone on a nervous system healing journey, understanding the...

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